7
.
THE SPIRIT WATCHER
A NOVEL BY:
BRENDI PLOOF
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, place, and incidents are products of the author's imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
I would like to dedicate this book to my husband and children to thank them for standing by me through all of this! Thank you for your tremendous help in pitching in and helping me out and for all my sleepless nights and endless writing and everything in between! Thanks to my parents, sisters, and in-laws as well for all their encouragements and support. Thank you all for your patience I could not do it without all of you! I also would like to thank my grandparents whom have inspired me beyond words!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. ONE STRANGE NIGHT 08
2. THE SPIRIT WATCHER'S EYES 40
3. RESCUED 65
4. SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS 98
5. CAMPING AFTER DARK 106
6. KIDNAPPED 127
7. FALLING IN LOVE 167
8. ENEMIES OR FRIENDS 221
9. UNEXPECTING NEWS 237
10. INPENDING DEATH 279
11.CALLING OF THE SPIRIT EATCHER 344
12. SIERRA'S FATE 383
13. SAVING LIVES 409
14.THE TRUTH 410
PART TWO
15. THE EYES OF DARKNESS 446
16. ANTICIPATION 465
17. BONDING ATTACHMENT 472
18. SHOCKWAVE 509
19. DEEP TRACKS 530
20. THE RESCUE 572
21. THE WEDDING DAZE 602
22. BACK HOME 616
23.SÉANCE 643
24. THE WRATH 660
CHAPTER 1
ONE STRANGE NIGHT
A living nightmare of hellish torments began the moment, I enter Mr. and Mrs. Lark's house. I must prepare myself for the dangerous consequences because I am finding out, there is no way to escape this awful place the windows and doors are sealed shut and will not budge! Now, I 'am stuck and to think the reason I came, here was because of love. The one thing that just might destroy me. I must find my courage to keep moving so I can avoid the ominous lurking presence in the dark waiting to attack as it did with the others. I must endure this unknown journey of psychological terror and pain along with the thrills, and chills of overwhelming adventures.
Of course, I have-not ceased in being fearful but ceased to let fear control me in order to move on I've accepted fear as part of my journey specifically fears of pain and tortures. Now I will go ahead despite the pounding heart that says turn back, turn back you will die if you venture too far!
It's the night of Mr. and Mrs. Lark's death, which sets in motion a chain of events that still continue and is also, why I am going through this nightmare. To tell you my story, I have to tell you about one another one that happen twenty-nine years ago on October, 31, 1974. That was the night of Mr. and Mrs. Lark's death. Jim and Shirley were a married couple that were just starting their lives together when they move into the community of Ashen Ranch hoping to settle down and have kids. They were in love with their new home and very happy until a month later when they heard their neighbors down the street were victims of an unsolved gruesome murder. Shortly after that I was born and named Areaunia, and I live in that same community that I have grown to love.
Now fast forward to the year 2003, where I am a grown adult working on a career to become a nurse. Tonight I was busy studying, and lost track of time when the telephone rings. It was Sherri calling because I had not shown up for her twenty-third birthday party yet. My boyfriend Jake was in one of his foul moods also waiting for me. We have been dating for three years now and in the beginning, it was fantastic, but over time, Jake began to show his violent side. He grew up with his alcoholic father who physically abused him throughout his childhood and his older sister Barb. Jake lost his mother right after his birth due to complications. I drove over to Sherri's house and went inside to put her present on the table with the others.
Then I search outback for Jake, and I find Sherri having drinks at the bar with Ashley and Jena. Jena moved here a month ago, but I do not know her that well yet. Ashley is tall, and beautiful, with light brown shoulder length hair, and brown eyes. She is sweet, and caring, and always trying to help others by volunteering.
She's married to a handsome man named Todd, and they have been trying to have children for over a year now, without much luck. I run up to Sherri to give her a big hug singing out, "Happy birthday Sherri, I hope it's a good one, by the way, is Jake around?"
"No," Sherri said and then whispers, "Don't tell me you forget about my birthday did you?" She raises an eyebrow ever so slightly.
"Oh come on there is no way you know I would never forget about my dear friend's birthday," I replied joking around.
"Okay Areaunia," she said. We start laughing and, before I know it, Brian, who is Sherri's boyfriend sneaks up behind and swings me over his shoulder carrying me to the pool. I know what Brian is about to do, even before he announced it, and I am struggling to get away.
"Time for you to go swimming," he laughs as I continue trying to free myself from his death grip.
"BRIAN, NO JAKE WILL IS MAD! STOP IT PUT ME DOWN RIGHT NOW I DON'T WANT TO GET WET!"
"Oh come on its hot, and you need to be cool down," Brian replies hanging on tighter, so I cannot break free. Despite my squirming protest, he threw me into the pool and jumps in.
"AREAUNIA, UM MAYBE NEXT TIME YOU REMEMBER TO WEAR A BATHING SUIT?" Brian suggests shrugging his shoulders.
"No I won't Brian because I didn't plan on going swimming," I reply making a face at him as I swim casually over determined to get even, but when he sees me raise my arms high above my head, he grabs my arms pinning me into a wrestling hold. Brian's too strong so when he lets go I splash him and he does it back. We end up in a splashing war. I was having so much fun. I forgot about Jake until I felt someone's eyes watching me. Jake was glaring down with stone cold eyes, and I felt as if they were about to carve right through me. My stomach did frightening little flip-flops at the thought of having to face him.
"Hey Jake it's my fault I threw her in I just can’t help my behavior I know it's it’s atrocious." Brian joked around with Jake trying to redirect his attention away from me. Without saying a word, Jake turns to me looking aggravated as he holds out his hand to help me out of the pool. I knew Brian had failed and Jake was mad.
