"Hold still, Vic, this might sting just a little bit," The nurse spoke, grasping my arm firmly. I held my eyes shut. I had waited for at least an hour in the waiting lobby, despite the fact there wasn't anyone else there. The nurse, who I didn't recognize, was quick to point out my raggled state. Her hands weren't very steady, and so her needle kept stabbing the open skin.
"Could you be any more rough?" I grunted, wincing in pain. Luke and Sheriff Lund were still in the waiting room, fortunately.
"You keep flinching," The nurse responded, quickly reinserting the needle though my skin. I could feel the thread sliding through my arm uncomfortably. The room I was in had an uncomfortable lion sticker on the wall staring me down, upon other miscellaneous doctor equipment items. A large poster of the human anatomy hung loosely on the wooden door. It was a good thing the nurse had a headlight, because I knew very well she would've been as blind as a bat using the dim LEDs.
I grunted loudly, feeling the string tighten against my skin.
"Done," She spoke, removing her facemask with her gloved hand. I opened my eyes slowly, rotating my wrist. While she had done a terrible job, it wasn't like I could complain. The last thing I needed was an infection, and she had managed to sloppily close up the wound. I escorted myself back to the lobby, not wanting to speak to the nurse anymore.
"Looks a little better," Lund spoke, raising my arm.
"It hurts," I replied, lowering it forcefully.
The drive to the police station was quiet. I wanted to change clothes, as I was still wearing what was left of my Willy's Wonderland uniform. The sky hadn't cleared up in the least, but I'd be fine if it rained. Lund's eyes kept glancing back to me through her rearview mirror, and each time I would awkwardly make eye contact.
"Everything okay, Vic?" She finally asked.
"Why are you guys being so awkward around me all of the sudden?" I asked.
"We're just curious, that's all. You're the first person to make it out of Willy's alive, and stick around to talk about it," Lund shrugged.
"Y'all are bein' nice. I don't like it," I replied. Lund scoffed.
"Nice, Vic? We've always been nice to you, it's that snarky teen attitude that clouds you up and gives you the idea we're bein' pricks," She barked. There's the Sheriff I know.
"Yeah," I smiled.
Once we pulled up to the police station, I saw Jed outside sitting with Luke on the porch.
"What are you doin' down here," Lund called to him, turning off the engine. I got out of the car, stretching my legs. "And why is Luke still here?"
"I just came down to offer Vic her baby back," Jed spoke, motioning towards the Mustang. I raised my eyebrows in surprise. "Luke wanted in on the drive,"
"How'd you manage to pull that off?" I asked, catching the keys Jed tossed to me.
"I think your Dad is drunk, but I told him I was gonna take it to let Vic borrow to get her bearings so she can leave," Jed explained.
"I'm surprised, thank you," I laughed.
"Eh, it's the least I can do for you. You're like a granddaughter to me," Jed replied, "Or a daughter, but I think I'm old enough to be a distant relative-"
I glanced over at Luke, who seemed to be in a daze.
"Luke," I snapped at him. He looked at me, startled.
"Vic, jeez, you scared me,"
"Don't talk to Robbie," I replied, knowing very well that's what was going on in his head.
"How do you know-"
"I'll explain in a minute,"
"You've been saying that since you got out of the restaurant,"
"I'm gonna go to Walmart, I need a new phone," I interrupted Jed, walking towards the driver's side of the Mustang. Sheriff Lund, who hadn't spoken much, watched me carefully.
"Don't even think about going back to Willy's, Vic, you're little charade has probably cost Tex a lot of business," She barked.
"Or maybe everyone will want to get a taste of what Vic got," I heard a teasing voice speak. I winced, irritated I hadn't left sooner.
"Chris, why aren't you in school," Lund shouted at him, finally breaking her gaze from me. Relieved and eager to leave, I slid into the driver's seat.
"I graduated last year," Chris replied, rapping at my window. Starting the engine, I lowered the window. Luke was quick to get the message, and got in the passenger side quickly.
"I told you I'd drop by later," I hissed in his face, spitting.
"I thought I'd give you a time, seeing as you're always showing up to these things uninvited," Chris replied.
