Dec. 20, 2025

Christmas Horror Stories: 3 Scary Holiday Novellas

Christmas Horror Stories: 3 Scary Holiday Novellas
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Christmas horror stories marathon time, my spookies. Tonight on Weekly Spooky, you’re getting a full holiday horror novella triple-feature—three long, nasty winter tales where tinsel and terror share the same oxygen.

This is cozy-season listening with sharp teeth: a haunted mall after-hours, a slumber-party movie night that opens the wrong door, and a Christmas event at an orphanage that won’t stay sweet for long. If you’re hunting for scary Christmas stories, holiday horror, and a bingeable horror podcast episode that plays like a midnight marathon, you just found your seasonal tradition.

Inside the marathon (in order):
  • The Mall Overnight — A Christmas-time nightmare where the mall becomes a hunting ground again… and whatever was captured before might not stay contained.
  • Doorway to Horror — A sleepover, a mysterious horror disc, and a Christmas-decorated world that feels… wrong. Step through, and you may not step back.
  • Home Sweet Horror — A December trip to an orphanage for a big Christmas event turns personal—and the “home sweet home” vibe doesn’t last.
Lights down. Volume up. And if you hear bells? Don’t assume they’re festive.

The Mall Overnight / Doorway to Horror / Home Sweet Horror — by Rob Fields

🎧 LISTEN NOW and subscribe for spine-tingling horror stories every week!

🎉 Unlock exclusive bonus episodes and support the show on Patreon!
👉 WeeklySpooky.com/Join

📬 Contact Us / Submit Your Horror Story!

🎵 Music by Ray Mattis 👉 Check out Ray’s incredible work here !
👨‍💼 Executive Producers: Rob Fields, Bobbletopia.com
🎥 Produced by: Daniel Wilder
🌐 Explore more terrifying tales at: WeeklySpooky.com
WEBVTT

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All right, my spookies, it's your host and narrator, Enrique Kuto.

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I'm back again. You know that feeling when you've had

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just enough Christmas. The lights are pretty, the music is looping,

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the malls are packed, and everybody's smiling a little too hard,

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like their faces are getting tired. Yeah, well that's where

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we're headed tonight. Because this isn't a quick little ghost

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story to sip cocoa with. This is a Christmas horror

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novella marathon, Three longer, nastier holiday tales, back to back

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to back, the kind of listening that turns your living

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room into a graveyard. We've got a mall after hours

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where the decorations keep glowing even when the people are gone.

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We've got a movie night that opens the wrong kind

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of doorway, one that doesn't care what your plans were

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for tomorrow. And we've got a Christmas event that's supposed

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to be sweet right up until something steps in and

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starts rewriting what home means. So top off your drink,

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check your locks again, because believe you me, you want

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to check them again, and if you hear bells, they're

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definitely not festive this time. So now without further Ado,

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let's begin the holiday fund and make sure you're subscribed

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on your favorite podcasting app so you don't miss a

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single bit of spooky we bring during the holidays and

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beyond them all overnight by Rob Fields Prolog. Just outside

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the Strickfield Village limits, in an old mansion that was

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thought to be abandoned, Vincent Frankenstein was in a third

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floor laboratory and examining the humanoid experiment that was secured

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to a large metal slab. Stevie quaid. His young assistant

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stood ready to do whatever. Vincent asked. Are you sure

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there's enough sedatives pumping through the creation's body to keep

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her sleeping the sleep of the dead? Stevie asked, looking

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like she hadn't slept in several days. Vincent regarded her.

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I'd like to give you an honest answer, but we've

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seen how she adapts. Stevie groaned and stood in front

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of him. I told you we should have just destroyed her.

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Did you forget what she did when she got loose

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two years ago at Christmas time? Don't you remember how

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she wreaked Havoc and strict Field, Remember how she terrorized

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them all north of the village. She nearly killed us

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several times when we tried to stop her. Vincent sighed,

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I'm aware, Stevie raised her finger, and let's not forget

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how long it took us to actually capture her again

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and finally keep her. This time, she growled and turned

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her back to him. You were the one who put

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the head of a vampire on her when you built her.

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She turned back to him, really angry now, and stretched

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out her fists sideways. Did it ever occur to you

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that we'd never be able to destroy her, Vincent sighed again,

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acknowledging her. I haven't forgotten my fatal miscalculation, Stevie. He

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could see her heaving now. She put her finger in

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his face. It took us nearly midway through this last

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October to finally capture her and keep her. We threw

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everything we had at that creation. We even tried killing

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her by using vampire methods. Unfortunately, her monster side renders

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her immune to all that, even sunlight. We can't even

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behead her. When Stevie turned her back to Vincent, he

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came up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders.

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I'm quite aware of what the creation has done my

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dear assistant, I understand how she's affected your life. I

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know you wanted to destroy her. I still do, she

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assured him. I'm still surprised you entertained my idea of

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trying to fix her. Unfortunately, I cannot fix her the

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way I'd hoped. I wanted to be able to replace

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her head, maybe just the brain itself, with a more

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positive one. I truly understand the horror that I've created,

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and will have to live with the consequences of both

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my my actions and hers for the remainder of my

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days on earth. Ultimately, we tried doing things your way

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as well. Even that isn't working. Stevie slowly turned around

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to face Vincent. They looked each other in the face

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for a long moment. Ultimately, it was Vincent who concocted

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the most powerful tranquilizer ever made. It had taken two

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darts filled with it in order for them to finally

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recapture the Creation. The two of them turned to the

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bandaged Creation as the powerful tranquilizer continued to be pumped

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into her system. Ultimately, they agreed that if they could

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not destroy her, then they would keep her permanently asleep

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in the laboratory, Vincent could tell Stevie was still very

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much afraid. I can keep making the tranquilizer. You'll have

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to keep making it stronger and stronger. Stevie told him

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in a shaky voice. We've seen how quickly she can

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recover from both the Tricity and your previous tranquilizers. I

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even blew her brains out, literally, and that didn't stop her.

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Vincent hugged Stevie to him. Stevie came to be with

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him as a result of the Creation's actions. Vincent had

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bandaged her up and took care of her. Since she

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had nowhere to go, She ended up staying with him

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and becoming his assistant. She still wasn't sure that she

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trusted him completely, but he hadn't turned against her in

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any way. He seemed to understand the great wrong he

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had done and regretted it each and every day. If anything,

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Stevie helped him out of loyalty for taking her in

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and caring for her. Stevie suddenly gasped Vincent, look the

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Creation just twitched. Vincent eased her aside and cautiously moved

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toward the Creation. She had shown fear upon her awakening

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nearly two years ago, shortly after she had become angry

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and broke loose. It was only after seeing that the

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Creation hadn't cast a reflection in a nearby mirror that

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he realized his great horror in putting the head of

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a newborn vampire on her. No matter what he had

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tried in terms of destroying her, it was evidently clear

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that she would never ever die. I think she's dreaming, Stevie,

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he told her cautiously. What Stevie snapped, Vincent came very

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close to the Creation and watched her. He remembered she

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couldn't breathe like a normal person since she was undead.

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The Creation continued to move and twitch uneasily as her

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eyes remained closed in a forced slumber. For a brief moment,

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her face seemed to convey the same innocence as it

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had done upon her initial awakening. He wondered if the

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Creation still continued to run on pure instinct. Had she

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learned anything during her time on Earth. The Creation was

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nearly two years old, but she did convey in her

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own way that she could understand things. The Creation had

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been asleep for several days, with the steady flow of

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the powerful tranquilizer Vincent created specifically for her. This was

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the first time she had moved in several of those days.

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As Vincent moved to increase her tranquilizer intake, the Creation

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suddenly stopped still. Then her red eyes opened wide. Immediately,

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she looked right at Vincent and showed anger. She screamed loudly,

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then roared as she worked to break the reinforced shackles

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that held her to the table. No, Stevie shrieked, please

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not again, stop her, Vincent. As a precaution, Vincent had

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the tranquilizer loaded into emergency pistols. He grabbed one nearby

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and shot her. The Creation seemed to become drowsy almost immediately.

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Vincent shot her a second time, then a third. The

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Creation moaned for a moment, then she became angry again

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and screamed. Vincent fired his remaining darts into the Creation,

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but they didn't seem to be having any other effect

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aside from making her drowsy. Stevie grabbed the other gun

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and shot up the Creation with every dart, only to

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get the same results. For a brief moment, it seemed

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that the Creation was on the verge of falling back

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to sleep. Suddenly, the Creation broke the restraints on her

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wrists with one quick upward motion. The remaining restraints soon

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came apart as the Creation finished breaking free. Oh please, no,

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Stevie cried. The Creation was fully on her feet now.

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The bandages covering her body made her almost look like

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a mummy, only her head, hands, and feet were completely exposed.

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The Creation stared at Vincent and Stevie and screamed so

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loud that they had to cover their ears. Run Stevie,

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Vincent told her, running her way. The Creation started after them,

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but she stopped and turned in the direction of the

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door she had escaped the mansion from the first time.

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Then she saw the nearby window and decided it was

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a better means of escape. She roared for freedom as

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she ripped the bars away and escaped through the window.

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She dropped all the way to the grass below and

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landed with the grace of a cat. The Creation turned

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and looked upward to see Vincent and Stevie looking down

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at her. She sneered at them, knowing she had triumphed

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over them once again. Remembering everything from before, she turned

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and headed toward the village. The Creation remembered to stay

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off the main roads and not let anyone see her.

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Vincent would have gotten his answers on how much more

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intelligent she had become since her birth nearly two years ago.

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The Creation at least understood that she needed to stay

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ahead of Vincent and Stevie and not be recaptured again. Suddenly,

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she remembered that place where she had entered the day

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after she was born. She made her way to Strickfield

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Town Center Mall, keeping out of sight as she did.

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It was dark when she reached her destination and saw

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there were hardly any cars in the parking lot. She

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crossed the lot and came to the loading docks. The

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lock to the dock door broke instantly when she slid

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it up and entered. She pulled the door back down

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and put it back into place. After some minutes, the

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Creation found her way out into the main mall itself.

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It wasn't as brightly lit as the first time she

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had entered. Somewhere, deep in her mind, she understood the

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mall wasn't open, just the same she herself was inside.

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The Creation seemed to smile when she saw the clothing

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store nearby. She looked at her bandaged arms and body

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and knew she wanted real clothes. She walked to the

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clothing store and pulled up on the gate, breaking the

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lock to get in. As with the loading dock doors,

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she pulled the gate back down. The creation was pleased

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at knowing she had the mall all to herself. After

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looking around and finding some desirable clothes, she began to

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undo her bandages. The next day. Perspective Madeline Donnerly, ah Man,

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how am I always getting myself into these situations? Probably

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because I'm me and Ariel Miron's Aeriel. Let me tell

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you what's going on. It's the first weekend in December, right,

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I'm up in the mousehole my bedroom playing video games.

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I figured I was entitled to some unwinding after a

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hardcore Friday and acing three tests at school. I'm right

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in the middle of playing some Donkey Kong on the

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full sized arcade cabinet. Yeah. I know it's an old

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nineteen eighties retro video game, but I really love playing it.

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Problem here is, I ain't gonna get to play long.

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Next thing, I know someone's knocking on my door. It's open.

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I call out my next door neighbor, and my buddy,

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Carter Cross comes in and sees me playing. Really Madeline,

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you have a new sign on your door that says

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welcome to the Mousehole. Yeah, I got a little playful

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with the three D printer. What's up, buddy, He sighs.

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I think I just saw Ariel Mirran lurking around our neighborhood.

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I groan and shake my head. I told you you

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never should have posted that video. You know how Ariel

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can be when you scorn her. Yeah, but you know

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she deserves it. Carter stresses. I stop playing the game

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and just look at him. Between you and Ariel, you're

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both gonna get me in deep, deep trouble. I smirk, uneasily.

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Or did you forget I'm bff to both of you? Now?

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Point at him, and don't even get me started on

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how many times Ariel was drilling me about you at

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her slumber party last night. I fold my arms in

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front of me. I told you not to post that video.

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I walk over to my computer and sit down in

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front of it. Carter sits next to me. I open

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up Facebook and see all kinds of notifications for Carter's video,

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and most of them are Ariel. What happened. Ariel's almost

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always stuck having a babysitter little cousin Stuart. Here's the problem.

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Little Stuart's four years old and gets into everything. If

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he can wreak havoc somewhere, he's gonna do it. What's more,

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Stuart's mom don't really do anything to discipline him. What's

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sad is he almost always gets dumped off on Ariel.

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When that happens, Stuart just raises, well, you get the idea.

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Earlier this week, Carter and me are hanging out at

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Roth's Rings, a twenty four hour donut shop and video

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game arcade in downtown village. Carter and me get finished

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00:14:59.759 --> 00:15:01.840
play in some games and we go to the counter.

221
00:15:02.559 --> 00:15:04.879
Carter says he'll buy me a cup of death, wishes

222
00:15:05.000 --> 00:15:08.360
Ginger dead for helping him pass Miss Radolfhy's science test.

223
00:15:08.919 --> 00:15:11.240
I'm just getting my cup and ready to savor it

224
00:15:11.799 --> 00:15:15.759
when we hear the commotion. Suddenly, Little Stuart comes running

225
00:15:15.799 --> 00:15:19.679
into the place. Ariel ain't too far behind. Come back here,

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00:15:19.679 --> 00:15:24.120
you little goober, Ariel yells. Carter and me are both

227
00:15:24.159 --> 00:15:28.200
giving each other weird looks now. Suddenly Little Stuart snatches

228
00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:32.960
my coffee and throws it at Ariel. The cup explodes

229
00:15:33.000 --> 00:15:38.360
all over her. Aw man, I groan, but you just

230
00:15:38.559 --> 00:15:41.679
know Stuart ain't done there. When Ariel's about to grab

231
00:15:41.720 --> 00:15:44.039
her cousin, he snatches up a slice of pie off

232
00:15:44.039 --> 00:15:47.279
of somebody else's plate and smashes it into her face

233
00:15:47.279 --> 00:15:50.440
as she grabs him. Wouldn't you know it, Carter got

234
00:15:50.440 --> 00:15:54.000
his smartphone out and recorded the whole thing. What can

235
00:15:54.039 --> 00:15:56.720
I do? Like I told Carter, I'm best friends with

236
00:15:56.840 --> 00:16:01.519
both him and Ariel. Stuart runs around inside Roth's rings

237
00:16:01.519 --> 00:16:04.519
and is knocking the little tables down next to the games,

238
00:16:05.000 --> 00:16:07.679
many of which have food and drinks on him. Just

239
00:16:07.720 --> 00:16:10.879
as Ariel's grabbing and picking up Stewart again, he has

240
00:16:10.919 --> 00:16:13.360
a cream filled donut in his hand and he smashes

241
00:16:13.399 --> 00:16:16.960
it right in her face. Anyway, I think you're getting

242
00:16:17.000 --> 00:16:20.320
the idea here. When Carter finishes the game, he gives

243
00:16:20.360 --> 00:16:22.960
me that look saying he's gonna post it to Facebook.

244
00:16:23.399 --> 00:16:25.559
I'm raising my hands in front of me and shaking

245
00:16:25.639 --> 00:16:29.360
my head fast. Don't do it, Carter, I quickly tell

246
00:16:29.440 --> 00:16:34.559
him nothing doing. He posted it the comment the little

247
00:16:34.600 --> 00:16:38.279
Prince treats the Princess to some treats at Roth's rings.

248
00:16:38.799 --> 00:16:41.519
The look I gave Carter when he did it. No,

249
00:16:42.600 --> 00:16:46.440
I wasn't mad, try scared. I was gonna try not

250
00:16:46.559 --> 00:16:48.840
to have to go to Ariel's slumber party last night.

251
00:16:48.919 --> 00:16:52.159
But Ariel cornered me at school with Mona Abels and

252
00:16:52.200 --> 00:16:55.519
Bailey Downs and told me, don't you even think of

253
00:16:55.600 --> 00:16:59.360
skipping out of my slumber party tonight. Mouse, She was

254
00:16:59.440 --> 00:17:02.480
rubbing her hand together. We are gonna have such a

255
00:17:02.600 --> 00:17:08.200
nice conversation about Carter Cross, you and me. Like I said,

256
00:17:08.599 --> 00:17:11.519
Ariel didn't break me, but I could tell she wasn't

257
00:17:11.519 --> 00:17:15.359
finished yet. I know Ariel nearn and she never forgives.

258
00:17:15.400 --> 00:17:19.039
Anne never forgets when you embarrass her on Facebook like that.

259
00:17:20.200 --> 00:17:23.640
Getting back to now, I'm reading all the comments. I

260
00:17:23.640 --> 00:17:25.920
ain't gonna list them all here because there are too

261
00:17:25.960 --> 00:17:29.079
many of them, and there's some choice things I'd rather

262
00:17:29.160 --> 00:17:33.839
not repeat here. Okay, buddy, what do you suggest I ask?

263
00:17:34.759 --> 00:17:37.079
Before Carter can talk to me, we hear both the

264
00:17:37.119 --> 00:17:41.279
doorbell and some hard knocking downstairs. I know you're in there,

265
00:17:41.319 --> 00:17:47.039
Carter Cross. We both hear Ariel yelling gulp, I know

266
00:17:47.119 --> 00:17:51.400
your parents aren't home. Mouse. Ariel continues, I saw Carter

267
00:17:51.519 --> 00:17:54.000
come in here. You don't open this door right now.

268
00:17:54.160 --> 00:17:57.880
I'll just come on in myself. When neither of us answer,

269
00:17:58.680 --> 00:18:06.279
we suddenly hear the live click. I quickly turned to Carter.

270
00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:10.599
Ariel found the spare key. She's coming in. I shake

271
00:18:10.680 --> 00:18:14.279
my head quickly. Uh oh, buddy, no way, you two

272
00:18:14.279 --> 00:18:17.000
are fighting in my house. We gotta get out of here.

