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CHAPTER FOUR
I felt lost for a moment. The same feeling I had when I let go of mom’s firm grip on my hands because of some dummies walking around distributing balloons to all the kids in the fair. I remembered seeing mom too pre-occupied with Lyssa who was three then, so I decided to follow one of them to get a balloon for myself. In the end I got lost in the middle of a carousel crying for mom. Geez, that was like twelve years ago and I am having it again right now.
No, not because I’m fascinated by these dummies sitting in front of me but I can’t help asking myself what the heck am I doing here? It seemed like eternity for thirty pairs of eyes staring straight at me, as though I’m a weirdo landed from an unknown source to this Earth.
‘Alright Mr. Carter...tell us a bit about yourself...perhaps you want to share with us about your family, your hobbies or anything at all…’ A bit about myself! Fine, I am a chaotic type and messy is my best friend. What more eemmm...stop it Nickolas! You better answer that now or you’ll be the real dummy in here!
‘Well...I’m from Merseyside and I arrived here late evening with my mom and little sister who is currently with me starting a new day and new year in a new school. There’s nothing much about my family and currently I have great interest in adventure. I want to explore into something which I think I may need some of your help, it may not be now but in the next future-’’
‘So what’s your sister’s name huh?’ I was interrupted by this small built boy sitting to the seat next to mine. Wanna get with my sister, get through me first bro! Hey - I’m sounding like a big brother now! Congrats Nick, you’ve grown up in less than a day!
‘Well...she’s-’’
‘How old is she?’ Interrupted another boy. Man, haven’t they seen a girl before? Oh gosh I almost forget! We are new here so definitely we feel like a celebrity? Celebrity? Nah! I’m not gonna wear those glittering clothes and shades, so unglamorous for my reputation! Enough with jacket and jeans.
Stop it Nick! You are simply getting out of context here! I refrained myself from being carried away in my own illusions.
‘That’s enough boys! Enough of your irrelevant questions!’ Snapped Mrs Lopez sharply as she turned to me. Thank god! You should have interrupted long time ago Mrs Lopez! Save me all the trouble to think for the answers.
‘So where do you live?’ Asked one of the girls who was sitting right in front. I noticed that she has been observing me since the first time I stepped inside the classroom. Its not that I hate her or bear any grudges against her but she simply too irritating, just like Lyssa. Okay, maybe I am judging her too soon but she should at least get off my back for a moment. How I wish I could gouge those eyeballs out from the sockets. Reminds me so much of Amanda! Amanda?
Whoa! That’s so sickening!
‘That’s a good question there Mandy!’ Mandy? Is this suppose to be a joke or a plain coincidence. Whatever it is, this girl is sooooo irritating! You should have seen the way she tried to make herself exposed or noticeable. Man, she is the clone to Amanda!
‘Thank you Mrs Lopez...so Nicky boy, tell us where you’re staying at?’ I hate to be rude but if she should ever call me that again, I will not hesitate, not even a second to cut that tongue off!
‘So...Mr. Carter I’m sure that the others would like to know where do you stay in this town.’ Asked Mrs Lopez as she crossed her arms.
‘The ...the Littrels.’ I said as I coughed to ease my throat. Suddenly the class became quiet and I really meant it as an absolute silence. Even Mrs Lopez was astounded as though I have made a huge headlight of the decade.
Hello? Can someone please tell me what is going on here? Why is everyone staring at me as though they were trying to envisaging my mind. Was that supposed to be a surprise anyway. The house, maybe there could be something wrong with the house that caused them to react like that. Oh I hate to kill myself in this way, I’m sick and I really appreciate it if anyone could just tell me what is going on here.
‘What? You stay at the Littrels?’ Like doh! Did I speak German just now?
‘Yep…’ I said softly, fearing that it might affected my throat and thus caused a great itchiness in there.
‘Man! You must be nuts then!’ Nuts? Staying in a house is nuts? I guess you must be the nutty one!
