repost with uptodate stuff
prologue
The screams still echoed throughout her mind as she sat drinking her coffee in the small café she always had coffee at. She winced as the combination of caffeine and distant memories rushed through her cerebral synapses. She looks out the café window staring out into the vast array of pleated cotton and Armani stitching. A busy morning as usual she thought biting into the almond biscotti she purchased with her nutrient lacking stimulant. She got up brushed away the crumbs and threw her recyclable cup into the soda bin and walked to the exit. A small child sitting across from her saw what was really there and bit hard salty tears streaming down his horrified face.
chapter 0.5
allusions to insanity
The sweat poured down Seth face, his cheeks hot and flushed he breathed harder and harder. He gripped it with all his strength and jerked it up and down till he could hold it no longer. He let go breathing a sigh of relief and fell to his knees flustered. "It wasn't that heavy" Seth looked up at his brothers agitated expression. "What" he sat up, it was heavier than I anticipated, I mean i' not Hercules or a pro wrestler I'm gonna struggle.
You try lifting that couch up three flights of stairs by yourself and then we'll talk.” look Seth I told I sprained my back last week playing tennis and my doctor said no strain on it. You know I would've helped you if I could.
Seth shook his head, Jake; I’m thinking you sprained more than your back like maybe your brain! Jake gave a slight chuckle and handed Seth a drink.
Look I really do appreciate you helping move into this swank pad I found, would you believe this place is 3 times cheaper than anything in the listings and it’s got a fabulous view, he walked over to the window and looked out, he took a deep breath. Will you taste that wonderful air; it’s what freedom tastes like. Something Seth you have no idea about. Seth rolled his eyes" are you implying I’m not free because I have a solid relationship that has lasted longer than any of my brothers sexploitations? Jake sneered” no it’s because you are one whipped biyatch, my underprivileged social misfit fuck! You are missing out on the plentiful supply of tang this city has to offer. Seth took a gulp of his drink looked out the window:
Maybe you’re right, or maybe you think with the wrong head
Seth got home earlier than planned so he took a quick shower, cleaned up around the apartment and sat down on the couch turned on the TV and watched some news:a newscaster exclaimed with his monotone voice, the body of a magazine journalist had been found in a dumpster in the lower part of the city, one Jennifer Washington .Seth looked at the family photo they plastered and the screen and had a vague feeling creep up. He felt like he knew her somehow but he wasn't sure why. Maybe he went to school with her or used to see her on his way to work since his job was across from her building. Anything was possible and what he felt was very strange. He sighed and changed the channel. The door knob turned and his girlfriend came in the door looking pissed off. Seth stood phi Sarah bad day at work? She blew the hair out of her face: you have no fucking idea, I swear this bitch they hired from accounting can kiss my ass and like it for all I care, I mean where does she get off telling me how to do my reports and shit.oooh that lousy whore is gonna get foot in the ass if she’s not careful. Sarah breathed really hard walked past Seth to the kitchen pulled out a beer rip the lid off and started chugging the beer till it overflowed and came running down her shirt. She pulled empty bottle from her lips and threw it in the sink pieces of the bottles shattering all in the sink. Seth looked shocked"whoah honey I know your upset but you have to calm down that kind of rage you just displayed isn't going to help anybody especially our sink. Come here .she walked toward him, he grabbed her pulling her close she wrapped her arms around him holding him tight. softly she sighed” I know Seth I just lose it sometimes you know I’m kind of a hothead I just wish things could be easier at times. He patted her head "I know sweetie, I know. It was another five minutes before set realized a piece of the broken glass was embedded in his shoulder...
Sitting at his desk sorting articles Seth felt the pangs of exhaustion nipping at him and his sewn up wound. He and Sarah spent the evening at the hospital to get the shard of glass removed they didn't get home until late and he had to get up early for an office presentation. He looked at the layout for the month several pictures of the various topics that laid about his desk. One picture caught his attention though, of a young man sitting on a bench. It went with a story of Billy Sheridan who was brutally murdered in front of his 8 year old sister. Once again the odd feeling came upon him like he knew the Sheridan kid he stared closer at the picture trying to figure out what the connection was between him and the Washington girl. He glared at these kids eyes wondering why they seemed so familiar, suddenly the left eye of the boy winked. Startled Seth dropped the picture. Knocking over a vial of red ink over the picture, the red ink covered most of the picture only the top portion of his face, his eyes. Seth stood up and shook his head, I must be really tired. Seth decided he needed a break and went to the break room across from his office. He walked in and on the TV was another news story on the Washington girl, this time describing the gory details of her corpse as it was found by the city garbage men on their daily rounds, and how her eyes were missing from the body. He didn't want to know any more and left, he told the team he was going outside for fresh air. He walked across the street to a small café that rested on the corner. He bought an espresso and sat down trying to calm his nerves. He noticed a woman on the other side of the room eating biscotti next to a crying baby. Again felt that strange feeling like he knew her. He stood up and walked to her table: I I’m Seth what’s your name?