"Aaron is usually the one who-"
"In one hour at my place. Everyone is gonna be there, and you better have a good reason why we shouldn't burn that place to the ground," Chris spoke, lowering his voice so Lund couldn't pick it up.
"Did ya' see her 'purdy new sutures?" Jed asked loudly, distracting Chris. I used that opportunity to leave. Chris didn't bother to chase after me, but I watched as Lund's unblinking gaze followed me till I was completely out of the parking lot. Once we were on the highway, Luke began to grill me.
"Okay Vic, I've waited long enough. Now tell me everything," He spoke, shutting off the radio. The tires felt amazing. The Mustang hadn't had a tire change since we purchased it, so the treads were brand new. Perfect for drag racing.
"Alright. So basically-"
"I want to hear everything. Not just your little theories, but everything that happened last night, and why you're mad at Robbie, and how you even know who Robbie is," Luke interrupted. I breathed irritatedly.
"Basically," I continued, "I got there, watched three kids get murdered, tried to run away, once that failed I tried to get some cell service to call for help atop a table, fell off said table, gashed my arm, Willy smashes my phone, I make a deal with them to respect them and play by their rules, I do some cleaning, do a bit of talking, Willy gets mad 'cause I say something wrong, I'm a baby and freak out, I make it better, Robbie takes me on an acid trip, then I leave,"
Luke was quiet.
"I think you missed the part where you got touchy touchy with Willy,"
"Okay, Luke shows up, then he gets kicked out, and he learns to mind his own business," I restated.
"It was your business until Chris decided everyone needed to know," Luke mumbled.
"He wouldn't have gotten those screenshots if it wasn't for you," I argued.
"It's not like you didn't see it coming, right?" He asked. I thought for a moment.
"You're right, I had it coming," I smiled.
"I still can't believe that happened," Luke shook his head.
"Neither can anyone else in this town," I replied.
"Well, if you're gonna be famous for anything, it might as well be something cool. Like being in a relationship with a psychotic cannibal," Luke shrugged. I punched his shoulder.
"That's the other thing. The animatronics eat souls, right?" I asked.
"Duh, genius," Luke spat back.
"They do it to keep themselves alive. The ritual failed. Basically, Jerry and the rest of his idiots' life forces transferred into the animatronics, making them sentient. They need to keep claiming souls to keep themselves alive," I explained.
"Robbie said you'd say something like that," Luke whispered.
"I don't think Robbie is who he says he is, Luke," I replied.
"How do you know about him?" Luke asked back.
"He's been talking to me too," I answered.
"Did he tell you-"
"He's a victim of Jerry who's been stuck there for the past decade or so?" I interrupted. Luke nodded his head.
"How do you know you can trust him?" I asked. Luke was silent for a moment, and he seemed to be concentrated on something else.
"Robbie says he's my friend,"
"Do you know how many people say they're my friends, but turn out to be backstabbing dirtbags like everyone else?"
"Robbie says that's what happened to you last night,"
I was silent, trying to think of something to say before Luke could continue. Unfortunately, I was too slow, "He says that you got mad at Jerry because of the souls that they keep taking. Jerry lost his temper,"
"Willy-"
"Then after you panicked, Jerry realized that he needed to keep you alive,"
"Why would Jerry want to keep me alive? He tried in the past to kill me, what makes now so different, huh?" I asked. Luke paused for a moment.
"Because Jerry wants to manipulate you into thinking the animatronics are sentient. He wants you to think he's dead. And when you least expect it, he's going to kill you,"
"That sounds awfully specific-"
"Robbie says you weren't very nice to him,"
"I don't trust him, and neither should you,"
"You seem to trust Willy, and he tried to kill you,"
"The difference between Robbie and Willy-"
"The difference between Robbie and Willy is that, knowing you, you did a lot more than just hug a murderous anim-"
I slammed on the brakes, sending Luke flying forward. The tires responded quickly to my commands, screeching loudly.
"What the hell Vic?" Luke screamed.
"I'm done with this conversation, Luke. Don't talk to Robbie," I spoke calmly, before accelerating again.
