Strange as IT Seems

Chapter 46: Does Not Compute

Ben doesn't stop until he gets to his bike. He scrambles at the lock, trying to get it free. He barely even checks to see if his lock is wrapped around his seat before taking off. His life depended on it. He wasn't going to let that thing get him.

"DUDE!" Dustin calls out. He'd just come to the door, only to watch Ben peddle off properly and out of sight. "DUDE WAIT!"

After a moment of collecting himself from what they'd been through, Dustin sat on the steps of the middle school, the wind picking up as it was going to start raining soon.

"What the hell?" he mutters under his breath.

He takes his cap off for a moment, replaying the scene over, trying to figure out what set Ben off.

The equipment came to life... weirdly, but it could have been a power surge. The weird carnival music... weirder, especially since he'd heard it before, but it was a similar tune back when he'd picked up the Russian frequency. The laughter... very weird and extremely creepy... The lights flickering... weirdest and too similar to the presence of a Demogorgon. And finally, the spoken words... about floating and saying it was going to get them... that might make you wet your pants and run, but again something he'd heard before. What could it mean?

Had Ben heard this before too? Did he know what it meant? he wonders. That had to be the explanation and from him literally fleeing for his life, it couldn't be good. Either that or Ben hates the carnival and clowns.

Suddenly, a hand taps him on the shoulder.

Dustin nearly jumps out of his skin. He turns to see Mr. Clarke standing there.

"Are you okay Dustin?"

"Fine," he lies. "Just needed some air after what happened."

"What happened to Ben?"

"He left. Ran out like the place was on fire."

"Well, having machinery malfunction like that can be scary, especially with the risk of electrocution."

"I don't think that was it," Dustin disagrees.

"Well, there's no other explanation. That's why the motherboard is still in need of intense repair. I appreciate your help Dustin, but I'm also going to have a professional take a look at it."

While disagreeing silently with the first part of the sentence, Dustin just nods his head.

"I'll lock up for you Mr. Clarke," he offers, standing up.

"You don't have to do that Dustin; I want to make sure you get home before the rain starts."

The science teacher gazes at the darkening clouds, the playground around the school getting darker and darker with each passing second.

"I don't mind, and I'll be sure to do it quickly."

"All right. And thank you for all your help today."

"No problem," Dustin says, smiling at his favourite teacher. It didn't matter that Dustin was now in high school now, Mr. Clarke was always going to be his favourite. His enthusiasm and passion for science, his open-minded approach to learning, and his willingness to help his students and answer any questions they had, including ones that actually helped save Will's life, unbeknownst to the teacher of course.

The curly-haired teen takes the keys from Mr. Clarke.

"Also, if you see Ben, make sure to thank him too."

"Sure," Dustin says, before vanishing through the middle school doors.

He walks down the hallway and gets to the A/V room. He hesitates at the door for a moment before entering.