Saturday morning. Usually those words meant to me what they mean to every other teenager: sleeping, eating, and watching television, but not today. Today, I had a mission set in my mind that I would find out exactly what happened the night Edgar and Alan snuck in. A mission to find out whatever the hell flew over my house a couple nights ago. I know the two reasons are connected but I don't know how and if I didn't figure it out I'd mentally torture myself over it forever.
All I need is a plan, an amazing plan that would lead me to all the answers I needed to know. I need to be close to Edgar and Alan, invade personal space and get down and dirty for the cause. I need to know their interests, hobbies, and , as much as it terrifies me, I need to get inside their minds. As a girl, and I figured they didn't talk to those much or any other person for that matter, I could play the tease card if I needed to, key word: IF. I snatched my purse and dug through it to find that comic book, and maybe some money. I grabbed my wallet and dug my finger around the empty space that was supposed to hold my cash, nothing. I let out a frustrated sigh and grabbed the comic book.
As I ran my fingers through the pages, I found myself trying to figure out how much of my money I spent last night. My eyes switched from my wallet to the comic, back and forth between the two, and then an angel choir sounded off in my head. Get a job at the comic store! That was it! It's perfect, I have a love for comics, it's so very close to Edgar and Alan, and I need some cash! Genius? I think so!
My parents might not like the thought of their kid working at a crime infested boardwalk in the murder capitol of the world, but, hey tough crap. I'm tired of being treated like a baby anyway. Like how my dad makes me carry the army knife my grandpa gave me, he wanted a grandson, in my purse because "life's dangerous". I'm fifteen, damn it, let life be dangerous! Let it be exciting and adrenaline pumping! In Mississippi I never got that chance, but in Santa Carla I can live it up. All I needed is a reason to do some dangerous shit and I found my reason, Edgar and Alan. With this investigation, who knows what the hell will happen?
So, I got ready, threw on some jeans and a Wonder Woman t-shirt, being as it seemed appropriate because I was applying for a job at a comic store, put on some shoes, grabbed my purse, and headed for the door. I noticed Mom's keys were gone and I knew Dad was at work, pretty much I could do whatever I wanted. I didn't live too far from the boardwalk, maybe about two or three miles, so walking was my best option.
As the dirt road crunched under my feet, I took a moment to notice that I had a really freaky neighbor. I saw some old man with a braided pony-tail walking around with what looked like stuffed animals. His house was filled with various knick knacks and crazy statues and totem poles and I couldn't help but think that he had really embraced the 70's. He turned around and noticed me, he waved with a smile on his face. So, due to my Southern hospitality I returned the gesture warmly and to my dismay, he started to walk towards me. I stopped walking and stood waiting for the old man to approach.
"You're the new neighbor, I believe?" he asked holding out a hand for me to take. I smiled trying to be friendly and nodded.
"Yes sir, my dad's the new police chief here." I took the man's hand and I noticed it was sweaty. He shook my hand with a warm smile and let go. I nonchalantly wiped my hand on my jeans trying to get the sweat off.
"Well, my name is William Johansen. Call me Willy." he grinned. Something about Willy's attitude made me like him. It didn't seem so bad talking to him.
"I'm Jenette Black, but people call me Jet. Pun intended I suppose." I joked. I saw someone come up the driveway behind the old man and as he got closer I saw he was dressed very exotically.
"I've been meaning to give you a house warming gift," Willy explained handing me one of the stuffed animals, "I'm really into taxidermy and I thought your dad might want it."
I studied the stuffed raccoon and suddenly I felt almost at home, being as most rednecks back in Mississippi liked to stuff there prized deer this wasn't exactly new to me. "Thanks. Dad would love to have one of these maybe you and him can talk about your hunting stories."
The old man heard the boy walking up and turned around, "Sam! This is our new neighbor, Jet!" he yelled. As Sam walked up, I swear my eyes have never seen so much color. He wore a bright purple trench coat with all different color shapes on them and his shirt was tie-dyed. I knew Californians were supposed to be really interesting but this was intense.
He gave me a half nod and glanced at my shirt, "I like your shirt."
"I like your many arrangement of colors."
"Where you from?"
"Mississippi. You?"
"Arizona."
"Cool."
"Yeah."
Willy was staring at us like we had just spoken in Morse code. Sam looked at him and laughed silently. Willy just shook his head and muttered under his breath, "Teens."
I grinned awkwardly and put the animal under my arm and slowly began to walk, "Well, I'm going to the boardwalk-,"
"Great. So is Sam, he can go with you." he added casually.
"Grandpa…" Sam groaned.
"Fine, never mind. Forget I mentioned it." Willy said throwing his hands up and began to walk back to the cabin. All I could do was smile like I was some clueless neighbor, which I kind of was.