At that moment while Seth pondered over his dilemma Jake wasn't enjoying his new apartment. All night he spent tossing and turning in bed waking up every other minute it seemed after being frightened in his sleep. The odd thing was he hadn’t had a nightmare since he was seven. He sat on his couch sipping some herbal mixture his ex had given him to relax. He sighed trying to figure out the images that kept recurring in his mind all night long. He saw a blond woman in her early 20s alone in a dark ally running from something he couldn’t see. In the dream he could feel her terror and it made him ache with unease. And every time before he woke he saw the girl cornered and trying to scream before everything went black and he jumped up in a cold sweat. Was life getting that stressful where it’s affecting his sleep? He thought that might be a reason but he couldn’t really back that claim. Sure, he was single but he never had problems finding new women. His job was great, taking pictures for a prominent sports magazine. He was healthy and had no real concern or worry, until now. He shook his head trying to let the warm drink release the tension built up. He turned on the TV, dropped his drink to the floor after watching the screen for a mere second. As pictures of Jennifer Washington filled his television and a voiceover explaining her murder all Jake could do was scream and faint from exhaustion. He awoke three hours later took a shower, got dressed and left the apartment.
chapter 1.
impending thoughts of greatness
Jennifer was a smart girl, raised an upper middle class home in Pennsylvania. She was in the top two percent of her high school and college. Overall, a very bright and intelligent girl. People who knew described her as sweet and generous, always helping those in need. It’s unfortunate no one could return the favor that tragic night. Two weeks prior to her end, she was on the verge of something great. Her publisher gave her an opportunity to showcase her talent to the board of directors in hopes of getting approval for a column in the magazine she so desperately wanted to be a part of. Her assignment was to investigate and produce a solid story on the death of a William Sheridan, a teenager murdered in the company of his eight year old sister. The first step in her story began with a visit to the Sheridan home. The Sheridan’s lived in a nice neighborhood outside the city limits of Boston. It was cold outside signs of the impending winter. Jennifer approached this like every other matter with caution and curiosity. She knew this would be a delicate subject for the Sheridan household especially the youngest Julia. It was thru her screams they found Billy’s mangled corpse. She knocked on their door and waited. As she waited she heard children playing somewhere near. Children of the neighborhood she presumed. The door swung open with such force it knocked Jennifer back she barley caught her balance. She looked up and saw an older women standing in the doorway. “Hi, Mrs. Sheridan?” I’m Jennifer Washington, a journalist for Support magazine, I was wondering if I may have a word with you and your family? The lady let out a sigh looked down, said “I suppose one more snoop wont hurt. She stepped back in allowing Jennifer to enter. Mrs. Sheridan pointed to a chair and Jennifer took the clue and sat down.” now dear what do you want to know that really hasn’t been plastered all over the televisions? Jennifer looked Mrs. Sheridan in the face and asked one question; what do you think happened?” Mrs. Sheridan drew a deep breath and said” well…
Billy woke up in a daze unsure where he was. He rolled over and fell to the hard floor. The jolt knocked him back in to reality and he realized that he was at the end of his bed in his room at home. “Billy are you ok?” he heard his mom yell from downstairs.” Yeah mom I’m fine I just rolled off the bed.” Be careful and hurry and get ready you’ll miss the bus to school and I wont have time to drive you because I have to get to work early.” “Ok” he scrambled to get to shower nearly slipping on a dirty shirt left on the floor. After getting dressed he walked downstairs to the kitchen where a bowl of sugarohs waited for him.” Billy, remember you have to pick up your sister from her dance class after school. I’m going to be home late because Mr. Snyder needs to finish his holiday decorations.” He ate the sugar laced cereal and wished he didn’t have to be bothered with such things, he was 16 and didn’t want to waste his youth looking after his bratty sister.” Ok mom” he sighed. Mrs. Sheridan stopped her daily activities and looked at her son” Billy, I know you’d rather be doing something else but I really do need your help and once I get that raise I can affords a babysitter and you wont have deal with Samantha. I really am in debt to you and soon we can look into driving lessons” Billy’s eyes brightened just at the sound of that, how much he wanted to be able to get on the road and drive wherever he wanted without having to rely on someone else to get him where he wanted to go. Billy looked up at his mother and smiled. Err I gotta go” he stood up to grab his school bag, gave his mom a hug and told his sister where to he’d be waiting after her class, and headed out the door. Unbeknownst to Mrs. Sheridan it would be the last time she saw him.
