Loud

Chapter 9

It was finally the end of the day, a long one at that. But I just couldn't help myself. 

Right as we got upstairs, Josie grabbed her latest novel and snuggled up into bed. I watched some boring news channel until Josie finally went to sleep. I kissed her on the forehead and clicked the lightswitch on in her bedroom.

"Night," I said.

"Night. I love this place," she murmured as she drifted off.

As soon as I knew she was asleep, I raced into the living room and switched to my favorite show, Survivor. I grabbed the laptop that Josie had gotten instead of a computer desk and googled the house. I hadn't clicked on the other four results! 

The same...four results came up. Four? The first had been removed. I double-clicked on the second result and another blog popped up. It was called Lucinda's Corner. Come on! This was ridiculous! It seemed like everything was connected. Maybe it was. Maybe it was just a coincidence. Maybe I say maybe way too much.

I read through the most recent post. It had been made over 20 years ago. 

Hi guys! This is gonna be my last post, sorry! My mom's making me shut it down. :( As you know, I've been going to that house in the backyard, read previous posts to get more info-

I immediately skimmed over the rest and scrolled down to a long post she had made a few days earlier.

I'm freaked. I could barely get upstairs when I got home from the woods. I found an abandoned house! I even think it might be haunted! I know everyone doesn't believe in ghosts and such, but Isaw it. I did, really. I opened the fridge, and there was food. The daily newspaper was on the table next to a chair. It was as if everything had just been dropped. Like there was some kind of big crisis and everyone just had to leave without bringing anything along. But I did something bad. I'm afraid now. I took one of the black piano keys. Then I heard a noise from upstairs, like footsteps. But everything was covered in dust, no one could have lived there! I freaked and ran outside as fast as I could, sprinting all the way home. I took a big glass of water when I got inside and stumbled upstairs. And now, here I am. I don't know if I should go tomorrow or not. 

Oh yeah, and for anyone reading this: Do NOT contact our real estate agent. She. Is. Crazy!!!!!!!

Lucinda, over and out.

Sound familiar? Does to me. I scrolled to the very first entry. 

Hi. This is my version of a diary. My name's Lucinda. Let me start off about myself. You can't tell anyone though. It's secret. I just moved into this pacle called Shrewsbury, and my house is right next to the woods. Oh yeah, about me. I think I can...I don't know what to call it. You'll think I'm crazy. Good thing I'm not telling you my last name. Anyway, I think I can...create matter. I've just made soemthing out of thin air! If I concentrate hard enough, it'll be there! I'll never mention this again. And you won't either. Let me tell you about my day.

We met our real estate agent, some lady named Helen. She was in her 40's, but completely crazy. Yeah, I'm one to talk. I know. All she ever talked about was to not go into the woods haunting blah blah, ghosts blah blah, probably something about hot dogs, and other stuff. Then her eyes got really wide and she stared at me like she knew about my...gift. 

"Do not go in the house." Her eyes were burning into my soul. Then she snapped her head back up and kept walking. Oh, Got to go, my mom's calling me for dinner.

Lucinda, over and out. :D

I rolled my head around my neck. This was insane. 

"Gwen? Is that you, still awake?" It was Lucinda. Crap.

"Uh, yeah, just watching some tv." The show I had been watching had already finished and now a boring episode of Grey's Anatomy or some soap oprea like that was on. I quickly slammed the laptop closed. 

"Got a secret?" She asked.

"Doesn't everyone?" 

She seemed surprised. "Well, you have a big day of exploring the town tomorrow, and next week school starts. Time for bed. It's already midnight." I glanced at the clock.

"Oh. Okay." I stood and flipped off the tv. Then, just on instinct, I gave Lucinda my biggest bear hug. She slowly wrapped her arms around me. I released after a few seconds, realizing how awkward it must've been. 

I climbed under the sheets right as Lucinda closed the door. Before I knew what was what, I drifted off into deep sleep.