"Geez, you're the one over here pretending it's normal to be doin' stuff to a robot," Luke mumbled. I ignored him, not wanting to fuel the fire. Keeping my eyes set on the speedometer, I made sure not to speed. It felt weird, but the last thing I needed was to get Dad on my case again. I wouldn't mind another night at Willy's, though.
Pulling into the Walmart parking lot, there were several more cars than normal. It was peak lunch hour, so it made sense. Speaking of lunch, I'm starving.
"Luke, go find us something to eat," I ordered, getting out of the Mustang.
"I'm going to look for some clothes and a new phone," I replied, popping the trunk. Dad had left a rain jacket in the back, which would hopefully prove useful. It was slightly damp from the last time it rained, and reeked of mold, but I was fine with it. Although we were in Ely, technically out of Hayesville, I didn't want to risk having anymore run-ins with the Facebook moms. I wasn't embarrassed in the least about what happened between Willy and I, but the jeering was annoying. They're just salty 'cause they know you've got a man they can only dream of. I had to remind myself I wasn't actually in a relationship with Willy. You could be, though…
I didn't expect the welcome I did from the Walmart people. Almost as soon as I stepped through the metal detector, all eyes were on me. I kept my head down low as Luke held onto my right arm. It was only a matter of time before someone made a snide comment.
"Well if it isn't Mrs. Willis," A woman hissed as she passed me. I was holding a soda can, and was tempted to chuck it at her. Cason was watching me from the cash registers, though, so I held off. I managed to find a shirt without a stupid iron-on, even though green really isn't my color. Luke had wandered off, hopefully to find some food. I usually didn't let him wander around stores on his own, but he seemed pretty insistent this time on going by himself. Fine with me, I prefer to shop alone anyways.
"Aren't you that crazy chick who made o-" A teen began. It was clear he was high.
"Buzz off," I sneered, walking the other direction. Luke better hurry up.
The employees at the phone counter were no help at all. In fact, ten minutes of my precious time was spent listening to them chant childish rhymes at me, to which I can distinctly recall: "Victoria and Willy sitting in a tree"
"Haha, you're all very funny, I'm dying of laughter," I spoke sarcastically, "Now give me the cheapest phone you have, or I'll-"
"You'll what? Call your little boyfriend over here to help 'ya?" One of the taller employees laughed. I rolled my eyes. This was proving to be difficult.
"No, actually-" All the employees took turns jeering at me, to which none of the other customers seemed to do anything about. Eventually, I just took a phone box and walked off. No one seemed to care.
"Luke," I shouted at Luke, who was stuffing his arms with candles, "Time to go,"
There wasn't a single person I passed who didn't want to share their two-cent comment about Willy and I. Some of them I wish I hadn't heard. Some of them I wish Luke hadn't heard. Cason was the only one there with any common sense, as he was quick to get us out.
"So, you're the talk of the town now, huh?" He asked, trying to laugh.
"I guess, not for the reason I want," I replied.
"I know you'd rather be up there for some high end crime or car theft; I guess fame finds its way around," Cason continued.
"Do you really need all that?" I asked Luke, who had picked up several pieces of sidewalk chalk, and several candles. He nodded, taking his bag from Cason.
"School project,"
After paying with Dad's credit card, we left the store. I tried to stay calm on the ride home, but something wasn't sitting right with me. I had gotten out of the restaurant alive, which wouldn't have bothered me if Robbie wasn't involved. Luke wasn't going to take my word no matter how hard I tried to force it on him, so I decided it would be best to find some solid evidence. And who better to find solid evidence from a crime scene, than Sheriff Lund herself.
Reentering Hayesville, I paid attention to the road. I kept a sharp look out for any more road spikes. It took a lot of work, surprisingly, which made me subconsciously deaccelerate to 50. The angry people behind me passed me, shooting rude gestures as they passed.
"Don't ever do that, Luke," I spoke, as a huge truck shouted several crude things aimed at me.
"Can you drop me off at Rich's house?" Luke asked. I glanced at him.