Billy walked into first period feeling a bit uneasy. Mr. Vega was an organize freak so they ad assigned seats and Billy was assigned to sit next to Tasha Ruark. Now anyone else would be ok with this but Billy was a nervous wreck. Ever since he first saw her two years he couldn’t help but think she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen, he’d spend countless hours daydreaming about her. The only problem was whenever he tried to say something it wouldn’t come out right, once during a fire drill he put in line next to her. She turned around and asked him if he saw the new Greg Kinnear flick and the only gibberish left his mouth. Her reaction to it was less than cordial. That was the last time she said something non school related to him. He took a deep breath walked over to his seat tried no look in her direction and sat down. Too much temptation to control he looked ever so slightly in her direction. Like a scene in a bad 80s movie she sat there bright light behind her, her dark hair flowing like someone shoved a fan in her back. Her lips vibrant and glowing like a Christmas reindeer. “Mr. Sheridan. Are you lost?” startled Billy looked up to see his teacher Mr. Vega staring down at him.”Wha- I’m ok.” Billy tried to fight off the embarrassment that was growing in him.” Mr. Sheridan, I expect student to respond when I ask them to turn to page 56 in their geometry books, not stare into some unknown void your mind has conjured up. Do you understand?” quickly Billy pulled out his geometry book and flipped to the page. He looked up at his teacher and made a nervous grin.” Very well Mr. Sheridan. I expect you to be more attentive further on from now. His teacher turned and walked back to his desk. A low wave of giggles emanated throughout the room. At that moment Billy wished he was dead...
Across the street behind the fence sat Julia on a swing, she rocked back and forth trying to make the swing go higher. She wanted to go as high as she could higher than her friend Samantha. Faster and faster she went she could see birds flying overhead and clouds that resembled marshmallows when you let your cereal get soggy. As she swung back she noticed something across the street. She started to swing slower so she could identify what was there. At first it looked like a women in white clothing, but then it was something else in black robes. Like if two things were there both trying to be one object. her vision cleared and she saw a face a face she’ll never forget for the rest of her life, her own…at that moment she felt something push he and she flew off the swing hitting the grass with a strong force. She bit her lip as she rolled over pain lacerated throughout her whole body. Her teacher rushed over to check on her, after a minute she said she was ok, went inside and sat at her desk. For the rest of the day she couldn’t get the image of whatever was out there from her mind. She felt so scared but couldn’t say or do anything about it.
