A/N: Hello again! Here we are with the (I promise) final chapter! :D I know I said at the beginning that this wasn't going to be more than two chapters, but it really couldn't be helped! If you don't take a break once in awhile (ending with cliffies), you might lose interest! (Or maybe not. I don't know...) For now, let's see how Kevin tries to escape! (That's IF he escapes! ;)) Alright! Enough of me talking! Let's read!
Chapter 3: Just Like Last Year
Peter's PoV:
I slowly drive down our street, trying to find my other kids. It doesn't help that there are other Trick or Treaters out tonight, so it's not like they stick out like a sore thumb. Then again, it shouldn't be too hard to find a pirate and two bunnies walking together. I'm glad we said for them to only do three streets, so that at least makes it easier to find them.
Once I turn onto the next street, I almost immediately see Megan, Linnie, and Jeff. At least, I'm pretty sure it's them. There could coincidentally be another group of kids dressed like mine, but that's highly unlikely. I pull up closer to them and honk my horn. Startled, they jump, before turning around to face me in the car.
Seeing that it's for sure them, I roll down my window and tell them, with a slightly raised voice, while also trying to keep calm about this whole situation, "Jeff! Megan! Linnie! Can you come here please?!"
They appear to be surprised to see me, but that doesn't stop them from strolling up to the car. "What's the matter, Dad?" Linnie asks.
Trying to keep it together, I answer, "You need to come home... Right now, you need to come home..."
"What's wrong, Dad? Are we in trouble?" Jeff asks.
"No, son. You're not in trouble. You just need to come home, alright?" I know my kids aren't used to seeing me close to tears, so they take me seriously. Jeff crosses in front of the vehicle, getting in the passenger side. Megan and Linnie, however, climb in the back.
Buckling up their seat belts, Jeff can see that I'm absolutely doing everything in my power to hold back the tears, so he asks, "Dad, what's wrong?"
I finally let the tears flow, as I answer, "It's Kevin... Someone took Kevin..."
Kate's PoV:
As I'm hugging Buzz, trying to comfort him, I hear a knock on the main door, which, admittedly, startles me, because I'm so focused on my worries about Kevin. I separate myself from my oldest son, who I'm lucky to still have, and go to answer the door.
Once I answer the door, I see two policemen, standing on our porch. Considering how scared I am for Kevin's sake, I try to keep it together, by greeting, "Evening, Officers,"
"Good evening. Are you Katelyn McCallister?"
"Uh, yes, I am," I step aside and gesture my arm toward the inside. "Please, won't you come in?"
"Thank you," They remove their hats and step inside. Now, I'm luckily able to shut the door, because all the cold air is coming in. "We got a report that your son was abducted not long ago. Would you be able to explain the situation a little more to us?"
"Well, actually, I wasn't here, when it happened, but my son here," I place my hand on Buzz's left shoulder. "Witnessed some of it happening. He'll be more helpful to you." I admit, while still trying to keep it together.
"OK," The officer on the left nods, before speaking to Buzz, "Son, do you mind telling us what happened? What you saw, anyway?"
"Yeah, sure," I can tell Buzz takes blame for what happened. I sense an emptiness in his voice, and if Kevin isn't returned home safely, then I feel like there will be a forever emptiness in his voice.
"Alright," the left officer starts to say. "By the way, I'm Officer Witt," he introduces himself, as he points to himself. "And this is my partner, Officer Glover."
I nod, before replying, "As you know, I'm Katelyn McCallister, and this is my son, Brian, but we call him Buzz,"
"Nice to meet you," Officer Witt nods.
"We're also here to inform you that police cruisers are out there, searching for the windowless white van your son saw. Though, I don't want to crush your hopes, but I must say, there are plenty of windowless white vans out there, in this city. These people, who have your son, could be anywhere, Mrs. McCallister,"
"That's if they're even still in the city..." mutters Buzz.
"Buzz..." I drift off, saying my son's name, as I look at him.
"I hate to say it, Ma'am, but your son's right; they could be anywhere. That's why we have plenty of police cruisers out there, searching for them,"
"I just hope they didn't go too far..." I mutter, before turning to head into the living room. I try to silently cry into my hands, once I make it into said room.
The next thing I hear, is, "May we talk to you in one of the other rooms, son?"
"Sure," I then hear the footsteps of my son and the two officers heading into another room to talk, leaving me here to cry by myself...
Kevin's PoV:
Once I find the bathroom, I strip myself of my Halloween costume and step in behind the shower curtain. As soon as the hot water hits me, it takes the chill right out of my bones. As I'm standing in the shower, I more so contemplate on what I could do to get out of here. I know Marv said for me to be quick, I think because he knows what Harry's like, but I take this chance to try and think through a plan.
As I start going into deep thought, I receive a knock on the bathroom door. I knew better than to lock it, because this isn't my bathroom to lock. I'm not so afraid of Marv getting mad at me; it's Harry that I'm afraid of. I become nervous that it's an angered Harry, wanting to kick me out of the shower, but I know I should let them in, before I get into trouble.
There's another knock on the door, and I finally answer, "Yes?"
The door opens, and I'm relieved to hear, "Hey, it's me, kid," I'm thankful that it's Marv. "Here, I brought you a different change of clothes. I'll take your Halloween costume for you."
"Thanks..." is all I say. Though, I'm wondering: Where would he have gotten a change of clothes for someone my size?
"Like I said, don't be too long," Marv reminds me of what he said, before closing the bathroom door again. I guess I should consider soaping myself up, because who knows when the next time I'll be able to shower will be?
As I wash up, I continue to think of an escape plan. Though, the answer was right there the whole time: Why don't I just do what I did last year? But, how can I discreetly do that, without catching Marv and Harry's—especially Harry's—attention?
Last year, I had the time to plan, without them knowing, but how can I do it this time, without knowing what Harry and Marv have that I can use? I guess there's only one way to find out: I have to sneak out of the bedroom tonight...
Peter's PoV:
As soon as I tell Jeff the news, he just looks at me, stunned. He tries fumbling for words, but he's unable to say them. Instead, I just speak for him, "I know... The police should be over there by now, interviewing your brother. And there should be police searching all over for Kevin and his abductors. Don't worry, he will be found,"
"But... Oh my god..." Jeff bows his head.
"I know... I'm sorry, buddy..." I try to back the tears again, but I just can't. So, I look down at my lap, instead.
"This is all my fault..." Jeff drifts off. I can sense an emptiness in his voice.
"No, of course it wasn't, buddy," I try to reassure my second oldest son, but he doesn't listen, because he starts shaking his head. "Why do you blame yourself?"
"I'm the one that let him go..." he admits, trying to hold back tears of his own.
As soon as Jeff tells me that, I stutter, while asking him, "W-What do you mean?" I just sit in my seat, looking at my son, stunned.
Jeff suddenly starts to bawl, as he admits, "He kept complaining he was cold..." He places his hand against his face, as he rests his elbow on the car door. "I was so mean to him all night... I finally told him to go home... He'd still be here right now, if I didn't tell him to go..." Jeff continues to bawl.
As my son bawls into his hand, I remain sitting in my seat, looking at him, with the same expression. At the corner of my eye, I can see Megan and Linnie, sitting in the backseat, with their mouths ajar, I believe feeling the same emotions Jeff and I are feeling.
Suddenly, the feeling of anger takes over my body, as I take ahold of Jeff's arm and start shaking him, shouting, "Why would you do that?! Why would you let your little brother go?! He's only nine years old!"
"I'm sorry, Dad! I didn't think anything would happen! Nothing did last year! He was completely responsible last year, so I didn't think anything would happen to him on the way home, while people were out for Halloween!" Jeff shouts back.
"Well, you shouldn't have left him! You were supposed to stick together!"
I let go of my son's arm. I do feel guilty for shouting at him, as he's already feeling guilty, but I just can't help it; my nine-year-old son is in trouble, and it could've easily been prevented. Though, I know that if Kevin doesn't return home to us, safe and sound, I may always feel what I'm feeling now.
"I'm sorry, Dad..."
"You'd better be sorry, if something happens to Kevin..." are the first words I mutter, before putting the car into gear again and driving back home...
Kate's PoV:
As I'm sitting on the couch, in the living room, looking at one of Kevin's pictures, I hear the front door open. I set down the picture, so that I can go to the door to see who it is. It's most-likely Peter with the rest of the kids, except for Kevin.
