Note: Well, it looks like I'm back to posting chapters again - a lot early than expected.

Chapter 30: The Antique Shop

Stine

I pulled the car over at the side of the small building, observing it. Again, it's a small building, not very big. It was made out of bricks with shingles on the roof, a few of them seemingly to have been ripped off. One of them is hanging at the corner, ready to fall at any moment, when I saw something else.

There, on one side of the building, is a chimney, smoke coming out of it. It billowed the air, moving away with the breeze of the evening sky.

The window blinds were down, having me not see inside the building. I have a small sense of dread, thinking this is the wrong place when I saw a flashing sign saying Antique Shop. Well, since this is the place, why does it seem like it was never used? I wondered. I looked over at Slappy, shocked to see him sleeping. I know he said he'll stay still like a real puppet would do, but this is even better.

I turned off the car, taking the keys out, and placed them into my pants pocket.

Taking Slappy by the mid-section of his body, slowly picking him up as I got out of the car, not wanting to wake him up. I'm not sure he's in a deep sleep, but he didn't open his eyes, indicating me that was.

Quietly, I closed the car door. I almost dropped him in process, scolding myself for doing so. He is kind of heavy, no lie about it. I should have known since he's made out of wood.

Walking over to the building, I saw it was open. Huh. I was expecting to knock on the door in case it was closed during this time of night. Except it wasn't when I pushed the door open, the bell over me jingling.

Stepping into the building, there were lots of stuff from ancient items all the way to old furniture. Some dolls were lined up on the shelves next to some decor plates people use to decorate their homes.

A wolf statue caught my interest. I went over to it, seeing what it looks like from up close. It has its head up, ears down, the mouth formed into an O as if it was howling at the moon, giving me chills, reminding me about the werewolf.

When I wrote The Werewolf Of Fever Swamp, I thought it would be a good idea to have a dog - only wolflike. I never had a dog when I was a kid because my mom as an allergy to dogs. It actually goes for all kinds of dogs, even the ones with dogs with hair. I'm not a dog expert, but I learned that some dogs with only hair don't shed, and they're perfect for people when they have allergies to dogs.

But no, she didn't want any dog since she's allergic to every, single breed. So when I first made my werewolf, I was happy - until it tried to bite my bullies, giving me no other choice. I trapped him back into his book. I did made other monster animals, but I don't want to mention any of them.

"Hello sir." I almost dropped Slappy for the second time, startled to see an older man behind me. "Is there something I can do for you?" he inquired.

"Yes," I answered, recovering from my startle. "Do you fix wooden puppets?" I asked, holding out Slappy. "I had him for years in the basement because I used to be a ventriloquist back when I was a lot younger," I told him, making up a fake story. "I'm thinking about using him again to entertain children at birthday parties. Only..." I brought it back to me. "...he's all...tattered up. Do you mind giving him a fix?"

The guy came over to me. "Hmm." Studying my creation, he picked up one of his wooden hands, looking at the scratch marks. "I can fix him up with some wood fillings, give him a good paint job, and make him a new suit to match this one," he said, letting go of Slappy's hand.

I smiled. "Thanks." Having the guy take him, I stopped him before he went to the other room. "Keep the marks on his nose and chin, though, they make him look unique in a way."

He nodded before going to the other room.

Not knowing how long it's gonna take for him to fix up Slappy, I sat down on a chair, waiting patiently for him to get fixed.

It may improve his attitude or it won't. I just want Slappy to be...happy like he had during the first years of being out of a book.

Knowing what I did gives me grief. I should've kept him out, but I didn't know what else to do. I had to put him away, fearing what he'll do next. I even made other dummies, only they weren't too good, one of them being fairly aggressive who wanted to kill his younger brother from being released from a different manuscript when I tried rewriting Slappy into the world for who knows how many times since I have written a lot of books about him, only for him to be free from one book. And when I opened the new book I've finished, I was hoping it'll be him this time.

Nope. He wasn't. Like every time I try doing this, it'll either be a doll or a different dummy or anything else. It was Wally Wood.

Wally wasn't too keen when he was released from a different book, yelling at me about not being free from Night Of The Living Dummy. He told me he was the main villain, not Slappy because he was just a twist at the end. He would scream, yell, calling his brother horrible names, wanting to kill him, wanting to take out his anger on him.

I wouldn't let it happen, having him get pissed off even more. He wanted to hurt his little brother so badly when he was in his book.

However, back in Chicago, while I trapped all the monsters in their rightful books, I never found him anywhere. I had a feeling he would find me, and he did, after two weeks of moving into this state with my daughter.

I can remember what he looked like. He didn't wear the same clothes as Slappy's, bearing a green and flannel shirt, blue jeans, and white high-top sneakers. His face has a nose that seemed to be big with brushable fake hair color of reddish-brown.

When I first 'made' Wally, I didn't do it to replace Slappy. I would never replace him at all, even when I told him about it. But when Wally was released, he was in a bad mood right away, hating to be released from a different manuscript.

