Hynesed

Power of the Sun

EXT. ROOFTOP - NIGHT
An alarm bell rings through the night. APOLLO (30s) and SOLAR -BOY (late teens) are alerted. Both are dressed as superheroes. Apollo has a flowing cape with a Sun emblem on his chest. A red gem is in the heart of the emblem, it glows. Solar wears a domino mask, with a matching Sun emblem on his chest, and has a solar gun.

SOLAR
That’s the alarm for the First National Bank Apollo!

APOLLO
Good ears chum! To action Solar Boy!

Apollo and Solar lock fists

APOLLO AND SOLAR
By the power of the sun!

CUT TO:

EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
The gem on Apollo’s chest glows brightly.

APOLLO
The gem senses The Jade Scarab is near! I should have known he’d be behind this nefarious plot!

SOLAR
By Mercury’s sandals Apollo that gem is amazing! I wish I could use it…

APOLLO
Not until you’re eighteen chum. Now I’ll go from the front, you guard the back entrance to this alley if he escapes!

SOLAR
Right Apollo!

APOLLO AND SOLAR
By the power of the sun!

Solar runs to the other side of the building to the end of the alley. He hears The Jade Scarab laughing and Apollo confronting him. Solar turns the corner and gasps. The Jade Scarab who is wearing a large trench coat and a green fedora has Apollo by the throat on his knees. The Jade Scarab has the gem in his hand. He is holding it over Apollo.

SOLAR
By Poseidon’s trident! Ap’s in trouble!

THE JADE SCARAB
Your power is mine Apollo!

APOLLO
You’ll never get away with this!

THE JADE SCARAB
I already have.

A knife appears from the cuff of The Jade Scarab’s jacket. Solar runs towards The Jade Scarab screaming.

SOLAR
Nooooooo!
The Jade Scarab stabs Apollo in the chest. Solar pulls his solar gun on The Jade Scarab.

THE JADE SCARAB
What do you think you’re going to do with that flashlight boy?

Solar grasps the gun tightly. Tears stream down his face.

SOLAR
You…monster!

THE JADE SCARAB
Goodbye child. Until we meet again.

The Jade Scarab erupts with laughter and disappears into a dense fog that envelopes him. Solar runs into the fog and cannot find The Jade Scarab. Solar falls to his knees beside Apollo.

SOLAR
Apollo…

APOLLO
Old chum…I never told you…my power…

SOLAR
Don’t talk…we’re…somebody’s going to save you…You can’t die Apollo…

APOLLO
The power is in you now…

Apollo passes a shard of the gem to Solar.

APOLLO (CONT’D)
I was saving this for your birthday…

Apollo dies. Solar’s fist clenches the shard and his eyes glow yellow. He screams into the night.

SOLAR (V.O.)
After Apollo died I vowed to continue his life’s work. That’s what he would have wanted. And on this day, Apollo Appreciation Day, you must be reminded that is what the world needs. A hero. So on that day I was no longer Solar Boy. But Solar. And I hope I’m the champion that Gateway City needs and can live up to Apollo’s legacy. By the power of the sun. Any questions class?

CUT TO:
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
SUPERIMPOSE - 10 YEARS LATER.

Solar (30s), and wearing a costume similar to Apollo’s, is in front of a first grade class. There is an excitement within the classroom. The walls are adorned with signs for “Apollo Appreciation Day”. Some students are dressed in home made super hero costumes. Jack (8) is seated in the front of the class. He is wearing a Solar-Boy costume. Jack raises his hand.

JACK
My Dad says your powers come from the gem, is that true?

SOLAR
Yes, but it’s only from a piece of it. I can’t fly like Apollo.
The class lets out a collective sound of disappointment.

SOLAR (CONT’D)
But I can jump…really far.

JACK
That’s still cool. My Dad says you can leap tall buildings with a single…

SOLAR
That’s true, but only when necessary.
More children raise their hand. KID#1 raises his hand in the back of the class.

SOLAR (CONT’D)
You in the back.

KID #1
Did you ever find the gem?

SOLAR
I…

CUT TO:
INT. SOLAR’S APARTMENT - FLASHBACK
Solar, haggard looking, unshaven and holding a half full bottle of whiskey is seated at a desk. Solar is pouring over a pile of papers and photographs. His eyes are blood shot.

SOLAR (V.O.)
I searched for the gem for a time, but my real duty is to the people. I can’t let the past rule my life. That’s not what Apollo wanted.
There is a picture of Apollo and Solar shaking hands in front of a league of other super heroes. Solar softly presses the glass of the picture. Tears stream from Solar’s face. He takes a swig of whiskey. Solar opens a file marked Jade Scarab. In front of the desk there is a bulletin board. Pieces of paper and pictures are tacked all over it. It is labeled as “Possible Identities of The Jade Scarab”.

CUT TO:
INT. CLASSROOM-DAY

SOLAR
But the gem is still out there in the hands of The Jade Scarab. It has been ten years, but that power is still out there. Waiting. But don’t worry kids, if he comes back I’ll stop him.

The children in the class erupt into an applause.

CUT TO:
INT. SOLAR’S APARTMENT

Solar lights a cigarette and picks up a picture from his desk and studies it. His face turns grim. The picture is of Jack, labeled “Son of Jack Gail (possible Jade Scarab), Jack Junior, age 8”.  

CUT TO:
INT. CLASSROOM-DAY
Solar places his hand onto Jack’s shoulder. Jack’s eyes light up.

SOLAR
And Jack Gail, for winning the Solar sidekick contest, you’ll come with me while I do patrols today.

KID#1
That is so cool!

Mrs. Hughes, the teacher of the class from her desk.

TEACHER
I didn’t know that there was a contest Mr. Solar.

SOLAR
Don’t worry Mrs. Hughes, I’ll have the boy back when the bell rings.

Solar turns to the class.

SOLAR (CONT’D)
Jack stand up and join me.

Jack, beaming, runs to the front of the room and stands next to Solar.

SOLAR

Just know boys and girls, I will always fight the good fight and make sure the bad guys are punished. I will always be there to protect you. This is my solemn vow.
The class erupts into applause.

CUT TO:

EXT. SCHOOL - DAY

Jack is pretending to fly and is weaving in and out while Solar walks across the campus, waving. Jack is making whoosing sounds.

JACK
So…so are we going to battle Squid Man? And save Atlantis today? Or…or are we going to go to another dimension? Oooo, lets go to the vampire dimension! My Dad says.  . .

SOLAR
Now Jack, about your father…

Jack’s eyes light up.

JACK
Dad!

Jack runs towards The Jade Scarab who is standing in a parking lot, his back is against a car. He is wearing a fedora, but is in regular clothes, Solar grabs Jack from behind.
Jack is tugged backwards and looks up at Solar.  Solar is staring stead-fast ahead at The Jade Scarab.

THE JADE SCARAB
I heard you were speaking to the class today.  I figured you’d try something, Solar Boy.

SOLAR
It’s Solar now, you monster. Come any closer and I’ll snap his neck.
Solar turns and his eyes burn a bright yellow.

JACK
Dad!

THE JADE SCARAB
It’ll be alright Jack. What is this about Solar Boy?

Solar winces at the word “boy”.

SOLAR
This is for Apollo…

THE JADE SCARAB
I don’t believe you.

SOLAR
Where’s the gem Scarab!

THE JADE SCARAB
Ah, the gem. You never cared about Apollo did you? It was always about the gem.

SOLAR
That’s not… He promised it to me on my birthday! Why couldn’t I have it?

THE JADE SCARAB
Then take it. You have it right in your hands.

SOLAR
Stop with your games Scarab!

Solar tightens his grip over Jack. Jack cries.

JACK
Dad, please…

THE JADE SCARAB
No games, I’m far too old for that sort of thing now. Sure, it was fun, pulling cheap magic tricks to rob banks. Fun, if not juvenile.

CUT TO:
EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
The Jade Scarab is holding the gem in his hands over Apollo. A beam shoots onto The Jade Scarab’s forehead. It communicates him the secret of the gem.

THE JADE SCARAB (V.O.)
It spoke to me. A voice in my head. It told me it gave Apollo great power to help humanity because that’s what he wanted. He emulated the heroes of pulps that he grew up reading, you see, the gem is not of this earth. But of Apollo’s galaxy.

A beam shoots onto The Jade Scarab’s forehead. It communicates him the secret of the gem.

THE JADE SCARAB
He was sent to earth with it as a child. They were linked you see, he chose to use the gem for good.   It’s power was unimaginable. 

EXT. SCHOOL-DAY

SOLAR
You are nothing but a villain!