"Brian really did it so the holdup wasn't my fault. I'm sorry Jake, I did try to look for you," I said taking his hand nervously getting out of the pool dripping water everywhere. He knew I was shivering since this was at the end of October. However I stood still listening to his lecture.
"Shut up Areaunia, I don’t want to hear it, you could have gotten back out and kept searching for me, and another thing if we agree to meet somewhere you should arrive on time," Jake said in a diplomatic voice squeezing the middle of my waist hard ensuring I understood his message before walking away to get another beer.
Sherri and Heather rush over to give me dry clothes to change into and like always offer their sympathy. I smile silently, and took them, before walking away as fast as I could while everyone watched.
Later Jake and I head out to the backyard fire pit to talk to our friends until Barb strolls over talking about the taboo subject to get everyone wild up. "Hey Jena since you moved here has anyone warned you about the forbidden rule?"
"No I don't think so what is it all about?"
"Well it's still considered dangerous even though it all started twenty-nine years ago," Barb explains in a serious tone.
This is how I heard the story Mr. and Mrs. Lark had built their house on private land away from others, because they weren't friendly. On Halloween Night, the police received a 911 hang up call.
When they arrive at Mr. and Mrs. Lark's home to check it out they assumed it was a prank because nothing seemed out of place. They went to the upstairs and discovered Mr. and Mrs. Lark was murdered in their sleep with their throats sliced ear to ear, and yet not a single drop of blood was found.
The police investigated for clues, and came up empty so after several years the case went unsolved. Neighbors started rumors that they were murdered by something evil, and it was still haunting the Lark's house waiting for others to enter! The police put up a forbidden warning sign in their yard to tell other's to stay away. All I know is someone or something killed Mr. and Mrs. Lark that night, but I don't understand why they were murdered in such a gruesome way?
Everyone began to talk before Barb could finish her story, so I stood up and walk over to the back gate and saw Ashley crying.
"Ashley you seem upset?" I said.
Ashley looks up with pursed lips, and takes in my expression carefully without replying.
"Do you want to talk?" I asked.
"Yes I'm sad, but it’s not about the Lark's story it's because of the results of another negative pregnancy test," she replied.
"Honey I'm sorry but God will bless you in time maybe not always in the way you expect." Jena’s came over to us with her young son in tow Braxston, and he was whining about wanting to go home as he tugs on Jena’s dress.
"Where have you been I've been looking all over for you, wait. Why are you crying?" Jena asked.
"Oh," Ashley wipes her eyes. "I'm sad about the Lark's tragedy and I cry every time I hear that story."
"Oh I know it's so sad," Jena remarked and then finally gives her attention to her son Braxston.
Jena bends down to his level gently telling him, "You need to go find your shoes and go and tell your sister and dad that we need to leave." When Braxston ran off, I saw Ashley's painful expression tighten, and I understood why Ashley did not want her new friend to know she's feeling jealous.
Jena already had a family, and it was what Ashley always wanted, so she's jealous, but of course she didn't want Jena to know that.
"It's okay go on, I’ am fine just a little spooked that’s all take your little one's home and put them to bed," Jena remarked.
"Oh alright I’ll see you tomorrow goodbye." Jena said and turn to run off to catch up with her son, and after she leaves, I reach up and took off my cross necklace to put it on Ashley's neck and whisper in her ear. "You know I have a feeling you will be blessed in many ways just wait, and you'll see. You know what else the longer you dwell in your misfortunes the greater the power you give them to harm you," I said.
We sat for a while talking before Ashley looks up as if she heard someone coming.
"Thanks Areaunia for your advice it means a lot. I'll uh see you later right now I need some alone time," Ashley said and leaves.
"Areaunia," Heather gasps. I’ve been looking for you the guys are doing liquor shots and being totally outrageous come on you have to see!" Heather yells all out of breath as I anticipate whether to go or stay.
"Seriously I don't know Jake’s going to get out of control and start a fight with me," I said nervously.
"It will be alright we're all here for you Heather, and winks as she pushes her bangs out of her eyes. ”Besides Jake's the one that sent me," Heather protested. "Come on it will be fun." Heather reaches for my hand pulling me up.
"Okay let's go," I said knowing I did not have a choice if Jake sent Heather out looking for me.
I let Heather lead me back inside where Brian, and Jake were as she lectures me the whole way. "You know you will never have free will as long as you stay with Jake, and it breaks my heart Areaunia. I swear if it weren't for all of us being friends, I would set you up with someone else like Brian, or Matthew. I mean sure Jake's gorgeous, and he has a body to kill for, but if he treats, you like crap you'll end up with humility and shame so what's the point right?"
I did not reply and soon we reached the back door. Heather slides the Arcadia door open, and we see Jake concentrating on arm-wrestling. I stood in the back of the room to watch him and seconds later Jake won, and staggers over to the counter to grab a shot liquor slamming it down his throat before looking around the room as I hide further in the corner like a big baby.
"AREAUNIA WHERE IS SHE HEATHER DID YOU EVER FIND HER?"
"Yes Jake she's here somewhere," Heather replies sarcastically reaching forward to give her boyfriend Matthew a kiss.
"AREAUNIA WHERE ARE YOU?" Jake demands. I am worried that he's drinking heavily, and I really want to stay out of his way, but I take my cue and force my feet to obey as I head over to him. As soon as I get close enough Jake staggers forward reaching out for me. "Come here baby," he says clumsily pulling me closer to him making me lose my balance and trip over his shoes as I fall into his open arms.