"Sure,"
I knew where Rich's house was, but driving there felt different. I normally walked to pick Luke up since he lived so close. Parking the car in front of Rich's trailer home, I watched Luke bundle up his bag of chalk and candles, then exit the car. He didn't say a word to me. I pulled away from the neighborhood quickly, out of fear of being spotted, then went back to the police station. Chris had left, which was nice. His little meeting would have to wait, as I had some questions for Sheriff Lund. As I parked the Mustang next to her police cruiser, I noticed Deputy Evan was parked there too. Pulling on my Walmart shirt and shoving my new phone into my pocket, I exited the vehicle. Opening the door to the police station, both of them looked up at me from the desk.
"Nice shirt, green is a nice color on you," Sheriff Lund spoke. I pursed my lips.
"I have some questions," I spoke, crossing my arms.
"Oh?"
"I need a complete list of everyone who's ever died at Willy's Wonderland,"
Sheriff Lund stared at me for a moment.
"Why?" She asked.
"There's a name I need to check," I spoke, preparing myself to beg, "And there's no one I'd rather ask for information about an active crime scene than you,"
Sheriff Lund rolled her eyes.
"Cut the crap, it's public information," She replied, motioning for me to follow her.
"Oh, file room time," Deputy Evan said awkwardly, trying to enter the conversation, both Lund and I ignored him, making his situation uncomfortable. Sheriff Lund opened a large door at the end of the holding cells, revealing a huge file room. Rows of books and binders and files stacked high to the ceiling, and boxes of random papers overflowed all of the floor. She tugged a string reaching to the ceiling, causing a bar light to pop on. Barely enough light to see anything.
"Want to guess what most of this is about?" Sheriff Lund asked.
"Me?"
"No, Willy's Wonderland lawsuits,"
"Oh,"
I watched as Sheriff Lund took a large binder from one of the shelves. Everything was unmarked, so it was definitely impressive Lund knew where everything was.
"Vic," She started, holding the book away from me. I looked her in the eye. For the first time ever, Sheriff Lund looked worried.
"Yes?" I replied.
"You've always been like a daughter to me," She started, "Ever since I took Liv in, you've been her closest friend. You were there for her when no one else was,"
I watched Sheriff Lund began to choke on her words, feeling a swelling pain in my own throat.
"I know it's been hard, Vic, living here and all. With your parents' separation, you've been the rock that many people go to. But no one has been there for you,"
"You have," I tried to smile.
"I know you and I haven't always seen eye to eye. I was concerned for your life when you went in last night. I didn't want you to die. I wanted to trust that you knew what you were doing. And I do believe you, Vic. I believe what you've told me about the animatronics, because if anyone in this town knows what they're talking about, it's you,"
I stared at her.
"I don't know what to say," I breathed, wiping my eye.
"Just know I care about you. I don't think the ridicule will last forever, but if you do decide to leave Hayesville, know that you'll have someone to fall back on,"
"Why are you telling me this now?"
"I did some hard thinking last night. The town was too quiet with you not rippin' up the road. I realized how much me, and Deputy Evan, and Jed, and Tex, and Luke, and all your little friends really do care for you. I realized that without you, Hayesville just wouldn't be the same," She began to explain, "I know this might sound selfish and all, but Vic, you truly are such a special young girl. You managed to tame Willy and his little buddies like it was nothing,"
I decided not to comment on that.
"You've gotten nothing but hate for what you believed about them, and I've come to realize, and i don't say this often, but you were right, Vic,"
"I was?"
"I've come to realize you're right about the whole Jerry situation. He's no more,"
I nodded my head in agreement.
"I feel badly for you. The teasing will stop, I'm sure, just give it some time. And if you don't want to stick around that long, then I support you in whatever decision you chose,"
"Thank you, ma'am," I smiled. For the first time ever, I saw Sheriff Lund smile. She embraced me in a warm hug, making me want to cry.
"Now, let's get you the info you need," Sheriff Lund spoke, opening up the book. Pages upon pages of people's faces were plastered to the paper, each having a little write-up next to it.
"Am I in there?" I asked. Sheriff Lund flipped to the back of the book, pointing to my mugshot.