273
00:18:17.079 --> 00:18:21.200
Close the door. Carter quickly closes the mousehole's door as

274
00:18:21.200 --> 00:18:24.559
I'm opening my window. We climb out and hurry down

275
00:18:24.599 --> 00:18:28.119
the TV antenna. We quickly get into our garages and

276
00:18:28.160 --> 00:18:31.160
grab our bikes. As soon as we're both hitting the road,

277
00:18:31.640 --> 00:18:35.519
Ariel's shooting right out my front door. You won't get far,

278
00:18:36.119 --> 00:18:39.720
Ariel yells. Carter and me look at each other. Our

279
00:18:39.759 --> 00:18:42.720
bikes seemed to be just fine. What do you suppose

280
00:18:42.759 --> 00:18:46.680
she meant by that? Carter asks, Suddenly I got a

281
00:18:46.720 --> 00:18:50.799
real bad feeling and look over my shoulder. Aw man.

282
00:18:51.519 --> 00:18:55.480
We both turned to see Ariel riding a moped. Since

283
00:18:55.519 --> 00:18:59.039
when did she get one of those Carter gasps? I

284
00:18:59.119 --> 00:19:02.920
don't know. I fire back. She's got one now. When

285
00:19:03.000 --> 00:19:06.200
she's catching up to us fast, we both look at

286
00:19:06.200 --> 00:19:09.680
each other and know we gotta lose Ariel, Carter calls

287
00:19:09.720 --> 00:19:13.200
over his shoulder, Yeah, princess, let's see you do some

288
00:19:13.440 --> 00:19:17.079
real riding. Carter and me pedal fast until we get

289
00:19:17.119 --> 00:19:20.119
to our turn. Then we turn off and ride through

290
00:19:20.200 --> 00:19:23.559
Gunter Square, a park not too far from our houses.

291
00:19:24.039 --> 00:19:28.799
Ariel continues to follow. Yeah, riding through flat grass, ain't

292
00:19:28.799 --> 00:19:31.680
gonna stop a moped. Once we're out of the park,

293
00:19:31.720 --> 00:19:34.680
we pedal fast and come to another turnoff where we

294
00:19:34.839 --> 00:19:38.400
know Ariel can't follow. Carter and me are doing some

295
00:19:38.440 --> 00:19:42.079
stunt riding on our mongooses. I actually snicker a little

296
00:19:42.079 --> 00:19:44.599
when I'm thinking about how I'd rather be driving a

297
00:19:44.640 --> 00:19:47.559
real car like I did on Halloween night when we

298
00:19:47.559 --> 00:19:51.079
were facing down the ghost of Abigail Tomlin. After a

299
00:19:51.119 --> 00:19:54.200
few twists and turns, we both come out on another road.

300
00:19:55.240 --> 00:19:59.440
Looks like we lost her, Madeline, Carter said. Then my

301
00:19:59.559 --> 00:20:04.279
mouse sense my tummy starts aching again. I look over

302
00:20:04.319 --> 00:20:10.200
my shoulder wrong. Carter looks where I'm looking. You gotta

303
00:20:10.240 --> 00:20:14.440
be kidding me. Let's move, I say, yeah, you just

304
00:20:14.519 --> 00:20:18.440
keep riding your little bikes. Ariel yells, you'll never lose me.

305
00:20:19.559 --> 00:20:22.559
We keep doing our stunt riding and put distance between

306
00:20:22.640 --> 00:20:26.400
us and Ariel. But somehow Ariel keeps sticking with us.

307
00:20:26.960 --> 00:20:29.319
I think it's safe to say she knows Strickfield just

308
00:20:29.359 --> 00:20:33.519
as good as we do. Man, that girl never gives up,

309
00:20:33.960 --> 00:20:37.680
Carter complains. When Ariel finds us again, told you you

310
00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:40.680
never should have put that video on Facebook. I tell

311
00:20:40.759 --> 00:20:44.519
him again. Then I see the road ahead. I think

312
00:20:44.559 --> 00:20:47.160
I got a fool proof plan to lose Ariel this time.

313
00:20:48.160 --> 00:20:51.839
Carter knows what I'm thinking. The old railroad street bridge.

314
00:20:52.599 --> 00:20:55.880
Let's do it. Carter and me pedal fast and soon

315
00:20:55.960 --> 00:20:59.319
reached the downward slope. We both jump the little hill

316
00:20:59.359 --> 00:21:02.960
and are riding on the concrete angle. Before long, we're

317
00:21:02.960 --> 00:21:06.720
off it and riding right beside the Castalia River. We

318
00:21:06.759 --> 00:21:10.559
can ride to Indian Hollow Road, Carter says. I quickly

319
00:21:10.599 --> 00:21:13.680
tap his shoulder and point upward. Ariel's riding on the

320
00:21:13.759 --> 00:21:16.680
upper part of the hill by the railroad tracks. She's

321
00:21:16.759 --> 00:21:18.960
waving to us to let us know she's still here.

322
00:21:20.200 --> 00:21:24.039
I can't believe this, Carter groans, What have we gotta

323
00:21:24.079 --> 00:21:27.960
do to loser? I've got one more plan. I tell

324
00:21:28.039 --> 00:21:31.759
him it's gonna be a long shot. Carter and me

325
00:21:31.839 --> 00:21:34.920
keep pedaling until we're going underneath the main street bridge.

326
00:21:35.480 --> 00:21:38.680
I quickly jam on my brakes. Carter does the same.

327
00:21:39.119 --> 00:21:42.519
Then he sees me turning around and follows me. We're

328
00:21:42.559 --> 00:21:45.960
pedaling in the other direction now. Then I remember the

329
00:21:45.960 --> 00:21:49.480
part of the Castalia River that's shallow. We get off

330
00:21:49.480 --> 00:21:52.880
our bikes and get across the river fast. Once we're

331
00:21:52.920 --> 00:21:55.279
on the other side, we get back on our bikes

332
00:21:55.319 --> 00:21:58.839
and pedal fast again. We ain't here an Ariel's moped.

333
00:21:58.920 --> 00:22:03.599
Now you think we lost her, Carter asks, I shake

334
00:22:03.640 --> 00:22:07.720
my head. I ain't saying nothing till I'm sure. We skip,

335
00:22:07.759 --> 00:22:10.599
coming back up at old Railroad Street and keep going

336
00:22:10.720 --> 00:22:14.039
until we reach University Avenue. We take a few of

337
00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:17.160
the trails made by bikes like ours, and soon come

338
00:22:17.200 --> 00:22:21.599
back up onto the road. No sign of her, Carter says.

339
00:22:22.319 --> 00:22:26.960
Suddenly we hear that sound and realize Ariel's caught up

340
00:22:26.960 --> 00:22:34.319
to us again. Oh man, we are so dead perspective.

341
00:22:34.920 --> 00:22:38.880
Carter cross, Madeline and I both look to see a

342
00:22:38.960 --> 00:22:43.400
dirt bike speeding right past us. We both breathe easy,

343
00:22:43.519 --> 00:22:48.640
knowing Ariel mirn ain't nowhere around. Looks like we're gonna

344
00:22:48.640 --> 00:22:52.480
be okay, I say. Madeline gives me that look now,

345
00:22:53.279 --> 00:22:56.480
So now what, buddy, she asks in her mousey voice.

346
00:22:57.200 --> 00:22:59.480
We're riding for a little bit before I tell her

347
00:22:59.519 --> 00:23:04.200
what I'm thinking. Well, i'd say going back to either

348
00:23:04.240 --> 00:23:07.599
of our houses is out. What's to say Ariel won't

349
00:23:07.599 --> 00:23:10.640
be waiting for us there. Well, we can't stay out

350
00:23:10.640 --> 00:23:13.759
here all day, she says, and not just because it

351
00:23:13.880 --> 00:23:18.039
started drizzling. It's cold out here. We could go to

352
00:23:18.079 --> 00:23:21.119
the mall. I throw out, I don't think Ariel's gonna

353
00:23:21.119 --> 00:23:27.599
find us out there. Not an actual guarantee, Carter. She sighs, Okay,

354
00:23:27.880 --> 00:23:30.559
we'll go to the mall. I gotta get something hot

355
00:23:30.599 --> 00:23:34.880
to drink, coffee or hot chocolate. I'll pay Madeline. I

356
00:23:34.960 --> 00:23:38.279
tell her, I'm really sorry you got in trouble with Ariel.

357
00:23:38.960 --> 00:23:42.799
That wasn't supposed to happen. She gives me her usual

358
00:23:42.880 --> 00:23:48.039
smirk that says we're still buddies. Then she says, just

359
00:23:48.079 --> 00:23:50.640
give me an invitation when you and Ariel get married

360
00:23:50.680 --> 00:23:54.319
after you graduate high school. I groan and point a

361
00:23:54.359 --> 00:23:59.680
shaky finger at her. You always gotta go there. Come on, buddy,

362
00:24:00.160 --> 00:24:03.240
this is me you're talking to here. Madeline tells me,

363
00:24:04.000 --> 00:24:07.079
I know you really like Ariel. I mean you got

364
00:24:07.079 --> 00:24:09.759
her pick on your phone, and I'm pretty sure she

365
00:24:09.960 --> 00:24:13.240
likes you too, So why don't you just ask her out?

366
00:24:14.119 --> 00:24:17.079
I shake my head. It's one thing for me to

367
00:24:17.279 --> 00:24:20.799
like Ariel, but I ain't given up to her. She

368
00:24:20.920 --> 00:24:23.759
can call herself the queen be at Strickfield Junior High

369
00:24:23.799 --> 00:24:27.000
all she wants, but I ain't bowing to her. I

370
00:24:27.039 --> 00:24:30.240
can't believe she's got everybody else doing things for her.

371
00:24:30.920 --> 00:24:33.519
Then she expects me to fall in line and go

372
00:24:33.599 --> 00:24:37.559
along with it. Not happen in Madeline at least now

373
00:24:37.599 --> 00:24:43.960
I'm not alone. But you still like her? She states? Okay, yes,

374
00:24:44.160 --> 00:24:47.920
I like her. Okay, I point at her. Just don't

375
00:24:47.920 --> 00:24:51.359
be telling everybody about it. I don't think I gotta.

376
00:24:51.680 --> 00:24:53.799
I'm pretty sure everybody in our group knows.

377
00:24:54.440 --> 00:24:54.599
No.

378
00:24:54.799 --> 00:24:58.160
I didn't tell him again. Just ask her out. I'm

379
00:24:58.200 --> 00:25:02.079
sure she'll say yeah. I shake my head. You think

380
00:25:02.119 --> 00:25:04.559
Princess Ariel's gonna want to go on a date with

381
00:25:04.640 --> 00:25:08.720
me after that video I posted over way, I'm seeing it, buddy,

382
00:25:09.039 --> 00:25:11.359
Ariel ain't gonna stop until she's caught up to you

383
00:25:11.440 --> 00:25:15.160
for that video. Maybe she didn't get you now, but

384
00:25:15.200 --> 00:25:18.519
we got to go back to school on Monday. Guess

385
00:25:18.519 --> 00:25:21.480
I got two days then, assuming she don't catch up

386
00:25:21.480 --> 00:25:24.720
to me before that, Madeline and I make it out

387
00:25:24.720 --> 00:25:28.279
to Strickfield Town Center Mall. We chain up our bikes

388
00:25:28.279 --> 00:25:32.079
and head inside. You'd think they'd have the Christmas decorations

389
00:25:32.160 --> 00:25:35.880
up by now, I say, I mean, don't They usually

390
00:25:35.920 --> 00:25:39.319
have them up by Black Friday? Madeline points in a

391
00:25:39.319 --> 00:25:43.079
few places they got some up. They also got a

392
00:25:43.160 --> 00:25:46.920
Santa House in Center Court, like they do every holiday season.

393
00:25:47.920 --> 00:25:50.759
You're right, though, how come they ain't got a lot

394
00:25:50.759 --> 00:25:55.440
of decorations up? Madeline and I walk the mall. November

395
00:25:55.440 --> 00:25:57.400
and December are the two months out of the whole

396
00:25:57.480 --> 00:26:01.039
year that our mall looks like a grand open. I mean,

397
00:26:01.200 --> 00:26:04.680
nearly every store is filled and open. There are also

398
00:26:04.720 --> 00:26:08.400
a lot of kiosks set up. Before and after those months,

399
00:26:08.400 --> 00:26:11.519
the mall maybe has one quarter of the stores and

400
00:26:11.599 --> 00:26:14.680
a lot less foot traffic. People keep saying it's going

401
00:26:14.759 --> 00:26:18.599
to close up for good, but it hasn't yet. Then

402
00:26:18.680 --> 00:26:21.480
Madeline and I see a woman who owns the mall herself,

403
00:26:22.279 --> 00:26:26.119
Harmony Miron. She's standing over at Center Court and greeting

404
00:26:26.119 --> 00:26:28.680
the kids to let them see Santa Claus in his house.

405
00:26:29.519 --> 00:26:32.519
She really doesn't look that old, like she's not too

406
00:26:32.559 --> 00:26:35.480
long out of high school. I know she inherited the

407
00:26:35.519 --> 00:26:37.680
mall from her parents and has a little baby girl

408
00:26:37.680 --> 00:26:41.680
of her own. Hmmm, I wonder what relation she is

409
00:26:41.720 --> 00:26:45.359
to Ariel. Madeline and I reach Center Court, where the

410
00:26:45.440 --> 00:26:49.400
food is also located. We go into caffeine junction and

411
00:26:49.440 --> 00:26:54.119
get in line. That's when I start laughing. What's so funny,

412
00:26:54.319 --> 00:26:57.559
Madeline asks, being in here is making me think of

413
00:26:57.640 --> 00:27:01.319
Roth's rings. I snicker, Come on, you thought it was

414
00:27:01.359 --> 00:27:05.759
funny too watching little Stuart Mirran at his worst. I mean,

415
00:27:06.279 --> 00:27:10.960
it was like watching a cartoon. Madeline does laugh a little,

416
00:27:11.440 --> 00:27:15.519
then she says, you know, at the same time, I

417
00:27:15.559 --> 00:27:17.960
feel sorry for Ariel having to get stuck with him

418
00:27:18.000 --> 00:27:21.400
all the time. I know he really does drive her crazy.

419
00:27:22.440 --> 00:27:25.039
When it's our turn to order, I get a hot

420
00:27:25.119 --> 00:27:29.960
chocolate Madeline orders that death wish gingerbread coffee. I pay

421
00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:32.759
for both of us. As soon as we get our drinks,

422
00:27:33.599 --> 00:27:37.839
we head back out into the mall. Carter, Maddie, we

423
00:27:37.920 --> 00:27:41.160
hear someone calling out. We both turn around to see

424
00:27:41.200 --> 00:27:45.599
Richie Horton and Brian Chunk. Horton, Chunker, what's going on,

425
00:27:46.079 --> 00:27:49.079
I ask Horton, and I are just hanging out today,

426
00:27:49.359 --> 00:27:52.799
Chunker says, Chapman's doing stuff with his mom and dad.

427
00:27:53.039 --> 00:27:55.759
We're supposed to meet up with him later. He's the

428
00:27:55.839 --> 00:27:59.000
husky guy who's always wearing cargo pants and an open

429
00:27:59.039 --> 00:28:02.319
Hawaiian shirt over a black T shirt. I didn't want

430
00:28:02.359 --> 00:28:05.599
to stay at home, so I texted Chunker, and here

431
00:28:05.640 --> 00:28:09.079
we are. Horton says in his squeaky voice. He's the

432
00:28:09.119 --> 00:28:13.839
really skinny kid with the circular lensed glasses. Suddenly, Maddeline

433
00:28:13.880 --> 00:28:16.839
grabs my wrist fast. I'm about to ask her what's

434
00:28:16.920 --> 00:28:20.920
up when I see where she's pointing. Now the four

435
00:28:21.000 --> 00:28:24.799
of us are looking right at Ariel Mirran, who's now

436
00:28:24.839 --> 00:28:29.759
got her eyes locked right on me. Ariel points right

437
00:28:29.799 --> 00:28:33.240
at me and smiles sweetly as she's approaching us. Soon

438
00:28:33.440 --> 00:28:36.640
she's right in front of me. Hi, Carter, you really

439
00:28:36.640 --> 00:28:40.400
should just lay down right here. Her face suddenly turns

440
00:28:40.440 --> 00:28:50.920
monstrous because you are so dead perspective, Ariel Mirror. I've

441
00:28:50.920 --> 00:28:54.400
got Carter Cross dead to rights now. I've got to

442
00:28:54.480 --> 00:28:57.000
hand it to them losing me the way they did.

443
00:28:57.200 --> 00:28:59.559
I'm guessing Mouse was probably the one who came up

444
00:28:59.599 --> 00:29:03.039
with that plan. As far as I'm concerned, she's guilty

445
00:29:03.039 --> 00:29:09.079
by association. That means she's getting hers too, Ariel. There's

446
00:29:09.119 --> 00:29:12.599
plenty of security guards here. I hear Mouse say. I

447
00:29:12.680 --> 00:29:15.079
point right at her while I'm still looking at Carter.

448
00:29:15.680 --> 00:29:20.440
I'll be with you in a moment, little mousey. There's

449
00:29:20.519 --> 00:29:24.960
already two mal popos looking our way. Guys, Richie Horton squeaks,

450
00:29:25.319 --> 00:29:27.519
I'd rather not have to explain to my mom why

451
00:29:27.559 --> 00:29:29.960
we got busted if it's all the same to you.