As soon as I'm in the main room, I see that I'm right, once I see Peter close the door, and the kids enter the house. "Oh, Peter! You're back so soon!" I claim, surprised.
"Girls, go upstairs and warm up," Peter gestures his head up the stairs, as he unzips his coat.
"Yes, Dad," both of the girls say, as they start to head up the stairs after taking off their warmer wear. Though, I'm confused as to why Peter said only for the girls to go upstairs and warm up. Was Jeff not complaining that he was cold?
My answer is proven wrong, when Jeff asks, "Why can't I go up with them? I'm cold, too, you know," Now that I see Jeff, he does look cold. He also looks like he's been crying...
"You're not going upstairs, until you explain to your Mother what you did,"
Peter seems as though he's trying to hold back shouting at Jeff. He hangs up his coat, as he thumps upstairs. I understand, since I know he's upset about Kevin, too, but I'm still confused as to what he's talking about with Jeff.
I look at Jeff, with my arms crossed, questioning, "Jeff, what's he talking about?"
He bows his head, before bawling and admitting, "Mom... Kevin's gone, because of me..."
I become numb all over, as I stammer out the words, "W-What? What do you mean?"
"I let him go... I told him to go..." Feeling anger now taking over my body, I look passed Jeff, seeing the police and Buzz, standing in the entryway of the dining room, looking just as surprised and angered as I am...
Kevin's PoV:
Once I'm done in the shower, I step out and find a towel to wrap myself with in the small wardrobe that's in the bathroom. I look over at the counter, where I had set what was left of my Halloween costume, but I see now that they've been replaced with what Marv had brought me for clothes. I see a bluish-green plaid shirt and a pair of track pants, folded on the counter. Where could he have gotten these clothes from? They're not his, are they? If so, they'll be way too big for me! But, I guess Marv's clothes are better than Harry's, since Harry's huge.
With the towel still wrapped around me, I hold up the plaid shirt, seeing that I was right about it being too big. Though, if I'm only going to be wearing it for the night, then I guess it's not too bad. I take this time to change into my new change of clothes, and once they're on me, I discover that they're droopy.
"Great..." I mutter to myself.
Just then, I receive another knock on the door, followed by the opening of the door. In pops Marv's face, asking, "You finished?" I only nod. "Alright, then come to bed, before Harry has it out for you,"
I wasn't going to complain, but I guess I should, because it's better than complaining to Harry. "These are too big..."
"They're only for tonight. It doesn't matter what you wear at night, does it?"
"No, I guess not..."
"Well then, come on,"
Marv's head then disappears from the slightly ajar bathroom door, leaving me in here, alone, once again. I see a large weaved basket, which is a hamper meant for the towels and cloths in the bathroom. Since I didn't ask where my towel goes, I just assume that that's where it goes. Once I throw my towel into the basket, I leave the room to head into Marv's. I hope I'll be able to put my plan into action tonight...
Kate's PoV:
I start to fume, once my son tells me this news. As Buzz and the two policemen reenter the main room, I ask Jeff, while trying to keep my cool, "What do you mean, you let him go?"
"I just..." he tries to start his explanation, but it seems to be too difficult for him to. "I didn't know that this would happen, so I thought he'd make his way home easily..." He can't even look at me, while explaining this, it seems, because he looks down at the floor the entire time. If he's afraid of my reaction, he has the right to be, but I try not to blow.
"Why?" I tremble, with anger.
He seems to finally lose his cool, too, because he shouts at me, "Because, he kept complaining that he was cold, so I told him to go back home!"
"Why didn't you stick with him?!" I start to raise my voice, too. "He wouldn't be with two psychopaths right now, if you would've just let him stick with you!"
"How was I supposed to know?!"
"Next year, you're not going Trick or Treating by yourselves, if you're too irresponsible to even take care of your own baby brother!" I storm up the stairs, leaving Jeff, Buzz, and the police officers in the middle of the room by themselves...
Kevin's PoV:
As soon as I make it into Marv's bedroom, I see that he's making his bed, ready to hop in it. I've never understood the point of making the bed, if you're just going to go back in it the following night. I guess I drift off in my thoughts, because Marv catches my attention, "Hey, kid," I look up at him, as he's fluffing his pillow. He points down to the floor, stating, "Your bed's down there," I look down to where he's pointing on the floor, seeing a stack of blankets and a couple pillows on the floor. I'm surprised that I get such a treat for a bed. "Now, are you going to go to sleep, or not?"
Even though I'm tired, I'm not ready to sleep yet. So, I cross my arms, stating, "I always watch a movie, before bed,"
"Well, there's no TV in here, and no way am I letting you go downstairs by yourself. Nobody's going to be downstairs to supervise you, so you're staying up here,"
"But..."
"No 'buts'," He firmly points down to the floor again. "Now, get to bed."
I sigh, because there's no point in arguing. I don't know why I even started to, in the first place, because, even though Marv's the softer one, I should've known he wouldn't let me go downstairs by myself. I was hoping I could spare myself some time to think about my escape plan, but I guess I'm going to have to do that, while I'm laying in bed. I can't go to sleep, until I know I'll be able to get out of here.
As soon as I lay down on the floor, I pull the blankets up over me. Though, I wasn't even thinking about the bedroom door, because Marv sighs, before going over to said door and locking it and bolting it shut with the deadbolt at the top of the door. My hopes begin to falter, seeing as how the door is now deadbolt locked. I wasn't even thinking about actually being locked in the bedroom... My mind must really be a mess.
Once Marv goes back over to his bed, I ask him, "What are you doing that for?"
"To keep you from getting out," he replies, as he crawls into his bed.
I look up at the deadbolt again and try to say, convincingly, "You don't have to worry about me. I won't go anywhere,"
"Yeah, right... I saw you eyeing the door downstairs. You can't be trusted, so I'm locking you in here. This is only your first night with us, so you haven't given in to being stuck with us yet. So, goodnight,"
"I thought you said Harry might let me go?"
"Don't count on it, kid... For now, you're staying in this room for the night. Now, like I said, goodnight,"
"What if I have to go to the bathroom?"
"Then, wake me up, so I can let you out," I smirk, when he says that, because that just may give me an idea. "Don't get any ideas. I'll be waiting for you outside of the bathroom. Now, please go to sleep." I can tell Marv's getting a little irritable.
My hopes start to falter, but I'm not giving up yet. I usually annoy people to pressure them into giving me what I want. Though, I'm not a spoiled brat about it, like people think. So, I try again, "I'd rather go, when no one's listening,"
"Don't try that with me, kid. Now, stop making excuses and go to sleep!" I guess I shouldn't piss off Marv too much, because then I won't have a decent kidnapper, if I don't manage to get out of this.
"OK, OK..."
I curl up in the blankets on the floor, going through different ideas of how to escape. If I want to be able to pull this off, then I'll have to wait, until Marv is asleep. Though, I'm afraid that, if he happens to not be asleep, when I think he is, I could get into serious trouble; probably not necessarily from him, but definitely from Harry. I guess all I can do is lay here and contemplate different ideas, hoping I don't fall asleep in the process...
Kate's PoV:
As soon as I'm upstairs, I storm into the bedroom, and I hear Peter running the water in our bathroom. I guess he hears me storm into the room, because I hear the water stop running, before Peter enters the room, drying his hands with a towel.
"Are you OK, Kate?"
I cock my head and glare at him, asking, "Are you kidding me?! You know very well that I'm not all right!"
"I know, but I didn't expect you to storm up here. I expected you to stay downstairs with the kids and the cops,"
"I'm just too mad at Jeff right now. I needed to come upstairs," I explain to Peter, as I look down at the floor, with my arms wrapped around myself.
"I think one of us needs to be downstairs with the kids, hon," Peter says to me, as he saunters over to me, placing his hands on my shoulders.
"I know. I just couldn't help myself..."
"Neither could I,"
"How about I go back downstairs with the kids?" I suggest.
"No, I'm all done in the bathroom now. You go in there and do what you need to do. I'll go downstairs with the kids,"
"Alright," I nod, before Jeff kisses me on the forehead. I know he's just as worried as me, but I think having some alone time for a few minutes has helped him. I guess I should do the same thing.
As Jeff leaves the room, I head into the bathroom, now that I'm by myself. I look into the mirror, seeing that I've been crying. I know that I won't appear any different, if Kevin isn't found soon. I just hope there's a clue about where he is soon. I bow my head and cry, praying that Kevin's all right...