I tried telling him about Rocky and Dennis, as well as this evil doll I made before him, that they were out of their manuscripts, even though Slappy had been the main antagonist in those books. I also told him about the marionette puppets who were once free from their book, stating the fact to him, as well as this other dummy who looked like Slappy.

He wouldn't listen to me, hollering at me, having worst temper tantrums than Slappy. He wanted to beat him up because of how much he hated him.

Wally didn't tell me why else he was angry, despite the fact he was from a different book, causing me to have more fear of him rather than my other monsters.

I recalled him having green eyes instead of brown ones. Whenever he gets angry, they'll glow like a lightbulb when I refuse to give him his way.

Of course, he did do his job. But rather scaring the bullies, he'll try to murder them, which is why he was back in his book.

However, when he found my new home in Madison, I was surprised that he did, giving me daggering eyes full of hatred for his younger sibling.

I'm pretty much sure Slappy knew Wally is his older brother, except I wanted to ask to make sure. I don't want to make a fool of myself. But knowing Slappy, he isn't dumb to think he didn't have one.

I sat there on the chair, rubbing my forehead, the dark past coming to me, my eyes closed. Wally told me what happened when he released from his book, telling me what Slappy did at the mall in the state of Chicago.

With my eyes closed, I decided to take a short nap while I waited for my creation to get all fixed up.

"You better release the little runt, Stine! He's the worst thing you've ever created in your entire life! I was supposed to be released from the first dummy book, not him! Unlock him up right this instant so I can beat him to death!" Wally glared at me from the living room, his eyes in pure anger, glowing green of how much hatred he shows for his brother.

"I'm not letting you take your anger out on him," I refused his order. "Now go back to your job." I pointed him out of the room.

"RELEASE HIM FROM HIS BOOK, NOW!" he screamed in this very deep voice. "I want to pound him with my fists, beat him up. I want to destroy him!" he roared angrily. "It's HIS fault for being out of the Night Of The Living Dummy book!"

"Wally, stop it!" I now began yelling at him. "I don't want you hurting him. It's not his fault for being released from the book you told me. You should be glad for being out of a different book like Rocky and Dennis."

His eyes glowed brighter as he started exploding at me. "Glad?! I was the main villain in the first dummy book! You think I'll be sooo glad to be free from a new dummy book!?" He didn't give me a second chance as he kept on venting. "You think I'll be HAPPY for being out from that book and not the other one?! You've wrote me to be the main villain; the antagonist of the story! You wrote a part where I choked a family dog!"

"How did you-" I started to ask, but he explained it to me.

"I found lots of spare ones down in the basement. That's how I know. Now get him out of the book!"

"No! I will not!" My voice rose in volume. "Just because you weren't released from the first dummy book doesn't mean you can hate your brother about it," I said sternly.

"Yes, I do!" he argued. "I can hate him all I want! I'm not going back to my job until you release the little rat."

I sat there, shaking my head no. "I'm not doing it, Wally." I crossed my arms to show him I wasn't going to budge. "Go back to your job. Keep an eye out for any bullies. I know they didn't come back in a while, but they won't stop coming over to bug me."

He breathed out of his mouth, the anger on his wooden face. "Fine," he finally spoke. "I'll keep you safe…" He walked out of the room, leaving me all alone.

The clock tick-tock from the heavy silence. It was so quiet, you can actually hear a pin drop. It gives me the creeps.

I got up from the couch, heading up the stairs to my study.

There, I saw all of my manuscripts on the bookcase, sitting there, wanting to be opened again.

Going towards the bookcase, I slipped one of the books out, staring at the title.

Night Of The Living Dummy. What could Slappy be thinking about? I wondered as I stared at the book, all locked up. He's probably mad at me, I assume, placing the book back.

Shaking my head, I clumped out of the room, going down the steps, making my way to the kitchen to make myself something to eat.

Taking out the bread, I saw Wally sitting on the counter, watching me. He was always in the kitchen whether I'm with him or not. I don't know why he's always there, but he is, giving me shivers up my spine. Yes, I was afraid of him ever since he got out of the new book I've written to try bringing Slappy back.

I miss him very much, and I'm afraid to free him again. I don't want him to go far with his stuff like last time.

That, and because of his older brother. I didn't want him to cause any harm just because he didn't come out of the Night Of The Living Dummy book. It was no excuse for him to do such a thing towards him.

While I prepared to make lunch, I heard rocks being thrown at one of the windows, hearing someone call my name.

"Hey, loser, you think we're done with you after those dummies scared us off? Well think again." It was one of my bullies, the ones Slappy beat up, almost resulting them going to the hospital. The same bullies that keep bothering me, the monsters failing their jobs to keep me safe. "Come on, four eyes, get out here!" he ordered.

I was frozen at my spot, my hand in the bread bag, gripping to two slices of bread. I looked at Wally, sending him my nervous expression.

It seems like he read my thoughts. "Oh, I'll get rid of those bullies for you..." he sneered. He jumped off the counter, his shoes thudding the floor. "I'll make sure they're gone for good..." He teleported out of the kitchen when the lights flickered, along with the lightning overhead.

