"Only Rumors"?

Chapter 3-Trains. How exciting.

I glanced up at the train nervously. Up close it was even creepier. There was moss and ivy growing on the sides, and the train was tilted towards us, as if at any moment it was going to fall.

Carter looked at me “Are you okay?” He asked. I smiled a little at him and shook it off.

“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just...creepy,” I said, making a face. He nodded and laughed, examining the train.

“I agree. But don’t worry, I’ll protect you,” he said, then winked. I blushed, but I heard Pepper gagging off to the side. Both Carter and I looked at her oddly.

“Sorry, don’t mind me, continue being all lovey dovey,” she said, but looked uncomfortable. This only made me blush even more. Had she really just done that? I shot daggers at her with my eyes, but she only smirked at me.

We neared the end of the train, which was where most people got on. The door was oddly unlocked when they found the train, so nobody felt any need to break into the windows. They always went through this door.

James smirked. “Ladies first,” he said, gesturing to Pepper, Ella, and I. Pepper smirked back.

“Gladly,” she said, stepping up onto the platform and walking in. I could see James checking her out, and I rolled my eyes. Ella stepped on after her, but I hesitated.

James raised his eyebrows. “Scared?” He asked, and I shook my head.

“Pfttt, me? No...” I said then bit my lip. “Okay, maybe a little.” I said. James smirked and put his arm around my shoulders.

“Don’t worry, babe, James is here for you in case you get scared.” He said, winking. I heard Carter cough loudly, and I hurriedly slipped out from underneath James’ arm. I hurried inside, my fear forgotten momentarily.

Pepper raised a perfect eyebrow at me, but didn’t say anything. As the other guys were piling in (Other than Carter, James, and Ethan, there were two other guys; Mason and Archie) I took a moment to survey my surroundings.

The inside was honestly creepier than the outside. There were cobwebs hanging in the corners, and the upholstery was torn and stained. I shivered, a sudden cold chill going through me. I closed my eyes, a bad feeling going through me. We shouldn’t be here.

I was just about to turn around and bolt for the door, when I saw Carter getting in. I stopped, faltering. I weighed my options; look around the train for an hour or so, and hang out with Carter, or ditch and risk looking like a major wimp...

I guess you can assume which choice I picked.

“Well? What are you waiting for?” James asked, crossing his arms over his chest. Pepper glared at him and continued walking forward.

We went into one compartment to the next. I felt as if it were getting darker inside the train, which was unlikely, considering we were heading towards where everyone else was outside.

A few minutes later, Pepper stopped. “Did anyone hear that?” She asked, frowning. She looked around, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.

I heard a chorus of “no’s”. I frowned and shrugged.

“I didn’t hear anything.” I said. Pepper frowned, but continued walking.

“You’d think we’d be nearing the bonfire,” she muttered, as she took a few more careful steps.

“I know. It’s weird, I can barely even hear the music.” Ethan said. Carter nodded in agreement.

“Yeah. Is it just me, or does it seem like the closer we get to the bonfire, the quieter the music gets?” Carter asked. James scoffed.