chapter 2
the kids arn't alright
“I’m in hell!” Billy sighed as he put his books in his locker. His friend Steve walked up behind him and waited. As Billy turned Steve jumped up and yelled boo. Billy startled fell back into a group of people knocking them down like designer labeled covered bowling pins. Steve let out a cackle like a tone deaf heyena.”Hahahahahaha- that was priceless. Steve walked over to help Billy up.” you asshole”billy sneered as he stood up. Before he could even form a syllable a loud echo came over the P.a. system” this is not a drill all students and personnel please exit the building in an efficient and timely manner.” Steve look at Billy with wide eyes” oooh the end of the world, heheheheheheheeehehehe” he kept with psychotic laugh, what Billy saw in him as a friend he didn’t really understand. They both started walking toward the school exits when the door to the cafeteria exploded open crashing into the wall across. Steve stopped giggling and a face of terror washed over him. Billy grabbed his arm and screamed “run!” Flames and smoke arose from the opening to the cafeteria; Billy could feel the heat growing as they raced down the hallway toward the outside. He could hear people behind him screaming, he couldn’t look back in fear it would slow him down. Billy ran to the exit kicking the door open and leaping to outside with Steve right behind him. A cloud of smoke blew out of the door like steam leaving a tea kettle. Screams became distant inside the school. Students surrounded the outside of the school watching in horror as flames and smoke emitted from the premise. The sound of fire trucks and ambulances could be heard growing louder as the seconds passed. Billy stared at the school wondering if the lunch special was to blame, he never did like the meat surprise. Then he heard a voice, a small cry for help from within the burning building. He recognized the voice, it was Tasha’s. Without hesitation he ran and hurled his body through the faculty room’s window. Crashing through the window left him bruised and cut up but it didn’t matter to him. He grabbed a coat that was lying on the table threw it over his body and broke through the door there was smoke everywhere and he could barely see. He yelled out for Tasha but didn’t hear anything at first. “Help I’m stuck under a table “she screamed from afar. He walked into the cafeteria and saw a figure lying underneath a broken table. He looked around and walls were in flames. “Hold on I’ll be right there!” he got to the table and there she was her foot jammed between the metal legs of the table. “I can’t get my foot free” she said tears streaming down her face. He grabbed the two ends of the metal structure and with all his might began to pull apart the hinges holding her foot. She pulled her leg to get her foot free. She gave one last and her foot came free from her shoe. Billy let go of the table, and helped Tasha up.” can you walk? he looked at her” I’m not sure it feels kinda swollen- a banner overhead came flying past them covered in flames. Billy looked up and on the other end of the cafeteria was something he didn’t want to believe he was seeing. He looked at Tasha “we need to leave” he grabbed her and swung her over his shoulder and started running to the cafeteria exit, his skin ran cold as he exited the room into the school hallway. A burst of adrenaline flowed through him enabling him to run past the flames surrounding them while carrying Tasha. The hallway exit was blocked by broken lockers and flames. He head into a classroom that was on the left. A desk went flying through the classroom window followed by Billy carrying Tasha out the window. They both ran to the front of the school were firefighters were trying hose down the fire. Steve ran up to Billy” Jesus Christ man I thought you were dead, what happened in there?” “He saved my life” Tasha said, she grabbed Billy by the shirt and pulled him close. The school rooftop crumbled and caved in as she kissed Billy. He felt he could die happy now...
julia watched in horror as the burning school grew black with smoke. she pressed her face against the window in her classroom, praying her brother was ok. after a few minutes passed she felt relief as she could see him standing with some people. her teacher urged her back to her desk telling her everything was ok and no one was hurt. after seeing her brother she knew everyhing was ok. she turned back to look once more at what was left of her brothers school. what she saw put fear back into her. crouched above one of the burning pillars of the school was the thing she saw previously.
they say the fire was started by a cooking mishap. apparently someone forgot that metal and microwaves dont mix.one fire fighter would atest to something different but no one believed him so he dismissed the idea. that day he found in the rubble the circuit breaker with what appeared to be claw marks that ripped through the wires. in the midst of the firfighters discovery billy had his own problems. 'im ok mom no burns just smoked clothes, im a little crispy but ok."he tried to ease his mothers nerves but he knew she was stressing. "look mom im gonna go to the convience store up the road sit at the bench drink a soda and wait for julia, everythings gonna be ok.' he heard sigh and agree." i love you too" he hug up the phone. he was in the school parking lot at the pay phone he looked around and still couldnt believe what just happened."what you did took some balls, to that girl your a hero" billy turned to see a firefighter smirking at him. 'tell me kid, what made you do that?". billy looked at the man ad smiled 'just all balls i guess ,but no brains".the man just chuckled."your my kind of guy kid." he walked away still laughing at billys remark.steve asked him to go back to his house but billy needed soe time to clear his head.tasha gave him her number before her mother pulled up nearly running over some kids trying to get to her daughter.so he was alone for the moment. he started walking to the 7-11 with thoughts of tommorow on his mind.
chapter 2.5
bad moon rising
jenny didnt get much out of mrs. washington other than tidbits about who her son was. one thing jenny did notice was billys sister was no where to be seen. the whole time she was there she didnt hear anyone else in the house. it was late afternoon so there was no excuse that the sister was at school. the matter certainly puzzled her she had to know the whereabouts of sheridans sister.
julia ran to her brother nearly tackling him as he stood outside the dance hall. he had a huge grin on his face, the happiest she ever saw him."whoa, little girl you act like you havent seen me in years.""sorry billy school has been tough and i saw the fire and got scared"he, its ok , look at me im still in one piece, a slighty cooked piece but still your brother."he laughed."come one i'll make you a sandwich when get home.