‘What do you mean?’ I asked as I continued to pretend looking calm and cool. Its worthless to get over-excited over these things especially when it comes to new school. You may never know that they are actually playing pranks on you and by the time you realised that, GOTCHA! They got you! I’ve been there and I know it coz I’ve done that before when one boy came over to join our school. Since our Trigonometry teacher was absence so I acted as one. I got him to do all the sums in one particular chapter and then he was supposed to clean the tables and wide the blackboard throughout the whole lesson. It was only when our form teacher came to relief that he realised he was being fooled. Poor that chap. I’m sure he will remember that prank for the rest of his life.
But this is different. They looked sincerely astonished when I mentioned about the house and the Littrels. Could the problem lies on the house or the Littrels?
‘Don’t you know anything about the house?’ Asked one of the boys as he leaned forward and looked very much anticipated for my answer.
‘No. Is there anything wrong with the house?’ I asked him back.
‘Well...anything about the house at all? Don’t you find anything strange about the house?’ He asked again. Maybe he’s too confused, he seemed to be asking me the same question again and again.
‘That’s right! Don’t you find anything strange about the house when you stepped in there?’ Supported the other one as they exchanged glances. What is this? An interrogation? Is there a murder going on in that house?
‘Not a single clue!’ I said, feeling frustrated inside. Just tell me what’s wrong with the damn house!
‘Don’t you know that the house was sort of...you know...haunted?’ Bingo! So my guess was right all the while. There must be something wrong with the house. So what’s the problem with that house bro?
‘That’s right! I heard people often saw strange figures roaming around the house and even heard strange noises coming from there-’’
‘That’s enough Mr McLean-’’
‘But Mrs Lopez-’’
‘Enough of you too Mr. Cole I’m sorry Mr. Carter but I think that should be enough for today’s introduction and if you should need any assistance along the way, just come to me or any of the teaching staffs. We would be glad to help you in any way possible.’ I nodded my head. I can sense that all eyes stark at me as I made my way back to my seat.
Stop staring alright!
Mrs Lopez began the class shortly after everyone settled down from that small controversial introduction. There were still some whisperings going on as she went through the problem sums with us.
Fifteen minutes had past and I am not registering anything that Mrs Lopez had said. On any normal day, maybe I’d get something stored in my brain but the flu is kicking in fast and furious. Not to make a bad impression, I scribbled nothings on my notebook, hoping that Mrs Lopez would think that I am the good, role model student this school badly needs. But before long, I had already received my first love note.
It was crumpled like a used paper, landing on my table. I discreetly ‘unwrap’ it and read the scribbling. Whoever wrote this needs to do more handwriting practice we did in grammar school.
* He who haunts the night, lives in thy house! Watch thy back and say thy prayers and beware of what layeth beneath thy bed!!!*
I am so not playing this game. How old do you think I am? I turned to my left and stared at the guy who had so lovingly written the note. It was that weird looking guy Mc Lean. I don’t even know his first name. He is small built but healthy looking and from the way he acted the moment I stepped into the classroom, my bet is he’s either the school rebel or the class clown. From the note, I bet he’s career choice is to be a clown. I scribbled something back.
* Thanks for the nice welcome. Now lay off!*
I crumpled the paper back and aimed it at him. It landed nicely on his table. Mrs Lopez was facing the board and didn’t even see it coming.
He made a look and then started to scribble something again. It landed on my table ten seconds later.
* You’re no fun, wassup?*
I scribbled my answer and threw it back to him. Wow, Mrs. Lopez is definitely easy to manipulate.
* Peachy*
His reply was * You’ve got the coolest house in this town, cheer up!*
*You should come down for a nightover or something. I could introduce you to the ghost.* I replied.
*Don’t play around with something as serious as that Kid!* He replied. Hey, I can play around with my house coz it’s my house damn it!
* It’s my house, so beat it!*
* Tough kid you are.*
* You’re the one with the intention to scare me. Like I’ve said, thanks for the welcome.* That will shut him up.
*Let’s start over shall we? The name’s Alexander James Mc Lean, ppl call me AJ coz it’s cool but don’t go around telling ppl to call you NC, they will be calling you Nerd Carter or something.*
Funny guy, I told you he’s a clown. Natural at it too.
