Experiment 426

Chapter 1

I’m reviewing the footage of the security cameras at a house that I’m house sitting, when I notice something. As I watched it sent shivers down my spine. He was long, lengthy, and in all black. I watched the figure slowly make its way to the room i was in, that's when i noticed i was shaking fearfully. Then the figure looked directly at the camera and gave the most horrifying , the most inhuman, savage like smile i've ever seen. Its smile went from ear to ear. Its eyes were bloodshot red.

As it moved its hand, I heard it's bones cracking like snapping sticks through the door. It slowly put its hand on the door and shook it rapidly and started to screech and scream at the same time. It sounded like nails on a chalkboard and a woman from a horror movie screaming. It was the most appalling thing i've ever heard. I jumped away from the door and the screen showed it. I ran over to my phone and dialed the owner’s phone number as quickover s I could. Then silence. Nothing. The noise from the figure stopped and the cameras turned off. All I heard was static from the screens. “Hello?” said the voice from the other line. “ Um hi, I know it's late to be calling right now, but were you expecting someone over tonight, Z?” I asked panicky. “Not that I know of Dex, let me ask my parents, Why?” Zander replied disquieted. “ Someone or something got in the house and was after me.” I told him. “ Alright hold on Dex, It might be my big brother pulling a prank.” Zander told me. I sat there for five minutes waiting for a reply. “Dexter, call the cops, It's not my brother he just walked into our hotel room. My parents said no one is supposed to be there. My parents and I are on the way right now, we’ll be there in an hour. Whatever you do, don't leave that room. Understand?” He said frantically. “I u-unders-stand” I said, shuddering. I hung up the phone and dialed the police, as soon as they picked up I told them what happened and the address. The cops said they were on their way.

I sat there and started thinking of ways to escape if the figure managed to get in. Then I saw a metal bat across the room. I jumped up as quickly as I could and ran as swiftly as possible and grabbed it. I ducked behind the tallest dresser in the room. It was silent for nearly 15 minutes when I started to hear sirens. I stood up and looked out the window when I heard a shuffling noise. I jumped still being paranoid and saw a letter was shoved under the door. I've watched scary movies before and I wasn't touching that note unless I was positive it wasn't a trap. So the best thing I thought to do was hit it with the bat, so I did. Nothing happened. I picked up the letter and started opening it. While opening it I got an unsightly paper cut, it was the least of my worries. I continued to open the letter and read:

“Dexter,Dexter,Dexter they're after you like they did me. You don't have enough time anymore, this won't be the last of me, there are more of us. The ones you love are endangered so are you. Some you are close to will bring you straight to me and where I came from, be careful who you trust dexter. We’ll see eachother again. Until next time.”

I clinched the letter in my fist looking at the paper cut on the other hand. The paper cut was oozing a lot of blood for such a small cut. I turned around and saw the cops making their way into the house. I sat down and clinched the paper even harder wondering why me why now.It was the longest 5 minutes of my life. Finally the cops came into the room where I was. I tried showing them the footage but the wires were cut. So it took out the letter and tried showing them it but they refused to read it. All they said to me was “ Cut the pranks Dexter, or you'll go back to juive you and your friends.”

They said this because Zander,Lilian, Raven, Cole, and I are a group of teens that go around pulling pranks like T-Ping, egging houses you name it we've probably done it. The cops aren't very fond of us, but the feeling is completely mutual. Anyway i'm not gonna lie, being in a cell with those 5 have the best of memories. Soon enough Zander and his parents arrived and Zander's mom told the cops everything was fine and they could leave. As the cops left the head sheriff Allen Murphy gave Zander and I a dirty look as Zander smiled and waved.

“Dexter are you ok sweetheart?” Alexa, Zanders mom asked.

“Yes Ma’am, I'm so sorry this incident ended your guy’s business trip so soon.” I said nervously. “Don't apologize for someone breaking in Dexter, you couldn't control it. As long as you're safe that's all that matters.” she said while hugging me and walked away to her husband.