The screams still echoed throughout her mind as she sat drinking her coffee in the small café she always had coffee at. She winced as the combination of caffeine and distant memories rushed through her cerebral synapses. She looks out the café window staring out into the vast array of pleated cotton and Armani stitching. A busy morning as usual she thought biting into the almond biscotti she purchased with her nutrient lacking stimulant. She got up brushed away the crumbs and threw her recyclable cup into the soda bin and walked to the exit. A small child sitting across from her saw what was really there and bit hard salty tears streaming down his horrified face.
chapter 0.5
allusions to insanity
The sweat poured down Seth face, his cheeks hot and flushed he breathed harder and harder. He gripped it with all his strength and jerked it up and down till he could hold it no longer. He let go breathing a sigh of relief and fell to his knees flustered. "It wasn't that heavy" Seth looked up at his brothers agitated expression. "What" he sat up, it was heavier than I anticipated, I mean i' not Hercules or a pro wrestler I'm gonna struggle.
You try lifting that couch up three flights of stairs by yourself and then we'll talk.” look Seth I told I sprained my back last week playing tennis and my doctor said no strain on it. You know I would've helped you if I could.
Seth shook his head, Jake; I’m thinking you sprained more than your back like maybe your brain! Jake gave a slight chuckle and handed Seth a drink.
Look I really do appreciate you helping move into this swank pad I found, would you believe this place is 3 times cheaper than anything in the listings and it’s got a fabulous view, he walked over to the window and looked out, he took a deep breath. Will you taste that wonderful air; it’s what freedom tastes like. Something Seth you have no idea about. Seth rolled his eyes" are you implying I’m not free because I have a solid relationship that has lasted longer than any of my brothers sexploitations? Jake sneered” no it’s because you are one whipped biyatch, my underprivileged social misfit fuck! You are missing out on the plentiful supply of tang this city has to offer. Seth took a gulp of his drink looked out the window:
Maybe you’re right, or maybe you think with the wrong head
Seth got home earlier than planned so he took a quick shower, cleaned up around the apartment and sat down on the couch turned on the TV and watched some news:a newscaster exclaimed with his monotone voice, the body of a magazine journalist had been found in a dumpster in the lower part of the city, one Jennifer Washington .Seth looked at the family photo they plastered and the screen and had a vague feeling creep up. He felt like he knew her somehow but he wasn't sure why. Maybe he went to school with her or used to see her on his way to work since his job was across from her building. Anything was possible and what he felt was very strange. He sighed and changed the channel. The door knob turned and his girlfriend came in the door looking pissed off. Seth stood phi Sarah bad day at work? She blew the hair out of her face: you have no fucking idea, I swear this bitch they hired from accounting can kiss my ass and like it for all I care, I mean where does she get off telling me how to do my reports and shit.oooh that lousy whore is gonna get foot in the ass if she’s not careful. Sarah breathed really hard walked past Seth to the kitchen pulled out a beer rip the lid off and started chugging the beer till it overflowed and came running down her shirt. She pulled empty bottle from her lips and threw it in the sink pieces of the bottles shattering all in the sink. Seth looked shocked"whoah honey I know your upset but you have to calm down that kind of rage you just displayed isn't going to help anybody especially our sink. Come here .she walked toward him, he grabbed her pulling her close she wrapped her arms around him holding him tight. softly she sighed” I know Seth I just lose it sometimes you know I’m kind of a hothead I just wish things could be easier at times. He patted her head "I know sweetie, I know. It was another five minutes before set realized a piece of the broken glass was embedded in his shoulder...
Sitting at his desk sorting articles Seth felt the pangs of exhaustion nipping at him and his sewn up wound. He and Sarah spent the evening at the hospital to get the shard of glass removed they didn't get home until late and he had to get up early for an office presentation. He looked at the layout for the month several pictures of the various topics that laid about his desk. One picture caught his attention though, of a young man sitting on a bench. It went with a story of Billy Sheridan who was brutally murdered in front of his 8 year old sister. Once again the odd feeling came upon him like he knew the Sheridan kid he stared closer at the picture trying to figure out what the connection was between him and the Washington girl. He glared at these kids eyes wondering why they seemed so familiar, suddenly the left eye of the boy winked. Startled Seth dropped the picture. Knocking over a vial of red ink over the picture, the red ink covered most of the picture only the top portion of his face, his eyes. Seth stood up and shook his head, I must be really tired. Seth decided he needed a break and went to the break room across from his office. He walked in and on the TV was another news story on the Washington girl, this time describing the gory details of her corpse as it was found by the city garbage men on their daily rounds, and how her eyes were missing from the body. He didn't want to know any more and left, he told the team he was going outside for fresh air. He walked across the street to a small café that rested on the corner. He bought an espresso and sat down trying to calm his nerves. He noticed a woman on the other side of the room eating biscotti next to a crying baby. Again felt that strange feeling like he knew her. He stood up and walked to her table: I I’m Seth what’s your name?