"I'll just get going then." I waved and just walked away. I grabbed the raccoon under my arm and hid it behind a bush so I could grab it later. That was a weird family, although I can't exactly say much considering all families are. I have a cousin who looks just like Stan Lee, I'm proud of it though. I couldn't help but wonder if Sam knew Edgar and Alan, because the dude liked my shirt so maybe he went to the comic book store often.
I wonder if Edgar had friends, a girlfriend maybe, not that I was interested. I figure though I'll find out a lot about them though since I'd hopefully be working with them. I know Edgar wouldn't hire me though, he'd know I was up to something. Alan doesn't know me, so I'd have to corner him and get the job somehow. The walk gave me plenty of time to get something together, I couldn't help but feel like a spy, all this planning and sneaking around.
"The name's Black. Jet Black. Agent 008." I dramatically said to myself as I walked.
When I got to the boardwalk, I felt my calves muscles grow like three times larger from that walk. I felt that it was a sign that this was a good thing. I walked to the comic store and wiped away my spy feeling and tried to act casual. I noticed no sign of Edgar, but Alan was in the back reading a comic, of course. I walked towards him and I couldn't help but notice the unconscious hippie couple behind him.
"Who are they?" I asked him. He glanced up at me and then back to the couple.
"Joey and Grace Frog." he said flatly like a receptionist with no life.
"You mean your parents?" I questioned with sarcasm and a smile, hoping to get a laugh.
"If you mean biologically, then yes." he smirked and looked back down at his comic. Ok, I see how it's going to be.
"Anyway, I'd like to apply for a job." I stated putting my arms on the table to get his attention.
"Not hiring." he didn't look up from his comic and turned the page.
"I know, but I know a lot about comics and I need to make my own money." I noticed he didn't really care. "Look, you need my knowledge." I spat.
That got his attention real quick, he looked at me and crossed his arms on the table. He got really close to my face almost challenging me. "You? You're a girl. How could you know anything about comics?" he smirked like it was a joke.
I scoffed, "Believe it or not, girls can read too." I glared at him, there was about to be a scene if he kept it up.
"Alright, I'll bite. I'll quiz you, and if you pass you're hired." he closed his comic book and stuck his chin up trying to look tough.
"You don't think I'll pass?" I said with mock sadness.
"No, I don't." he narrowed his eyes at mine trying to see if I'll back down.
"You're sadly mistaken my friend."
After the quiz was done, Alan had gotten so red with frustration I thought he was going to explode. He asked me every question he could possibly think of and I just smiled and answered the questions with ease. I couldn't help but love the fact he was out-smarted by a girl. Being a nerd on the inside had it's advantages, and when those advantages are put to good use, it feels wicked. "Well, am I hired?" I asked with a triumphant smile.
He stared at me for a while and finally muttered through gritted teeth, "Yeah." The boy looked a little defeated, but I could care less because I just got a job.
I punched the air and yelled, "Yes! Victory!" while doing a spastic happy dance. I got a few odd looks and some mean ones from Alan, but I couldn't care less. I stopped and made a pouty face at Alan, "Aww, what's the matter? Upset that a girl knows more than you do?" I couldn't help but crack a smile.
"You don't know more than me!" he defended himself.
"Oh, I think I do." I said smiling and looking at my nails.
"You little-," he started, but stopped as he noticed his brother approached.
Edgar studied the scene for a little while, looking back and forth at Alan and I. "What are you so pissed about?" Edgar asked Alan.
"This chick is now an employee." Alan grumbled nodding his head in my direction.
"Um, this chick's name is Jet," I rolled my eyes at Alan, " I had the pleasure of meeting Edgar yesterday."
Alan's face suddenly changed to a shocked one, "That's the one who found your bandana?" he asked Edgar.
I looked at Edgar and stared, "Really? Really? That's all you mention out of that entire conversation?"
Edgar just looked at me flatly and then looked back at Alan, "And you're mad why?" he asked still not following.
"Oh, because I aced his little 'quiz' he gave me." I said putting air quotes around "quiz". Alan gave me and ugly look and back to Edgar. Edgar looked at me for a little while and I couldn't read his facial expression.
"Well, welcome to the shop." he finally said.
"Really?" I said smiling largely. Edgar gave a slight nod and Alan gave me a snarl. "Great! When do I start working?" I asked enthusiastically.
Alan tossed his comic book at me, "Now."
There really wasn't much to working in a comic book shop. All you have to do is run the register, stock comics, or read. Best job ever I've got to say. Today especially thought the shop seemed dead. Of course, there was an occasional super nerd who insisted on buying three comics he already read, but other than that, nothing. I walked around arranging the comics catching looks from Edgar and of course the dirty ones from Alan. Finally, I just decided to talk to the Frog Brothers.