"Aye," I smiled, reading the description, "I'm not dead yet,"
"Are you lookin' for someone in particular?" She asked.
"Know anyone by the name of Robbie?" I asked. Lund paused for a moment, as if to think. She echoed the name a few times.
"I know everyone's name in this town. The last time I heard that name," She paused, "Back when Willy's Wonderland was ran by the original owners, a little nickname-"
In an instant, the shelving until collapsed. Sheriff Lund scarcely had anytime to react before a large box of books from the top shelf struck her head, causing her to scream out in pain. The rest of the shelf pushed us to the ground. The shelving unit continued to collapse, releasing random binders, boxes, and books everywhere. I hit the floor loudly, as I was pinned down under the shelf. I shielded my arm and face from the sharp corners of the books as best I could. A dust cloud rose as what was left of the shelving unit settled on the floor. I grunted loudly, straining to push the rubble off of me.
"Sheriff?" I asked, looking at Lund, who wasn't moving, "Are you okay?"
Once I got no response, I began to panic. "Sheriff Lund?"
I nudged her, pulling away the books from her body. Her head had struck the ground and was bleeding out. "Ms. Eloise?"
I panicked, trying to get her body away from the damage. She was a lot heavier than I thought, but I was able to get her upright.
"Deputy Evan!" I screamed, trying to get someone bigger to help. I wiped the blood away from Sheriff Lund's face, taking her pulse. She was alive, but unconscious. Deputy Evan was quick to respond, entering the room quickly.
"What did you do now, Victoria?" He asked.
"Didn't you hear the shelf collapse? Sheriff needs help," I spoke, keeping my hand clasped tightly around her arm. I helped Deputy Evan fireman carry Sheriff Lund to his car.
"I'm taking her to the ER, you behave yourself," He spoke, laying her gently in the car. "What happened in there?"
"She was telling me some info and the unti collapsed; something struck her head and knocked her cold," I explained, breathing heavily.
"What was she tellin' you?" Evan asked. I thought for a moment, slowly beginning to put the pieces together.
"We were talking about Willy's Wonderland deaths," I began to explain.
"That's all fine and dandy, but I need to go," Deputy Evan spoke, pushing himself into his cruiser. He popped on the lights and sirens, reversing quickly. I watched him, still trying to comprehend what was going on.
"Hey Vic," I heard a voice call to me. I turned to face the familiar sound. Aaron approached me.
"Oh," I replied with disgust, turning to face him.
"Chris sent me to look for you, I thought I might find you here," He smiled.
"Where else would I be? You watched my Dad disown me in front of everyone," I laughed.
"Yeah, I'm sorry about that, I didn't think it was any of our business to be there, but they all insisted I come along," Aaron explained. I pursed my lips, nodding slowly. "What are you doin' out here?"
"Waiting for Lund to get back," I replied, staring towards the road.
"What happened to her? And why do you care?" Aaron asked again.
"She got hit in the head with a falling book; knocked her out,"I shrugged.
"Was it you wielding the book?" Aaron asked.
"I'm mean, but not aggressive. She and I kinda talked things out somewhat briefly. She said she believes me and supports me, which is something no one else has done. I'll get what I can take," I answered.
"Well, we're dying to hear about your little thing last night," Aaron said, tugging on my good arm. I rolled my eyes.
"I'll only come if it's even gonna be worth trying to convince you guys out of," I replied, walking with Aaron through the tall grass.
"If you can convince me, I'll do everything I can to convince them out of it," Aaron smiled.
"Y'all are gonna have to get through me before you even think about touching Willy," I spoke, meeting Aaron's eyes.
"Don't worry, you've made it clear that job is left up to you," Aaron snickered, I punched his arm. "Your arm is looking better,"
"No it's not, it looks so much worse," I raised my left arm, showing off the sloppy stitch job.
"At least you got it sealed,"
"Kind of, I wouldn't be surprised if it gets infected,"
We reached Chris's trailer shortly. I could tell his parents weren't home based on how loud the noise was from inside. Bracing myself, I followed Aaron up the steps and through the front door.
"I found her," Aaron called. Everyone was sitting in a circle, playing cards.
