The Tunnel

By

Tanja Milojevic age fifteen.

Chapter one

The Argument

It was the last day of August and the day before high school started for Mali Glass who was fifteen and not very popular. She had a best friend the only one it seemed, named Carrie. Mali was packing last years-unused binders and notebooks and folders into a new schoolbag that her mother had gotten her. She had no life, no boyfriend, and everyone thought she was the most unpopular girl in history. They also thought that Carrie was the same. That’s how she and Carrie had become friends.

Mali was middle class and an only child. Her mother Marry, did not pay much attention to her because she was a hairdresser and had lots of customers daily. Her father John, was a car salesman and hardly home. Mali spent most of her lonely time writing stories on her desktop computer. She liked to write horror stories with unexpected endings. She had five written already and hoped to get them published someday.

“Mali? Come down to dinner. Then you can finish packing your books.” Mary called from the kitchen. “O.K. mom I’ll be right there. I’m almost done with this anyway.” Mali called back closing her bag and putting it in her closet. She saved the new story about a teenage girl who falls in love with a cursed boy in school. She called it Cursed Love. She turned off her computer and went down stairs.

Her mother was sitting at the kitchen table and eating. She sat down in her usual place and started eating her spaghetti and meatballs. ”You excited about high school?” Mary asked. “Sure mom.” Mali replied a little bitterly, and stared at the forkful of spaghetti. “What’s wrong sweetie?” Mary asked gently. “Well it’s just that I’m not popular and no one notices me.” Mali replied quickly. “I think that will change because kids are more mature now. But you already have a friend. Don’t you?” Mary replied puzzled. “Yeah but Carrie is my only friend, and everyone thinks she’s unpopular too. And mom, you know that kids never change. They’ll think I’m invisible for the rest of my miserable life. If you can even call this life.” Mali replied angrily. “Now Mali, what’s wrong with this life? You have everything you could ever want. Why would you want to get mixed up with kids that do drugs, and rape people? It’s better this way because you can get your grades up.” Mary replied firmly. “WHY THE HELL DO YOU TALK ABOUT MY FRICKING GRADES ALL THE TIME? BESIDES, I TOLD YOU THAT I’LL GET THEM UP.” Mali yelled furiously. “Mali, there’s no need to shout. And don’t ever swear like that again when you’re talking to me. Do you understand?” Mary said just as angrily. “ What ever. I don’t want to deal with this crap right now. I’m done, so if you’ll excuse me Miss know it all, I’m going upstairs.” Mali said. “You’re grounded for a week Mali, for calling me a know it all. That means going nowhere, no phone or T.v., and no computer.” Said Mary furiously. “You can’t take away the computer because I might need it to do my homework this week, and I’ll need it for my new story that I’m writing.” Said Mali smartly. “Fine then, you can’t use the Internet, and if you do, I’ll find out.” “Fine as if I don’t have enough of a life. Take away more.” Mali said going upstairs. “I heard that you know. I can make that two weeks if you want.” Mary called. “NO THANKS” Mali called back angrily.

Mali went upstairs sulkily and wrote a half a page more of her story. It wasn’t fair. No one understood how she felt. Not even her mother, whom she was suppose to tell everything, and who was suppose to help her no matter what. “At least that’s what she told me.” Mali thought angrily.

Just then, her father came home from work, and as she heard him and her mom talking in the kitchen, she got ready for bed. “You all ready for school tomorrow Mali?” Mary called from the kitchen. “You know I am mom. I’m already in bed. Hi dad.” Mali called back. “Hi Mali.” “Alright you don’t have to be smart about it. I was only asking.” “What ever stupid.” Mali thought angrily. She had a hard time getting to sleep because she was worrying about how the kids would treat her tomorrow.

Chapter Two

Meeting Billie

The next morning, Mali’s alarmclock rang at six A.M. She jumped out of bed startled. “What the-, Ho just my alarm clock.” She said breathing hard. She got dressed quickly and went down stairs. As usual, her mother was waiting for her in the kitchen. “Good morning Mali, Hurry up and eat, you have eggs and then a waffle with jam.” Mary said cheerfully. “Thanks mom.” Mali said in a groggy voice. It wasn’t fair. It was always the same breakfast. “Alright I have to go to work now. You be good, and have a wonderful first day.” She kissed Mali on the cheek and left. Mali was all-alone now and she sat down at the table and ate her breakfast.

A half an hower later, she was out the door with her red sports bookbag on her back and her housekeys in her blue jacket pocket. She went to the bus stop that was a few minutes away from her red brick house with its perfectly cut lawn. As she arrived, she immediately saw Carrie who was standing alone and not in a group.

“Hey Carrie, ready for high school?” “Yeah guess so. I’m ready as I’ll ever be. That includes the tontings.” Carrie said sulkily. “Yeah I know what you mean. But we’ll get threw it.” Mali said sympathetically. They got on the bus and headed towards the back. “Hi Carrie. Remember me?” Said a boy with dark brown hair and pearsing blue eyes. “Ofcourse I remember you Jake. I saw you at the fair in July. Ho and this is Mali my best friend.” Said Carrie pleased. “Nice to meet you Mali.” Said Jake looking at Mali. “Nice to meet you too.” Mali replied shyly. “Ho and by the way, I forgot to introduce you to my best friend Billie Gun.” Said Jake pointing to the boy next to him who had brown hair and blue eyes, and was wearing a light blue shirt with black geens and gray Nikes. “Nice to meet you both.” Billie said politely. “He’s fifteen and is going to ninth grade just like us.” Jake explained. “That’s really cool.” Mali said with a smile. “Ho I didn’t know that the losers club was getting larger.” Said a fat girl with long hair. ” There’s always room for more people with some brains in our club. Jackass.” “Alright Jake chill out.” Said Billie warningly. “You, smart mouth, will get your ass kicked some day.” Said the girl walking away. “That’s Rachel the snotty popular girl. Why she’s popular beats me but,” “I know why she’s popular, it’s because she hangs out with the brainless jerks.” “Jake you really need to chill or you will get beat up some day.” Billie said. “Ho come on they’re asking for a nice ass kicking.” “Yeah but the last time you wanted to kick their ass, you got beaten to a pulp, and if I hadn’t interfered, they would have broken something.” “O.K. Billie I get it but,” Just then the bus started, and Mali was about to fall, when Billie caught her. She grabbed the hand pole in the bus quickly. “Thanks.” “No problem.” They sat next to each other for the rest of the bus ride, and Jake and Carrie sat together.

Chapter three

The Cafeteria

Ten minutes later they arrived at school. “Where do we go now?” Mali asked. “We just follow the crowd.” Jake said. “We have to go to the cafeteria so they can sort us in our classes.” Billie explained. “How do they sort us?” Mali asked. “They give us lists.” Billie replied. “Alright lets go and catch the crowd. Come on Billie. You want to catch up guys?” Jake asked looking at Carrie and Mali. “Sure go ahead.” Carrie said. They walked ahead. “So what do you think of Jake?” Carrie asked in a hesitant voice. “I think that he is a comity freak. No, I think he’s really cool.” Mali said seriously. “I’m glad you think so.” “You know, I really think you two make a good couple.” Mali said earnestly. “You really think so?” “Yeah sure, he really likes you and you like him. I can tell. But what do you think about Billie? Have you met him before?” Asked Mali hesitantly. “No I haven’t met him before. I think he’s really your type because he’s really sweet, it seems like.” “I think that I’m really starting to like him. Isn’t it a coincidence that we are all best friends and we like each other?” Mali asked surprised. “Yeah you know it is.” Said Carrie. “You know, you and Billie, Well as I said you would make a good couple.” “Did you see when I almost fell, that he caught me?” “Yeah,” “And then he sat next to me for the rest of the ride?” Mali asked excitedly. “Yeah, but did you fall unperpose so he could be the nearest to you and catch you?” Carrie asked slyly. “Ho shut up.” Mali replied in mock anger elbowing Carrie. “OUCH That HURT.” Replied Carrie elbowing Mali back.

