The cemetery mentioned is like the Thorns' store; it's a lot I created. It has a name, but it's a pun and I won't subject you to that.

Also, just wanna point out I haven't updated since August. Yikes. I actually started 2 other stories around that time and shifted focus to them, though I still had this one in mind. I actually ran into a problem with this story a little farther in – a certain character's backstory will be brought up, and I could see different ways to take it. I really liked one idea, but wondered if that would be predictable. I'm trying not to be TOO predictable, you get me?

But all that's settled, I think. Updates might still be slow, but hopefully not like... Actual months slow since at least one of those other stories I mentioned is on its final chapter.

Secrets Of Willow Creek

Chapter 2

The kitchen lights were off, replaced by a single candle on the dinner table. Mathias stabbed a straw through his carton of plasma juice with little urgency before slumping into a chair with the posture of a propped up corpse. He should have been enjoying the night, attend some parties and celebrate his eternal twenties.

He felt like crap, honestly.

That experience in the old house left him uneasy, uncomfortable and he regretted it. There were actual ghosts haunting that place, yet Andrea and Reilly were actually trying to contact them. They'd done so before. Now, Mathias wasn't much of a reader... But he'd never heard of Andrea's work. Even if he did read, the exposing of various towns' secrets was too much for him. Did that make him pathetic?

Not only did he feel like crap, he couldn't stop accusing himself of being a coward.

Vampires had no reason to be afraid of anything but sunlight and garlic, so what was wrong with him?

Father stepped into the kitchen, interrupting his moping by asking the room where he'd left his apron. The apron really pulled together the look of a gemstone salesman, of course.

"Mathias? I'm surprised you're still home." Father addressed him, making laps around the tiny kitchen.

Mathias hid his most likely dejected face behind his hair, only sipping the beverage a little more loudly. He half expected his phone next to him to burn through the table, waiting for Brandon to text him back and save him from an awkward conversation.

Not that Brandon was any less awkward, but still.

Father looked ready for another long night at the store, slicked back hair and neatly prepped mustache clashing so very much with every dark shade of blue present on that basic uniform of his. All blue except for the apron.

Mathias rubbed his temples tired. "That neighborhood welcome was horrible, Father. I got scared and left Brandon in a haunted house, and I know a ghost wouldn't... Kill him or anything. I know that, but he's not texting and..." Words were too taxing. He dropped his face on the table, shutting himself up.

Father could be heard clicking his tongue disapprovingly. "Brandon." He said his name with a tone that's had enough of life. Gave up entirely.

"Father, I know you never approve about who I date-"

"That's not true." Father gave up on his apron hunt and pulled up a seat at the table with a flourish. "Kyle was very polite; he had more manners than normal college students. I don't know what made you break up-"

"Kyle died after eating some low quality pufferfish last year. We went to his funeral and everything, so how did you forget?"

Father looked like he wanted to flee the room, but Mathias didn't blame him.

And just when the awkwardness was too much, father and son both jumped at the electronic tune from the latter's phone. Father was too busy smoothing wrinkles from his clothes, pretending he was a perfectly composed and refined vampire while Mathias hurried to look at the new string of texts.

srry i didnt reply babe!

been hangin with andrea and reilly since u left

been showing em the landmarks andreas AWESOME but i been worried about u too :(

what happened earlier?

"If I were in your place, I wouldn't bring up your weaker moment unless he does." Father spoke up confidently. "Though you hide, you're still a vampire. You're supposed to be the focus of horror, and one hundred years isn't too late to gain a spine."

Mathias tried to roll his eyes subtly as he typed out his reply. Father was still going on about vampire traditions that were losing the battle to time.

Yeah I couldn't stay in that house.

I should apologize in case I ruined the welcome for you; I know you were excited about it.

Can we meet tonight? While we've got my house and TV all to ourselves?

"...Mathias, do you know I haven't given up on your progression in vampire training after all this time?"

That made Mathias look up as he hit send. When he did, he was caught off guard to see his Father smile almost affectionately at him. Most sims didn't know the super elegant and dignified Charles Thorn to be a caring parent. Mathias barely knew that character trait himself.

Before that could be explored, Mathias' phone played the tune several times again.

would love to but cant tonight

andrea and reilly chose ME to escort em to the cemetery! ME! i cant let this opportunity go to waste!

HEY!

come with us babe! didnt u say ur grandparents had a key to that place?

lets raise the dead! XD or whatever u do on a cemetery tour D:

Mathias couldn't remember actually telling Brandon about his grandparents' connection to Willow Creek's one and only cemetery. It was true that they were around when it was still being constructed, although its nature was never revealed to anyone. There was no point in asking Father because he seemed just as clueless when Mathias pulled him aside at Kyle's funeral to ask about it. Everyone kind of just accepted there was a small brick building on the same lot as a cemetery and someone decided gargoyle statues were the perfect intimidation tactic to prevent nosy intruders.