THE JADE SCARAB
I was to you, yes.  The crimes I had committed were more of passion not world domination.  I was a B-list villain who was still young into the world.  The gem opened up my true inner self.  I grew up.

SOLAR
Give me the gem!

THE JADE SCARAB
It was always about the gem with you. Even now, you fail to see what it is, don’t you? Again, you have it in your hands. You have the gem in your hands.

SOLAR
I don’t understand.

JACK
Dad, please…

THE JADE SCARAB
It’s okay Jack, we’ll be home soon.
(to Solar)
Solar-Boy, Jack is the gem.

SOLAR
What? How…

THE JADE SCARAB
I used all of the gem’s power to create him. I always wanted a son, a legacy, Jack is nothing more than a dream. My dream.

The Jade Scarab walks closer to Solar, Solar tightens his grip around Jack.

THE JADE SCARAB (CONT’D)
If you want the gem Jack will cease to be. Simple as that. Now I know you wont do that, this was all a bluff wasn’t it?  To get me to hand over the gem to you?

SOLAR
So help me if you come one more step.

JACK
Dad, please I want to go home. Please…

THE JADE SCARAB
Just close your eyes Jack. Close them tight. Lets see if Solar Boy has the guts.

SOLAR
My name is Solar!

Solar’s eyes glow yellow and his grip on Jack’s neck tightens. Jack gasps for air.

APOLLO (V.O.)
Old chum… To action Solar Boy! By the Power of the Sun!
Solar’s grip loosens on Jack. Tears stream down his face. He lets Jack go.

SOLAR
I’m not…I’m not you.

Jack runs into The Jade Scarab’s arms.

THE JADE SCARAB
And you never will be.

Solar falls to his knees. The Jade Scarab hugs Jack tightly.
THE END

Multiball

BEGIN TITLES

Title scrolls across a black background. A metal pinball comes into view adorned with a decal of a flag of the USSR. Opposite a flipper appears adorned with a decal of the American flag. The pinball hits the flipper. The flipper springs up in an explosion against the pinball. Music suggestion: Requiem, Dies irae, Verde (in public domain)

END TITLES

FADE IN:
INT. Arcade - DAY

SUPERIMPOSE: The World Pinball Championship for the Universe 1980, Newark, New Jersey.

A large crowd is gathered around a row of pinball machines. The sounds of the machines echo off the walls. A banner of USA VS. USSR: The Hot War is on the wall. Two teams surround a pinball machine. One in red shirts with CCCP or USSR, four children, with a COACH on one side of the pinball table. The same is for the American team who are in blue shirts. JEREMY (8) is getting ready for the next round. JAMES (30s) is dressed as a head coach, a whistle hangs from his neck. 

JAMES
Jeremy, we’re tied with the Russians, it’s up to you. All you need is twenty thousand and we can send them back to Moscow to hug a bear!

JEREMY
Dad, are they even Russian? I recognize two of them from my math class?

JAMES
Look, they’re Soviet champions okay? Soviet champions. That’s what the papers are calling them. That’s what I put on the banner, do you want our arcade to go under?
James points to the banner on the wall.

JAMES (CONT’D)
This is our miracle on ice! Of quarters!

DEMETRI (8) is the captain of the Russian squad, he has just finished his turn playing pinball.

DEMETRI
We are so Russian! Right coach! Vodka and rubles!
Demetri slaps the hand of his coach who looks disinterested.

COACH
Yah! Whatever kid, whatever will keep that psycho off my back.
The Coach points to James who is starting a USA chant with the crowd. Jeremy steps up to the game and pulls the stick. His face is intense. Sweat drips onto the glass of the machine as the chants of USA grow louder in the arcade.

JAMES
Win! Win! USA! USA!
Jeremy is suddenly distracted on his last ball and loses.

JAMES (CONT’D)
No! No! Nooooo! You’ve killed liberty Jeremy! Why? Why?! Democracy is dead!
James falls to the ground and lets out a high pitched scream. James’ head explodes in a fireworks display of carnage. Blood splatters onto Jeremy.

CUT TO:

INT. JEREMY’S HOUSE -DEN-DAY

SUPERIMPOSE: PRESENT DAY

JEREMY (30s) is startled out of sleep on the couch. A loud explosion from BILLY’s (8) video game he is playing wakes him up. Billy has a blank stare. He is nearly catatonic playing the game.

JEREMY
Jesus, why did his head explode? Again?

JULIE (O.S.)
What’s that?

JULIE (30s), Jeremy’s wife, walks into the living room.

JEREMY
Nothing. It was nothing Jules. How’s it going Billy?

Billy is still playing the game without any response.

JEREMY (CONT’D)
Bill? Billy?
Jeremy waves his hand across Billy’s eyes to get a response. Billy softly mumbles. He struggles to get a word out.

BILLY
Dad, you’re going to get me killed.

JEREMY
Okay. Okay…

Billy breathes heavily, there is a ring of chocolate around his mouth.

JULIE
Can I talk to you in the kitchen Jer?

CUT TO:

INT. KITCHEN-DAY

JULIE
Look, we need to get that kid outside somehow.

JEREMY
No, you’re right. He needs to go outside. How do we (pause) do that?

JULIE
Are we this bad at being parents? I mean look at him.

CUT TO:

INT. DEN-DAY
Billy wheezes heavily as his fingers click the buttons the on the game controller.

CUT TO:

INT. KITCHEN-DAY

JULIE
We’re raising a slug.

JEREMY
I’d say Jabba the Hutt, so we’re on the same page more or less.

JULIE
Well, he likes video games…remember When we went to the beach? And he just had a Gameboy?

JEREMY
I thought you bought that for him?

JULIE
I have no idea where it came from…so, why don’t you take him to your father’s arcade? Finally?

JEREMY
We talked about this Jules.

CUT TO:

FLASHBACK: INT. ARCADE -1980
James’ head explodes.

CUT TO:

INT. KITCHEN-DAY

JULIE
The head exploding dream again?

JEREMY
I just haven’t been in there since…

JULIE
Since you lost. Look things are different now. You’ve changed. We were all different people back then, take a look at this.
Julie hands Jeremy a picture of her dressed as Boy George snorting cocaine off a watermelon and she’s giving a thumbs up at the same time.

JEREMY
Why? Why do you carry this around with you?

JULIE
So I’ll never run from the past again.

JEREMY
But why a watermelon?

JULIE
For flavor. Look this isn’t about me and how awesome I am. This is your past.

JEREMY
Look, I don’t know about the arcade.

JULIE
It would be good for Billy. It is kind of social.

JEREMY
I don’t know…

JULIE
Just think about it. Okay? Can you do me a favor? Can you bring the laundry up from the basement? I’m going to make lunch.

JEREMY
Sure.

CUT TO:

INT. BASEMENT- DAY

Jeremy has a basket of laundry and walks past a large sheet that is covering an old pinball machine. Jeremy stops and places the basket of laundry down. He takes the sheet off the machine. He passes his hand over the glass slowly. He lets out a deep sigh and reaches for his cell phone in his pocket. He calls James.

JEREMY
Hi, uh Dad? Yeah, it’s me. Listen, Billy and I are going to come by the arcade. Today? We can do today. That would be great.

CUT TO:

INT. ARCADE -DAY

James places his cell phone by his side. A smirk appears on his face. Song suggestion: Requiem: Verde, dies irae.

JAMES
Rematch…

A clerk at the arcade is standing behind him.

CLERK
Was that?

JAMES
Get me the Russian!

CLERK
You know he’s not really Russian right?

JAMES
Dammit! Just get me Demetri!

INT. DEMETRI’S HOUSE -DAY

DEMETRI (30s) is bracing a cell phone to his ear as he laces up his boots. Demetri’s knuckles are tattooed “TILT” on both hands.

DEMETRI
So Jeremy is back? Yes. I will break him.

BETH (O.S.)
Break who dear?

DEMETRI
No one wife. I’m heading out.

BETH (O.S.)
Why are you doing the accent again? Is this a pinball thing?

DEMETRI
More like pinball war.

BETH (O.S.)
Can you bring Susie? I don’t want her parked in front of the TV all day. Oh and pick up milk on your way home. Okay? Love you.

DEMETRI
Yes honey. (Whispers) I will break you too.

CUT TO:

EXT. ARCADE - DAY

Jeremy and Billy pull up to the parking lot of the arcade. James greets them at the door. He’s wearing a referee shirt. Jeremy and Billy exit the car.

JEREMY
Hi Dad.

JAMES
Son, I can’t believe you’re back.

Jeremy goes to shake James’ hand, James grabs him and hugs him. Jeremy looks at the front of the arcade. It looks slightly run down.

