Chapter 13
The next day, Matt woke up from his own bed to hear Tyrone leaving the house. He quickly got up, took a quick shower, and put on his trusty orange Oregon State hoodie. On it was a large picture of the cartoon beaver, the mascot. Matt loved this hoodie, since it reminded him of Marcos, who always declared that one day he would enroll in that school. Matt wondered if he himself would get the chance someday.
Also, Tyrone gave him the hoodie, which gave it strong sentimental value. It was incredible how quickly and close he became with Tyrone. He never thought he would grow to love him as an older brother.
After a while, Matt realized that this was Monday. After what had happened at the beach, Tyrone and Matt spent the rest of the day at home, watching tv shows and movies. Not only that, but he got to play some video games with Tyrone. They also got to rub their faces against cheesy pepperoni pizza.
Matt knew he had to go meet Tyrone at work later in the day, but he decided to take it easy. He wasn't in school yet, and this was the opportune time to goof off. First things first, he ate the leftover pizza from the kitchen. Then he played N64 games on the computer. Then he watched some anime and cartoons and then it was finally time to meet Tyrone.
Matt was actually looking forward to that. He wanted to see Tyrone and talk to him. He looked at the clock and smiled as the big hand struck three pm. Matt quickly put on his hoodie, grabbed his backpack and left home, closing the door.
And leaving the vial of salt behind. Yes, the very vial that was supposed to keep the Bogey Man away. Oops.
Matt smiled as he walked out of the house and headed for town. Walking distances didn't really matter and it was a safe town to be in. From what he has seen. Matt took the same route he's been taking for a while now and he started to get familiar with the small town's atmosphere. He walked as the day was cloudy and there were ponds all over the rocky ground. Matt didn't mind at all. Rain in Oregon was home.
Matt kept on walking until he felt a familiar presence behind him. He knew who it was and he turned around. He was not surprised to see the Bogey Man standing in front of him, with his arms folded across his chest.
"Long time no see Mateo." said the Bogey Man casually.
Matt looked around in hopes of seeing pedestrians or anyone, but he found that he was alone with him, in the street.
"It's Matt now." replied Matt slowly, reaching for his pocket. Matt however didn't feel the salt vial in his pocket. Neither in the other one. He started to panic inside. He realized he left it at home! But the BogeyMan didn't know that and Matt had to think quickly.
"Come with me kid. You are not safe here." he said.
"Of course I'm not safe! You're here! And you want to take me away! Where are you going to take me? Back to the hospital?" asked Matt.
"I know you have a salt vial in your pocket and you want to use it on me. But before you do, let me explain some things." said the BogeyMan, putting his hands together.
"Why are you following me and bothering Tyrone? He told me you are after him too!" cried Matt.
"There is a woman I want to save. She has been trapped by the Dark Impulse." said the BogeyMan.
"What?" asked Matt.
"The Dark Impulse. I don't know what that is quite yet, but it took my woman away and locked her in a purgatory. You and Tyrone can help me get her back." said the BogeyMan.
"Why? Can't you do it yourself? You got powers!" cried Matt, who was so desperate to get away.
"It's not that simple. I'm not powerful enough to save her. You and Tyrone on the other hand have something special. You see, she's trapped on the other side of the door. The door to the Treasures of Oregon." said the BogeyMan.
Matt didn't believe him. The Bogeyman never explained why he needed the boys. And now he was talking about some lady trapped on the other side of a door someplace, somewhere?
"And how can we help?" asked Matt carefully.
The BogeyMan didn't smile. He simply had a frowny expression on his face.
"I don't know, kid. I don't know. But to open the door, it's said that two hearts must be sacrificed. I chose you and Tyrone because you two have nothing to live for. You both have no family. Tyrone's parents are dead. Your mother was a drunk. Your father is… who knows where. But your brother… he died in the hands of the man who hurt you. Matt, you have nothing left to live for. And Tyrone is also just as lonely. Me on the other hand, I have someone to live for. And I must do whatever it takes to save her." said the BogeyMan.
Matt gasped silently. "Even at the cost of someone's life? How could you be so cold hearted?!"
"It's not coldhearted Matt. It's about doing what's right. Natalie did not ask to be locked away like a prisoner in Rood Bridge Park!" cried the BogeyMan.
"You're scaring me. Please go away!" said Matt, backing away frightened. He has never seen the BogeyMan act so cold before. He was a terrible person before, but he was much different this time.
"I'm not going to. I've sacrificed too much to get this far, and I won't rest until I have Natalie back. Matt, I'm sorry. But there is nothing left for you here." said the BogeyMan.
Matt quickly grabbed some small rocks from the ground and threw them at the BogeyMan's face. Dirt got into his eyes and he screamed out a cuss word. Matt ran as fast as he could and suddenly a car stopped in front of him. The passenger seat door opened and it was Garret pulling Matt inside.
"Get in quick!" he cried. Gannon was behind the wheel with his pet hermit crab, Bubbles on his shoulder.
"Hold onto your butts!" cried Gannon as he stepped on the pedal, once Matt was safely inside the car.
The BogeyMan stomped on the ground and screamed while his eyes turned yellow and black circles formed around his eyes.
"They got away again."
"No! I will have them back! I will have them open the door!" cried the BogeyMan, screaming into the air.
"You have failed many times. The boys have evaded you long enough. If you don't hurry, your beloved Natalie will perish in the hell she's been trapped in."
"I'll save her. No matter what." said the BogeyMan as his eyelids turned black as if it was makeup and his eyes glowed yellow.
"Your body is very young and very strong. If you could allow me to take a hold of it, even for a little while, the boys will be in your grasp."
"I don't want to kill them." said the BogeyMan.
"Hypocrite! You just said you will do anything to save her! And you already told the boy you would kill him and Tyrone. You made it crystal clear that they had nothing to lose and you were willing to kill them. It seems you are just as cold hearted as I am."
The BogeyMan's chest swelled up and he bit his lower lip, feeling nothing but panic and fear. Emotions he always felt, despite the fierce and intimidating precedence he imposed.
"You have one last chance. Do this, and I will hold off from consuming you."
The BogeyMan shook his head and quickly turned around, heading for Tyrone and Matt's home.