452
00:29:31.039 --> 00:29:33.759
When Carter tries to slip away from me, I quickly

453
00:29:33.799 --> 00:29:36.960
get right back in front of him. You have no

454
00:29:37.160 --> 00:29:40.359
idea how much I'd like to kill that little goober

455
00:29:40.400 --> 00:29:43.359
of a cousin. I have. But when you record videos

456
00:29:43.359 --> 00:29:46.240
of me and the goober and post them the Facebook,

457
00:29:46.839 --> 00:29:50.759
oh no, you don't. This time Carter tries pulling that

458
00:29:50.880 --> 00:29:54.519
trick that Mouse pulled on Halloween night, Mouse tends to

459
00:29:54.599 --> 00:29:56.599
drop to the floor and then move in between my

460
00:29:56.720 --> 00:30:00.000
legs to escape. In fact, that's how she is scared

461
00:30:00.160 --> 00:30:05.519
from my sleepover last night. Problem is Carter telegraphed it. Also,

462
00:30:05.960 --> 00:30:09.279
he's nowhere near as small and thin as Mouse. I

463
00:30:09.359 --> 00:30:14.359
get on Carter's back. No way, Carter, you are mine.

464
00:30:15.200 --> 00:30:18.480
But Carter suddenly surprises me by holding onto my legs

465
00:30:18.519 --> 00:30:21.599
and lifting me up. He easily gets back to his feet,

466
00:30:21.960 --> 00:30:24.359
and I'm stuck fast on his back and holding on.

467
00:30:25.319 --> 00:30:28.599
You're not getting away from me, Carter, I declare, I'm

468
00:30:28.680 --> 00:30:31.440
killing you right here and now you do not get

469
00:30:31.480 --> 00:30:35.759
away with what you pulled on Facebook. Geeve, Princess, are

470
00:30:35.759 --> 00:30:39.519
you putting on weight? Carter sneers. Must be all those

471
00:30:39.599 --> 00:30:43.000
pies Stuart's been feeding you. A few more and you

472
00:30:43.039 --> 00:30:46.480
can join the guy's wrestling team at Strickfield High. I

473
00:30:46.640 --> 00:30:50.359
growl and grab two handfuls of hair. Guess I'll start

474
00:30:50.400 --> 00:30:54.880
with you, Carter groans, Get off me, Princess, go on

475
00:30:55.000 --> 00:30:57.519
back to your castle, inside your wall and leave us

476
00:30:57.599 --> 00:31:02.000
peasants in peace. Eyes Come on, those guards are really

477
00:31:02.079 --> 00:31:05.480
looking our way now. Mouse calls out, and then I

478
00:31:05.519 --> 00:31:08.680
feel arms moving around my waist. I cry out when

479
00:31:08.680 --> 00:31:11.759
I'm being pulled away from Carter and know Brian Chunks

480
00:31:11.799 --> 00:31:14.319
got a hold of me. After he sets me down,

481
00:31:14.359 --> 00:31:17.880
I quickly turn around to confront him. Chunker points right

482
00:31:17.920 --> 00:31:21.200
at me. Now that's enough, Ariel. We got all kinds

483
00:31:21.200 --> 00:31:24.079
of security guards looking right at us, and Horton's right.

484
00:31:24.200 --> 00:31:26.160
I know I don't want to be explaining to my

485
00:31:26.359 --> 00:31:30.039
parents why we got arrested. Here. I put a finger

486
00:31:30.079 --> 00:31:33.640
of my own in Chunker's face. You do not ever

487
00:31:33.799 --> 00:31:38.359
touch me, fat boy, Chunker shakes his head. You do

488
00:31:38.559 --> 00:31:41.640
know I'm not afraid of you? Right then, I give

489
00:31:41.759 --> 00:31:46.559
him my wicked smile. You should be, or did you

490
00:31:46.599 --> 00:31:50.880
forget I'm Ariel Miron. Chunker raises his hand in front

491
00:31:50.880 --> 00:31:54.400
of him. Okay, okay, you're right. I need to learn

492
00:31:54.440 --> 00:31:58.079
my place, right, that's what you keep saying. Suddenly he

493
00:31:58.160 --> 00:32:01.279
grabs me and holds me to him. Run you guys,

494
00:32:01.359 --> 00:32:04.720
go let go of me, Chunker, I yell when I

495
00:32:04.759 --> 00:32:07.880
see Carter and Mouse running for it. You guys, the

496
00:32:07.920 --> 00:32:12.039
mall popos are honest, now, Horton warns us. Chunker, lets

497
00:32:12.039 --> 00:32:14.799
go of me now. My fists are tightened. Then I

498
00:32:14.880 --> 00:32:20.160
growl and point right at Chunker. Oh you you as

499
00:32:20.200 --> 00:32:22.920
I'm ready to vent my anger and frustration with one

500
00:32:22.920 --> 00:32:26.680
of my trademark screams. Chunker quickly grabs my hand and

501
00:32:26.759 --> 00:32:30.400
holds it. I'm really growling now, and I'm ready to

502
00:32:30.480 --> 00:32:34.200
claw at him. Listen, Ariel, how about I take you

503
00:32:34.279 --> 00:32:38.079
to the food court and buy you a coke, Chunker asks,

504
00:32:38.640 --> 00:32:42.480
And just like that, I'm not even mad at him anymore.

505
00:32:43.559 --> 00:32:48.440
M all right, I reply, Just as the security guards

506
00:32:48.440 --> 00:32:52.319
are almost honest, Chunker raises his hand. It's okay. I'm

507
00:32:52.359 --> 00:32:54.960
just taking my girlfriend to the food court. She's having

508
00:32:55.000 --> 00:32:58.119
a really bad day. The guards look at each other.

509
00:32:58.880 --> 00:33:01.440
Then one of them says to us, we've already got

510
00:33:01.519 --> 00:33:03.480
enough on our plates here with it being a Saturday

511
00:33:03.519 --> 00:33:08.240
in December. Be respectable while you're here, got it? Yeah,

512
00:33:08.480 --> 00:33:12.559
we got it. Chunker quickly agrees. We start walking away

513
00:33:12.559 --> 00:33:15.480
from the guards. You don't make good on that coke,

514
00:33:15.640 --> 00:33:19.200
and I'm gonna claw your eyes out, then Carter's I

515
00:33:19.319 --> 00:33:30.000
tell him on no uncertain terms. Now I shove Chunker,

516
00:33:30.279 --> 00:33:33.880
and how dare you call me your girlfriend? Hey? The

517
00:33:33.920 --> 00:33:38.160
guards believed it, didn't they, Chunker stresses. Then I realize

518
00:33:38.240 --> 00:33:42.359
Chunker's holding my hand. You're skating on very thin ice

519
00:33:42.440 --> 00:33:45.440
with me. The next thing I know, where at Scotto's

520
00:33:45.480 --> 00:33:49.480
Pizza in the food court. Large coke, please, Chunker tells

521
00:33:49.519 --> 00:33:52.839
the cashier. Before long, Chunker lets go of my hand

522
00:33:52.880 --> 00:33:55.200
and gives me the drink. I pop the top and

523
00:33:55.279 --> 00:33:59.759
drink that sweet, bubbly slice of heaven. Then Horton gives

524
00:33:59.799 --> 00:34:02.920
me a weird look. Why do you like coke so much?

525
00:34:03.440 --> 00:34:07.359
I stop drinking and look at him. Because Mom never

526
00:34:07.519 --> 00:34:10.360
lets us have anything other than diet soda at the house.

527
00:34:10.840 --> 00:34:13.400
That's why I'm always sneaking off to drink the regular

528
00:34:13.440 --> 00:34:17.639
stuff or steal carters. I take a few more drinks

529
00:34:17.639 --> 00:34:21.400
and look back at Chunker. Okay, I guess you get

530
00:34:21.440 --> 00:34:24.880
to live, geez, Ariel. Not even so much as a

531
00:34:24.920 --> 00:34:28.559
thank you, Chunker says. I look him in the eyes. Now,

532
00:34:29.119 --> 00:34:31.559
I think I'm going to call this a respect offering.

533
00:34:32.000 --> 00:34:35.119
You Carter, Bill Chapman and this bean pole here have

534
00:34:35.239 --> 00:34:39.760
yet to show me respect at my school. Chunker laughs

535
00:34:39.800 --> 00:34:42.920
a little. It ain't your school now. I know. I

536
00:34:42.960 --> 00:34:45.760
can say we respect you as a person, Ariel, but

537
00:34:45.840 --> 00:34:49.280
we're not gonna call you the queen Bee. Horton raises

538
00:34:49.320 --> 00:34:52.360
his finger. And you're not going to order us around either.

539
00:34:53.280 --> 00:34:56.280
I look from one to the other. You two are

540
00:34:56.320 --> 00:34:59.159
going to know your place at my school, one way

541
00:34:59.239 --> 00:35:04.360
or another. Aerial renaissance mirror. A voice I'd really rather

542
00:35:04.440 --> 00:35:07.719
not here today, calls out Chunker. Horton and I turn

543
00:35:07.840 --> 00:35:11.400
and see both my mom and Aunt Margaret, and then

544
00:35:11.519 --> 00:35:14.280
my stomach drops when I see my aunt has Steward

545
00:35:14.920 --> 00:35:18.599
in her arms. What do you want, I asked Mom.

546
00:35:19.360 --> 00:35:22.519
She points right at me. I want you to always

547
00:35:22.559 --> 00:35:25.280
have your phone turned on. I should never be directed

548
00:35:25.320 --> 00:35:28.880
to your voicemail. Then she snatches up my coke and

549
00:35:28.960 --> 00:35:31.559
I told you you are never to drink these. This

550
00:35:31.840 --> 00:35:34.599
is how you put on weight. Do I look like

551
00:35:34.639 --> 00:35:36.760
I need to be on any kind of diet? I

552
00:35:36.880 --> 00:35:41.039
fire back. Now. Mom points to Chunker and Horton. Go away,

553
00:35:42.079 --> 00:35:44.760
but I turn and grab both of their wrists. No,

554
00:35:45.559 --> 00:35:48.159
these two are my friends, so they're staying with me.

555
00:35:48.960 --> 00:35:51.760
And then Aunt Margaret sets Stuart down right next to me.

556
00:35:52.559 --> 00:35:54.800
That's fine, the three of you can keep an eye

557
00:35:54.800 --> 00:35:57.840
on your cousin. Then she says, in the absolute most

558
00:35:58.239 --> 00:36:01.800
snooty voice I have ever heard from a mirror. I

559
00:36:01.840 --> 00:36:05.840
shake my head. You are not sticking me with Stuart again, Margaret.

560
00:36:06.400 --> 00:36:09.679
Why can't you keep that rotten goober with you? Aunt

561
00:36:09.719 --> 00:36:12.679
Margaret looks like she's ready to rip into me. I'm

562
00:36:12.760 --> 00:36:15.239
ready to fight back, but Mom's quick to get in

563
00:36:15.280 --> 00:36:19.519
my face. You will be watching Stuart as of right now,

564
00:36:19.920 --> 00:36:21.760
Margaret and I have to go to Erie City for

565
00:36:21.800 --> 00:36:25.199
an emergency meeting regarding my latest computer game. Will be

566
00:36:25.239 --> 00:36:27.599
gone the rest of the weekend, so you will be

567
00:36:27.719 --> 00:36:33.000
keeping Stuart with you and watching him. Do you understand.

568
00:36:33.880 --> 00:36:37.599
That's when little Stuart gives me his mischievous look. I

569
00:36:37.639 --> 00:36:40.840
look right at Aunt Margaret. I mean it, take your

570
00:36:40.880 --> 00:36:43.800
goober son to Erie City with you. I am not

571
00:36:44.280 --> 00:36:47.599
ever watching him again. All he does is get me

572
00:36:47.639 --> 00:36:52.000
into all kinds of trouble. Aunt Margaret chuckles, not my

573
00:36:52.159 --> 00:36:55.320
problem as of right now. Then she gives me a

574
00:36:55.360 --> 00:37:03.000
scornful wave and sings Tata nah oh. I scream behind them.

575
00:37:03.360 --> 00:37:05.960
I want to run after them, but little Stuart's already

576
00:37:06.039 --> 00:37:09.000
running away from me. I growl and turn to run

577
00:37:09.039 --> 00:37:13.159
after him. You stop right there, you little goober. I

578
00:37:13.199 --> 00:37:16.079
can hear Stuart laughing. He really knows how to get

579
00:37:16.199 --> 00:37:19.760
under my skin and he's only four years old. Stuart

580
00:37:19.800 --> 00:37:22.280
is moving through the crowds of people. I'm trying to

581
00:37:22.280 --> 00:37:25.559
get around them to get to my latest problem. Seriously,

582
00:37:25.800 --> 00:37:28.239
why do I always have to get stuck with Stuart?

583
00:37:28.760 --> 00:37:31.119
Mom and Aunt Margaret both know he gets under my

584
00:37:31.159 --> 00:37:35.079
skin in the worst way, and they don't care. Stuart

585
00:37:35.119 --> 00:37:38.400
continues to laugh as he keeps moving. I'm growling as

586
00:37:38.400 --> 00:37:40.880
I keep trying to move around people to get to him.

587
00:37:41.440 --> 00:37:45.119
How can these people not see that, goober? I'm almost

588
00:37:45.159 --> 00:37:47.760
on Stuart when some idiot crashes into me and knocks

589
00:37:47.800 --> 00:37:50.880
me down. Watch where you're going, kid, I hear the

590
00:37:50.960 --> 00:37:55.800
person say, Oh, now I'm really mad. I really focus

591
00:37:55.840 --> 00:37:59.000
and get around all these shoppers. I'm almost on Stuart again.

592
00:37:59.159 --> 00:38:01.440
When I finally grab a hold of him and lift

593
00:38:01.519 --> 00:38:04.920
him off the floor. He turns and bashes me in

594
00:38:04.920 --> 00:38:08.039
the head with something that explodes all over me and

595
00:38:08.159 --> 00:38:11.599
gets me wet. My eyes are burning right through Stuart.

596
00:38:11.639 --> 00:38:17.079
Now I hate you, you little eh. Lately it just

597
00:38:17.159 --> 00:38:20.760
never fails. Somehow he keeps managing to douse me with pop.

598
00:38:21.280 --> 00:38:24.199
Stuart points right at me and laughs his evil little

599
00:38:24.320 --> 00:38:27.239
kid laugh. If you were in his terrible twos, I

600
00:38:27.280 --> 00:38:31.559
suppose I could be more understanding. But he's four years old.

601
00:38:32.280 --> 00:38:34.440
I'm holding Stuart right where I can look at him

602
00:38:34.440 --> 00:38:36.719
face to face, and I'm about to find out that

603
00:38:36.760 --> 00:38:41.239
I've underestimated him again. The goober laughs his evil laugh

604
00:38:41.320 --> 00:38:44.199
again and then spits a wat of gum right in

605
00:38:44.280 --> 00:38:47.400
my eye, I cry out and almost drop him. He

606
00:38:47.440 --> 00:38:50.039
manages to slip out and climb down my body to

607
00:38:50.119 --> 00:38:54.519
the floor. He's off and running again. Oh you you.

608
00:38:55.400 --> 00:38:57.400
I really don't care who hears me as I belt

609
00:38:57.400 --> 00:39:00.920
out another one of my blood curdling screams. I'm way

610
00:39:00.960 --> 00:39:04.159
beyond mad right now. When I stop, the pain in

611
00:39:04.199 --> 00:39:07.679
my eye registers. As I'm holding my hand there, you

612
00:39:07.800 --> 00:39:11.440
better go after your brother kid, some idiot shopper tells me.

613
00:39:11.960 --> 00:39:13.679
I don't even look at the person as I point

614
00:39:13.719 --> 00:39:17.800
their way. You can just shut up. So I'm chasing

615
00:39:17.840 --> 00:39:20.719
little Stewart around the mall again. He leads me right

616
00:39:20.760 --> 00:39:22.599
to the end of the mall where the best Buy is,

617
00:39:23.199 --> 00:39:27.199
and then that's when I see Carter and Mouse sitting

618
00:39:27.199 --> 00:39:31.039
at the fountain. My eye doesn't hurt as much right now,

619
00:39:31.880 --> 00:39:33.960
but at least both of them are working to where

620
00:39:34.000 --> 00:39:36.960
I can see Stuart running around the fountain and Carter

621
00:39:37.079 --> 00:39:40.519
pulling his smartphone out. No doubt he's planning on recording

622
00:39:40.559 --> 00:39:44.440
me in my troubles with my goober cousin again. Don't

623
00:39:44.480 --> 00:39:48.599
you even Carter, I yell, I will kill you for sure,

624
00:39:48.719 --> 00:39:52.280
and not think twice about it. Carter quickly gets up,

625
00:39:52.599 --> 00:39:54.480
Mouse is trying to tell him not to do it.

626
00:39:54.800 --> 00:39:58.679
He's recording a new video. Now, hey, Princess, I think

627
00:39:58.719 --> 00:40:02.880
I'll call this one. Mal Santa tells Princess Ariel she's

628
00:40:02.920 --> 00:40:05.760
been naughty and is chasing down one of his elves.

629
00:40:06.519 --> 00:40:09.920
I tighten my fists and belt out another scream, which

630
00:40:10.000 --> 00:40:13.239
lasts much longer than the first one. I'm not even

631
00:40:13.280 --> 00:40:15.880
aware that I'm running right at Carter when I'm screaming.

632
00:40:15.920 --> 00:40:19.440
In fact, I can't hear much of anything, and all

633
00:40:19.480 --> 00:40:22.559
I'm seeing is red. When I crash right into Carter

634
00:40:22.840 --> 00:40:31.920
and take him right into the fountain perspective Madeline Donnerly, Ah, man,

635
00:40:32.480 --> 00:40:35.480
you just knew something like this was gonna happen. Carter

636
00:40:35.559 --> 00:40:38.480
and Ariel both splash right into the fountain just outside

637
00:40:38.480 --> 00:40:41.280
of best Buy. I managed to catch Stuart and lift

638
00:40:41.320 --> 00:40:44.280
him up. He laughs a real mean laugh and points

639
00:40:44.320 --> 00:40:47.079
right at Ariel. Ah, come on, why you gotta be

640
00:40:47.119 --> 00:40:50.639
so mean, little guy? I ask. Just then Horton and

641
00:40:50.719 --> 00:40:53.920
Chunker show up and see Carter and Ariel splashing around

642
00:40:53.920 --> 00:40:57.039
in the fountain. These two ain't even trying to get out.

