Danny's sleep was disturbed by a stray sunbeam spilling from a crack in his curtains. He rolled over before sitting up. Oh god, I'm late for school. He thought, racing through his house in a panic. He was pulling on his shirt in the kitchen, toothbrush sticking out of his mouth when he remembered. "It's summer!" he shouted happily.
"Yes dear," Maddie chirped, walking into the kitchen. She was wearing a pair of blue jeans and a pink flannel.
Danny stopped celebrating momentarily and eyed his mother's strange -well strange for her- attire. "What's with the getup Mom?" he asked.
"Your Aunt Alicia asked us to come to spend the summer with her. She hasn't seen you kids in a while, and the fresh air will be good for you."
"Mom! What about my friends?"
"They'll be fine for a few months. You'll make new friends in Spittoon."
Sam and Tucker might be fine, I'm more worried about Amity Park. He thought.
"Danny-O! Are you excited to see your Auntie Alicia?" Jack Fenton walked into the kitchen, his arm around Jazz.
Danny grunted and walked towards the stairs, "I'm gonna go pack."
"Hurry up Danny, we leave in an hour," Maddie called up the stairs.
Great. Danny thought Three whole months for ghosts to destroy the town…
He logged onto his computer and video called Sam and Tucker.
"Hey Danny, wanna meet at Nasty Burger later?" Tucker asked.
"Sorry, Tuck. I'm spending the summer in Spittoon, Arkansas," he sighed
"Danny you can't!" Sam practically shouted, "What about Phantom?"
"Well… the ghosts want to attack me, so maybe they'll follow me to Arkansas? You guys still have the Fenton Thermoses I gave you, right?" They nodded, Sam opened her mouth to speak but was cut off by Maddie yelling from downstairs.
"Danny! We need your bags, come downstairs!"
"I've gotta go, guys. Bye." Danny left the call and stuffed his clothes into his bag. He raced downstairs and into the Fenton Family Ghost Assault Vehicle.
The three-hour drive was excruciating, Danny was cooped up, Jack and Maddie were obnoxiously singing along to the radio, and Jazz was constantly quoting her boring psychology books. Although he was dreading his visit, when they turned onto the dirt road towards Alicia's cabin Danny breathed a sigh of relief.
His Aunt was perched on a rocking chair, sipping lemonade. "Well if it isn't the Fentons."
"Alicia!" Maddie jumped out of the RV and wrapped her sister in a hug.
"Are y'all coming to the church potluck tonight?" She asked
"Of course we are!" Jack exclaimed, excited at the thought of a party.
"Do I have to?" Danny and Jazz asked in unison.
"Of course," Maddie said disapprovingly, she turned back towards Alicia, "When does it start?"
"About 6 O'clock." She grunted, "go ahead and get settled in in the meantime."
Alicia rose to her feet and led the Fentons into her house. The inside was surprisingly polished, harboring a small galley kitchen, an antique dining set, an old worn couch cloaked with quilts, one small door, and a ladder leading up to a loft.
"Jack can sleep on the couch, kids I've cleaned up the loft, and Maddie I set up a cot in my room for you," Alicia said, eyeing Jack suspiciously. "And don't be going through my stuff."
Danny and Jazz climbed the ladder where they found two small cots surrounded by boxes and clutter. Jazz quickly claimed the cleaner of the two and pulled out her book. Danny shuffled through his bag and pulled out his watch. It read 5:45. Great. Danny thought Only 15 minutes before I have to go to the church shindig. Maybe I should survey the area…
Before he could go ghost Jack yelled for him from the ground floor. "Danny boy! Jazzie pants! We better get a head start on that potluck!"
They groaned and reluctantly rose from their cots. Jazz tucked her book away and Danny pulled out a Fenton thermos.
"Ready to go?" Jazz asked.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Danny replied and went down the ladder.
The walk to the church was pleasant, it was still early June and a may breeze still swept through the trees. He had to admit, stretching his legs did feel great.
The atmosphere in the churchyard reminded him of the Christmas truce, the townsfolk all seemed friendly and inviting, but somewhat hostile. Alicia went to work introducing Maddie to everyone. Danny slunk out of the crowd and sat down, leaning against the chain link fence. A few minutes later a boy in overalls walked over to him holding two sodas.
"Want one?" He asked, sitting down next to Danny.
"Thanks." Danny accepted and took a sip from the can.
"So you're Alicia's nephew?"
"Yeah, I'm Danny."
"Mason."
"How do you know Aunt Alicia?"
Mason shrugged. "It's a small town."
"Oh."
They both sat there, facing the busy churchyard when Danny's ghost sense went off.
Mason gave him a confused look.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
"Uh yeah, which way's the bathroom?"
"First door on the left, can't miss it."
With that, Danny ran off towards the church.