-/o/-

Hypnotism, a magic trick or exploiting psychosis? For Middle schooler, Ferguson O'durguson, it was a question he asked for all his life. Since yesterday. Together with his friends, Marco Diaz, and Alfonzo Dolittle, they worked to unlock the mysteries behind the human mind. But a new comer crashed into their little circle revealing the mind to be much more complicated than he first thought. And it had nothing to do with hypnosis.

What Are They Even Talking About?;

A Past Shrouded in Mystery

-/o/-

"I got this okay."

Ferguson, a hefty young lad with a face full of freckles, flipped through the pages of his newly bought hypnosis book. He ran his fingers through his short red hair and scratched the back of his head as he tried in vain to understand the contents within the literature. It wasn't exactly a step-by-step instruction guide or a simple how-to for this kind of stuff. Read more like a psychology textbook if anything. He found that out last night when he skimmed through a few pages. Though, he figured he could wing most of it as he tried it out on his friend. A confidence he strode with most things in his life. But this didn't work out as well as he hoped.

"I could fix this." He said doubtfully. "Just give me a sec. And don't look away."

"F-fix?" Alfonzo quivered. "Fix what? What did you do!?"

Alfonzo was a bit of Ferguson's opposite. A thin and tall boy who worried about every little thing. With his huge afro and thick-rimmed glasses, it made him look like Moss from the IT crowd.

He stared at the wristwatch Ferguson held out. Too afraid of what might happen if he looked away. Not daring to think about if he did. And continually regretting that he drew the short straw to be Ferguson's guinea pig. And the one who lucked out was comfortably sitting right next to him. And if thoughts could burn, Alfonzo wished it was searing into the lotto winner right now.

"Don't talk like that, Alfonzo." Marco chimed-in. "Nothing's gonna happen. Hypnosis is a bunch of nonsense anyway."

Marco, with brown eyes the same color as his hair, leaned back against his father's tool shed. He made no effort to hide his disdain for this kind of stuff. And yet he still let his friends play their games. While complaining all the way. Made one wonder if he just wanted an excuse to moan and whine.

"Think about it, wave a watch in your face and then what?" Marco said. "Suddenly, BLAM! Clucking like a chicken. Brainwashed?! Puh-lease."

"Jeez, man," Ferguson replied. "Have some faith."

Because he was sure losing his. And as he plopped his back down on the soft ground to stare at the sky above, he felt all of his faith leave. Much like all the air in Alfonzo's lungs when he screamed.

"NO! THE WATCH!"

"Breath, dude," Marco said reeling his friend back by the shoulder. "You're fine. Okay. You're fine."

"I'm fine," Alfonzo repeated patting himself around just to check. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Saturday. One of the few days they had for themselves.

All three of them gathered at Marco's backyard to hang out. They sat down on the grass underneath the shade of the tool shed shielding them from the warm rays of the morning sun. The cool winds tempered the air to a comfortable breeze bringing with it a saltiness of the ocean's scent. Lawnmowers rattled in the distance. And cars roared as they pass by ever so often. A staple of Echo Creek's suburb.

Which was far different than Ferguson's last home at the heart of the city. Too quiet here than what he considered normal. His family moved to Echo Creek about a few months back. Right at the start of the school year. He was worried, at the time, that he wouldn't fit in at his new school. The other kids might've already formed their own cliques. And he'd be hard pressed to find one to squeeze into. Luckily, he met these two.

"Should have listened to me when you went and bought that book," Marco said to him.

"And I told you, it's my money." Ferguson contested. "I get to do with it whatever I want."

"That's not a sound argument." Alfonzo pointed out.

Was he lucky or cursed? To be fair, it was impulsive of him to buy this book. Yesterday afternoon, right after school, they passed by a bookstore with it sitting on the display window. Ferguson never considered learning about hypnosis up until that moment. A simple curiosity and nothing more. Couldn't recall why he suddenly decided to dedicate his time on the subject. Probably wasn't important enough to remember. And now he was wondering if he should even continue this?

"You wasted your money on that," Marco said.

No. He's going to. If nothing else but out of spite. Not the most justifiable of reasons, but an effective one nonetheless.

"Just you two wait!" Ferguson declared as he sat back up. "I'll figure this out and have power over you two! Then I'll make Marco here wear a dress."

"That's it?" Alfonzo said. "You don't need magic for that. That's like a Tuesday for him."