JEREMY
This place has seen better days. But still looks great.

JAMES
Oh it’s because kids don’t go to arcades anymore. You know, with their Ataris now and their Colecovisions. I get a birthday party here and there during the week though. Good money.

BILLY
What’s an Atari?

JAMES
Billy my boy, you’re one of the good ones!
James hugs Billy. Billy gives a look of “help me” to Jeremy.

BILLY
No seriously, what’s an Atari?

CUT TO:

INT. ARCADE - DAY

JAMES
Your Dad was the best pinball player I’ve ever seen. In competitive play he lost only once.

JEREMY
He had him dead to rights, that filthy Russian. What happened?

CUT TO:

INT. ARCADE - 1980

Jeremy (8) sees Julie in the crowd dressed as Boy George holding a watermelon.

JULIE
Don’t run from your past!

Julie snorts cocaine off the watermelon.

CUT TO:

INT. ARCADE - DAY

JEREMY
Look, Dad we talked about this in therapy…
Jeremy, James, and Billy turn the corner into the pinball room and Demetri is standing in front of a pinball machine. Jeremy starts to scream.

JEREMY (CONT’D)
(screams)

BILLY
Dad, who is that?

JEREMY
(screams)

DEMETRI
Hello Jeremy…

Jeremy continues screaming. Then he turns and attempts to run out of the arcade. James catches him.

JAMES
Jeremy, come on now…No use running from your past.

DEMETRI
Behold! Demetri! I will destroy you! You capitalist pig!
Susie tugs at Demetri’s pant leg.

SUSIE
Dad!

DEMETRI
What?

SUSIE
Can I have money for the crain game?

DEMETRI
Yes.

Demetri pulls out his wallet.

DEMETRI (CONT’D)
Here is two dollars. Now this is it. Okay? My little spawn from loins.
Susie walks off.

DEMETRI (CONT’D)
Now destruction!

JEREMY
Dad, I can’t do this. I don’t want to go through this again. You remember Doctor Wider and his puppets!

JAMES
Screw the puppets! Be a man! Don’t do it for you. Do it for me! No wait, do it for little Billy! Billy don’t you want to see your father win?

BILLY
Sure? Whatever. Can I have money for the crane game?

Jeremy stares at Billy. Billy is wheezing and staring at Jeremy with a hand outstretched. Jeremy straightens himself and has a look of determination.

JEREMY
I’m doing this for Billy!
Jeremy walks in slow motion to the pinball game. Demetri is up first. Demetri scores a high score.

DEMETRI
You shall never beat my score! For mother Russia!

JEREMY
You’re not even Russian! It was a publicity stunt!

DEMETRI
I am so Russian, I was KGB.

JEREMY
At eight?!

SUSIE (O.S)
Dad, you know Mom said if you keep doing the fake voice she’s going to be mad.

DEMETRI
Not fake! Authentic!

JEREMY
Prepare to be beaten comrade!

Jeremy plays the game with a frenetic energy. Sweat again drips from his scalp and hits the glass of the game. As he gets closer to the high score he looks over for a moment after losing a ball at James who is screaming loudly, Demetri looking angry, flaring his nostrils, to Billy smelling his hand, and finally to Susie who looks horrified.

SUSIE
Dad, are you going to lose?

DEMETRI
I will not lose! I will never…

Demetri stares into his daughter’s eyes. Demetri sighs and and crotches down to Susie’s level. Demetri loses his accent.

DEMETRI (CONT’D)
If Daddy loses it doesn’t matter. It’s just that we had fun. And doing that accent is really fun.

Jeremy stares at the ball that is nestled behind the plunger. His hand rests on the plunger. His hand goes limp. Jeremy turns his back on the machine and walks towards Demetri past his father.

JAMES
Destroy him! He is weak! What are you doing?!

Jeremy puts his hand out to Demetri.

JEREMY
Lets tear down this wall comrade.

Jeremy and Demetri hug. Susie cheers. Billy notices that the game is over and walks over. Demetri begins to cry.

DEMETRI
You know I’m not Russian.

JEREMY
I know Demetri. I know.

JAMES
Noooooo!

James falls to his knees and cries.

BILLY
What’s wrong with Grandpa?

JEREMY
No one told him the war is over.

BILLY
Dad, uh…mind If I play pinball?

JEREMY

Sure, you can have my last ball.

SUSIE
I want to play to!

CUE MUSIC: Requiem, Dies irae, Verde.

Billy sneers at Susie. They lock eyes. James laughs maniacally.

THE END

Happy New Year

December 30th

“What are you doing for New Year’s?”

“Got a party.”

“A party? I wasn’t invited.”

“Yeah, they kind of don’t want a repeat of last year.”

“It was an accident.”

“Oh I believe you, but blaming Gail…”

“Look, I can’t help it that I’m tall and that she could live in a doll house.”

“You didn’t have to point out that fact and then spill wine on her.”

“That’s the past. So who is going to be at this party?”

“A girl.”

“Yes? What’s her name?”

“Not sure. She kind of knows my name.”

“Kind of?”

“She calls me Ben. I think her name is Liz? Maybe Laura?”

“Okay Jim, you’ll be fine. Just kiss her at midnight.”

“Like you tried with Gail last year? You know, she still has the scar on her forehead.”

“Look, I had a lot of wine. And I took it upon myself to kiss any girl at midnight. Any girl. She was next to me.”

“You basically turned and drove your front tooth into her forehead!”

“Again, not my fault!”

“There was blood everywhere!”
“What about me! My tooth really hurt!”

“That’s why I don’t really want to do the whole kissing at midnight thing. It could become violent quickly. A large crowd, my pointy elbows, the possibility of pepper spray.”

“So, is Gail going to be there?”

“You’re not coming.”

“I should crash. Why? Because you lack a backbone. I can be that spine for you! At midnight I’ll just toss you into her.”

“Toss me?”

“Well, you’re obviously not going to do it yourself. Look, I’ll just show up. Why not? I’ll toss you into What’s Her Face and then take Gail to Mexico.”

“This is a terrible plan.”




January 1st

“How’s your head?”

“It’s okay. The bleeding stopped.”

“Sorry, I didn’t see the TV hanging on the wall.”

“It’s fine. It only…cut most of my face. Are you going to pay Tim for the TV?”

“It was a stupid place for the TV. So you and What’s Her Face?”

“I think so, when she gets out of the hospital. You and Gail?”

“No. Wasn’t meant to be. I accidently elbowed her in the jaw when I tossed you across the room. Happy New Year.”

“Oh blow it out your ass.”

“Hold me.”

Dialogue Jam Part 3

“It’s cold.”

“Yeah.”

“This wind isn’t helping.”

“Yeah.”

“I mean it could be snow, I know. And I am not ready for snow this year. My neighbor just got a snow blower. That’s good, hopefully he does my walk this year.”

“Yeah.”

“Right, why wouldn’t he do my walk? Okay, so I hit his dog with my car. Accident. Total accident. But I could tell he was thinking of going on my lawn. I did back over him. But that was for mercy! He better just use the snow blower, okay? I don’t want to take out Mister Whiskers as well. I like cats. Maybe I can just steal him.”

“What?”

“Cats, do you like cats?”

“Yeah?”

“You’re cute.”

Dialogue Jam Part 2

“So essentially I live in your bathroom.”

“But? What?! For how long?!”

“Since you moved in.”

“How is this possible?”

“I hide in your rug.”

“I have a rug?”

“Yes. There is actually a floor to this place you know.”

Dialogue Jam Part 1

“You do realize we’re going to hell.”

“No, this will work! Now grab his legs.”

“I don’t want to grab his legs. Lets leave him here! We can make him into a table…and we’ll live here. Safe. Safe!”

“But he’ll start to smell.”

“Febreze you fool, Febreze! It gets out anything!”

“Hooray murder!”

