||Hello Neighbour: A Better Timeline||

||Chapter 85: Extended Sleepover||

Luanne was caught up once she was back from work.
"So my son was lure into the Basement, locked in there so was out of the way?"
Keith nods,"That's our current theory that we're working with Mrs Roth, and they were after Robert's notebook that they now have so there's definitely something they need from it, or something they don't want us seeing."
Keith peaked into the living room, seeing Mya, Aaron and Nicky eating treats from Gerda's Bakery.
"Our main priority is protecting the kids, make sure they're all together and safe until we capture these Cultist and Crowface. . . The problem is, they're using Voice Changers.", Diana nods,"I see. . . A way to hide their identity more.", Keith nods, clearing throat as came something more. . . Personal,"Yes, uhm. . . Mr Peterson, could I speak to you in another room? There was something in the book that. . . I wanted to talk about with you in private.", they looked at Mr Peterson, who seemed confused at first as many possibilities ran through his head.
"!"
"Ah. . . Of course. . ."
Diana looked worried, but he gave her a smile,"I won't be long, just. . . Keep them occupied.", so Theodore and Keith went to the kitchen.

"Again. . . Sorry about the basement."
"It's fine; This taught me, don't follow odd things without an adult and most certainly carry lock picks around."
Aaron nods, Mya then lit up,"Ooh! Mom, since Keith says we have to stick together; Can Nicky stay for an extended sleepover??", Aaron and Mya looked at their mom, hoping for a yes though Diana did looked at his parents who were talking quietly.
"I'll ask his mom and dad, and if Nicky wants too. . ."

=

. . .
"I. . . I didn't know you had an older brother. . . The book talked about it. . . And the pages detailed Gerda, Leslie, Valeria and Leonard's involvement in his. . . Passing."
Keith tried to put it as gently and respectively as he could.
Mr Peterson nods.
"Yeah. . . I was homeschooled, but it didn't stop them from picking on me, especially once they learned that them hurting me, got a reaction out of my brother. . . It lead to a lot of fights and regrets. . ."
Mr Peterson tapped the counter, trying to recall and keep himself together.
"One day, nearing the end of September. . . Leonard approached me, told me. . . He and the others would leave me alone, if I go up to The Weather Station on Halloween Night. . . Franklin found out, came along cause he sensed something was wrong and there was.", Mr Peterson had a dry laugh, no humour behind it.
"I was so stupid. . . They did it. . . Just to beat me, see pleasure in my pain. . . My memory, it gets foggy but, I remember we ran into the catacombs to try and get away, but they chased us. . . A scuffle happened, and. . . Franklin fell down a pit. . ."
. . .
"They tried to push me after him, but. . . Then my memory ends there. . ."
Keith was shocked, a shiver went down his spine. . .
"I-I see. . ."
Mr Peterson nods,"I've had. . . My time to grieve, I've come to terms with it. . . Doesn't make the memory less painful but. . .", Keith was stunned, taking his hat off,"I'm. . . I'm shocked you didn't ever. . . Beat them, or even kill them.", Mr Peterson shrugged,"I've. . . I've always been told I've had more patience and less of my Dad's anger problem. . . My brother got the other end of the stick.", the room was silent.
"The kids and Diana know. . . Just, not the complete details."
Mr Peterson looked at him,"Could we. . . Keep it private.", Keith nods,"Of course.", "Thank you.", Mr Peterson took deep breath, gathering himself.

~

"So yeah, the kids wanted to know if Nicky would like to stay for an extended sleepover."
Luanne and Jay looked at one another.
"That could be a good idea."
Jay turned to Luanne,"We do need to update the security of the house, new locks especially on the windows and doors with Nicky's sleepwalking, and the CCTV cameras in case anything happens; And he'd be safe here, The Petersons will keep him safe.", Luanne nods, agreeing, The Petersons have nothing but kind to them and Nicky, practically they were like family.
"I agree; If Mr Peterson doesn't mind."
Mr Peterson nods,"Nicky is welcome over any time, and we're always available to help.", the kids cheered, they were happy about the sleepover and didn't have to worry about the current problems.