Brandon... How do you know about the key?

He just replied with a "quirky" smiling face. But Mathias already knew the answer: lingering dreams of wanting to be a secret agent.

Could this be his chance to make up for running away? Prove he wasn't a coward? Mathias was doubtful, but not defeated. He got up from the table, abruptly letting Father know he was taking the key to the crypt. And before Father had a chance to register all of that, Mathias already transformed and flew out into the night.

Willow Creek's one and only cemetery was fairly large, but cremation and then placing the ashes in an urn seemed to be preferred by most. Therefore, only thirty headstones could be seen through the large gate with the intimidating points. You'd only know why containing ashes and cremation by proxy was the norm... If you knew about the secret vampires. If you're a mortal who sees ashes on the sidewalk on a sunny day, you might assume someone accidentally spilled the remains of their loved one when taking them home. It wasn't respectful to the deceased, but everyone seemed to go with it.

The cemetery was surrounded by a tall metal fence, no extra decorations except for candles set up by taken spots. Those candles served to be only light source at night, so the building leading into the crypt left unsettling feelings up close. Or maybe... Maybe it was just Mathias.

As he was flying overheard, he saw the three sims he was looking for. They were equipped with flashlights aimed at the building, Andrea and Reilly standing back while Brandon attempted to impress them with excessive hand gestures in front of the door like there was an interpretive dance required to open it. It was difficult to tell from the sky, but they were either buying it or mesmerized by his dedication to the act.

Mathias was able to land in front of the gate and transform without being seen. He hadn't been here since the burial of his grandparents after Kyle, it just clicked. If he tuned out the noise of traffic behind him, he swore he heard Grandfather telling him the same story that calmed him down when he was scared of a storms as a child. Grandmother would join in after she brought him a slice of chocolate cake she made earlier in the day; up until their teens vampires are able to eat regular food. Sometimes Mathias missed smelling the cake baking in the oven, the taste of rich-

No, those days were long gone. Grandfather, Grandmother and Mother... It was stupid to dwell on memories with them, Mathias tried to tell himself. He needed to focus on the task at hand, so he sucked it up and pried the gate open. If Andrea wanted material for her book, she'd get it. But not before being too unsettled like him to even consider letting the town's history leak.

Brandon seemed to appoint himself the leader of the group, telling Andrea and Reilly he'd been following a strict weight-lifting program and was most suitable. They ignored his comment. Once Mathias passed on the key, everyone made their descent without speaking of plans in case it went wrong.

How big the crypt was, no one could be sure with just narrow beams of light. The room above was just for the purpose of accessing the underground; it was bricks walls and dirt floor with barely a decoration except for shovels hanging on the wall. Going down the stairs you'll find nothing but darkness and vibrations of the outside world.

Brandon, Andrea and Reilly all made oohs and ahs like they were at something harmless like a well-lit museum or magic show. Mathias forced himself to stare into the flashlight beams, trembling and refusing to let go of Brandon's jacket sleeve. He wished he brought a comforting old jacket to wear; the temperature quickly dropped as they were barely a few feet inside.

"There's definitely spirits here." Andrea muttered to herself, concentrating her beam on the walls and ceiling. "I can't be certain if calling out directly or tapping in code will be best to stir them."

She looked around at their group, well as much as she could in this claustrophobic setting. The crypt was quite narrow, but in the light it could be seen stretching farther down. Realization sparked in her eyes.

"We shouldn't cluster like this." Andrea said as if this was routine. "Since there's four of us, let's split up into two groups. One can communicate with the spirits while the other looks around for details I can add to my book."

"Anything to get this book published!" Brandon cut in, enthusiasm radiating as he leaned closer to Andrea. Mathias couldn't see from that angle, but he imagined sparkles dancing in his eyes. "I've got the loudest voice – I know because I was voted so in high school! You and I can wake the dead, Mrs. Thompson!"

Mathias shot his head up in time to see Andrea make an alarmed face. Just a second, then it was gone. She composed herself at ultra speed, her confused smile more apparent as her and Brandon's flashlight beams entwined.

"Thank you for the offer, but I think you and Reilly will make a better team. You two can go deeper into the crypt, scout for items that either look valuable to a ghost or just appear old and interesting-"

"And Reilly knows about stirring ghosts and all that like you; he'll be a big help if we see mist or our eyes start growing icicles!" Brandon cut in.

"I couldn't have said it better myself."

Mathias wouldn't have been surprised if his eyes tried to burst. The brick walls threatened to close in as he had a mini heart attack. Whatever that feels like with the real organ. He tried to form words, something along the lines of "Brandon-please-don't-risk-your-life-this-is-dumb" but it just sounded like he was choking on a web that he accidentally inhaled.