I didn't like the way he said he'll get rid of the bullies, not liking the creepy smile he gave me when reassured me. It sent chills down my neck, the hair on my arms going straight up.

I didn't have time to react when I heard screaming. No! What is he doing out there?!

Frantically, I ran out of the kitchen door, wanting to know what he's doing. My hope he isn't trying to kill them, but stopped, seeing how wrong I was.

Wally had something in his hand as he attacked the bullies, yelling at them, ignoring their pleas as he tried stabbing one of them with the... My face ran cold when I saw a pocket knife in his grasp, wrapped tightly around his wooden fingers, afraid to move from my spot, like my feet were glued to the ground.

"Shut up!" Wally let out an aggressive shout, his other hand wrapped around one of the bullies by his plaid shirt, the knife in his hand, the eyes glowing radioactive green. "Stay still so I can stab your throat." My mouth dropped open, shocked to hear him say that and, at the same time, scared, my heart sinking at the pit of my stomach. Did he really just said what I heard him say? I couldn't answer my own question when he punched the guy in the fast with him crying out in pain. "I said, shut the hell up," he hissed, sounding like venomous snake you'll see in the wild. "I'm only doing this for my creator who released me from different book, only because my stupid runt of a brother was free from the other one!"

I couldn't take it anymore. "Wally, stop!" He froze, turning his attention to me. "Get off of him!" I ran over there, ripping him off one of my bullies, my hands gripping tightly by his midsection with him trying to break free. "Stop it!" I cried, avoiding his kicking shoes. I ran into the house, leaving my enemies behind, getting back into the kitchen, throwing him across the room, the knife clattering on the tile floor right next to him, inches away from his hand.

Before I can open my mouth, Wally glared at me.

"Why did you do that!? I was getting rid of those bullies!"

"By trying to stab one of them in the neck!?" I returned in pure shock and disbelief. "What makes you think that KILLING them will send them away?" I questioned. "You almost murdure them. You're supposed to SCARE them away, not try and kill them!" I was upset to the point where tears began brimming at the corners of my eyes. "You know what?" I spoke. "You don't deserve to be out of your book. I always wanted Slappy back, only instead of him, a different monster - a wooden puppet - gets out of the manuscript. I should've known what you've wanted to do."

The glare didn't leave him as he sat up, rubbing the back of his head. "Then get him out the book! Since you don't want me to stab them, than how about you let my frickin brother out? I can stab him for all I care!"

I banged my fist on the door. "That's it! I had enough with your hatefulness around your younger brother! He didn't do anything to you, and you don't give a crap about him!"

"You're right, Stine, I don't give a crap about him." Slowly, he stood up, picking up the pocket knife, and slipped it into his pocket of his jeans. "But it's not nice to keep us apart." He shook his head. "No, it isn't. Now..." He sucked in a deep breath. "...GET HIM OUT OF THE DAMN BOOK SO I CAN GIVE THE RUNT A PIECE OF MY MIND!" He smiled creepily, sending more chills down my spine. "He's made out of ink, Stine, he won't die when I stab him. He's made out ink like me."

"I won't let you hurt him!" Running to the stairs, I kicked him out of the way in the process. I heard him growl when he landed on the floor, with me scrambling up the steps, almost falling down during the process, running my way to the study.

When I got to the room, I grabbed his manuscript I had left on my desk next to the typewriter, getting the key until he appeared in front of me, taking one end of the book tightly in his hands, tugging it with me tugging back.

"Let go of the book, Wally!" Only he was too strong for me and I kept a good grip on the book, too, refusing to release it. "I have no other choice, I don't want you to hurt anyone ever again. Especially to your younger brother."

He let out a scoff. "Does he even KNOW he has a big brother who wants to torment him? If he doesn't, I'll laugh."

"He may not have met you, but it doesn't mean he won't know you!" With a final tug, I got the book out of his hands. "I rather for him NOT to see you and you not to see him. Never," I proclaimed, my voice filled with both fear and bravery. I unlocked the book and, without a second dispare, Wally got trapped in the book as he let out a protest.

I didn't hear what he said when I shut the book tight, locking it up.

My eyes snapped open from the dream from the past when Wally was out of his manuscript. It's like how I remember it. His aggression towards Slappy, getting close to killing my bullies, it came back to me in a dream. That's what he exactly happen. Ugh... Why did the past came back like a dream? I shouldn't be worried about him anymore, knowing he won't get his hands on my...favorite monster I ever made.

It sounded like I'm protecting him from his older brother from how much he wanted to hurt him from the most stupid thing in the world. Like, he shouldn't be this hateful around his sibling. Hell, Slappy's never even met the one doll that got out of the manuscript, thinking it'll be him and not her.

Man, why did it not go through me every time when I try to bring him back? All the books do, the ones starring my most evilest creation, is release a different puppet. I swear, if I have another dream like the one I had seconds I ago, I'm going to scream at the top of my lungs. Nah, I won't do that. Plus, Hannah never likes to see me angry, seeing how much it upsets her.

Getting up the chair, I rubbed my face, the memory of Wally in my head, bouncing the inners on my skull. It gives me the creeps, no lie about it. I mean, I did my best to bring Slappy back, like I did with Hannah. Except it'll never work, letting me...give up from the whole thing.