Promptly, I press my lips together to stay quiet but some jerk had to give a low whistle and yells out, "I bet you can’t wait to get her home tonight huh buddy?" Yeah I can imagine what she would be like." Jake's muscles twitched and his face tenses up before turning around to see who said that. Luckily, Brian and Matthew fly into action as they jump in front of him trying to stop Jake from fighting. Knowing all my friends did not want trouble tonight especially on Sherri's birthday but in reality, if Jake wants to fight no one would could hold him back. I squeeze my eyes shut feeling sorry for the person that does not even know who he is dealing with. Mathew knows they cannot hold Jake back so he yells out, "TAKE THAT IDIOT OUT OF HERE NOW!"
Jake ignores his buddies and returns his attention to me, which was surprising. "That guy was rude," he growled. "Where have you been Areaunia?"
"What are you talking about I have been here the entire time?" I said. Jake glares at me for a second before pulling my head back using my hair.
Everyone is watching so I kept myself from crying aloud and focus on Sherri as I try to block everything out. "Brian's getting out of control again, and he’s hurting her! COME ON YOU NEED TO DO SOMETHING TO MAKE HIM STOP!" Sherri yelled louder.
"Jake will probably cool down soon," Brian whispers hushing Sherri, but he also had one foot forward as if he was about to step in when Jake let's go. I thought it was over, but soon find out he only let go of my hair in order to pick me up and spins me in circles. He was making me dizzy before finally lets me go back to my friends.
Heading over to my friends I watch Barb shake her head back in forth feeling sorry for me.
"Maybe you should stay the night over here instead of going back home with him tonight," Barb said. Sherri puts her arm around my back rubbing it as she leans in close. "Of course you’re welcome to stay the night anytime you want. I told Brian to make him stop pulling your hair," Sherri said sucking in a deep breath, wincing. "I am sorry you had to go through that especially in front of everyone it looked so painful he's such a jerk."
"Thanks but you know I’m used to it by now, and you should see what happens to
me behind closed doors, when no one else’s is around."
"OH NO what has he done to you lately?" Sherri asks in a loud, concern voice before realizing others were staring again and lowers it. "Has Jake ever hit you?" Sherri asked not liking my hesitation. She narrows her eyes almost squinting them like she's trying to read my expression as I remained silent.
"Well," Sherri asked. I struggle to find my voice swallowing the lump in my throat hoping someone would change the subject for me as I avoid her eyes.
"Oh please don’t tell us all the sick details of Jake's beatings,--- God knows I've—um, well I've been,-- never mind it's getting late. I have to go now goodbye everyone," Barb announces rushing for the front door. I was the only one who knew about Jake’s past and how he used to beat up on his older sister when they were growing up because of his dad and they never bonded as sister and brothers do. After Barb left, I decide to shut my mouth and not ruin the night by continuing to talk about Jake.
"She’s right it’s nothing really I was only kidding around I’m fine," I say avoiding their eyes knowing how pitiful I must have sounded, but it was a good idea to change the subject because Jake is heading in our direction calling out my name. I take in a deep breath and hold it in waiting for him to speak.
"Hey honey Brian told me that Sherri has a surprise to show us after everyone leaves and he' calling it a night because it's getting late."
"You have to wait a bit longer," Sherri sings out cheerfully knowing she was giving me something else to think about other than Jake.
Soon everyone leaves except for my closet friends who were sitting on the couch in anticipation for Sherri to come out of the bedroom. When she did, her voice was calm as she explains what was on the videotape were mailed to her anonymously.
"This tape is about what a long time ago to those missing teens the night they went to the Mr. Lark's house a year later. I already watched it and I must show all of you what is on the tape!"
"Okay I'm curious to watch what's on it?" I interrupt. "God how weird is it that we were just talking about this earlier," I said and eye everyone suspiciously. Heather stands up with a pale face looking as if she is trying not to vomit as she hurries to the bathroom.
"Apparently those teens were going there on a dare, and if they accomplished it each of them would receive two hundred dollars. I just want to know if this tape is true, you see they were supposed to go all the way into the victim's bedroom where the murders happened. That's the only reason the tape was made it was to show proof to whoever made the bet with them that they were actually there," Sherri said.
"I am not getting into that crap, and neither is Areaunia! You know what I think I will call that house from this day forwards? From what everyone has told me about it, I'm going to call it Domes Mactabilis!"
"What the hell does that mean Jake?" Sherri asked.
"Monster house," Jake replied.
"YOU JUST MADE THAT UP!" Sherri argued.
"I did not Sherri it's a Latin term, and it really does mean that," Jake replied.
Heather came back from the bathroom whipping off her mouth and heads to the kitchen
for a drink of water.
"Heather is everything okay?" I asked.
"Yes if I can manage to keep this water down." Heather sits down next to me and Sherri puts the tape into the machine and pushes play. This is what we watched on that dreadful tape.
The four boys were talking as they drove over to Mr. and Mrs. Lark's house. Dylan the camera operator had the camera on and begun filming on the way as they talked about football.
The first teen was Ryan a seventeen year old who loved playing football for his high school. Dylan was Ryan's cousin and he was seventeen and was on the team. Next were Jared at sixteen, and William at eighteen. We identified them using an old newspaper clipping that was attached to the tape.
When they approach the house Dylan films the strange green glow that was coming through the Family Room window cascading off the front porch.
It was like being there and experiencing everything they did. Ryan walked ahead while William read the forbidden sign aloud. "Beware this house is evil, seeking to destroy all who enter." Ryan slowly pushes the front door that was already open a tad as if it was offering a welcome invitation. It opens the rest of the way with a loud creaking sound. They enter the pitch-black house.
