The Class on Calculator Lane

Chapter 6: "Dare is Care"

Priya paced back and forth at the end of Sophie's bedpost explaining," So let me get this straight. No one has ever escaped that room beside us? There was a group before us that got their picture taken. We weren't the only ones that escaped."

Rachael asked," Can you find out a list of their names?"

Priya rolled her eyes," Now that's a stupid question. Of course, I can Rachael! You can thank my dad too!" she pulled out her phone, pulling up the list of reservations on the dark web. Scrolling to the group before her reservation, lied a familiar name, yet different," It appears a person named Jack Hall made a reservation. Once I hack into his profile, we can pay him a visit!"

"Ummm... Priya, it's Christmas Eve. I know you're not going to let this go, but is it possible... "

Priya interrupted," And what Mahala? Just so I can go home and have this stupid holiday remind me of my parents? I'm good!" She sped out the door as the other two followed.

Rachael mentioned," We have a lead if you want to come with us."

Morgan shook her head," I think I'm just going to stay here for the time being. Good luck!" The three girls entered the elevator, whipping their hair over their shoulders simultaneously. Falling to the first floor, they exited the depressing atmosphere into the bright, blue sky shedding countless light. Glancing at her watch, Mahala saw that it was nearly 5 o'clock.

"Alright Priya, where does he live?" Mahala asked.

Priya's eyes widened. A massive butterfly ached a sharp pain in her stomach. Her phone stumbled out of her weakened hands, making contact with the paved road. Mahala shouted her name, shoving her to the ground. They both collapsed. The car's four wheels barely missing them. Helping her up, they noticed the black SUV. Similarly, it seemed to be the same car that ran over Sophie Palmer.

Priya mentioned," Wait, isn't that your car Rachael?"

"Nope, my car is right here," they hopped in placing their seatbelts over their shoulders," apparently my car is popular."

Priya mentioned," Well I managed to hack into the car's GPS system, and I happen to know where they are going. Prepare yourselves and set course for Acident Street. The one place I swore to never return."

* * * * *

By the time they arrived, the sun had set into darker territory. The only dim lighting from the lamps cascaded their shadows, elongating over the apartment complex. At the end of the road, was a parked black SUV, one of the same towards Rachael's car.

Priya recalled the last time she was here. Julia went undercover to buy drugs only to find out a new creation on the market. They nearly died trying to save their asses, only for Priya to take the sample herself. The man was just an ordinary drug dealer, except he was something more; something greater.

She knocked on the door only for Jack to answer. Immediately, he slammed it nearly shut until Mahala jammed her bare foot, slamming it against the wall. Inside, roamed festivity all over. In the living room, lied a Christmas tree barely touching upon the ceiling with a brightened, gleeful star. Lights, mistletoes, and sweet decorative candy canes scattered all over the cabinets and walls. The sweet cheerful Christmas music winding in the background.

Jack wore a knitted Christmas sweater with a candy cane marked in the center with red and white stripes. He held a red-handled lighter in his hand, several lit up candles spread amongst the kitchen countertops. His face lit up, a fiery glow in his eyes from the press of a button. Lighting up one last candle, he turned to face the group with unseen rage.