Speaking of failing to get him back, I had the exact same thought with my daughter.

During the time after the monster invasion, Zach had not been himself ever since she was locked in the new manuscript he had to help finish when my fingers got broken from the typewriter. I should've left Hannah out of the story so she won't have to be gone, but I have to put all the monsters, trap them into the book. I was probably not thinking straight, worried about what the monsters were doing to the school when it got destroyed.

So when my fingers are healed, I began writing one more book to bring her back, knowing how desperate I am for doing it.

It took me weeks to finish the book, spending hours typing with either coffee or energy drinks to keep me awake. Though I did took breaks here and there, like taking a nap or watch movies. I even spent time with Lorraine, and on our first date, I told her about my daughter, explaining to her she wasn't real.

Luckily, she didn't get mad at me, taking it very well, telling me she can't wait to see her again. She too, also notice how her nephew's been acting, saying he looked like a zombie from a movie. He won't even smile, walking around the house whenever I come over to visit, his mom passing by. He will give a quick grin, but when she's out of whatever room, it'll be wiped off his face. I can tell he didn't want his mom to worry about him.

He told me losing Hannah was like losing his dad from the car crash. Only instead of that, he lost her from a book.

After several weeks, the other new book has been completed. I was worried about what will happen, praying for Hannah to be free from place of hell.

It did, however, worked. I saw her and she saw me. It looked like she was stun as I am when me and her are facing each other.

I was shocked to see all the scratch marks and bruises, indicating me that she's been running away from all the monsters before she even got caught from Dr. Maniac and Purple Rage from what she had told me.

It makes me ticked off from what the monsters and Slappy had done to her. Actually, I'm going to have to tell him to apologize to Hannah like he has to do with Hazel once he's all fixed up.

While I did another look around, the same guy came up to me with a grin on his face as he spoke to me.

"He's all finished. You can see him if you like," he told me.

"Great," I replied smiling.

He pointed at the open door he walked out of. "He's right in there," he directed. "I hope you like the fixing I did," he said.

"I hope so, too." Walking towards the door, I opened it a bit further, seeing Slappy on his back on the counter, lying perfectly still as I approached up to him. "Slappy?" I spoke, keeping my voice low.

"Huh?" He blinked, sitting up. "Yeah?" He noticed me staring at him with a reaction of a dropped, open mouth. "Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked, not knowing how to react back.

I shut my mouth, responding. "You look great. It looked the marks weren't even there at all. I'm impressed by the guy's work on you." I let out a chuckle. "I did told him to leave the marks on your chin and nose because..."

"Because they make me look unique," Slappy completed my words. "Just because I was keeping still like a real puppet would do, doesn't mean I shut off my hearing, Stine." He then quickly laid back down, being all limp, having me confused until I saw the man walk in.

"Well?" he asked. "I kept the chipped marks on the chin and nose, and fixed the rest. Along with giving him a new suit to match his old one."

"He looks terrific," I declared. "I can't wait to perform with him like in the old days when I first got him. Thank you so much," I thanked, shaking the guy's hand.

Letting go of my hand, he set a suitcase down on the counter. "You can put him in here. The paint is all dry so you can take him home now."

"No thanks," I shook my head and declined. "I'll carry him to the car without the suitcase."

"Okay." He took the suitcase back, scratching his chin. "He does look familiar..." I saw the look of thinking. "I swear I have but I don't remember..." He studied him before turning to me. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but... this dummy looks exactly like Slappy from the Goosebumps books my children like to read."

I sighed, but not in an annoyed way. "Yes, this here is Slappy." His eyes bugged out from the information. "I'd bought him off of Ebay and he is, in fact, from the books I've written. The person I bought it from builds puppets like him so... I ordered him online. He's was expensive, no lie."

The buggy eyes didn't vanish. "You're R.L. Stine!?" he proclaimed. "My kids are big fans of you, always begging me to take them to bookstores to find any new books you've written. They even wrote their own Goosebumps stories, especially the ones with Slappy who is their favorite."

"Heheh," I chuckled. "I've written a lot of books about him. He's my favorite too from all the other monsters I've written over the years."

He chuckled too. "Well, they're glad to have all of your books. They're only about six and seven when they started reading their books. Speaking of kids, do you have any?"

"I've got a teenage daughter who I adopted."

"How nice of you. Does she have a mom?"

"No." I shook my head lightly. "She doesn't have any parents before I took her in, which is why I adopted her. Anyways." I picked up Slappy off from the counter. "I've gotta get going. I have to get home to make dinner."

"Okay, be sure to put him somewhere else where he won't get tattered up again," he advised me.

"I will," I promised, walking out of the shop, making my way towards my car. "You did it again, Stine," I smiled, happy to be such a good liar about Slappy. "The guy may have found out right away that you're a writer of the Goosebumps books, but he never truly found out that Slappy came out from a book from your magic typewriter."

By the time I got to my car, I got in the driver's seat, setting him on the passenger seat. "Ready to go?"