At that moment while Seth pondered over his dilemma Jake wasn't enjoying his new apartment. All night he spent tossing and turning in bed waking up every other minute it seemed after being frightened in his sleep. The odd thing was he hadn’t had a nightmare since he was seven. He sat on his couch sipping some herbal mixture his ex had given him to relax. He sighed trying to figure out the images that kept recurring in his mind all night long. He saw a blond woman in her early 20s alone in a dark ally running from something he couldn’t see. In the dream he could feel her terror and it made him ache with unease. And every time before he woke he saw the girl cornered and trying to scream before everything went black and he jumped up in a cold sweat. Was life getting that stressful where it’s affecting his sleep? He thought that might be a reason but he couldn’t really back that claim. Sure, he was single but he never had problems finding new women. His job was great, taking pictures for a prominent sports magazine. He was healthy and had no real concern or worry, until now. He shook his head trying to let the warm drink release the tension built up. He turned on the TV, dropped his drink to the floor after watching the screen for a mere second. As pictures of Jennifer Washington filled his television and a voiceover explaining her murder all Jake could do was scream and faint from exhaustion. He awoke three hours later took a shower, got dressed and left the apartment.
chapter 1.
impending thoughts of greatness
Jennifer was a smart girl, raised an upper middle class home in Pennsylvania. She was in the top two percent of her high school and college. Overall, a very bright and intelligent girl. People who knew described her as sweet and generous, always helping those in need. It’s unfortunate no one could return the favor that tragic night. Two weeks prior to her end, she was on the verge of something great. Her publisher gave her an opportunity to showcase her talent to the board of directors in hopes of getting approval for a column in the magazine she so desperately wanted to be a part of. Her assignment was to investigate and produce a solid story on the death of a William Sheridan, a teenager murdered in the company of his eight year old sister. The first step in her story began with a visit to the Sheridan home. The Sheridan’s lived in a nice neighborhood outside the city limits of Boston. It was cold outside signs of the impending winter. Jennifer approached this like every other matter with caution and curiosity. She knew this would be a delicate subject for the Sheridan household especially the youngest Julia. It was thru her screams they found Billy’s mangled corpse. She knocked on their door and waited. As she waited she heard children playing somewhere near. Children of the neighborhood she presumed. The door swung open with such force it knocked Jennifer back she barley caught her balance. She looked up and saw an older women standing in the doorway. “Hi, Mrs. Sheridan?” I’m Jennifer Washington, a journalist for Support magazine, I was wondering if I may have a word with you and your family? The lady let out a sigh looked down, said “I suppose one more snoop wont hurt. She stepped back in allowing Jennifer to enter. Mrs. Sheridan pointed to a chair and Jennifer took the clue and sat down.” now dear what do you want to know that really hasn’t been plastered all over the televisions? Jennifer looked Mrs. Sheridan in the face and asked one question; what do you think happened?” Mrs. Sheridan drew a deep breath and said” well…
Billy woke up in a daze unsure where he was. He rolled over and fell to the hard floor. The jolt knocked him back in to reality and he realized that he was at the end of his bed in his room at home. “Billy are you ok?” he heard his mom yell from downstairs.” Yeah mom I’m fine I just rolled off the bed.” Be careful and hurry and get ready you’ll miss the bus to school and I wont have time to drive you because I have to get to work early.” “Ok” he scrambled to get to shower nearly slipping on a dirty shirt left on the floor. After getting dressed he walked downstairs to the kitchen where a bowl of sugarohs waited for him.” Billy, remember you have to pick up your sister from her dance class after school. I’m going to be home late because Mr. Snyder needs to finish his holiday decorations.” He ate the sugar laced cereal and wished he didn’t have to be bothered with such things, he was 16 and didn’t want to waste his youth looking after his bratty sister.” Ok mom” he sighed. Mrs. Sheridan stopped her daily activities and looked at her son” Billy, I know you’d rather be doing something else but I really do need your help and once I get that raise I can affords a babysitter and you wont have deal with Samantha. I really am in debt to you and soon we can look into driving lessons” Billy’s eyes brightened just at the sound of that, how much he wanted to be able to get on the road and drive wherever he wanted without having to rely on someone else to get him where he wanted to go. Billy looked up at his mother and smiled. Err I gotta go” he stood up to grab his school bag, gave his mom a hug and told his sister where to he’d be waiting after her class, and headed out the door. Unbeknownst to Mrs. Sheridan it would be the last time she saw him.