"Finally, I thought I told you to meet us here an hour ago," Chris said, putting down his hand of cards.
"I was busy," I shrugged, standing back from them.
"Well, you're here now at least," Dan spoke, glancing over at me.
"Better late than never," Kathy added.
"Now give us one good reason why tonight shouldn't be the night," Chris spoke, standing up. My eyes followed him upwards. "And don't even think about telling me that it's because you want to keep your little thing with Jerry going,"
"First of all, Jerry isn't part of that. Second of all, the animatronics are sentient,"
I heard Chris begin to laugh. "The only reason I'm not dead right now, is because I made a deal with them. I promised to respect them and do as they said, and they somehow spared my life,"
"So, you're still dead set on the idea they're not possessed, right?" Chris asked. I nodded. "Then tell us, Vic, why they keep killing everyone who goes in there?"
"They need the souls to maintain their lives," I explained, "The ritual worked enough to grant the animatronics the life force Jerry had. Jerry's soul didn't make it over,"
"That's almost as stupid as your little speech from yesterday," Chris laughed.
"I get that you don't believe me, I didn't expect you to. But I will not let you burn that place down," I hissed.
"Oh yeah, who's gonna stop us?" Chris asked.
"I've gotten close to Lund, and I'll rat all of you out, get you jailed, send you to college, and never see you again," I smiled.
"You definitely changed, Vic, I didn't think you and Lund got along," Dan spoke.
"It's worth getting along with the law if it means upholding what I know is right," I replied.
"You've lost it, Vic, and I'm sure if all the other night janitors had come out alive, they'd be the same way, so don't feel too bad," Chris mocked.
"You're a jerk, Chris, ya' know that?" I asked.
"You're acting like the animatronics mean something to you! You're acting like that entire building is your home!"
"It was more of a home to me in one night than I've had my entire life, which is something I don't think you would understand," I hissed back.
"They're not alive," Chis shouted.
"They're sentient beings, killing them would be like killing a human,"
"Oh my gosh," Chris grunted, "Get out of my house,"
"Chris-" Aaron started.
"Don't 'Chris' me, this woman is insane," Chris interrupted harshly. Dan and Kathy got to their feet.
"It's your fault everyone is so mad at me. If it weren't for you manipulating my brother into goin' after me, this wouldn't be an issue," I sneered.
"I'm glad I got them, now all of Hayesville gets to see the kind of person Victoria Halifax is: a lying, skanky, traitor, who thinks it's okay to get involved with Jerry Willis," Chris roared
"You're stupid," I shot back, knowing my insult wasn't nearly as good.
"Just let her like the place, it's not like-" Aaron began to interrupt.
"It's not like they're still killing the good people of this town! You know what, Vic, I wish they killed you,"
My eyes widened.
"Chris," Kathy warned.
"Thats right, I wish you were dead so you'd know how insensitive you're being to all the people who lost their lives over there," Chris continued.
"Take that back, right now," I spoke. Aaron grabbed my arm.
"I wish Jerry finished what he started with you, instead of-"
I swung at Chris, freeing myself of Aaron's grasp and knocking Chris to the floor. I had just about enough of this. He swung back, knocking my lip.
"Vic," Aaron shouted, trying to pry me off of Chris. I kept hitting him, while trying to block his hits. Dan pulled Kathy away from us. Chris, being much stronger, shoved me over, banging my head against the table.
"I wish you were dead!" He screamed. I swung my fist against his face, knocking him over again. He kicked my nose as I heard a painful pop. Aaron restrained me, pulling me away from the mess. Kathy cowered behind Dan, who held a protective arm over her. Chris stumbled to his feet, breathing heavily. His mouth was bloodied.
"Calm down, Vic," Aaron shouted in my ear. I pulled against his arms as Chris came for me again. Aaron shoved Chris out of the way, pulled me out the door. I breathed heavily, stumbling down the stairs.
"And for the record, Vic, I'd take Luke over you any day, buzzkill,"
Aaron slammed the door behind us. Blood trickled into my mouth, causing me to cough. Aaron wiped my face with his sleeve, trying help. The red substance smeared across my face, leaving a streak.
