"So this is the famous Maxwell Turner's house," Sammy said as we put him in his wheelchair. "I knew it was going to be fabulous, but this… this is just amazing."
Me and Emily looked at the mansion. Not the kind Bruce Wayne had — this looked luxurious, not haunted. The fences, the gates, I could swear they were made of platinum. The house was bigger than our school.
Emily stared at the house for a while but didn't show interest. I could even hear her murmur something under her breath. But she pushed it off. People like us, who lived in rundown apartments, would obviously get mad when they saw something this amazing that didn't even belong to them.
"Woah Maxwell, your house is glamorous."
Maxwell, seeming uninterested, said, "Yes, yes, I know, I know. Well then, shall we…" he continued.
We finally got to the gate where Maxwell used a device to speak with the residents of the house.
"It's me, Dad." The gate opened immediately.
Maxwell then invited us in.
As we stepped into the Turner manor, it was even more gorgeous than outside. From the chandeliers to the living room and the 120-inch TV, and the see-through glass walls — the house was perfect.
We sat down on a chair. Emily sat on a one-seater while Maxwell, Sammy, and I sat on a three-seater. I was so nervous, it was like being invited to the palace of the Queen in England. I couldn't even relax, scared my sweat would stain the silk couch.
Maxwell stood up to meet his dad. They appeared to be talking about something while looking at us, and honestly, I thought Maxwell was going to get in trouble for having unannounced guests. Then, after what felt like an eternity, Maxwell's dad started walking toward where we were seated, Maxwell at his side.
"Hello guys, my name is Carlos Turner, CEO of Axel Corp. Here is my business card. I specialize in all kinds of appliances, gadgets, even cars," he said, whispering.
Maxwell hit his dad's shoulder. "Dad, you are doing it again. Don't use my friends to increase awareness for your company. We are just here to have fun."
"Fine, fine, fine," he said, smiling. "I won't bother you guys again." He took a bow before leaving.
"Honestly, that old geezer," Maxwell said, clicking his tongue.
But for some reason, I found it funny. I chuckled slightly. "He sounds fun."
"Ok, ok, are we going to play this game or what?" Sammy said, already handing us the controllers.
"Hey Emily, wanna play?"
Emily, for some reason, felt uneasy. Did she really hate it here? Did she not like Maxwell? That thought alone made me so happy. I blurted out, "Just play one game."
She reluctantly grabbed the console and looked everywhere before proceeding to play the game.
"Ok, Emily and Freddy, me and Maxwell."
What the hell was with that matchup? I said to myself.
---
45 minutes into the game…
"Shit shit shit shit Idol, he is coming from your side!"
"Got it!"
GAME OVER.
"Uhnnnn how did we lose?" Sammy said in disbelief.
"It was a decoy."
Emily said.
"You never planned to attack from the beginning."sammy said bewildered.
"Well played, Freddy, you are good. Putting your faith in a newbie player — impressive. Sammy said clapping his hands in astonishments.
I knew she could do it if I gave her enough time."
I said as we both looked at each other before turning away.
"Uhhhnn? What's this? Is this what we are thinking?" Sammy said, alternating his head between the two of us continuously.
Who's we? It's probably just you who thinks that way.
Maxwell knocked him. "Go and get us more snacks and drinks from the fridge, love doctor."
"Ouch," Sammy said, pretending to be in pain. "But this is your house," he continued.
"You promised to bring snacks, but you forgot. You are eating my snacks, the least you can do is get them from the fridge."
"Fine," Sammy said. "You should be a bully, it fits you more."
"What did you say?" Maxwell, ready to knock him again, sent Sammy rolling towards the kitchen.
"I'm gonna go check on Bieber, make sure he doesn't screw anything up," Maxwell said before leaving us together.
Was this their plan — to let us be together? Honestly, it didn't work, because Emily quickly stood up and headed to the bathroom before I could start a conversation, leaving me alone in the sitting room like an idiot.
I just whistled for a while before Sammy came back with a bag of Skittles and 6 cans of soda.
"Is this your idea of a snack?" I said, looking at him disappointed.
He grabbed a full handful of Skittles and placed them in his mouth. "What do you mean?"
Ignoring him, I asked, "Where is Maxwell?"
"Maxwell? I don't know, I thought he was with you."
"He was before he said he was going to help you out," I said.
"Didn't see him at all," Sammy replied.
A few minutes later, we saw Emily coming out from the left wing of the house, then a few moments later Maxwell from the same place. We looked at them, then me and Sammy looked at each other like we were thinking the same thing.
We chose not to say anything, and we finished playing the video game.
"I guess it's time to go home," I said, yawning. Sammy too, agreeing.
"Why not make it a sleepover?" Emily's voice was heard.
"Uhnnn?" me, Maxwell, and Sammy said in unison.
"Why? Tomorrow is the weekend, why not?" Emily said.
"I thought you were against this whole thing," Sammy said.
"But y'all dragged me here regardless. Or is there a reason why you guys don't want to stay?" Emily asked.
"Of course not. If it's ok with Maxwell though, I don't mind," Sammy said.
"I don't mind either," Maxwell said.
"Then it is settled. Sleepover it is."
Later that night,
We watched a horror movie, Ghost of England.
But I couldn't sleep. Not because of the horrific content, but because of what I thought was going on with Maxwell and Emily. I know I said I wouldn't hate them, but it was starting to hurt.
Feeling restless, I stood up from the chair. Sammy, Emily, and Maxwell were already asleep. I walked around the house, trying to find a bedroom.
The hallways stretched endlessly. Every door I tried was locked, so I kept moving, whispering to myself.
Then I heard it — a noise, faint but clear. I followed the sound, step by step, until I reached a door glowing with red light beneath it.
Inside, there was movement. Shadows. The noise grew louder — slicing, tearing.
I pushed the door open just a little.
And there it was the most gruesome thing I'd ever seen, just remembering it, made me nauseous,
They were butchering a human being.or should I say he was butchering.... He was 6 feet tall muscular and wearing a bloodied apron
Blood sprayed across the walls. The person holding the blade wore a mask . Slowly, he turned… and looked straight at me.
My breath caught in my throat.
And then—
I woke up. My head was spinning. Sammy was snoring beside me. Maxwell was curled up on the couch. Emily shifted slightly, still asleep.
Everything was normal.
I swallowed, whispering to myself:
"What the hell was that? " I asked.