The Badlanders by Madie Bruns

The Badlanders

January 25, 2014

Claire sat quietly in the back of the classroom listening to her teacher lecture on and on about how to multiply xb times yw. Claire didn’t even bother to pay attention anymore. She was graduating in a year, and she had all her credits. There was obviously no point. The only thing that would stick in her mind was the hands on the clock.

Claire looked at the student next to her, snoring away. A puddle of drool under him. She had a thought of falling asleep herself, but it was no use against the surrounding noises. She glanced one more time at the clock, realizing that she still had ten minutes of just sitting there. She rested her head on her arm and tried closing her eyes, but the light from the window was just too much.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the bell rang through the classroom. One step out of the doorframe and it was like being released from prison on good behavior. Claire weaved around the sea of teenagers and managed to find her locker. She unlocked it and pulled out her backpack. After shoving her math book back under the messy pile of papers, she closed it.

“Hurry up, Claire,” Heather said, leaning on the locker next to Claire’s. Heather was Claire’s, almost, only friend in school. They had been friends since kindergarten.

“Hold on,” Claire replied, “I have to put this away.” She swung her bag over her shoulder and closed her locker.

“Comman.”

“I’m done, jez,” Claire laughed.

They pushed the front doors open and began their long walk home. The best part of having a neighbor, is your neighbor being your best friend. Without Heather, Claire’s walk home would have been dreaded.

The walk was like any other one. The trees surrounded the girls as they stepped off onto the ‘Nowhere Road’ as some called it. It was the ‘Nowhere Road’ because, well, it lead nowhere. Just far enough to show two little houses, turn to dirt, and fade into the woods. There were always tales about the woods. About monsters, or murders, or something else that was too scary for a couple of girls.

The most popular story, was of a brother and sister who wandered into the woods, and never came back. To this day, no one has ever seen them. Along with that story, is the story of the tearless mother. It says the mother of the two children would look outside for them everyday for three years, until she died of sadness and longing.

August 23, 1786

“Tommy, wait!” Abigail whined, trying her hardest to keep up with her brother.

“Common, Abigail!” Tommy laughed. Abigail stopped and screamed. Her dress was caught on a low branch.

“Tommy, help me!” She screamed. Her brother rushed to her side and helped her pri off the branch.

“You don’t have to act like you’re dying,” Tommy remarked. “Common, let’s go exploring.” Tommy started to walk threw the trees with Abigail close at his side.

“Tommy, where are we going?” Abigail said shakily. Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw something glistening in the distance.

“Do you see that, Abigail?” He asked inching towards in.

“What, Tommy?”

“That, thing, shimmering in the distance.” He stepped closer.

“What is that, Tommy?”

“I don’t know, but stay close.” They both stepped towards the light. Inch by inch. Afraid that this light might hurt them. They took one more step and they could see. They could see, inside the light.

“Tommy,” Abigail sighed in awe, “what is it?” Tommy took a deep breath.

“Let’s find out.” They both jumped into the light, and never came back out.

January 25, 2014

“Claire, don’t be such a baby,” Heather whined, poking her head back into the trees.

“What if the stories are true, Heather. What if we never come back from a simple walk in the woods.”

“That’s not going to happen, Claire. Now, common, if we start now, we should be back in time to go home and eat.” Heater took a step into the branches. The leaves and twigs crunched under her sneakers.

“Fine,” Claire groaned following closely.

They trudged through the underbrush. After a few minutes of walking they started to feel as if they had gotten lost.

“Claire, which way did we come from?” Heather asked fearfully.

“I don’t know,” Claire said. “Let’s go this way.” They continued in the direction that Claire had pointed to. They walked for a few more minutes before something caught Heather’s eye.

“Do you see that?” She whispered.

“The stories were true. About the lights.” Claire replied. They were scared as to what it was, but, they couldn’t stop themselves from getting closer. Like it was pulling them. Then they were standing over it.

“Wow,” Heather sighed. “Let’s go.” Before she could step into the light Claire pulled her back.

“What?! Are you crazy?!” She said.

“Maybe we can find those kids, and bring them back.” Heather argued.

“What if we get lost like they did? Besides, that was over two hundred years ago, they won’t be there.”