"The guy called me the D word," he muttered, ignoring my question. "He called me the D word!" he shouted, this time being very clear.

I got out my keys and started up the car. "I'm sure he didn't mean to." I got out of the parking lot, driving on the road. "How are you feeling anyway? Better?" I asked, wanting to make sure my hunch was right.

At the corner of my eye, he slumped in his seat. "I don't feel like rubbish anymore like I predicted..."

"Then why do you look upset?" I questioned, stopping at a red light. "I thought having you fixed up will make you happy."

"I am happy, Stine," he answered, lowering himself even more, looking like he was about to slide down off the seat at any moment. "But I don't like it when people call me the D word."

"I wish you can get over it..." I spoke, showing a hint of annoyance. "By the way, I do have one important question for you."

He turned to me with raised brows. "What do you want to ask me about?"

I shifted in my seat, tapping the steering wheel, waiting for the light to turn green from the passing cars. Then, I asked him the question, forcing it out of my mouth. "Do you know you have a brother?"

The look of surprise came to him when he answered me. "Yes, I knew I had a brother... I had him help me get revenge on you back in the bookstore of Chicago. He didn't seem all too happy to see me, though when I got him out of his book..."

"Do you want to know why he didn't seem happy to see you?" The light turned green and I began driving, explaining to him. "It's because Wally Wood came out of a different manuscript instead of the Night Of The Living Dummy one." He gave me a harsh glare. "Sorry, it's what the book's called. In fact, I was trying to bring you back like I did with Hannah." Turning my head a little, I saw his brows way up on his head. "Only the results didn't work because a different monster will be released, even though you've been the main villain in those books. I wasn't trying to replace you, I was trying to bring you back. But after the, I don't know, the millionth time, Wally got out of the book, and you're name was on it. I swear, Slappy, I didn't want to replace you, but I didn't want to let you out of your manuscript again from how cruel he is towards you, saying he wants to beat you up." I paused for a short moment. "He even told me what you did to him at the bookstore two weeks after me and Hannah moved here while you were in your manuscript."

Slappy didn't say anything. All he did was sat there, thinking about the time back in Chicago. "...I wanted his help," he finally spoke after a moment of silence. "So I just did it. Also, I didn't know you were trying to bring me back. I thought you always hated me from all the things I've done in the past. I thought you weren't my..." His voice began breaking. "...favorite anymore."

"You are still my favorite," I said, wanting to show him I really mean it. "I only locked up because you got out of control. In fact, you were the one I can talk to from all my other creations. You were always there for me when I need it. And also... you don't have worry about your big brother. I made sure he's locked up and stored away."

"Is he pissed off for what I did to him?" Slappy responded, sounding very uneasy.

"Yes…" I sighed, adjusting my glasses. "I'm...not going to tell you what he tried to do while you were in your book again. Oh, and you have to apologize to Hannah for what you've done to her in the new manuscript."

"Do I have to?" He seemed to whine about it. "I don't think she'll except my-"

"She will," I assured him. "You told me you and her were playing Wii together, with you winning. It seemed like she adjusted you quite well. It may take time for the boys to do the same."

"What about Hazel? Will she forgive me?" He waited for my answer, so I gave him one.

"I'm not sure, Slappy." I did a small shrug. "She won't be too happy when I tell her about you and she may not forgive you right away from what you did to her, but...she'll get used to you. It may not be right away, but she will someday. I'll prepare to tell her about you being out of the book whenever I have to bring her back home from the place she's at," I promised.

He smiled at me. "Thanks... Stine."

Smiling back, I used one hand, patting him on the shoulder. "You can call me papa if you like."

"Alright...papa. And I'll apologize to your daughter, including Hazel. I want to start fresh and not cause anymore trouble."

I nodded, taking my hand away from him, placing it back on the steering wheel as we continued on our way back to the house.

By the time we got home, Slappy made sure the coast was clear for before he got out of the car, jumping off the, landing on the grass perfectly, pushing the passenger door closed. He walked over to the front door with me following him, getting over there.

"Nngh." With a grunt, he jumped for the doorknob, inches away from his hand, missing it. "I hate being short," he muttered, jumping up again, failing the second time around. He turned up to me with an embarrassed. "Get the door. Please."

I smirked, opening the door, letting him in, following right behind, shutting it behind me. "Hannah!" I called from the bottom at the steps. "Slappy's here wants to say something to you!" I hollered, hanging the keys on the hook.

"I'll be right down!" her voice hollered back. I saw her walk out of her room, making our way towards us. "Slappy has some- Whoa!" She stopped halfway down the steps, observing him from her spot. "Wow, Slappy, you look... great," she complimented, walking the rest of the way down.

"Thanks..." He looked away, his face turning pink. "Hannah...I'm sorry for what I did to you in the book. I was...mad at papa for locking me up again with my so called friends, who aren't anymore so..." He lifted his head to her. "Do you forgive me?"

I watched as she stood there, thinking over his apology, wondering what she's going to say. I know she'll forgive him right away. She forgave me when she got trapped in the new book right after I got her out of there. Then her lips curved into a grin, kneeling down at Slappy, giving him a hug.

