Chapter 4:

Bully

Newt Stirling Elementary

2nd Period

Although her father Peter had insisted on her attending private school, Haylie Bartlett really just wanted to be around normal kids her own age, in a normal school setting. She knew that he feared her getting bullied, especially with her wealth, but she didn't let that stop her from convincing him otherwise. Peter had caved in and trusted his daughter's choice, standing behind her. Haylie was happy that he was such a cool, down to earth father and not like that rich bully Sean Prescott, who didn't like having another rich family in Arcadia Bay. Her father was always open to her suggestions, as well as the feedback from the people he employed. He'd always try to meet them halfway or please people, but he was also no push over. Well, with her he could be.

The eyes of the other students followed her as she made her way to her locker, trying not to stare back. She then passed by a large, bulky blonde Grade 6-er named Chuck Thomas, who was in her class. Chuck was a tall, overweight kid with short spikey hair brown hair and freckles. And he loved to pick on all the younger kids, especially her. He smiled at her, his head following her as she passed by him and his Justin Bieber-looking friend named Jason D'Amico. Chuck them whispered something to Jason, and he looked over at her as well, chuckling as he did. They both kept their eyes locked with Haylie, who made her way past.

Haylie assumed the reason Chuck bullied her was because he either had a secret crush on her, or was envious of her father's wealth. In either case, it was uncalled for, especially when he mentioned her mother Lily…

"Hey Haylie, wait up!"

Haylie turned and smiled, waiting for the girl with the English accent and long brown hair that was pulled into a messy ponytail to catch up to her. It was her best friend Maisie, one of the few kids who actually treated her like a human being.

Haylie: "Hey Maisie!"

Maisie: "Good morning, Haylie. So, what's with the text you sent me this morning? You said you have something that you wanna show me?"

Haylie: "Yes! I think you'll like her. When I first saw her, I fell in love…"

Maisie: (Wrinkling her nose) "Huh?"

Haylie: "I'll show you. Follow me."

Maisie: "You're not keeping a pet in your locker, are ya?"

Haylie: "Nope. Just a new member of my family."

They both arrived at Haylie's locker and Haylie undid the combination lock. She then opened the locker and gestured Maisie to look inside. A bewildered smile crept across Maisie's face as she laid eyes upon Annabelle.

Maisie: "She's beautiful! Was she a gift from your father?"

Haylie: "Kind of. We found her and he let me keep her."

Maisie: "Your dad's so cool. My grandpa would've made me leave her behind. 'Leave that dirty thing where you found it,' he'd say. But she's beautiful!"

Haylie: "Ha ha, I knew you'd like her!"

Maisie: "Oh yes! What's her name?"

Haylie: "Annabelle."

Maisie: "That's a lovely name! I'm so jealous."

"Where are you going, Eriksen?"

They both turned and saw Chuck standing in the way of Chris, Max Caulfield's little buddy. Haylie was about to intervene, but Maisie took her arm and gently shook her head at her. Haylie stared at her, with pleading eyes.

Chris stared up at Chuck who blocked his path. Jason stood behind Chris, blocking him in. A few of the other kids were staring at the confrontation, some pulling out their camera phones, either filming or texting their friends of the goings on.

Chuck: "So, you think that you're good enough to join the basketball team, huh?"

Chris: "I didn't want to join, my dad made me."

Chuck: "Yeah right, you probably begged him to! You think that you're skilled enough to represent our school team? Kid, you're an embarrassment! I've seen you play."

Jason: (Bumping him from behind) "We both seen you play, you little pussy!"

Chris: (Trying to move past them) "Just leave me alone!"

Chuck: (Chest bumping him) "I'm not done with you yet, ya wuss. Here's some free advice for you, Eriksen; quit the team. You're not good enough to roll with the big boys and neither was your father. My dad says that's why he can't coach anymore. He says that Charles Eriksen is just a washed up, regretful drunk! This is the last time I'm gonna say it; quit the team, little girl."

Chris: "Shut up."

Jason: (Shoving him from behind) "What'd you just say, pussy?"

"Leave him alone, you idiots!"