When they walked into the cafeteria, Billie and Jake were saving them seats. “Ho how sweet, Billy’s saving you a seat.” “Ho shut up.” Mali replied between gritted teeth. “I can see that Jake’s saving you a seat.” “Yeah that’s for sure.” Said Carrie proudly. They sat down. A minute later the helpers handed each student a paper. “This is what classes you’ll have, and who will be in your classes.” Said Miss. Holes, a blond teacher who was new. we’re together in all of the classes except for gym class.” Jake said a minute later looking at the list since he had gotten his list first. “Wow what a coincidence.” Carrie said surprised. “Are all of us in the same classes except for gym?” Billie asked unbelievingly. “Yeah hard to believe isn’t it?” “Yeah.” Billie said quietly exchanging a quick shy look with Mali who was smiling. When she saw him look at her, she flushed bright red. He couldn’t believe that he was almost in all the classes as this girl. He was starting to like her. He suspected that she liked him a little as well because of the look she had given him just now. Or because of her sitting next to him. He didn’t know. He was glad because he had felt that no one had ever wanted to be his friend. And now, But he shouldn’t get in to that just yet. He wasn’t even sure that she even liked him yet. “Starting?” “What? “ “Umm I was just wondering when homeroom starts.” Mali asked again. “I think in about five minutes.” He paused uncertainly. “Ah sorry about not hearing you the first time, I was just thinking about our,” Lessons? The fact that we’re in the same class? If you like me or not? “Work that we might get today.” “Ho that’s O.K.” Said Mali with a smile. “O.K. I won’t say anything that stupid again. She probably thinks I’m stupid right now.” He thought.

“Alright everyone, time to head to your classes.” Said the blond teacher. Just as they were about to leave, she handed out their nametags. “Sorry a little late, but your name tags were at the bottom of the pile. I’ll see you in a few. I’m your homeroom teacher, as well as your English teacher.” “All right thanks Miss. Holes.” Billie said as they took there papers and headed to there class.

Chapter four

The Story

They walked upstairs to the second floor to a room that was labeled 217. They walked in to a fairly large room with chairs set up on the desks. “Now class line up against that wall.” Miss. Holes said pointing to the wall with the blank bolted board on it. “I have gotten a seating arrangement already from the principle which I have to follow.” There was a groan from the class. “Now I know what you’re thinking. But it isn’t that bad. You all got seats next to you’re friends. I asked the principle to put the people who know each other together so they feel more comfortable about where they sit.” She paused, as the class looked relieved. “So let’s get on with it. Louis and Gary and Harry?” She pointed to a group of three boys standing next to each other. “You in the front. Mali and Billie? You in the middle isle at that table.” She pointed at the last row in the back. “Now we have Susan and Bob. You at the front in the last isle.” She pointed to a red haired girl and a brown haired boy. “And next we have Carrie and Jake. You in the isle next to Billie and Mali? Mary?” “No it’s Mali.” “Sorry Mali. Jake? Carrie? In the last row.” As she kept reading the list, Jake and Carrie sat next to Billie and Mali, and set their book bags down next to their chairs.

“So have you guys heard that the Underhand tunnel has been closed?” Jake asked in a whisper. “Yes but I don’t know why.” Mali said and Carrie nodded. “Well Billie and I know it. Don’t we Billie?” “Yeah but I wish I didn’t. It’s a bad story.” Billie said quietly. “Why? What happened?” Mali asked. “I’m not the best sound effects person, so I think that Jake should tell it and I’ll confirm or add. Is that O.K.?” Billie asked amusedly. “Yeah man, I better tell the story because I’m the story telling champ.” Jake said in a count Dracula voice. “Ho shut up and spare us the advertisement talk.” Said Carrie elbowing Jake hard in the ribs. “Ouuuu that hurt. No I’m just kidding. You got no muscles.” “Excuse me?” Carrie said in an insulted voice, and gave him an you’re asking for it look. She punched him in the stomach. “Hey guys chill out. You don’t want to get in trouble with the teacher whose right there.” Billie said warningly pointing to Miss Holes who was still sorting students. “O.K. don’t worry we’ve got it under control.” Carrie punched Jake again. “Ouch Am I a punching bag now?” “Yeah Do you still have comments on my muscles?” Mali asked defensively. “All right I was just joking.” “You better be.” Carrie said warningly. “And I don’t sound like an advertiser for story telling voices.” Jake said exasperatedly. “Yeah you do.” Carrie said. “O.K. can we get back to the story?” Mali asked. “Sure she got me off track.” Jake said jokingly pointing to Carrie who gave him a watch out look.

“All right class,” Miss. Holes said from the front of the room. “I am Miss. Holes and I am your homeroom and English teacher, and I am sure that we’ll learn lots this year.” She gave Rachel a look Rachel was sitting next to Chad who apparently was her boyfriend. Chad was the most popular guy in school. “For homeroom,” Miss. Holes continued, “Witch lasts only thirty minutes, we will be talking amongst our selves because I must confirm your home and emergency numbers and addresses. You know all that good stuff.” The class nodded enthusiastically. Having a free period sounded good. “I will go around the room so I don’t want loud talking or I’ll make you do a worksheet for warm-ups.”

“So tell us the story.” Said Mali excitedly in a whisper. “Well it was a dark and stormy night.” Jake began in a Count Dracula voice. “Cut the crap and tell it in your normal voice. When you try to sound like Dracula, you fail miserably. You sound like your voice is going horse.” Carrie said. “Ho shut up.” Jake said elbowing her. “Toosheye.” Said Carrie. “Well basically it was Halloween and they closed the Underhand tunnel off to cars because it was old and they needed to fix it on both ends since it was about to calapse.” “Wow” Mali said amaised. “This was about five years ago.” Billie added. “Yeah. There was this girl. I think her name was, Billie do you know her name?” Jake asked uncertainly. “Yeah I think it was Alex. Her friends dared her to go in the tunnel and to try to get in as far as she could. I mean as far as she dared.” “Well you can imagine what she said to the dare.” Jake said mysteriously. “She said yes?” Mali asked. “Yeah.” Billie replied. “So this stupid girl walks in and walks as far as she dares witches about fifty feet in. She suddenly gets dragged in by a dead person who was working on the tunnel to build it and died from suffocation because he was in the middle of the tunnel and there were lots of gasses in the tunnel then.” Jake continued. “Or at least that’s what they say.” Billie said. “Yeah. So then suddenly the ends of the tunnel fall in and the girl is suffocated to death.” Jake finished. “Why couldn’t they save her?” Carrie asked. “Because by the time they moved enough of the rocks to get in, she was already dead.” Jake replied knowingly. “So what did you think of the story Mali?” Billie asked. “Did you think it was a bad story?” “Well, I thought it was a bad story because the girl shouldn’t be so daring. If she weren’t so stupid, that wouldn’t have happened. I think that the dead person part is just an exaggeration.” Mali said in a can’t be true, voice. “No I don’t believe that part either. Just exaduration.”Billie said. Just then the teacher came over to their table. “Last but certainly not least. All right Billie, you first. Your home number is 617-889-3296?” “Yes” Billie confirmed. “Your emergency number is 617-818-5013?” “Yes.” Billie said. She showed him the address and it was correct. Then she confirmed Jake’s Carry’s and Mali’s information, and it was all-correct. Just then the bell rang. “O.K. now we have science lets go.” Jake said. They got their bags and left for science.