"I forgive you." She released him. "You'll do the same for Hazel, right?" she said, biting her tongue.

Slappy sighed softly. "It won't be easy, but I'll do my best. Papa said she may not forgive me right away, along with me being out of the place I call hell, but… I'm hoping to make changes."

Hannah seemed to understand what he means from wanting to make changes in his life, putting all the bad memories behind him. She brushed her hair behind her ear as she spoke. "Would you like to come into my room?" she surprisingly chirped an invention. "We can hang out, talk to each other about stuff," she smiled.

Slappy wasn't sure what to say as he looked at me, like he asking me if it was okay for him to be with her. "Uhh..." He didn't even know what to say, stunned for being invited to her room.

"Go on ahead." Beaming, Slappy went up the stairs, passing by both me and Hannah, running to her bedroom. I shook my head, grinning. "He seems happy," I remarked, taking my glasses off, cleaning the lenses with my shirt.

"And a lot better," Hannah added, scratching her head. "Have you told Lorraine about him yet?" she asked, ready to head back upstairs.

I place my glass back on my face. "Lorraine has no idea about him, Hannah. I'm not sure about her seeing him in case she saw him or not. During the monster invasion, the police hadn't come to our school, telling me something must've happened to her while she was at the police station." I bit my lip, wondering what could've happened when she was there. Like... was Slappy there at the same spot she was? I don't want her to leave me in case she did see him… It would ruin my relationship with her if she found out about him. "Go on upstairs with Slappy," I told her. "I'm gonna make dinner." I motioned for to go on up in which she did, the stairs making clomping sounds as she made her way up to her room.

Making my way to the kitchen, I stopped over at the cabinets, opening one them. I grabbed a pot off from the shelf, putting it in the sink, deciding to make spaghetti for dinner. I filled the pot with hot water for the stove to boil faster.

Putting it on the stove, I turned it up to medium high. I grabbed another pot - a smaller - from the first cabinet, placing it on the other burner. I went over to the fridge, taking out the tomato sauce, checking the date like I always do before cooking any food for expiries. No way I want my daughter to get a stomach virus for out-of-date condoms.

Looking at the date, it seemed good to me use it. It says here it won't expire until the first of June. I opened up the jar, taking the lid off, being hit by the nice smell of the sauce, invading my nose. I then went back to the stove, dumping the sauce, making sure it gets into the pot and not all over the stove.

After all the sauce is out, I turned the other burner on before throwing the jar away into the trash can.

I opened up another cabinet, grabbing a box of dried spaghetti noodles, setting them on the counter next to the stove, leaning against, waiting for the water to boil.

Hannah

I sat at my bed, patting the mattress. "Climb on up." I was doing well at being nice to Slappy - even though he's a monster who basically destroyed the town, but I won't bring it up anymore. "Or do you need help?" I asked, wanting to make sure in case he does or not.

"I think I can climb up here without a struggle," he replied, taking a hold of the covers. With a strong pull, he hoisted himself on the bed, sitting down across from me. "You want to talk about stuff?" he mentioned, unaware of what the term means.

"Yeah," I nodded. "Has dad asked you anything while you guys were at the antique shop?"

"When we were driving back home," Slappy began, "he asked me if I know if I have a brother. I said I do know, telling him my brother wasn't all too happy to see me when I unlocked his book back in Chicago. Stine explained why my brother doesn't like me..." He turned away from me. "I wanted him to help me to get rid of papa. Despite him hating me, he agreed to help me. So when we got to the mall, I..." I can tell he didn't want to finish, placing my hand on his shoulder, having him turn back to me.

"You don't have to tell me unless it makes you feel uncomfortable. Do you know what his name was?" I took my hand off of him when he responded.

"...I...don't remember his name. Honestly, I don't. He did told me in the car, but I wasn't paying much attention even when I looked at him - at my, I mean, our papa. I remember him being my brother. It's been five years since I saw him, explaining why I don't recall his name." He shook his head in slight disgust. "I should know his name, he told me. I feel dumb now for not knowing his name anymore except for being my brother."

"You can ask my dad after me and him are done eating dinner," I suggested. "You can stay in my room while we eat and you can read my books." I gave him a chuckle. "Just don't destroy my things," I joked, hoping it doesn't get him angry.

"I won't destroy your room. Plus..." He surveyed the spot where he's at. "...you do have a nice room," he commented, doing his best to be nice. I can tell it wasn't easy him for being this way for all the bad things he's done in the past. He wasn't used to being like this whatsoever for him being an evil monster created by my dad so it's going to be a while until he gets used to it. That, and for the changes he wants to make in order for him to get reformed. "I always thought all girls room are pink," he continued talking, taking his time to take a good look. "It's the same color from all the other rooms... except for the mystery door on the ceiling."

I tilted my head. "Mystery door? You mean the door leading to the attic?" He gave me a confused expression. "It's a room where we store things," I explained, grinning as I did so. "We place things such as decorations for different holidays, old stuff my dad used to use, and other sorts of things."

"How do you know?" he asked.