Dylan's new camera has a built in light and top of it and has turned it on, but Ryan insists on using his flashlight. While they are walking around, I tried to keep quiet because Jake hated when someone talked during a movie, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something evil lurking in the darkness ready to pounce at just the right moment, and it sent tingling chills down my back. The house looks bigger on the inside as the boys move down a maze of halls decorated with expensive artwork. Huge columns stood in the foyer area, and the ground had wooden floorboards instead of title.
They end up in the family room with green wallpaper that did not seem to fit in with the rest of the house. It was worn down and dirty but this particular room had layers of dust and cobwebs. "This is um really c- c -creepy," William stammers with a sneezing attack.
"Awe William it's mostly stories, and we're getting paid," Dylan replies before heading toward a short pathway that leads to a den area when he heard a loud noise. "HELP ME OH NO WHAT'S HAPPENING?" Dylan yelled. The boys ran over to help him and almost trip over his head, which was sticking out of the floorboards along with his hands, as if he was trying to hang on.
His camera had landed next to him and was still recording Dylan's fearful expression. His face was bright red from being constricted.
"GET ME OUT! DON‘T JUST STAND THERE DO SOMETHING! HURRY UP BEFORE I TOTALLY DISAPPEAR!" Dylan screams frantically. The boys stood looking at each other in terror before Ryan, and William begins pulling on his head. "OUCH, THAT WON’T WORK MY HEAD'S STUCK IN HERE LIKE CRAZY GLUE!" Dylan screamed. Dylan's face begins turning blue from lack of oxygen and the boys knew they had to work fast.
"Dylan we can’t get you out!" William cried.
"Go see if there is a shed out back and look for something to cut up these wooden floor boards Jared!" Ryan said continuing to tug on Dylan's head.
"Ugh stop," Dylan groans. Jared returns complaining about the front door would not open, and that they were indeed in a trapped in a house with no exits.
"Okay we are going to have to look around here and find something to use to get Dylan out so start looking and hurry up!" Without saying another word, they search for something to save their friend. Eventually, Ryan comes back claiming that he found a chainsaw in the hall closet along with a paper bag of clothes. The others ran back when they heard all the commotion. Jared uses the camera to film the rescue attempt. Ryan excitedly dumps out the clothes and checks the chainsaw for gas and was even happier when he found that it had some.
"Good start it up you kept me waiting long enough!" Dylan complains. Ryan pulls on the tethered cord hoping it wouldn't break. The gas was old, and it took several tries before Ryan got it started, and then it sputters and shuts off, as everyone groans.
Ryan doesn't give up he stays with it determined to get it going, and he keeps pulling the cord carefully, once again it starts up and remains on. Ryan instructs William to place the bag over Dylan's head to protect him from the flying sparks and holds Dylan's hands as he begins cutting the floorboards. William immediately obeys turning his face away from the scene for protection.
"It is a good thing it stopped at your head, Ryan yells over the noise, or we would have never known what happened." He said fooling around trying to lighten the mood a little.
"IT’S NOT FUNNY RYAN; I'M GETTING A DAMN HEADACH!" Dylan yells back.
"Dylan I promise we will get you out. I will not leave you don’t worry," Ryan reassures him stopping for a half of a second, long enough to make eye contact with his cousin to let him know he was serious.
"Just hurry up and cut faster my legs are getting tingly as if they are asleep."
Ryan continues cutting until the other's could pull him out and afterwards they
Videotape the area below.
"Hey guys it's the basement maybe something valuable is down there," Jared announced. Ryan turn to Dylan, he pulls him up to a standing position, to give him hug.
"You will be fine," Ryan said in a soothing voice patting his back."
Jake's arm slips around my waist as he leans in, resting his chin on my shoulder while sitting behind me. I knew he felt touched probably wishing he could have had that kind of bond with Barb.
"We should leave now my head hurts, and I don’t want to go through any more experiences like that," Dylan said withdrawing from Ryan still terrorize as he takes the camera from William.
"I agree with Dylan. I don’t care how much money we're getting paid let’s go," William whined. Ryan looks at them and with a concerned expression licking his lips. "We will leave when we find another way out," Ryan said looking at Dylan.
"It is okay Ryan; I think I can use my legs, by the way, thanks for saving me from my death." Dylan hugs them. "Alright let’s find a way out of here." Ryan walks forward knocking cobwebs out of the way.
The next room was the kitchen they continue searching for a door or windows but only found stairs to that lead to the bedrooms.
"Dylan, make sure you film the master bedroom so we can win the bet. This tape is our proof that we here," Ryan said.
"Let’s hurry up so we can get out of this hellhole this place is freaky," William said tearfully taking a swift glace behind him swallowing hard.
"We will now quit being a baby and stop whining," Ryan replies in an irritated voice.
"SHUT-UP RYAN I'M NOT ON THE FOOTBALL TEAM, SO I DON'T HAVE TO LISTEN TO YOU! I’ AM FREAKING OUT THINKING SOMETHING IS CRAWLING ON ME WITH ALL THESE COBWEBS. BESIDES, YOU ARE THE ONE, WHO WANTED TO TAKE THIS BET ALONG WITH THRILLS AND CHILLS! HAVEN'T YOU HAD ENOUGH YET?"
"Shut your mouth Jared or I’ll shut it for you!" Ryan threatens holding up a fist making Jared back up.
"Fine on second thought I’d much rather be alone than with you losers!"
"Stop," Ryan groans bringing his fist up to his temple squeezing his eyes shut. "Would you listen to yourself?" Jared’s mouth twist into a snarl. "You make me so mad Ryan I could spit at you!"