Chapter Four

The Test

Their science class was only a few doors to the left of their homeroom class. “This is cool, we don’t have to travel up and down to get to science.” Jake said as the crowd of students dispersed to go to their classes. “Yeah it is so you don’t have to walk a long distance. Jerky.” Carrie said jokingly smiling. “That’s not true, and don’t call me Jerky. I’ll get you back for that.” “Alright Jerky.” Said Carrie with a smile. And chuckled. Jake jabbed her in the ribs just as a student pushed past and both Carrie and the student who happened to be Rachel fell. “Huh, I told you I’d get you back. And look you bumped poor little Rachel who thinks she’s smart. But all she can do is fart.” Jake said laughing. Fortunately, Rachel heard none of this because she was too bissy complaining. “Ho you jerks will really pay for this.” “Sorry Rachel it was an accident.” Carrie said. “What you going to do? Go running to a little teacher and cry to her that your fat ass got pushed?” Jake asked in a good imitation of a little kid’s voice. “Jake you really need to shut up or you will be expelled on the first day.” Billie said warningly. Rachel stomped away angrily. “You show her.” Carrie said. “You really go too far sometimes,” Billie said. “I know but it’s fun. And besides, did you see the little pug? She walked away like her feet were broken or something.” Jake said. “Umm Guys? Shouldn’t we go in to science before we get caught or before the bell rings?” Mali asked in a hesitant voice. “Yeah lets go.” Billie said, and they walked in and sat in the back before the teacher could notice them.

As they sat down, the teacher walked to the front of the room. “Hello class we will get to know each other as the days go on. I’m Miss. Carpet, and I’m your science teacher.” The teacher began. “Well daaa like we didn’t know.” Jake said in a whisper witch carried threw the room and the whole class sniggered including Billie Mali and Carrie. “Good one.” Carrie exclaimed. “No remarks from the peanut gallery.” Miss. Carpet said angrily pointing to Jake. “What’s your name please?” “I’m Count Dracula and am here to suck your blood.” Jake said boldly in a count Dracula voice. “Excuse me? If I hear one more rood remark from you, I will send you to the office.” She said very angrily as the class laughed. “Class settle down. Now.” She snapped. “ Now for the last time what’s your name?” “His name is Jake.” Billie said. “Thank you,” “Billie, I’m Billie.” Billie said. “Thank you Billie. I don’t have trouble remembering the trouble makers names but with the quiet kids, it’s harder.” Miss. Carpet said. “Keep doing that it’s really funny.” Carrie said. “Don’t worry I can’t help it, It’s what I was born to do.” Jake whispered back. “It seems like we’re the only quiet people in this group. “ Mali whispered to Billie. “Yeah that’s for sure.” “You know I had an argument with my mom last night?” “Really? Why?” Billie asked puzzled. “Well because of me not having a life.” She hesitated. ”But now I think that’s Changing.” Billie stared at her and smiled. “So what do you do in your free time?” He asked slowly trying to pick his words carefully. “I write short stories.” “Really?” Billie looked surprised. “Same here.” “Wow. That’s really cool.” Mali replied also really surprised.

“All right, as I can see, every one is here.” Miss. Carpet said. “To start off, today we will take a test to-“ Every one groaned. “Refresh our memories and see how much we’ve learned. This will count on your report cards.” She said and every one groaned again and started whispering. “HEY MIS. CARPET.” Jake shouted angrily. “That’s not fair. It shouldn’t count. It’s just to see how much we remember.” “Jake it’s not my disision. It’s the principle’s.” She said as the class murmured in agreement with Jake. “And any ways you were suppose to go over your materials over the summer.” “No one told us that. This is bull shit.” Jake said angrily. “Don’t ever say that disgusting word in my class again or I will report it.” Miss. Carpet said just as angrily. She went around the table passing out the two page tests. “You have thirty minutes since our friend Jake wasted fifteen minutes already.” Jake gave her a disgusted look and when she turned her back, he gave her the middle finger. “Jake you really need to go to anger management class.” Billie said looking at Jake as though he had never seen him before. “Although I agree with you, It’s not fair.” Billie added and Carrie and Mali nodded. “You show that teacher. I totally agree with you Jake.” Carrie said approvingly. “Thanks.” Jake said looking at the others. “I guess I do need anger Management classes. But I really feel like kicking her ass.” Jake said.

She came to there table and passed out the tests with out a word. Then, she went to the front and said, “Start now.” Jake and the others looked at their papers. The first question red.

What two elements form water?

Hydrogen and Oxygen

B. Helium and Oxygen

C. Hydrogen and Chlorine

D. Fluorine and Oxygen

“This is bull.” Jake said circling B. everyone else circled A.

Thirty minutes later, Miss. Carpet collected the multiple-choice tests and took them to the front and quickly graded them. With in the last five minutes she passed them back. Carrie got a C. plus. Mali and Billie both got an A. plus. Jake got his paper back and stared at the large red F. written at the upper right hand corner of his paper. It looked like a blood mark. Then the rage flooded in and the worry of what his parents would say. He was going to make the stupid know it all teacher pay. She was trying to look serious. But he knew that she was laughing inside. They all saw his face get really angry. “Jake are you O.K.?” Billie asked uncertainly. “I’ll make you pay. I was suppose to get an A. I worked hard for it and you gave me an F. this wasn’t even suppose to count.” Jake said in a calm voice and got off his chair. He went around the desk and punched the teacher in the stomach. “Hugh TAKE THAT AND THAT. Hugh Hugh Hugh.” He kept on punching her and she fell backwards. Every one was frozen for a moment and Billie got off his chair and grabbed one of Jake’s arms. “Jake what do you think you’re doing? Are you trying to kill her?” Jake gave the teacher a bloody nose with his free hand, and Billie grabbed that arm too and tried to pull Jake away but he wouldn’t let him. “Let go of me She deserves it.” Jake said out of breath now. “It’s, Just, a, test.” Billie said trying to pull him off. Then Carrie and Mali helped and they finally pulled him off together. Miss. Carpet was still on the ground and her nose was still bleeding. She was groaning.

