Writer's note: I'm am writing this book right now if you think anything should be changed please tell me. Please Review!
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Chapter 1-Surprise in the Night
"Finally!" I thought. "Graduation Day!" The commencement ceremony meant a lot to everyone. The end of high school, the beginning of college, or the start of 'real' life. But to me, it had a different, more important meaning. Because of my agreement with my parents, I wasn't going to go back to the Underland until I finished high school. But now… it's summer. Graduation is over, and I can go back to the Underland. What a change. It's hard to think about what that will mean. But, first things first. Tonight my family and I will celebrate graduation with a nice, family dinner.
Just then my 14-year-old sister Lizzie walked in. "Congratulations on graduating, Gregor!" she teased. "I didn't think you'd be able to stay away from Luxa for that long." Then Liz ran over to give me a big hug, and I was surprised to notice that she is almost as tall as I am. When did she get this tall? When did she grow up? How did I not notice this before?
As we were talking, our littlest sister Boots walked in. The 8-year-old came running up to me shouting, "Congrats!" And never one to beat around the bush, she added, "So are you going to college or to the Underland? I mean, now that you're finished with school," asked Boots.
"Umm, I don't know. I have no idea Boots. It's so hard to know what to do. I want to go to the Underland but how can I leave you guys?" I looked at both of my sisters, while thinking about how my decision would affect them.
"Oh Gregor! You know that I know you have already made up your mind!" Liz said, while winking at me. I smiled at her and hugged her again.
After a delicious celebration supper, I thought a long walk would be a good way to clear my head. There were so many things in my mind that needed sorting out. Some time to think and ponder….
But dad's plan and mine didn't mesh. He insisted that he go along with me on my walk. What choice did I have? Reluctantly I agreed, so dad and I set out for a walk. We scuffed along on the side of the dirt road, listening to the wind softly rustle the leaves on the trees. In the distance, a dog was barking. It didn't take long for dad to bring up what was on his mind.
"Gregor what are you going to do now that you have finished high school?" dad questioned. "I know we made a deal six years ago and aside from your visit to Luxa to see her coronation ceremony, you have been strong enough to stick by it. But now that you have graduated, I know you must be thinking about your decision."
I let out a long breath, and turned toward my dad. All the turmoil in my head and heart came rushing out. "I think I want to go back to the Underland and be with Luxa down there," I answered, looking at my dad and hoping for some understanding.
My dad looked crestfallen. He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, as was his habit when he was contemplating things.
"But what about us Gregor? What about your family?" I could hear the frustration in dad's voice. And maybe a little something else. Was it sadness?
"I can still visit you guys!" I said, reassuring. I added, "And you guys could visit us! I mean, Dad, I actually feel accepted down there. I'm not viewed as weird or an outsider. No one cares that I have battle scars. I don't have to hide myself. I have so many friends down there!" I said. Dad got very quiet and we continued our walk in silence. Finally after some tense silence, I said, "If it's okay with you, I think I am going to run a bit before heading back home." Dad nodded, and I jogged off. I glanced over my shoulder, and saw dad turn and head for home.
When I returned home from my jog it was getting late. I could hear the TV in the living room, and assumed my parents were in there. They were probably trying not to think about their son going back to the Underland. Boots was already in bed and Liz was on her way to bed. She caught me and whispered "Good night." I just nodded in return and strolled into the kitchen to get something to drink. I took a quick shower and then headed to my room to climb into bed. I flipped on the radio; listening to music always soothes me.
As I rested against the pillows, I heard an unusual noise from the closet. "Oh man!" I thought. "Isn't that how every scary story starts?" Still, I was curious about the noise. I quietly rose from the bed and slowly walked over to the closet. Gripping the doorknob, I jerked the door open as fast as I could. My jaw dropped and my eyes flew open wide. The last person I expected to see was sitting on my closet floor, looking up at me.