Living In Fear

Chapter 13: The Departure

Brooke sat down on the front porch steps with her camping bag by her side, looking out into the woods on the other side of the road. She listened to the small birds chirp in the morning air, that smelled like freshly cut grass and morning dew.

She couldn't stop thinking about what had happened a mere few days ago, sleep walking? Where was she going that day and more importantly, were there other times that she had sleep walked and no one knew?

It was nerve racking to think that 'it' could just place her in some kind of trace and she had no control over herself. Her mind flipped back and forth remembering something that had happened a long time ago.

The first time she had seen 'slender man' was a long time ago, she wanted to tell them about it then but couldnt seem to find the words. This whole time, all these years she thought that she was crazy, that she had to of been seeing things that day in the woods.

Now that they all saw him- Brooke paused for a moment and looked out at the trees in the distance, this is all my fault she thought wishing that she could change the past. Brooke close her eyes and stopped swaying her legs, "no, don't think like that Brooke" she told herself.

"Are you worried about this camping thing?" Annie's voice yelled out over her thoughts, It startled her and she jump. Brooke turn her head and watch Annie take a seat next to her. Brooke could see right through her sister, she's weak and tired, this thing has really drained her.

Annie was troubled with nose bleeds just about everyday, she looks half sick and doesnt get much sleep. Sometimes its hard to believe that it's only been a few weeks and yet things have changed so much.

Brooke gave Annie a fake smile but she could tell that she wasnt buying it, "I think I know a way out of all this, it wont be easy but I think we can do it." Annie said with a smile putting an arm around her sister.

"What is it?" Brooke asked suprised. "Im going to explain everything as soon as we're all together, we're going to be okay." Annie said about to cry. Brooke hugged her sister,

"Maddy's crazy for putting us all through this. I know she has good intentions to make the best of things, but this feels like a bad idea." Brooke said gazing out into the distance. They turn and face each other and simply stared for a long time, then Brooke took a deep breathe. "Annie, I think I should tell you that-"

The sound of a car horn suddenly blows and they look up to see Maddy pulling up to the curve. Maddy leans out the window as she rolls it down, "get your shit, I have to pick up Callie yet!" Annie rolls her eyes and stands up, "yeah,yeah- hold your shit Maddy we're coming." She yells back as Maddy sticks her head back in the window and rolls it up.

Annie picked up both bags and walks over to the back of Maddy's van. Annie opened the trunk and tossed the bags in, Brooke sat on the steps and watched "Come on Brooke, lets get going." Annie yelled slamming the trunk closed. "Coming." Brooke said looking snapping out of her daze and jumping into the van, shutting the door as Maddy let off the brake.

Annie sat in the back next to Brooke, "I may have found a way out of this mess." She said excitedly. Maddy smiled looking back at her, "thats great news! What is it?" She asked. "I tell you once we're all together, but I think we might be okay." Annie said sitting back in her seat. houses went by and after about fifteen minutes they pulled into a development.

Maddy pulled up to Calie's house, it was almost identical to the many other perfect yards that lined the street. Maddy blew the horn as Callie walked slowly out of the house with three bags in hand. she seemed to struggle a bit with closing the front door behind her, but she managed all the same. she slowly made her way to the back of the van.

Callie tossed her things into the back and slamed the trunk shut. She got into the front seat and sighed as she relaxed. Maddy started to drive off out of the rich housing area and on to the main road, "I've brought something for all of us so we can relax a little." Maddy said with a half evil smile on her face.

After about 30 minutes on the road, they pulled into a gas station to fill up and get some snacks. Maddy pumped the gas and waved over to her friends as they walked inside, "you guys go get whatever you want and then we'll take off for the highway."

Annie gave her a thumbs up and Brooke followed her into the store. "I think i'll just stay in the car." Callie said propping her feet up on the dash with the passengers side door open.

"alright" Annie called back walking into the store. Callie sat in the car with her arms crossed and eyes shut, she was half sleeping now since she hadn't slept in days and it showed. she suddenly jumped out of her light sleep and spurn forward with a gasp.

"every thing okay there Callie?" Maddy asked with a smile as she watched the meeter. "yeah, just peachy" she replied back. Callie looked at Maddy for the longest time before she sat up, "how do you deal with this so well?" she asked looking at Maddy. "what?" she asked pulling the pump from the tank and putting it back.

"how do you deal with this slender man so well, you look like nothings really happening to you at all." she said again. Maddy chuckled a bit, "I told you, I just act like its not there. it can't control you if you don't let it." she said with a smile. "I know but it just doesn't seem like it would work." Maddy leanded on the driver's door as she opened it, "does it look like it doesn't work?" she said smiling. "well no, but its not safe to bottle it all up like that." Maddy waved her off and rolled her eyes, "I feel fine Callie." Callie relaxed back into the seat and sighed.

Annie and Brooke came walking out of the store with bags of food and drinks for the long trip. Annie took the bags and shoved them into the back seats, "alright we're all ready to go." she said smiling. They both jumped into the back seats and closed the doors. Callie looked back at them, "how do you two deal with the slender man?" she asked turning to them.

Annie looked at her with confouseion at first, "we just manage, we have each other to keep the balance for now." she said looking at Brooke with a smile.

Callie slumped back into her seat, "I don't have a way to cop, im just... falling apart." she said softly closeing her eyes. "we're here for you Callie, don't worry." Maddy said closeing her door. Callie opened her eyes slightly and looked over at her emotionless, "thanks" she said.

Maddy turned the keys and zoomed out of the gas station, "lets go camping." She said in an excited tone. Maddy looked back at them and smiled, "don't worry so much, I picked a nice spot on the camp grounds where everyone seems to flock to, so we won't be off away from people like we normally are. I knew what im doing."

They all seemed to relax and smile a little, "and there's always the buddy system." Annie chuckled. As they often would, Callie turned on the music and within minutes Maddy was pulling onto the highway. For the first time in a long time there was a mutual feeling of happiness and excitment amougn the group. The car ride on the highway brought back old memories and good times, for a few hours they once more felt like themselves.