There was a large group at the door just frozen in place watching. Rachel was at the front. “I’m going to get security. You’ll get busted for this.” She said in a tear-choked voice. “Poor Miss. Carpet.” “Jake what’s gotten into you?” Carrie asked. “She can’t make up her own rules. She can’t make a test that is suppose to refresh our memories count on our report cards.” Jake said still angry. “Yeah, But you didn’t have to beat her up.” Said Carrie. “It’s my only chance to get the principle to talk to me.” Rachel was still standing there. “What’s up Rachel? Got immobilized? Are you teacher’s pet so you’re going to protect her now? Ho I’m sorry. I should have known. You and her work together on what rules you’re going to make up. Don’t you?” Jake asked. “No that’s a lie, I’ll get you back for beating her up.” Rachel said really crying now. “Alright liar cry baby, what you gonna do? Aren’t you going to get security yet?” “Jake shut up you’re going way too far.” It was Billie speaking this time. Jake looked at him surprisedly. “I just don’t want you to get into any more trouble than you’re already in.” Said Billie apologetically. When they looked back at the doorway, Rachel was gone. “Guess she went to get security.” Billie said. “Yeah” Jake replied indifferently. “Wow that was fantastic.” One student said. “Yeah you sure showed the little,” Another student agreed. “Thanks” Jake said. “If you make me loose my job, I’ll hate you for the rest of my life.” Miss. Carpet said between clenched teeth. Apparently she had heard the whole conversation. “Ho don’t worry I will. I really don’t care if you hate me. I’m use to it.” Jake paused considering it. “You really got to understand that you can’t make up your own rules because someone will find out. Just remember that.” Jake added in a softer tone of voice. “Look I may have taken it a little too hard, and for that I’m sorry. I already said that I need anger management classes, but if you’re not a jack ass, others won’t be jackasses back to you.” Jake said really meaning it. “Take it from me I know.” He added. The teacher did not react in any other way to those words than to scowl. “Apology not excepted and I hope you rot in hell.” She said. Jake stared at her for a moment. “I expected that.” He said. He kicked her in the side and she groaned. “Now Miss Carpet, we can’t have you talking like that. I expect to see your resignation on my desk in an hour. Good job boy. But I wouldn’t use that kind of language in the future. Ho and less violence. No just a little less, I loved that last kick.” It was the principal Mr. Henrys. Miss. Carpet started sobbing and ran out of the room. Before she was gone though, she gave Jake a look of absolute hatred and looked at the principle in pure disbelief. Billie, Carrie, and Mali all kept looking from the teacher, to the principle, and to Jake in disbelief and amazement. ”Well you all have classes now. You’re already late. The bell rang ten minutes ago. Didn’t you hear it?” The principle asked. Everyone shook their heads. “What you looking at?” the principle asked the students still gathered at the door. “Get to class.” He paused. “Ho yes, and you who are suppose to be in here, stay here. We’ll get a sub in a moment.” He looked at the students at the door slyly. “Ho yes and no funny business while you’re alone. Go on, get to class.” They all dispersed at once. “Go ahead you four you can get to class now too.” He looked at his watch. “Ho it’s first lunch for you. Go ahead.” He left the room. “What a wonderful day this is.” Mali said. “Yeah I know.” Billie agreed. They all headed to the cafeteria.

Chapter Five

The Fight over Bacon

They walked into the cafeteria together. It was crowded. They managed to squeeze into a lunchline. “So what’s for lunch?” Jake asked a girl in front of him. “Today it’s Bacon on the side with Tacos and cheese.” A red headed girl who looked to be in junior year like them replied. “Ho grate” Jake exclaimed. “I love tacos and good crispy Bacon and especially with cheese.” “What other foods do you like?” Mali asked “Well,” Jake tried to act considering. “I like, No I love lasagna.” He finished in a way too enthusiastic voice. “That’s cool. How about you Billie?” Mali asked. “Well I like pizza. But I can eat any food. I’m not picky.” Billie replied. They went threw the line and Jake wanted extras but the lady wouldn’t let him. They went to a table and sat down. “I don’t see why they won’t let us get extras. I love fricken Bacon.” Jake complained. “Jake if you really love Bacon that much, well I’ll give you mine.” Carrie said. “Thanks Carrie.” Jake said surprised. “Sure.”

They sat down and Jake started eating at once. They could see that he wasn’t fat but all muscles. Billie knew that Jake worked out because he would be in the gym after school working out. But Billie didn’t understand how Jake could just beat people up for almost no reason. He was amazed that Jake had beaten up the science teacher like that. Billie thought “I could never beat any one up like that and think that it is fun. I mean I’m strong enough but I wouldn’t beat them up for no reason. I just wouldn’t have the heart.” Mean while, Jake was eating away and no one had noticed that Rachel had joined them. “So I see that you aren’t expelled yet.” She said glaring daggers at Jake who looked up and gave her if possible an even worse look. “What are you doing here you little pug?” Jake asked in a cold and taunting voice. “I’m not a pug and” He cut her off in mid sentence. “Than what are you doing here? Go and sit with your boyfriend Chad. Ho I should have noticed. He probably dumped you because even he can see that you are too dumb for him. He even has more brains than you do. Dumb ass.” Jake said. “Shut up just shut up.” She said with her eyes welling up with tears again. “Jake don’t get into that. It’s not your business.” Billie said warningly. Jake ignored him. “And as you can see, I’m not busted. But your brain isn’t reporting it to your head. And by the way I got that teacher fired.” Jake said finishing his Bacon. “Good I don’t like her any way. I just wanted to get you in trouble.” Rachel said smugly. “Why you little bit,” Billie stepped on his foot cutting him off. “Watch out she could report you.” He whispered in an undertone. “I don’t care.” Jake whispered back. “Hey fat ass” Jake said to Rachel. “Give me that Bacon.” “No I love Baken. It’s mine.” She said defensively. “I’m warning you, give me that Bacon or you loose that high nose of yours.” Jake said earnestly. “No it’s mine I’m not giving it to you.” She said. Jake lunged across the table. “JAKE NO.” Billie shouted trying to grab Jake’s arms. But it was too late. Jake had already punched Rachel in the nose and then he took the milk and spilled it on her shirt. “Hugh TAKE THAT Hugh.” He shouted. Then he took the Bacon and ate it quickly. He sat back down and looked inisantly at Rachel whose nose was bleeding and swelling up like a tomato. “I told you to give me the Bacon. You wouldn’t. So I had to punch you. You can block it by working out. You really need to go to the gym anyway. The teachers will come soon and you will tell them that you dropped the milk on the floor.” He pushed the milk on to the floor where it spilled. “Then you’ll say that you bent down to get it and you hit the table with your nose and that’s why it’s like this. If you say otherwise, I’ll find out and punch your whole face in.” Jake said threateningly in a bankrobber’s voice. “You understand?” He asked in a low and deep voice. Rachel nodded fearfully. “Come on lets go” Jake said. They all left. Billie went over to a teacher and said, “That girl’s nose is bleeding.” “Thanks” the teacher said and hurried over to Rachel. “Why did you do that?” Jake asked. “Well we have to tell someone or it will seem suspicious.” Billie replied. “Smart thinking. Very smart.” Jake said proudly thumping Billie on the back. “Hey Jake that voice was great.” Carrie said jabbing him in the ribs. “You really scared her. But you really didn’t mean to punch her that hard did you? And you aren’t really going to punch the rest of her face in are you?” Carrie asked anxiously. “Because if you do, you’ll get into a lot of trouble.” She said worriedly. “No I didn’t mean to punch her that hard. And of course I didn’t mean that I was going to punch the rest of her face in. I just wanted to scare her a little. I know what I’m doing.” Jake said reassuringly. “O.K. just making sure.” Carrie said relieved. “I will punch the rest of her fat face in if she keeps acting like a jurk though.” Jake said jokingly. Carrie jabbed him in the ribs again. “Hugh” She said trying to sound like him. “No it’s HUAH” Jake said punching her lightly in the stomach. “Ouch that hurt.” Carrie said. “Wow you’re weak.” Jake said joking around. Just then the bell rang. “Come on lets get to our classes. I’ll see you in math.” Billie said. “O.K. See you.” Jake said and they went to their classes.