"So we've got our plan." Andrea spoke up, posing confidently with one hand on her hip. The pose of someone who wouldn't accept a differing opinion. "Reilly, you and Brandon will explore farther. Mathias and I will stay in this area, maybe tag along if you find anything. And remember: shout your head off using words if you find something."

"Can... Can I just say something?" Mathias practically choked.

"Great plan!" Brandon chimed in. He casually stepped out of Mathias' iron grip, pressed a kiss to his cheek and was gone in an instant.

All Mathias could do was watch as Brandon took his leave farther down the narrow crypt with Reilly. To his eyes, it looked like slow motion with a rainy filter. He didn't know Reilly enough to be incredibly concerned about his safety, although he was a new resident and looking out for others was just a community thing. Honestly, Brandon was his highest priority... He couldn't imagine hearing him scream for help somewhere deep in the crypt, while his legs locked up and he was too slow to rescue him. Maybe the chances of that were slim, but you know what? So was everyone's idea of disturbing the dead and looking for book highlights in a place like this. They had a town library.

"Does he always act like that? Brandon?" Andrea's voice brought Mathias out of his own head.

"He's really into your books." Mathias replied promptly, grateful for words to fill the void He could feel himself slipping up and smiling. "In his mind: helping will impress you into giving him a credit in your book, or something. So he might be overwhelming, but know it's not possible to be more excited for any sim."

Andrea just gave a hmm in reply, having turned her back on him and therefore the flashlight to examine the walls. Mathias wasn't sure if she heard him, but then again he was getting sappy like a teenager and he needed to stop that.

Mathias' phone buzzed. He would have preferred to stop Andrea as she walked down the wall feeling of it, but she and her precious flashlight were already leaving him. The phone was his only light source now, and wouldn't be for long as he realized the battery was three percent. He probably had just enough time to read the new texts from- Huh? Father?

Son, do you want four generations of vampires to haunt you for the rest of your immortal life by disturbing their resting place?

I don't care if looking "cool" in front of these sims boosts your ego.

Our family's known for two things in the vampire community: looks and bad temper.

You might think it's interesting to meet relatives who passed on before your time, but limbo isn't fun especially if you were already dead on technicality.

When it comes to staying or leaving, I know you'll make the right choice.

The phone's screen went dark, and Mathias was left flinching and crushing the it under his armpits. He hated being reduced to hugging himself and shuddering, especially with Andrea and her light on the opposite end of the first room. Might as well let her see the pathetic sight, huh? Let her know how unreliable he was.

At the same time, he knew Father was right about disturbing the dead. But how could he tell these sims vampires were also among them? Thankfully, this crypt was perfect for storing the ashes and removing the memory of unlucky vampires who were victims of the harsh sun. He just hoped they wouldn't find-

"Mathias! Look over here!"

Mathias' heart was already a dead weight, but it must have briefly beat just to sink deep. He had no choice but to race for the light, at least to prevent him from puking out of stress.

Right where Andrea shone her light, Mathias' stress rose to new heights as he saw several urns lined up.

"Just look at all of these sims! I don't know who to start with... Any of them could know about Carol and Luna's history- No- Maybe even Willow Creek's beginning history!"

She sounded gleeful like this was the equivalent to opening presents on Winterfest. Keep in mind she was staring at a line of at least six urns, most likely all related to Mathias and she didn't even know it. Mathias couldn't even get a word in. She was too busy talking to herself excitedly, moving from urn to urn trying to trigger ghosts.

"Having fun?"

The chill intensified to the point Mathias and Andrea were both shivering. They both snapped their heads in the direction of a new presence – a yellow ghostly outline around a hovering sim. Notice the keyword. It was an older man if the wrinkles on his face and balding hair was anything to go by. He seemed to be wearing a suit that was several decades out of fashion.

All Mathias could focus on was the fact he had visible fangs poking out of his mouth and pointed ears.

All Andrea seemed to focus on was a ghost taking its proper form to communicate. Her expression was absolutely spellbound, and words failed her.

The ghost heaved an exasperated sigh, folding his arms sternly. "As much as I'd like to make you two run away screaming like fools, you don't look like the usual hell spawn kids that poke their noses down here."

"Actually, I'm an author collecting information." Andrea corrected him, smiling uncontrollably. "My husband and I – you've probably heard Reilly before he went farther in – just moved in, and we-"

"Hold on, shouldn't you be scared?" Was the question Mathias wanted to ask, but was glad Ghost Man was self aware.

Andrea just stared confusedly at the ghost, even going as far as to shrug.

"You don't see a real life ghost and think: 'crap, I better run away'?" The ghost went from annoyed to at a loss.

Andrea boldly stepped closer to the ghost, reaching out as if to take his hand comfortingly. Of course it phased through, but she didn't seem to care.

