Sinister

Chapter-7

Brad, did you meet Robbie yesterday?" I asked. Brad was busy scooping out the dried fruits from his bowl and throwing them on the floor. I had hardly slept the night before, and it was already seven in the morning. Mom had left for work, so it was just me and Brad at the table.

"Brooke, don't forget your promise," Brad said with a smile.

"What promise?" I asked. His smile quickly faded.

"Ice cream!" he screamed. "Don't tell me you forgot."

I slapped my forehead, realizing I had completely forgotten about it. Why did I even promise him that? I thought he would have forgotten by now.

"Sorry, we'll go after breakfast," I said.

"Yay!" Brad shouted, jumping out of his chair and running around the table. "You're the best!"

"Don't run like that!" I shouted. "If you fall, we'll be using the ice cream for your wound."

"That's okay, I'll lick it off."I held the phone in my hand and dialled Mom's number. After a minute or two, she answered.

"Mom, when are you coming back?"

"Brooke, have you had your breakfast?"

"Yes, Mom, but when-"

"What about Brad? Did he eat?"

"Yes, he ate. Listen, Mom-"

"Alright, then make sure to pack the cake for his lunch."

"Mom! When are you coming?"

"Same as usual. I'll be back in the evening. Is something wrong?"

"Today Brad is singing at school, and I'm going there as his guardian. Just wanted to let you know."

"That's great, Brooke. You really are sweet. Now, I have to hang up. My boss is coming. Bye!"

"Brooke, can we go now?" Brad asked, bouncing with excitement. "Breakfast is over."

I looked at the time; it was half past seven. "Okay, go put on your shoes. It's going to take a while to reach the ice cream shop."I locked the front door, and we went down the lane. The weather was surprisingly pleasant, and the street was eerily empty, like in some zombie apocalypse. We passed by Mrs. Rose's house; she was sitting on the porch reading a book. I tried to ignore her and walk quickly, but she noticed us.

"Hey, little muffins," she called out. I sighed; I really wanted to avoid her today.

"Brooke, why is that witch calling us?" Brad whispered.

"Hush, Brad. Don't say that." I turned around and forced a smile. "Hey, Mrs. Rose, what are you reading?"

"Oh, I'm just reading my favourite book, 'Hansel and Gretel'," she replied. I laughed.

"Hansel and Gretel? Isn't that a children's book?"

"I just love when the kids ate half of the witch's house," she said, laughing.

"Kids really are brats."

Brad was hiding behind me. "Brooke, what if she eats us like the witch in the story?"

"Silly boy, she won't."

Mrs. Rose tilted her head, trying to catch a glimpse of Brad. "Why are you hiding, young man? Don't worry, I won't bite you," she said, laughing again.

Brad was terrified. "Brooke, I want ice cream. Let's go," he said, pulling my shirt.

"Um, Mrs. Rose, we're going for ice cream. See you later." I quickly turned to leave, but Mrs. Rose called out again. "I have some blueberry ice cream. You can have it for free," she offered, grinning. Brad pulled me harder. "Brooke, I don't want blueberry. Let's go get chocolate."