Chapter Six

The Question

Mali took her class list out of her pocket while she was heading out the door with Billie and looked at it. “I have gym next. How about you Billie?” Billie took his out of his pocket and unfolded it. It was folded perfectly. He was the neatest boy she had ever met. She really had a crush on him now. “I have Art.” He replied. “Ho” They had different specialists every quarter. They headed down the hall and towards the stairs because all of the specialists were on the first floor. Jake and Carrie had already left while they were checking their lists. Mali had noticed with satisfaction that Billie had waited for her. While going down they both noticed a paper on the wall that announced that this evening at six o’clock there was an opening for school dance in the gymnasium lasting an hour. Tickets will be coming around at the end of the day and it will cost one dollar. “Ho wow.” Mali exclaimed. “An opening dance, that’s really cool.” “Yeah I know.” Billie said. But he couldn’t muster up enough courage to ask Mali out. But he thought that he could do it later. After all, He did have two dollars on him. No. He had more like five. That was grate he could even buy her a snack and soda. But of course that was only if she said yes. “Rare chance of that” He thought glumly, if not a little hopefully. “All right I’ll see you in Math.” Mali said, and Billie noticed that they had gotten to the bottom of the stairs. “Ho sure.” He said and headed left while she headed right.

Mali ran to the gym because she didn’t want to be any later than she already. She was thinking about the notice she had just seen. She couldn’t believe that there was a dance tonight. If any one was going to ask her out, “If any one will. I’m just a nerd to every one any ways.” She thought, but if any one was to ask her out, it should be Billie. She already really had a crush on him, and by the way he was looking at her, she suspected that he had a crush on her as well. She really liked the group of friends she was in. “Well maybe Jake is a little violent. But he has a point.” She thought amused. She was happy for the first time in a long time. She was glad that Jake had beaten up Rachel because Rachel was a bully in almost every grade that Mali had had her in.

She walked in to the gym and every one was dribbling basketballs around the gym. “Now alternate hands. That’s it.” Mr. Brice said in a loud voice with out noticing her come in. She didn’t care. It was better this way because she wouldn’t get into any trouble. Mali walked into the equipment shed that was connected to the gym, and got a basketball from the large brass-shopping cart. She headed back into the gym walking aimlessly around the gym alternating hands, and avoiding people. Ten minutes after they had started running and dribbling, Mali headed into the hall to get a drink. She was very thirsty from running. There was no one at the fountain so she headed towards it and drank. The water was wonderfully cool. She finished and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. She noticed that the door of the boy’s bathroom witch was right next to the fountain was opening and Chad the most popular kid was coming out alone. She pretended not to notice and started heading back when he called after her, “HEY WAIT” “Yeah?” She said turning back and looking at him surprised. “I umm,” He started uncertainly. “I, You,” He couldn’t find words to say what he wanted to say. She couldn’t believe that. She thought that he would always have the words that he meant. Could it even be that he was nervous to tell her something or ask her something? “You’re Mali right?” “Yeah?” She said questioningly. “Umm today that fight with Rachel and the science teacher, well that was great. They both deserved it. You hang out in a grate group.” He hesitated. “I broke up with Rachel because she was very stupid. Umm I think that you’re really cool and very smart.” He continued slowly. “Wow really? Thanks.” Mali said delighted but not able to believe it. Did this popular guy really think she was smart? Chad smiled and continued. “And you saw the notice about the opening dance tonight right?” “Yes.” She was really getting excited now. She thought she knew what was coming next. “Do you want to go with me?” “To the dance?” She asked stupidly not able to take this in all at a time. “Well yeah to the dance.” “Are you asking me out on a date?” She asked. “Yes I am.” He said firmly. “I’ll pay the tickets and I’ll pick you up at five forty five tonight. I’ll borrow my brother’s motorcycle and we’ll go. Ho don’t worry, I know where you live. I’ve seen your house.” Chad said confidently. “So will you go with me?” “Yes of course. Of course I will.” Mali said happily and with a huge smile on her face, she headed back to gym. Billie seemed far away now. She felt as though she could burst with happiness.

Chapter Seven

Billy’s Reaction

The bell rang and she headed back up stairs to the second floor to math. She got there just in time. The class was half full and she could see Jake Carrie and Billie who was saving her a seat, sitting in the back. She went over very excited and sat next to Billie. “So how was gym Mali?” Billie asked slowly seeing the excited look on her face. “Ho it was O.K.” She replied trying to keep her voice calm. “Ho that’s good.” Billie said. “Hey Mali.” It was Carrie. “What.” “You know the dance tonight?” “Yeah?” “Well I’m going with Jake.” She said excitedly. “Yeah that’s for sure.” Jake said firmly. “You won’t go out with anyone but me.” She elbowed him. “Well, that’s great. I’m glad.” Mali said very cheerfully.

“O.K. class today we will be doing a multiple choice test to see how much you need to learn and how much you already know.” Everyone looked at Jake. “What?” He said indignantly. “I won’t beat her up if it doesn’t count on our report cards. “This test will not count on your report cards.” She said with a smile. “I’m not like that science teacher.” She looked at Jake and said, “That was a good beating you gave her. She really deserved it. But trust me, I’m much nicer than she is. Thanks for getting her fired. She really annoyed me.” Everyone laughed and Jake smiled at her. She passed out the multiple-choice tests and said, “ You can talk and help each other out because this is a class test and not an individual test.” “That’s good.” Jake said. “Hell Yeah.” Carrie agreed.

“Umm Mali?” “Yeah Billie?” How could he ask her? She was going to laugh at him and say that he was crazy to even think that she would go out with him. “Will” He cleared his throat. His voice had come out all squeaky and he was flushing a deep red. “Will you go with me to the dance tonight?” Her mouth dropped open and he continued in a rush because he just had to get the words out now. “I mean, I can pay for the tickets and I can pick you up and,” He stopped seeing the look of shock and sadness spread across her face. “I’m really sorry Billie but, but, Chad already asked me and I.” She couldn’t finish. He suddenly felt very stupid and very angry with her and even more at this Chad guy for just barging in and ruining everything. “You said yes.” He said furiously. “You said yes didn’t you?” She nodded miserably. “Well you know what? Fuck you. You can go with him. But trust me, you’ll never see me again.” He said furiously. Mali looked like she was going to cry. “Billie I’m really sorry.” “Well you know what? It’s too late. You’re already going with him, and even if you changed your mind I wouldn’t go with you. Screw you.” She started crying then. “Hey Billie,” Jake began concerned. “Just calm down. Don’t act like me. I mean just chill.” “Are you telling me to chill? Well fuck you too. Do you think I can fucking chill right now?” Billie said getting up furiously from the table and going to another table across the room. No one noticed anything because everyone was talking too loud and not looking around. Mali was crying harder still. She moved over to the table next to there’s. Jake and Carrie were sitting alone at their table now. “Uh Maybe I should talk to her.” Jake said sympathetically. “I think that’s a grate idea.” Carrie said. Jake went to Mali’s deserted table and sat next to her. She had her head on her hands witch were on the table and she was sobbing into them. Jake put his arm around her and tried to come up with comforting words. “Look Billie is just over reacting. I know because he’s my best friend.” He said soothingly. But he failed to mention that Billie never over reacted. He thought that that would not be very comforting. Jake could tell that Billie was super pissed. “But he’ll get over it.” He continued. “You think so?” Mali asked in a tear-choked voice. “Yeah sure.” He said just as if he was explaining that two and two made four. “He’ll get over it in a few days and,” “But will he still be my friend?” Mali asked urgently. “Ho yeah. You’ll get your boy friend back trust me. Just don’t be cheating on him with Chad because Chad’s a punk. Nothing but a punk you’ll see.” Mali lifted her tear-streaked face and blushed. “You won’t think I’m stupid because I was crying will you?” Mali asked. “Off course not. I think I’d cry if I was in the same situation as you.” He said that to make her feel better. But if he was in the same situation, he thought that he would beat the first punching bag or person up that he saw. She giggled. “What?” He asked totally nonplussed. “Just got a bad picture there for a second. “Ho was it of me crying?” He asked. “Well yeah.” He smiled and thought; “Slim chance.” “Just don’t worry Mali. He’ll get over it. O.K.?” He asked. “O.K.” Mali said wiping the tears quickly off her face. “And thanks for everything.” She said gratefully. “No problem. Jake went and sat next to Carrie where he was sitting before and Mali sat where she was sitting before at the other table starting to work on her test. She felt better about the whole thing. She would go out with Chad and after that she would go with Billie and no one else. “So she O.K. now?” Carrie asked cautiously. “Yeah now she is.” Jake replied. “Hey thanks for doing that.” “No problem” Jake replied and Carrie and him kissed quickly when no one was looking. They started there tests and then all worked on it together, except for Billie who was sitting at another table across the room, and angrily doing his test.