*Sorry, like I’ve said, I’m peachy. I will take your advice on that one. What do you do for fun in this town Alex?*
* Rule no.1, DO NOT call me Alex, I HATE it! Rule No.2, this town is boring but if you hang out with cool dudes like my friends and I, you’ll go places*
* I know, I know, just wanna give that cool head a test. So if I hang out with you, where will you guys bring me to?*
*Probably your house, it’s cool*
*That’s not cool, it’s MY HOUSE!*
*Maybe I should start by telling you about this huge passion my friends and I are so devoted into. Something strange and exciting!*
*You dig a corpse up from the graveyard, took picture with it and then wat, leave it like that? Wow! That’s not just strange and exciting but nonsensical too!* I wrote as I have that evil smile on my face.
*Ha! Ha! Its soooo FUNNY but remind me to laugh later alright! But what I’m trying to tell you is that we have great interests in exploring the hauntings and the unknown places, places we believe to have ghosts or spirits roaming in them and your house is one of them.* Yeah right that pal! Guess he must have absorbed too much of The Amityville Horror.
Can’t blame him, like he said, the town is BORING.
*Great! So, how many of these unknown places have you guys been to?*
*A couple but the mansion and your house fascinated us most.*
The mansion? That sounds familiar. Forget about the house, I want to know what’s wrong with the mansion.
*You do know something about the mansion, don’t you?*
*Something? Not just me little guy! Everyone knows everything about the mansion. The real ugly mansion.* Little guy? Is he referring to me? If he did, I guess he must be blind beyond blindness.
*So what’s actually going on in that mansion big bro?* Not being sarcastic but just returning him back the favour of complementing me.
*Its a long story and can’t tell you now, not enough space to scribble. How about lunch?*
Whoa! Is that suppose to be a lunch date? With him? No way!
*Sorry can’t make it today, gotta see the little brat.* I guess that would be the end of this ‘writing conversation’ between us for the time being.
The school bell rang the moment I threw the paper on his table. It landed right on his palm. Mrs Lopez turned her head this time because of the screeching sound from my chair. Damn this chair!
‘Yes Mr. Carter? Is anything wrong there?’ She asked as she pulled out her thick glasses. Almost the rest of the class turned their heads to see me.
‘No, I dropped my pen. That’s all!’ Mrs Lopez looked askance at me. I guess that’s just not the appropriate answer for the screeching sound. She ended the class with some assignments to be completed at home and I just scribble the notes in point form in my notebook.
Quickly he took it and unfolded it as though it was written with answers for the examination papers. He gave me this smirk that I think he ought to be given a tight slap from me. I hate that look and I hate that smirk. Its just not the right day to smirk at me bro, not today!
Before I went out, he managed to slot the same crumpled paper in my notebook without me noticing it. This guy is sleek.
I saw it the moment I wanted to stuff it inside my bag at the stairway.
*It’s alright little guy, I’ll introduce my friends to you some other time perhaps. Or perhaps it would be much more convenient to make the introduction at your house! Its gonna be fun! Trust me.* Fun? Oh trust me big guy! What kind of a fun can you find in that house except for four sided walls, books, an old piano and two sealed rooms. Yo, yo...wait a second. Two sealed rooms. That’s kinda ring a bell there!
Oh gosh! I’m late again! I fastened up my speed towards Lyssa’s class and saw her talking anxiously with her new friend. Like doh!
Slowly as I approached her, I began to realise something about her friend. I seemed to recognise her but have we ever met before? Gee...gotta check it out!
* * *
‘What? He actually stayed at the Littrels?’ Clamoured Ashley as his forehead creased with frown. There were a mixed signs of uncertainty and worries shown clearly on his face. Maybe he was too shocked to find someone staying in that so-called haunted house after being abandoned for such a long time especially for one particular reason.
‘Do you have to sound so surprise about that?’ Asked AJ sarcastically as he stuffed himself with the burger.
‘Of course! I mean, didn’t he know anything about that house?’ Exclaimed Ashley as he wiped his sweats away with the back of his palm.
‘Ash, he’s still new here and definitely he knows nothing about the house!’ Interrupted Nate without looking at Ashley.