643
00:40:57.360 --> 00:40:59.800
Ariel's grabbing at him and throwing him into the water,

644
00:41:00.320 --> 00:41:02.639
then she jumps on him. They both go under the

645
00:41:02.679 --> 00:41:06.519
water again and come back up. Horton leans in, Hey,

646
00:41:06.960 --> 00:41:11.760
mal popos are coming this way, lots of them. Just stop.

647
00:41:12.159 --> 00:41:15.519
Chunker yells, but Ariel and Chunker don't even hear him.

648
00:41:16.119 --> 00:41:19.320
They just keep having their water fight. I'm gonna kill you,

649
00:41:19.440 --> 00:41:23.559
Carter cross, Ariel belts out. Chunker reaches into the fountain

650
00:41:23.559 --> 00:41:25.880
to try and grab Ariel, but she slips out of

651
00:41:25.920 --> 00:41:29.559
his hands and jumps right at Carter again. Get off me,

652
00:41:29.679 --> 00:41:33.519
you spoiled bratt. Carter belts back, and then I see

653
00:41:33.519 --> 00:41:37.199
Horton seeing a good six security guards coming our way.

654
00:41:37.719 --> 00:41:41.000
But it's what Horton didn't see that's got my tummy

655
00:41:41.039 --> 00:41:44.559
feeling like lead. When I see her coming with him,

656
00:41:45.440 --> 00:41:47.840
you just know things are gonna be a whole next

657
00:41:47.920 --> 00:41:52.400
level of bad. Horton and Chunker both see harmony mirrn

658
00:41:52.480 --> 00:41:55.400
with him too, because they're yelling for Carter and Ariel

659
00:41:55.440 --> 00:41:59.679
to stop. Oh man, I never knew feelings were this

660
00:41:59.760 --> 00:42:03.199
bad between Carter and Ariel. Even I'm trying to tell

661
00:42:03.280 --> 00:42:06.000
him to stop and why, but they just keep jumping

662
00:42:06.039 --> 00:42:08.199
on each other and throwing each other into the water.

663
00:42:09.400 --> 00:42:12.239
Now we finally stop yelling at Carter and Ariel because

664
00:42:13.360 --> 00:42:16.760
it's too late, Harmony Mirron and the guards are here.

665
00:42:17.440 --> 00:42:20.199
That's when I feel Stuart pull my beret off my head.

666
00:42:20.639 --> 00:42:22.719
I quickly turned to the little guy and put it

667
00:42:22.760 --> 00:42:25.280
on his head. You can keep it on if you

668
00:42:25.360 --> 00:42:29.760
behave Stuart laughs happily. Now guess I ought to be

669
00:42:29.880 --> 00:42:32.639
so lucky. This little guy always minds me when he's

670
00:42:32.639 --> 00:42:35.679
with me. Hopefully I ain't assuming nothing when I say

671
00:42:35.719 --> 00:42:39.519
I think he likes me, Harmony Mirn don't even look mad.

672
00:42:39.800 --> 00:42:42.440
When the security guards grab hold of Carter and Ariel

673
00:42:42.480 --> 00:42:45.360
and yank him out of the fountain, Water's just dripping

674
00:42:45.400 --> 00:42:48.280
off them and all over the floor. Now why am

675
00:42:48.320 --> 00:42:51.599
I worried about Harmony Mirron. Not only is she the

676
00:42:51.599 --> 00:42:54.800
owner of this mall, she's also one of the absolute

677
00:42:55.039 --> 00:42:59.440
meanest Mirrans I know. Harmony claps her hands together once.

678
00:43:00.239 --> 00:43:03.079
I'm so happy you two love playing together in one

679
00:43:03.119 --> 00:43:07.480
of my fountains. Then her fake happy tone quickly turns

680
00:43:07.559 --> 00:43:12.440
sour fast. Bring them to my office yesterday, and before

681
00:43:12.480 --> 00:43:15.480
anybody can even so much as take a breath, Harmony

682
00:43:15.519 --> 00:43:18.400
points right at the rest of us. I want them

683
00:43:18.639 --> 00:43:24.360
to bring all these brats to my office. What Chunker protests,

684
00:43:24.960 --> 00:43:28.039
we were trying to stop him. Lady Harmony points right

685
00:43:28.079 --> 00:43:32.119
at him, save it, fat stuff. A security guard moves

686
00:43:32.159 --> 00:43:36.599
behind Chunker, Move it, kid, just as another one's about

687
00:43:36.599 --> 00:43:40.480
to grab Horton. He raises his hands in front of him. Okay, okay,

688
00:43:40.719 --> 00:43:44.800
I give up. I'm coming along quietly. Then Harmony Mirran

689
00:43:44.880 --> 00:43:48.559
points right at me. You too, Velma Dinkley, and bring

690
00:43:48.599 --> 00:43:54.519
that little rugrat with you. Ah man, I mutter, Oh,

691
00:43:54.599 --> 00:43:57.679
I'm gonna love explaining all this to mom and dad.

692
00:43:58.480 --> 00:44:01.039
I'm sure Harmony Miron's gonna to call the cops and

693
00:44:01.079 --> 00:44:05.239
have us all arrested. Yeah, Harmony's all nicey nice to

694
00:44:05.320 --> 00:44:08.440
the customers, but you get caught doing something you shouldn't

695
00:44:08.440 --> 00:44:13.840
be doing in her mall. Oh man, yeah, this ain't

696
00:44:13.920 --> 00:44:20.559
gonna end well. Perspective, Brian Chunk. I keep telling the

697
00:44:20.639 --> 00:44:23.480
lady who owns this mall that Horton, Maddie and I

698
00:44:23.559 --> 00:44:26.239
were trying to break things up between Carter and Ariel.

699
00:44:26.800 --> 00:44:29.039
She just keeps telling me to shut up and move.

700
00:44:29.920 --> 00:44:33.519
My guess is she's gonna call our parents, no back up,

701
00:44:34.039 --> 00:44:37.519
She's gonna call the cops first. Then call our parents.

702
00:44:38.239 --> 00:44:41.000
I ain't worried about my own parents. All I gotta

703
00:44:41.039 --> 00:44:43.480
do is just explain to them what happened, and things

704
00:44:43.519 --> 00:44:48.920
should be okay. At my end, I'm more worried about Horton, though.

705
00:44:49.280 --> 00:44:52.280
I'm surprised his mom's still letting him hang out with everybody,

706
00:44:52.360 --> 00:44:57.239
especially after we were gone for a whole year. What

707
00:44:57.280 --> 00:45:01.719
with everything that happened with Abigail Tomlin's ghost. Oh, Horton's

708
00:45:01.760 --> 00:45:04.199
mom wanted to keep him in the house forever and ever.

709
00:45:04.320 --> 00:45:06.880
Once we all came back home after Maddie and her

710
00:45:06.880 --> 00:45:09.039
friend saved us and brought us back to the Mortal

711
00:45:09.079 --> 00:45:13.440
realm Horton hardly ever gets confrontational, but he wasn't gonna

712
00:45:13.480 --> 00:45:16.159
let his mom keep him away from the group. I'm

713
00:45:16.199 --> 00:45:19.159
wondering if she'll make good on that, though, If Harmony

714
00:45:19.199 --> 00:45:22.400
Miron calls her up and tells her just what happened.

715
00:45:23.880 --> 00:45:26.599
Everybody's watching the guards escort us to the other end

716
00:45:26.639 --> 00:45:30.000
of the mall and down a side corridor. Next thing

717
00:45:30.039 --> 00:45:32.480
we know, we're turning off and going past a set

718
00:45:32.519 --> 00:45:37.000
of restrooms and into the mall office. Harmony Miron shuts

719
00:45:37.039 --> 00:45:40.440
the door and locks it tight. Then she pulls these

720
00:45:40.519 --> 00:45:44.639
drapes closed. Finally, she sits down at her desk. Her

721
00:45:44.679 --> 00:45:48.480
face is so red now you just know she's as

722
00:45:48.519 --> 00:45:52.440
angry as all get out. Harmony points to Ariel. First,

723
00:45:53.159 --> 00:45:57.519
believe me, I know you're my cousin. She points to Stuart,

724
00:45:57.559 --> 00:46:03.159
who's standing next to Maddie now and sows that rotten brat. Now,

725
00:46:03.199 --> 00:46:06.119
she glares at Ariel. But the fact that you too

726
00:46:06.199 --> 00:46:10.039
our family, doesn't mean a single thing to me. In fact,

727
00:46:10.360 --> 00:46:12.280
I'm going to pick up this phone and call the

728
00:46:12.280 --> 00:46:15.159
police and have them come get all of you. She

729
00:46:15.280 --> 00:46:18.639
points to all of us as a whole. Now, too bad,

730
00:46:18.719 --> 00:46:21.239
none of you damaged anything in my maull because I

731
00:46:21.440 --> 00:46:25.039
really really want to press more severe charges on all

732
00:46:25.079 --> 00:46:28.400
of you before any of us can speak, she points

733
00:46:28.440 --> 00:46:31.679
sharply at all of us. Shut up. You do not

734
00:46:31.880 --> 00:46:35.239
speak unless I say so, and I did not say so.

735
00:46:36.199 --> 00:46:39.960
She clasps her hands together now and smirks, Oh, yes,

736
00:46:40.719 --> 00:46:44.800
all of you rotten brats belong to me. Now. She

737
00:46:44.920 --> 00:46:48.199
unclasps her hands and picks up the phone. She's about

738
00:46:48.239 --> 00:46:51.880
to punch the number for the police. When she hangs up,

739
00:46:52.599 --> 00:46:57.079
her smile's really making me feel uneasy. Right now. I

740
00:46:57.119 --> 00:47:01.039
suppose I should actually be thanking all of you from

741
00:47:01.039 --> 00:47:03.840
the bottom of my heart that you created a disturbance

742
00:47:03.880 --> 00:47:08.079
in my mall today, she says softly. In case you

743
00:47:08.159 --> 00:47:11.920
haven't noticed, the mall doesn't look all jolly for the

744
00:47:11.920 --> 00:47:15.360
holiday season like it's supposed to. Oh, there are a

745
00:47:15.440 --> 00:47:19.280
select few things up and about, like Santa's House, a

746
00:47:19.320 --> 00:47:23.360
few scenes, and even some of the Christmas hangings. However,

747
00:47:24.360 --> 00:47:26.960
there's still plenty more to do here to make my

748
00:47:27.199 --> 00:47:33.920
mall a winter wonderland. Now, she's smiling, really sweet. Yeah,

749
00:47:34.079 --> 00:47:37.719
she's that scary. I think I'm willing to cut you

750
00:47:37.880 --> 00:47:42.960
brats some slack this time, she chuckles. Now, but in

751
00:47:43.079 --> 00:47:45.800
no way am I letting you off the hook. Oh no,

752
00:47:46.320 --> 00:47:50.039
In fact, I see my Christmas decorations crew right here

753
00:47:50.079 --> 00:47:53.639
in front of me. It's very simple, really, You brats

754
00:47:53.679 --> 00:47:56.199
get to work the rest of the day and all

755
00:47:56.320 --> 00:48:00.000
night finishing up with the Christmas decorations. There are several

756
00:48:00.159 --> 00:48:03.679
Christmas trees that have to be placed at precise locations

757
00:48:03.960 --> 00:48:07.159
throughout my mall. There are even some scenes that have

758
00:48:07.280 --> 00:48:10.639
to be finished. Now, before you decide you're not going

759
00:48:10.719 --> 00:48:15.119
to cooperate, that's fine, Harmony, puts her elbows on the

760
00:48:15.159 --> 00:48:18.519
desk and puts her chin on her fists. I can

761
00:48:18.559 --> 00:48:21.559
pick up the phone again, call the police, and have

762
00:48:21.679 --> 00:48:25.360
them charge you accordingly. Believe me when I say how

763
00:48:25.440 --> 00:48:29.159
much I love watching the police arrest brats who think

764
00:48:29.280 --> 00:48:33.000
they can run rampant in my mall. I've already had

765
00:48:33.119 --> 00:48:36.039
more than I can count on two hands arrested just

766
00:48:36.159 --> 00:48:39.519
this week. If I have to have you brats arrested,

767
00:48:39.880 --> 00:48:42.320
then I'm pretty sure it'll be more than I can

768
00:48:42.360 --> 00:48:47.320
count on my hands and feet. Your choice. When none

769
00:48:47.360 --> 00:48:54.960
of us answer, she tells us, Oh, you may speak now.

770
00:48:57.159 --> 00:49:02.840
It wasn't Horton starts. Harmony point's right at him. Save it, wimp. No, you,

771
00:49:03.119 --> 00:49:06.039
the fat kid and the mouseie girl weren't fighting. I'm

772
00:49:06.079 --> 00:49:09.440
so sure you were trying your absolute best to stop

773
00:49:09.480 --> 00:49:12.360
your two friends from fighting in the fountain. Weren't you.

774
00:49:13.440 --> 00:49:16.719
Harmony shoots up to her feet quickly. But you didn't

775
00:49:16.760 --> 00:49:21.199
stop it, did you, She calms down. Now, the way

776
00:49:21.239 --> 00:49:24.639
I'm seeing it, you're all part of the same group.

777
00:49:25.039 --> 00:49:29.480
This means you're all guilty as charged. End of discussion.

778
00:49:30.119 --> 00:49:32.639
Now you have to make a choice. All I want

779
00:49:32.639 --> 00:49:34.679
to hear from the five of you is either you're

780
00:49:34.719 --> 00:49:38.000
going to finish with the Christmas decorations or you're not

781
00:49:38.119 --> 00:49:40.159
going to help and I can pick up the phone.

782
00:49:40.639 --> 00:49:47.039
That's it. Having said that, choices, what about this little guy,

783
00:49:47.599 --> 00:49:52.639
Maddie asks her, pointing to Steward. What about him? Harmony snaps,

784
00:49:53.280 --> 00:49:55.360
If you can call somebody to come and get him,

785
00:49:55.400 --> 00:49:58.320
then okay. Otherwise you brats had better keep an eye

786
00:49:58.360 --> 00:50:01.400
on him if he stays with you all night. Can

787
00:50:01.440 --> 00:50:06.880
we talk about it amongst ourselves, Horton asks, Harmony laughs scornfully.

788
00:50:07.400 --> 00:50:11.280
You do not get to make requests, tent Pole. I

789
00:50:11.320 --> 00:50:16.320
will not ask you brats again your choices. Now you

790
00:50:16.400 --> 00:50:18.679
all know we're going to choose to stay and put

791
00:50:18.760 --> 00:50:23.440
up the rest of the decorations. Splendid, Harmony cries with glee.

792
00:50:24.039 --> 00:50:27.679
That's the choice I would have picked myself. And now

793
00:50:28.519 --> 00:50:32.159
Harmony explains what all we're supposed to do. She says

794
00:50:32.199 --> 00:50:35.599
that since she doesn't trust us, she herself will be

795
00:50:35.679 --> 00:50:38.239
supervising us to make sure we do the job on

796
00:50:38.440 --> 00:50:42.079
her level. Turns out, her baby as being watched by

797
00:50:42.079 --> 00:50:45.079
her other family members, so she doesn't have to worry

798
00:50:45.119 --> 00:50:48.559
about getting back to her right away. When she finishes

799
00:50:48.639 --> 00:50:53.679
explaining everything. She smiles her devilish smile again. I'm going

800
00:50:53.719 --> 00:50:57.519
to have so much fun with all of you, Harmony

801
00:50:57.559 --> 00:51:01.280
warns us. Also, if any if you are slacking off

802
00:51:01.360 --> 00:51:06.079
or sleeping on the job, I call the police. Don't worry.

803
00:51:06.400 --> 00:51:09.920
I'm not a totally unfeeling person. I'll give you all

804
00:51:09.960 --> 00:51:12.719
a little break at every hour. I'll even let you

805
00:51:12.760 --> 00:51:15.679
have free soft drinks from the food court and feed

806
00:51:15.719 --> 00:51:18.519
you when it's time for meal breaks. And if the

807
00:51:18.559 --> 00:51:24.440
decorations aren't finished before the morning, then I call the police.

808
00:51:24.599 --> 00:51:28.280
Harmony points at Ariel and Carter. I suppose we really

809
00:51:28.320 --> 00:51:31.920
should get you to some dry clothes. I'll get you

810
00:51:31.960 --> 00:51:35.840
to some overalls to change into while we dry your clothes.

811
00:51:36.559 --> 00:51:40.320
She raises her finger quickly. Those of you who have smartphones,

812
00:51:40.559 --> 00:51:43.519
call your parents right now and tell them you're spending

813
00:51:43.519 --> 00:51:46.320
the night here. When you're done, your phones get locked

814
00:51:46.360 --> 00:51:51.119
in this drawer until morning. You're here to work, not play.

815
00:51:52.320 --> 00:51:55.000
We're all looking at each other now. I don't know

816
00:51:55.000 --> 00:51:57.920
about the others, but I get the feeling we're in

817
00:51:58.000 --> 00:52:05.000
for a very long rest of the day and all night. Perspective,

818
00:52:05.480 --> 00:52:09.960
Richie Horton, the others are quickly noticing that I'm actually

819
00:52:10.000 --> 00:52:14.320
not minding being here so much. Even Harmony Mirran barking

820
00:52:14.440 --> 00:52:17.920
orders at us isn't really bothering me. We've been working

821
00:52:17.960 --> 00:52:20.559
together at going around the mall and hanging things from

822
00:52:20.599 --> 00:52:24.159
giant Christmas ornaments to draping tinsel to even bright and

823
00:52:24.239 --> 00:52:27.880
colorful lights. Since the mall's still open, people are seeing

824
00:52:27.960 --> 00:52:32.159
us slowly but surely making our way across. We started

825
00:52:32.199 --> 00:52:34.800
at J. C. Penny and are expected to end over

826
00:52:34.880 --> 00:52:38.559
by Best Buy. Harmony Miron has been keeping a watchful

827
00:52:38.639 --> 00:52:41.960
eye on all of us. Even Maddie's got little Stuart

828
00:52:42.000 --> 00:52:46.400
helping her out with putting the animatronic scenes together. In fact,

829
00:52:46.800 --> 00:52:49.079
it was Ariel who advised Harmony that it would be

830
00:52:49.159 --> 00:52:51.960
a good idea to let Stuart stay with Maddie to

831
00:52:52.079 --> 00:52:55.800
keep him out of trouble. When Harmony sees how Maddie's

832
00:52:55.880 --> 00:52:58.880
kind of playing with him to keep him occupied, she

833
00:52:59.000 --> 00:53:02.519
starts yelling at her. Ariel quickly comes over to Maddie.