(Alexa is a beautiful woman with long blonde hair and baby blue eyes. Alexa worked as a model and it showed. Zander had his mom's blue eyes and short blonde hair, but had his father's muscular jawline and muscular body shape, and his dad's height Zander is 6ft. Zanders father Mike was rich because he is a brain surgeon and is running for president. His dad is very intimidating.) “Earth to Dex.” Zander said while waving his hand in my face.

“Huh?” I responded.

“Huh. is that all you can say when the house was broken in to and you could have been killed. Huh is your only response?” Zander said, getting a little bit angry.

“ Look im sorry Z i'm just lost in thought ok. I'll tell you what happens when i'm able to talk to everyone in a group. Matter of fact grab your stuff and I'll message the others. We’ll stay at my place for a couple of days.” I said pushing him along.

“ Fine this better be worth it.” Zander said, packing his stuff.

( I'm only 5 '10 and wasn't as strong as Zander, luckily we were bestfriends because when I pushed him he would have thrown me. I have bright green eyes and platinum blond hair. Not much for “hotness” like Zander.)

“Alright Dex let's get outta here before my dad starts asking questions.” Zand said, putting on his sweatshirt. We started out the door when Mike, Zanders dad stopped us. “Alexander, Where do you think you're going without asking.” “Nice job Dex he caught us.” Zander said, nudging me. “ Dad, I'm staying at Dexters for a couple of days, He's a bit traumatized and needs a friend right now. Besides you and mom are leaving tomorrow anyways and won't be back for a week.” Zander said, not looking at his dad. ( Zander and his dad did not have a good “Father and Son” Relationship.) “ Alright. If I find out you miss school or go back to jail, I'm sending you to Military school. I'm tired of you ruining your future because you can’t act like a normal 16 year old.” His dad said in a deep stern voice. “Yes dad and please don't call me Alexander you know I don't like it.” Zander said ending the conversation and slamming the door. We both got in my van in silence. The whole ride was silent.

“Dex, I'm sorry you had to witness that. My dad has been gone lately and he just doesn't seem to be the person i remember when i was younger.” Zander said breaking the silence. “ It's alright Z, we've been great friends since 2nd grade. I've seen you guys argue.” I told him while I watched the road. We were on a dark quiet country road listening with the windows down letting the warm fall breeze go through our hair. We were cracking jokes and laughing, lighting up the mood.

“ I wonder if Chinese tourists get angry when they buy a souvenir in America just to find out it was made in China.” Zander said laughing hysterically.

“ I swear your stupid at times, I have a better one anyways. A perfectionist walked into a bar...apparently, the bar wasn’t set high enough. “ I said jokingly.

“Dex that joke was as stupid as mine.” Zander said laughing.

“ Alright, Knock Knock.” Zander said, trying not to laugh.

“ Who's there?” I said rolling my eyes and laughing.

“Who's that?” Zander said, losing his laugh.

“ Who's that who?” I said , confused.

“ No Dex, slow down a bit I see a hitchhiker. I might know him.” Zander said motioning me to slow down. ( Zander knows mostly everyone in the area.) I did as he said and slowed down.

I got a closer look and I realized. It was the figure from earlier. It opened its mouth and screeched and pointed at us. Zander covered his ears horrified and I stomped the pedal. We pulled into the nearest gas station. I put my head on my steering wheel.

“ What the heck was that Dexter. That wasn't human.” Zander yelled.

“ Calm down Z, How am I supposed to know what that is. That's what was in your house.” I said breathing deeply.

“ THAT WAS IN MY HOUSE! DEXTER WHAT IN THE WORLD I THOUGHT WE WERE TALKING ABOUT A PERSON NOT PARANORMAL ACTIVITY CRAP!” Zander screamed.

“ Alexander Hayden Beem calm down, I'm confused and scared too. I for sure don't need your hot head to yell at me like it's my fault.” I said, raising my voice.

“ I'm getting out of the car to get fresh air feel free to use this as a restroom break.” I said getting out of the van. I looked at the 7/11 sign and took a deep breath and looked at my shoes.