"There's no reason to be afraid of the supernatural." Andrea said like a simple fact. "All of my travels taught me supernatural things do exist, and they're living right alongside us. Willow Creek will be no different if I find the information I'm looking for; I need to either prove or tear down a theory I've developed about Carol and Luna."

The ghost was frozen in a slump, expression totally stoic. Mathias didn't blame him.

"Carol and Luna have been described to me as 'murderers'. And yet... We have this cemetery with barely any graves, but all these urns. Could this be a cover up?" Andrea's face had taken a much more serious look when she looked up to the ghost and pinned his gaze. "You're old enough to know about the sisters, aren't you? You look like you died quite some time ago."

Mathias looked back and forth between them, expecting something like possession or to be chased out. Actually, the ghost man shoved his hands in his pockets casually and gave Andrea an unreadable look... Before allowing a smirk on his lips.

"You remind me of myself when I was alive – I wasn't an author, but I had incurable curiosity. Everyone told me it was a flaw, but I didn't listen." The ghost man spread out his arms, as if to gesture to himself, still shining in yellow aura. "Investigating the sisters was a bad idea, I was warned. I didn't believe it until 'waking up' with this form."

"Did they..." Andrea choked on her question, but Mathias didn't blame her. It probably wasn't the most appropriate thing to ask a ghost.

Still, the ghost man didn't appear offended. He was mostly tense, cracking his neck uncomfortably and staring through them.

"What were the sisters like?" Andrea asked much more clear this time.

"I suppose whatever you hear in the tales." The ghost man hovered closer, and Andrea didn't flinch as he reached out and let his hand phase through the top of her head. "Do try to get this through your head: if their spirits haven't been able to pass on, they'll be... More than a little peeved. Carol wasn't very social from the beginning, but even Luna showed sign of a temper when I just questions about their odd decor. Of course we know why I'm dead, don't we? Their anger made them act irrationally."

"Um, ghost man...?" Mathias spoke up weakly. The ghost man's gaze turned to him, making his voice smaller and smaller. "I've lived in Willow Creek my whole life, but I've never heard the sisters had short tempers."

"Aren't all young sims like that?" The ghost man said carelessly, folding his arms. "How old are you, boy? Nineteen? Twenty? Probably the age Carol was when she ended my life."

Mathias could only tremble under his gaze, and he had a feeling the ghost man realized his fear.

Andrea gave Mathias the flashlight before he could say anything, and whipped out a notepad and pen. This action at least made the ghost man smirk; he obviously didn't get a lot of sims willing to talk this long.

"Mathias, I want to interview this ghost for a little longer." Andrea said, eyes shimmering with life. "Take that flashlight, help Reilly and Brandon in their search. Don't worry about me; this aura he's giving off is enough light for notes."

Mathias sputtered for a moment before an actual response was forced out. "You expect me to leave you alone with a ghost?! No, not one ghost... Possibly multiple if the others stir?!"

"Exactly." Andrea gave a casual wave to punctuate her reply.

Mathias felt like there was no way to argue further, but he didn't like the idea of anyone leaving this crypt possessed by a ghost. If ghosts could manipulate objects, why not a sim? However, he truly didn't know the lengths of the abilities one acquires after death.

Mathias' decision was made when he could hear a scream down the path Reilly and Brandon took. He didn't look back, nor did he care if Andrea saw his running speed go to one hundred in an instant.

Tears stung his eyes from a combination of the breeze in his face and fear, and yet Mathias pressed on. He only had delayed screams guiding him the way because he couldn't actually see through his blurred vision. He was aware of several ghostly outlines moving out of his way, some revealing features of total strangers. No one was going to haunt the crazy guy using full vampire speed.

It was only because of the speed and grace of that mode he hadn't tripped over debris, or slammed face-first into barrels and crates. Don't even acknowledge the many urns, he told himself. They might belong to more victims of Carol and Luna, or maybe some other crime spree- No, don't think about it.

The screams went totally silent after a minute, sending plasma roaring in Mathias' ears again. He did end up stopping too close to a dead end wall, coughing pathetically against the brick. Had he gone too far? Did he miss them? Those screams had been too generic to tell who they belonged to, and he didn't want to think they were from Brandon. If he ever did think that, he'd hate himself for not making the effort to change his mind. Maybe the ghosts in here wouldn't kill him, or anything like that... But they could- You know- Um-

He didn't hear anything anymore. He strained his ears but there was nothing. He looked around in the dark, but he was alone. Panic surged before he could stop himself, all kinds of terrible theories coming to mind. It only got worse when he slumped to the ground and heard a soft crunch. He retrieved the item he'd just sat on almost robotically, afraid to actually admit what it was. But denying reality wouldn't help.

He couldn't see their color, but they were a pair of glasses. Brandon's frame was made of a thicker material that couldn't be easily broken, just like these.

TBC