"No one else is complaining as much as you are Jared and all of us are in the same situation." Ryan retorts back bringing his fingers to the bridge of his nose and pinches it, shaking his head back and forth.
Jared turns and stomps down the hall and William starts after him but Ryan yanks on his shirt. "No let him go cool down, he’ll get scared without a light and come back.
In the meantime, let's explore this room with the double doors it could be the master bedroom." As soon as they enter the room, it shakes and rattles sounding like the thrust of an airplane engine about to take off. The loudness made them turn to leave but Dylan sees something with his camera and zooms in peering into the shadow blindly trying to make it out. "IT'S THE SPIRIT WATCHER RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!" Dylan shouts almost dropping his camera as he runs for the door. "DYLAN WAIT ARE YOU GETTING IT ON FILM?" Ryan asked.
"YES BUT WHAT'S THE POINT WERE GOING TO DIE LIKE THE OTHERS!"
"THAT'S MY POINT IF WE DIE HERE I WANT SOMEONE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPEN TO US AND HOW," Ryan answered.
The gigantic Spirit Watcher flies to them in one smooth motion and it look as if it were a large dragon with spikes down its back and lots of grey smoke bellowing around its nose.
William opens his mouth and let’s out a horrendous, bloodcurdling scream and freezes like a stature unwilling to move or breathe. Ryan runs frantically screaming to Jared to save himself, as he hurries for the bedroom door hoping to escape. Dylan drops his camera and grabs William's arm willing him to run alongside him.
The camera stays on although we could only hear background noises and see bits and pieces of the action. All the screaming must have alerted Jared to the danger, because he was standing in the doorway when Ryan comes running out, and they collide into each other tumble backwards onto the floor! Dylan came out next pulling William at a full speed, tripping over the others and they all lay in a heap of a mess!
All we could see on the video were a bunch of tangled up shoes lying just outside the doorway with the Spirit Watcher hovering over them watching and shrieking. "RRROOAAR, RRRROOAR, RRROOOARR!" The spirit Watcher uses its gigantic wing to sweep the boys back into the room now they were back in view with the camera lens. We could see their fearful expressions on their faces as the Spirit Watcher's grossly huge body circles slowly and murderously chomping its teeth, as if they were its next meal! I could hear Ryan talking to the others saying, "Were not going to die without a fight."
Without time to plan the boys fought back trying to avoid the Spirit Watcher razor, sharp claws as it shrieked loudly trying to grab at each of them.
As they fight back to distract it while Ryan takes out his pocketknife and plunges the blade deep into the Spirit Watcher's eye and pulls back a section of sticky gooey slime and bits of its eye while blood squirts out slowly then faster and faster it pours out."
"I DID IT BEING OBSCURED SHOULD DO SOME DAMAGE!" Ryan exclaimed as the Spirit Watcher turns away. Ryan stabs it repeatedly until he realizes injuring it does not stop or slow it down. Ryan Looks around wondering where everyone else is when he sees his friends lying lifeless on the floor with the Spirit Watcher was doing something to Dylan’s body.
"NOOOOO STOP IT!" Ryan screamed. The last thing we saw on the video was Ryan picking up the camera and forcing it through a tiny porthole window that was not big enough for Ryan. The camera went fuzzy as it falls through the bushes and it lands with a thud turning off.
"There's only one way to find out if the tape is real. Who wants to check it out?" Sherri asked smugly. Jake pulls me in closer wrapping his protective arms around me saying, "No way!"
No one else said a word for a while we stared at each other in silence maybe they were actually considering the idea of it, I thought biting down on my lower lip. We all sat there with mixed emotions not knowing what else to say until a few minutes later when Brian speaks up, "How tragic for their families not being able to bury them or have any kind of closure I wondered where their families moved to."
Looking up I say, "I think they moved away from here because they were having such a difficult time in dealing with it all."
Jake had heard enough and he grabs my hand saying, "Let’s go Areaunia, I can‘t believe no one else is suggesting that this is a stupid idea. You guys are really crazy if you're considering this nonsense!"
I wave goodbye to everyone as Jake was practically yanking my arm off, I want to stop him and talk, but he was to upset. We went outside into the chilly night air.
The crisp October winds slice through our clothes, and the leaves rattle in the trees. The sky became darker, and cloudy as if it were about to rain on us, and it was making me uncomfortable.
I could tell he was in torment over the whole thing, and I was afraid to say anything, so I kept quiet as we walk to the car, a million thoughts ran through my mind about everything.
At the car Jake smiles at me, so I spoke up, "Jake, I feel sad for their families that this was never solved."
"There is something about that house it's not right Areaunia, we should listen to the rule, and stay away." Then as if he was reading my mind, he adds in, "Promise me, you won’t go check out the evil house with the others?"
"Okay but I do not believe in ghosts, or hunting's, and I am not about to start now."
"Good now get in the car; I will drive us home, and come back tomorrow to get my truck. I don’t want you driving home this late by yourself." Jake opens the car door for me.
Jake gets in on the passenger side and closes the door. We drive home and I went straight to bed.
The next morning Jake already left for work, when I was wake up to the sound of a ringing phone. It was only 7 A.M. Therefore, I decide to let the answering machine screen the call.
"Areaunia I know you're there so pick up the phone, Pick up, pick up, the phone," Sherri sung out impatiently.
"Hello," I said sleepy
"Hi Areaunia, I talked everyone into going but you guys so are going to Mr. and Mrs. Lark's house with us please come with to see if it's really haunted after all these years? You told me awhile back you were curious about going there, and besides after viewing the tape it makes sense to see what’s really going on there!"
"Sherri, I can’t go because I promised Jake last night, and he’s spooked over the whole thing even though I am curious.