“ I'm sorry Dexter, You didn't deserve to be yelled at. I'll get you a doughnut to make it up to you ok.” Zander said getting out.

“ Alright, make it fast though Lilian is waiting for us.” I said getting in the van. Zander got in five minutes later with 3 doughnuts.

“ I got you,Lily, and me one.” he said buckling up

“ Thanks Z, Let's go, Lily will be mad at us, it's already 2:55 am.” I said, pulling out of the parking lot.

We finally arrived at Lilians house, She walked out in her panda onesie. “ Well you said you'd be here at a reasonable time. 3:11am is late.” Lilian said with her hand on her hip. (Lilian or as we call her Lily is a Redhead, with freckles. She has a cute little smile and looks like a very nice person. Don't let that trick you, she can be the meanest person you ever meet when she's mad. She's only 5’2 but has an attitude the size of an elephant.)

“ Well hello there cherry, you look cold out there need a ride?” Zander said, winking at her.

She rolled her eyes and said “Even when it's 3 you're still flirting when do you stop.”

“ Hey Freckles.” I said hugging her.

“ Hey Dexy.” she said giggling knowing I hate it when she calls me that. I rolled my eyes and opened her door.

“ Where to now?” she asked while messing with Zander.

“ Ravens.” I told her.

“ Ok, I'm picking the music!” she sweaked

“ Oh No you dont.” Zander said, arguing with her. Luckily I bought headphones and didn't need to hear them argue.

We soon arrived at Raven's house, Lily was asleep and Zander was playing games on his phone. Raven walked out of her house in Coles gray sweatshirt and black sweatpants. “ I'm so happy we're having a sleepover, this is gonna be fun.” she said giggling. ( Raven was 5’1. She has brunette colored hair and blueish green eyes. She was extraordinarily beautiful. She was also Cole's girlfriend.)

“Howdy shortcake.” Zander said acting like he had a cowboy hat.

“ Hey slenderman.” she said laughing.

“Slenderman?!” he said, confused.

“Yeah slenderman. You're tall,white,wear black, and some people don't like it when you're around.” she said laughing. He sat there confused staring off trying to piece the conversation together.

“He’ll be like that for a minute let me get the door for you.” I said opening the door for her.

“ Thanks Nugget, I missed you.” She hugging me. ( She calls me nugget because we met in 4th grade at the cafeteria after she stole my chicken nuggets.) I hugged her back.

“ Aww Lilys already asleep, what a party pooper.” she said getting in next to Lily.

“I'll make this fair Raven you're picking music.” I said driving towards Cole's house.

“I still don't get it.” Zander said, getting annoyed.

“ Don't worry Slenderman we both know your brain is too tiny to understand.” she said laughing.

We eventually got to Coles house and Lily woke up wondering where we were. Cole walked out of his house wearing his letterman jacket, a gray shirt, and jeans.

“Hey bro.” Zander said, leaning out of the car.

“Sup Z, I thought you were gone with your family.” Cole said looking around. (Cole was extremely tall for no reason. He was 6’3. Cole had black hair and his eyes were ice blue, they almost looked gray. Zander and Cole normally hit the gym together so he was very muscular. Cole also had a muscular jawline. He definitely was more handsome than Zander and I.)

“ Uh yeah but something big happened that's why we're meeting together so late.” Zander said looking at me nervously. After Zander and I saw the figure and argued in the parking lot, we didn't talk about it.

“ Hey pretty boy, you look pale are you ok?” Cole said, waving at me.

“Hey Cole, and yeah i'm doing better we can talk about it later.” I said hesitantly. Cole got in the van and sat between Lily and Raven.

“ Hey beautiful.” Cole said, kissing Ravens for head.

“Hi babe” she said, hugging him.

“ Enough with the couple names my stomach hurts from it.” Zander said, making puking noises. “Hey Dexy, can we get food? I'm hungry.” Lily asked.

“Of course Freckles, McDonalds is close, we can go in and eat.” I replied.

