The Spooky Bloodspread

Chapter 6: A Heart of Platinum

As Susie, Skid and Pump entered the abandoned hotel, they were amazed, but also a little creeped out, at how even during a pandemic where masks were useless, the hotel was still in perfect condition, aside from the lights being off. When Susie flicked them on, they still worked, as all the lights turned on from that one switch.

The three kids went into a room to stay the night, but before going to bed, Skid realized they were all still in their normal clothes.

Fortunately, Susie brought along a suitcase with all their clothes, hygeine items and even trick-or-treat baskets in it, as well as some snacks.

Skid and Pump excitedly thanked her, grabbed their PJs, and went into the bathroom and closet respectively to put their pajamas on.

When they came out, Skid got hungry, so they went down to the café and had dinner. There wasn't much dinner food, but somehow it was in perfect quality, and it tasted good.

That night, while all 3 of them were sleeping in the single large bed, Susie suddenly started giggling at something.

"What's so funny?" Pump asked her out of curiosity.

"Oh, nothing," replied Susie as she turned towards her brother. "I just remembered that time you roasted me when we argued over a box of crayons."

"Wait... huh?"

"Oh it was a bit ago, I said something like 'I'm telling mom and dad!' and you were like 'Call them, they never answer.' I dunno why, but I actually think it's hilarious and incredible that my own little brother managed to outsmart his older sister, and that's one of the many reasons you're an amazing little brother. You're smart, brave and strong for a little guy."

Pump was shocked by how Susie managed to remember that, but he had a different opinion on that moment.

"Oh... um... I remember now. Susie, I appreciate all that you said, but... in all honesty, I shouldn't have argued with you. It was just a box of crayons, and I didn't mean to insult you like that either."

He shed a tear.

"And... I shouldn't have messed with your computer and your homework. I really shouldn't have touched any of it. I know you worked really hard on both projects you made, and... I..."

And after that, he broke down crying.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry for everything bad I did to you... I should have listened to you... I should've given you privacy..."

Susie quickly wrapped her arms around Pump, trying to comfort him.

"Shhhh... Pump... it's okay," she said to him caringly. "Even though you never needed to apologize, I forgive you. You were being honest when you said our parents never answered the phone. To me it didn't come off as a brutal destruction, it came off as the truth.

"And although you did mess with my computer and my homework, I still managed to finish both projects on time even though I had to start over. But no matter what happens, I'll still love you unconditionally."

Pump looked up at Susie with a teary-eyed smile, and they hugged again.

"Oh, and thanks for saving me from our grandpa too, by the way. You're a total badass."

Pump smiled a tiny smile and giggled as Susie turned to face Skid, who was woken up by the conversation.

"And Skid, like I said earlier," she told him. "even though you're from a different family, I love you just as much. You're both my favorite little spooky brothers."

Pump and Skid cuddled up to Susie and fell asleep smiling.

"We love you too, Susie," they both said.

But then Skid woke up again, realizing what Susie referred to him as.

"D-did you just..."

His eyes were filled with excited tears.

"Did you just call me...?"

Susie patted his head and nodded.

"Mhm. Welcome to the Wonder family, Skid."

Pump and Skid couldn't help but squeal in excitement as the former squirmed between the latter and Susie, hugging them both.

"I've always wanted to have a brother and sister," Skid beamed. "but you guys being the brother and sister made this the best day of my life!"

Tonight was truly an unexpected night, but it was worth it for the three of them.

They were finally a trio of spooky siblings. And survivors.