"I was up there when me and dad first moved in here. He told me to put something away. I never explored up there as well as the previous attic back in Chicago."

Slappy didn't reply, possibly thinking about the things he's done. I want to help him with the changes he wants to make, but he probably wants to do it on his own. I don't care how long it takes as long as he keeps his promise, like not opening any more manuscripts that I put away when me and dad first moved into this house before I met Zach.

"How would Hazel feel when she sees me?" His question caught my attention. "It just...the way she saw me the first time, she nearly hate a heart attack," he clarified, recalling the moment in the study room. "I'm starting to wonder if it was from me..."

Knowing how bad he felt, I gave him an advice. "You could do things for her to gain your trust. You can make her bed whenever she's not here, you can watch movies like you did with me and dad, you could do anything to get her to approve your changes. She won't trust you right away ever since what you did to her, but she'll come around soon."

He understood what I was saying, nodding at every word. "...When will she come home from the place she's at now?" was his next question.

"I'm not sure… It may take a while for her to get back home from the mental hospital. Only, she'll get better soon. To be honest, the way she snapped at me when I was talking to my boyfriend, I'm worried she'll hate me. She's like a sister to me." I put on a friendly smirk. "And since you're now calling dad 'papa', you might get to be the big brother for her, too, since I was created after you from the special typewriter." I got up off the bed as I went over to my bookshelf, pulling out a book when I heard my name being called.

"Hannah! Dinner's ready!"

"Coming, dad!" I hand the book over to Slappy. "You can read this while I eat. I don't know if it'll offend you from what the title says, but..."

He took the book out of my hands. "Monsters From A To Z. Learn About The Legends Of These Creatures Who Once Roam The Earth." He thought for a moment. "Does it have the D word in here?" He sounded doubtful to be reading this type of thing in his hands.

"I read the book once and never saw the word you dislike," I answered. "My dad gave to me for my first sweet sixteenth birthday when he home schooled me, wanting me to be more educated about the monsters he made," I explained, showing no interest. "I didn't want to but he told me I have to know about each and every one of them."

Understanding, he opened the book, reading the first page. "It...looks interesting. The book will remind me of my 'friends', but I'm not going to think about them anymore. Or at least try to." He raised one of his brows. "This drawing is impressive," he complimented, seeing all the details of the artwork of the monster.

"The illustrator did a good job with the drawings," I agreed when he gave me a curious stare. "An illustrator is someone who does the drawing for the books. At least, not all of them. Not all books have drawing in them like the Hunger Game books I like to read."

"Hannah, are you hungry or not?" Dad called up from downstairs. "Your dinner is getting cold. I don't want you to go to bed with an empty stomach." When he was receiving answer from me, his footsteps came up the stairs into the hallway. "Hannah." I turned to see him standing at the doorway of my bedroom. "Are you going to eat? I made spaghetti for dinner," he informed me before seeing Slappy with a book. "You're reading, Slappy?" he directly asked him.

"Well, I have a book in my hand so it looks like I'm reading, right?" Slappy didn't look up when he replied to my dad, almost sounding somewhat irritated from the ridiculous question from my father.

Dad seemed somewhat embarrassed from the question he gave him. "You don't have to say it like the way you said it... I was only asking. I never saw you read before..." He trailed off, not knowing what to say next.

"Papa…" Looking up from the book, Slappy gave him a bit of lowered wooden brows. "...just because you never saw me doesn't mean I can't read," he said. "I'm not stupid, you know?"

Turning towards dad, I saw him let out a little laugh. "No, you're not stupid, Slappy," he returned. "So are you going to eat?" He's now gazing at me through his glasses.

My stomach rumbled, having my face turn slightly red for being kind of loud. "Yeah, I am." He then left the area. Before heading downstairs to follow him, I faced over to the puppet. "Please, don't ruin the book," I articulated. "I don't want dad to kill me when he sees a small tear on the book, got it?"

"Got it," he affirmed, placing his head on my pillow, his eyes on the book.

Turning around, I walked out of my bedroom door, making my way to the dining room to meet up with dad for dinner.

Dinner was quiet during this time of night, probably because we're thinking how much Slappy can change. It won't be in a snap, but he'll change for sure, just like he promised. Though he is a villain, it's his first time ever keeping a promise. My dad and I aren't going to cold hearted around him for eternity. However, it won't be the same with my boyfriend who always gave him a disgusted look, refusing to even try to get along with him.

I'm worried about Hazel meeting him again face to face as I ate my dinner in deep thought, wondering what she's doing. She probably misses us badly, having me wonder if she has separation anxiety since some people have it. But knowing her, I believe she's doing okay over at the place she is in now.

However, a question came into my mind. "When are you going to tell Lorraine about Slappy?" I didn't mean to say it out loud, it just came out.

"Uhh..." My dad set is fork down on his plate he had finished. "I...hadn't told her," he told me. "I want to tell her, I really do. Only...I'm not sure... I want to tell her, but I'm worried that those two might've of met. Do you remember when Zach told her to go to the police station to send help at school?" Of course, I remember, nodding my head. "Well, no cop ever came," he continued, staring down at his plate. "I have a feeling something happened to her while she was there," he theorized with full concern over his girlfriend.

