Finding Home by Megan Nugen Isbell Read Free Book Online Page B

didn’t say anything, but I nodded briefly and then Jesse grabbed my hand and started leading me to the house.  I could feel my heart pounding as we got closer.  I hated scary things.  I didn’t even watch horror movies, but for some reason, I couldn’t stop myself. 
    Jesse went in first, pushing the door open with a loud creak.  It was dark inside and Jesse reached into his pocket, pulling out his cell phone to use as a flashlight.  He held it out in front of us as we walked in, the light bouncing off beams that had fallen from the ceiling and now lay in the deserted living room.  I could see faded and peeling wallpaper on the wall.  It was white with blue flowers and I couldn’t help but think how sad the place seemed. 
    “What are you guys doing in here?”
    I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard Brandon’s voice behind us.  Jesse turned, shining the light towards him.  I didn’t like the way the shadows fell on his face.  It made him look menacing. 
    “I was just telling Mandy about Mrs. Kramer and the cult.  Remember that?” Jesse asked and I watched as Brandon’s face lit up in recognition.
    “Hell, yeah I remember that.  That was some freaky shit,” he said, stepping inside with us.
    “Where’s Riley?” I asked.
    “She’s just hanging out by the trees.  I don’t know what she’s doing,” Brandon said, stepping further into the house. 
    “So, where’s this pentagram?” I asked, my heart continuing to pound.
    “In the bathroom.  On the mirror,” Jesse told me and he pointed down the small hallway. 
    I didn’t want to seem afraid, so I started walking to where he was pointing.  It was too dark and the light of Jesse’s flashlight was hardly any help.  I kept going though and soon I was at the door of the bathroom.  I reached up hesitantly and pushed it open, stepping inside before I lost my nerve.
    Before I realized what was happening, it went pitch black and I heard the door slam shut.  I screamed instinctively, rushing for the door, grabbing for the knob.  I found it and started twisting and pulling frantically.  I thought my heart was going to fly out of my throat and I could feel tears brimming in my eyes from fear.
    “Brandon!  Jesse!”  I was pounding on the door, but it just replied with a hollow nothingness.
    Then, my head jerked around as I heard clawing at the broken window a few feet away.  It was metallic and terrifying and when I closed my eyes, trying to calm myself, a few tears escaped.  The scratching continued and I nearly lost it when I heard pounding on the door.
    “Dammit, you assholes, let me out!” I was practically screaming at the top of my lungs.  I decided to try the door again and this time, it flung open.  I stood there for a second in amazement that I wasn’t trapped anymore.  I could barely see, but it didn’t stop me from booking it the hell out of there.  I started running, not caring that I was tripping over God knows what.  I saw the front door and I moved even faster, wanting to get away from this deathtrap.  I felt the fresh air wash across my face as I crossed the threshold and I was just about to breathe out in relief when I felt something grab me.  There were hands around my waist and I screamed, batting at them.  They let go and I started running as fast as I could.  I looked up and saw Riley standing in the trees, just as Brandon said she would be.  I ran to her and didn’t stop until I heard bellowing laughter from behind me.  I could hardly breathe, but I turned to see Brandon and Jesse doubled over, holding their guts and hysterically laughing.
    “Mandy, what’s wrong?” Riley asked, taking a hold of me.  I still could hardly breathe and I took a few seconds, trying to collect myself.
    “Those…two…jackasses!” I panted as I glared over to the two idiots. 
    “What happened?” she asked me, but I didn’t say anything as I continued trying to catch my breath.  I was hunched over, but I saw