834
00:53:03.119 --> 00:53:07.079
If I were you, Harmony, I'd leave Mouse alone. Believe me,

835
00:53:07.239 --> 00:53:10.360
you want her keeping Stuart the way he is. But

836
00:53:10.440 --> 00:53:13.480
if you insist on being all high and mighty, go

837
00:53:13.519 --> 00:53:16.920
ahead and keep getting on mouse. When Stuart starts running

838
00:53:16.920 --> 00:53:20.559
around your mall and getting into everything, don't expect us

839
00:53:20.639 --> 00:53:25.760
to stop him. Harmony points right at Maddie. Fine, Ariel,

840
00:53:26.159 --> 00:53:29.480
she can entertain the kid. Then she says to Maddie,

841
00:53:30.039 --> 00:53:32.920
don't go too far out of my sight. I may

842
00:53:33.000 --> 00:53:37.239
need you to be my gopher. Maddie keeps entertaining Stuart.

843
00:53:37.719 --> 00:53:40.119
Come to think of it, this isn't the first time

844
00:53:40.159 --> 00:53:43.199
we've seen Maddie playing with him. He doesn't seem to

845
00:53:43.320 --> 00:53:46.719
like the rest of us, especially Ariel. He really seems

846
00:53:46.760 --> 00:53:49.519
to like Maddie, though, he even does what she tells

847
00:53:49.559 --> 00:53:52.760
him and doesn't get poudy with her about it. I

848
00:53:52.800 --> 00:53:56.760
also recall he's never once said a single word at

849
00:53:56.760 --> 00:53:59.239
four years old. I'm sure he can talk, he just

850
00:53:59.320 --> 00:54:02.719
doesn't talk unless he has something to say, probably to

851
00:54:02.800 --> 00:54:06.400
his mom. Harmony doesn't seem to mind us talking to

852
00:54:06.440 --> 00:54:09.400
each other as long as we're working. Right now, I'm

853
00:54:09.440 --> 00:54:13.000
helping Ariel with hanging more tinsel on the ceiling. Chunker's

854
00:54:13.000 --> 00:54:16.079
working on getting the rest of another animatronic scene put together.

855
00:54:16.599 --> 00:54:18.880
Carter's putting up some more of the Christmas trees that

856
00:54:18.920 --> 00:54:22.280
were found in storage. I think Carter and Ariel both

857
00:54:22.280 --> 00:54:26.960
look quite obvious in their navy blue overalls. Every now

858
00:54:27.039 --> 00:54:29.559
and then I see them giving each other mean looks.

859
00:54:30.199 --> 00:54:33.239
When we're at Strickfield Junior High, nearly everybody's quick to

860
00:54:33.280 --> 00:54:37.079
step aside for Ariel, even the eighth graders. When it's

861
00:54:37.119 --> 00:54:39.400
said that she's the queen Bee. It doesn't mean that

862
00:54:39.480 --> 00:54:43.239
she literally rules the school. It's just it means she's

863
00:54:43.280 --> 00:54:46.679
the most popular girl there. When she does tell somebody

864
00:54:46.719 --> 00:54:50.880
to do something, they do it. When I said nearly everybody,

865
00:54:50.920 --> 00:54:55.920
the exception is Carter, Chapman, Chunker and me, And lately

866
00:54:55.920 --> 00:54:58.679
it seems Mona Abeles and Bailey Downs, the other two

867
00:54:58.719 --> 00:55:01.159
girls in our group, aren't so quick to do what

868
00:55:01.199 --> 00:55:04.480
she wants. These days, we keep working on into the

869
00:55:04.519 --> 00:55:07.760
evening and right up until closing. We're nearly halfway through

870
00:55:07.800 --> 00:55:11.000
the mall. When ten o'clock rolls around. We've really put

871
00:55:11.079 --> 00:55:13.679
up a lot of decorations. Since we have to finish

872
00:55:13.760 --> 00:55:15.480
the rest of the mall, that means we've got a

873
00:55:15.519 --> 00:55:18.920
lot more. Believe me when I say Harmony hasn't taken

874
00:55:18.960 --> 00:55:21.280
her eyes off us for so much as a second.

875
00:55:22.320 --> 00:55:24.320
Even when she was looking at her phone, she was

876
00:55:24.360 --> 00:55:27.760
still watching us. When Carter and Ariel started sneering at

877
00:55:27.760 --> 00:55:30.400
each other a few hours ago, Harmony told them to

878
00:55:30.440 --> 00:55:33.320
get back to work. Maddie and Stuart are back with

879
00:55:33.440 --> 00:55:36.519
sodas on a tray for everybody. She goes around and

880
00:55:36.559 --> 00:55:40.519
hands everybody one. I'm surprised Maddie's been able to keep

881
00:55:40.599 --> 00:55:43.960
Stewart occupied for as long as she has. When Ariel

882
00:55:44.000 --> 00:55:46.000
tried to tell him to do something a moment ago,

883
00:55:46.480 --> 00:55:49.920
he nearly threw his soda at her. Maddie stopped him

884
00:55:49.920 --> 00:55:54.159
and told him he'd get thirsty later again. He listened

885
00:55:54.159 --> 00:55:57.199
to her. Harmony, lets us take a break to enjoy

886
00:55:57.239 --> 00:56:00.519
our sodas. When you finish your break, get some more

887
00:56:00.599 --> 00:56:03.679
Christmas decorations out and keep going. I'm going to take

888
00:56:03.719 --> 00:56:06.320
Madeline and Stuart with me and make sure the entrances

889
00:56:06.360 --> 00:56:09.559
are locked up tight. She points sharply at the others.

890
00:56:10.159 --> 00:56:13.119
And if I come back and see you're slacking off,

891
00:56:13.760 --> 00:56:16.760
Harmony gets on her golf cart, letting Maddie and Stuart

892
00:56:16.760 --> 00:56:19.920
sit up front with her. Then they take off to

893
00:56:19.920 --> 00:56:23.599
go check the entrances. Like I figured, Ariel and Carter

894
00:56:23.719 --> 00:56:27.039
start going at each other again. I hate you, Carter,

895
00:56:27.639 --> 00:56:31.119
she snaps. He points right at her. Hey, I wasn't

896
00:56:31.119 --> 00:56:32.679
the one who wanted to fight in one of them

897
00:56:32.679 --> 00:56:36.800
all fountains. That was all you. She gets up and

898
00:56:36.840 --> 00:56:39.599
goes right to him. Because you have to fill me

899
00:56:39.679 --> 00:56:41.920
and the goober on your phone and post it on

900
00:56:41.960 --> 00:56:46.000
social media, letting everyone make fun of me, because you

901
00:56:46.119 --> 00:56:49.719
keep trying to order me around at school, he fires back.

902
00:56:50.119 --> 00:56:52.519
Even when we're not in school, you always try to

903
00:56:52.559 --> 00:56:54.760
make me do things I don't want to do. You

904
00:56:54.800 --> 00:56:57.400
even drink up my sodas. I get that you're filthy

905
00:56:57.480 --> 00:57:00.239
rich and your family owns all of Strickfield Commons now,

906
00:57:00.440 --> 00:57:02.719
but that don't mean you get to order us around

907
00:57:03.920 --> 00:57:10.519
my school. Ariel growls. That means I run it. Carter

908
00:57:10.639 --> 00:57:13.639
stands up now. He and Ariel are looking each other

909
00:57:13.679 --> 00:57:16.480
in the eyes. You'd swear they're getting ready to throw

910
00:57:16.559 --> 00:57:20.880
down again, except Chunker comes in between them. That's enough

911
00:57:20.920 --> 00:57:24.280
you guys, he tells them. If Harmony comes back here

912
00:57:24.320 --> 00:57:27.000
and sees you two fighting again, there's no telling what

913
00:57:27.079 --> 00:57:31.199
she's gonna do. Ariel points right at him. You keep

914
00:57:31.239 --> 00:57:34.840
out of this. Chunker turns and looks at her. No,

915
00:57:35.480 --> 00:57:37.639
it's all because of you two fighting. That we're in

916
00:57:37.679 --> 00:57:40.280
this mess. I really don't know what you're trying to

917
00:57:40.360 --> 00:57:43.239
prove with saying you run our school. What are you

918
00:57:43.280 --> 00:57:46.559
trying to be a bully? Because that's how I'm seeing you, Ariel.

919
00:57:47.039 --> 00:57:49.280
Maybe that's why we scoff at you when you tell

920
00:57:49.360 --> 00:57:52.239
us to know our place at school. I'm just saying.

921
00:57:53.000 --> 00:57:55.639
Chunker turns away from her and sits back down to

922
00:57:55.719 --> 00:57:59.480
drink his soda. Boy, Chunker sure took the wind out

923
00:57:59.480 --> 00:58:03.079
of her sail. I mean, she looks pretty sad right now.

924
00:58:03.760 --> 00:58:08.119
Then she turns and runs away. Hey, Princess Harmony's gonna

925
00:58:08.159 --> 00:58:10.920
be back in a little bit. Carter calls out to her,

926
00:58:11.199 --> 00:58:15.559
but Ariel doesn't look back. I look over at Chunker. Hey,

927
00:58:16.199 --> 00:58:19.599
somebody needed to set her straight, he tells me. Then

928
00:58:19.639 --> 00:58:24.039
he gets up. Fine, I'll go talk to her again.

929
00:58:25.239 --> 00:58:31.159
He gets up and starts walking in her direction. Perspective

930
00:58:32.039 --> 00:58:36.000
Ariel mirrn. I finally stop running when I get to

931
00:58:36.039 --> 00:58:38.760
a far corner of the food court and hide out

932
00:58:38.800 --> 00:58:43.920
of sight. I sit down and start crying. I thought

933
00:58:43.960 --> 00:58:46.719
I was really alone, but then I feel someone's there.

934
00:58:47.760 --> 00:58:51.559
I look up and see Chunker. What do you want?

935
00:58:51.920 --> 00:58:54.639
I snap? Did you follow me to see me at

936
00:58:54.639 --> 00:58:59.679
my worst and gloat. Chunker sits down across from me. Hey,

937
00:59:00.559 --> 00:59:05.199
I wasn't trying to cut you down, Ariel, but really,

938
00:59:05.880 --> 00:59:09.079
how do you think people at school see you? You know,

939
00:59:09.199 --> 00:59:11.960
being the most popular girl at our school doesn't mean

940
00:59:12.119 --> 00:59:16.679
telling people what to do. What do you expect me

941
00:59:16.760 --> 00:59:17.000
to do?

942
00:59:17.039 --> 00:59:17.239
Then?

943
00:59:17.639 --> 00:59:21.039
I ask, I'm Ariel Miron. Do you have any idea

944
00:59:21.079 --> 00:59:24.039
what that means? No, you don't. You don't know what

945
00:59:24.119 --> 00:59:27.480
kind of expectations Mom has for me. Aside from making

946
00:59:27.519 --> 00:59:30.280
sure I'm always there when Aunt Margaret wants me to

947
00:59:30.360 --> 00:59:32.920
take care of Stuart. Not only do I have to

948
00:59:33.000 --> 00:59:35.159
keep that little goober out of trouble all the time,

949
00:59:35.239 --> 00:59:38.199
but Mom expects me to be a dominant in our family.

950
00:59:38.920 --> 00:59:42.840
She's expecting me to be homecoming and prom queens when

951
00:59:42.840 --> 00:59:45.440
we get to high school, the same as she did.

952
00:59:46.639 --> 00:59:49.599
Mom ruled her school with power, so she expects me

953
00:59:49.679 --> 00:59:52.559
to do the same. What do you want to do?

954
00:59:53.199 --> 00:59:56.519
He asks? I wipe away tears with the back of

955
00:59:56.559 --> 01:00:00.440
my hands. I don't know, I do. I know I'm

956
01:00:00.440 --> 01:00:03.159
tired of always trying to please Mom when I know

957
01:00:03.239 --> 01:00:06.599
she'll never be pleased. You're not a mirror. You'll never

958
01:00:06.679 --> 01:00:10.519
know what it's like to have lots of expectations placed

959
01:00:10.519 --> 01:00:15.400
on you. Chunker smiles a little. Hey, didn't you stand

960
01:00:15.480 --> 01:00:18.480
up to your mom on Halloween night? Maddie was telling

961
01:00:18.559 --> 01:00:21.679
us about it, shortly after you guys saved all of

962
01:00:21.760 --> 01:00:25.320
us from Abigail Tomlin that night. If you don't want

963
01:00:25.320 --> 01:00:28.840
to live by your mom's expectations, then tell her that

964
01:00:29.599 --> 01:00:32.480
you're supposed to be a dominant Miran. Right, then be

965
01:00:32.559 --> 01:00:38.559
a dominant Mirran. But be your dominant miran now. I

966
01:00:38.679 --> 01:00:44.079
smile at him. You're right, I sigh. I'll share something

967
01:00:44.119 --> 01:00:49.840
with you. Sometimes. I wish I wasn't a Mirran. If

968
01:00:49.880 --> 01:00:53.679
it wasn't for my girls, including Mouse, I think I'd

969
01:00:53.679 --> 01:00:56.840
have lost my mind a long time ago. I take

970
01:00:56.880 --> 01:01:02.199
his hands, thank you. Before Chunker can reply back, we

971
01:01:02.280 --> 01:01:07.840
both realize we're not alone. At first, we're thinking harmony

972
01:01:07.880 --> 01:01:13.599
found us, but it's some other woman. She looks huge

973
01:01:14.440 --> 01:01:17.760
her height. I'm thinking she's at least seven feet tall,

974
01:01:17.800 --> 01:01:20.400
which would explain why the clothes she's wearing look like

975
01:01:20.880 --> 01:01:23.559
summer clothes. She has on a T shirt that looks

976
01:01:23.599 --> 01:01:26.880
torn at the sleeves and jeans that could pass for capris.

977
01:01:27.880 --> 01:01:31.760
She's also barefoot. But what's really scaring the both of

978
01:01:31.840 --> 01:01:34.960
us right now is that her skin looks chalk white

979
01:01:35.119 --> 01:01:38.880
and her eyes are glowing bright red. We both scream

980
01:01:38.960 --> 01:01:42.079
when she shows us her clawed hands and the glistening

981
01:01:42.239 --> 01:01:46.760
fangs in her mouth. We get up and run for it. Help.

982
01:01:47.119 --> 01:01:50.679
Chunker calls out, Ariels, she's got me. I turn and

983
01:01:50.719 --> 01:01:55.039
see that woman. I think she's a vampire, pulling Chunker

984
01:01:55.079 --> 01:01:57.480
into one of the double doors beside the pizza place.

985
01:01:57.960 --> 01:02:00.599
I duck fast when she throws a big track at

986
01:02:00.639 --> 01:02:04.360
me with one hand. I'll get help, I call out

987
01:02:04.360 --> 01:02:06.880
to Chunker. Then I turn and start running back to

988
01:02:06.880 --> 01:02:12.480
where the others are. Perspective Brian, Chunk, I'm trying to

989
01:02:12.519 --> 01:02:15.000
break free of this woman who's holding onto me. But

990
01:02:15.440 --> 01:02:19.320
she's really strong. If she really is a vampire, I'm

991
01:02:19.360 --> 01:02:22.800
gonna be in real big trouble here. Let go of me,

992
01:02:23.280 --> 01:02:27.960
I yell help. The vampire woman growls as she keeps

993
01:02:28.039 --> 01:02:31.199
dragging me along. Soon she opens one of the doors

994
01:02:31.280 --> 01:02:34.280
leading to the basement level. I remember we had to

995
01:02:34.280 --> 01:02:36.519
go down there to get some of the Christmas decorations.

996
01:02:37.239 --> 01:02:39.440
There's also a parking garage under a part of the

997
01:02:39.480 --> 01:02:43.199
mall itself. Now, the big vampire's picking me up and

998
01:02:43.239 --> 01:02:47.400
carrying me downstairs under one arm. I know I ain't

999
01:02:47.400 --> 01:02:50.079
no lightweight, but she's carrying me like I am one.

1000
01:02:51.039 --> 01:02:54.000
I keep calling out for help. I just hope Ariel

1001
01:02:54.039 --> 01:02:56.039
tells the others what's going on before I end up

1002
01:02:56.079 --> 01:03:01.840
becoming food for this thingh or she makes me into

1003
01:03:01.880 --> 01:03:05.920
something like her. Then I remember I was already not

1004
01:03:06.000 --> 01:03:10.639
alive once before that time, when Abigail Tomlin brought Chapman,

1005
01:03:10.800 --> 01:03:14.760
Horton and me to the Afterlife a year ago last Halloween.

1006
01:03:15.960 --> 01:03:18.360
No way I was letting this giant woman turn me

1007
01:03:18.519 --> 01:03:22.280
into a vampire. Seeing the woman's bare foot, I raise

1008
01:03:22.360 --> 01:03:24.679
my shoe and stomp down on one of her feet.

1009
01:03:25.159 --> 01:03:29.239
She growls and stops. That's when I break loose and run.

1010
01:03:29.760 --> 01:03:32.760
The woman screams now. I don't even look over my shoulder.

1011
01:03:33.039 --> 01:03:35.679
I know she's after me. I just know I gotta

1012
01:03:35.719 --> 01:03:38.360
get out of here and get back upstairs to the others.