Chapter Eight

The Phone Call

It was getting dark as the dance ended and Chad and Mali walked out of the school hand in hand. Mali had seen Billie, but he had ignored her. He was really mad she could see. She really had felt ashamed at the fact that she had gone with Chad. “But you can’t change the past.” She thought. Jake and Carrie had stayed to help clean up the trash that people had left on the tables. Mali supposed that Billie was at home or something. He certainly wasn’t here.

“Thanks for everything.” Mali said. “No problem.” Chad said and squeezed her hand tightly. “It was no big. So,” He stopped and she did too suddenly afraid. “Are you O.K.? I mean you seem a little down ever since I saw you in gym class.” “Is he watching me?” She thought, and then. “Sounds like a stalker.” “Ho Yeah. I’m O.K. I was just thinking about all of the homework we have tonight.” She lied. To her surprise and shock He put his arms around her and said. “Don’t worry, I can help you study and do your homework.” She froze. She knew what that meant. He was a stalker or crazy. He was dangerous. “Umm I have to get home. My mom wants me home right after the dance because we need to go shopping.” She was really nervous now. “O.K. Look, If I Made you uncomfortable, I’m really sorry. But please before you go home, Will you do something?” “Exactly what is that?” She asked with her heart sinking. “A dare.” He said. “What does it involve?” She asked worriedly. “You know the story of the underhand tunnel?” He asked. “Sure I do, I heard it today.” “O.K. then. I want you to go in as far as you can with out chickening out. O.K.?” “Ho sure.” She said in relief. She thought it had been so stupid to go in to the tunnel before, but desperate times call for desperate measures. She would do anything just to get away from him. It was so simple. She didn’t believe the story anyway. They walked to the tunnel witch was a block away from the school, and off course it was closed to cars. “Good luck.” Chad said to Mali as she walked into the tunnel. “Thanks.” She called back and walked in further.

She walked in to darkness and it seemed that the darkness was solid. She began to feel uneasy. She walked further, and it seemed that a dry dusty smell was here. “It smells like a tomb in here.” She thought with rising disquiet. She stepped on something and bent down to see what it was. It was a long package with raised letters on it. She saw with wonder that she could make out what it said on the front. “Looks like this isn’t total darkness after all.” She thought wonderingly. It said, This is a cursed knife. The dead whom it killed may possess anyone who stabs the creature who lives in this tunnel. “Ho my god. I’m getting out of here.” She thought in total horror. And with out being aware of it, she still held the knife in her hand and started to run.

Suddenly she heard a dragging sound and ran faster. It seemed like she hadn’t run far in here, but anything was possible. It suddenly grabbed the back of her shirt and she stumbled and fell backwards heavily. She screamed in terror as it moved towards her.

A few minutes later Chad heard a scream and got very worried. “MALI? MALI? WHERE ARE YOU?” He called desperately. No answer. He called her a couple more times and still no answer. He was really worried now. “What’s going on?” Carrie asked and Chad whirled around. “I dared her to go into the tunnel as far as she dared and, and,” He couldn’t finish because he had started to cry. “Go back to the school and tell Jake. He doesn’t know I’m here since I saw the two of you walking away and decided to follow to make sure you don’t rape her or something you pervert.” Carrie said this very fast and with mixed hate and worry. “No I swear I didn’t.” He said in pure surprise and hurt. She knew that he was telling the truth. “Look I didn’t mean for this to happen. I was just having a little fun.” He said still crying. “It’s too late” she said running into the tunnel. “Just go and tell Jake.

It grabbed the package out of Mali’s numb fingers and pulled the paper off the knife. It ripped the paper too ribbons, and threw both over its shoulder. It could hear the other girl now, and it knew that he must take care of this one first. She could maybe stay here with it in the dark rotting quietly. “Just like that other girl who I killed very easily.” It thought. Her spirit had stayed here, but he wasn’t going to let it go so easily. Mali screamed and Carrie called shrilly after her. It bunched its claws, and punched Mali where the temple was and she fainted. It thought she was dead and turned to face the other girl who was running blindly towards them.

Carrie was terrified of what might have happened to Mali. She was terrified of the last scream that she had just heard. It sounded like a desperate scream. “Freeze.” A deep and growlly voice snapped. Carrie froze in shock. “I’ve lived in this tunnel ever since it was built. I crawled out of a tomb and chose this tunnel to live in because it’s dark and the perfect place because it’s larger than the tomb I lived in. You can say that I was cursed because I stole a knife when I was still alive.” Mali listened in horror and started whimpering. “Shut up.” It said, and she was struck silent just staring in dumb horror at it. “I stole a very valuable switch knife, and killed my best friend with it.” It continued in that same savage low growly voice, But now it seemed like there was sadness as well. “Can there even be regret there?” She asked her self. . “They found out that it was me, and I was killed. They put a curse on it. Your friend has already seen it.” It said looking at Mali who was still unconscious. “The curse was that if I were to come back from the dead, witch I have, Well, I’m neither living nor dead.” It said as an after thought. “If I was to come back, anyone could kill me by stabbing me with the knife. But if they did that, any of the dead that I killed could posses them. Also, the curse included me carrying the knife with me anywhere I went. I came back. I dug my way out, and found my way here. I killed the workman who was working on the tunnel and when the ends of the tunnel had collapsed in, I suffocated the girl in here by checking her. She was actually stupid enough to come in here.” It regarded her with its red eyes for a moment. “Please Can I take my friend and go?” Carrie asked in a mixture of horror and disbelief. If she was ever to get out of this, she would have lots to tell the others. “No I can’t have you telling everyone my secret and curse.” It said savagely. “No I promise that I won’t tell anyone. Just please let me get my best friend and go.” She said desperately. It’s claws bunched and it punched her in the temple, and she fainted. It off course thought she was dead. “No I’m sorry but I don’t believe you.” It growled to it self. It was waiting for the others to come because it somehow knew that there were more of them. It always knew.