"Friday nights, actually." Marco corrected. "And FYI, lavender is so my color. Totes bring the color of my eyes."

"Oh, most def!" Ferguson said. "And speaking off, I have the perfect eyeliner you just got to try."

"Ohemgee, literally fab!" Alfonzo replied with his thickest valley girl voice.

Then all three roared with laughter. Ferguson didn't know why he found this funny. He just does. Maybe its because they continually outdo each other with sillier and sillier voices. He wasn't sure. But he was glad these two could roll with his brand of nonsense. Never thought anyone else would. He was definitely lucky.

"But seriously dude, hypnosis isn't magic," Ferguson said. "At least, according to the book."

"It's not." A voice called out. "But you're doing it wrong."

They all followed where the voice came from and saw a girl their age, hopping over the wooden fence that bordered the backyard. She had long dark hair tied into two pigtails which she hid underneath a green beanie. Ferguson recognized her from school. Janna, he believed her name was. But he couldn't think of why she decided to come here of all places. And he wasn't aware she knew where Marco lived. Though he was more curious about the old plushy, a purple rabbit wearing nothing but a red vest, the girl was holding in her arms.

"Wave 'Hi' to Daddy, Sweetie." The girl said waving the doll's hand.

"Janna! Did you go up to my room again!?" Marco yelled as he approached the girl.

"Yes, and you kept me waiting. Took me a while to find out you were out here. You got to tell me these things. It's no fun when you're not around."

"Why'd you take Esteban?" He asked in whispered tones not wanting anyone else to hear.

But they did. And besides naming it, wasn't he too old to play with dolls? Or do people around here consider it normal? Ferguson felt that maybe he was just out of the loop. Considering how casually these two were talking about it, maybe he was just overthinking this.

"Did you know about the doll?" Ferguson whispered to Alfonzo as he tried to piece together what was going on.

"The doll? I didn't even know Marco let her into his room." Alfonzo replied. "He hasn't even invited me."

"I don't think he knew."

Ferguson was always curious about the relationship between those two. At school, they always seem so antagonistic towards each other. Janna was notorious for causing trouble. And if it wasn't for Marco the school would have been knee deep in it.

Like that one time when Janna planned to cover the entire gymnasium with used grease from the school's cafeteria. Which could cause problems for the event the school was hosting there. Spirit week, if he remembered correctly. On how Marco knew about her plans, his only reply was, 'he had a hunch.' A powerful hunch. Since the three of them caught Janna sneaking around the dumpsters at the back of the school. Stopped her plans before it even happened.

And Marco had a lot of those hunches. A lot. So he would constantly ask for both Ferguson's and Alfonzo's help. And Ferguson constantly wanted to find an excuse to stay out of it.

But those were the bigger stuff. On the smaller side, Marco had to deal with stuff like; Her "borrowing" his stuff without permission, Playing mind games and generally being a nuisance. Ferguson only knew about these things because he would hear Marco complain about her to no end.

On why Marco even chose to deal with her, he couldn't figure why? He would often tell Marco to leave her alone if she bothers him so much. Speak out. Cut her out of his life. But that was under the impression that Marco actually hated her.

"It's my weekend with him, remember?" Janna pointed out to Marco. "You agreed to it. No take-backs."

"Janna, we were five when we said that." Marco contested. "For crying out loud, we wrote it down with crayons."

"Forever means forever, Marco. And you were the one who added that."

"Are you following this?" Alfonzo asked Ferguson. "Y'know what they're talkin' about?"

But Ferguson could only shake his head as a response. And how could he know? He practically just met the guy. And the one who knew him longer was also someone who had no clue about this? He didn't know whether to ignore it or rattle his brain to find out. Because he was sure if he asked, Marco would only tell him 'it's complicated.' Complicated was one thing. Confusing was another.

He then noticed Janna walking towards him. Making it apparent that she was actually there. For a moment, Ferguson felt he was simply peering into another world. An outside observer trying to piece together the phenomenon happening in front of him. As silly as that thought may seem. But now, that world was colliding into his. And before he could say anything, Janna had already yanked the book he was holding out from him.

"So you're trying out hypnotism?" She asked. "Looks like this thing was barely even opened."

"I, um, just bought it," Ferguson said. "D-do you know anything about hypnosis?"

"I dabble." She shrugged. "Enough to know you can't just jump into it."

