The Midnight Within

Chapter 47

By the time they reached the farm the smell of Paulie's truck was sickening. He never could place the smell which seemed to follow him wherever he went. Trez knew he wouldn't even try to get in the gate. He didn't have an invitation for one and was on the banned list as well. It didn't matter to him, he had other ways to get in and hanging out with Paulie was not one of them. He was out of the truck as soon as it stopped and was headed into the trees near the dump hole. He hated the smell here too but there was no easier way to sneak in. He followed the trail that took him to Chester's trailer, veering off right before the gate. He dug out his flashlight and used it to help him locate the trail until he was behind the barn. Swallowing his fear, he squeezed behind a pile of old tires and into the dark opening behind them.

Carefully he set his backpack down and let his eyes adjust to the pitch black as he tried to ignore the closterphobic feeling that came with being alone in such a small space. He had to be careful not to bump his head on the barns wooden floor as cobwebs tickled his face. He was beginning to think he should have stuck with Paulie and his wandering hands as he moved towards the door at the other end. He prayed there were no spiders or rats and was almost to the door when a cold breeze swirled up around his feet, freezing him in his tracks. The darkness behind him rippled. Fluttering the cobwebs and sending shivers down his spine. His pale arms broke out in gooseflesh as a soft voice whispered in his ear.

" Together forever, you promised. "

Trez's breath caught in his throat as the cool dusty air swirled around him, making his skin crawl. Had he really heard that? And what was that rustling sound? Was it his own clothing or something else? Swallowing his scream, Trez turned around in a circle trying to see everywhere at once.

" Together forever. " Came the whispered hiss as Thane's ghostly face formed in front of his disbelieving eyes. He did scream this time, dropping the flashlight and plunging himself into total darkness. He stumbled and his foot connected with something solid, something that rolled away from him as he bent down with shaking fingers to try and find the light. Silently praying to a god he was not sure he believed in he found the flashlight.

Breathing a sigh of relief shook the flashlight and screamed in horror at the sight of a headless moldering body was caught in the weak beam of light. It was wearing Thane's cloths and it's skull was between it's legs, mouth open in an eternal laugh. Swallowing his bile Trez tore his gaze away almost dropping the flashlight again. How had Thane gotten under the stage? They had buried him out in the corn. It didn't matter he guessed. He wasn't going to stick around to wait for anything else to happen. He picked up his backpack and hurried to the door that would lead him into the backstage area. He pushed on the wooden door and almost had a heart attack when it didn't come open right away. He could swear he heard more rustling and whispers behind him, freaking him out even more. Breathing hard he shoved his shoulder into the wood and went sprawling into the hallway. He caught sight of Britt going out the back and smiled. Hopefully she would take her time doing whatever she was doing, leaving him free to enjoy the party for a bit. Shouldering his backpack once more he slipped out the curtain and into the crowd, sticking to the shadows until he saw some familiar faces.