I don't know what to say after he spoke. I have a hunch she'll scream in fear once she sees Slappy again. I'm sure she'll start throwing things like I almost did when I discovered him being out of the book with all the monsters trapped inside of it who turned their backs on him. It makes me feel bad for him for what he went through in the new book, but it's no excuse for what he did to the town and all the people. They basically had the clean everything up after all the chaos from all the monsters he released in order to get back at my father.

Finishing up, I got up from my seat, taking my plate over to the kitchen sink, rinsing it out. Then I put my dishes in the dishwasher, being reminded about the lawn gnomes, giving me a good shiver. They may look cute, but they're deadly things.

When everything is in the dishwasher, I went back to my room, seeing Slappy with the same book in his hands.

"What letter are you on now?" This must've startled him because he almost jumped when he saw entering.

He sat up, placing the book wide open, turning away from me. "I'm on A still. I'm...on the page which reminds me of my...friends." To show me what he meant, he picked up the book, letting me see a big, white furry monster with its mouth open. It was an Abominable Snowman, being all scary on there. Slappy put the book down. "He was one of the monsters who attacked me," he sighed, tossing the book at the other end of the bed. "Are you guys done eating?" he then asked.

"Yeah, we're done," I responded, taking the book and putting it away. "You can ask my dad who you're brother is."

Thinking about, Slappy slid off the bed, leaving my room before stopping at the doorway. "Thanks for letting me read one of your books," he turned and politely spoke in his best, nice mannerism.

I smiled, seeing how well he's already changing. "You're welcome. I'm glad you didn't destroy it."

"Glad I didn't…" With that, he left my bedroom, his shoes clomping down the hallway.

Slappy

I found papa in the kitchen, washing the pots in the sink filled with soapy water, humming a tune to himself when he spotted me standing there.

"Hey there, Slappy," he noticed grinning, rinsing out one of the pots as he placed it on the rack. "Is there something you want?" He rinsed another pot, getting all the soap off. He then drained the sink, switching on the garbage disposal.

"No, I wanted to ask you something," I answered after waiting for the noise to go away from all the grinding, almost giving me a wooden headache.

"Oh?" Papa dried up his hands with a paper towel. "What is there you need to ask me?" he questioned in full interest.

Here I go... "What was my brother's name?" By the time those words came out of my mouth, I waited for his reply.

"Are you saying... you don't remember?" he answered, tossing another question at me. I can only shake my head, explaining it to him.

"It's been five years. The only time I met him is when I released him from his book. He never told me his name since I asked him, but he refused, saying I don't need to know."

Papa sighed, rubbing his eyes. "His name is Wally. Wally Wood. I already said his name when we were coming home from the antique shop," he finally said in a very unhappy tone. "He's one of the worst dolls - no offense - I ever made."

I arched up one of my wooden brows. "One of the worst dolls?" I don't understand what he meant. "What do you mean by those words?" I couldn't help but wonder. "And I guess I wasn't paying enough attention when you said his name to me in the car... I knew I had a brother, so when I heard you say Wally Wood... it came back to me after you told me his name for the second time."

He stopped rubbing his eyes. "I'll tell you someday... As for right now, let's watch a movie. And it's okay, you basically need to pay more attention when I'm speaking with you."

Even though I like watching movies with my papa, I decided to do something different this time. That, and to pay a lot more attention when he's talking to me, knowing I need to work on it. "How about we watch regular TV?" I suggested, smiling about the idea.

"Regular TV?" Still grinning, I began heading to the living room. "I guess that means 'yes'," he chuckled from behind me as I heard him come over to the same room with me waiting for him with the remote in my hand I had grabbed from the coffee table. "Remote?" He held out his hand, and I gave it to him with full respect instead of being a pain like I used to be. "I have Netflix," he stated, taking a seat on the couch, turning the TV on. "You can pick any show you want on there." With the remote, he went onto Netflix. "Here." He handed the remote to me. "Pick any show you want to watch."

Taking the remote back, I quickly figured out how to navigate it. I went onto Search, pressing one of the letters. The letter G. And the first thing that came up is a TV show similar to the books he's written.

Want to know what it is? Alright, I'll tell you. It's... Goosebumps.

"Do you want to watch it?" I couldn't answer him. "You can pick something else." He leaned against the couch.

"No, I'll watch it," I said, pressing the TV show, and started watching the first episode - The Haunted Mask Part One. "It may remind of my friends..." I took a seat next to papa. "...only I'm not going to let it affect me."

Seeing how confident I was, he let me watch the show before it was time. The Haunted Mask from the show almost looks like the one from the book.

After watching some other episodes, I gave papa a goodnight wave before teleporting to the guest room I'm staying at.

In the guest room, I have no trouble getting onto the bed from feeling all better from getting all fixed up.

While laying there on the bed, underneath the blanket, I began thinking of how I can get the others to know I can change.

Eh, I'll figure it out later. As for right now, I needed a goodnight rest.

And that's what I did.