“Oh yeah, sounds good to me Nugget, maybe I'll steal your chicken nuggets.” Raven said laughing

“ How about I buy you chicken nuggets.” I said laughing.

We were all laughing and joking when we pulled into the McDonalds parking lot.

“I'll beat you in their Goldilocks.” Lily said laughing and getting out of the van.

“Is that so cherry?” Zander said jumping out.

They both took off running. Raven, Cole, and I walked into the building laughing at them.

“ Try again next time Goldilocks.” Lily said giggling. Zander rolled his eyes.

“ You guys order food and I'll get a table.” I said , handing Zander my wallet.

“ Foods on me.” I walked off finding a table. I sat down and rubbed my eyes.

“ Hey Dexy gotcha coffee.” Lily said walking over.

“ Thanks freckles.” I said while yawning.

“Wake up sleepy head.” Raven said walking over.

“ Where's Zander and Cole?” I asked.

“Waiting for the food.” Lily said sitting down.

We ate and laughed and joked around while we ate our food. “So Dex are your parents gonna be mad that we’ll all be at your house?” Cole asked.

“ No, they're not home. They left two weeks ago to take Riley to the doctors. They won't be back for another 2 weeks.” I said not making eye contact with anyone. ( Riley is my little sister. Her and I were close, I was always there for her. Riley has brain cancer and it's getting worse everyday. So my mother and father found a doctor that might be able to help her but it'd take weeks. So they left me here to finish school.)

“ Aww I hope Riley gets better. She's the sweetest little kid I know and has the cutest smile. That smile could brighten everyone’s day.” Raven said rubbing my shoulder.

“ Lets get home I'm tired.” I said ignoring the subject. We cleaned up our mess and left.

“ Alright guys,we're stopping by the gas station so I can get gas, get anything you need while i'm doing that.” I said, pulling into a shell gas station.

“Ok, I'll get some movies because we'll be together for a couple of weeks.” Zander said, helping Lily out.

“I'll get snacks.” Lily squeaked.

“I’ll get soda pop.” Raven said jumping up and down.

“ I'll get cards.” Cole said bluntly.

“Ok no trouble ok.” I said to all of them. They nodded hesitantly.

“ I'm serious.” I told them.

They walked off into the gas station. I stood there and filled the van while looking around. “Huh, it's really something out here, the stars are beautiful.” I thought to myself. When the gas tank was full I got into the van and waited for the others.

They all came back with their stuff as they said they would. I tried starting the van but it didn't. I figured because it's an old van it's normal so I tried again, but this time all the lights around flickered. I tried again not thinking much of it. Then darkness. I looked around looking for light.

“Z turn on your flashlight.” I said calmly. Zander turned on his flashlight and shined it around.

“ Is everyone ok?” I asked.

“Yeah we're good, what happened?” Cole asked

“ Don't know.” I replied.

That's when i Heard a metal screeching and it was coming from the back of the van. We all looked back and saw the figure. It bent down and looked into the van and smiled and walked slowly towards my door.

Chapter 2

As it slowly made its way toward me it made that horrible screeching noise. “STAY AWAY FROM US!” Lily screamed out of fear. The figure turned and looked at her and pressed its face on the window just enough to see the facial shape, it oddly looked familiar but I couldn't put a finger on it. “LILIAN” Zander screamed. I turned and looked to see Lily had fainted. I looked at everyone else. Raven was crying and holding onto Cole, Zander was jumping over the seat to check on Lily, Cole looked scared for the first time in his life and was hugging Raven. I turned around to see the figures face next to my window looking directly at me smiling. I closed my eyes and screamed. I suddenly opened them when everyone stopped screaming. I looked around and all the lights were on and the figure was gone. Lily was waking up, Zander was calming down and holding Lily. Cole was hugging Raven and was getting really angry. Raven was crying and trying to calm down. “ Guys look” I started to say. “ No Dex. I don't want some Stuipd cover up excuse for what the was.” Cole said, starting to raise his voice. “ We could've gotten hurt or killed, and that thing was after you. Not us you need to explain.” he said angeily. “ Layoff Cole, He's just as confused as we are right dex.” Zander said getting between us. “ yeah.. That's why i needed you guys over, i'm sorry for putting you in danger and almost dragging you into this without you knowing. If you want to go home I'll take back whoever wants to go.” I said avoiding eye contact. “Dexter, I'm with you on this.” Zander said. “It looks a little too late to turn back now don't you think.” Lily said. “Why would I leave now we're just getting started.” Raven said, making an uncomfortable smile. “I'd look like a complete jerk if I just said no.. so whatever. I'm in.” Cole said, rolling his eyes. “Alright so were all on the same page right?” I asked. “Yeah” everyone said looking around. “Let's get going. We have a big day tomorrow plus a lot of homework.” Lily said motioning me to start driving.