Ferguson watched her as she browsed through a few pages. And he couldn't help but feel a slight chill run down his spine. Not knowing where it came from or why. Maybe it was in the way she moved. As if every flick of her wrist was a well-calculated move. Or her calm demeanor, making it so her being here was expected and normal when it's everything but. Or maybe it was in her tone, deliberate, knowing. As if every word was hiding a plan yet unfold. And he dreaded what that plan might be. Or was it simply, Marco's ramblings about her that really got into his head.

"Keep at it, you'll figure it out," Janna told him as she gave his book back. "Just don't do it on Moss over here. He's too scared out of his wits for it."

"Hey!" Alfonzo quickly responded. "I wasn't scared."

"Aren't you now?"

And there it was. Ferguson wasn't sure if it was real or not. But for a moment, there was a twinkle of excitement behind her eyes. A sadistic delight. Like a spider sensing the vibrations of her struggling prey caught on her web, as she hurriedly scurried down to sink her fangs into them. And savoring every moment of her meal's last breath. Ferguson's heart raced both in fear, for his friend's fate, and in joy, because he wasn't her target. Marco's one brave soul to constantly deal with this.

"The Mighty Alfonzo feeling brave?" Janna questioned as she leaned down to face him. "Maybe you're willing to let me have a go at you?"

"I-I-um the thing is-" Alfonzo stuttered inching back towards the side of the shed.

"I could make you cluck like a chicken." She continued as she stepped forward chasing him. "Make you sing like a canary? Bark like a dog? Maybe even make it permanent? And what if I already did it?" She then snapped her fingers without looking away from the terrified Alfonzo. "And you'd never notice it. Because to you, you sound fine. Normal. But to the rest of us? You're on the ground howling at nothing. This? What we're doing? It is all a dream. A dream that I'll never wake you up from."

Ferguson saw his friend froze. Was he too afraid to speak? To move? Or did Janna really do something to him? He glanced at her, being careful not to grab her attention, and he saw her crack a small smile. One of contempt, of pleasure? He wasn't sure and was too afraid to intervene. Or do anything else. Maybe she would have gone on further if Marco hadn't grabbed her by the shoulder and pulled her up.

"Okay, Jan," Marco called. "Stop harassing him."

"Well, I guess you're volunteering then," Janna said turning to Marco.

She's your problem now, Diaz! Ferguson held the book against his chest making himself seem so small. Small enough to disappear so they wouldn't notice him. So she couldn't go for him. Maybe it's best if Marco didn't leave her alone. So all her efforts were concentrated on him than anywhere else.

"Excuse me?" Marco said quizzically. "Volunteering for what?"

"For the hypnosis." She then turned to address Ferguson. "You want to see if hypnosis is real, don't you?"

And he quickly nodded just so she could move on. He was a friend, an ally. Someone with no qualms with what she does. Especially not someone to twirl her little webs with. But he then saw Marco look at him as if daring him to grow a spine. Or disappointed that he'll choose her side over him. Whatever, man. He wouldn't dare disturb the beast if it would keep himself alive.

"And if I refuse?" Marco asked.

"I'm asking you not to," Janna said.

She then handed him her beanie. And Marco's assertive demeanor dropped. Slowly, he shook his head and Ferguson could swear he saw the corners of Marco's mouth curved up for a brief second. One that wasn't like anything he saw from him before. Then the two locked eyes and it was as though there was this silent conversation going on. One only they could understand. A coded message even when they spoke out loud.

"Gonna make me feel guilty for this?" Marco asked.

"You doubt my powers?"

"Regretting it already." He said as he wore her beanie.

"Trust me, Marco." She said jabbing him on the shoulder. "You're acting like it's your first time."

"Didn't count. It was late."

Wasn't his first time? Was he serious!? The guy couldn't go two seconds without complaining it was all nonsense. And now to find out he actually did it with her? What is his deal? The way she talked about it you'd think something actually did happen. Waste of money? Get out of town!

Janna then walked towards the two of them tossing the plushie towards Alfonzo. And he jumped like he was just released from being petrified only so he could catch the doll flying towards him.

"Keep him safe." She commanded. "Or I'll really make you catatonic."

"Y-Yes, Ma'am!" Alfonzo stuttered loudly, quaking in fear.

"Could she actually do that?" Ferguson whispered to Alfonzo.

"I don't know." He responded. "But I don't want to find out."