Chuck and Jason turned to see Haylie standing there, filming them with her camera phone. The rest of the by-standing students all "Ooooh'ed" and began to murmur. Chuck pointed at her and made his way towards her. Jason bumped past Chris, who fell over with a short squeak and sat, watching stunned. Haylie held the camera phone on him as he approached her.

Chuck: "What'd you just say to me, dweeb?"

Haylie: "I know you heard me, tubby! Leave Chris alone! You have no right to tell him to quit the basketball team, when you're not even captain! Chandler is! And wait until he sees this!"

Chuck: "Oh, you're gonna go and tattle to Chandler, huh?" (Smacks her phone away) "Oops, there goes your proof!"

Maisie: (Filming him with hers) "I've still got mine, ya big doofus!"

Chuck: "Oh look, rich girl's lackey!" (Sees Annabelle) "What an ugly-" (To Jason) "Yo Jason, grab that ugly ass doll!"

Haylie: "NO!"

It was too late, Jason snatched Annabelle from Haylie's open locker and tossed her to Chuck. Haylie tried to snatch it back, but Chuck tossed her back to Jason, who began to run around her and Maisie, as they chased him to get it back.

Jason: (Shaking Annabelle) "C'mon dorks! Come and get it!"

He tossed Annabelle back to Chuck, who backed up into Haylie's locker door, slamming it shut. Chris stuck his foot out and tripped Jason, who tumbled onto his back with a surprised yelp. As Jason fell to the floor, Chuck caught Annabelle.

Chuck: (Pointing down at Chris) "HEY! I saw that you little shit!"

Chuck was about to march over to Chris, when suddenly, Haylie's now closed locker was flung open and smashed directly into Chuck's face. snapping his head back like he was just violently punched, and the impact echoed down the hall of stunned, silent kids. Chuck clutched his face and covered it with both hands as blood began pouring out through the gaps of his fingers. He began screaming bloody murder at the sight of all the blood pouring out of his broken nose. All the other kids gasped and a few of the girls screamed at the sight of all the blood, drenching the lower half of his face.

Chuck: "She broke my nose! She broke my goddamn nose!"

And that's when the principal came marching over to them, glaring at them both. Principal Laura Myers was a serious looking blonde woman in her late 30's, with her blonde hair in a messy bun, thin rimmed black glasses, a dark gray skirt suit and black high-heels.

Myers: "WHAT is going on here?"

Chuck: "She broke my damn nose!"

Haylie: "I did not!"

Chuck: "Did too, you dweeb! All over that stupid doll of yours!"

Myers: "Okay, enough! Both of you are coming with me and we're going to sort this thing out. If we can't sort it out ourselves, then we'll have to get both your parents involved."

Haylie: "But I didn't do anything! Honest!

Maisie: "Yeah, Chuck was bullying Chris!"

Myers: (Pointing to Chuck's bloody nose) "Young lady, does that look like nothing?" (Pausing) "I didn't think so. Now, I want you to put that doll away before I confiscate it."

Haylie: (Sighing) "Yes ma'am." (Going over to her locker)

Chuck: (Spitting blood out) "Aren't you a little old for dolls anyways?"

Myers: "Be quiet, Mr. Thomas. You're already on your 2nd strike." (To Chris) "You alright, little buddy?"

Chris: (Getting up and nodding his head) "Yes, Principal Myers."

Myers: "I'm going to need you, Haylie, Maisie Chuck and Mr. D'Amico over there to come with me. We're going to sort this mess out."

Chris: "Yes ma'am."

Jason: "Man, this is straight up b-"

Myers: "You might want to bite your tongue on that, Mr. D'Amico!"

Jason: "Fine, whatever."

Haylie gently placed Annabelle back into the locker and straightened out her white dress which was wrinkled thanks to Chuck's rough handling.

Haylie: "I'm sorry he hurt you, Annabelle. I won't let it happen again." (Kisses her head) "I love you."

Myers: "Now, Ms. Bartlett." (Sees all of the bystanders) "The rest of you students get to class."

Haylie sighed, shut and her locker, and pushed the combination lock, hearing it click. The group of kids all followed Principal Myers to the main office. All the other kids began to shuffle off, whispering to each other about the events they had just witnessed. Chris glanced at Haylie who was walking beside him.