We soon arrived at my house and everyone got their bags and started heading for the door. “I'll catch up with you guys. I gotta call my parents and tell them you guys are going to be here for a couple of days.” I told them. They nodded and continued to walk through the doors. I walked towards the road and dialed my parents number. “ Hello?” My mom said while picking up.

“ Hey mom, how's it going?” I asked her .

“It's alright dex, why are you calling so late?” she asked concerned.

“Oh i just wanted to tell you i have Zander, Lily, Raven, and Cole over for a couple of days.” I told her.

“Oh ok sweetie, don't get in trouble, understand.” she said rushing to get off the phone.

“Hey mom, can i talk to Riley? I gotta tell her some stuff.” I asked. Then complete silence.

“Mom?”

“ Huh sorry honey, she's asleep right now she had her first surgery today so she's completely exhausted.” She said while hesitating.

“ Is something up mom? Can I talk to dad?”

“He's asleep too honey, try calling tomorrow, I love you.” she said rushing again.

“Wait mom before you go, how's the doctor? And how far are you guys?”

“Oh the doctor, he's nice, he promised he'd help your sister and I believe he can, and honey I told you it was pretty far like states away remember?” she replied

“ No, I don't remember,” I said laughing, “Which state again?”

“Somewhere off the coast of Texas dear. Well I really have to go now the doctor is calling so i love you, be safe, and remember don't get in trouble. Bye” she said and hung up quickly.

I walked back towards the house and that's when I saw claw marks on the back of my van. I went up closer to get a better look, and it said something really small

“Aventura”

I reread it over and over again. “Aventura, what does that mean?” I took a picture and walked inside. I looked around and Cole and Raven were asleep cuddling, Zander was sitting up sleeping while Lily was stretched out on the couch next to him. “Well i guess i'll just go to sleep.” i thought to myself. I walked into the living room where everyone was and turned off the tv and and wrote a note that said:

“Hey guys, I saw you were asleep before I came in. I'll be in my room if you need me just wake me up. Other than that, feel free to make breakfast and eat whatever, we’ll go to the library and do homework there then go to the store and pick up more food for the rest of the week, goodnight and sleep well.”

The note was pretty self explanatory so I taped it to the tv and walked off to bed. I laid there and was thinking about what “Aventura” ment and wondered why did the figure carve it on my van. “I'll ask Raven and Lily, they're pretty smart.” I thought to myself. I sat up and looked outside and just started thinking. “ Mom was acting weird, like something was off, she had a loss of words and that's not normal. Maybe I'm thinking too much into this. A lot has happened lately and I have a lot on my mind so i'm probably just thinking too much of it.” Next thing I knew everything was black.

The next morning I woke up to the smell of Pancakes,eggs, and bacon. I walked out into the kitchen and saw Cole and Raven cooking breakfast for everyone. Lily and Zander were playing mortal kombat.

“You're gonna die Zander, we've been threw this multiple times, you get cocky, say you'll win, then lose so badly you challenge me again. What makes you so sure you'll win this time?” Lily said laughing.

“ I know I'll win because I'm better than you at this.” he said, getting annoyed.