Kevin's PoV:
I lay here on the floor, trying to stay awake, considering how tired I am from tonight's events. I really want to stay awake, so that I can make my escape tonight. If I don't do it tonight, who knows when the next time will be that I'll be able to? If I was able to thwart these guys last year, I can do it again tonight.
Thinking this through, I suddenly hear the sound of snoring coming from the bed beside me, informing me that Marv is now asleep. I don't think he's acting to make me think he's asleep to catch me in the act of escaping. I believe that's something Harry would do. So, before I lose my nerve and my alertness, I pull the blankets off me and start to go with my plan...
Peter's PoV:
As soon as I come back downstairs, I see that Buzz is just closing the door, since the police just left. I also see Jeff, standing in the middle of the room, still crying. Now that the main door is closed, I ask, "Buzz?"
He looks up at me, seeing that I'm now partway down the stairs. "Hey, Dad. The police just left," Buzz directs his thumb toward the door behind him. "They said we'll be called, once there is or if there's any information on Kevin."
"Oh, that's good," I answer, not knowing what else to say.
"You OK, Dad?"
"What do you think?"
"I'm trying to contain myself right now, so I just thought you were, too,"
"Well, I left your Mother upstairs, so that she can have some time to herself. I have a feeling, now that she's alone, that she'll have a breakdown of her own,"
"Of her own? Why? Did you have a breakdown, Dad?"
"Somewhat," I breathe out my answer, as I sit down on the second-to-last step.
"Kevin will be found, don't worry," Buzz tries to stay confident, considering how upset he was, when his Mother and I first walked in. Buzz then looks over to his younger brother, who's still crying; probably mostly out of guilt. "Look, Jeff, it's not your fault, OK? Everything will be all right."
Buzz places his hand on Jeff's shoulder, trying to comfort him. It's not every day I see this kind of behaviour coming from Buzz. Though, on a regular day, he's more apt to do this with Jeff or one of his sisters, but not Kevin. He and Kevin have always feuded, I guess because he was the youngest, but considering how Kevin's now missing, I think that will change.
"It is my fault... If I would've just taken him back home or even tolerated his complaining, this wouldn't be happening right now..." cries Jeff.
"Would you stop saying that?" Buzz sighs, I guess out of frustration, because of his brother taking blame. I think he's trying to keep it together, but if Jeff keeps blaming himself, he might blow. "It's not your fault. It's the fault of two psychopaths. Believe me, it's not your fault,"
"It's more my fault than it was your fault. You originally blamed yourself,"
"Because, I didn't know who else to blame! I didn't know what entirely happened!"
"Yeah, well, if I had more tolerance for Kevin's complaining, then this wouldn't be happening right now," That's the last thing Jeff says, before heading up the stairs, passed me.
"Hey, wait a minute, Jeff," I reach out my arm to stop him, but I don't do it in time.
Buzz sighs, before saying, disappointingly, "Well, I tried, Dad..."
I sigh, too, before replying, "Yeah, I know, son..." I look down at my folded hands on my knees, before continuing, "It's also your Mother and I's fault for getting so mad at him about it, in the first place. We blamed him for what happened, and it wasn't even his fault,"
"You guys are angry. You're worried about Kevin. You struck out at what you could to blame. That just happened to be Jeff," I look up at Buzz, surprised at his logical statement. He and Kevin have always fought, and nine times out of ten, it was always about something dumb. "Believe me, Dad, Kevin will be all right. He'll return to us in no time."
As I'm still sitting on the stairs, Buzz hugs me, which is something he never does. I try not to cry again, as I try to say, with confidence, "I know he will, Buzz. I know he will..."
Kevin's PoV:
Now that I'm standing up from my bed of blankets on the floor, I look down at Marv, who's for sure sleeping. I then look at the deadbolt lock again, trying to figure out what I can do to unlock it. I look over at the dresser on the opposite side of the room, and it gives me an idea. I only wish I could slide it over to the door, but even though this is a carpeted room, the noise would still most-likely wake up Marv. Plus, I'm not strong enough to slide it over, anyway. Though, it wouldn't hurt to look at what's inside, so that's what I do.
Once I'm over to the dresser, as quietly as I can, I pull open the dresser drawers, so that I can see what's inside. What's revealed are Marv's socks and underwear. I contort my face at the discovery. As desperate as I am to get out of here, I'm not that desperate to start using Marv's underwear to build a tower for me to climb on, so that I can unbolt the door.
I look through the other drawers, once they're pulled out, seeing some of his articles of clothing. Not only will his clothes be useful, but the blankets and pillows on the floor beside the bed will help, too. I start pulling out his clothes as quickly, but as quietly as I can. I fear that Marv will wake up at anytime. Though, considering how he's just fallen asleep, I shouldn't have to worry too much.
Once all of the clothes are pulled out of their drawers, I start stacking them in front of the door, building a tower, so that I can reach the bolt at the top of the door. I grab what's being used as my bed on the floor and start stacking that on top of the tower, too. Though, as I'm holding the pillows, I realize that they're not sturdy enough for me to stand on, while stacked on top of the other clothes and blankets. So, I decide to lift up the tower of blankets and clothes and stick the pillows underneath, which now helps sturdy the tower.
I climb on top of my tower, hoping it'll hold me. It's a little wobbly, but I think it does the trick. I'm just able to reach the deadbolt at the top of the door. I hang on to the doorknob with the other hand, while I slide the bolt across, which makes an unexpected loud clack. I flinch and squeeze my eyes shut, afraid that the clacking noise had woken up Marv.
Though, after waiting a few seconds, I look behind me, seeing that he's surprisingly still asleep. I breathe out a sigh of relief, before stepping down from the tower of clothes and blankets, so that I can continue my escape out of here. I shove the tower out of the way with my foot, hoping it doesn't fall over and hit the nightstand right beside Marv's head. I unlock the door, so I can now get to work on escaping from the house...
Kate's PoV:
I wash up in the bathroom, trying to clear my face of the tears that are pouring, because of my son being missing. As I look up at myself again, I start thinking about how I treated Jeff, when he came in the door. I made him feel even more terrible on top of the guilt he already felt. I know Peter had it out with him, when he picked up the kids, and I unnecessarily didn't help Jeff's guilt.
I hear someone entering the bedroom, and I leave the room to go see who it is. I realize that it's my husband, who had entered the room. "Peter? Is he OK?" I ask.
"Jeff? Yeah, he's going to be fine. Buzz apologized to him to try and make him feel better. He went up to his room, but I know he'll be OK. I just know that if Kevin doesn't come home safely, Jeff will probably never rid himself of his guilt,"
"I can only image what it's going to be like for Jeff, having to face Kevin again,"
"I'm sure it'll be better than finding out he's dead,"
"You're right," I sniffle, looking down at the floor, now crossing my arms.
"Are you going to be OK?"
"No more than an hour ago, my youngest son was abduct. How do you expect me to feel OK? I'm trying to keep it together, though, if that's what you mean,"
"All's we can do is hope the police will find wherever they had taken him. That's all we can do," I try to hold back the tears again, as Peter hugs me. I'm trying to accept the comfort my husband is giving me, but all's I really want is the comfort from my little boy...
Kevin's PoV:
Now that I've successfully left the room, I make sure to close the door behind me, so as to throw off Marv into thinking that I'm still in the room. I just hope he's drowsy enough not to look at the distorted tower of clothes and blankets. I should use this time wisely, but who knows if Harry and Marv would try to get up...
I don't believe I should trap the house, like I did last year. That would take up too much time, and I could be caught, if I did. What I should do is set little ones, just to temporarily stall them. That way, I can make my escape. I just hope there's a convenient vehicle on the road, wherever we are. After all, it is Halloween, and it's not that late, so there should still be some vehicles out on the road. I hope the police have been called by now. That way, I know the bandits won't come after me again.
I tiptoe up the hallway and make it down the stairs as quickly, but as quietly as possible. I look around me, afraid that Harry could pop out and catch me at anytime. I think, until I've successfully escaped, that feeling will remain. I look around, trying to find some sort of paint can that I can tie up above the main door, so that if they do come after me, it'll fall on one of their heads. Though, as I'm looking around for one, I'm debating whether or not I should keep the paint can closed and full, so that it can clunk them on one of their heads, or if I should open it, so that the paint can pour all over one of them. I think leaving the paint can closed will slow them down the most. If only I could find one...