Chris: "Thank you for helping me, Haylie. Even if it got you in trouble."

Haylie: (Patting his back) "No problem, Chris. It was worth it." (Smiles at him)

Chris: (Smiles back at her) "You're awesome."

Haylie: "So are you, Captain Spirit."

A while after classes had resumed, there was a dull thump from the inside of Haylie's locker. Then another. Then another, which was louder. There were more thumps from within Haylie's locker, which became louder and louder, until they were full on bangs, which almost jostled the locker door off its hinges. When a few of the teachers stuck their heads outside of their classrooms to investigate the noises, they saw and heard nothing but silence. Whatever had been making those noises just moments ago wasn't there anymore, which is what they presumed. They then resumed teaching.

Annabelle sat inside Haylie's dark locker, her eyes looking bloodshot in the dim light and her smile looking a bit twisted in the darkness.

A While Later...

Peter Bartlett came walking in through the front doors of the private school, looking stern. He sighed going to the front, seeing the plump, peacock glasses wearing secretary typing up something on her computer. Peter removed his sunglasses and walked up to the front desk. The secretary then looked up at him and smiled.

Peter: "Hello miss, I'm here to speak with Principal Myers. I'm Peter-"

Secretary: "Peter Bartlett, yes I know who you are. Please, go on in. She's expecting you."

Peter: "Thank you."

Peter came walking in through the door, looking around the main office, seeing Haylie sitting in one of the seats outside of Laura Myers' office. Peter quickly went up to her and the grim, saddened look on her face livened up when she saw him. Peter came speed walking over to his little daughter, kneeling down and hugging her.

Haylie: (Hugging him) "Dad, you came!"

Peter: (Hugging her) "Of course I did, angel!" (Looking into her eyes) "Honey, is it true what your principal told me? Did you hit that boy?"

Haylie: (Shaking her head) "I never even touched him! Honestly daddy, I swear! He was picking on one of my friends! I just stuck up for him is all."

Peter: (Rubbing her shoulders) "That's my angel. I taught you well."

Haylie: "You're not mad at me?"

Peter: "Nuh uh, actually I'm very proud of you. But we still have to see your principal."

Haylie: "Am I in trouble?"

Peter: "No, you're not. He's the one who's going to be in trouble."

Principal Laura Myers opened the door to her office and looked out at them. Behind her and seated in front of her desk was Maisie, Chris, Jason, Chuck and an angry trucker-looking, bearded man. Peter rose to his feet, helping Haylie up to hers, who took his hand.

Myers: "Ah, nice to see that you came so fast, Mr. Bartlett." (Holding out her hand)

Peter: (Shaking it) "And you must be Principal Myers. Nice to meet you."

Myers: "Likewise. Please, come in."

Peter: "Thank you." (To Haylie) "Come on, sweetie. It's going to be okay."

As the 3 of them came in, Chuck and his dad who was the trucker looking guy, shot Peter dirty looks. Peter sat down with Haylie beside him. The trucker's nametag on his denim vest read: Rhett. Rhett stared Peter down.

Rhett: "You better have brought your check book and an ass-kissing sized apology or I'm gonna sue the pants off of ya' for what your bratty little daughter did to my son."

Myers: "Now, now Mr. Thomas, let's not let this escalate, especially in front of the kids."

Peter: "Exactly. WE'RE supposed to be the adults here, sir. I'm sure we can skip all the schoolyard theatrics and cut to the chase. Now, your son was bullying my daughter. If anyone's going to hear from anyone's lawyer, it's going to be you. My daughter has irrefutable proof against your son, showing that he was bullying not only her, but other kids as well. But if you really feel so inclined in building a case against your son, we can go and ask a few witnesses if you'd like."

Myers: "Thank you, Mr. Bartlett, but that won't be necessary. We've got surveillance footage of the incident right here."

Peter: (Smiling at Rhett) "Even better."

Rhett glared at Peter as Principal Myers turned a laptop towards them.