She made her way into the shack and brought out a metal folding chair. She then gestured Marco to sit on it. He complied as she turned her attention to her audience. The other two boys sat back to watch the performance. With Ferguson bringing out his phone to type out a few notes.

"All right!" Janna cheered cracking her knuckles. "Let's begin."

Firstly, she waved a wrist watch she took from Marco's wrist that no one else noticed when she did it including the owner. She then urged him to follow it as she swung it slowly to and fro, encouraging him to block everything else. Everything but the watch and the sound of her voice. A voice telling him how tired he should feel. How heavy his eyelids were getting. Heavier and heavier they felt. Until he could no longer lift them up. Even if he tried. Not until she told him he could. She then slowly walked around his back towards his left, letting him drift off for a moment. She then leaned in and told him to open his eyes. And he did. Then with a jolt of her voice, she commanded him to sleep. And he did. He lifelessly slumped down, so much so he almost fell out of his chair. She stood back up and then turned to Ferguson flashing him with a devilish grin.

"Following so far, Ferguson?" Janna asked.

"Y-yeah." He said as he nodded.

But a bombardment of questions came rushing after. But more so about the deal with these two than the hypnosis itself. For example, was Marco playing along? He was adamant before how Ferguson shouldn't waste his time on this. And now Marco was falling over at her command. And if he was, it only begs the question. Why would he? Wouldn't this be the perfect chance for him to prove himself right? And with all the times she messed with him, wouldn't this be the perfect opportunity for some payback? And what's his endgame in all of this? Ferguson won't let this down, he could promise Marco that. But would Marco just deny it though? Which answers question number one. If he wasn't only doing it to save face. Though, Ferguson doubts he would get a straight answer from him. Bearing that, what did happen in their first time?

With Marco slumped down on his chair, Janna made her way to his right. She then placed both hands on his shoulders. She told Marco that, at the snap of her fingers, he was going to open his eyes and stand up thinking his seat was on fire. And moments later, she snapped her fingers. Marco then jumped up off his seat, squirming for a bit off of Janna's hold. Janna then made her way towards the front. Probably going to issue another command if she hadn't stubbed her toe on the metal chair's leg.

"Chickenbutt!" Janna cursed at the top of her lungs as she hopped on one foot.

And Marco, out of nowhere, collapsed on top of Janna. Sending both of them plummeting to the ground with a thud. She struggled for a moment, slapping his face and yelling at him to wake up. But Marco didn't budge. The other two then rushed towards them thinking that both got themselves hurt. Only to stop, uncertain what to do, when they heard Marco coming to.

"Janna, Remember that contract?" Marco asked. Yet he made no effort to stand up but only to turn to her. He then gave her the sliest smile he could muster. "It also had something else on it, right? Well, I got you pinned, don't I?"

"Don't you dare, Marco."

"Forever means Forever, Jan."

He then grabbed Janna with both hands and started tickling her without a pause. Janna squirmed about below him. Hoping to find any which way to escape his unceasing attacks. But all she could do was laugh and shriek at the various ways he touched her.

"Marco! Marco!" Janna yelled in between gulps of air. "Please! Marco!"

"Please what, Jan?" He asked his grin growing greater. "Want me to go on?"

"Marco!" She shrieked. "Please! Come on!"

"You know the rules. Say the magic words, Jan."

"Never!"

Both Alfonzo and Ferguson stood there, mouths hanging open at what they were seeing. Were Marco and Janna actually enjoying themselves? Seemed like it. Especially Janna, as she giggled in pure delight. Making no effort to push him off but rather grabbing on to him more.

And Ferguson was certain about another thing. Both Janna and Marco forgot where they were. And transported themselves back to their own world. Where outsiders couldn't understand. Even when they peer in.

"Should we, I don't know, do something?" Alfonzo asked as he covered the plushy's eyes.

"Should we even be watching this?" Ferguson questioned. Yet as always, no answer came.

"Okay, Marco! Stop!" Janna yielded. "You win! Horseradish! Horseradish!"

And with that, Marco stopped and rested his hands on the ground around her as she still held on to him. Still had her fists full with his red sweater. She breathed heavily, still feeling the afterglow of what Marco did to her. And once again they locked eyes transporting themselves away and sharing in their silent conversation.

"That's another one for me," Marco said to her.

"They are making even less sense!" Ferguson said out loud. "Like negative sense. A debt of sense."

"Want me to explain?" Janna replied without turning away.

"Keep it! Keep all if it! I don't even want to know!"