“Is that so Alexander. I Challenge you to mortal kombat. And if I win you buy everyone Mcdonalds after the library. And you can choose the winning prize if you win.” Lily said while standing on the couch.

“Deal and if I win you owe me 50$ for making me prove my worthiness to you.” He said laughing

“It's settled, let's go.” she said while sitting down.

They returned to playing. So I walked over to Raven and ole and got some food. “Smells great you guys. I hope it tastes as good as it smells.” i said while yawning. I grabbed a plate and began to eat while watching Lily and Z play.

“ Hey Raven, I have a question.” I said looking at her.

“Yeah what's up Dex?” she replied

“ What does Aventura mean?” i asked

“Aventura?” she repeated and looked at Lily and cole.

“Yeah do you know ?” i looked at her

“ No not quite but i can look it up at the library after I do my homework, why?” she said confused.

“ After I called my mom I saw something scratched on the van. So I went up for a closer look and saw that.” i told her as i showed her the picture.

“Do you think it's trying to tell us something?” she asked.

“Maybe i don't know, but let's look it up later. Imma go get ready to go. Whoever isn't ready to go when I'm done will walk.” i said while laughing.

I went upstairs and took a 15 minute shower, and got on some clothes. I brushed my teeth and brushed my hair. I looked down at the paper cut and flashbacked to the other night. It seemed to be in a weird shape actually. Kind of looked like an 7. But I stopped paying attention to it and put a bandage on it. I walked down stairs to see Zander and Lily arguing and Raven helping Cole pack up homework and books.

“You cheated.” Zander said angrily

“ Why would i cheat if it was so easy to win?”Lily said, trying not to laugh.

“Lets go, Lily. We'll do a mortal kombat right here right now in real life. Bet you won't win that now will you cherry.” Zander said rolling up his sleeves.

“Let's go then. I took 3 years of karate, 1 year of Taekwondo, 1 year of kickboxing, and I'm learning Krav Maga. Let's see who wins Goldielocks.” She said stretching

“Alright lets not kill each other in my living room, Z she won fair and square. Guess we're having Mcdonalds for lunch.” i said while walking past them.

“ Whatever, I don't want the little girl to cry anyways.” Zander said taunting Lily.

“Alexander Hayden Beem, call me little one more time. I'll punch you next sunday.” Lily said getting mad.

“ Zander apologized to her and Lily chill he's just trying to make you mad, ok?” I said getting in between them. Lily might be small but when she gets mad, that might be scarier than getting chased by killer clowns.

“ Fine whatever, Sorry cherry, no need to cry. Want a hug to make you feel better.” He said laughing.

“Zander, try and give me a hug. I'll break your arm.” Lily said walking out the door.

“ Well I better check on her.” Raven said, rushing out the door with some of the homework.

Cole, Zander, and I walked out the door and grabbed the rest of the homework. As we walked out the door the Tv went static and started flashing. I turned around to see what was happening. It started to flash three numbers over and over again. It Flashed “785”. I hurried and wrote it down and ran to unplug the tv.

“ What was that.” Cole said dazed.

“ How am I supposed to know?” I looked at him

“ Lets just go, we’ll tell the ladies when we're at the library and farther away from here.” Zander said, helping me up.

I locked the door as we walked out. As I walked to the driver's seat I saw Lily and raven reading a letter. I looked at them and Raven handed it to me. I looked at it. The paper was wrinkled and looked familiar. I flipped it over to find a picture of my family but My mom and Dad were crossed off. I flipped it back over and read:

“ I see you seem to be happy in this picture. That smile of yours is going to be gone soon enough, Don't worry. I'll see you soon, Dexter, and I see you brought some friends to play with us. Let's see how long they'll stay once they know the truth.”

Lily, Raven, Cole, and Zander looked at me. I returned they’re look of confusion. I looked back at the note and flipped it over and saw the picture again. Mom and Dad.

“Dexter, what truth??” Lily said looking at me

“ I don't know Lily. I have to call my parents though I have a bad feeling.” I said while calling my parents' number..