"Well what if Matthew and Brian try talking Jake into coming with all of us tomorrow evening?" Sherri said.
"Maybe they could try, I guess." I felt an odd sense of urgency to visit their home almost a strong pull in the middle of my stomach, but I remain silent about that.
"Okay so just in case he changes his mind, we will be going tomorrow night on Halloween, it will be the thirtieth year of the Lark's death, and we'll meet at Ten P.M. That will give us enough time to look around, and leave just before midnight."
"Sounds okay goodbye Sherri," I said hanging up the phone.
I spent the rest of the day wondering how to explain to Jake that I really want to go to the old Lark's place, so I thought it might help to make his favorite meal. Pork chops, mashed potatoes and, bisques. I also stocked the fridge with his choice of beer to ensure he would be in a good mood. In the evening when he arrives home, as soon as the garage door opens all the nervous tension built up. When he enters, I kiss him while handing him a beer before I starting talking fast and loud as if I was yelling.
"SHERRI CALLED TO SAY THEY ARE MEETING AT LARK'S AT 10:00 P.M. AND I WANT TO GO, PLEASE COME WITH WE WON’T STAY LONG I’M CURIOUS, AND SCARED BUT--,"
"Hey," he said cutting me off, "slow down, and breath you know I already said no, and you agree with me so quit hounding me."
"Everyone else gets to go to it's not fair we always hang out together so I am going to go with or without you because it's something I have always wanted to do, and I’m not going to miss my chance," I replied defiantly trying to take my independence.
"AREAUNIA NOBODY TELLS ME WHAT TO DO! I WEAR THE PANTS IN THIS RELATIONSHIP, AND I SAID NO. I MADE MY DECISION, THAT‘S FINAL!" Jake yells as his fist came down hard on my lower lip, and I sprawl across the room!
I taste the blood that trickles down my busted lip and did not dare to get back up for fear, he would do it again.
This was a first for him sure he pushes me around a little, but now it is escalating to serious abuse and it would only get worse overtime. Especially after hearing Barb’s stories so, I lay still silently sobbing until he leaves before grabbing an ice pack, and slept on the couch. Thankfully, Jake left early the next morning, and I did not have to see him, but as the day wore into the night without Jake coming home, I begin to worry.
I thought about giving Sherri a call to meet up with her after all Jake was not there to stop me but then what would he do when he found out that I went behind his back. Of course, I did not have to think about it for long because the phone rang, and I ran to answer it expecting it to be Jake. "Hello?"
"AREAUNIA, I THOUGHT YOU SAID JAKE DIDN'T WANT TO GO TO THE MR. AND MRS. LARK'S HOUSE!" Sherri yelled into the phone.
"He doesn't, and still won't let me go he is being very mean about the whole thing. I almost start crying.
"Areaunia, Jake's here at the Mr. and Mrs. Lark house we saw him when we drove up, and Brian yelled out to him, and then he disappeared. One minute he was there and then he was gone.
"There."
"Gone."
"No "poof." No flash of light. No explosion!"
I thought at first we all imagined it, but it happen and you need to get over here as soon as possible."
"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? JAKE’S REFUSES TO GO THERE WE HAD A FIGHT LAST NIGHT ABOUT IT AND I JUST KNOW HE WOULD NOT GO THERE! ARE YOU SURE IT WAS HIM IT IS DARK OUTSIDE?"
"WELL AREAUNIA I SUGGEST YOU COME DOWN HERE AND TAKE A LOOK FOR YOURSELF! WE WILL WAIT FOR YOU IF YOU HURRY UP!"
"OKAY I'M ON MY WAY GO INSIDE, AND TELL JAKE TO WAIT FOR ME!" There was a small pause. "Alright, but hurry up Areaunia."
After hanging up the phone, I was thinking that maybe he changed his mind. He just needed some time to think about it, or was still to mad to call. I put on a lot of makeup to cover up what Jake did and drove over to the Mr. and Mrs. Lark's home all the kids were done trick or treating. Mr. and Mrs. Lark's lived on their own private lot so I did not see many people out on this Halloween Night. When I arrive at the old, warned out house from years of neglect the outside shutters barely hanging in place while others had been pulled from their place by the strong winds, and was laying somewhere on the roof rotting away. One last remaining shutter beating against the house making a rap, tapping noise as it hits the ledge each time the wind blew. There was also a swing tied to a tree, so they must have had a child at one time. I watch it swing swaying back and forth as if a child were still sitting there.
Trying to remember the time when I read their obituaries and I do not recall anything about Mr. and Mrs. Lark's having surviving family, or relatives.
For the time being, I could not see Jake or any of my friends anywhere in sight so I knew I had to go look around for them despite the fear of the videotape. Terrified but the love for Jake was too much to not go looking and if I did not go searching, I knew I would suffer from one of two pains. The pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.
Plus I was curious and had to find out why Jake came here alone, after all he is the reason I was standing here all alone tonight so there is no other choice but to go search for him and my friends and try to rescue them no matter what!
I have enough courage I think and I came prepared with a backpack of things I might need that I packed at the last minute. I even threw in a gun in for protection!
The door was already open, so I went and grabbed a large bolder from the yard to heaved it in front of the door so the wind would not slam it close.
Stepping over the rotted, splinter up floorboards I could not see anyone and they were not in ear shot either because no one answered when I yell out.
My feet kept moving forward as if a constant pulling from my waist forcing me to continue.
"Jake," I call out when all of a sudden I smell rotted dead corpus and had a sense of claustrophobia, which changed to a panicky feeling as if I were being buried alive! That instant I knew I need to turn around and get the hell out of here and was thankful I left the front door open.
