Chapter 2: Welcome to Derry

It was about 5:15 am and the sun was just starting to peak out above the trees. I have pulled over again but this time somewhere on the outskirts of Derry. I knew it had to be about time for Olivia to need a break, so I was taking the opportunity to get some air myself. I let her out of the truck and after a few minutes of sniffing by the ditch she bound off looking for the perfect spot to use the bathroom.

I took a second to breathe in the country air. I was surrounded by endless, quiet forest. Even this two-lane road was picturesque in how quiet and calm everything felt. Oh, how I would love to see this place in the fall when the leaves are just starting to turn colors.

I quickly turned around to the sound of something running through the fallen leaves. I chuckled to myself as Olivia was chasing down a squirrel. It was something she didn't get to do since we lived in the city. I loved seeing her out here enjoying herself. I hadn't even made it to the center of town yet and already I was feeling very much at home. I glanced down at my phone. I really needed to focus on finding somewhere to stay.

I flipped through a few apps to check out where a local B&B or cabin might be. It was always a little harder when you had a dog. Harder still when you have a breed of dog that people take one look at and assume it's dangerous. I think it's why we complimented each other so well. Unacceptable by society standards and generally not very well liked. We were a strange version of Beauty and the Beast. My neighbors didn't know what I did as a profession. I told them I was a dancer but as an instructor for a place in the city. I don't think Mr. and Mrs. Alberts would like to know they lend sugar to a stripper next door.

I was flipping through my phone on Air BnB when a house on Neibolt street caught my attention. It was so big and very old. So old in fact it looked like something out of a horror movie. It broke my heart to see a house in this state. The windows were boarded up and everything looked dead around it. A medium sized tree stood in the front, very clearly had been dead for a while now. The house didn't even look safe enough to walk into let alone sleep in. How could a place like this end up on BnB? I continued to stare down at the picture of the house. Wait, were there more photos? I started swiping to the right and sure enough pictures of the house started to flash before me. The foyer with its two rooms on either side. The spider web infested sitting room and parlor. A kitchen with a broken table and fridge with its door wide open. A small room with a bed on the floor. A larger open room with drapes on the furniture and debris everywhere. The faster I swiped the more photos began to take over. Before I could swipe the next one myself the next photo flipped on its own. My eyes became wide with fascination as I was given a tour of the house without even touching my screen. The next image flashed at a door which was slightly open. It continued to open wider with each new picture. The screen began to move towards the now open door and started to descend into what I could only assume was the basement. With each flash, I was being shown down a set of stairs. I couldn't look away. I needed to know where the house wanted me to go. At the bottom of the steps, the pictures began to move to the right and finally stopping at its destination. There, in the center of the basement, was a well. The fast-paced flashes started to get closer to the well and I couldn't tear my gaze away. Out of the center, a red balloon started to rise from the well. It eerily made its way out, hovering just above it. I couldn't move. The photos flashing continuously. They were putting me in a trance. I felt warm all over as I continued to stare at the balloon. The same image of it flipped over and over again.

Quinn…..

Did I something just whisper my name?

POP!

HONK!

The perfectly still balloon exploded, causing me to jump. A driver honking at me to get out of the road. I took a huge breath in, not realizing I had been holding it the whole time. What the hell was that about? I looked back down at my phone wanting desperately to see the well and balloon again. It was gone. In its place was a small white and red house at 27 Neibolt street. Well, that's weird, I thought. Geez, I need to find a place to lay down and get a few hours in. I quickly checked the reviews, photos, and price of the new Neibolt house my phone had landed on.

Hmm, dog-friendly, 2 bedrooms, $374 for the week. I reserved it and within the next 15 minutes the owner and I had worked out everything. Perfect! This would also give me a chance to check out the creepy house next door. I called out to Olivia who raced back to the open door of the truck. Closing it, I walked over to my side and hopped in. I started the truck and set the navigation to our vacation spot. A new wave of excitement hit me as I pulled out onto the road again.

Wait…how the hell did I just see pictures of a house that isn't available?

I decided to stop for a few things before heading to the house I had rented. I knew I was going to need some food for myself, but this would also get me a chance to check out the locals.

I finally found a small grocery store that was just opening. Olivia had just nestled back into her spot on the passenger seat to start with an after run nap. Since it was cool out, being December and all, I felt she would be nice and toasty in the truck. I didn't even bother locking my door. Olivia was better than a car alarm. She wouldn't let anywhere open the door who wasn't me. Grabbing my purse, I got out and walked into the store.

"Good morning, ma'am" I heard from behind the register. A young teenager greeted me with a sheepish smile.

"Good morning" I politely smiled back. Oh, this place was charming. This isn't anything like what I was used too.

I spent about 10 minutes roaming with a cart. Grabbing various things I could make for different meals. I was contemplating on how many boxes of popcorn wouldn't make me look like too much of a loner when I heard another greeting to my left.