“You've reached Hazels’ voicemail, You're hearing this because I'm busy right now and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. BEEP”

I dialed dad's after to see if he'd pick up.

“Sorry i'm busy right now, please try again later and I might answer. Leave your number and name. Thank you and have a great day.”

I looked over at everyone. They seemed not to mind the note anymore. “I'll just call them later again.” I thought. I walked back to the car without saying anything and got in and buckled up. Everyone else did the same. We drove off in silence. About 10 minutes in, Lily and Zander were joking around like usual and Cole was helping Raven rebraid her hair.

“ Goldilocks I have an important question.” Lily said, trying not to laugh.

“What is it this time?” Zander said looking at her.

“Why do fish blush?” she asked, laughing.

“ What?” Zander said looking at her confused.

“ BECAUSE IT SAW THE OCEAN'S BOTTOM.” Lily said laughing hysterically.

“ What is wrong with you?” Zander said, putting his head down and laughing.

“ I have one.” Raven said laughing.

“ Let's hear it.” Lily said, still laughing.

“What happens to a frog's car when it breaks down?” ravens said giggling

“ What.” Lily laughed

“ IT GETS TOAD AWAY!” Raven said cracking up

We all laughed and joked all the way to the library. When we arrived everyone got out of the car and headed inside while Raven and I stayed behind so I could show her the mark on the van.

“Hey nugget what did that note mean when it said staying after we knew the truth.” She said looking down.

“I wish i knew Raven. I'm telling you the truth, I have no clue what it's talking about.” I hugged her and said. “Raven, weve been bestfriends since 4th grade. I would never do anything to hurt you or the rest of them. You guys are like my second family. I would never forgive myself if something happened to any of you.”

“I know Dex I trust you, I do. I'm just scared. This isn't normal. I've seen so much in my past but this, this is a whole nother level.” She said, tearing up.

“ Raven please don't cry.” I said , wiping away one of her tears. “Hey look at me, this might be scary, i'm scared too. But one day in the future we’ll all look back and laugh at this and miss the excitement. If things get Bad Raven i won't bring you guys along to continue, i need you guys right now. So don't cry, because everything will be alright. And if you keep crying, Cole might actually kill me, so please don't cry.”

She laughed a little. “Thanks nugget, that helped. Let's find out what Aventura means.” She said walking into the building.

As we walked over to the others the librarian stared at us. It kind of bothered me in some way. Her eyes were oddly large and looked all black. I stared back at her trying to find out what her problem was. There was a lot of heavy eye contact and complete silence. I felt if I looked away she’d jump over the table and attack me. She finally looked back down at her book, breaking the tension. I continued to walk towards the table. I sat down in between Cole and Zander.

We were doing our homework and joking around. Lily helped Zander while Cole and Raven worked together. I didn't need help, I finished most of it when I got it so I focused on looking for books about strange sightings of creatures. I found a couple of articles that matched the description. I brought it over to the table and told everyone what happened to the tv before we left. While we talked about it I got up to go put the books back, because all there was nonsense in it. I walked over to the computers waving raven to come with me. She typed in “Aventura” and a lot showed up. As we scrolled through google, the computers and lights began to flicker. Raven and I walked over to the others So we wouldn't be separated. As they flickered, the librarian got closer and closer to us. Her eyes directly staring at mine, not blinking. She got closer but never leaving the pose she was in. Her head tilted, smiling and pointing at us. She got really close to where you could hear her breathing. We couldn't move, because we were in too much shock. Then Darkness. Nothing but darkness so dark you couldn't even see your hand in front of your face. You could still hear her breathing but now you heard the clicking of her heels getting closer. Then silence. Then my phone rang.

Chapter 3

I jumped as I heard the sound. I looked down and saw it was my mom. Then the lights came on and the librarian was gone. I looked around and nothing. I forgot my mom called for a second. Then my phone rang again.

“Hey mom” I answered.

“Hey Dexter you called earlier?” she said sounding off.

“Yeah I did, Are you guys ok? You sound different, did something happen?” I said panicking.

