The Fall (On Hiatus until otherwise stated)

The Fall: Chapter 4 - Serena

It was a degree or two warmer tonight, which I liked, but the air was thick with fog from the rain earlier in the day, giving the village a creepy horror film vibe.

I jogged through the village, and instead of heading for the main road like I always did, I carried on through the village, past the war memorial, the pub and the boarded up post office, and turned onto Hambell's road.

He lived at the top of a small, but long slopping hill. It wasn't too much of a problem when walking, but when jogging, it was a bit of a struggle. I wasn't used to any incline, I always made sure I ran on the flat.

When I made it to the top I could see why his parents had chosen this particular house, it had a wonderful view of the neighboring Town in the distance, all the lights twinkled like fallen stars. It was pretty breath taking; I guess I would have noticed it on Saturday night if I hadn't of been off my face on cheap booze.

I fiddled with the sphere in my pocket. Was this the right thing to do? I needed to know what it was. It was probably a part of a satellite and if it was I'm sure Mr. Bell would be able to tell me right away. I took a breath and headed to the door, the same door I was sick out of not too long ago. The thought made my stomach churn. I pressed the doorbell and waited.

The hall light flicked on, and I heard some fumbling with keys before the door opened and I was greeted by Hambell. He looked a little shocked to see me, then he quickly stepped out of the door and half shut it behind him.

"What are you doing here?" he hissed, looking behind him, to make sure his parents weren't listening in.

"I need to talk to your dad, is he in?" I asked, getting impatient and tapping my foot a little.

"You're not going to tell him about the party are you?" He asked, worry evident in his voice.

"No I'm not that stupid, I was drinking at that party. Do you think I want to get busted? This is an unrelated thing, could you just get him, please?" I asked as nicely as I could. Hambell sighed and pushed the door open with his foot and called inside. "Daaaaad, Serena Webster wants to talk to you." He looked at me, looking the most serious he had ever looked in his life "if you're lying to me our friendship is over."

"Friendship?" I asked, confused. I never considered us as friends, but when I thought about it he did spend a shocking amount of time with us at school, especially recently. "I promise okay." Just as I was reassuring Hambell his dad came to the door.

I hadn't noticed before, but Hambell was just a smaller version of his dad, broad shoulders, dark hair and brows, eyes hiding behind glasses.

"You wanted to see me Serena?" Mr. Bell said, looking at me slightly puzzled but still welcoming enough not to freak me out. Hambell gave me one last look and then headed back inside. I had no doubt he was only around the corner, listening in, so I knew I had to be careful about what I said so as not to seem crazy.

"Uh yeah, this is a little bit of an odd thing but I didn't know anyone else I could go to. Then my dad reminded me earlier that you worked at the UK Space Agency and then I was like 'that's perfect!' so here I am..." I rambled, not knowing how to broach the subject of the sphere hurtling from the sky last night.

"Okay, what would you like to know? Need help with a science project? Graham is always getting help from me." I smiled; sometimes I forgot Hambell's name was Graham.

"No nothing like that, actually." I reached into my pocket and pulled out the sphere. "I was wondering if you knew what this was?" I held the sphere up and Mr. Bell pulled his glasses off and leaned in for a closer look. I held it up to the outside light so he could see it better. "I thought maybe it was a piece of a satellite or something" I whispered the next part "It fell out of the sky last night, nearly took my head off..." Mr. Bell raised his eyebrows in intrigue. He gestured to see if he could hold the sphere, I held it out to him gladly.