The Last Christmas

    Mom said this would be our last Christmas. I’m very tired and dare not leave my bed from the four blankets that are my “little igloo” (my brother, Pat, called it that). It’s dark outside and cold. Mom was always sad. It was just the two of us. The older kids had gone out days ago into the dark searching for help. Mom said it was cabin fever that had finally gotten to them, why they hadn’t been back. She kept repeating there was nothing left, nothing left since the sun disappeared.
    I miss my dog, Carl. He was a big, fat, silly dog. He loved us. When the “outside people” tried to steal our food Carl snarled, his ears went back (I had never seen him that angry), and he ran off through the front door into the dark. Mom had quickly placed her hands over my ears as my older sister, Emily, and Pat ran off after him. All I know is we got the Spam back for dinner and that Carl was now in heaven. Thanks Carl for the Spam, it was kind of gross. But I was hungry.
    I hope Emily gets back. Mom could never braid my hair right. It would always turn into a frizzy bird’s nest. Hate when it does that.
    “Now Kate, don’t squirm, we have to get your hair right.” My Mom would say, but her hands shook wildly now. It would always be a mess. Bird’s nest. I always did that to my line while fishing with Pat. Before the dark completely took over, when there was still some sun, we’d go fishing. This was after the stores had all closed.
    “Keep your thumb over the reel.” Paul would repeat endlessly as I stood on the edge of the pier. The pier jutted right into the ocean like a spear. Emily’s rifle was propped up against the railing, she was the best shot. She had gone off to the bathroom, she always left the rifle with us. She always said;
    “Wherever you are Kate, the rifle has to be. If we lose you, we lose it all.” I never understood what she meant by that. She’d always just smile and kiss me on the cheek as Pat pat me on the shoulder. No one else seemed to be around for miles. I casted, just as Pat had shown me, but was distracted as the line went down into the depths. My line suddenly jerked to a stop. I looked down to discover a mess of line. While I tried to fix it, I heard my brother yell. I had never heard him yell so loudly. I looked at his face and it was red with rage as he ran toward me. I didn’t think a tangled line was this serious. I struggled with it, I had to untie it. I had to be useful as our father said. All that’s needed now is “use”. That’s all he would repeat before he left us. But Pat ran past me, it wasn’t about the line. There was a man, a raggedy man, that my brother charged into.
    “It’s bird nested.” I said softly.
    “Run Kate! Get to your sister!” I looked and saw Emily at the other end of the pier running towards us. The raggedy man had a hold of my brother, Pat struggled to reach for the rifle. A glint of metal flashed in the sun, the raggedy man had pulled a knife. I turned to run, I let go of my rod and it hit the wooden boardwalk with a pang. I ran past Emily who surged forward to the fight.
    “Why didn’t you pass Pat the gun!” Emily shouted as I sprinted past her.
    “I don’t know! He told me to run!” Tears exploded from my eyes as I realized I may have killed my brother. My stomach cramped, but I kept running.
    “Emily, get the rifle! Get this fucker off of me!” I heard my brother yell as I reached the abandoned Midway. A large number of dilapidated booths surrounded each other on the silent boardwalk. I tried to hide behind the balloon game. A set of porcelain clown heads smiled to a firing line of water pistols. They were set behind the counter of the booth. A drop of water escaped from one the guns that was strung over the counter. My mouth was dry. I swallowed and imagined a large desert had grown out of my throat complete with a sun bleached white cow skull. The shouting from the pier grew quiet. I knew they had to be okay, okay. But I needed their signal. The whistle or a variation to knock on doors our Dad had made us use; “shave and a hair cut, two bits”. It was still quiet.
    The gun continued to drip as the horns of the cow’s skull from the arid desert of my throat stabbed into my tongue. I rose from behind the front of the counter. As I pulled the trigger I placed my mouth to the pistol, my tongue grasped for a drop. A scream erupted from the silence of the boardwalk. It was Emily. I dropped the gun which was attached to a long, chrome hose and it hit and banged behind the counter. The silence that followed made my skin bump and shiver. Through the silence a guttural growl rumbled from the balloon game. I peered in, maybe it was a cat. I missed having a cat.
    What met my stare was a ragged face of dirt blonde hair, possibly beautiful once, of a girl whose mind had been taken by the dark. That was what my Mom called it, the name for the disease. The girl wore a lime green shirt, blackened now, which was adorned with a large logo that read “Fun Land Pier”. I was frozen.
    “Hi? I’m going to run now. You have…very pretty hair.” I couldn’t believe I could get that sentence out. At this she let out a great hiss and dove over the counter. I ran. I ran past the haunted house that had a large green demon over the entrance, it looked cheesy during fun summers, but now it was sinister. As if it was inviting the girl behind me to lunch. I was lunch. I ran past the giant slide where I had bruised myself a year earlier. I ran finally, to the end of the park, to the great log flume, my favorite ride.
    I could feel the spit of her foaming mouth flick against the back of my neck. I hopped over the guard rail of the ride, there was still water within the artificial rivers and the once spectacular waterfalls, that were now stagnate. A black moss had overgrown the ride. I slipped on the slick surface of the fake brown rock surrounding the ride. I looked behind me and she had crawled over the guard rail. Her eyes were pure black and I couldn’t tell where she was looking. I let out a loud scream, a scream that came directly from my stomach.
    “Emily! Pat! Somebody!” I slid into the black water as this girl, this now horrible troll-like monster, reached out for me with her hand. Her finger nails had been filed down into sharpened daggers. She meant to kill me. She slid into the water with me. I trudged through the water toward the hill. The big hill that I always closed my eyes flying down on a hot August night. The troll had as much trouble as I did moving through the water. I nearly gagged as I swallowed some of it, but I had to move forward. I spied a set of stairs by the side of the hill for the workers of the ride. I didn’t look back, I had to reach the stairs. I nearly slipped on the chrome metal of the stairs as I hit the first step. They were as slick as the fake rocks. An abandoned log cart was at the top of the hill.
    As I reached the top to the cart I saw down the hill that the girl, instead of using the stairs was clawing her way up the hill. Blood dripped and dried on her hands as she ripped into the summit of the big hill. She was nearly upon me. I got into the water behind the log cart and tried to push it down. As I applied more force to the back I jostled something inside the cart. A cloud of flies shot out from the log followed by a horrible smell, a dead smell. I didn’t dare look inside, the smell was enough. The log wouldn’t budge, it only shook in place as more flies escaped.
    All I heard was buzzing. I couldn’t even hear as she was upon the cart. I kept pushing with all I had as she clicked her finger nails on the front of the cart as she pulled herself up. I closed my eyes. There was no use, I was too exhausted to run anymore. Suddenly a large bang cut through the hair and rattled my skull. Did she attack me? I didn’t want to open my eyes. It was quiet for a moment, but then I heard the family whistle, “shave and a hair cut”. I opened my eyes. The troll girl’s head was plastered all over the log cart. A black mist rose from the back of her head and flew into the air. The darkness had escaped. Her body twitched, her dirty blonde hair was now a rich ginger red.
    I answered the whistle with “two bits”. I walked down the metal staircase to Pat and Emily. Emily had her rifle pointed downward. I looked back up the hill, the body above no longer twitched, it began to slowly slide down the hill. Emily had saved me (she was the best shot after all).
    That night as Pat fortified the front door I laid in bed. Emily sat bedside with her battered copy of The Lord of The Rings. She read it to me every night. We were nearly halfway through The Two Towers. The story was at its darkest, Helms Deep was just being invaded.
    “Emily, this is really scary.”
    “It’ll be okay, I’m sure of it.”
    “But they’re surrounded, how can they fight that? How can we?” I added softly.
    “We can because we have to.”
    “But everything is getting so dark now.” That day was our last day of complete sunlight. The darkness had already taken so many people and now it was taking the sun.
    “Remember Kate, light comes out of darkness.”
    “It’s plenty dark, Em. I even have started to hate the word. Dark. Where’s this light now?” At this Emily took my hand and placed it to her heart and smiled. I felt it beating within her chest, it was strong.
    “As long as we’re still here, there’s hope Kate.” At that Pat hammered at the barricade at the front door. It was flimsy, but it would hold.
    That was five months ago now to the day. After the fight at the pier Mom forbade Pat and Emily from taking me out for food runs. Everyday it had gotten worse. Pat and Emily had to go further and further out from our house. They’d be gone for days. Emily had found another rifle for the house, she had taught me how to fire it, much to Mom’s protests.
    They had been gone a week now. I saw Mom’s eyes grow weary with each passing day. She could still manage a smile though.
    “Do you think Santa was taken?’ I whispered as the candle in my room flickered and painted patterns of light on my wall.
    “What do you think Kate? No one could take Santa. Ever. He’ll be here tonight, that’s why you have to go to sleep.”
    “And he’ll take us with him in his sleigh to the North Pole. He’ll even pick up Pat and Emily.”
    “Maybe dear. Just maybe. Merry Christmas.” Mom kissed my forehead and went to blow out the candle.
    “Not yet, I’d like to watch it burn for a while.”
    “Kate, we don’t have many candles left.”
    “It’s Christmas, just for a little while. Please?”
    “Okay, but I’ll be back in to put it out in five minutes.”
    “Thanks Mom, love you.”
    “Love you.” I spotted a tear roll down her cheek as she left my room. I watched the candle, the light fight against the darkness of my cold room. I placed my hand to my chest. My heart beat was strong. Suddenly there was sound at the front door; “shave and a hair cut”.
     