“Yeah we're just fi-”she started to say but disappeared.

“Mom?” I said worried “MOM!”

“Dexter.” a strange voice from the other end said. “Your parents are fine for now, but no more calls.” the voice said before hanging up.

I looked up to see Zander, Lily, Raven, and Cole staring at me. I looked down at my phone clenching it in my fist. I was so confused and angry I didn't know how I felt. I picked up my stuff and stormed out the door.

“Dexter calm down we can fix this. Remember what you told me?” Raven said, catching up to me.

“Raven, I'm not in the mood right now. Just go back with the others.” I said, trying not to yell.

“Dexter give me one second, I have something you might want to see.” She said, pulling papers out of her backpack.

I grabbed the papers out of her hand and looked at them. It was just a bunch of numbers.

“What's so important about this Raven. They’re just numbers.” I said annoyed.

“Not just numbers Dex, remember in 5th grade when we had a code only our group knew?” she said looking at the paper. “ These numbers are spaced out and have commas in between them.”

I grabbed them again. And read the numbers out loud:

“6,15,12,12,15,23 20,8,5 3,12,22,5,19”

“6 is f, 15 is o, 12 is l, 23 is w, 20 is t, 8 is h, 5 is e, 3 is c, 22 is u, 19 is s. So let me put this together.” I said , thinking. “Follow the clues.”

“What clues though?” Zander said standing next to me.

“Let me think.” I said looking at the note.

“ADVENTURA! OF COURSE!” Raven shouted. “We've been looking in the wrong place. I need a map.” She said running into the library. We all looked at each other confused. Raven ran back out with a map.

“I thought Aventura sounded familiar, I just couldn't put a finger on it.” she said setting the map on the van. “Look.” she said pointing to a small town in Miami Florida. “ Dexter, what were those numbers that you saw on the tv screen.” she said looking at me

“785.” I said still confused.

“It's an address.” Lily said out of nowhere. We all looked at her. “What? It's pretty obvious. We found a small town in Miami and we got numbers out of it.” she said looking at everyone.

“ Dexter, were there any more clues?” Cole asked confused

“Well I have a paper cut, but I don't know how that’ll help.” I said looking at it.

“Give me your hand.” Raven said, pulling it towards her. “ That's definitely a clue. It's in the shape of a 7.”

“Hold on. So far everything has had this super hard hidden meaning so let crack this one.” Zander said.

“ Genesis laboratory.” Lily said out of nowhere.

“What?” Cole and Zander said at the same time.

“7 in our code is G. So I looked up the address and got Genesis Laboratory. Makes sense now. We’ve been stalked by a creature that no one has ever seen, besides us and the word Genesis means the origin of something. Meaning this creature is trying to bring us to where it came from and it probably won't leave us alone till we go.” Lily said looking at Raven.

“Exactly” Raven said smiling at Lily.

“Well we should get outta here.” I said getting into the van still surprised.

“Ok, Lets go to McDonalds because someone owes everyone some.” Lily said, lecturing towards Zander.

We ventured towards McDonalds and got food. Then I went to the park because it was a nice day and I needed to talk to Raven and Cole about what's going on. As we pulled in, Zander and Lily rushed out and ran towards the little pond that had ducks and geese in it. Cole, Raven and I walked over to the bench to sit down. Lily and Zander walked over by us arguing like usual.

“BET” Zander yelled.

“Bet what?” I asked confused.

“The little Lilypad doesnt think I could get a girl if I tried so she bet me to go talk to that cutie over there and she has to talk to that dude over there.” Zander said, getting cocky.

“Uh Z-” I started to saw then he ran off towards the girl and her friend.

“Hey pretty lady.” Zander said running his hand threw his hair.

“Oh hi.” she said looking around to see if he was talking to her.

“How is your day?” He asked while kissing her hand.

“I'm doing ok how about you?” she replied smiling.

“Im alright would be better if youd like to go out and get something to eat with me sometime.” he said smirking.

“Ill pass, im sorry.” she said laughing awkwardly