The Ridge Wood Slasher( Book 1 of the Ridge Wood series)

CHAPTER 1 (Edited)

                                                         2 MONTHS LATER

                                                                      JACK

Two months after my grandparents' murders my mom decided that it we were going to move into their old house, claiming that it will give us a fresh start but in reality I think she wanted to get as far away from dad as possible. The past couple years have been hard for us ever since mom and dad got a divorce, but she really took the news of her parents' murders hard. Jay didn't like the idea of moving, since it meant that he has to leave all of his friends behind, but mom told him that he can make new friends in Ridge Wood. 

The drive to Ridge Wood wasn't very long since it's only sixty miles away from our old hometown. I ended up sleeping the whole ride there, I woke up right when we were just on the outskirts of town. I lean against the passenger door, with the side of my head resting against the window while I look out of it, lost in thought.

As we drive through town I don't really pay much attention to the town, but I do notice some resale shops, restaurants, hardware store, and abandoned buildings as we drive by. After a few minutes mom turns into a street called Maple Street, for some reason I had an uneasy feeling about this area. Not long after turning onto the street she pulls into a large driveway before putting the car in park.  

Not long after mom parks the car in the large driveway my little brother, Jay, who's sitting in the back seat, opens his door and gets out of the car. He slams the door shut making me flinch a little, it was very obvious that he is still angry that we had to move. I didn't really like that we had to move either, but at least I'm not having a fit about it like he is. I look over at mom who lets out a soft sigh before killing the engine and getting out of the car. I sit there for a few seconds before finally getting out of the car as well, after I exit the car I close the door and look up at the house. I stand there taking in the sight of the house, it looks exactly how I remember it. The last time we were here I was twelve years old and Jay was nine years old.

I quickly snap out of my trance when I hear a soft sob come from beside me, I turn my head to see my mom standing next to me, looking up at the house with tears running down her cheeks. My heart aches at the sight of her saddened expression, I turn towards her and pull her into a tight hug in an attempt to comfort her. She doesn't even hesitate to return the hug, she holds me tightly as she silently sobs into my shoulder. I could feel her tears soaking the fabric of my t-shirt but I didn't care, all that mattered right now was that she needed someone to comfort her. After standing there in the driveway for a few minutes her tears finally cease and she lets go of me, breaking the hug. She looks up at me, her eyes red and puffy from crying, and gives me a small smile. 

I giver her a soft smile in return before looking past her at Jay, who's looking at us in confusion and concern. I give him a thumbs up when she turns and heads towards the front door of the house, indicating that everything is okay now. He gives me a small nod in response before heading over to the front door as well. Moms hand shakes a little as she inserts the key into the lock and turns it, the door unlocking with a faint click. 

When she finally gets the door open Jay rushes inside ahead of us saying he wants the biggest room, he was surprisingly excited for someone who didn't want to be here a few minutes ago. Mom lets out a small laugh and follows him inside, I shake my head softly and sigh before going inside as well.

'This is going to be a long day.' I think to myself as I enter the house.

It didn't take me long to pick out a bedroom for myself, the only thing that took forever was unpacking all my boxes. After working nonstop for two hours unboxing all my things and rearranging all the stuff in the bedroom I plop down on my new bed exhausted. I double tapped my phone screen causing the screen to light up, I noticed that it was already 8:30 P.M. 

   I don't make any attempt to get up so I can change into sleep clothes since I was too exhausted. I gaze up at the ceiling as my eyelids grow heavy with sleep. I let out a soft sigh before placing my phone on the nightstand next to my bed. I turn over onto my side and curl up on the bed, it didn't take long for sleep to consume me.