Taking out my flashlight to shine it over the floor so I could move faster I walk to the front door determined to leave but as I got closer it starts closing! It made me do a flying leap trying to make it as it slams shut trapping me inside!
Scurrying to stand up and grab the doorknob to test out my theory and sure enough, it would not open. Shaking I stood there biting my lip until it bled knowing the tape was real made me shake even more. This was just the beginning of a walking nightmare I must prepare myself for a night of Hell and try like those boys to find another exit. As I began to endure an unknown world of psychological terror, and pain I must find strength to venture through this horrifying place alone and be willing to face the consequences without giving up.
As I make my way back to the hidden staircase surrounded by silk fake trees, I concentrate on my footsteps in this dark, smelly place. The doors needed oil and the golden banisters were now a strange pea-green color, the same color as the wallpaper in the videotape
I ended up is in the same living room as the boys did and walk carefully around the rotted floor so I would not fall in, plugging my nose because of the smell. Coming across a trapdoor, I lift it up and found stairs and use them to climb down, and had trouble getting me upper body through because of my backpack.
I made it through and shine my flashlight around to discover I was in the basement. Walking onward with willpower knowing the others might not be down here, but I felt a strong urge to keep going. I force myself to trudge on until I came to a wall blocking my path. "SHOOT ALL THIS FOR NOTHING!"
All my strong instincts should had help me through this heart retching journey but now I think it is going to take something extraordinary, something I do not have. Hating the idea of having to turn around to go back to where I started there had to be a way past this so I shine my flashlight over the wall looking for openings.
There was a square area in the wall held together by four screws with one screw already coming undone. I think it is another passageway, so I squat down next to the wall to untwist the remaining three loose screws with my fingers, and they came off easily.
Once the screws were off the panel fell down revealing a passageway but without a lot of room inside, unless I crawl on my hands, and knees like a small child. I want to find where it would lead so I go forth and after awhile come to another dead end. I pound my hand on the ground in frustration, and feel something squishy underneath me as more crawl up my arms. They were extracting down hard as I try to brush them away screaming.
"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!" More begin climbing up my pant leg, and some drop down onto my head sucking on by scalp! My heart rate increases as I freak out frantically trying to wipe them off when I unexpectedly fell onto my side. I shriek, in disgust, and then slam my lips shut, but it was too late! A sizable, velvety bug drops into my mouth trying to choke me.
I spit it out in a violent rage removing all the prickly hairs off my tongue. Fortunately, it did not have time to bite, so I did not understand why my tongue was going numb. In anger, I roll from my side to my back and kick at the wall. The bugs crunch under my shoes as cringe with queasiness! Trying to keep myself from throwing up was the worst feeling ever I have to get out now!
I could not turn around to crawl neither back because the area was too small nor could I stay in here for another second! Shaking trying to think straight as sheer panic made me kick harder and harder until bits of drywall break off and I knew it was a makeshift wall.
"Wow," I kick forcefully trying to rupture a hole through and escape! The, nasty bugs creep upward becoming more fierce as they bite down, piercing their stingers inside my skin. It was as if sharp needles were poked into me several times and they were sucking out my blood like vampires!
My legs felt hot as if they were on fire ready to combust as the burning slows down my kicking and with one last dreadful kick, the wall breaks through! I could scoot out feet first and wiggle the rest of the way until I was free!
"Whew," I stood up panting with sweat dripping from my forehead and my t-shirt clinging to my back as I made one last effort to remove the rest of the bugs that were still attached by their long antennas. They look like Scorpions with green, velvety fur. These bugs made a god-awful hissing sound and were extremely painful to pull out! It felt as if I was pulling out long splinters and is was very traumatic. Crying as I cuss up a fit, wishing I didn‘t have to be the one to do this. If only Jake or the others would have waited, I thought angrily.
As I finish pulling the last one off of me I heard a door slam, and someone screaming for help, but before I could react the screaming stopped just as fast as it had came. I wanted to know where the screaming was coming from maybe the others were somewhere down here after all. I had to keep going, I was limping more than walking, and feeling queasy.
It had to be those poisonous insects so I stop and search through my backpack for the first aid kit to put on some ointment, and dressings on my wounds and took three Tylenol pills with water. After resting for a while I thought I felt better until I stood back up, then a woozy feeling came and I was not fully aware of all my perceptions, but I continued on and came to an elevator shaft. Standing there looking at it at first I thought there was an actual elevator. My eyes must have been playing tricks on me or maybe it was it the venom in the bugs, because as soon as I blink the elevator disappeared, or maybe it was never even there. I suspect there wasn’t one so I yell down the elevator shaft to hear if my voice echo, and saw a bright light.
It was worth checking out, plus I would be able to see better so I got on my stomach to peer in and notice a knotted rope hanging down, and hoped it would be durable enough to hold me. Climbing down as fast as I could but about halfway, my hands blister up. "DAMN IT, OWE, OUCH!" It stings badly and it makes my teeth clench together as the bandages fall off my hands they start to bleed. When I could not hang on any longer, and I felt myself falling down deep into the emptiness of a black hole! The tingling sensation tickles my stomach, as I was fell through the air with my legs flailing useless. Further and further down until I hear the loud thud of my body smashing into the ground with deep throbbing pain.
I look around in the bright light and everything was blurry and I felt soft grass under me that smells like seaweed. I continue lying there barely breathing until the shock of it all began to subside, then darkness came over me, and there was nothing more.