Billy walked into first period feeling a bit uneasy. Mr. Vega was an organize freak so they ad assigned seats and Billy was assigned to sit next to Tasha Ruark. Now anyone else would be ok with this but Billy was a nervous wreck. Ever since he first saw her two years he couldn’t help but think she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen, he’d spend countless hours daydreaming about her. The only problem was whenever he tried to say something it wouldn’t come out right, once during a fire drill he put in line next to her. She turned around and asked him if he saw the new Greg Kinnear flick and the only gibberish left his mouth. Her reaction to it was less than cordial. That was the last time she said something non school related to him. He took a deep breath walked over to his seat tried no look in her direction and sat down. Too much temptation to control he looked ever so slightly in her direction. Like a scene in a bad 80s movie she sat there bright light behind her, her dark hair flowing like someone shoved a fan in her back. Her lips vibrant and glowing like a Christmas reindeer. “Mr. Sheridan. Are you lost?” startled Billy looked up to see his teacher Mr. Vega staring down at him.”Wha- I’m ok.” Billy tried to fight off the embarrassment that was growing in him.” Mr. Sheridan, I expect student to respond when I ask them to turn to page 56 in their geometry books, not stare into some unknown void your mind has conjured up. Do you understand?” quickly Billy pulled out his geometry book and flipped to the page. He looked up at his teacher and made a nervous grin.” Very well Mr. Sheridan. I expect you to be more attentive further on from now. His teacher turned and walked back to his desk. A low wave of giggles emanated throughout the room. At that moment Billy wished he was dead...
Across the street behind the fence sat Julia on a swing, she rocked back and forth trying to make the swing go higher. She wanted to go as high as she could higher than her friend Samantha. Faster and faster she went she could see birds flying overhead and clouds that resembled marshmallows when you let your cereal get soggy. As she swung back she noticed something across the street. She started to swing slower so she could identify what was there. At first it looked like a women in white clothing, but then it was something else in black robes. Like if two things were there both trying to be one object. her vision cleared and she saw a face a face she’ll never forget for the rest of her life, her own…at that moment she felt something push he and she flew off the swing hitting the grass with a strong force. She bit her lip as she rolled over pain lacerated throughout her whole body. Her teacher rushed over to check on her, after a minute she said she was ok, went inside and sat at her desk. For the rest of the day she couldn’t get the image of whatever was out there from her mind. She felt so scared but couldn’t say or do anything about it.
chapter 2
the kids arn't alright
“I’m in hell!” Billy sighed as he put his books in his locker. His friend Steve walked up behind him and waited. As Billy turned Steve jumped up and yelled boo. Billy startled fell back into a group of people knocking them down like designer labeled covered bowling pins. Steve let out a cackle like a tone deaf heyena.”Hahahahahaha- that was priceless. Steve walked over to help Billy up.” you asshole”billy sneered as he stood up. Before he could even form a syllable a loud echo came over the P.a. system” this is not a drill all students and personnel please exit the building in an efficient and timely manner.” Steve look at Billy with wide eyes” oooh the end of the world, heheheheheheheeehehehe” he kept with psychotic laugh, what Billy saw in him as a friend he didn’t really understand. They both started walking toward the school exits when the door to the cafeteria exploded open crashing into the wall across. Steve stopped giggling and a face of terror washed over him. Billy grabbed his arm and screamed “run!” Flames and smoke arose from the opening to the cafeteria; Billy could feel the heat growing as they raced down the hallway toward the outside. He could hear people behind him screaming, he couldn’t look back in fear it would slow him down. Billy ran to the exit kicking the door open and leaping to outside with Steve right behind him. A cloud of smoke blew out of the door like steam leaving a tea kettle. Screams became distant inside the school. Students surrounded the outside of the school watching in horror as flames and smoke emitted from the premise. The sound of fire trucks and ambulances could be heard growing louder as the seconds passed. Billy stared at the school wondering if the lunch special was to blame, he never did like the meat surprise. Then he heard a voice, a small cry for help from within the burning building. He recognized the voice, it was Tasha’s. Without hesitation he ran and hurled his