1013
01:03:38.880 --> 01:03:42.119
Hopefully Ariels warn them. Already, for all I know, they're

1014
01:03:42.119 --> 01:03:44.760
probably on their way out of the mall. I'm turning

1015
01:03:44.800 --> 01:03:47.320
the corner to open the door to get back upstairs.

1016
01:03:47.760 --> 01:03:53.559
What I quickly yell that giant vampire woman is is

1017
01:03:53.679 --> 01:03:57.960
right in front of me. Then I remember vampires can

1018
01:03:58.039 --> 01:04:01.159
literally warp right in front of you. I quickly slam

1019
01:04:01.239 --> 01:04:03.559
the door and run to another. Now I hear the

1020
01:04:03.639 --> 01:04:06.880
vampire woman knock the door away and come out. She

1021
01:04:07.039 --> 01:04:11.840
screams again, which really sends shivers down my spine. I

1022
01:04:11.960 --> 01:04:14.599
run to the upward ramp and start making my way up.

1023
01:04:15.079 --> 01:04:19.000
I hear the giant vampires scream again. It'd be one

1024
01:04:19.039 --> 01:04:22.639
thing if she hissed or even went bleh, bleh or something,

1025
01:04:23.039 --> 01:04:26.800
but screaming like Ariel Mirran when she's mad. Even hearing

1026
01:04:26.840 --> 01:04:30.320
Ariel scream sends shivers down my spine. But she ain't

1027
01:04:30.360 --> 01:04:34.239
a giant vampire woman. When I'm about to reach the

1028
01:04:34.239 --> 01:04:37.039
top of the ramp, I quickly stop when I see

1029
01:04:37.159 --> 01:04:44.559
she's right there. She looks right at me and and

1030
01:04:44.559 --> 01:04:55.559
and I feel feel her eyes. I can't move, I

1031
01:04:55.599 --> 01:05:05.159
can't can't run the last last it's glam. Then I

1032
01:05:05.239 --> 01:05:12.039
think she's lifting me on her shoulders.

1033
01:05:13.000 --> 01:05:14.920
Can't move.

1034
01:05:18.480 --> 01:05:23.920
Perspective, Madeline Donnerly. I thought it'd be hard trying to

1035
01:05:24.000 --> 01:05:27.320
keep Stuart occupied all day. In fact, he's sitting on

1036
01:05:27.320 --> 01:05:30.639
my lap right Now he points at the Christmas displays

1037
01:05:30.679 --> 01:05:34.119
and is all happy and laughing. Stuart helped me put

1038
01:05:34.159 --> 01:05:36.559
all of them together. All I had to do was

1039
01:05:36.599 --> 01:05:38.599
point to what I wanted, and he brought it to me.

1040
01:05:39.320 --> 01:05:42.440
Harmony's just now bringing us back, after making sure all

1041
01:05:42.440 --> 01:05:46.559
the entrances are locked up tight. That's when we're seeing

1042
01:05:46.679 --> 01:05:50.079
Aeriel running out of the food court to the others help.

1043
01:05:50.599 --> 01:05:55.039
She's shrieking help. The others are looking at her. Now.

1044
01:05:55.400 --> 01:05:57.559
I can tell you Harmony ain't too happy when she

1045
01:05:57.599 --> 01:06:00.400
pulls the golf cart right up by her. There is

1046
01:06:00.559 --> 01:06:03.719
no reason whatsoever for you to be carrying on Ariel.

1047
01:06:04.119 --> 01:06:08.639
Harmony snaps, there's a giant vampire woman. She tells all

1048
01:06:08.679 --> 01:06:12.320
of us she got Chunker. Then she tells us what

1049
01:06:12.480 --> 01:06:15.280
happened in the food court. I'm not making any of

1050
01:06:15.280 --> 01:06:18.440
this up, I swear, but I can tell Carter ain't

1051
01:06:18.480 --> 01:06:22.000
believe in her. Suddenly, Ariel comes over to me. She

1052
01:06:22.159 --> 01:06:24.639
takes my wrist and locks her little finger with mine.

1053
01:06:25.320 --> 01:06:29.760
Pinky promise. I'm giving Ariel my most serious look. Right now,

1054
01:06:30.639 --> 01:06:34.239
you say it's a vampire. Now, Harmony grabs my arm.

1055
01:06:34.840 --> 01:06:37.360
None of you brats are leaving this mall until all

1056
01:06:37.400 --> 01:06:40.800
the Christmas decorations are put up. You understand me, none

1057
01:06:40.840 --> 01:06:44.760
of you. I shake Harmony off me. If Ariel says

1058
01:06:44.840 --> 01:06:47.800
Chunker's in trouble, then I'm gonna go help find my friend.

1059
01:06:48.320 --> 01:06:50.679
I lift Stuart up and quickly get off the cart.

1060
01:06:51.199 --> 01:06:53.960
I'm leaving this little guy here with you. You got

1061
01:06:53.960 --> 01:06:55.559
a baby, right so you ought to know what to

1062
01:06:55.559 --> 01:06:59.679
do with Stuart. You stop right there, Harmony yells. I

1063
01:06:59.719 --> 01:07:02.840
did not excuse any of you. I mean it. I'll

1064
01:07:02.840 --> 01:07:05.880
call the police and have them here right now. Now,

1065
01:07:05.920 --> 01:07:07.719
I see Horton pointing and gasping.

1066
01:07:07.800 --> 01:07:08.159
Fast.

1067
01:07:08.800 --> 01:07:11.599
May Matty, many, Matty, many come. Madi, Come, Matti. We're

1068
01:07:11.639 --> 01:07:16.280
all looking where Horton's pointing. Now, Ariel's joining Horton. That's her.

1069
01:07:16.480 --> 01:07:21.280
That's the big vampire woman who took Chunker. You, Harmony

1070
01:07:21.360 --> 01:07:26.079
yells at her. I turned to her. You know that

1071
01:07:26.239 --> 01:07:31.000
vampire woman, Harmony. That's the thing that trashed my maul

1072
01:07:31.199 --> 01:07:34.719
and attacked my security guards on Christmas Eve two years ago.

1073
01:07:35.280 --> 01:07:39.599
Harmony shrieks. I could never forget that face, that hair,

1074
01:07:39.800 --> 01:07:44.320
or those eyes. That vampire woman looks like she's got

1075
01:07:44.320 --> 01:07:46.960
a good seven feet of height. Her red eyes are

1076
01:07:47.000 --> 01:07:50.480
glowing bright even in the dark. She tightens her fists

1077
01:07:50.480 --> 01:07:56.679
and screams, that's when Harmony turns her cart and drives off. Wow,

1078
01:07:57.239 --> 01:08:00.719
Harmony really drove off and left us here. Horton says,

1079
01:08:01.559 --> 01:08:05.840
that's a mirror for you. Carter mutters, hey. Ariel yells

1080
01:08:05.840 --> 01:08:09.239
at him. Then she slaps his shoulder. I'm standing right here,

1081
01:08:09.280 --> 01:08:12.599
you bump us. Carter looks kind of ready to stick

1082
01:08:12.599 --> 01:08:15.960
his foot in his mouth. That vampire woman moves really

1083
01:08:16.039 --> 01:08:20.479
fast because she's almost right on us. Scatter, Ariel yells.

1084
01:08:21.039 --> 01:08:23.840
Carter quickly takes Ariel's hand as they run one way.

1085
01:08:24.159 --> 01:08:27.159
Horton turns and runs another way. Then I feel little

1086
01:08:27.159 --> 01:08:30.079
Stuart pulling on my pants pocket. I picked the little

1087
01:08:30.119 --> 01:08:33.039
guy up and run in another direction. Wait for me.

1088
01:08:33.560 --> 01:08:36.920
I hear Horton yelling. Guess he reconsidered which way he

1089
01:08:37.000 --> 01:08:39.600
was going. Turns out I ain't gotta wait for Horton.

1090
01:08:39.840 --> 01:08:42.560
He's running so fast as shoes are squeaking on the floor.

1091
01:08:43.039 --> 01:08:46.479
I gotta quickly stop and put Stuart down. Then I squat,

1092
01:08:46.880 --> 01:08:50.039
get on my back. Little buddy. Stuart again listens to

1093
01:08:50.079 --> 01:08:53.079
me and climbs on. I lift myself up so Horton

1094
01:08:53.119 --> 01:08:56.079
and me can run again. Much easier to carry Stuart

1095
01:08:56.119 --> 01:08:58.640
on my back than trying to hold him. Can you

1096
01:08:58.640 --> 01:09:02.600
see her, Maddie, Horton asks. Suddenly, the vampire woman appears

1097
01:09:02.680 --> 01:09:04.479
right in front of us when she comes out of

1098
01:09:04.520 --> 01:09:07.880
one of those side corridors, making us both scream. Never

1099
01:09:07.960 --> 01:09:11.520
mind forget, I asked, Horton shrieks. When we turn around.

1100
01:09:11.960 --> 01:09:14.600
What's real funny right now? Is that little Stewart is

1101
01:09:14.760 --> 01:09:18.239
laughing it up? Yeah, I'm glad you're having fun, little buddy.

1102
01:09:18.359 --> 01:09:21.279
Hang On, Horton and me scream when we hear the

1103
01:09:21.359 --> 01:09:24.239
vampire lady shout. Then we round a few of the

1104
01:09:24.319 --> 01:09:27.239
kiosks and head into the food court. Why are we

1105
01:09:27.319 --> 01:09:31.000
running this way, Maddie, Horton asks, We gotta find Chunker.

1106
01:09:31.159 --> 01:09:34.760
I tell him they both came this way. What's really

1107
01:09:34.840 --> 01:09:37.199
bad is I ain't even got time to try and

1108
01:09:37.239 --> 01:09:39.520
find a mirror to summon Mary Worth to come and

1109
01:09:39.560 --> 01:09:43.720
help us. Uh man, where'd that giant vampire lady come from?

1110
01:09:44.159 --> 01:09:48.119
I'm almost thinking Lady Dimitri su escaped from resident evil village.

1111
01:09:48.800 --> 01:09:51.479
When we're about to turn another corner, we're both screaming

1112
01:09:51.560 --> 01:09:54.119
again when the giant vampire Lady has her hands on

1113
01:09:54.159 --> 01:10:00.159
our shoulders. She's flying. Horton shrieks down. I yell. We

1114
01:10:00.239 --> 01:10:02.640
both fall on our bellies and let the vampire lady

1115
01:10:02.680 --> 01:10:05.920
fly right over us. We quickly get back up, glad.

1116
01:10:05.960 --> 01:10:09.439
Little Stewart doesn't weigh much. The vampire lady lands and

1117
01:10:09.479 --> 01:10:16.119
points right at us. Now, my children, Wow, she don't

1118
01:10:16.119 --> 01:10:20.319
sound nothing like Lady Dimtrisu. Her voice actually echoes, and

1119
01:10:20.359 --> 01:10:23.800
her face looks like the original Fright Night poster. Boy

1120
01:10:23.880 --> 01:10:27.199
do Horton and me ever scream? I remember telling Ariel

1121
01:10:27.239 --> 01:10:29.560
Mirror to give me something to be scared about just

1122
01:10:29.640 --> 01:10:33.039
after we started junior High. If she's seeing me right now,

1123
01:10:33.279 --> 01:10:36.039
she ain't never gonna let me live this down. Then

1124
01:10:36.119 --> 01:10:39.840
I stop screaming when I hear Little Stuart laughing again.

1125
01:10:40.920 --> 01:10:44.880
Oh you think this is funny, I ask him. The

1126
01:10:45.000 --> 01:10:52.840
vampire lady licks her long, glistening fangs. My children, Horton

1127
01:10:52.880 --> 01:10:55.880
and me both scream again and run for all we're worth.

1128
01:10:56.439 --> 01:10:58.720
We run out of the food court and down toward J. C.

1129
01:10:58.920 --> 01:11:02.199
Penny where you're in. That vampire lady's screaming as she's

1130
01:11:02.199 --> 01:11:08.000
flying after us again, really sharp claws outstretched. Hey as

1131
01:11:08.039 --> 01:11:11.039
long as Stuart's laughing, then him being scared is one

1132
01:11:11.039 --> 01:11:13.920
problem we ain't gotta worry about. We turn a corner

1133
01:11:13.960 --> 01:11:17.239
and see an suv that's being raffled off parked. I

1134
01:11:17.279 --> 01:11:22.439
can't run much longer. Horton pants, Hey, that vehicle's got mirrors.

1135
01:11:22.760 --> 01:11:26.159
I can call Mary Worth. I never thought I'd ever

1136
01:11:26.239 --> 01:11:28.680
be so glad. I'm possessed by the spirit of a

1137
01:11:28.720 --> 01:11:31.119
white witch from the time of the Salem Witch Trials.

1138
01:11:31.640 --> 01:11:34.760
But just as we reach the suv, it suddenly comes

1139
01:11:34.760 --> 01:11:38.279
off the floor, the giant vampire ladies lifting it right

1140
01:11:38.319 --> 01:11:47.800
above her head. No escape, she growls. No way. Horton squeaks, Yes, way.

1141
01:11:48.159 --> 01:11:51.319
I squeak back, and then I see the bikes. Carter

1142
01:11:51.399 --> 01:11:55.600
and me rode here just outside. The only way Horton

1143
01:11:55.600 --> 01:11:58.640
and me can use him is to I got an idea, Horton.

1144
01:11:59.279 --> 01:12:01.800
At first, I think think about handing Stuart off to Horton,

1145
01:12:02.199 --> 01:12:05.239
but I ain't sure how he'll behave with him. Nah,

1146
01:12:05.319 --> 01:12:08.479
I gotta keep this little guy with me. Hang on, Stuart,

1147
01:12:08.760 --> 01:12:12.560
I tell him, what are you doing, Maddie. Horton shrieks

1148
01:12:12.720 --> 01:12:15.760
when he sees me running around The vampire lady Now

1149
01:12:15.840 --> 01:12:18.479
Horton and me are on either side of her. Yeah,

1150
01:12:18.600 --> 01:12:21.600
you keep having fun, little man, I tell Stuart when

1151
01:12:21.640 --> 01:12:24.479
he's still laughing it up. Now I call out to

1152
01:12:24.520 --> 01:12:28.920
the vampire lady. Hey, she turns around to face Stuart

1153
01:12:28.960 --> 01:12:32.319
and me. Bet you can't hit me with that, Maddie.

1154
01:12:32.720 --> 01:12:38.760
Horton gasps, really. Then my plan totally backfires. The vampire

1155
01:12:38.840 --> 01:12:41.159
Lady drops the car so that it bounces on its

1156
01:12:41.199 --> 01:12:45.159
tires once and remains parked against a wall. Then she

1157
01:12:45.239 --> 01:12:48.239
snatches Horton by his shoulders and lifts him up. All

1158
01:12:48.319 --> 01:12:51.159
he can do is smile and laugh a little. Then

1159
01:12:51.239 --> 01:12:52.159
he waves at her.

1160
01:12:52.479 --> 01:12:52.800
Um.

1161
01:12:54.319 --> 01:13:02.720
Ugh, hi bee bee. She says, yeah, I'm your baby.

1162
01:13:03.199 --> 01:13:06.960
Horton quickly agrees, probably hoping she don't lower him down

1163
01:13:07.000 --> 01:13:09.680
and bite him. Then I see the door on the

1164
01:13:09.800 --> 01:13:14.560
suv is open. Hey, that's right. The vehicle was unlocked

1165
01:13:14.560 --> 01:13:17.640
so people could look inside it to entice them into

1166
01:13:17.640 --> 01:13:20.439
filling out a raffle card. I inch my way over

1167
01:13:20.520 --> 01:13:24.159
to the vehicle. Stewart gets off my back and climbs inside.

1168
01:13:24.520 --> 01:13:27.520
Then I get into the driver's seat. Man, I'm hoping

1169
01:13:27.560 --> 01:13:31.039
there's keys in this thing. It's gonna be a long shot,

1170
01:13:31.079 --> 01:13:33.159
but I pull down the sun visor like I did

1171
01:13:33.199 --> 01:13:38.760
on Halloween night. Nope, no keys. Then my little buddy

1172
01:13:38.760 --> 01:13:42.000
taps my leg fast. I turned to see him handing

1173
01:13:42.039 --> 01:13:46.960
me the keys. Aw thanks, I cry, taking him off

1174
01:13:47.000 --> 01:13:50.479
his hands. Man, I sure hope this works. I put

1175
01:13:50.520 --> 01:13:52.960
the keys in the ignition and crank it. That's when

1176
01:13:52.960 --> 01:13:55.560
the giant vampire lady turns and looks right at me.

1177
01:13:56.560 --> 01:14:00.760
Now I'm feeling a little weird. Then I quickly shake

1178
01:14:00.800 --> 01:14:03.439
my head on No, no way, I'm letting her glam me.

1179
01:14:04.239 --> 01:14:07.520
Come on start, will you. I beg the car when

1180
01:14:07.560 --> 01:14:10.600
all it's doing is cranking. Then I call out the window,

1181
01:14:11.000 --> 01:14:14.119
this is the part where you start running, Horton. He

1182
01:14:14.159 --> 01:14:16.720
don't need me to tell him twice. And just when

1183
01:14:16.720 --> 01:14:20.880
that giant vampire Lady's almost on me, the car roars

1184
01:14:20.960 --> 01:14:24.399
to life. Time to play some more grand Tarismo again,

1185
01:14:25.119 --> 01:14:29.159
just like on Halloween night. Okay, Mouseie, time to show

1186
01:14:29.199 --> 01:14:34.000
this big ugly vampire some driving skills. I say to myself.

1187
01:14:34.640 --> 01:14:37.359
When I hear Stuart laughing at all the fun he's having,

1188
01:14:37.840 --> 01:14:40.880
I know I gotta keep him entertained. I take a

1189
01:14:40.920 --> 01:14:45.600
deep breath, shift the gears and floor the gas. The

1190
01:14:45.720 --> 01:14:48.399
tires are squealing on the floor as I'm backing up.

