Goosebumps: The Legends Of Dark Falls Chapter 2 A Visit From The Dead

POV: ?

The door *creaked* open, the dark interior was looked clearer than I thought it would be. No dust particles anywhere. Painted walls, new furniture from what I could see in the kitchen. It was like a completely different house.

From the door, you could see the entrance to the kitchen on the left, and to the right the living room. Straight ahead was the stairs that lead to the second floor landing.

I heard something in the living room. So, I went to investigate, cautiously stepping into the doorway to that room.

"Hello?" The room looked like your typical living room with a rug, a couch on it that faced the fireplace, and two comfy chairs facing each other in between.

Nothing here. I thought, when a suddenly I felt a cold hand on my shoulder. I jumped back, turned around and stared at a familiar figure.

"Mr. Dawes?"

Much like the house from the outside, Mr. Dawes hadn't aged a day. His skin was ghostly white and I could see purple veins through it. He was still wearing a tan hat, with a tan coat, tan pants, and shiny black shoes.

"Well, ain't this intriguing." He said, with a nostalgic smile. "Joshua, it's been years."

"Four, to be exact." I pointed out.

"My you have grown." He sounded almost proud. Like we went through hell and came back on the other side.

I wonder where they went to when they died. Maybe I'll ask that later if everything goes to plan.

"Why are you acting so-"

"Calm? Well, it wasn't the first time I had a brush with death." He interrupted. "Plus I forgave you a long time ago."

I felt tears streaming down my face. "But we killed you and everyone you held dear. All for our selfish need to live."

He put a hand on my shoulder comfortingly. "You did what you had to, to protect those you loved. Hell, I would've done the same damn thing if I had been in your shoes."

"So, if you're here, then that means-" I started.

"Yes, the others made it." Hearing that gave me a small glimpse of hope. "Sorry, if I'm prying here but where are you parents?"

"They're dead." I sniffled.

He put his other hand on my other shoulder. "I'm sorry to hear that, son."

"There was a fire at our house. Amanda and I got out, but they didn't make it." I said.

Mr. Dawes gave me a confused look. "Surely, you have some other relatives you could stay with or friends. Why come back?"

I shook my head. "No one would take us. This was the only place we could go."

"I had a feeling you'd come back sooner or later but no like this." Mr. Dawes said with a sigh. "We're in a precarious situation."

I wiped the tears from my face. "What happened?"

The real estate guy looked away. "We don't rightly know. Some in the blood in our last feeding was contaminated or something to that effect."

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked.

"Because if you want to live in Dark Falls again, you'll need to know this." Mr. Dawes stroked his chin. "Although, it's not my decision to make. Its up to the citizens of Dark Falls to come to any conclusion."

I looked at him confused. "I thought you were the leader?"

"I don't make decisions anymore. Plus this effects the whole town, not just me." The pale man explained.

I nodded. "I understand."

Mr. Dawes sighed. "I can't make any promises but I will try."

"Thank you." I said genuinely.

"Don't thank me yet." He said, before stepping outside.

I laid my backpack on the floor gently. And went outside to find Amanda fast asleep. I smiled. The walk and the lack of sleep had taken everything out of her. I went next to her and picked her up bridal style.

As I was walking, I felt her stir and saw her eyes open half-way. "Josh, why are you carrying me? I can walk."

"Not in the state you're in." I said, moving sideways to get through the door.

Amanda groaned in annoyance."Maybe I could use a little nap."

I laughed dryly, scooting through the entrance to the living room. "Time to get some real rest."

I softly placed Amanda onto the leather couch. I laid her with her head on one side and her feet on the other. "Did you hear anything about-" Amanda started.

"Shhh. Get some rest. We'll find out later." I interrupted reassuringly, sitting on the edge of the couch. "Or not, depending upon who has the better hand."

She lazily punched my shoulder playfully. "You suck at making me feel better."

I don't want her to get her hopes up, or mine. I thought sadly. He could be lying but I'm not sure why.

I got up from the couch and my sister grabbed my hand. "I miss them so much."

Tears streamed down her face. I gave her a hug and said "I know." I kissed her on her forehead, let go of her hand and sat in the chair next to her.

Within several minutes, she fell right back to sleep. I hadn't slept in a very long times. Too many nightmares. But we'll see if those nightmares were real or not.