"Dude, this place is dead." I said motioning to the shop around me.
"Looks fine to me." Edgar shrugged, looking to me and then the one customer in the store.
"How do you figure? There's one other person here and he looks kind of stoned," I watched the customer, who was looking at a fly through a rolled up comic, "Maybe we could do some sort of sale to get people to come in. Like a buy one get one half-off kind of thing."
"It's her first day and she's already trying to control the place," Alan muttered.
"What was that Alan?" I asked testingly.
"This is a comic book store, not a Macy's." Alan said sarcastically. Little smart ass.
"I bet you would like that though, wouldn't you Alan?" I mocked his tone. Edgar rolled his eyes at us.
"Look, there are other things in Santa Carla you should be worried about." Edgar said with a serious look in his eyes. I thought back to that night when I saw that person fly over my house and something told me it was not Peter Pan. I don't know, was I seeing things or was what I saw what Edgar and Alan believe are vampires.
"Whatever, but I think it's time for me to go home. See you tomorrow. 9 o'clock right?" I asked walking towards the exit.
"Yeah. Don't be late." Edgar yelled as I walked out. I gave a thumbs up in return and began the journey home. I kept hearing things moving in the trees and the air was stronger than usual tonight, it started to feel like I was in a horror film. I kept on the road and decided not to make any short cuts just to be safe. As I passed Willy's house , I grabbed the stuffed raccoon and held it to my chest for comfort. Telling myself nothing was there apparently makes it more obvious something is there.
After the 100th creepy noise I made it to my house before my parents got home. I sat the menacing-looking raccoon on the table and walked back to my room. What was up tonight? Something was following me for some reason, and God I hope it was an animal. I decided to calm my nerves I should call Breagan for some comfort. It was only 8:15, so she should still be awake. I grabbed the phone next to my bed and dialed her number. "Pick up, pick up, pick up…" I mumbled impatiently as it rang. Finally, I heard Breagan's voice on the other end of the line.
"Hello?" she answered.
"Hey, I have great news!" I gleamed proudly.
"Oh, what?" she asked excitedly.
"I'm working at the comic book store!" I exclaimed. There was utter and complete silence on the other end, "What?" I asked.
"You got a job in the comic book store!" she said with a tone of disgust.
"So?"
"You're working! And with the Frog brothers!"
"Yeah, I need cash and this way I can find out what they're hiding from me." I spoke calmly.
"Why couldn't ypu just stalk them? That's what I'd do." Breagan stated.
"It crossed my mind, but I'd rather not get arrested by my own father."
"Well, have you told your parents?" she asked.
"No, they'll make me dress all nice and make a big deal about it," I said remembering all the times my parents have gone overboard, "Plus, Alan doesn't like me so I may not have the job for long."
"What about Edgar?" she asked curiously.
"I don't know, he seems like he could care less, but we keep catching glances."
"Ooooooh, he liiikes you." Breagan said playfully.
"Shut up! It's not like that! He keeps hinting at vampires that's why!" I defend.
"Like I said, they're crazy." she said in a sing-song voice.
"Honestly Breagan, what if they aren't?" I asked cautiously.
"What're you talking about?" she questioned.
I bit my lip and sighed, "A couple nights ago, I swear that… I saw something fly above my house." I sat anxiously for a reply.
"You're shitting me, right?" Breagan laughed, I didn't answer. I really hope my friend would understand, but it's doubtful. "No, Jet, no you couldn't have. That vampire stuff is bull shit!" Breagan said reassuringly.
"Bray, I know what I saw and if I was imagining this, the I've got one hell of an imagination 'cause it was freakin' real." God, I hope she didn't think I was insane, that's the last thing I need, after all I am the new kid on the block. I heard her sighand she clicked her tongue.
"Look. You probably just ate some bad Cheetos or something, but I'm just saying I highly doubt you saw a vampire." she said disbelieving. I sat there and thought for a second. Could Breagan be right? Was I just seeing things?
"You think I'm crazy don't you?" I asked uneasily.
"You've always been crazy." she answered jokingly.
"Well, I guess I better go." I said longing for the fridge.
"Ok, see you later," Breagan said cheerily, right before I hung up she yelled, "I LOVE YOU HOOKER!" I laughed and hung up.
I made my way to the fridge and ate some left over natchos that, hopefully, wouldn't cause any "illusions". I started to think about the Frog brothers and I decided that Alan is a wanna-be-know-it-all, who's either quiet or likes to ignore people and acts all tough for his brother, which must be hard for him considering he's a wuss.
As for Edgar, he's tough, bandana-obsessed, and a smart ass. When you think about it the brothers act the same, but look nothing alike. I can tolerate Edgar, however and I'm not giving up on finding out what they're hiding.