1191
01:14:48.760 --> 01:14:50.960
When I'm out in the main area, I shift again

1192
01:14:51.039 --> 01:14:54.319
and floor it forward. Hang on, little guy, we're gonna

1193
01:14:54.319 --> 01:14:57.039
get horton. I just hope I can drive like our

1194
01:14:57.079 --> 01:15:04.760
lives depend on it. Oh wait, they do, perspective carter cross.

1195
01:15:06.039 --> 01:15:08.279
Ariel and I made it out of the mall itself

1196
01:15:08.439 --> 01:15:10.600
and make it back to the storeroom where the rest

1197
01:15:10.640 --> 01:15:14.000
of the Christmas decorations are. After we piled stuff up

1198
01:15:14.000 --> 01:15:16.319
against the doors. We got our backs to the wall

1199
01:15:16.640 --> 01:15:19.840
and her sweating as we're catching our breaths. When we're

1200
01:15:19.840 --> 01:15:24.079
calm enough, Ariel growls her usual growl and slaps me

1201
01:15:24.199 --> 01:15:28.159
on the arm ow. Then I turned to her, what's

1202
01:15:28.199 --> 01:15:32.520
your problem now, princess. She turns to me and pushes me. Now,

1203
01:15:33.079 --> 01:15:35.680
I can't believe what you said about the mirrors. I

1204
01:15:35.840 --> 01:15:39.720
was right there. I'm a mirror. I raise my hands

1205
01:15:39.720 --> 01:15:43.640
in front of me. Okay, bad choice of words. I'm sorry.

1206
01:15:44.079 --> 01:15:46.439
To be honest, I wasn't thinking about you when I

1207
01:15:46.479 --> 01:15:51.279
said what I said. Ariel calms down a little. Really,

1208
01:15:52.159 --> 01:15:56.680
I sigh. Okay, yes, you're a mirror, but you wouldn't

1209
01:15:56.720 --> 01:15:59.439
have left us the way Harmony did cut me some

1210
01:15:59.560 --> 01:16:04.159
slack here, She slaps my shoulder hard again. You don't

1211
01:16:04.199 --> 01:16:07.479
deserve any slack, Carter, not when you keep making videos

1212
01:16:07.520 --> 01:16:10.439
of me in that little goober and posting them on Facebook.

1213
01:16:10.720 --> 01:16:13.159
And now that we're all here alone, just you and me,

1214
01:16:13.800 --> 01:16:16.960
we can finish our fight from earlier. We both know

1215
01:16:17.119 --> 01:16:20.760
you can't outrun me, right, I look her in the face.

1216
01:16:21.720 --> 01:16:24.840
If we survive this, I'm still not gonna treat you

1217
01:16:24.920 --> 01:16:27.760
like you're the queen. When we're back at school, she

1218
01:16:27.880 --> 01:16:34.119
points right at me. It's my school, whatever, princess. I snap.

1219
01:16:34.520 --> 01:16:37.279
Then I turn my back to her. There's just no

1220
01:16:37.439 --> 01:16:41.880
talking to you. I raise my finger. That's where you

1221
01:16:41.960 --> 01:16:45.439
show you're a mirror. It's always your way or no way.

1222
01:16:46.600 --> 01:16:49.479
Then I see the pop machine with can sodas and

1223
01:16:49.600 --> 01:16:52.239
go over to it. I'm surprised that you even keep

1224
01:16:52.279 --> 01:16:55.520
one of these here in the storeroom. Looks like it's working.

1225
01:16:56.199 --> 01:16:58.560
I dig into my pocket and pull some change out.

1226
01:16:59.239 --> 01:17:02.399
Next thing I know, Oh, Ariel's right there, can you.

1227
01:17:04.119 --> 01:17:06.199
I don't have any money on me, and my smartphone

1228
01:17:06.239 --> 01:17:11.720
is still locked in Harmony's desk. Please well, I do

1229
01:17:11.840 --> 01:17:14.119
like it when Ariel says the magic word, because she

1230
01:17:14.199 --> 01:17:17.279
don't say it very often. I plunk in my coins

1231
01:17:17.319 --> 01:17:19.800
and let her get a coke. I plunk in some

1232
01:17:19.840 --> 01:17:23.000
more money and get myself one too. Sodas are like

1233
01:17:23.079 --> 01:17:26.159
catnip to this girl. And it don't matter how mad

1234
01:17:26.199 --> 01:17:28.479
she is. Just give her a soda and she's calm

1235
01:17:28.560 --> 01:17:32.279
and happy. Just like that. Ariel looks at me.

1236
01:17:32.319 --> 01:17:32.600
Now.

1237
01:17:33.159 --> 01:17:37.319
You know, when we're at school, you could just bribe

1238
01:17:37.319 --> 01:17:41.520
me with a soda. I'd probably leave you alone. Ariel

1239
01:17:41.520 --> 01:17:43.880
and I are looking at each other now. I mean,

1240
01:17:44.920 --> 01:17:48.079
we just can't take our eyes off each other. This

1241
01:17:48.319 --> 01:17:50.680
right here is why Madeline gives me a hard time.

1242
01:17:51.640 --> 01:17:53.800
Not in a bad kind of way. But you know

1243
01:17:53.880 --> 01:17:58.880
what I'm gonna do it. I don't care what anybody says.

1244
01:17:59.399 --> 01:18:03.119
I take a deep breath and just say it. We

1245
01:18:03.159 --> 01:18:05.920
make it out of this. You wanna go out on

1246
01:18:06.000 --> 01:18:09.560
a date with me? Ariel don't say anything right away.

1247
01:18:10.119 --> 01:18:13.039
She don't look like she's mad. She takes a deep

1248
01:18:13.079 --> 01:18:15.000
breath of her own and opens her mouth to give

1249
01:18:15.039 --> 01:18:18.439
her answer. Suddenly, that suv we saw it in the

1250
01:18:18.479 --> 01:18:21.479
mall that's being raffled off, comes plowing right through the doors.

1251
01:18:22.039 --> 01:18:24.279
All the Christmas stuff we piled up against them, just

1252
01:18:24.399 --> 01:18:30.960
flies everywhere. Ariel looks at me. Is that mouse driving? Suddenly?

1253
01:18:31.600 --> 01:18:35.439
That monster's flying right in. I'm quickly shaking up my soda.

1254
01:18:35.439 --> 01:18:38.800
When it grabs Ariel. Just as Ariel screams, I hold

1255
01:18:38.840 --> 01:18:41.439
my can to the thing's face and pop the top.

1256
01:18:42.119 --> 01:18:45.079
Soda just squirts out hard right in its eyes. The

1257
01:18:45.159 --> 01:18:49.319
monster lets Ariel go and screams. Just then the suv

1258
01:18:49.439 --> 01:18:52.399
pulls right up next to us. We can see Madeline's

1259
01:18:52.439 --> 01:18:55.680
definitely driving, just like she did on Halloween night when

1260
01:18:55.680 --> 01:18:59.039
Abigail Tomlin's ghost was chasing us down at cry Baby Bridge.

1261
01:18:59.600 --> 01:19:02.840
Horton and Little Stewart are in with her. Get in here,

1262
01:19:03.279 --> 01:19:06.319
mouse tells us. When I open one of the rear doors.

1263
01:19:06.479 --> 01:19:08.800
Ariel shoves me in and comes in right behind me.

1264
01:19:09.319 --> 01:19:12.039
When she pulls the door closed, Madeline floors the gas

1265
01:19:12.039 --> 01:19:15.279
and drives around the storeroom. Before long, we're back out

1266
01:19:15.279 --> 01:19:20.920
in the main mall. I can't see her, Horton tells Madeleine. Newsflash,

1267
01:19:21.000 --> 01:19:23.159
you ain't gonna see her in any of those mirrors.

1268
01:19:23.560 --> 01:19:29.279
She tells him vampires don't cast reflections. Ariel gulps and

1269
01:19:29.399 --> 01:19:39.600
turns around. She nearly got us mouse, she just crashed

1270
01:19:39.640 --> 01:19:43.479
into a kiosk. Ariel shrieks, Yeah, I gotta get us

1271
01:19:43.479 --> 01:19:46.439
to a mall entrance and drive right through it, Madeleine

1272
01:19:46.439 --> 01:19:50.800
tells her. Then she looks over her shoulder. Unless you don't,

1273
01:19:51.319 --> 01:19:53.760
you can wreck this whole mall for all I care, mouse,

1274
01:19:54.159 --> 01:19:57.359
Ariel tells her, let Harmony sort it out. If anything,

1275
01:19:57.520 --> 01:20:00.960
we're saving her life by leading that th away from here.

1276
01:20:01.920 --> 01:20:05.479
I love how you think, Madeleine says, turning back around

1277
01:20:05.560 --> 01:20:08.159
and focusing on her driving. When we get to the

1278
01:20:08.159 --> 01:20:11.840
food court, she hits the brakes and makes a sharp turn. Hey,

1279
01:20:12.279 --> 01:20:17.079
Harmony's right up ahead. Horton pipes up. Stop. Harmony screams

1280
01:20:17.119 --> 01:20:19.800
in terror. Her golf cart seem to have stalled out.

1281
01:20:20.439 --> 01:20:24.800
What do you think, guys, Madeleine teases. Ariel growls again.

1282
01:20:25.399 --> 01:20:30.159
I'd say just leave her, but I'd rather not have

1283
01:20:30.279 --> 01:20:34.159
Crampis visit me on Christmas Eve. Santa could always leave

1284
01:20:34.199 --> 01:20:38.079
some coal in your stocking, I joke, or some diet coke.

1285
01:20:38.720 --> 01:20:45.399
Ariel tightens her jaw and slaps my arm again. Shut up, ow, easy, princess,

1286
01:20:45.760 --> 01:20:49.880
I laugh. Madeleine hits the brakes. When we're stopped, Ariel

1287
01:20:49.920 --> 01:20:52.640
and I scoot over and let Harmony come in. When

1288
01:20:52.680 --> 01:20:55.760
she closes the door, Madelene shifts gears, hits the gas,

1289
01:20:55.800 --> 01:20:59.319
and backs up. What are you doing, Madeline, I ask,

1290
01:21:00.079 --> 01:21:03.159
gotta have momentum to get through those doors, she calls back,

1291
01:21:03.560 --> 01:21:07.000
when Madeleine shifts gears and floors at Harmony's looking wide

1292
01:21:07.039 --> 01:21:10.680
eyed when she sees who's behind the wheel. Wait a minute,

1293
01:21:10.960 --> 01:21:15.960
there's a kid driving pull over. Ariel really growls now

1294
01:21:16.119 --> 01:21:19.039
and points at her. You just shut up. My little

1295
01:21:19.039 --> 01:21:22.279
friend up there can drive very well. For your information,

1296
01:21:23.039 --> 01:21:26.760
Madeline raises her finger, and for the record, we're all

1297
01:21:26.800 --> 01:21:31.680
teenagers here. She lowers her finger. Okay, maybe not little Stewart.

1298
01:21:32.439 --> 01:21:35.159
Suddenly we crash right through the main doors and are

1299
01:21:35.159 --> 01:21:38.199
out in the parking lot. Harmony yells up at Madeline,

1300
01:21:38.600 --> 01:21:41.399
you do realize you're paying for all the damage you

1301
01:21:41.600 --> 01:21:45.239
just Horton quickly says, we didn't have to pick you up,

1302
01:21:45.279 --> 01:21:48.560
you know, especially considering how you just left us behind

1303
01:21:48.600 --> 01:21:51.279
and everything. I mean, if you want to get out,

1304
01:21:51.760 --> 01:21:55.960
Harmony shuts up fast, but it don't last. Wait a minute,

1305
01:21:56.079 --> 01:21:59.800
we're not leaving. The mall exit is over there. I

1306
01:22:00.159 --> 01:22:03.359
know that Madeleine says, we're heading down below to the

1307
01:22:03.399 --> 01:22:06.640
parking garage to find Chunker. We ain't leaving here without him.

1308
01:22:07.079 --> 01:22:09.960
She glances back at us. We ain't gonna get that

1309
01:22:10.039 --> 01:22:13.079
much further anyway. Wasn't much gas in the tank when

1310
01:22:13.119 --> 01:22:17.239
I started this thing. Harmony leans forward. How about you

1311
01:22:17.319 --> 01:22:20.960
go get some gas? You squirt told you we ain't

1312
01:22:21.039 --> 01:22:24.359
leaving our friend behind. Then she jams on the brakes.

1313
01:22:24.720 --> 01:22:27.680
When we stop, she looks back at Harmony. You know what,

1314
01:22:28.159 --> 01:22:32.039
how about you getting up here and driving? Lady mouse,

1315
01:22:32.119 --> 01:22:35.439
what are you doing? Ariel chokes out. Let's just go

1316
01:22:35.520 --> 01:22:37.680
fill the gas tank. Then we can come back here

1317
01:22:37.680 --> 01:22:40.000
and look for Chunker. At least we can get out

1318
01:22:40.000 --> 01:22:43.079
of here on a full tank. And that's what Harmony's

1319
01:22:43.119 --> 01:22:46.560
gonna do. Madeleine says, I'm gonna go back in the

1320
01:22:46.600 --> 01:22:50.079
mall and find Chunker. I'm about to tell her how

1321
01:22:50.119 --> 01:22:53.199
crazy she is, remembering the crazy stunt she tried to

1322
01:22:53.199 --> 01:22:57.119
pull on Halloween night. I'll come with you, Madeline, She

1323
01:22:57.239 --> 01:22:59.880
points right at me. Nope, you gotta be a man

1324
01:23:00.279 --> 01:23:05.319
and protect Ariel. Ariel shakes her head slowly. Madeleine, I'll

1325
01:23:05.359 --> 01:23:09.680
be okay, you guys, I promise, just go, Madeleine insists.

1326
01:23:10.279 --> 01:23:13.199
When Harmony jumps behind the wheel, she pulls the door

1327
01:23:13.239 --> 01:23:15.640
shut and floors it. The rest of us are looking

1328
01:23:15.680 --> 01:23:19.880
back is Madeleine heads back to the mall. The next

1329
01:23:19.960 --> 01:23:23.479
thing we know, Stuart's coming in between us. He ain't

1330
01:23:23.560 --> 01:23:26.600
laughing and having fun so much. Now. I think this

1331
01:23:26.760 --> 01:23:28.720
is the first time Ariel and I have ever seen

1332
01:23:28.760 --> 01:23:35.640
how worried the little guy looks. Perspective, Madeline donnerly. I

1333
01:23:35.760 --> 01:23:37.880
make it back to the mall and start walking into

1334
01:23:37.880 --> 01:23:42.039
the parking garage underneath. There's cars parked under here. Then

1335
01:23:42.079 --> 01:23:44.119
I have a thought and look in a driver's side

1336
01:23:44.119 --> 01:23:48.520
mirror and see Mary Worth looking back at me. Can

1337
01:23:48.520 --> 01:23:52.239
you tell me where my friend is? I whisper, certainly,

1338
01:23:52.920 --> 01:23:57.159
Mary answers. The mirror changes. Turns out I ain't far

1339
01:23:57.199 --> 01:24:00.600
from Chunker. That giant vampire lady's got him dashed away

1340
01:24:00.640 --> 01:24:06.199
in the security station down here, Mary's face reappears. Be careful, Madeline,

1341
01:24:06.840 --> 01:24:09.680
the one who has taken your friend is not far

1342
01:24:09.720 --> 01:24:13.000
from you. And before I know it, that giant vampire

1343
01:24:13.119 --> 01:24:16.319
lady is right on me. I hate when vampires can

1344
01:24:16.359 --> 01:24:21.239
suddenly appear right behind you without warning. No, I shriek

1345
01:24:21.279 --> 01:24:27.520
when she's picking me up. You are mine, the vampire

1346
01:24:27.600 --> 01:24:30.880
lady echoes. I squirm and struggle and fight and thrash

1347
01:24:30.920 --> 01:24:34.119
for all I'm worth. Problem is, this thing is way

1348
01:24:34.159 --> 01:24:37.359
too strong, and I'm just a little mousey. Now the

1349
01:24:37.439 --> 01:24:40.159
vampire Lady turns me around to look me in the face.

1350
01:24:42.479 --> 01:24:48.119
M Hi, I squeak. You're not gonna eat me, are you.

1351
01:24:49.119 --> 01:24:52.600
The vampire lady pulls me to her and hugs me,

1352
01:24:53.600 --> 01:25:00.239
baby baby. She thinks I'm her. Oh boy, now she's

1353
01:25:00.239 --> 01:25:04.039
patting my back. Wait a minute, now's my chance. I

1354
01:25:04.159 --> 01:25:06.960
quickly make like a little mouseie and start scurrying over

1355
01:25:07.000 --> 01:25:10.359
the vampire Lady's shoulder. She starts roaring as I drop

1356
01:25:10.520 --> 01:25:12.720
right behind her. I run right to a car and

1357
01:25:12.760 --> 01:25:18.359
look in the driver's mirror. Maryworth, Meryworth, Mary Work. When

1358
01:25:18.359 --> 01:25:21.319
the vampire Lady has me again, she's given me odd

1359
01:25:21.359 --> 01:25:24.279
looks when she sees light coming out of that car

1360
01:25:24.319 --> 01:25:27.840
mirror and into me. Soon she's looking right into the

1361
01:25:27.880 --> 01:25:32.319
face of Mary Worth, who easily passes right through her hands.

1362
01:25:32.920 --> 01:25:37.199
The vampire Lady's real mad. Now she tries warping behind Mary,

1363
01:25:37.279 --> 01:25:40.239
but my ghostly friend only has to float away from her.

1364
01:25:40.680 --> 01:25:42.880
She utters one of her spells to cause the door

1365
01:25:42.920 --> 01:25:46.560
to the security station to open up. Chunker suddenly steps out.