                                                      THE END

KIDS GET IN FREE (FULL)

    Not much happens in Brandywine Falls, a small town that was nestled away in the Pacific Northwest a hundred miles from Seattle. So when Halloween rolls around, Brandywine Farms Haunted Hayride put on by Farmer John is an event. But Alice Gaines shrugged, it’s the same every year. Always the same. The scarecrows come to life as they pass by the pumpkins patch and jump onto the cart and toss hay into the night causing everyone to scream. Everyone screams of course, that’s the fun of it, but Alice’s had grown dull. Especially when they move onto the electric chair setup by the corn field and the finale with the chain saw wielding maniac. Alice was truly frightened (the first time she saw it), but by the fourth time it had become routine. She was eleven and tired. She loved the spectacle, but it was now stale. And for her baby sister Nikki, she wanted her to see something new as well.
    Her sister was six and already she could tell that she was as tired of Halloween as she was. Last year at the hayride she watched Nikki yawn as the scarecrows jumped into the cart, her eyes grow heavy at the electric chair victim, and point out the lack of a chain on the chain saw of the maniac in the finale. As the ride ended she also pointed out that the maniac was Bobby, the boy who bagged groceries at the local Stop ‘n Save. Smart kid Alice thought, obviously takes after her sister. As this thought crossed her mind she looked at the newspaper on the kitchen table. A large colored ad was splashed over the weekend section of the Brandywine Bugle. ‘For Children of All Ages! Come one, come all! To the Terror Trail! One Night Only! Kids under 12 get in free!’
    “Hey Nikki, look at this!” Nikki was across the table reading the back of a box of Lucky Charms as she munched on her cereal. She carefully ate the oat pieces first so to be left with nothing but marshmallows by the end of meal.
    “But I’m trying to get Lucky through the maze!”
    “Look you can get Lucky through the maze later, just look will you!” Alice passed Nikki the paper. Nikki studied it and looked uninterested.
    “Boring.”
    “Boring! Come on, this is probably better than the hayride! And this one you can walk through!”
    “That doesn’t sound fun. Sounds ultra lame!” Alice clenched her fist at this. She hated when Nikki would use the phrase “ultra lame”. She had been using it ever since hearing it on TV, either on Nickelodeon or the Disney Channel. They were the only two channels that Nikki was allowed to watch.
    Alice and Nikki’s father, John Gaines, walked slowly into the kitchen. John was hung over from a Halloween party the night prior at this brother’s. They made a hell of a witches brew. Caitlin Gaines had already been awake for a few hours with the kids. It was her turn last night as the designated driver. They had become a well oiled machine for family parties and getting responsibly shit-faced stupid. John’s phrase, not Caitlin’s. They had a wedding next weekend, his turn as the responsible parent.
    “Morning kids.” John grunted.
    “Daddy!” Nikki sprang up from the table and hugged her father’s leg as he haphazardly tried to pour a cup of coffee.
    “Hey my little tomato! Want to be turned into ketchup?”
    “Would I go squish?” John placed his cup of coffee onto the kitchen counter and picked up Nikki from the ground.
    “I’m going to squish my little tomato!”
    “Squish!” Nikki yelled as John gave her a huge hug. Caitlin watched from behind her coffee. She never tired of their tomato routine. He was a good man. Alice rolled her eyes, it was another typical Saturday morning. Mom or Dad getting up late, a variation on the tomato routine, and a nice helping of cartoons before noon. But tonight their Halloween hayride routine would be broken. She was certain of this.
    “So who’s up for the hayride tonight? Best day of the year, right my little pumpkin?” John said as he turned to Alice and kissed her on the forehead. Alice stared at the paper on the other side of the table. It was now or never.
    “Dad, don’t you think it’s getting kind of boring?”
    “Yeah and the chain saw isn’t even real!” Nikki piped in.
    “But I thought you loved it?” Caitlin sat down at the table.
    “Plus we can check out the pumpkins in the pumpkin patch. Don’t you want to make a Jack ‘o Lantern tonight?”
    “Well Mom, I just…Look at the Brandywine Bugle. Nikki, can I see the paper?” Nikki picked up the paper from her side of the table and took it straight to Alice. It was nice to have a slave, well, a baby sister.
    “See Mom, look!” Caitlin and John studied the ad.
    “Kids get in for free honey. And we are on a budget.” Caitlin whispered into John’s ear.
    “But we’ve been going to Brandywine Farms for years. It’s tradition.”
    “Dad! But I want to go!” Nikki yelled at the top of her lungs. If her big sister wanted to do something that was good enough for her.
    “The hayride is boring Dad.”
    Alice’s and Nikki’s voices made John’s skull throb. It was time to give in. Plus maybe he could sneak in a nap later. They could skip the pumpkin patch, the Terror Trail did open at seven at night.
    “Okay, fine. But if it’s too scary for you…Promise me you wont sleep in our bed tonight Alice. Or Nikki.”
    “Dad, that was like a billion years ago when I did that.” Alice was offended.
    “It was last month honey.”
    “Yeah because you showed an eleven year old Night of the Living Dead.” Caitlin interrupted.
    “It was an education for them. They should see more classics.”
    “I wasn’t scared.” Alice muttered under her breath. 


    As the Gaines’ van (a van that John hated buying) pulled into a dirt parking lot, they noticed that it was positively packed. ‘Get there early’ Caitlin said, these words drilled into John’s skull. The four Excedrin Migraine and the two gallons of water he drank were not helping with the hang over, damn his brother and his expensive beer. Strange The Terror Trail only had one show, they’ll never make it in.
    “Think we should just go home?” Caitlin whispered to John from the passenger’s seat.
    “Dad we can’t turn around, I’m sure there’s plenty of, okay, there are a lot of cars.” Alice chimed in from the backseat. As they passed by lines of cars it seemed as if the whole town had turned out for The Terror Trail. Word had certainly gotten out.
    “Ah there’s a spot!” John pulled the car in. Alice spied a large banner over the parking lot that read ‘The Terror Trail: One Night Only!’ As they left the parking lot and reached the line of humanity John thought it was large, but not as large as he had originally imagined. They would get in. No problem.
    “Look at all the kids here!” Alice was impressed already. At the farm it was nothing but a line next to an old wood fence. Here it was an event. There were performers walking through the line along with women adorned with glow sticks selling to the crowd. There were demonic jugglers, fire breathers, sword swallowers, and even geeks vying for the crowd’s attention.  Real geeks! The ones who tapped nails through their noses. One came straight up to Nikki (she was already adorned with three glow stick necklaces. Two ninety-nine a pop John thought, a budget, right. But Nikki was smiling and not whining. It was a plus).
    “What do you do?” Nikki yelled at the geek who had a bald head covered with tattoos.
    “Ever stick a penny up your nose little girl?”
    “Yeah she has. Even though Dad told her not to.” Alice laughed.
    “I like the way they smell.” Nikki smiled.
    “That’s gross honey.” Caitlin corrected her.
    “Gross? Lady you ain’t seen nothing yet.” Out of the geek’s pocket he produced a large nail and in his other hand he had a hammer. The sound was unlike anything Alice and Nikki had heard, the clink of metal and the crunch as he hit the nail deeper into his nostril. Nikki clapped. Caitlin Gaines was sick to her stomach.
    “They used to call us geeks, I prefer Blockhead myself.” The geek turned his head back and knelt down in front of Alice.
    “Care to pull it out dear?” Alice’s stomach rolled. She felt light headed. This certainly wasn’t stale.
    “No, I think you can handle it.”
    “Come on, you can use my hammer.” The geek pulled his hammer to his nose and yanked out the nail in front of her. Nikki clapped. Alice chocked back her dinner.
    “Do you want it?” The geek presented the nail to Nikki. She nearly took it, but John stepped in.
    “No, I think that’s enough.” The geek shrugged his shoulders and left the Gaines family in line probably to terrify another family. Caitlin grabbed onto Alice’s hand. She saw that her daughter had turned pale.  
    “It’s not real.”
    “Looked real to me.” Nikki laughed. Alice hadn’t seen Nikki this happy at the hayride, at least she was having a good time. The smell of burnt leaves hit Alice’s nose, the smells of fall enveloped her and a small smile finally crossed her face. She was having fun. She hadn’t realized it until now. She was scared, but there was an excitement that brewed inside her. This was different, this year was better and there was no climbing into farmer John’s ancient tractor, she was in control. A hand grabbed her shoulder. She turned to a wrinkled face that met her from behind a dark veil. Nice costume Alice thought as she stared at the dust ridden Victorian dress of the woman. She pushed a black stroller that was covered. Her cracked voice sliced through the air as the woman addressed Alice’s parents.
    “I have come for your children.”
    “Have you now?” John laughed, this was new. Nikki grabbed his hand.
    “They will make a fine feast for my demon master! Come children, let us go!” The woman placed a hand onto Nikki’s shoulder.
    “Cool, I want to be eaten by a demon! Can I Dad? Please?”
    “I don’t know. You can take Alice, sure.”
    “Dad!” Alice crossed her arms and laughed.
    “Let me talk to your parents! They will understand that my demon needs to feed!” The performer stopped and whispered to John and Caitlin. All Alice could make out was ‘all part of the show’.
    “What are they saying?” Nikki grinned.
    “Not sure, I think it’ll be okay.” Nikki decided since Alice said it would be okay, it was going to be okay. She noticed throughout the line kids were walking away from their parents with the performers. Another line formed at a different entrance, it was marked with a large sign that stated ‘Kids Trail’.
    “So do we have a deal?” The woman put out her hand to John. John shook it immediately.
    “All in good fun right? Kids go with?”
    “Esmeralda, the mistress of the damned!”
    “Right, Esmeralda. Alice? Nikki? Go take the kids trail, we’ll be on the adult trail. Your Mother and I will meet you at the exit.” Alice was now afraid even more so, but her excitement drove her on. Why were there two separate trails? Nikki stamped her feet and watched her sister’s face. Alice looked uncertain. Nikki clenched Caitlin’s hand. Caitlin bent down to her level.
    “It’ll be alright honey. It’s all make believe. Right Alice?” Alice gulped. She knew she could get them back into the van at her word. Nikki would follow her lead. But she had to go, she looked at the kids in line that were going to the trail and there was Mary Beth. If Mary Beth found that Alice chickened out she would make the fifth grade a living hell. She had to go.
    “She’s right Nikki, it’s make believe. Mom? Dad? We’ll see you at the exit.” John kissed Alice on the forehead.
    “There’s my brave little pumpkin.” This was the last time John and Caitlin Gaines would see their daughters. As Alice and Nikki walked off Esmeralda broke character.
    “Okay kids, so I’m Susan. Like my costume? You’re going to get one just like it. Promise.”
    “What do you mean Esmeralda? I mean Susan?” Alice was intrigued.
    “You kids are going to be the attraction. How about we scare the pants off of your parents?”
    “Scare the pants off!” Nikki echoed.
    “I’m in.” Alice smiled. She always wanted to be apart of the show.
    “Okay then. Get in line. We’ll have costumes and make up for you. Happy Halloween kids!”
    “Happy Halloween!” The Gaines sisters answered in unison as they scampered off for a place in line behind Mary Beth.
   