body through the faculty room’s window. Crashing through the window left him bruised and cut up but it didn’t matter to him. He grabbed a coat that was lying on the table threw it over his body and broke through the door there was smoke everywhere and he could barely see. He yelled out for Tasha but didn’t hear anything at first. “Help I’m stuck under a table “she screamed from afar. He walked into the cafeteria and saw a figure lying underneath a broken table. He looked around and walls were in flames. “Hold on I’ll be right there!” he got to the table and there she was her foot jammed between the metal legs of the table. “I can’t get my foot free” she said tears streaming down her face. He grabbed the two ends of the metal structure and with all his might began to pull apart the hinges holding her foot. She pulled her leg to get her foot free. She gave one last and her foot came free from her shoe. Billy let go of the table, and helped Tasha up.” can you walk? he looked at her” I’m not sure it feels kinda swollen- a banner overhead came flying past them covered in flames. Billy looked up and on the other end of the cafeteria was something he didn’t want to believe he was seeing. He looked at Tasha “we need to leave” he grabbed her and swung her over his shoulder and started running to the cafeteria exit, his skin ran cold as he exited the room into the school hallway. A burst of adrenaline flowed through him enabling him to run past the flames surrounding them while carrying Tasha. The hallway exit was blocked by broken lockers and flames. He head into a classroom that was on the left. A desk went flying through the classroom window followed by Billy carrying Tasha out the window. They both ran to the front of the school were firefighters were trying hose down the fire. Steve ran up to Billy” Jesus Christ man I thought you were dead, what happened in there?” “He saved my life” Tasha said, she grabbed Billy by the shirt and pulled him close. The school rooftop crumbled and caved in as she kissed Billy. He felt he could die happy now...
julia watched in horror as the burning school grew black with smoke. she pressed her face against the window in her classroom, praying her brother was ok. after a few minutes passed she felt relief as she could see him standing with some people. her teacher urged her back to her desk telling her everything was ok and no one was hurt. after seeing her brother she knew everyhing was ok. she turned back to look once more at what was left of her brothers school. what she saw put fear back into her. crouched above one of the burning pillars of the school was the thing she saw previously.
they say the fire was started by a cooking mishap. apparently someone forgot that metal and microwaves dont mix.one fire fighter would atest to something different but no one believed him so he dismissed the idea. that day he found in the rubble the circuit breaker with what appeared to be claw marks that ripped through the wires. in the midst of the firfighters discovery billy had his own problems. 'im ok mom no burns just smoked clothes, im a little crispy but ok."he tried to ease his mothers nerves but he knew she was stressing. "look mom im gonna go to the convience store up the road sit at the bench drink a soda and wait for julia, everythings gonna be ok.' he heard sigh and agree." i love you too" he hug up the phone. he was in the school parking lot at the pay phone he looked around and still couldnt believe what just happened."what you did took some balls, to that girl your a hero" billy turned to see a firefighter smirking at him. 'tell me kid, what made you do that?". billy looked at the man ad smiled 'just all balls i guess ,but no brains".the man just chuckled."your my kind of guy kid." he walked away still laughing at billys remark.steve asked him to go back to his house but billy needed soe time to clear his head.tasha gave him her number before her mother pulled up nearly running over some kids trying to get to her daughter.so he was alone for the moment. he started walking to the 7-11 with thoughts of tommorow on his mind.
chapter 2.5
bad moon rising
jenny didnt get much out of mrs. washington other than tidbits about who her son was. one thing jenny did notice was billys sister was no where to be seen. the whole time she was there she didnt hear anyone else in the house. it was late afternoon so there was no excuse that the sister was at school. the matter certainly puzzled her she had to know the whereabouts of sheridans sister.
julia ran to her brother nearly tackling him as he stood outside the dance hall. he had a huge grin on his face, the happiest she ever saw him."whoa, little girl you act like you havent seen me in years.""sorry billy school has been tough and i saw the fire and got scared"he, its ok , look at me im still in one piece, a slighty cooked piece but still your brother."he laughed."come one i'll make you a sandwich when get home.