‘Still, he don’t have to stay in that house-’’
‘Maybe that’s the only house available in this town Ash-’’
‘Who says that? There’s one empty house right behind mine-’’
‘Come on Ash! These city born and bred people wants privacy and that’s the reason why they come here!’ AJ sounded giving up talking to Ashley. He knew that Ashley would give some kind of reaction but not in that way. He’s just being too dramatic, he thought.
‘Hell with the privacy! Didn’t they know that the house was haunted?’ Asked Ashley in great determination.
‘God! I’ve wasted almost all my energy and all my saliva talking to you Ash! Nate, maybe you can talk him-’’
‘Not me! I’ve rest my case long time ago!’ Said Nate without looking at AJ. He was too engrossed reading the reports that Ashley had printed out for their project.
‘Look Ash...I know that you’ve been going through rough time before but hey! We did go through those rough times with you but there are certain things which you have to learn to let go...try to let them go…’ AJ placed his arms around Ashley. He knew how close Ashley was to his cousins and he knew how much closer he could get to the house to get them back. But knowing that Ashley still hanging on with the cliff of those painful incidents, AJ afraid that he might as well got everything messed up.
Ashley did not make a sound, in fact he was speechless. Maybe he too realised that he has been pressurising himself too much on that mission. Maybe its time for him to let everything go, but not when he found out that someone else stayed in the damned house.
He has to get them out no matter what.
No matter how hard its gonna be, he has to take the chance.
‘I have to see him.’ He muttered softly and gave AJ a glance. AJ hated that glance, and he showed it well through his eyes.
‘I will try to get the two of you to meet-’’
‘No! I don’t want you to try, I want you to do it alright! Anywhere, anytime, as long as we can meet. I really have to meet him. I have to warn him no matter what.’ Ashley knew that he sounded pretty demanding but he had no choice. He has to meet this so-called new boy from the city, to warn him about the danger. But would he listened to him? Who cares about that?
‘Fine then…’ Continued AJ. His voice seemed to fade as the cafeteria flooded with students who barged in with loud chatters and shrieking laughters. He simply tired of arguing with Ashley, not when it comes to this topic.
Nate gone. So was AJ. If it was not for Mrs Lopez, they would have gone to the library but Ashley understood that. In fact he needed just the perfect timing to be alone and think about his next plan.
Like it or not, he has to warn Nick and his sister of the danger waiting for them. Warn them before its getting too close to death…
* * *
I couldn’t concentrate well in class after lunch. Maybe my stomach is too bloated with air. I shouldn’t have followed that little brat to the library if its not for Anna.
Annabelle Angel. She looked so angelic unlike Lyssa, so devilish. Okay, so I’m being too mean here, but that’s not the point.
Anna is cool. She seemed to know almost everything and anything in this town. I wonder if she is in the same group as AJ’s. Eeeemmm...AJ?
He seemed to be drifted away in his deep thoughts. Guess he’s bloated too for some kind of reason, I don’t know and I don’t wish to know anyway.
*Hey! Are you free?* What is this? Another love note coming from him?
*Nope! I’m running out of ink here!* I looked at him as I folded the paper back into its original shape. I threw it back and it landed right in the middle of his table.
He turned to me and gave me one of his sardonic smile. A few seconds later, I received another crumpled letter.
*You are such a good joker! Wanna know something about ur house little bro?*
Little bro? What is he going to call me next? Little Nicky? Or maybe little pal?
*Thanks for the compliment big bro! I wonder what kind of bedtime story you have for me now?* My eyes darted at Mr. Quinn who was reading an essay to us. It was easy for me to manipulate him, just like Mrs Lopez, he preferred looking at his book rather than to face us.
I stretched out my hands and threw the letter back. Slowly I turned my head over to look at his reaction. Again he was smiling sardonically.
*Its a pleasure! I admitted that I was kinda surprised by the fact that you’re calling it a bedtime story, but who cares. Nobody ever cares about it anyway except for us. We dig the story and we’re gonna get it. We explore the mystery and we’re gonna solve it. Wonder if you have enough guts for that huh?*
Is that supposed to be a challenge for me? He’s trying to test my guts? Well, he’s barking at the wrong tree!
*Is that supposed to be challenge?* I asked without looking at him.