“Common, Claire. We can go, drop something in the spot we came from, and find that thing when we’re ready to go home. Simple. Don’t be scared.”

“I’m not scared.” Claire huffed crossing her arms.

“Then, common.” Claire loosened her arms. “Thank you.” Heather smiled. With that they jumped.

Claire opened her eyes. They were flooded with a harsh bright light. She turned her head and began to look for Heather.

“Heather?” Her voice echoed through the empty wasteland that she had found herself in. She looked around for her friend but only saw sand and hills. Then, she saw a figure coming towards her, waving at her.

“Claire!” She heard from the distance.

“Heather?!” She questioned back, running to her friend.

“Why are you clear over here?” Heather laughed breathlessly.

“Why were you clear over there?” Claire replied. Claire looked above her to try and locate the place in which they had entered, but there was nothing there. All she could see was, space. The stars and the planets.

“Where are we?” Heather asked.

“Wherever those kids were. Let’s go find a way out.” Claire said. They began walking in whatever direction they thought was north. They only came across endless sand. The weird thing about this dessert was, it wasn’t hot, or cold. Almost everything about this place was strange and out of place.

Claire and Heather were about to give up when something else caught their eyes. It was in the close distance. What looked to be a, city? They looked at each other and started to walk towards it. They walked for a shorter time than they expected, and to their surprize, this wasn’t a mirage, it was an actual city.

“Why is there a city in the middle of a place like this?” Claire asked.

“I have no idea.” They took another step closer and the steel gates in front of them opened.

To Be Continued…….

Secrets...Everybody has them.

Secrets

Everybody has them…

I needed to get out. I needed to escape for here. But, how? Where was I going to go? There was no one around. There was nothing around. It was just an abandoned house, boarded windows and doors. There was no way out of here, and if there was, there was no where to go.

~3 Days Earlier~

The sun leaked under my curtains. The light dripping across my face. My eyes fluttered open. I looked up and saw my dad standing next to my bed.

“Good morning,” he said sweetly.

“Good morning.” I yawned, stretching out my arms.

“Breakfast is on the table. I have to go to work. See you when I get home, Charlie.”

“Bye, Dad.” I smiled. Once he had left the room, I willed myself to sit up. The sun out shined the string of tiny bulbs stretched across the border of my ceiling. I looked into my closet. No. I told myself before falling back onto my pillow.

*Ding*

My phone vibrated beside me. I opened the opened the missed calls I had received. They were from my, Lucy, my best friend. She had called me twice. I don’t know why my phone waited for this long to tell me. I tried to call her back but, she didn’t answer. I called her again. Nothing.

I shrugged and set my phone back down. I peeled my blankets back and sank my feet into the plush carpet. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw red and blue lights. They were flashing into my window from the house across the street. I opened the curtain and saw someone being taken out of the house. I closed my window and made my way down the crooked, creaky steps. I passed the food waiting for me on the table and, instead, went outside.  

The entire neighborhood was standing on their porches. Everyone watched in awe, as they drove off. The flashing lights faded into the distance, along with the loud sirens. After they were gone, everyone went back into their homes. The street fell silent. Not like it had before. Today was different. There was an eerie feeling following the soundless streets. A chill crawled up my spine. I slowly stepped back inside and closed the door.

The thought ran through my mind. It swirled into confusion. Who just got arrested? No one had ever lived in the house next to ours. Why was everybody so secluded? I skipped breakfast and walked back up to me room. I saw that I had missed another call from Lucy. I called her back one last time and, finally, got an answer.

“Hello?” I said. Silence. “Hello?” all I heard was heavy breathing and some shuffling in the background. I slowly put down the phone ending the call. For a second I thought it was just Lucy playing a prank on me, but, wait, Lucy doesn’t sound like a guy when she breathes.

I brushed the thoughts out of my head and turned on the T.V. A news alert flashed on the screen.

“34-year-old, Eric Tarnwintz, was arrested this morning. He was charged with, kidnap and attempt at murder. Tarnwintz is faced with 27-35 years behind bars.”  A picture of the house he was arrested from appeared on the screen. I was shocked to see that it was the house next to mine.

He was using the abandoned house next to mine to kill people?! I thought to myself.

