SCREAM - THE GHOST OF LONDON

CHAPTER ONE

"Is he still asleep?" Jacob asked as he walked into the kitchen, where his mother was frying eggs in the pan on the stovetop.

"Yes, Jacob, he is," she replied, glancing over her shoulder. "Now keep your voice down!"

"I really wish you'd reconsider having him stay here. He's weird and odd," Jacob said in a hushed tone.

His mother turned to face him, her expression shifting to one of disappointment. "Goodness, Jacob, you know I taught you to be more accepting and understanding of people. What has gotten into you?"

Jacob shuffled his feet, avoiding her gaze. "I just... I don't know. There's something about him that gives me the creeps."

She sighed, turning back to the stove to flip the eggs. "Jacob, everyone deserves kindness and a chance. He's had a tough time, and we're just helping him out. Try to be a bit more compassionate, alright?"

Jacob looked down at his feet, shifting uncomfortably. "Look, I understand, I really do. It's just that he's this exchange student from America, and we don't know a thing about him."

His mother sighed and swatted at his arm lightly. "Jacob! Just be nice!"

Jacob glanced up, his face a mix of frustration and uncertainty. "I know, Mom, but it's hard. He barely talks, and when he does, it's... strange."

"That's no excuse," she said firmly, turning back to the stove. "Everyone deserves a chance, especially someone far from home. Remember how nervous you were when you started at a new school? Imagine how he feels being in a new country."

Jacob sighed, the weight of her words sinking in. "Alright, I'll try. But if he starts acting even weirder, don't say I didn't warn you."

She gave him a reassuring smile. "That's all I ask. Now, go set the table. Breakfast is almost ready."

Jacob walked across the small kitchen, taking in the familiar sights. It was a modern kitchen, sleek and tidy, with an island in the middle where two bar stools were lined up. As he passed the stainless steel fridge, he glanced at the photo of their family stuck to the door with a magnet. He sighed and went to sit down at the island, tapping his fingers on the countertop.

His mother, Kathleen, wiped her hands on a dish towel and headed upstairs to wake their guest. She paused outside the door, taking a deep breath before knocking gently.

"Charlie?"

"Mmmm?" came the muffled reply from behind the door.

"Can I come in, sweetheart? It's me, Kathleen," she said softly.

"Yes, come in, Ms. Williams," he replied, his voice sounding more awake.

She opened the door and stepped inside, smiling warmly at the sight of Charlie rubbing his eyes. "Good morning, Charlie. Breakfast is ready downstairs whenever you're ready."

Charlie nodded, sitting up and stretching. "Thank you, Ms. Williams. I'll be down in a minute."

She gave him an encouraging nod before heading back downstairs to join Jacob in the kitchen.

Charlie Roberts swung his legs off the bed, letting them dangle over the side as he sighed loudly. He reached up, ran a hand through his messy hair, and looked across the small room at his reflection in the mirror mounted on the wall beside the desk. He studied his appearance, his eyes lingering on the tired lines of his face, then shook his head and stood up.

Dressed only in his white briefs, he walked across the room to the dresser. He pulled open the drawers, rummaging through them until he found a fresh change of clothes. Quickly, he slipped out of his briefs and got dressed, the fabric feeling cool against his skin.