    John was antsy. The children’s line had gone into the woods at least twenty minutes prior and they hadn’t moved an inch.
    “What do you think the hold up is? I don’t want the girls waiting too long alone.” John cracked his knuckles. Caitlin hated this quirk. It was always a sign of John’s nervousness.
    “They’ll be fine. You heard the woman, the trails are synchronized. They’re probably having the free apple cider that she talked about.”
    “Yeah, but were we always so trusting? We don’t even know these people.” Caitlin paused at this and look bewildered. Why had they given in so freely? Sure, take our kids woman who is dressed up like a walking corpse. But it was Halloween.
    “I don’t know John. Everything’s a little cloudy. I…” At this the line moved. The performers urged them on. An undead ringleader shouted into a bullhorn.
    “Right this way ladies and gentlemen, right this way. Come to Esmeralda’s reading of the Necronomicon, the fabled book of the dead! We have the last surviving copy in existence and it is inked in human blood!” The line of adults, parents all, walked a wooded trail toward a clearing. An altar was set up with a large arrangement of candles. John hadn’t been to church in years, but this was the opposite of holy.
    “What do you suppose is under that thing?” Caitlin pointed at a large sheet that covered an immense box like shape. It was nearly as large as a building.
    “Good evening children of all ages. I am Esmeralda, mistress of the damned. Tonight we will not summon one demon, but dozens and they will materialize right there. In that box. Don’t believe me?” Esmeralda waved her hand and a ball of flame shot out from her dress. The audience that had assembled around the raised altar jumped.
    “Good effect.” Caitlin muttered to John.
    “Yeah, I think I shit my pants. Hope the kids are having this much fun.”
   
    Alice from behind the sheet was in a large cage with the other children. Her devil make up was perfect. She couldn’t believe they worked that quickly. She looked down at Nikki who anxiously stared through the bars of the cage. She had large fangs and fake blood dribbled from her chin. The other children were all made up by the good folks at Terror Trail Amusements. Even Mary Beth, but Alice knew she looked better. Alice clearly was the better ghoul. Anticipation took hold of Alice. Any minute now Esmeralda (Susan) would remove the tarp and they would scare the pants off of their parents.
    “We’re gonna get you. We’re gonna get you, We’re gonna get you.” Nikki chanted to herself. Alice grabbed Nikki’s shoulder. Nikki looked up and Alice pressed a finger to her lips. It silenced her. It was almost time. Susan told them to scream at the top of their lungs when the tarp came off. She did not want to disappoint her.
   
    Esmeralda read from the book in a different language. Latin, John thought. Or was she speaking backwards? Caitlin stared at John, something was happening. Caitlin felt as if a part of her was slipping away at that moment.
    “Caitlin, do you feel?”
    “Like we’re falling? Yes, I can’t explain it.” Esmeralda neared the end of her incantation. Did she say forget? Caitlin struggled to think, but a black haze came over her mind. The kids? Where were the kids? That’s a funny thought, kids. She wasn’t ready for children yet. And John certainly wasn’t. Not now, it was too soon.
    “John, I feel funny. Strange date right?”
    “Strange date.” The memories of Alice and Nikki had drained from their minds. They felt like newly weds again. In fact, they were newly weds in their minds. Esmeralda had finished. All of the adults had the same bewildered look on their faces. As if they were missing something. But what? It didn’t matter apparently.
    “Forget!” Esmeralda yelled as she pulled the sheet off the large cage. Its content screamed. Screamed louder than John had ever heard. It was a caravan of small demons, great make up John thought. Caitlin grabbed hold of John as the screams intensified.
   
    “That is our show ladies and gentlemen! Please exit by the cage!” Alice’s throat was hoarse, but she was happy to see her parents shocked faces as their cage was uncovered. Nikki touched her father as he passed by the cage laughing. After all the parents filed past Nikki tapped Alice and giggled.
    “They didn’t even recognize us!”
    “I know right!” All of the children laughed at once. But over the laughter it was Mary Beth (leave it to Mary Beth to ruin the fun) who broke the party up.
    “They locked the door!” Mary Beth struggled with the gate. Susan told them they wouldn’t. The children panicked. Nikki’s eyes welled up with tears.
    “I want Mommy and Daddy!” Nikki howled.
    “I do too.” Alice whispered as she grabbed the bars. The ground beneath suddenly felt like mud. Alice tried to move, but was stuck. They were sinking. All of the children sank into the dirt.
   
    John and Caitlin drove home in silence. Everything was muffled as if they were in a tunnel. They had forgotten something, but what?
   
    “Alice, I can’t move!”
    “I know Nikki, I know. Just keep still. You’ll only sink faster. Like Mary Beth.” Nikki and Alice were up to their necks in the dirt. Some other children still poked out, but most had already sunk in. Dead. They were dead Alice thought. Her friends, even Mary Beth. Tears streamed down her face as Susan (Esmeralda) watched them from the altar.
    “You children will make excellent food for our master.” Alice coughed as the dirt came up to her lips. She had a hold of Nikki and tired to keep her sister’s head above the mud. She was too little, she had to prop Nikki up or she’d be gone like the rest.
    “Your master?” Alice wanted to know. She wanted to know why this madness had occurred. Why her parents weren’t springing to her rescue. Why?
    “The demon I summoned tonight, child. It is what pulls you under. It craves the blood of innocent. What is more innocent than a child? Your parents wont help you. I sent them away.”
    “Sent them away?”
    “In their minds. Back to before they ever had you. Happy Halloween child.” Alice sank rapidly. Nikki’s eyes were wide with terror as she cried in the dark.
    “Nikki? Just close your eyes baby. I love you.” At this the Gaines sisters sank to their fate. But a thought circled in Alice’s mind as she gasped for breath, ‘why didn’t I just go to the damn hayride?’
   
    By the time the mass delusion of the parents of Brandywine Falls wore off it was too late. A group of speeding cars of lost parents and police returned to the woods in a flash, but there was no evidence that there ever been a Terror Trail. There was only loose soil and a smell of burnt leaves.