“Tarnwintz had an apprentice who has yet to be located. The police department says when he is found he will be arrested without trial. During interrogation, Tarnwintz admitted to his companion's possession of sixteen-year-old, Lucy Jomeston.”

A picture of Lucy was shown on the screen. A tear formed in my eye, but I quickly wiped it away. Replacing the sadness with anger. I grabbed my backpack off the floor and filled it with the proper, friend hunting, supplies: food, something to drink, an extra pair of clothes, and my charger (not that I would use it).

I mentally prepared myself for what I was about to do. Find my friend and the person who took her. Acknowledging the dangers.

I took a deep breath before stepping out the front door. People peaked out their curtains. I turned for a second, to look back, when I noticed someone walking behind me. Everyone vanished back behind their blinds. I quickly turned back around. I glanced back one more time and saw the person had gotten closer. He was wearing a dark jacket, and he had his hood hanging over his face.

I began to walk faster. Scared that he was coming after me. I took one more look back and he was gone. I stopped for a second and looked around. Nothing. I slowly started to turn back my head.

“Hi.” I almost jumped out of my skin. It was the person from behind me. I took a step back. “Sorry if I scared ya’. I just moved here and was lookin’ for someone to show me around. My name’s Kevin, and yours?” Held out his hand.

“Charlie.” I replied hesitantly. Shaking his hand.

“So, where ya’ goin’?”

“To my friends house.” I lied. I tried to avoid him by walking faster, but he only caught back up to me.

“What’s your friend’s name?” I paused before answering.

“Lacey.” I lied again. I looked around to see if anybody else was around. Of course, like it had been all day, it was silent.

“That’s a pretty name. You know, it almost sounds just like,” he paused, “Lucy.” My eyes widened as I looked at the ground.

“Yep.” My voice got shaky.

“Hmmmm, Lucy. That sounds like the name of that girl who was kidnapped.” I walked a little faster.

“You watch the news a lot?”

“Nope. I never watch the news. I’m never in one place long enough to get a T.V.”  I looked up for a second to see a smirk stretch across his face.

“How do you know about Lucy, if you don’t have a T.V. ?” I avoided eye contact with him.

“Let’s just say word gets around in a quiet neighborhood.” He let out a slight chuckle. My heart began to race. “So, where is your friend’s house?” I took a sharp turn left, trying to lose him.

“Her parents don’t like strangers. You should go.” I tried to shake him best I could. Nothing I did to get him away worked.

“Oh, comman, it’s impolite to let new friends walk alone in a new town.”

“Really, I have to go.” I started to walk faster.

Mollie.

Mollie.

            The moist air filled my nose as I stepped out the front door. The dewy grass squished under my shoes. As I walked I turned to look back at the little, blue house I called home. My little sister, Tegan, poked her head out the window and waved. I waved back. My curly, silver hair flowing in the wind.

It was the same path I followed last year and the year before. The same path to the same old high school I've gone to for, four years. 

The quiet morning was only stunned by the short clicks my sneakers made against the hard pavement. The neighborhood around me began to awake with every step I took. Parents leaving for work, and kids all ready for a brand new school year.

As I neared the school building, I noticed all the familiar faces. Some new, some changed, and some just the same. Standing against the bricks of the school, was the same blonde haired, round face I learned to love throughout the years.  Mia Clairence. When she noticed me she stood up straight and held her arms out. I did the same.

“I missed you Molz!” She said hugging me tightly.

I missed you too, Mia.” I smiled. We haven’t talked all summer, being as she was in Australia with the rest of her family. We only skyped a couple times throughout the three and a half months we spent out of school.

“Don’t forget about me.” Said the sweet voice I’ve remembered ever since I was seven.

             “Hey Lucey.” I said hugging her too. “How’s the Helingood family?”

            “Great, actually. Luke and his band might become famous here soon.” She smiled.  

            While I was stuck in this tiny town, Lucey was with Mia back in Australia. It doesn’t help that Lucey’s older brother, Luke, is in a really good band.

            “So what did you do this summer Mollie?” Mia asked while we walked into the building.  I shrugged.

            “Not a lot. I took Tegan to the waterpark and spent pretty much my whole summer with her because my friends were on the other side of the world.” I explained facing the office.

