Hidden Treasure

After ten hours in the back of the van, Jack was not happy. Not just about the long journey, but because he was not looking forward to the long weekend. His Grandma and Grandpa never had any technology of any kind. Grandpa used to have a big TV, but Grandma had long since gotten rid of it after Grandpa passed away. Only his personal library will provide any entertainment. Nothing that a thirteen-year-old boy would like.

No Tv, Wifi, video games, or smartphones. Just an ancient-looking Radio that played music that was alien to Jack. Nothing to do in this small midwestern town either, because everything is closed on the weekends. “This is going to suck,” Jack thought as they pulled up to the house.

“Why do we have to see Grandma?” asked Jack. “Because,” said Mother. “Grandma is going to read her and Grandpa’s Will. Not to mention that poor old woman is feeling awfully lonely since Grandpa passed away.” “Your cousin Ava is going to be there too,” Father added. “You two used to be so close.” “Ava used to chase me around the yard with a plunger arrow yelling, ’Poison Arrow. HURT!” “So?” said Father. “So, there is nothing to do in this stupid town except running away from my psychotic cousin.” “That was years ago. I’m sure that she’s changed.” Jack took a deep breath, opened the van door, and embraced his fate.

The house stood rather impressively. Easily the best-looking house in the town. Triple story, three-door garage, and made almost entirely out of cedar. Even Jack thought it was a beautiful sight. Though he knew that there was very little to do in the house.

Jack and his parents barely got onto the steps, when Grandma rushed out of the front door. “Oh my goodness! I’m so glad you made it!” Grandma said as she squeezed the life out of Jack’s parents. “And look at you Jack!” she said. “You get bigger and bigger every time I see you.” “Oh no,” thought Jack as she squeezed the life out of him and gave him a big wet kiss on the cheek.

Jack did his best not to be disrespectful, but having this ancient mummy give him the kiss of death was more than he could handle. He gave a desperate look to his parents. Who only gave him a ‘you better behave yourself’ look back.

“Come on in,” said Grandma, grabbing the first two bags in front of her. Despite being in her late 80s. Grandma still had a lot of life left in her. She still boxed, hiked through the woods, gardened and line danced every Saturday evening with the other older ladies. Jack would have been impressed if she wasn’t so relentlessly nice.

Walking through the door into the impressive living room. Jack’s family was greeted by his Aunt Miranda. “It’s great to see you guys,” said Miranda embracing Jack’s Mother. “I can’t believe you made the journey in one day.” “Well we were anxious to get here,” said Mother. “Besides, Hal hates spending money on a hotel.” “Hey, who wants to spend $120 for a single night.” “And Jack come over here,” said Miranda. Who also has the highly uncomfortable greeting that Grandma has.

The only one who didn’t greet Jack with the same enthusiasm was of course Ava, his sixteen-year-old cousin. Who laid on the couch completely oblivious to the world around her. “Probably fishing for attention on Instagram or Tweeter,” mumbled Jack. Almost on cue, Ava pursed her lips together, showed her “good side,” and took one of many selfies.

“Hi,” said Jack. “Hey,” said Ava. Never taking her eyes off the phone. “How’s it going?” he said. “Fine,” she said. Already sounding annoyed. “What are you up to?” “None of your business.” “Okay...good talk,” he said while walking towards the back porch.