                                                        THE END 

Kids Get In Free Part 2

    As the Gaines’ van (a van that John hated buying) pulled into a dirt parking lot, they noticed that it was positively packed. ‘Get there early’ Caitlin said, these words drilled into John’s skull. The four Excedrin Migraine and the two gallons of water he drank were not helping with the hang over, damn his brother and his expensive beer. Strange The Terror Trail only had one show, they’ll never make it in.
    “Think we should just go home?” Caitlin whispered to John from the passenger’s seat.
    “Dad we can’t turn around, I’m sure there’s plenty of, okay, there are a lot of cars.” Alice chimed in from the backseat. As they passed by lines of cars it seemed as if the whole town had turned out for The Terror Trail. Word had certainly gotten out.
    “Ah there’s a spot!” John pulled the car in. Alice spied a large banner over the parking lot that read ‘The Terror Trail: One Night Only!’ As they left the parking lot and reached the line of humanity John thought it was large, but not as large as he had originally imagined. They would get in. No problem.
    “Look at all the kids here!” Alice was impressed already. At the farm it was nothing but a line next to an old wood fence. Here it was an event. There were performers walking through the line along with women adorned with glow sticks selling to the crowd. There were demonic jugglers, fire breathers, sword swallowers, and even geeks vying for the crowd’s attention.  Real geeks! The ones who tapped nails through their noses. One came straight up to Nikki (she was already adorned with three glow stick necklaces. Two ninety-nine a pop John thought, a budget, right. But Nikki was smiling and not whining. It was a plus).
    “What do you do?” Nikki yelled at the geek who had a bald head covered with tattoos.
    “Ever stick a penny up your nose little girl?”
    “Yeah she has. Even though Dad told her not to.” Alice laughed.
    “I like the way they smell.” Nikki smiled.
    “That’s gross honey.” Caitlin corrected her.
    “Gross? Lady you ain’t seen nothing yet.” Out of the geek’s pocket he produced a large nail and in his other hand he had a hammer. The sound was unlike anything Alice and Nikki had heard, the clink of metal and the crunch as he hit the nail deeper into his nostril. Nikki clapped. Caitlin Gaines was sick to her stomach.
    “They used to call us geeks, I prefer Blockhead myself.” The geek turned his head back and knelt down in front of Alice.
    “Care to pull it out dear?” Alice’s stomach rolled. She felt light headed. This certainly wasn’t stale.
    “No, I think you can handle it.”
    “Come on, you can use my hammer.” The geek pulled his hammer to his nose and yanked out the nail in front of her. Nikki clapped. Alice chocked back her dinner.
    “Do you want it?” The geek presented the nail to Nikki. She nearly took it, but John stepped in.
    “No, I think that’s enough.” The geek shrugged his shoulders and left the Gaines family in line probably to terrify another family. Caitlin grabbed onto Alice’s hand. She saw that her daughter had turned pale.  
    “It’s not real.”
    “Looked real to me.” Nikki laughed. Alice hadn’t seen Nikki this happy at the hayride, at least she was having a good time. The smell of burnt leaves hit Alice’s nose, the smells of fall enveloped her and a small smile finally crossed her face. She was having fun. She hadn’t realized it until now. She was scared, but there was an excitement that brewed inside her. This was different, this year was better and there was no climbing into farmer John’s ancient tractor, she was in control. A hand grabbed her shoulder. She turned to a wrinkled face that met her from behind a dark veil. Nice costume Alice thought as she stared at the dust ridden Victorian dress of the woman. She pushed a black stroller that was covered. Her cracked voice sliced through the air as the woman addressed Alice’s parents.
    “I have come for your children.”
    “Have you now?” John laughed, this was new. Nikki grabbed his hand.
    “They will make a fine feast for my demon master! Come children, let us go!” The woman placed a hand onto Nikki’s shoulder.
    “Cool, I want to be eaten by a demon! Can I Dad? Please?”
    “I don’t know. You can take Alice, sure.”
    “Dad!” Alice crossed her arms and laughed.
    “Let me talk to your parents! They will understand that my demon needs to feed!” The performer stopped and whispered to John and Caitlin. All Alice could make out was ‘all part of the show’.
    “What are they saying?” Nikki grinned.
    “Not sure, I think it’ll be okay.” Nikki decided since Alice said it would be okay, it was going to be okay. She noticed throughout the line kids were walking away from their parents with the performers. Another line formed at a different entrance, it was marked with a large sign that stated ‘Kids Trail’.
    “So do we have a deal?” The woman put out her hand to John. John shook it immediately.
    “All in good fun right? Kids go with?”
    “Esmeralda, the mistress of the damned!”
    “Right, Esmeralda. Alice? Nikki? Go take the kids trail, we’ll be on the adult trail. Your Mother and I will meet you at the exit.” Alice was now afraid even more so, but her excitement drove her on. Why were there two separate trails? Nikki stamped her feet and watched her sister’s face. Alice looked uncertain. Nikki clenched Caitlin’s hand. Caitlin bent down to her level.
    “It’ll be alright honey. It’s all make believe. Right Alice?” Alice gulped. She knew she could get them back into the van at her word. Nikki would follow her lead. But she had to go, she looked at the kids in line that were going to the trail and there was Mary Beth. If Mary Beth found that Alice chickened out she would make the fifth grade a living hell. She had to go.
    “She’s right Nikki, it’s make believe. Mom? Dad? We’ll see you at the exit.” John kissed Alice on the forehead.
    “There’s my brave little pumpkin.” This was the last time John and Caitlin Gaines would see their daughters. As Alice and Nikki walked off Esmeralda broke character.
    “Okay kids, so I’m Susan. Like my costume? You’re going to get one just like it. Promise.”
    “What do you mean Esmeralda? I mean Susan?” Alice was intrigued.
    “You kids are going to be the attraction. How about we scare the pants off of your parents?”
    “Scare the pants off!” Nikki echoed.
    “I’m in.” Alice smiled. She always wanted to be apart of the show.
    “Okay then. Get in line. We’ll have costumes and make up for you. Happy Halloween kids!”
    “Happy Halloween!” The Gaines sisters answered in unison as they scampered off for a place in line behind Mary Beth.
   
    John was antsy. The children’s line had gone into the woods at least twenty minutes prior and they hadn’t moved an inch.
    “What do you think the hold up is? I don’t want the girls waiting too long alone.” John cracked his knuckles. Caitlin hated this quirk. It was always a sign of John’s nervousness.
    “They’ll be fine. You heard the woman, the trails are synchronized. They’re probably having the free apple cider that she talked about.”
    “Yeah, but were we always so trusting? We don’t even know these people.” Caitlin paused at this and look bewildered. Why had they given in so freely? Sure, take our kids woman who is dressed up like a walking corpse. But it was Halloween.
    “I don’t know John. Everything’s a little cloudy. I…” At this the line moved. The performers urged them on. An undead ringleader shouted into a bullhorn.
    “Right this way ladies and gentlemen, right this way. Come to Esmeralda’s reading of the Necronomicon, the fabled book of the dead! We have the last surviving copy in existence and it is inked in human blood!” The line of adults, parents all, walked a wooded trail toward a clearing. An altar was set up with a large arrangement of candles. John hadn’t been to church in years, but this was the opposite of holy.
    “What do you suppose is under that thing?” Caitlin pointed at a large sheet that covered an immense box like shape. It was nearly as large as a building.
    “Good evening children of all ages. I am Esmeralda, mistress of the damned. Tonight we will not summon one demon, but dozens and they will materialize right there. In that box. Don’t believe me?” Esmeralda waved her hand and a ball of flame shot out from her dress. The audience that had assembled around the raised altar jumped.
    “Good effect.” Caitlin muttered to John.
    “Yeah, I think I shit my pants. Hope the kids are having this much fun.”
   
    Alice from behind the sheet was in a large cage with the other children. Her devil make up was perfect. She couldn’t believe they worked that quickly. She looked down at Nikki who anxiously stared through the bars of the cage. She had large fangs and fake blood dribbled from her chin. The other children were all made up by the good folks at Terror Trail Amusements. Even Mary Beth, but Alice knew she looked better. Alice clearly was the better ghoul. Anticipation took hold of Alice. Any minute now Esmeralda (Susan) would remove the tarp and they would scare the pants off of their parents.
    “We’re gonna get you. We’re gonna get you, We’re gonna get you.” Nikki chanted to herself. Alice grabbed Nikki’s shoulder. Nikki looked up and Alice pressed a finger to her lips. It silenced her. It was almost time. Susan told them to scream at the top of their lungs when the tarp came off. She did not want to disappoint her.
   