As I'm looking for a paint can to use to my advantage, I find my coat, mitts, boots, and the missing pieces of my costume that were gone earlier tucked away in the coat closet underneath the staircase. I don't know why there would be paint cans in here, but I'm glad I looked in here, because I'd never be able to find my missing articles of clothing. Though, that just leaves the missing outfit part of my Devil costume. Who knows where that is? I might as well grab what I was able to find to take with me.
As soon as I put on my coat, mitts, and boots, I tuck away the horns and tail from my Halloween costume into my coat pocket, which is just able to fit. Now that I have on my warm wear and have some of my missing items with me, I decide that I need to continue searching for a paint can, before Harry, or even Marv, unfortunately wake up. It doesn't even have to be a paint can, either; it can be a can of wood stainer, or something. I just need something that I know will slow down my two abductors.
I then realize there's another door on the left side of the kitchen. The door doesn't appear to lead outside, but it doesn't mean that it doesn't. Though, there is such a chance that it could lead out to a garage. So, I go over to the door, hoping that I'll be able to easily open it. Once I'm over to the door, I try to open it, unfortunately discovering it to be locked. I try turning the lock and opening it again, but it still doesn't want to cooperate. I sigh with disappointment and fear, because I'm afraid that this just takes up more time for me to escape. Then again, this all did seem too good to be true. I just hope it isn't too good to be true...
I look up and huff, seeing that there's a deadbolt keeping this door locked, too. There's no doubt there will be one on the main door, if there's one on this door. I just wish I could easily get out of here, without having to worry about doing this, but I need something to stall my two kidnappers. Then again, the longer I stay here, trying to find something I'll probably never find, I'm wasting more time. I have to quickly make a decision, if I hope to get out of here, without being caught by Marv or Harry... Especially Harry. I look behind me, seeing the kitchen table and chairs. The obvious idea pops into my head, seeing that I can use a chair to stand on to open the deadbolt at the top of the door. As quickly, but as quietly as I can, I scurry over to the chair that's closest to me, pick it up, and carry it over to the door.
Once I have the chair over to the door, I stand up on it and reach for the deadbolt that's keeping the door securely locked. When I push it over, it makes a clacking sound, just like the one upstairs. I flinch and squeeze my eyes shut, fearing that that was heard. Though, if the clacking noise didn't wake up Marv, when it was in the same room as him, then I shouldn't worry too much about this noise downstairs waking them up upstairs. I sigh with relief, now that the door is unlocked. I climb down from the chair and gently move it out of the way, so as not to make too much noise. I try to open the door once again, and I successfully do. I breathe out another sigh of relief. This really is too good to be true, but I'm hoping that I won't be caught, and that Harry isn't secretly watching me.
Once the door is open, it's revealed that what's on the other side is just what I figured—a garage. I don't know whether to be thankful or not, because if this door led to the outside, then I would just forget about the paint can and make a run for it. But, since it leads to a garage, I'm not going to forget about the paint can, which is going to take up more time, because I didn't do all that work trying to unlock the door for nothing. I just hope I'm not unnecessarily wasting time...
I rush into the garage, seeing a whole shelf full of paint cans. I smile, because my luck is starting to turn. They sure do have a lot of paint cans, but maybe they use them for disguising their vehicle, and such. I look to the door that leads out of the garage to the outside. I just hope it's not as terribly locked as this past door was. I scurry over to the shelf, grabbing one of the paint cans, but before I head back into the house with it, I want to see if the garage door is going to be able to easily open. I set down the paint can, since I don't have to hold on to it, if I don't have to—because it's heavy—and I head over to the door. I test the doorknob, and it confirms to me that it's locked. I sigh, because this is just a minor annoyance to my escape.
I flick the lock on the door, and, unlike the last two doors I had to deal with, this one surprisingly opens, which makes me gasp. I look back at the shelf of paint cans, wondering if I should do just one of my many traps from last year, but I don't think I should chance it, since I'll be free, if I just step out this door. I just think setting up at least one paint can will take up too much time, and I have a chance of being caught. I should get out of here now, while I have the chance. It's now or never!
Thinking that I should've just used the main door, in the first place, I go out the door, closing it behind me. Tears form in my eyes, not only because of the cold Halloween night air hitting my face, but because I was somehow able to get free so easily. Not caring that I still have Marv's clothes on me, I make a run for it, away from this dreadful house. I look back, seeing that it's just a simple house in the middle of nowhere. I'm confused as to where I am, because I'm definitely not in the city, anymore; not even in an area, like Winnetka. It's just a dead highway. It's quite mysterious on this quiet Halloween night.
I make it out to the road, and when I look one direction, I see the highway leading into darkness, but when I look to the left of me, I see that it leads into city lights. I breathe a sigh of relief, seeing the city lights. I'm pretty sure Harry and Marv didn't drive me to the outside of a completely different city, so I'm pretty confident that I'm just outside of Chicago. Where in Chicago I'll be entering, is its own question. I just hope it doesn't take too long for me to get home. I'm cold and I'm tired, and I just want to go home. I just hope someone nice will pick me up along the way.
Trying to warm up my face in my coat, I start to make my way towards the city. Though, as I'm walking, I start to realize that I might've gave myself away, by accidentally leaving the door that leads into the garage open. I just hope they won't be able to track me, and I'll be long since gone by the time they even discover I'm gone...
Kate's PoV:
I let go of Peter, still feeling shaken up. I don't know what else to do, except to try and comfort one of the two remaining sons I have left. Even though Peter apologized, explained to me what happened, and reassured me that it was going to be OK, I need to have Jeff reassured that it's not his fault, why Kevin was abducted.
"I think I need to go apologize to Jeff right now. That way, he knows that I'm sorry, too,"
"I tried telling him I was sorry, too," Peter explains to me.
"I know, but I think he needs to hear it from me, too. I know that I feel better, when I'm reassured by the person, who upset me, in the first place,"
"Alright. If you say so," Peter nods, before letting me go see my other son. I should comfort the one of two sons that I have left, instead of having him think I'm mad at him…
Kevin's PoV:
As I'm moseying along up the highway, I'm thankful for the snow not being on the ground, unlike previous Halloween nights. Though, I'm thankful for my warmer wear, because, even though there's no snow, it's still quite chilly out. I still have my face hidden in the collar of my coat, trying to keep warm, while I'm still hoping someone will drive by and come to my rescue. Though, the more I start thinking about a car driving up to me, the more I start to realize that one of the cars that could drive up to me could belong to my abductors.
Since I'm not too far away from the house yet, if the bandits found out I'm gone, then I'm sure I'll notice their van leaving the driveway. It's dark at the side of this highway, so if that were to happen, I could just jump into the ditch, where I'd hopefully be hidden. Though, I'm not too close to the city yet, so if Harry and Marv were to look for me in the ditches, the city lights wouldn't help them, I believe. I also hope, if they were to discover I'm gone, they don't search the ditches with a flashlight, or anything. I just hope none of this happens, and I'm able to make it to the city, by being driven there or by walking there—one way or the other…
If I don't get driven to Chicago, I don't know what I'm going to do, once I make it there, because the area of Winnetka is almost buried within the city. I'm afraid that, by the time I make it back home, I would either be recaptured by Harry and Marv or frozen to death. I guess, if worse comes to worse, I can just go into a business that'll hopefully still be open, because of it being Halloween. Since it's not that late yet, businesses should still be handing out candy. If I were to go into one of these businesses, I'll probably be given information on how to get to my neighbourhood of Winnetka. Or, better yet, someone might drive me there.
As I continue my way up the highway, I swear I hear the slight sound of a vehicle driving up the road after me. A nervous gut starts to form, because I fear that it could be my kidnappers, who have discovered my disappearance. Though, it could just as easily be an innocent car driving up the highway, on this Halloween night. Who knows? They could be people, who are driving their kids into the city to go Trick or Treating… Though, just to be sure, I turn around, hoping that I'm right about the innocent vehicle, and not having to be surprised by the Wet Bandits' van driving up to me…
Kate's PoV:
I make it to the door of my second oldest son's room and gently knock on the door. I don't receive an answer, but I assume it's because Jeff's just upset with, not only Peter and I, but with himself and this entire situation, in general.
I try to gently knock again, while saying my son's name, "Jeff?" I knock again. "Jeff, honey, can I come in?" I still don't receive an answer, and I become worried. Though, there probably isn't anything to worry about; I think, since I'm a Mother, I'm just a worrier. Since Jeff doesn't answer me, I take the liberty to go into the room myself. Once I make it in there, I see Jeff, sitting on his bed, looking out the window. "Jeff?" I question, but he doesn't reply. I further step into the room, asking, "Jeff, are you OK? Why aren't you answering me?"