"I hate all of you," I hissed, shoving him away.
"Vic, listen," Aaron shouted, walking after me, "Don't think I don't respect your opinion, I really do, I wish they respected it too. I'm going to do everything I can to keep that place standing, but-"
"You don't believe me," I breathed, turning back to face him, "None of the people in this damn town do, and the only one who does is in the hospital,"
"Please-"
"I never want to see any of you again,"
I walked away from Aaron quickly. He didn't follow me.
I let the tears trickle from my eyes. I had nowhere to go at this point; it was too light out to return to Willy's Wonderland unnoticed. It's worth the risk. I slipped down the highway quickly, trying to move as stealthily as possible. As soon as Willy's Wonderland came into view, I scanned the parking lot. There was some leftover crime scene tape blowing in the wind, which must have been from earlier. No one was in the parking lot. Slipping behind the building, I took great care scouring for any signs of an entrance. Luke had obviously used the rusted metal ladder to get to the roof, which I followed in suit. It took a bit of arm strength to maneuver my large body onto the roof. My weight was too much for the support, for as soon as I rested my complete weight, the roof gave out. I screamed, tumbling into the restaurant. Fortunately, I was right above the ball bit, and was able to emerge unscathed. I choked on my tears, rising shakily to my feet.
"Willy," I spoke.
"Is that who I think it is?" Willy asked, peering into the doorway. I nodded, unable to move. "You look terrible,"
"I don't think I'm okay," I breathed, shaking.
"Hell you're not, what'd you do, cut an artery? You've got blood everywhere," Willy asked, approaching me. I smiled.
"I don't belong here anymore,"
"In Hayesville?"
I nodded my head.
"You look like you need someone,"
I nodded again.
"The others are kind of asleep, if you will, but if you're okay with puttin' up with me," Willy paused. I smiled again.
"That would be nice,"
"I take you've been beaten' around?" Willy asked. I doubt he knew what the Facebook post was, even though Dad had done a great job grotesquely over-explaining what it was earlier.
"People haven't been too nice today, none of them believe me," I replied, wiping my eyes.
"I'm sure you tried,"
"I did, I really did, the only person who remotely claims they believe me is Lund,"
"The Sheriff?"
"Yeah,"
"Huh, I wouldn't of expected that,"
"I didn't either. I don't know if she's being truthful or not,"
I sniffed, trying to wipe the drying blood and tears from my face.
"Here, get yourself out of there so you can sit down," Willy ushered, leading me to a table in the front room. The other animatronics were, in fact, seemingly asleep.
"It's a little different here during the day," Willy said as I sat down.
"Yeah, it is," I smiled, looking around. With what little natural lighting came through the cracks of the door, the darkness seemed almost calming.
"I wish I could've saved your shirt, but the crime scene geeks took it," Willy sneered.
"I'm sure that's not gonna go over well online," I laughed back.
"I like your shirt, green suits you,"
"Thanks, it's a Walmart shirt,"
Willy looked confused. I doubted he knew anything about Walmart.
"I bought a new phone, and some food," I continued.
"I'm glad you got some food, you weren't lookin' too good when you left,"
"Yeah, my Dad's little apperance was unnecessary, thanks for not hurting him," I smiled.
"The microphone stand was my doing, I hope you don't mind," Willy replied.
"He deserved it," I smiled again, resting my head on the table.
"Have you gotten any sleep?"
"Other than the little naps I took last night, no,"
"You feelin' alright?"
"Physically, yes. My friend tried to pummel me, but it's alright. Mentally, not really,"
"Wait, wait, your little buddy did this to you?" Willy asked. I nodded.
"It's nothing I haven't dealt with before, honestly, we fight sometimes," I explained. It had always been me starting the fights. Liv's departure seemed to have woken something in him.
"Well, let that twit know that you're being backed by a machine capable of pumping at least one-fifty psi of compression, so he really don't stand a chance,"
I laughed lightly.
"Thank you, Willy,"
"I'm here for ya' Vic. I'm surprised you got in here unnoticed. With that following you had to greet ya', I would've guessed you'd be followed around all day,"
"Yeah, they were all there for the photo,"
"What the Sheriff showed you?"