    Esmeralda read from the book in a different language. Latin, John thought. Or was she speaking backwards? Caitlin stared at John, something was happening. Caitlin felt as if a part of her was slipping away at that moment.
    “Caitlin, do you feel?”
    “Like we’re falling? Yes, I can’t explain it.” Esmeralda neared the end of her incantation. Did she say forget? Caitlin struggled to think, but a black haze came over her mind. The kids? Where were the kids? That’s a funny thought, kids. She wasn’t ready for children yet. And John certainly wasn’t. Not now, it was too soon.
    “John, I feel funny. Strange date right?”
    “Strange date.” The memories of Alice and Nikki had drained from their minds. They felt like newly weds again. In fact, they were newly weds in their minds. Esmeralda had finished. All of the adults had the same bewildered look on their faces. As if they were missing something. But what? It didn’t matter apparently.
    “Forget!” Esmeralda yelled as she pulled the sheet off the large cage. Its content screamed. Screamed louder than John had ever heard. It was a caravan of small demons, great make up John thought. Caitlin grabbed hold of John as the screams intensified.
   
    “That is our show ladies and gentlemen! Please exit by the cage!” Alice’s throat was hoarse, but she was happy to see her parents shocked faces as their cage was uncovered. Nikki touched her father as he passed by the cage laughing. After all the parents filed past Nikki tapped Alice and giggled.
    “They didn’t even recognize us!”
    “I know right!” All of the children laughed at once. But over the laughter it was Mary Beth (leave it to Mary Beth to ruin the fun) who broke the party up.
    “They locked the door!” Mary Beth struggled with the gate. Susan told them they wouldn’t. The children panicked. Nikki’s eyes welled up with tears.
    “I want Mommy and Daddy!” Nikki howled.
    “I do too.” Alice whispered as she grabbed the bars. The ground beneath suddenly felt like mud. Alice tried to move, but was stuck. They were sinking. All of the children sank into the dirt.
   
    John and Caitlin drove home in silence. Everything was muffled as if they were in a tunnel. They had forgotten something, but what?
   
    “Alice, I can’t move!”
    “I know Nikki, I know. Just keep still. You’ll only sink faster. Like Mary Beth.” Nikki and Alice were up to their necks in the dirt. Some other children still poked out, but most had already sunk in. Dead. They were dead Alice thought. Her friends, even Mary Beth. Tears streamed down her face as Susan (Esmeralda) watched them from the altar.
    “You children will make excellent food for our master.” Alice coughed as the dirt came up to her lips. She had a hold of Nikki and tired to keep her sister’s head above the mud. She was too little, she had to prop Nikki up or she’d be gone like the rest.
    “Your master?” Alice wanted to know. She wanted to know why this madness had occurred. Why her parents weren’t springing to her rescue. Why?
    “The demon I summoned tonight, child. It is what pulls you under. It craves the blood of innocent. What is more innocent than a child? Your parents wont help you. I sent them away.”
    “Sent them away?”
    “In their minds. Back to before they ever had you. Happy Halloween child.” Alice sank rapidly. Nikki’s eyes were wide with terror as she cried in the dark.
    “Nikki? Just close your eyes baby. I love you.” At this the Gaines sisters sank to their fate. But a thought circled in Alice’s mind as she gasped for breath, ‘why didn’t I just go to the damn hayride?’
   
    By the time the mass delusion of the parents of Brandywine Falls wore off it was too late. A group of speeding cars of lost parents and police returned to the woods in a flash, but there was no evidence that there ever been a Terror Trail. There was only loose soil and a smell of burnt leaves.

                                                              THE END 

Kids Get In Free Part 1

   Brandywine Falls, a small town that was nestled away in the Pacific Northwest a hundred miles from Seattle. Not much happens in town, so when Halloween rolls around Brandywine Farms Haunted Hayride, put on by Farmer John, is an event. But Alice Gaines shrugged, it’s the same every year. Always the same. The scarecrows come to life as they pass by the pumpkins patch and jump onto the cart and toss hay into the night causing everyone to scream. Everyone screams of course, that’s the fun of it, but Alice’s had grown dull. Especially when they move onto the electric chair setup by the corn field and the finale with the chain saw wielding maniac. Alice was truly frightened (the first time she saw it), but by the fourth time it had become routine. She was eleven and tired. She loved the spectacle, but it was now stale. And for her baby sister Nikki, she wanted her to see something new as well.
    Her sister was six and already she could tell that she was as tired of Halloween as she was. Last year at the hayride she watched Nikki yawn as the scarecrows jumped into the cart, her eyes grow heavy at the electric chair victim, and point out the lack of a chain on the chain saw of the maniac in the finale. As the ride ended she also pointed out that the maniac was Bobby, the boy who bagged groceries at the local Stop ‘n Save. Smart kid Alice thought, obviously takes after her sister. As this thought crossed her mind she looked at the newspaper on the kitchen table. A large colored ad was splashed over the weekend section of the Brandywine Bugle. ‘For Children of All Ages! Come one, come all! To the Terror Trail! One Night Only! Kids under 12 get in free!’
    “Hey Nikki, look at this!” Nikki was across the table reading the back of a box of Lucky Charms as she munched on her cereal. She carefully ate the oat pieces first so to be left with nothing but marshmallows by the end of meal.
    “But I’m trying to get Lucky through the maze!”
    “Look you can get Lucky through the maze later, just look will you!” Alice passed Nikki the paper. Nikki studied it and looked uninterested.
    “Boring.”
    “Boring! Come on, this is probably better than the hayride! And this one you can walk through!”
    “That doesn’t sound fun. Sounds ultra lame!” Alice clenched her fist at this. She hated when Nikki would use the phrase “ultra lame”. She had been using it ever since hearing it on TV, either on Nickelodeon or the Disney Channel. They were the only two channels that Nikki was allowed to watch.
    Alice and Nikki’s father, John Gaines, walked slowly into the kitchen. John was hung over from a Halloween party the night prior at this brother’s. They made a hell of a witches brew. Caitlin Gaines had already been awake for a few hours with the kids. It was her turn last night as the designated driver. They had become a well oiled machine for family parties and getting responsibly shit-faced stupid. John’s phrase, not Caitlin’s. They had a wedding next weekend, his turn as the responsible parent.
    “Morning kids.” John grunted.
    “Daddy!” Nikki sprang up from the table and hugged her father’s leg as he haphazardly tried to pour a cup of coffee.
    “Hey my little tomato! Want to be turned into ketchup?”
    “Would I go squish?” John placed his cup of coffee onto the kitchen counter and picked up Nikki from the ground.
    “I’m going to squish my little tomato!”
    “Squish!” Nikki yelled as John gave her a huge hug. Caitlin watched from behind her coffee. She never tired of their tomato routine. He was a good man. Alice rolled her eyes, it was another typical Saturday morning. Mom or Dad getting up late, a variation on the tomato routine, and a nice helping of cartoons before noon. But tonight their Halloween hayride routine would be broken. She was certain of this.
    “So who’s up for the hayride tonight? Best day of the year, right my little pumpkin?” John said as he turned to Alice and kissed her on the forehead. Alice stared at the paper on the other side of the table. It was now or never.
    “Dad, don’t you think it’s getting kind of boring?”
    “Yeah and the chain saw isn’t even real!” Nikki piped in.
    “But I thought you loved it?” Caitlin sat down at the table.
    “Plus we can check out the pumpkins in the pumpkin patch. Don’t you want to make a Jack ‘o Lantern tonight?”
    “Well Mom, I just…Look at the Brandywine Bugle. Nikki, can I see the paper?” Nikki picked up the paper from her side of the table and took it straight to Alice. It was nice to have a slave, well, a baby sister.
    “See Mom, look!” Caitlin and John studied the ad.
    “Kids get in for free honey. And we are on a budget.” Caitlin whispered into John’s ear.
    “But we’ve been going to Brandywine Farms for years. It’s tradition.”
    “Dad! But I want to go!” Nikki yelled at the top of her lungs. If her big sister wanted to do something that was good enough for her.
    “The hayride is boring Dad.”
    Alice’s and Nikki’s voices made John’s skull throb. It was time to give in. Plus maybe he could sneak in a nap later. They could skip the pumpkin patch, the Terror Trail did open at seven at night.
    “Okay, fine. But if it’s too scary for you…Promise me you wont sleep in our bed tonight Alice. Or Nikki.”
    “Dad, that was like a billion years ago when I did that.” Alice was offended.
    “It was last month honey.”
    “Yeah because you showed an eleven year old Night of the Living Dead.” Caitlin interrupted.
    “It was an education for them. They should see more classics.”
    “I wasn’t scared.” Alice muttered under her breath.