Chad ran back and found Jake. “Mali and Carrie are in the tunnel and they need help. I dared Mali to go and Carrie followed us. Mali got lost in there. I don’t know what happened in there But the last thing I heard was a scream. I called her but she didn’t answer. Carry’s in there too.” Chad said in a rush. “Where’s the tunnel?” Chad took him there and they heard a faint scream that sounded like Carrie. “Ho shit. CARRIE? CARRIE? GOD DAM IT. ANSWER ME.” Jake shouted in panic. No answer. “YOU SUN OF A BITCH.” Jake shouted. He punched Chad in the Nose and then in the mouth. Chad looked surprised. “HUAH You got them killed. HUAH You’ll go to jail in a body cast. HUAH HUAH” Jake shouted punching Chad first in one leg then in the other. Chad collapsed holding his Mouth and Nose witch were bleeding perfusly. “Jake punched Chad in the Arms. “Please no more. I didn’t mean it. Please don’t kill me. Please.” Chad moaned. “You think this is it? Well wait till my best friend Billie comes to finish you. No No Don’t move.” Jake said while Chad tried to crawl away. “You filthy little cowered. You’re not going anywhere. You see that phonebooth?” He pointed to the booth across from them. “Yeah.” Chad said miserably. “I’ll call him from there. If you move I’ll see and you don’t want to find out what comes after that.” Chad shook his head.

Jake entered into the booth and put two quarters into the slots. He dialed Billy’s Number and Billie picked up. “Hello?” “Hey Billie It’s Jake.” “Look Jake I don’t really want to talk right now.” “Wait Billie.” There was such urgency in Jake’s voice that Billie was taken aback. “Jake what’s the Matter?” “I’m at the booth right next to the underhand tunnel. Mali’s in trouble.” “So what? Her little boy friend Mr. Popular can take care of her. I’ve got nothing to do with her anymore.” He said this with such contempt that Jake was surprised. But he could see that under all that contempt, there was real fear. “Billie listen to me.” “Alright i’m listening Jake. What’s wrong?” Billie couldn’t believe that Jake was so serious because Jake was never this serious before. “Chad dared Mali to go into the tunnel as far as she could. Carrie followed them to the tunnel. Chad said that when Mali went in, after thirty seconds he hears her scream and tries to call her but she doesn’t answer.” “Ho my god.” Billie said in utter horror. “So Carrie gets there and Chad tells her the whole thing. She goes in after Mali and Chad comes and gets me. We get down here, and hear Carrie scream.” “Ho shit. The same thing didn’t happen to Carrie as to Mali did it?” Billie said in deepening horror. “I don’t know but I beat Chad up and called you.” “Did you leave some for me? I’d like to beat the crap out of that sun of a bitch.” Billie said really meaning it. “Off course I did. I even told him you’re coming. He’s scared shitless.” “Excellent. I’ll be right there.” Billie said and hung up. Jake hung up as well and went back to Chad.

Billie came in a couple of Minutes and Stared from Chad who was still shivering on the ground to Jake who was standing menacingly above him. “Good one Jake. But I’m afraid he needs more of an ass kicking than that.” Billie said with a smile on his face. “No please No.” Chad Moaned. “Yeah I left you some ass kicking to do. “Chad the popular kid right?” Billie asked. “Don’t seem so tough and full of charming words like before do you? You’re what we call a bully. I don’t like a bully who steals my girl friend and takes her on a date, makes her feel uncomfortable, and finally dares her to do something very stupid and practically gets her killed including another girl.” “But it was an accident.” “Shut up.” Jake said sharply. He gave Billie the thumbs up. But Billie seemed to ignore them. “For that,” Billie continued calmly. “You really deserve an ass kicking.” He punched Chad in the stomach, in the left eye, and on the jaw. Chad was crying again and pleading for Billie to stop. After the punch on the jaw, Billie did. “Don’t worry everything will heal in a couple of days.” Jake said not pityingly because Chad was Moaning and trying to see how bad the swelling of his jaw was getting. His eye was slighted shut and his stomach hurt and so did his arms and legs. But his nose and Mouth were still bleeding. “He’ll be no help to us here.” Billie said and took a handkerchief out of his pocket. He handed it to Chad who took it gratefully and put it on his mouth and nose. “Thank you.” “I feel like I’m going to puke.” Jake said looking at Chad with contempt. “Tilt your head back and it’ll stop. Then Jake will give you his number and you call his house and ask to talk to John his older brother. Tell him what happened and who you are, and tell him to come and pick us up. Then off course say where we are and then you can leave. Go home and we won’t tell the police and no one will know about this. O.K. You got all that?” Billie asked Chad. “Yeah I think so. Look I’m really sorry about the whole thing. I’ve learned my lesson and won’t act like a jurk anymore.” “Alright look we don’t have time for this. We really have to get going and Jake will give you his number.” Billie said. Jake reluctantly gave Chad his number, and they headed into the tunnel.

Chapter Nine

The Tunnel

They both ran in and Jake had a horrible feeling in his stomach. But he somehow knew that Mali and Carrie weren’t dead. He didn’t know how he knew but he just did. Then something that felt like a cold clammy hand grabbed Billy’s ankle. He screamed in terror and surprise and fell. “Ho My God Billie what happened?” Jake shouted in panic and started to go back towards Billie when he tripped over a leg that he supposed was Billy’s, and a cold clammy hand closed softly around his neck. “Ah HELP ME BILLIE,” He shouted in a choked raspy voice. Billie twisted his ankle furiously and couldn’t get it free. Then he remembered that his hands were free and as Jake tried desperately to breath, Billie tried to punch the cold arm so it would let him go but the hand was like cold, cruel, hard, unforgiving, metal. Suddenly there was laughter. Cold, mirthless inhuman, crazy, laughter that chilled him all the way down to the bone. He suddenly knew that it meant to kill them both in here where they would find them when it was too late. He couldn’t even trust Chad to make the call. He wasn’t even sure that John would believe them.

Billie searched franticly for something sharp to distract it some how because Jake only had a little time left before it would choke him to death. His hand suddenly came across a switch knife. There were peace’s of paper around it, but he didn’t care. He just wanted to distract it somehow. He supposed it was dropped by one of the workers on to the floor. He grasped it and slid the little button on the side to the right, and it popped out long and silvery in the dim light. It took him several tries to get the right grip on it because his hands were shaking so badly. It was killer sharp and with out thinking, Billie brought the knife around in a vicious ark and buried it in the thing’s stomach. There was an immediate rush of freezing cold and lumpy blood that splashed over everything. It howled in pain rage and surprise. Both its hands went to its stomach and it continued to Howell. Billie thought that this was the worker who died in here from suffocation. Jake fell and lay face down on the floor. Billie didn’t know when he had pulled the knife out of the thing but it was still in his hand dripping dark red stuff that couldn’t be cranberry juice. “It’s like something possessed me for a moment.” He thought in horror. Then he was looking for a pulse as quickly as possible on Jake. He had to run from it after all. Jake’s pulse was there, but he was unconscious, and hardly breathing.

After making the call, Chad got worried about the other’s. John, the older brother agreed to come. After making the call, Chad had immediately called the police and gave them the address. The police said that they were on their way. When they asked what the emergency was, He had started explaining as quickly as possible and they had stopped him and said that they would immediately come. So he had hung up. Chad had raced quickly from the phone booth and run into the tunnel. He was hoping to find them and save them if possible. He ran for about twenty seconds calling repeatedly for them, but no one answered. Suddenly, a cold clammy hand closed around his ankle and he screamed. He fell and shrieked in surprise and terror. It put its other hand around his neck, and snapped his head backwards so fast, and with so much force, that his neck snapped with a horrible crack.