Blackwell Academy

Later That Day

It was raining outside as Max sat in the desk in her dorm room, looking at an assortment of old Polaroid cameras on eBay, which were far less expensive than she had imagined, which was a relief. She had just hung up the phone after leaving a message as both times she'd called during the day she'd only got Peter Bartlett's answering machine. The guy sounded kind enough and not as pretentious as someone like Sean Prescott, the town's original wealthy asshole. Mr. Bartlett and his daughter had both ended their answering machine message all together, saying, "And we hope you have a great day." Max smiled at the overly cuteness of their message. She sighed and added a few decent looking Polaroid cameras to her Kijiji watch list as she waited for him to call back. 'At least these Polaroid cameras are in Arcadia Bay,' she thought.

Max's cellphone then went off and she quickly snatched it up, looking at the number. The number displayed was for her best friend Chloe Price. Max smiled and answered.

Max: (Answering the phone) "Heyyy, Chloe!"

Chloe: "Hey Max! How's it going? I haven't heard from ya in a while. I was beginning to feel a little forgotten!"

Max: "Aww, are ya, now?" (Chuckles) "I'm sorry, Chloe! You've just been so busy that every time I called for ya, you were never there. And I couldn't reach your cell phone for some reason."

Chloe: "Yeah, I apologize for that. I updated my plan, but the people who did it for me messed it up somehow, and had to disconnect my service to fix it. So, how the hell are ya?"

Max: "I'm good. I could be better." (Sighs) "I miss my old camera, Chloe."

Chloe: "Yeah, I'm sorry to hear that. I know how much that Polaroid camera meant to you. Any luck fixing it?"

Max: "Naw, It's screwed. I'm gonna have to buy a new one."

Chloe: "Bummer." (Pauses) "Hey, you need any coin? I'd be happy to lend ya some bones, Max! You can pay me back whenever."

Max: "Oh Chloe, you're so sweet! Naw, I couldn't ask that of you. I'm trying to get a babysitting job for Peter Bartlett."

Chloe: "Oh, nice! Yeah, he's super cool! The day I started, he already gave me a little of my paycheck as I really needed the money at that moment. We get along great. He even pops by at our landscaping sites every now and then and drops off lunch for us."

Max: "Ooh, that's nice! I want the job, but I haven't been able to get a hold of him."

Chloe: "Well, he is a busy man, Max. Want me to try?"

Max: "Naw, it's okay, Chloe. I'll wait."

Chloe: "So, do you wanna hang out tomorrow? Or is the babysitting job for tomorrow?"

Max: "One is, unfortunately. I'm looking after Chris Eriksen, too, so I'm probably going to have to work a back to back."

Chloe: "Awww, that's hella shitty!" (Pauses) "Do you have a way down to Bartlett Manor?"

Max: "Naw, I'll probably just cab it down there with my last bit of money."

Chloe: "Naw, screw that, Max. If ya won't borrow any cash from me, then at least let your best pal drive ya there!"

Max: "Really?"

Chloe: "Of course, Max!"

Max: (Smiling) "Well, thank you. I'll give ya gas money when I can."

Chloe: (Laughing) "Don't even worry about it, Max." (Pauses) "You wanna hang tonight?"

Max: "Hells yeah, I'd love to! Jefferson didn't give us any homework, so I'm free tonight."

Chloe: "Awesome! I'll see ya out on the front steps in about 20. We should go bowling."

Max: "Oh hell yeah! I'll be waiting for ya! See ya soon!"

Chloe: "See ya!" (Hangs up)

As soon as Max hung up, her phone rang again. Max looked at the number and her eyes slightly widened. It was Peter Bartlett's cellphone number. She immediately answered it, despite the butterflies in her stomach.

Max: (Smiling) "Uh, hello?"

Peter: "Hello, am I speaking with Max Caulfield?"

Max: (Smiling) "Yes, this is Max."

Peter: "Hello Max, this is Peter Bartlett, returning your call from earlier. Sorry about the long wait. It's been a busy day. How are you?"

Max: "I'm good, Mr. Bartlett!"

Peter: "That's good to hear. So, I was wondering if you were still interested in that babysitting job."

Max: "YES!"

Peter: (Chuckling) "Well that's good. It's yours if you want it. It's from 6pm to a little after midnight. But I'll pay you 20 bucks an hour for it. How's that sound?"