He now bows his head, seeming to be holding in the urge to cry. He finally answers me, softly, "I was afraid you were going to come in and give me crap…"
"Give you crap?" I question. "Jeff, didn't you hear me knocking gently, while calmly saying your name? I wasn't yelling at you and busting down the door, was I?"
"No, but… I was still afraid…" he admits.
"Look," I further enter the room. "I'm sorry if your Father and I made it seem like it was your fault, but it wasn't, OK? You couldn't have foreseen the future. You couldn't have known this was going to happen."
"No, but I let my nine-year-old brother go by himself… I didn't think anything would happen, considering how last year, he had three days by himself, and nothing happened,"
"It was just bad luck, I guess…" I shrug, trying to come up with reasons as to why this happened to my son, while trying to help Jeff feel better.
"Yeah, and I'm the dumb one, who made the bad luck happen…"
"Jeff, would you quit saying that?" I'm still trying to keep it together, all the while being firm with Jeff. I now sit on Jeff's bed, so that I can be of more comfort to him.
"Why shouldn't I?!" he raises his voice to me, while looking back at me. He becomes calm again, before looking back down at his lap. "Why shouldn't I blame myself?"
"Jeff, would you please not raise your voice to me?" I don't want to have to raise my voice at Jeff again, so I just firmly tell him these words, instead.
"Why not? You and Dad both raised your voices to me,"
"I'm sorry, OK? We just…"
"Please leave me alone,"
"Jeff…"
"Please? Until Kevin comes home, I just want to be left alone,"
"But, Jeff…"
"Would you please leave me alone?!" Jeff becomes a little hasty with me.
"Alright," is the last thing I say, in a soft voice, before I stand up from the bed and head for the door. I wait until I leave the room for the tears to escape my eyes…
Kevin's PoV:
Once I look behind me, I see a van driving toward me. Though, it's too dark out here to see the colour of the van from this far away. I'm unsure if it belongs to the Wet Bandits, because I didn't hear it pull out of the driveway. Though, it doesn't mean it doesn't belong to them. From where I am now, it's hard to tell whether their vehicle is still parked in the driveway. I didn't think it would be, but I guess the closer I got to the city, the harder it'd be to tell what's going on, on Harry and Marv's property.
Just to be safe, I make a jump for it in the ditch, landing in the cold groove ground beside the road. I lay here, on the frosted grass, looking up at the direction of the road, seeing the protruding headlights, as they come closer. I become fearful that, if it is the Wet Bandits, they saw me, and are going to slow down, once they reach this area of the road. Though, it could very well be innocent people driving on the road. My possible chance of being saved just may be passing me by! Though, I'm more so worried that it's the Wet Bandits, so I just decide to stay down in the ditch.
The van slowly drives up the road, and I question as to why. It's not like it's bad weather outside, or maybe it's just the bandits… It'd be coincidental, if it was just a random slow driver. Though, the closer the vehicle comes, the slower it starts to drive. My heart begins to sink, as I think that the Wet Bandits have, indeed, found me. I stay as low as possible to the ground, but I don't think it's going to help me, because the van soon squeeks to a complete stop. I'm breathing heavily, which I can see in the air. In order to slow down my breathing, I place my hands up to my mouth and lower my head to the ground.
I'm not even looking up at the road above me, when I hear the van door open and close. I jump, startled, when that happens, because I fear that it's Harry, who's most-likely driving, who exited the vehicle. Though, I don't hear the opening and closing of the second van door, which I conclude as Marv, who's most-likely in the passenger seat. I'm expecting to hear the taunting voice of mostly Harry, since I didn't hear activity come from the second van door, but I don't hear anything, except footsteps. I lay as flat on the ground as I possibly can, trying to be invisible. With my grey coat on, my situation isn't helped. But, if I was wearing just strictly my black Halloween costume, I'd blend in even better with the ground.
"Hello?" I finally hear a voice, and I'm relieved to believe that it doesn't belong to Harry or Marv. Though, just to be sure, I continue to lay flat on the ground, until I hear the voice again. Eventually, I hear, "Hello? Is anyone down there?" They're not hollering, because they're right close to me. Whoever this is knows that I'm close. My face is still hidden in my hands, while I'm facing the cold ground, but I'm faintly able to hear the clicking of something. I'm not sure as to what it is, until I raise my head a little from my hands. I then discover that the slight clicking noise belonged to a flashlight being turned on. "Down here!" The voice is now raised a little, before I hear the sound of another door from the vehicle open and close. Once I hear that, I'm not sure whether to hide my face again or look up at who the voice belongs to.
Since the voice doesn't seem to belong to Harry or Marv, I make myself look up at whoever's speaking. Once I do, I find that I'm blinded by a flashlight. I see two silhouettes beside the vehicle, and the one silhouette has their flashlight shining down at me. I squint, trying to glance down at the ground, while my eyes water.
The second figure starts to speak, and it happens to be the voice of a woman, "It's a little boy…"
Kate's PoV:
Once I close Jeff's bedroom door behind me, I place my hand over my eyes, collecting the tears in my hand. I hear Peter ask me, "Are you OK?" I look up, and I see my husband, strolling towards me.
Disappointedly, I look down at myself, while still crying. I admit, "No, Peter, I'm not…"
"He didn't listen to you, did he?"
"No…" I just slightly shake my head.
"I thought he wouldn't…" Peter sighs, with disappointment, as soon as he's over to me. "I don't think anything will make him feel better, until his baby brother is home,"
"Peter," I start to say, while my tears start to pour out even more. "What if that doesn't happen?" I'm fearful that this may be the case.
"All's we can do is hope, darling," He hugs me, as I start to cry further. "All's we can do is hope…"
Kevin's PoV:
The flashlight is still shining down on me, when the man trots down the small embankment, down to the ditch I'm in. "Hey, son," I'm no longer being blinded by the flashlight, since I'm looking down at the ground. As soon as the man is down beside me, he places a hand on my back. "Are you OK?" I just continue looking down at the ground, not knowing what to say. "Well, can't you speak?"
"Is he all right?" I hear the woman ask.
"I don't know," the man answers the woman, before speaking to me again, "You OK, son?" One of the reasons why I'm being silent, is because if this was Harry and Marv, I would've easily been found. The other reason, is my disbelief that the van does, indeed, belong to two seemingly innocent people. "Come on, son, let's get you up to the van," He tries to lift me up from the ground, but I'm feeling a little hesitant. As much as I want help, I just got out of a situation that could've turned even worse than it seemed to be. I really don't want to risk getting into another one with two complete strangers. "What's the matter with you? Aren't you cold? Don't you want to go inside a nice, warm van?"
"I'm… scared…" are the first words to escape from my mouth to this man.
"Well, come on. You can explain to us what happened, once you're inside the van," The man starts to lift me up from the cold ground, and I happen to be shivering. Considering how I'm wearing a Winter coat, and it's only the end of October, I'm still cold. "Don't worry, it's going to be OK." The man shines his flashlight up the embankment, and before the light is shone at the van and the woman, I'm only able to see silhouettes.
As soon as we make it out of the ditch, the worried lady is over to us, almost in an instant. "Oh, honey. You look frozen. Don't worry, everything will be all right," These two strangers seem legit in worrying for me, and I can only hope they'll take me back home to Winnetka, once I'm inside their van…
Marv's PoV:
I wake up, not realizing what time it is. Tiredly, I look over to the digital clock beside my bed, seeing that I've only been asleep for about an hour. Considering how I haven't been asleep very long, I'm surprised I'm even awake. Though, I bet the kid is still fast asleep. If I were to get up for a few minutes, I wonder if he'd notice.
I start to sit up, and I place my feet on the ground, but as soon as I do that, I notice something's missing. I look down at my feet, seeing that there's nothing there—not the kid, not even the bed! I look over to the door, seeing that, not only what was the kid's bed is in a heap by said door, but some of my clothes are, too. I bet he took the chance he had and built a tower for himself. Who knows how long he's been gone for? For all I know, he could've gone to the police!
I rush out of bed, so that I can hurry to Harry's nearby room. If it were just me, I wouldn't worry so much, but since Harry will for sure find out about the kid being gone, I'm going to have to tell him. I only wish it could wait until morning, but Harry would be even more pissed, if I were to do that. As I rush towards Harry's room, I start to think about it more. I didn't really want to take the kid, in the first place. If he's gone, he's gone.
