Double Take

Double Take-Chapter 6

Chapter 6­

          The engine slowed to a stop in front of my house, and I waited until the hatch unlocked to crawl out the back. The chief walked over, reinstating, “Thanks again, Clyde. Maybe you should look into volunteering when you are old enough.”

          I laughed and replied, “I just might.”

          He returned to his door, and clambered in, starting the engine. After they left, I approached the front door. Turning the knob, I push the door open and found my mom watching TV on the couch. She swiveled her head to look at me and shock painted her face.

          “What happened to you? Are you alright?” She came over and inspected my skin.

          “I’m fine mom. I was running and ran past a burning building, and got sprayed by the fire hose. I need a shower though, I’m pretty cold.” I edged past her and dragged my damp body up the stairs. I snatched some dry clothes and walked into the bathroom. Locking the door, I turned on the hot water and let myself relax in the heat.

          About 20 minutes later, still in the shower, I heard a car door slam shut. I looked out the bathroom window to see my dad returning from work. I stopped the stream of water and dressed quickly.

          Dad stepped into the house, grabbed a soda and plopped onto the love seat. He sighed for a few seconds, and then closed his eyes to rest. Mom leaned over, kissed him, and then went upstairs. Dad loosened his tie, and dress shirt. He shook his head and said, “Hey Clyde, how are you?”

          This might not be the best time to bring it up. “Pretty good, except for I got sprayed by a firehouse while jogging.” Dad looked worn out, partially from work, and his daughter being kidnapped and life threatened.

          “Oh, interesting.” The answer was half-hearted, as his mind was obviously on other issues. He pushed himself up off the chair and hauled himself towards the steps. “I’m exhausted; I am going to rest. We’ll talk later.” He cantered up the steps and soon disappeared into his bedroom.

          I missed my chance. The clock showed 3:05, and I had no idea what to do for the rest of the day. My legs were sore, so exercise wasn’t an option. I honestly was bored. I could go visit Ice. I pondered the thought for a moment. She wasn’t home last time I checked, so I decided against it.

          Going up the steps quietly, I enter my room and grabbed a magazine. Lying on my bed I flipped it open and scanned the pages. An hour dragged by with nothing exciting. My supply of magazines was soon dry, and Dad was still asleep. I assumed Mom had joined him, because she hadn’t gone down either.

          Pushing myself up, I approached the stairs and guided myself down with help from the railing. Reaching the bottom, I surveyed the room in front of me and mulled over my options. Food was always a possibility. I walked to the kitchen and poured myself a glass of orange juice. Holding the cup in my hand, I returned to the living room and headed to the computer again. I opened the internet and logged onto my email. A few emails from classmates are unopened and I ignored them. I glanced over to the side and saw a ton of spam. Opening that folder, I deleted them all and soon they disappeared. Back to my inbox, a red flashing message filled my screen, blocking everything else. It looks like an ad, but suddenly I realized it’s not.

          On my screen, in flashing letters, the words YOU WILL DIE enveloped the monitor. I tried to exit it, but nothing worked. It continued to roll across my screen and lighted the area around me bright red. Blood red. Desperate, I shut down the computer, and soon the message dissolved into black. Wow, that was disturbing.