*Nah! That sounds pretty harsh isn’t it? I just wanna know if you really have the guts to know it.* I hate cliffhangers. What does he mean by ‘it’… the mystery or the house?
*I hate to be rude but why don’t you just come straight to the point rather than you have to waste your damn energy writing this stupid letter. Tell me what is it that I have to know and what I need to know.*
*My, my! Its fun to see you flaring up like this little bro!*
He’s really trying to test my patience now.
*I guess you haven’t seen the best of flares from me yet big bro and before that happens, its best that you tell me about the house.*
*What about the mystery? Don’t you wanna know anything about it?*
*No! I don’t see the need for me to know anything about the damn mystery alright! Now, are you telling me or what?*
AJ smirked as he read my letter. Oh my God, I can kill this guy for that smirking!
*I will definitely tell you if you’re willing enough to listen. But sorry to disappoint you that I can’t tell you now, not here. Maybe when the time has comes, like tomorrow? And don’t give me that bullshit of you waiting for your ‘little brat’ or so!*
He’s really putting me at a fix now. I massaged my temple as I held my pen up to scribble on the same piece of paper.
*Fine. You got the deal. But I can’t see you during school hours, sad enough to say that I’ve got to be with the little brat. How about after school?*
*Mummy’s not gonna fetch you huh?* Is that supposed to be a sarcastic remarks from him? He don’t have to bold it up to make me feel so intimidated.
I may be the only son, but I am not mummy’s sweet little pumpkin. Not anymore.
*Nice of you to remind me that but I’ve got my way alright. Meet you tomorrow after school with your so-called adventurous friends.*
*Sure!*
Just nice. The moment I read the letter, the school bell rang for the day. I turned to look at AJ, but that guy is simply incorrigible. A moment he was there and the next he disappeared into thin air.
Guess its him who’s frightening me more than the about the mystery and the house.
I stuffed all my things inside the bag and stormed out of the classroom to get Lyssa. At the same time, I was hoping to see Anna again.
Just as I was about to make a turn to Lyssa’s class, I saw AJ and another boy from our class too. If I was not mistaken, his name was Mr. Cole, damn! I hate to call him that but never mind, there’s always tomorrow to ask for his biodata.
What really caught my attention was this boy, who stood in front of AJ. He wore a red cap with a red backpack. He was the type with blonde hair, green eyes, red rosy cheeks and face that could melts thousand of girls out there.
Stop it Nick! You’re sounding pretty strange now, make sure that you keep this clear straight to yourself. Not even Lyssa should know about these compliments. Totally a disfigure to your reputation!
I am straight and like I’ve said before, I love girls, always have been!
‘Hey Nicky! Come on! Mom’s waiting for us!’ Hell to you! Can’t you for once stop shouting my name and get your ass here instead!
I didn’t shout back and neither do I walked up to her. Instead I walked straight down to the school car park where mom waited anxiously for us.
Don’t talk to me or I’ll blow my top now!
‘So how’s your day sweetie?’ Asked mom sweetly. I can’t bear to shout at her but I’m feeling totally annoyed. Annoyed with all the suspense and especially Lyssa. How I wish I could get her to understand that.
‘Pretty bad for a start.’ I said without looking at her. Guess she must have turned the air-conditioned for long that I’m beginning to feel pain in my nose.
‘Never mind. Everyone makes mistake in their first day of school and I’m sure that things would turn out to be better tomorrow.’ She continued.
I wish! Maybe for a start, Lyssa can stop calling me Nicky and secondly, you can stop fetching me from school. I mean a seventeen year old school boy, being fetched by his mother? What a joke!
‘Yeah right!’ I said weakly as I closed my eyes. I couldn’t be bothered by the air-con or Lyssa. I don’t even want to know if tomorrow would ever come. I just want to sleep.
Slowly I began to find the comfort of closing my eyes and eventually I did fall asleep.
Its like an eternity for me to fall asleep like that before. I wasn’t even aware of us reaching home if its not for Lyssa to slam that door right to my face.
Home again, I dread coming home! The thought of recalling what AJ kept saying about my house, the connection that it has with the old mansion began to bother me as much as the flu.
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