Though, if he were to go to the police, we would have to relocate. If I waited until morning, and just pretended I found out he was gone when I woke up, there's a chance the police will be knocking on our door. As much as I don't want to have to unnecessarily keep the kid, I don't want to go to prison, either. I might as well continue my way towards Harry's room, because even if we don't find the kid, we'll at least be able to relocate…
Kevin's PoV:
These two friendly people lead me inside their van. I sit in the middle, as my two rescuers sit on each side of me—the man, being the driver. Once the doors close, what remaining heat there was, is now trapped inside. I hug myself, trying to warm up.
"Don't worry, we'll put on the heat for you," the lady kindly tells me, before turning the knob for the van's heater.
The man puts the van into gear again and drives off, away from the area of where they found me. I'm glad about this, for two reasons: 1. With the van in motion, the van will be able to heat up faster. 2. These two strangers will hopefully be able to take me home.
It's silent for a few moments, until I'm finally able to warm up. Though, the man is the one, who breaks the ice, "So, now that you're warmed up," He looks down at me, seeing that I appear warmer than I originally was. "Won't you tell us what's going on? Your name, at least?"
I feel hesitant in confiding with these people. After what happened tonight with those two burglars, I don't know what to believe. As I thought before, at least this situation didn't turn as serious as it could've, but I'm still startled at the very fact that I was, indeed, kidnapped, and the terrors I could've faced.
"I…" I start.
"Well?" The man almost seems insistent on knowing what's going on and/or my identity.
"Don't rush him," the woman cuts in. "Let him take his time with telling us."
"Well, one thing we need to know is where you live. We can't take you home, if we don't know where you live. Can you at least tell us that?"
I still feel hesitant on giving these people this information; especially this man, since he seems to be the insistent one. Though, he does have a point. If I do wish to get home, I should tell them where I live. I wish I didn't have to give out the exact address, but I'd rather go right home than be left on the street I live on. For the time being, I don't want to be left on a street, even my street, alone again.
"It's… It's Winnetka…"
"Is that where you live?"
"Yes…" I find it slightly unusual, how he asked if that's where I lived. If they were from around here, he would've heard of Winnetka.
"Oh, I see. I see that in Chicago, or…?"
"Yes," is all I say.
"Oh, I see. Well, we're just passing through, and, luckily, we saw you. Even though we're from out of town, we'll gladly drive you to Winnetka," The guy glances down at me, but is still facing the road. We're now entering Chicago, as the city lights shine down in the van. Even though I'm still feeling hesitation, I'm glad to be surrounded by the lights of my home city. It gives me a warm, satisfying feeling. I just hope I'll be even more warm and satisfied, once I make it back home. "Would you mind telling us where it is?" I only nod. I'm facing forward, mostly thinking about my worrying thoughts, but it looks like I'm staring at the dashboard. "Don't worry, you don't have to be shy around us, kid. I'm John Grover, by the way. This is my wife, Maddie."
"How do you do?" the curly-haired lady smiles warmly down at me. I look up at her, trying to feel comforted, but I still have my worrying thoughts. I'd literally have to be taken right home, in order for me to fully trust these people.
The dark-haired man looks down at me, before looking back up at the road again. "Now that you know our name, we'd like to know yours," I see him glancing down at me again, before he asks, "Won't you tell us?"
I hesitate on sharing my name with these people, but I guess I should, if they really are helping me. "It's… It's Kevin,"
"Just Kevin, huh?" He still faces the road, while glancing down at me. "It's very nice to make your acquaintance there, Kevin," I know the man wants to know my full name, but I think "Kevin" is enough, for now. I glance up at his wife again, before I'm questioned, "Now, will you tell us the direction of where Winnetka is?" I nod with agreeance, even though there should be signs that direct to where Winnetka is. Though, considering how new people are in a new place—especially a big city—they still may have trouble.
Considering how I'm only nine years old, I probably have a better grasp on this city's layout than these people ever will, just by looking at signs. I just hope I'm not giving myself false hopes on being taken home, with giving them directions to be taken there. I don't know who these people are, but they'll just have to prove themselves, by taking me home…
Kate's PoV:
I go downstairs to fix myself a cup of coffee. I don't care if the caffeine keeps me awake, I know I won't be able to sleep tonight, with Kevin missing. Even though the police just left no more than an hour ago, I wish they would inform us on where Kevin is. Though, I know that in a missing person's report and in a kidnapping case, it doesn't take this short amount of time to find anything; especially in a big city, such as this. While I'm in the kitchen, worrying about my youngest son, and making myself my hot drink, I hear footsteps enter the kitchen. Curious as to who it is, I turn around, seeing my husband in the kitchen with me.
"Oh, Peter, it's just you…" I breathe out, as I turn back around to continue what I'm doing.
"Who else did you expect?" he asks, entering the kitchen further.
"I don't know…" I answer, with my voice sounding empty. "One of the kids, maybe?"
I've been waiting for the kettle to boil, and I don't even realize it has, already, because Peter asks me, "Aren't you going to get that?" He walks up behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders.
"Oh, right…" I snap out of it, but I'm still empty with my answer. I don't want to be empty, like this. I want to be whole again, and I'm afraid that can't happen, unless my son is home with me again.
I start to pour the hot water into the cup with the coffee grinds, Peter massages my shoulders, trying to reassure me, "It's OK, Katie," He kisses me on the side of the head, while still continuing with his reassurance, "Don't worry, it'll be OK…"
"Oh, Peter…"
I finally give in to my emotions again and let the tears flow once more. Though, if I don't have my little boy back with me soon, I know this won't be the last time I cry. Not knowing what else to do, I just hug my husband, praying for a miracle for my baby boy to be found…
Marv's PoV:
I rush into Harry's room, now that I've made my decision on what we should do. Harry's fast asleep, snoring away. I hate waking up Harry, because he could be a real jerk, even more than he is, but this is an emergency. Even though I hope we don't find the kid, it's just as important that we relocate. If the kid goes to the police, he'll know exactly where we are.
Once I'm over to Harry's bedside, I still feel hesitant on waking him up, but what else should I do? I finally give in to allowing myself to wake him up. Once I do, he grumbles and rolls over, grumbling about giving him five more minutes. I don't blame him for wanting to sleep longer, because, after all, he only went to bed a couple hours ago. He went to bed earlier than I did, but still.
I try tapping him awake again, and, this time, he finally gives in to waking up. "What?!" he hisses at me.
"Harry," I whisper to him. "It's about the kid."
"What about him?" Harry tries to get comfortable again, before grumbling, "You'd better not leave him for too long, because you know what that kid's like…"
"Well, that's just the thing, Harry…"
There's a moment of silence, before Harry rolls back over and tiredly asks, "What do you mean?"
"The kid did manage to escape, Harry…" I feel a little afraid of telling my partner this, but it's too late now.
Harry just stares at me, I swear wanting to, not only insult me, but probably thinking of murdering me, too. "What do you mean, he escaped?!"
"Yes!" I exasperate.
Harry sits up, pulling the blankets off of him. "Well, Jesus Christ, Marv! Why didn't you say something sooner?!" I knew that, no matter what, Harry would give me shit for the kid escaping.
"Well, I didn't know, until now!"
"Well, hurry up! Get dressed! We have to get him, before he goes to the police!"
Harry starts to stand up from the bed, but I place my hands on his shoulders, stopping him. "Now, hold on, Harry. I don't think we should go after that kid,"
"And why the hell not?!"
He tears my hands away from him, before heading over to the chair in the corner of the room, closest to the door and closet, where his clothes are piled. Harry never bothered to hang up his clothes or put them in the hamper. So, there's really a mixture of clean and dirty clothes on this chair, which I, myself, find disgusting that Harry could possibly be wearing the same underwear he did yesterday.
"I think we should just leave him alone!"
"You do realize that if he got away, he has a chance of flapping his mouth to the police now, don't you?!"
"Yes! And that's why we have to get out of here! Why should we worry about finding the kid, if he's already with the police?! We might as well get out of here, while we have the chance!"
Harry glances to the side of him, pausing the action of putting on his pants over top of his pyjamas. "You know, Marv, considering how dumb you are, you actually do make a good point…"
"Why, thank you," I take glory in the rare compliment Harry gives me.
"Now, come on. Hurry up and get ready, so we can get out of here," Harry rushes me, while proceeding to put on his pants again. I don't stall; I take this chance to leave the room, glad that Harry's actually going through with an idea I came up with, but I also feel a little worried about being a fugitive, but, as escaped convicts, what else is new?...