"Yeah, have you found out about that yet?"
"I'm lucky enough to not rely on the internet for validation," Willy sneered. I rolled my eyes, smiling.
"I only have Facebook to get updates on my sentences," I replied, pulling out my new phone. Fortunately, it was precharged. Upon installing Facebook, I was quickly greeted with hundreds of new messages. Most of which were nastygrams from people in Hayesville, the other bunch were creepy old men. I didn't have to scroll for very long before it popped up. I showed Willy the screen as his eyes adjusted meticulously.
"That looks an awful lot like me," He said slowly.
"That's 'cause it is you," I replied. Zooming in on the photo.
"That chick must be you then?"
"Yeah, I'm the one on your lap,"
"Blurry photo, who took it?"
"My friend got screenshots from Luke's phone,"
"The same friend that thinks it's a good idea to mess with ya'?"
"That's the one,"
"I swear if I ever get my hands on that grubby little-"
"He'll get over it, he's just having a little tantrum,"
"Well, just know I'd gladly rip his soul clean out of him, no questions asked,"
"I appreciate it,"
"Anythin' for you, girly,"
I closed my eyes, trying to feel at peace for once. The stinging sensation in my face overpowered the uncomfortableness of my botched arm procedure. Chris didn't mean what he said, he's your friend. He's Liv's friend. At least he's being nice to Luke. As long as Luke was in a good place, I could rest easy. He'd always been my main priority. He had a decent set of friends, which only seemed to be growing with my arrival to Willy's Wonderland. Robbie. A chill shot down my back, as I suddenly remembered what I was supposed to be worried about. I felt dumb not realizing it at first, but I had managed to put the pieces together. Robbie wasn't who he said he was.
"Vic?" Robbie asked, breaking me from my trance.
"I know who you are," I thought.
"I told you who I am, I'm a soul that's stuck-"
"You're a manitpulative piece of-"
"You're the one being manipulated, I can't think of the last time I interacted with someone who though Jerry was hot," Robbie argued. I gagged.
"You're the one lying about who you are. And no, Jerry, I don't think you're hot. Sorry, not sorry" I thought. Robbie stuttered for a moment.
"I'm not Jerry, I-"
"I finally figured it out. You want me to kill off the animatronics so you can take over," I interrupted, keeping my eyes shut to not draw Willy's attention.
"I-"
"You've tried to convince me I was the one being manipulated, when in the sad reality of it all, you're the one manipulating me!" I was lucky Robbie was kind enough to read my thoughts, as speaking would be a lot more awkward.
"Alright, listen here you muskrat," Jerry spoke. For the first time since Robbie appeared, I could hear his real voice. His child-like, high pitched voice was gone, and had been replaced with a deep, rough tone. "Do you know how humiliating it is to be like this? Wandering around through people's minds?"
"No,"
"Well maybe you should get a taste, 'cause it's about to be you,"
"No, it's not, I've been through enough emotional trauma in my life to know how to keep a stupid voice out of my head," I replied.
"I'd fact check that one, that's not what you're brother thinks,"
I paused. "That's right. Jerry is coming back, baby,"
I sat upright.
"Geez, you startled me. And that ain't easy to do," Willy breathed.
"Luke,"
"Your brother?"
"He's in danger, I need to find him,"
Wasting no time, I accepted Willy's help in hauling me back onto the ceiling. Ignoring the stinging wave I felt each time I strained my muscles, I tumbled down the ladder, and broke off into a full spring towards the neighborhoods. I had no doubt Jerry was preying on Luke's innocence. I promised Willy I'd explain everything later, which he was fine with. For whatever reason, he seemed equally uncomfortable while Jerry was talking to me.
"Run all you want, girly, your legs won't get you there fast enough," Jerry taunted. I ignored him, panting heavily. Ignoring my physical needs, I thrust my legs forward, forcing myself to run faster. I needed to find Luke, and fast. If Jerry was planning what I thought he was, everyone's lives were about to be in danger.
"Roll out the party, 'cause Jerry Willis is back!"