Is This Smart? (Under editing and revising)

Chapter 21

We freeze. Every noise instantly stops and turns to silence. That is, all except the creaking of the door and wooden slats underneath it. Our breaths. The sounds of any and all movements. XAll of it.

The doors swings open the rest of the way, and we barely catch a full glimpse of the shape of the shadow before the person steps out into the light. When I see who stands before me, I'm partly shocked and the other part not surprised at all. If this person were wanting to coming into this room, why did they come so slowly? And, well, creepy like?

The person who steps out from the shadows behind the door is just Samantha. I'm slightly surprised. But, why should I be? I mean, this is her house after all. We all let out a sigh or relief that it's just Samantha and no other mysterious persons.

"Well, girls, how did you all-- wait? Where is Jennifer?" She asks nonchalantly.

We all look at each other. None of us says anything, until Ann speaks up before the silence gets to long, "Well, that's what we were wondering too. She left us this note. She said she was, umm, going to look for you. She probably had some questions about your house. That's right! She's full of questions."

Relived, I nod to somewhat confirm Ann suggestion. Maggie, taking a cue from me, follows and nods as well. Ann knows Jennifer the most because, well, they grew up together. I am so glad she spoke up. She was the one who agreed for us all to come here with Samantha anyway. Her story, it seems to have worked.

Samantha steps closer to us and smiles. At first, her smile is sweet and normal. But it changes. Drastically. Her face contorts into a twisted, menacing grin. Then, she begins, "Well, it seems she hasn't found me. But, you must leave. It's now dangerous here."

Shaking, I grab Ann and Maggie's wrists. I won't let us get separated. Even though Jennifer is stuck somewhere, possibly hurt, I will not let anything happen to these two. If only I could have done something to save Jenn. But, with my luck, it would just end up terribly, well, like last time I tried to help her.

My cold, clammy hands claps tightly around their wrists. We don't move from the spots where we sit. My knee isn't throbbing anymore, but my head and heart are pounding. I'm struggling in figuring out what Samantha means; let alone what she is planning. I just know that, like last time, something will go very wrong. Very very wrong. Even though my palms are getting sweaty, I do not let go of either Maggie or Ann.

Samantha paces back and forth across the room, which makes me that much mor nervous then I already am, "Now, you all are not safe here anymore. I will show you somewhere safe, this time, you will be safe."

Maggie stands, "We are NOT leaving without Jennifer."

"And, what's your definition of 'safe' anyways, old lady?" I asked bluntly.

Ann and myself, we share a quick glance. We are both shocked that Maggie announced the news. Don't get me wrong! She loves Jennifer, but recently, well, they haven't been on the best of terms. So, yes, we are completely shocked.

"No, no. Don't get hasty. But, you must leave. I'll show you the way." Samantha continues, holding her hands up, showing that she meant no harm in what she said. She digs through her pockets in search of something.

Ann and I stand up next to Maggie. We watch Samantha eagerly. What is she looking for? Finally, after what seems like days, she pulls out a slip of paper. It's slightly crumbled, yellowed, and very, very fragile looking. She stretches her arm out towards us. Maggie reaches out and takes the paper. Carefully, she unfolds it and holds it, so that me and Ann can read it as well. In old swooping handwriting the yellowing paper reads--