Kevin's PoV:
We seem to be pulling up close to where my neighbourhood of Winnetka is. As shaken up and hesitant as I still am, I become hopeful that these people will actually take me home to my family again.
I guess the man can tell that I'm more perked up than I was before, because he questions, also perked up, "I take it, we're closeby?" I anxiously nod, before the man smiles and tells me, "Well, just let us know where it is, and we'll take you there,"
Once again, I nod, before the woman pipes in, "Oh, I almost forgot!" The woman bends down, seeming to be picking up something from the floor… or tying her shoe. She lifts up a satchel, and I'm worried that there may be a gun hidden in it. My eyes widen with fear, and I guess the woman can see this, because she reassures me, "Oh, don't worry, honey. There's nothing to be scared about," She opens the satchel's flap, before pulling up a metal thermos. "I'm just pulling out my leftover hot chocolate. Considering how chilly it is out, I thought I'd bring some with me. I'm surprised I forgot about it, but it's still hot, believe it or not. Would you like some? You're welcome to it."
Considering how I'm now warmed up, because of this nice, warm van, I could still go for some hot chocolate. Though, I'm still worried as to what's actually in it… Maybe it's poisoned? Considering how I wasn't kidnapped for very long, I'm still worried about such things.
"What's the matter, son?" John asks.
I'm still looking at the thermos, as I reply, nervously, "I'm just… scared…"
"Scared of what, honey? It's just hot chocolate,"
"I know, but…"
"Don't worry," she starts, kindly. "It's not going to hurt you."
I know better than to accept things from strangers, but what else can I do? I know better than to even get in the same vehicle as a stranger, but I was desperate, and they were willing to save me. What else should I have done?
"Kevin, go on and have some, then show me where you live. I want to know where this place of Winnetka is," the man firmly tells me.
I feel a little startled, but I accept the hot chocolate, anyway, softly saying, "Thank you,"
After I take a sip of the creamy, warm hot chocolate, I feel refreshed, and I try to get it to cleanse my worries of it being poisoned and all my other worries of tonight. It's surprisingly good, so I decide that it's OK to sip some more. Not everyone is bad, are they? Feeling even more warmed up from the tasty hot chocolate, I hold it in my hands, on my lap.
"Now, are you willing to show me where you live now, so that you can get there? I know you're anxious to show me,"
I nod, before pointing and saying, "Turn right here,"
Seeing the sign that says to turn "this way" to get to Winnetka, I'm feeling hopeful that these people, who went out of their way to help take me home, will actually take me home. Though, considering what could've happened, since the Wet Bandits have it out for me, I'm still trying to get passed my worrying, and just trust these people.
"Alright," The man obliges to my words and turns in the right direction. "How long is it, until we get there?" Is he asking that, because he's wanting to get me home for me or for himself?
"About a half hour," I answer, monotonously, looking at the front dash.
"Are you sure, kid?" By the sound of this man, it's almost like he's impatient—reminding me of Harry.
"John…" Maddie tries to intervene.
"Yeah, I'm sure…" is what I say, instead, while glancing up at the man.
I really thought he was a nice man, but he seems to be wanting to get somewhere. I think he just wants to dump me off in front of my house and drive away. I get the impression he's not too concerned for my well-being.
"OK," He firmly nods. "I was just making sure."
I believe his wife, who seems to be the better one of the two, catches on to what's going through her husband's head, because she asks, "John, what's your hurry?"
"There's no hurry," he replies, and I'm trying to believe him. "I just don't know why this kid is so hesitant to do, say, or accept anything from us." I don't say anything in reply. I just continue facing forward, holding the warm beverage in my hands.
"Well, do you ever think he has trust issues, because he just got out of a scary situation?" By the tone coming from Maddie, I can tell she's starting to become a little upset with John.
"I know, I know!" John answers, in a pushy tone. "I'm just saying, there's nothing to worry about, while he's with us!"
"Yeah, well, your tone isn't helping the situation any," Maddie seems to be the one, who says the last word, because John nor I say anything, in return.
She just faces forward again and huffs. Since I'm sitting in the middle of the two, I'm stuck in this awkward silence. I wish there was something that could be done to break this awkwardness, but what could I, the one who was rescued, do? I don't know, but I just sink down in my seat a little more, hoping to get home soon, and escape from this situation. I just hope that will be soon…
Marv's PoV:
Harry and I start packing our clothing, as well as some canned and boxed food for on the road. Since we only have one van, it's not like we have enough room to load in our furniture and appliances. We're just packing the necessities that can fit that we need for on the road. As much as it is exciting about moving on to a new location, it sucks to be a fugitive. It's no fun, constantly looking over your shoulder. I just hope in our new location, we won't have to worry about being surrounded by cops, who are looking for us, since we shouldn't be on their radar.
Just as I finish packing my clothes—most of which were on the floor from the kid's tower—Harry knocks on my bedroom door. I answer, "Come in,"
Harry opens the door, and it seems as though he never looks at the scene in front of him, because he impatiently asks, "You done yet, Marv?!"
"Yeah, I'm coming, Harry," I answer, in a normal voice.
"Well, hurry up, before the police catch us!" He starts to walk away from the doorway of my room, before muttering to himself, "Jeez. It was a stupid idea to come back to Chicago, anyway…"
Considering how I may not have much of a brain, I thought the same thing. All's I can say, is, "I'm coming, Harry," I then take the two bags I need for my clothes and leave the room. I just hope this new start will be for the best…
Kevin's PoV:
Before I know it, I hear, "Kid, kid, wake up," I feel myself being gently shaken awake, but since I'm so tired, I'm refusing to give in to waking up. Though, the persistent person continues to shake me by my shoulder, until I finally slide open my eyes. I look around me, questioning where I am. Though, it finally hits me, when I see that I'm still in the front seat of the van. I don't know whether to feel excited or disappointed, when I see that all this wasn't just a dream. "Well, it's about time. I'm sorry I had to wake you up, but we're here, in Winnetka. I'm sure you want us to drop you off at your house, right? It's too chilly out there to be dropped off anywhere further away. Besides, I can only guess what's happened to you tonight, so I'm sure you don't want to be vulnerable on the streets again, do you?" Tiredly, I nod, before John continues to say to me, "Alright. Now, what street do you live on?"
Stretching and yawning, I think of my street address. Groggily, I answer, "Uh… 671 Lincoln Avenue…"
"So, we're on the right street, then," Considering how tired I am, my eyes widen, when he says that. I look ahead at the street, and I see that this is, indeed, Lincoln Avenue. I just nod, not wanting to say anything else, since all I want to do is crawl into bed—my own bed. "Alright. That means you're almost home, then."
The man smiles, showing that he is, indeed, kind. I guess he was concerned about taking me home, but it didn't seem like it earlier. Since we're already on Lincoln Avenue, I'm just as happy as can be about almost being home, considering how I'm trying to keep my eyes open. We slowly drive down the street, and as this is happening, I just look out the window, trying to stay awake for my arrival home.
All's I can see on the sidewalks now is nothing. They're now bare, since it's becoming too late for Trick or Treaters to stay out. Though, it's not too late for Halloween troublemakers. I know that if Buzz was out on his own, he'd be one of those Halloween troublemakers. I turn my gaze away from the woman's window and switch it to the man's window. As soon as I lay my eyes out the man's window, I see that home is only two houses away.
I perk up at the sight of my house, almost forgetting that I'm tired. My voice is raised, as I excitedly point and say, "There it is!" My eyes are glowing, while I'm still pointing at the place I want to be the most.
"You mean, that big brick house is yours?" The woman's eyes are as wide as a full moon, showing her disbelief about it being my house.
"Mmhmm," is all I answer, while nodding and lowering my arm.
Also with disbelief, John asks, "Jesus, how many of you live there?"
"My four siblings, my parents, and I,"
"Wow…" is all Maddie is able to say, before turning her gaze out her window.
"Jesus, you're lucky, kid… No wonder you want to get home…" comments John, as he pulls up in front of my house.
I want to say that it isn't the size of the house I want to get home to, it's the comfort of it, and my family. Now that we're pulled up front, I feel so overjoyed, I just want to hop out of the vehicle this minute and run up to the front door, despite my tiredness.
Maddie sees that I'm overjoyed to be home, because she comments, while smiling, "Someone must be excited to be home! Something must've happened to make you this desperate!"