“It’ll think he’s dead.” Billie thought incoherently and started to run.

He could hear it right behind him and suddenly there was a stabbing pain in Billy’s back and he collapsed with all the wind knocked out of him. He finally took a tare of air into his lungs but it hurt too much. The thing had stabbed him in the back. “So it has claws.” He thought. He could feel incredible pain in his back, and the blood running down his back in a flood. It was really hard to breathe and he took shallower breaths. He suddenly felt lightheaded and the whole world looked shimmery and gray in front of his eyes. “Don’t you dare faint, because if you do, you’re letting everyone down and you’ll get everyone killed.” He saw a picture of Mali ripped open in his head and that cleared the faintness away. “But it doesn’t matter you’re dreaming. Just dreaming.” A voice in the back of his head said. But a part of him knew that it wasn’t true.

Then the claws were stabbing him in the stomach, the chest, the legs, as he turned around to face it. In a last effort he brought the knife around in a deadly ark, and plunged it into the thing. It squealed horribly. Suddenly its hands were around his neck. It was going to choke him to death. He pulled the knife out again, and plunged it into the thing’s Open mouth and buried it in the roof of the thing’s mouth and it weakened it’s grip. Billie thought he was going to faint soon but he wanted to kill it if he could first. “Ho god I can’t breath. Ho please let me breath for just a minute.” He thought pleadingly. “Hugh.” He said as he pulled the blade out of the thing’s mouth. It’s hands let go and Billie started to fall backwards. He could feel sticky blood everywhere and Jake was there catching him and taking the knife away. Jake laid Billie Back on the floor. “Kill it for me.” Billie said weakly. Jake nodded and thought, “Thanks for leaving me some buddy.” He Brought the knife in a blurred ark and stabbed the twitching writhing thing on the floor witch was trying to sit up right, in the center of the heart. It shrieked, “NO” It said this in total defeat, rage, hate, and sorrow. It went on twitching for another ten seconds and then lay still. “I killed it I really killed it.” Jake thought victoriously. He could just barley see Carrie and Mali lying five feet away. “Unconscious” He hoped. He knelt by Billie and checked his pulse. It was still there. Then he checked Carrie and Mali’s wrists. There’s was still there. He sat near them and waited for his brother.

His brother came ten minutes later. “Jake what Happened?” “It hertz a lot to talk.” Jake croaked. “Alright you’re going to the hospital too. You can tell me what happened tomorrow.” Jake nodded. The Ambulance came and they all went in two different ones. Billie needed more blood immediately and Jake needed immediate care on his neck. So they had put Billie and Jake together and they were driving faster than the other ambulance. The police thought that Mali and Carrie were just unconscious and would be under shock when they woke up.

Chapter Ten

The Hospital

The next morning Billie and Jake were both in the same critical conditions ward. Carrie and Mali had snapped out of the shock. They told the police that they had gone in to the tunnel on a dare and both bumped there heads on a rock, and that they had freaked out from a bat. They had said that the Bats had made them faint from shock. The police had believed it and so had the parents. This had happened around two A.M. and it was now Nine A.M. The nurse had reluctantly let Carrie and Mali in.

“This can only be for Two Minutes for each of you because Billie needs lots of rest, and his wounds have to be dressed. Jake needs lots of care on his neck and he can’t talk to you yet. It’s too dangerous. As you know there both in critical condition.” She said softly. Carrie and Mali entered and Carrie went to Jake’s bed and stood next to it. His neck was wrapped in some sort of a towel, and there was an I.V. tube attached to his hand. He was awake and smiling at Carrie as if to say “See Carrie we did it.” He lifted his free hand and made the O.K. sign with his hand as if to indicate that he was O.K. Carrie nodded and started to cry hard. Jake shook his head violently wanting her to stop because he didn’t want her to cry like that. He hated it.

Mean while Mali went over to Billy’s Bed and looked at him. There were wires attached everywhere. There were lots of cloth bandages everywhere on him. They were on his stomach, and chest and just everywhere. She could see a tank of donated blood with a wire attached to it that was attached to Billy’s wrist. There was also an I.V. wire. She couldn’t stand it. Then he spoke in a weak voice. “Hey how you doing? We did it. We killed it.” Her eyes filled up with tears. “I’m really glad. I knew you could do it.” She paused for a moment. “Billie I’m really sorry about the whole Chad thing. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’ll never do such a stupid thing like that again. I guess you hate me now. I don’t blame you Billie. You should have left me there to,” “O.K. just stop.” Said Billie sharply. “It’s O.K. I forgive you. And off course I don’t hate you. I don’t think that I’m capable of hating you in a million years. I would never leave you to die in that tunnel no matter what you did.” He said this with so much sincerity that she started to cry. “Please don’t cry.” He said comfortingly. “But it’s all my fault Jake and Carrie got hurt. And it’s really my fault that you got hurt.” She said Crying harder. “No it’s not. It’s not trust me. That’s it’s fault and no one else’s. Do you understand me?” She continued crying. “Do you understand me? Huh?” She nodded reluctantly. “O.K.” He said firmly. “Found a switch knife on the floor and wounded it. Then it had these claws, and it, You know stabbed me a little, and” She winced. “I fainted.” He finished. “Jake stabbed it in the heart, and killed it.” He said quickly. “What do we tell our parents?” “We’ll come up with something.” He said and hesitated. “Mali?” “What?” “Umm I I” “You what?” “Mali I love you.” He said quickly but sincerely. He flushed bright red. “I love you too.” She said totally meaning it, and flushing if possible, an even brighter red. Mali leaned down and they kissed. Mali embraced Billie carefully, and they kissed again while Billie hugged her weakly back. “What do you think Happened to Chad?” Mali asked softly. ? I think it got him. Don’t worry, it won’t get anyone else. Trust me.” She nodded “It’s too bad that he died like that.” Mali said. “Yeah it is. He really would’ve changed if he’d still been alive.” Billie said truthfully. “Yeah you’re right.” Mali said and squeezed Billy’s hand tightly. The nurse shunned them all out of the ward.

A week later they were all out of the hospital, and making jokes about the Underhand tunnel witch was open to cars now since the evil had left it forever. Mali and Billie were now really Boy friend and girl friend. They were studying together. They were also going out to some stores. Jake and Carrie were normally boyfriend and girlfriend. Jake could talk again but he sounded a little horse. They were all back to normal, but the only new thing was that their bond was now much stronger. Chad was dead, and everyone thought that his death was caused by accidental causes. Rachel remained a jurk though. That will never change. Life went on, and they told their parents the truth about everything. Their parents listened to the story, and just let it slide. “The kids can’t remember what happened. That’s O.K. At least they’re O.K. and they’re best friends.” They said to them selves. John, Jake’s brother is eighteen and has a girl friend who is his age. Mali publishes her short stories from her computer. and Billie inspires her to keep writing because she is a grate writer. Billie is a grate artist, and Jake is a grate Marshal artist. They still like to work out together after school in the gym. Sometimes they would see Rachel there. Carrie is grate in science and wants to become a scientist some day. Their new science teacher is Miss. Grant. And off course, occasionally, Jake likes to beat someone up.

The End