CHAPTER 2
THE SPIRIT WATCHER'S EYES
Meanwhile Jake and the others were somewhere in the house. As soon as Sherri finds Jake, she asks, "Why are you here?" Jake looks confused and replies," I really don't know one minute I was driving off to work, and the next I got out of my car and walked over here, it's like there was an unknown force drew me here beyond my control just like you guys. There is no way out and I already tried the front door when that didn't work I came back up here to see if you guys would show up." Heather threw up her hands over her mouth, with a frightened expression in her eyes.
"OH MY GOD SHERRI DID YOU TELL AREAUNIA TO COME OVER HERE OF BECAUSE JAKE?" Heather asked.
"WHAT THE HELL?" Jake responded in a loud emotional voice without Sherri answering him he continues talking about Areaunia becoming more upset.
"We will find her Jake besides, she might not even come here, and if she does she will be forced into this room like we were then you could be with her," Sherri answered. They wait but Areaunia never showed up.
"Okay Jake we will look for her if we don't find her, I’ll call the police myself when we get out of here!" Sherri said knowing her phone was useless inside the house after already trying it. Jake made no more comments he just kept his head down.
They walk around the corner calling out for Areaunia as they squeezed between two walls to get into the kitchen area. When they pass the stove they hear a crackling noise inside the stove.
"Did you hear that?" Sherri asked tugging on Brian’s arm. "I think there’s something in there, and it just scared the crap out of me."
"Well I will open it up and check inside," Brian tells her and reaches for the stove when Jake walks toward them saying, "Brian I would leave it alone if I were you." He did not back up.
"What do you mean Jake it could be a clue to direct us to where Areaunia is and that’s what we all want." Brian expressed shoving Jake out of the way. "No Brian I told you something is in there that means let’s go," Sherri whines. "Okay honey I won’t," Brian replies and turns around as he is going to leave.
Then without warning, Brian twist back and grabs the stove pulling it open to look inside before Sherri could pull him back. The stove sucked Brian in so fast there was nothing anyone could do to help!
"OPEN IT BACK UP!" Sherri screams reaching for the stove handle anticipating the worse but when she opens it up Brian had vanished! "Where did he go?" Sherri asked. We saw him get sucked in here so where is he?" Without waiting for an answer, she leans in more and saw there is no bottom to the stove. Sherri would follow her boyfriend anywhere so she already decided to go in after him. She takes in a gulp of air risking everything even losing herself forever just to see Brian once more!
Instinctively she hesitates, grabbing the side of the stove with her hand hanging on firmly and began deep breathing out of fear. When Jake realizes what Sherri's planning to do he pulls her back forcing her to let go. Heather continues staring into the black emptiness while Jake keeps Sherri away and Matthew tries closing the stove door but can't because there was a strange looking animal trying to come out and it looks like alike a rat, or beaver type animal.
"NO CLOSE -- -" Sherri could not finish as she grabs Heather's arm, and rushes out of the kitchen!
"NO WAI--" Matthew says looking up to see them disappear. He wanted them to stick together as a group thinking it would be safer that way. "WILL ANYBODY SURVIVE THIS?" Matthew cries out! This strange looking animal hisses and flies over and licks Matthew's face with its long slithering tongue. It reminds them of a lizard the way its tongue glide in and out of its mouth. Its black wings open and close as it rose up once again and plow into Matthew. He did not look hurt at all; the only mark on his skin was some redness.
Jake tries to help Matthew by chuckling wickedly saying, "You know you want me instead." The animal turns its attention to Jake for a half of a second and then back to Matthew. Jake lunges at it before it could do anything he grabs its middle and flings it toward the wall! "Why oh why this wretched creature has to come in so many forms?" Jake yelled. The animal looks at Jake startled but unhurt. Its head snaps back and forth as if it is going into some kind of trance.
Suddenly it stops and locks eyes with Jake as saliva drips off its open fang jaws it gave them one last pitiful look before running away. Jake and Matthew hug each other. "Thanks man for having my back. I owe you one," Matthew said!
"Yea that was disturbing, I’m glad the girls were not here to see that. I wonder if Areaunia is here and what she is going through." Jake said releasing his grip turning away from Matthew.
"Hey stop talking nonsense Jake; it's not impossible for her. We will all get through this and make it out," he says softly snapping his fingers emphasizing the word all. Jake nods as Matthew spoke, and they both take a few deep breaths to calm themselves before departing the kitchen to search for the girls.
"This was a stupid birthday wish Sherri. I need Areaunia here to hug and, protect her, and I can‘t have that now because of you," Jake said when they met back up.
"Areaunia is alone, and if she's hurt or dead I will never be able to forgive myself knowing it was my fault! In addition, I put you all in danger it was selfish I did not believe all the crap either about this place being haunted. Honest I actually heard there was a secret hidden treasure somewhere hidden in this house and that's why the police really boarded up this place and started up rumors because there was something really magical that could make you rich so that was my hidden agenda for coming here. Really I just wanted it for my birthday but I certainly didn't ask for my best friends to be given this hellish nightmare of death!" Sherri cried in a hysterical frenzy gasping gulps of air until Jake slaps her hard across the face.
Sherri stops crying and is astonished, but calms down knowing she deserved it, she wipes her nose with the back of her hand.
"Where would you get that kind of information?" Jake demanded.
Sherri hesitated, "Jake, I heard it at the very end of the tape, but I think it was muffled, or it might have been erased or something." Jake continues interrogating her because it sounded as if she was making it up.
"Come on Jake I really didn't even know if I had heard it correctly the first time I watched it and when I went to rewind it was gone so I kept quiet thinking, I might have imagined it. Honest I do not know if anyone else knew about it. I already told you that I feel guilty." Sherri's face begins to redden, and she yells, "PLUS IF I DID FIND SOMETHING I WOULD SHARE IT WITH ALL OF YOU!"