She's right, even though I was only abducted by Harry and Marv for a few hours. Though, the fact that the miracle has happened of me being able to come home to my family this quickly, is what's really exciting me.
"Well, hold on, there, before you make any rash moves; you have to be unbuckled first," The man is also being friendly, once he says that comment.
As soon as my seat belt is unbuckled, I'm anxiously awaiting for one of my rescuers to step out of the vehicle, so that I can get out. Since we pulled up on the side of the street, closest to the house, John is the one, who steps out of the vehicle. I don't wait any longer, and I soon jump out of the vehicle right after him.
I'm too hypnotized at the sight of my house, that I don't even think to say "goodbye" or "thank you" to my two rescuers. Though, I know I should, so I turn around, feeling overjoyed and thankful, and tell Mister and Missus Grover, "Thank you… so much…"
"You're very welcome, hon," Maddie continues to smile, while she unbuckles her seat belt and exits the vehicle. I look at what she's doing, and before long, she's on this side of the vehicle. "Good luck, darling."
She hugs me, considering how she's a complete stranger. Though, considering what situation I was magically able to get out of, I accept this hug, because I may have never received a hug again.
Just then, I hear the voice of someone I've been dying to hear for the past few hours—someone, who I thought I'd never hear from again. They call for me, "Kevin! Kevin!" It's the voice of my Mother.
I turn my head to look at the direction of where I heard her voice coming from. As soon as I see the sight of my Mom, Dad, and my siblings running out of the house, I also call to her, "Mom! Mom!"
I start to cry, as I pull away from Maddie's arms and run into my seemingly long-awaiting Mother. "Baby… Baby…" Mom cries, as she continues to hug me. I know that she feels the same as me: that this was a miracle. I know that, if I wasn't returned home anytime soon, she would've been at a loss as to what to do. As I'm still hugging her, I can tell she looks up at Mister and Missus Grover and tells them, still with her overjoyed voice, "Thank you… Thank you…" Mom picks me up and carries me inside.
Mom doesn't stop crying, as she carries me inside. As I'm becoming further and further away from my rescuers, I just look at them, as the two kind people stand by their van and wait, until we're fully inside. I'm thankful to find two kind people, such as the Grovers. I thought John was being kind of a jerk to me, but I was proven wrong, when he dropped me off back home. I'll forever be in their debt that they took me away from those two bandits. Though, as this is happening, I feel a little worried that Harry and Marv just may come after me again.
As soon as Mom gets me inside, Dad closes the door behind us. Mom sets me down on the floor, but it's like she almost refuses to let me go. I know I feel the same way right now. Even though it was only for a few hours, she's relieved to be able to hug me again, because she could've gone ages, without doing so. Once Mom finally lets go of me, while still crying, it's now Dad's turn to show that he's glad that I'm back. It isn't very often that Dad shows emotions towards us. I've never questioned that he loved us, he's just never been overly affectionate. I guess it's a little different tonight, and I believe it will be for awhile.
"Kevin, Kevin, my boy, how are you?" he asks, just like how he did last year. He separates himself from me, not clinging to me as much as Mom did—despite how I was only gone for a few hours, but that's enough for me.
"Don't worry, I'm OK," I smile, while I answer, still trying to get passed my tiredness.
"They didn't hurt you, did they?" worriedly, Mom asks, while placing her hand on the side of my head.
"No, no, I'm fine. They didn't hurt me, at all. I was able to escape, while we were supposed to be sleeping. Don't worry, I'm fine," It's actually true. The Wet Bandits never hurt me, but I know that if I stayed any longer, they would've.
"Well, why did they take you? Who were they?"
"Well, Mom, there's actually a long story about that…" I admit, thinking that it's now time to finally tell my family what truly happened last year, besides just "hanging around".
"Well, go ahead," Mom urges, as she now tries to stop her tears.
"Hold on a minute," Jeff puts his hand out, stopping me, before I can even start. "There's something I need to say to Kevin."
I just look at him, because I already know what he's going to say. That's why I say, "Don't worry, Jeff. You don't have to say anything,"
"Yes, I do, Kev," Jeff lowers his head. "If I didn't get mad at you and tell you to go home, you wouldn't have gotten in this situation tonight."
"I knew you were going to say that, Jeff, but, don't worry, it wasn't your fault, believe me. There's a reason for it," My family looks down at me, appearing to be slightly surprised at how well I'm handling the situation. They're probably questioning what happened to make me take it so well, but I start to explain, "Believe me, what happened tonight, as much as it sucked, and as much as I wanted to come home to you, it was really no surprise that it happened, because of the grudge that's being held against me."
"Grudge?" questions Mom, as she slightly tilts her head.
"I'll explain it as soon as I get upstairs and into bed… Considering all the excitement that's happened tonight, I'm whooped…" I admit, when my tiredness starts to try and take over me again.
"You do look frozen. Let me change you into some nice, warm pyjamas," Mom places her hand on my back, anxious to help me.
"Let me do it," Jeff more so tells than offers.
"Are you sure, Jeff?" Mom asks.
I state, "You don't have to do that,"
"Believe me, I want to. It's the least I can do,"
I know Jeff feels guilty, so I don't blame him for wanting to help me. But, it's also unusual, because of how Jeff usually treats me, even though he's not as bad as Buzz. Though, I know that even Buzz will treat me a little differently, considering how he almost lost me tonight. I know he cares for me, since he tried to help me. I'm sure he even feels guilty, too, but Jeff was the one, who sent me home. Though, I'm not blaming him; I'm blaming the Wet Bandits.
"Alright. Upstairs you go," Mom nods, allowing Jeff to place his hand on my back and lead me upstairs. The last words Mom says to me, before we disappear upstairs, are, "Your Father and I will be sure to inform the police that you're home, and to keep a lookout for whoever had you." I nod, before looking back at her, and I see that she's smiling.
By looking at my family, especially my Mom, I can tell that they're all glad I'm back home again, even though I was gone for only a short amount of time. Though, I know that I won't take them for granted again, and they won't do the same thing with me. When I face forward again, I'm anxious to have the one brother, who's never really done anything for me, help me get comfortable, so that I can sleep. But, I'm also anxious to tell my family the truth about what happened last year…
THE
END
…
**READ PLEASE**
A/N: Thanks so much for reading! I'm deeply sorry about not posting this a month ago, but there's a long story to that. You see, when I was trying to post this by Halloween, I lost Internet for a week, and I couldn't post anything, without Internet. Then, November started, and that's when NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) started. Before I even lost my Internet, I had planned on using that time to write my novel for the 50,000 word competition. (It turned out, I got over 50,000 words!) During that time, though, I was hoping to get finished earlier (even though I did get finished early, but not as early as I wanted), and start working on this ASAP, but that never happened, because I lost the first seven chapters of my work. Though, like I said, I was able to catch up, and I was one of the (many) winners for the competition! That just goes to show you what you can do, when you put your mind to it!
Anyway, since I finished NaNoWriMo, I'm now able to work on this, but it's not as tight of a schedule, like NaNoWriMo was, but I still wanted to get this finished, even though I have a bit more freedom now (I was literally listening to Celebration the other night). Though, now that this is posted, I will be able to do some other things, including the new Home Alone story I have planned, plus another surprise! ;) I'll get started on that, ASAP!
Also, this wasn't supposed to be posted tonight, but I got lucky. I spent the past few nights I had, working on it, but this turned out longer than I thought. I was tired, while working on it the night I meant to post it, so I decided to wait until I had more time to extend the ending scene, add in more detail, and add in an extra PoV (betcha can't guess which one it is). I was also distracted two nights in a row (the second night, I really didn't mean to) by holiday shows.
Now that this is over, what do you think? I hope this wasn't too rushed for you (especially the end of this chapter)! I know this is the longest chapter (I ever made, I believe), and even the longest Author's Note. Please leave a review, despite how this Halloween story is now being posted on the last day of November! I really hope to catch you guys with me in my next Home Alone story soon! After all, it is almost the holidays! ;) Well, catch you later! I'm going to bed now to finish watching Home Alone II (I already watched the part, where Donald Trump appeared)! Lol!
PS: Omg. Literally, as I was typing this, I was listening to the radio, and they were advertising Christmas things. They used Kevin's achieving "yes!" (the one he does with the fist pump in Home Alone), while doing the commercial! At first, it was Buddy the Elf, screaming, "Santa! Oh my god!" Then, they literally did that with Kevin's voice! Omg!
- Majora's Mask Freak184