"Hi, there. I haven't seen you in town before."

I was half expecting to see some young, pimple faced stock boy. What greeted me was anything but that. Standing in front of me was the most gorgeous man I had ever set my eyes on. He was everything a girl could want. Tall, well over 6ft which towered my already tall frame. Bright and full green eyes that were so dark green they were almost black. A chin that I could cut glass on, honestly. The same chin was also showing a hit of stubble. But the hair is what did it for me. It was a mix of red and brown but full and wavy. There was something about slightly longer hair on a guy that just made my insides knot up. And the way this guy was looking at me had me all sorts of tied up. As attractive as he was, I knew better then to show so much interest immediately. After all, playing with a man's heart was kind of my trade. I knew how to make them want me. Half the time I didn't have to try that hard because of my own good looks. But I knew I didn't want to come off as fake to this guy. Something told me he would see right through that anyways.

"Hi. I'm Quinn." I said with a genuine smile. "Was I in your way of picking out popcorn?" I stated with a chuckle and holding out the two boxes I already had in my hand.

He laughed at my joke. "No, but if I were you, extra butter is always the better choice."

I looked down at the boxes. Both of them were labeled extra butter. I glanced at my green-eyed friend and we both broke out into a fit of laughter. I decided to hell with it and just tossed both boxes in the cart. The laughter started to die down and we both stood there staring at each other. He broke the silence first.

"I'm Phillip", he said a little quieter, extending a hand out to me. I reached out to put my smaller hand in his. Strange, how just this small amount of contact made the knots tighter in my abdomen. I haven't felt anything like this in a long time for someone. I made it a habit not to date close to home. Who knew who might wander into my club one night and see me.

"Sooo…is this your store", I said glancing around nervously. He was still just looking at me, saying nothing. As if out of his own spell he blinked a few times and finally spoke up.

"Sorry, what was that?"

Now it was my turn to laugh at him. "Store. Is it yours? Or are you just in here stocking up like me?"

"Oh, no. Just a shopper like yourself. Like I said I haven't seen you around here before and I like to think that I know everyone in Derry."

"Well, you're not wrong. I just got in about half an hour ago. I was looking to take a vacation with just me and the dog and we ended up here." Speaking of… "Which I should really go. I shouldn't leave her in the car for very long. It was nice meeting you Phillip"

"Hey, if you're staying nearby maybe I could take you out to dinner tonight."

I couldn't believe he just asked me that. I was used to being asked out, sure, but the way he asked me so casually. Like he knew me and what my answer might be.

Should I? But what about just you and the dog, Quinn. Um hello, me time? Me time can include a hot guy who doesn't know anything about you? Plus, it would be nice to have adult conversation for once. All my friends and conversations were either with Johns, Olivia or other strippers. But we don't know this guy. What if he's a serial killer that eats kids? Ugh, fuck you, brain.

"You know, I think I would love that."

"Great! I could swing by and pick you up? Or did you want to come to my place?"

"It seems silly to go out when we can just eat in and maybe watch a scary movie. And hey," I grabbed the box out of my cart again for effect, "I have popcorn".

Laughing again he told me his number and we said our goodbyes. I was checking out when I saw Phillip walking past my car. Olivia was wagging her tail as he got closer to my car. He stopped and they both stood, staring at each other. Any second now I half expected to see Olivia freak out and bark uncontrollably. She was the fail-safe car alarm after all. To my surprise, she looked like she was nervous and like she might be whining. I could see her moving around a bit like she wanted out of the car. I couldn't tell if Phillip was making her uncomfortable or excited. That's when she started licking at the opening in the window I left her. Phillip moved his hands to the top and I watched in fascination as Olivia happily wagged her tail and licked at Phillips fingers. After a few more seconds he pulled his hand away and kept walking. I looked away and back at the total amount for my groceries.

Well, that was… adorable.

After leaving the store it only took me less than 10 minutes to get to the rental. I pulled up and immediately looked to the left of it. There was the house. The old house. 29 Niebolt street. God, it was worse looking in person, but I was so drawn to it. Maybe after Phillip leaves tonight I can go on over and sneak a peek. These old houses have so much history. I'd love to find out how…

BARK BARK!

Olivia warned me of a jogger about to run past the car. I waited till she was out of view before I got out of the truck. I had the dog leash in my hand and made my way up to the rental house. The key was in the mail box like the owner said. Once I got the door open Olivia ran past and immediately jumped up on the couch as if to say, this is mine now .

It was small, but hey, I didn't need it to be huge. Just something to enjoy for the week I was about to spend here. Who knows? Maybe I fall madly in love with Phillip and we can't stand to be apart so he asks me to move in with him . Ha ha, yeah right. Plus, what are you going to do for work? Teach strip dance at the YMCA? No one asked you, brain!

Welllllll, I thought to myself. The truck isn't going to unload itself.

Too bad Phillip isn't here to help. Ugh, shut up brain.