Max: "$120? That sounds perfect!"

Peter: "Wonderful! My little Haylie is a very well-behaved kid, so it should be a cake walk for ya. Do you have a way down to the manor?"

Max: "Yes, my friend Chloe offered to drop me off if I got the job."

Peter: (Chuckling) "Well, it's yours. Any questions for me?"

Max: "No…" (Slaps her head) "YES. Just one. I'm already looking after another of my regular kids tomorrow. I was wondering if I could bring them along with me as well?"

Peter: (Chuckles)"Are they a little hellion?"

Max: "Naw, he's very well behaved. He's polite, he's sweet and very well behaved."

Peter: "Phew! Well in that case, yes you may. My daughter loves meeting other kids. Plus, you'll be helping me out a great deal. So, we'll be seeing you tomorrow?"

Max: "Yes, you can count on me, Mr. Bartlett."

Peter: "Outstanding. Have a good night, Ms. Caulfield. See you then."

Max: "You too, Mr. Bartlett. See ya then."

Max smiled as she hung up, waiting a few seconds before turning back towards the computer screen which showed the Polaroid's she'd added to her Kijiji watch list.

Max: (Fist pumping) "YES!"

This was it; her chance to make the deadline, brave her fears and submit her entry for Mr. Jefferson's contest. The thought of putting her work out there still scared her, but she knew she'd never make a name for herself if she stayed afraid. Everything was going according to plan for her, so she wasn't going to waste this opportunity on simple anxieties. Professor Jefferson had always expressed his faith in her abilities, so maybe he was right about her after all.

There came a light knocking at the door, bringing Max out of her thoughts.

Max: "Yes, who is it?"

Kate: "Hey Max? It's Kate."

Max: "Oh, hey Kate! The door's open, come on in!"

Kate: (Opening the door, peeking in) "So, did you get the job?"

Max: "HELL YES, I got the job!"

Kate: (Smiling) "Great work, Max! I had a good feeling you would! Um, are you doing anything right now?"

Max: "I'm actually off to go and hang with Chloe…"

Kate: (Looks a bit disappointed) "Oh…"

Max: (Smiles at her) "You're welcome to tag along, Kate! We'd love to have you with us!"

Kate: "Oh, I couldn't intrude on you two." (Smiles) "You're both besties!"

Max: "Be that as it may, you're my friend too, Kate!"

Kate: (Smiles at her) "Thanks Max!"

Max: "Don't mention it. Now pretty please with sugar on top, Kate will you join us? I'd love it if you would say yes!"

Kate: (Shrugging) "Well…"

Max: (Puppy dog face) "C'mon Kate."

Kate: "Oh, okay. I just have to power down my things and I'll be right back."

Max: "Awesome! See you in a few minutes!"

Kate: (Smiling) "Will do."

Kate went back to her dorm room, shutting the door behind her. She made her way over to her computer desk and computer, which was on. On her desk was her bible, a portrait of her with her family with their church group, as well as a bunch of printed articles, which were from Wikipedia on the occult and such. Such things in her religious beliefs were considered heresy or blasphemy, but Kate knew she was researching such things for a good cause. If her church group or worse yet, her family knew what she was researching, she'd be black listed by both parties.

On the computer screen was an open article about the haunted Annabelle doll, which was supposedly possessed by a demonic spirit. The image on the right of the article was a black and white portrait of the doll, which was kept in a glass case in Ed and Lorraine's Occult Museum located in their own home.

Kate quickly printed the article on Annabelle, and before she shut down her computer, she stopped and stared at the doll on the screen for a few moments, before closing the browser and shutting down her computer for the night.

Kate: (Trying to reassure herself) "They're just dreams… just bad dreams, that's all…"

Kate looked up at the crucifix hanging on one of her walls and smiled at it. She then took the gold crucifix chain hanging around her neck and gently kissed it, whispering something to herself. Then she quietly left the room, locking the door behind her.

A while later, after Max and Kate had been gone for a little over half an hour, the door knob to Kate's room began to wiggle and then it clicked loudly, announcing that it had been unlocked.

The door slowly opened as someone silently came inside.