Chapter One
Summer 1974
Jane, Chris and John were friends for as long as they could remember. They had similar interests, and not surprisingly decided to go in the same direction when reaching the end of high school. Since childhood they were all interested in the paranormal world. The question of whether there was another world out there bothered them a lot. They decided to find out for themselves, and see if the work would fascinate them and they would want to continue.
Jane, Chris and John were soon offered to go to a little cottage in New Jersey, for about a month. The old cottage was close to the woods, and apparently many generations had lived there. The three curious friends were told that the last family who had lived there had died a mysterious death, and later on were found chopped into pieces and buried in the woods. This didn't give the fearless threesome the slightest fright. In fact, they became even more interested in examining that cottage. Now the only problem was to convince their parents- but that probably wouldn't be a problem, after all they were sixteen. And then again, it was the summer holidays.
But Jane's parents acted like she was five. They decided that since their little girl decided to leave them for a whole month, she would have to take her little brother Jamie with her.
"What!" screamed Jane with an obvious frustration, "Mom, Dad! Didn't I tell you why we're going to the cottage? How can I possibly take Jamie-"
She was interrupted by her father.
"Well, Jane, since you're leaving us, we would also like to have a holiday. And since we are allowing you the luxury of going there by yourself, you could do us a little favor. Wouldn't you love to go with your little sister, Jamie-boo?"
"Yes! Yes!" screamed excited Jamie.
"Oh, Jane, don't be so heartless…" said her mother lovingly.
"No!" yelled Jane. Never would she have the investigation she dreamed of for so long ruined for her.
"Well then you cannot go." said her father. He was calm but angry.
Jane's pretty blue eyes were swollen with tears.
"Fine! Fine! I'll take the brat with me! Thanks for making the beginning of my career so pleasant!" yelled Jane. She tossed her long, curly auburn hair back as she turned around and stormed up to her room.
Jane knew that Jamie was a little brat. He absolutely loved to put on little acts to annoy you. She had now idea how she would deal with him. But then again, she had to look on the bright side. At least her parents would let her go. Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden phone call.
"Hello?" she answered.
"Hi, Jane. How'd it go?" it was Chris.
"Oh, you don't wanna know. They're making me take Jamie!" Jane almost burst into tear again.
"What? Why the hell do they want you to take him? Don't they know why we're going there?" Chris was frustrated.
"Well, you know my parents. They've got no clue. Anyways, can you phone John up and tell him? I've gotta go, it's dinner. And sorry about my parents."
"Don't worry, Jane. We'll manage somehow. We always do, don't we?" Chris was so friendly and supportive. Jane felt lucky that he was her friend.
"Yep! Thanks, Chris. Bye!"
"Bye. And don't forget to start packing, we're leaving after tomorrow."