            “I can’t help we have family over there. If you don’t recall we moved here with you.” Lucey said.

            “Yeah, but you didn’t have to move.” I walked up to the desk.

            “Name.” The secretary said focused on her computer.

            “Mollie Chaplinston.” I said. She looked up and smiled.

            “Welcome back to high school Mollie.” She handed me my schedule and locker number. “Tegan going to school this year?” She asked.

“Nope. Next year though.” I smiled.

“Can’t wait.” I stepped away from the desk to let Lucey and Mia get her schedules. Everyone knows Tegan.

“Hey Mollie!” Makenzie Stemblegun said excited. She hugged my shoulders. I shook her off and backed away.

“Since when have you liked me?” I asked. I was confused at her sudden act of kindness.

“Since forever.” She tapped my shoulder. “Silly.” She laughed.

“Okay, whatever.” I started to walk away. She skipped right back beside me. “Can I help you?” I said clearly wanting her to leave me alone.

“Do you want to walk to class together?” She interlocked her arm with mine. I, again, shook her off and attempted to walk to my next class in peace.

“Mollie.” She wined catching up, again.   

“Can you just go away?” I said walking faster.

“Why? Friends stick together don’t they?” She giggled. I threw my hands up.

“We’re not friends. We’ve never been. So leave me alone.” I walked into my classroom. I set my bag down by my chair.

“Makenzie problems?” Lucey whispered.  

“Tell me about it.” I whispered back getting out my notebook.

The rest of the day trudged on. Every word seemed to smash together and create one big blur of sound. The next thing I knew the last bell was ringing and the day was over. I walked back home to find a babysitter watching T.V. on the couch. My mom was, again, nowhere to be seen.

“Sissy!” Tegan ran up and hugged me. Her hands and cheek were painted green.

“What happened?” I laughed.

“I was painting.” She looked down at her hands and ran to the bathroom to wash them. I paid the babysitter and she left.  I helped Tegan clean up her paint and put her down for a nap.

There was a knock at the door.

“Hello?” I said opening it.

“Hey.” Sarah said walking into the house. She plopped down on the couch and turned on the T.V.

“Be quiet, Tegan is sleeping.” I half whispered.  “What are you doing here anyway?”

“My parents are fighting again, so I just snuck out.” She shrugged. I sat down beside her.

“Oh, the old parents. What was the fight about this time?” I looked at her.

“My dad is mad at my mom for going out with her friends, when he went out the same night with his friends.” She changed the channel.

“Oh.” I looked down.

“I know it’s stu-,” she cut herself off. “I’m sorry Mollie. I didn’t mean anything.”

“It’s okay. I’ve gotten used to it in the past few years.” I shrugged. Tegan sleepily walked downstairs. She climbed on my lap and curled into a ball.

The next morning I got up earlier than I usually do. I watched the sunrise then made some breakfast for Tegan and I. I made myself a cup of hot chocolate and waited for Tegan to wake up.

“What are you doing, sissy?” She asked rubbing her eyes as she walked into the kitchen.

“I made us breakfast.” I helped her into her booster seat and gave her a plate with bacon and pancakes on it.

“Thank you.” She said, yawning.

After we finished breakfast, I helped Tegan into her school clothes. I got her buckled into her car seat and I hopped in the driver’s side.

The ride there was quiet. Tegan had fallen back asleep after we pulled out of the driveway. It was okay because I kept a little comb in the center console.

“Wake up.” I whispered once we got into the parking lot. I grabbed her hand and walked her into the daycare. She waved and ran to her crafting table. I turned back to the door and pushed it open. I walked back out into the parking lot. As I proceeded to my car when I thought I heard someone whisper my name.

“Hello?” I said into the empty lot. I shrugged it off and got into my car. I drove to the school. Just as the bell rang I sat in my seat.

Half way through class the principal walked in. She whispered something to my teacher, who pointed at me. I grabbed my bags and walked to the office with her.

“Someone needs to talk to you.” She said leading me outside. I was confused. My dad has been gone for years now.

“What?” The principal didn’t hear me. She instead pointed to the car I was supposed to go to.

“Hello, Mollie.” There was a man resting on the car.

“Hi.” I said shyly.