1366
01:25:47.640 --> 01:25:51.760
Oh thank you. WHOA yeah, I guess Chunkers still ain't

1367
01:25:51.840 --> 01:25:55.159
used to seeing Mary. Mary glances his way and utters

1368
01:25:55.199 --> 01:25:59.439
another spell. A jacket appears on him. You had best

1369
01:25:59.520 --> 01:26:03.920
leave here. Chunker looks at the vampire lady. She'll just

1370
01:26:04.000 --> 01:26:09.920
appear and grab me again. Mary faces the vampire lady again. Ah, yes,

1371
01:26:10.720 --> 01:26:14.800
you are quite right. Mary utters one more spell. When

1372
01:26:14.840 --> 01:26:18.520
she finishes, the vampire lady suddenly stops dead in her tracks.

1373
01:26:18.880 --> 01:26:22.119
Her eyes are up in her head now. Then she

1374
01:26:22.239 --> 01:26:26.119
falls on to her side. What did you do, Mary,

1375
01:26:26.520 --> 01:26:29.399
I ask her. Mary and I can talk to each

1376
01:26:29.399 --> 01:26:33.239
other through thinking while she's possessing me. I simply uttered

1377
01:26:33.239 --> 01:26:37.800
a spell to render her unconscious, at least in her

1378
01:26:37.800 --> 01:26:42.399
own mind. Mary thinks back to me, she will sleep

1379
01:26:42.800 --> 01:26:46.279
for a time. We can't just leave her here. I

1380
01:26:46.359 --> 01:26:50.319
quickly point out, I am aware of this madeline. This

1381
01:26:50.439 --> 01:26:53.359
creation is far too powerful to be contained in a

1382
01:26:53.399 --> 01:26:59.760
prison creation. Now I'm confused. Mary tells me that this

1383
01:27:00.359 --> 01:27:05.159
scary vampire lady is really a monster right out of Frankenstein.

1384
01:27:06.000 --> 01:27:08.199
I end up seeing how this monster came to be

1385
01:27:08.319 --> 01:27:11.680
and what all she did? Then I remember the original

1386
01:27:11.760 --> 01:27:16.239
story myself. Mary, can you put her at one of

1387
01:27:16.279 --> 01:27:19.840
the polls, I ask, Maybe, if she's there, she can't

1388
01:27:19.880 --> 01:27:24.880
harm anybody. Mary raises her hands and utters one more spell.

1389
01:27:25.800 --> 01:27:30.680
This one takes longer this time. When she's finished, the

1390
01:27:30.800 --> 01:27:34.960
vampire Monster's gone. I'm hoping she'll want to stay where

1391
01:27:34.960 --> 01:27:38.920
you sent her. I say, perhaps with no one around

1392
01:27:38.960 --> 01:27:42.720
at the south Pole, she will be at peace. Mary

1393
01:27:42.800 --> 01:27:49.800
tells me. Now, Mary turns to Chunker, thank you, He stammers,

1394
01:27:50.720 --> 01:27:55.720
do not fear Brian. Chunk look over my shoulder. Chunker

1395
01:27:55.760 --> 01:27:58.840
looks past Mary and sees the others are coming back,

1396
01:28:00.039 --> 01:28:02.640
floats us away and is soon out of sight. We

1397
01:28:02.800 --> 01:28:05.399
use another driver's side mirror to make a quick switch

1398
01:28:05.439 --> 01:28:08.279
so I can come back. Now I gotta act like

1399
01:28:08.359 --> 01:28:13.399
I've been trying to find him, Chunker, I call out, Maddie.

1400
01:28:14.079 --> 01:28:17.000
We both run to each other and hug. Just then

1401
01:28:17.119 --> 01:28:20.399
Harmony mirror pulls up and sees us. The others get

1402
01:28:20.439 --> 01:28:23.000
out and come to us too. Then I feel my

1403
01:28:23.119 --> 01:28:27.279
leg getting squeezed and see little Stewart. Ariel looks at me.

1404
01:28:27.439 --> 01:28:30.520
Now he really did good with that little goober mouse.

1405
01:28:31.199 --> 01:28:35.119
Maybe he's better off letting you babysit him. Then Harmony

1406
01:28:35.159 --> 01:28:38.880
honks the horn. We all turn to her. Don't even

1407
01:28:38.960 --> 01:28:42.359
think you're off the hook, she snabs. Do you realize

1408
01:28:42.359 --> 01:28:44.960
how much damage has been done to my maul and

1409
01:28:45.119 --> 01:28:52.399
to this vehicle? What damage? Chunker asks? What damage? Harmony shrieks.

1410
01:28:52.640 --> 01:28:55.119
Then she points to the main entrance. How about the

1411
01:28:56.439 --> 01:29:00.960
what we all look and see the aime mal entrance

1412
01:29:01.039 --> 01:29:06.279
is fully restored, even the suv is fixed. Harmony shakes

1413
01:29:06.279 --> 01:29:10.239
her head. No, no, no, She points at me. You

1414
01:29:10.359 --> 01:29:14.600
drove this vehicle right through it. I shrug. Don't look

1415
01:29:14.680 --> 01:29:17.880
like it to me, But you drove this vehicle right

1416
01:29:17.920 --> 01:29:21.880
through it. Harmony repeats, I was sitting in the back seat.

1417
01:29:22.479 --> 01:29:25.560
Don't know what to tell you, lady. Then Ariel tightens

1418
01:29:25.560 --> 01:29:28.479
her fists and we are done. When it comes to

1419
01:29:28.520 --> 01:29:32.319
your mall, Harmony points right at her. Oh no, you

1420
01:29:32.399 --> 01:29:35.640
are not. You are all going right back inside and

1421
01:29:35.680 --> 01:29:40.079
finishing with the Christmas decorations. Otherwise I'll call the police

1422
01:29:40.359 --> 01:29:44.520
right now. Ariel tightens her jaw now and waves her off.

1423
01:29:45.079 --> 01:29:48.000
Go ahead and call them. Then, after the night we've had,

1424
01:29:48.359 --> 01:29:52.399
I'd say we're done here. Carter stands with her. Also,

1425
01:29:52.720 --> 01:29:56.319
keep in mind that we saved you earlier, so I'd

1426
01:29:56.359 --> 01:29:59.880
say that makes us even. Harmony comes right out of

1427
01:30:00.159 --> 01:30:02.199
vehicle and tries to get us to go back inside

1428
01:30:02.199 --> 01:30:06.479
them all again again. Ariel speaks up, we're only going

1429
01:30:06.520 --> 01:30:09.760
back in to get our phones. After that, we're leaving.

1430
01:30:10.479 --> 01:30:13.159
When Harmony tries and posing her will on us again,

1431
01:30:13.720 --> 01:30:17.640
we all come together. Now she's realizing the numbers game.

1432
01:30:18.239 --> 01:30:22.000
Ariel points to her, give us our phones back now,

1433
01:30:22.319 --> 01:30:25.479
or we'll break into your desk and take them back ourselves.

1434
01:30:25.960 --> 01:30:30.600
Then I'm feeling something in my back pocket. WHOA, Mary

1435
01:30:30.640 --> 01:30:33.359
got me my phone back? How did you get that?

1436
01:30:33.760 --> 01:30:38.279
Harmony demands I locked all your phones up. Seeing we

1437
01:30:38.399 --> 01:30:41.319
all got our phones back, I quickly use mine to

1438
01:30:41.359 --> 01:30:44.960
call home. Mom picks up. We talk for a bit

1439
01:30:45.000 --> 01:30:48.960
before we hang up. Mom's coming to get us. Harmony

1440
01:30:49.039 --> 01:30:51.920
tries one more time and pulls out her phone. I

1441
01:30:52.039 --> 01:30:56.000
mean it, I'll call the police. Ariel again stands up

1442
01:30:56.039 --> 01:31:00.520
to her, So call them. You heard Mouse, We're going home.

1443
01:31:01.079 --> 01:31:06.159
Like Carter said, we saved your life. We're even now

1444
01:31:06.239 --> 01:31:10.239
leave us alone. And then I finally see Stuart has

1445
01:31:10.239 --> 01:31:13.359
a fountain soda in his hands, probably got one at

1446
01:31:13.359 --> 01:31:16.479
the gas station. He walks away from me and heaves

1447
01:31:16.520 --> 01:31:20.439
it at Harmony. It explodes on her head, making her shriek.

1448
01:31:21.319 --> 01:31:25.520
Then she looks right at him. You wicked little brat,

1449
01:31:25.960 --> 01:31:29.720
she yells, and for the first time ever far as

1450
01:31:29.760 --> 01:31:35.039
I know, Ariel actually praises her little cousin. Good job, you,

1451
01:31:35.079 --> 01:31:38.960
little goober. Stuart looks up at her and laughs his

1452
01:31:39.119 --> 01:31:43.840
mischievous laugh. Then Harmony points right at us. You are

1453
01:31:43.920 --> 01:31:47.760
all barred from my mall. Don't you ever return here again?

1454
01:31:48.560 --> 01:31:52.680
Fine by me, Horton replies, won't be much here after

1455
01:31:52.720 --> 01:31:56.880
the holidays are over anyways. Harmony growls and marches right

1456
01:31:56.920 --> 01:32:00.079
back inside the mall. It ain't much longer before or

1457
01:32:00.199 --> 01:32:03.199
Mom comes and picks us up and takes everybody home.

1458
01:32:06.039 --> 01:32:10.399
Epilogue When Mom pulls up to the gated mirror community,

1459
01:32:11.479 --> 01:32:15.520
little Stewart don't want to go. At first, he's fighting Ariel,

1460
01:32:15.560 --> 01:32:19.239
but I quickly tell him we'll see each other again.

1461
01:32:20.479 --> 01:32:22.680
That makes the little guy happy enough to where he

1462
01:32:22.720 --> 01:32:28.880
finally goes with Ariel. Thanks Mouse, see you Monday, Ariel

1463
01:32:28.920 --> 01:32:33.760
tells me, and thanks missus Donnery, You're quite welcome, Ariel.

1464
01:32:34.119 --> 01:32:39.680
Mom replies later, Ariel, I tell her Mom finishes dropping

1465
01:32:39.720 --> 01:32:42.680
everybody off at their houses. Carter and me are the

1466
01:32:42.760 --> 01:32:44.920
last ones, since we live next door to each other.

1467
01:32:46.039 --> 01:32:49.880
Carter thanks Mom. After we say goodnight. He gets out

1468
01:32:50.000 --> 01:32:53.279
to head to his back porch. When Mom and I

1469
01:32:53.359 --> 01:32:57.199
get inside our own house, I yawn, Mom and I

1470
01:32:57.279 --> 01:33:01.680
say goodnight and head upstairs. It feels good to be

1471
01:33:01.720 --> 01:33:05.239
back in the mousehole again. I get changed for bed

1472
01:33:05.279 --> 01:33:08.479
and hop in. I pick up the mirror I keep

1473
01:33:08.479 --> 01:33:11.760
on my nightstand so I can talk with Mary Worth.

1474
01:33:13.800 --> 01:33:16.000
Did you have something to do with fixing up the mall?

1475
01:33:16.720 --> 01:33:22.000
I ask her. Let's just say that miserly woman cannot

1476
01:33:22.000 --> 01:33:27.119
hold anything against you. Mary tells me. She shows me

1477
01:33:27.199 --> 01:33:30.840
the inside of the mall, which is completely decorated the

1478
01:33:30.880 --> 01:33:36.560
way Harmony wanted it. I smile, Now, thanks for getting

1479
01:33:36.600 --> 01:33:41.640
us out of trouble again. What's important is that you

1480
01:33:41.760 --> 01:33:47.159
remain out of trouble. I doubt that. With our track record,

1481
01:33:47.880 --> 01:33:52.880
trouble just seems to find us. I say, so it seems.

1482
01:33:54.399 --> 01:33:58.000
Then I have a thought. Can you show me if

1483
01:33:58.039 --> 01:34:04.199
that vampire lady's still at the south pole? Certainly Mary's

1484
01:34:04.239 --> 01:34:09.840
face disappears, and the giant vampire lady reveals herself. She

1485
01:34:09.920 --> 01:34:13.560
seems to be okay with being where Mary's center. I

1486
01:34:13.600 --> 01:34:17.640
guess being a vampire or monster or whatever she is,

1487
01:34:18.479 --> 01:34:22.399
she won't freeze. She just looks like she's lost something.

1488
01:34:23.840 --> 01:34:27.840
When I'm done looking, Mary's face reappears in the mirror.

1489
01:34:29.600 --> 01:34:32.479
Mary and I talk for a little bit longer before

1490
01:34:32.520 --> 01:34:37.159
I feel I can't stay awake anymore. This is a

1491
01:34:37.159 --> 01:34:41.960
good place for me to say goodbye. Don't worry, We'll

1492
01:34:42.000 --> 01:34:53.359
definitely be back with some more adventures and soon. Doorway

1493
01:34:53.399 --> 01:35:02.159
to Horror by Rob Fields perspective, Madeline, don you just

1494
01:35:02.279 --> 01:35:05.479
know it's Friday for a couple reasons. The first is

1495
01:35:05.520 --> 01:35:07.600
because you know as soon as you're done with school

1496
01:35:07.720 --> 01:35:11.199
it's the weekend. The second is a couple hands slamming

1497
01:35:11.239 --> 01:35:16.119
on the table I'm sitting at in the cafeteria at lunchtime. Yes,

1498
01:35:16.720 --> 01:35:21.600
I ask Ariel, mirn I hate you mouse, Ariel growls,

1499
01:35:22.039 --> 01:35:25.279
Then she points right at me. I will never give up.

1500
01:35:25.319 --> 01:35:27.840
I will see you scared out of your wits one

1501
01:35:27.880 --> 01:35:32.399
of these days. I'm laughing inside now. If only Ariel

1502
01:35:32.439 --> 01:35:35.079
knew how many opportunities she could have had to see

1503
01:35:35.119 --> 01:35:39.760
me get scared, well, I sure ain't gonna tell her. Still,

1504
01:35:40.159 --> 01:35:43.000
I can't really say she'll never get me. I'm sure

1505
01:35:43.000 --> 01:35:46.159
one of these days will be her lucky day. Ariel

1506
01:35:46.199 --> 01:35:50.079
puts her hands on the table again, softer. Now, slumber

1507
01:35:50.119 --> 01:35:53.479
party at my house tonight, same time as last Friday.

1508
01:35:54.439 --> 01:35:57.000
You still bringing those Christmas movies over? You said you

1509
01:35:57.119 --> 01:35:59.680
just got unless you want me to bring some other

1510
01:35:59.720 --> 01:36:04.439
stuff uf I reply, no, bring those. Also. Mona said

1511
01:36:04.520 --> 01:36:07.439
she's got a movie for us to see tonight. She

1512
01:36:07.560 --> 01:36:10.399
sits down. Now, you ever heard of a movie called

1513
01:36:10.760 --> 01:36:15.399
Doorway to Horror? Can't say I have. Then I pull

1514
01:36:15.399 --> 01:36:18.520
out my phone and do some searching. I ain't even

1515
01:36:18.560 --> 01:36:21.840
seeing it on IMDb or any of the other sites. Now,

1516
01:36:21.880 --> 01:36:25.760
I did find an old VHS horror game called Doorways

1517
01:36:25.800 --> 01:36:29.239
to Horror, not exactly the same thing, I don't think.

1518
01:36:29.840 --> 01:36:33.239
Did Mona tell you where she got it? Nuh uh.

1519
01:36:33.520 --> 01:36:37.359
Ariel looks uneasy. Once in a while, Mona will find

1520
01:36:37.439 --> 01:36:41.000
something she's not you or Bailey, though you two know

1521
01:36:41.079 --> 01:36:44.800
your movies. Speaking of Bailey, that's one of the movies

1522
01:36:44.800 --> 01:36:49.199
we're seeing tonight. It's a Christmas horror story. Ariel raises

1523
01:36:49.239 --> 01:36:54.039
her finger. Oh hey, gatecode changed yesterday. She tells it

1524
01:36:54.079 --> 01:36:58.800
to me. You got it mouse yep. Then Ariel narrows

1525
01:36:58.800 --> 01:37:02.079
her eyes on me. You haven't seen Carter around here?

1526
01:37:02.199 --> 01:37:02.520
Have you?

1527
01:37:03.199 --> 01:37:06.760
I shake my head. Don't tell me he's posting videos

1528
01:37:06.760 --> 01:37:11.239
of you on Facebook again? She nods quickly. He always

1529
01:37:11.279 --> 01:37:13.720
seems to be there whenever I got Stewart with me.

1530
01:37:14.319 --> 01:37:17.319
She points right at me. You're not covering for him?

1531
01:37:17.359 --> 01:37:20.800
Are you you think I forgot you? Two are best buds.

1532
01:37:21.600 --> 01:37:25.279
I promise you I ain't covering for him. Ariel holds

1533
01:37:25.279 --> 01:37:28.640
out her little finger. You willing to pinky promise on it?

1534
01:37:29.520 --> 01:37:32.800
I make the pinky promise with her. I really don't

1535
01:37:32.840 --> 01:37:35.640
know where he is. Maybe he's with the other guys.

1536
01:37:36.319 --> 01:37:40.560
Ariel shakes her head. Nope, look I look to where

1537
01:37:40.560 --> 01:37:44.119
she's pointing. Bill Chapman, Richie Horton, and Brian Chunk are

1538
01:37:44.159 --> 01:37:48.359
coming into the cafeteria. No Carter, though. A moment later,

1539
01:37:48.479 --> 01:37:52.800
the guys come over to us. Ariel confronts him, where's Carter?

1540
01:37:53.279 --> 01:37:56.239
I know you guys know where he is. What makes

1541
01:37:56.279 --> 01:37:58.359
you think we'd even tell you if we did know?

1542
01:37:58.840 --> 01:38:02.600
Chapman replies, he's the tough guy with the burr haircut.

1543
01:38:03.640 --> 01:38:07.359
I'm not above administering decisive methods of torture on you, guys.

1544
01:38:07.760 --> 01:38:12.399
Ariel replies, all I have to do is divide and conquer.

1545
01:38:13.199 --> 01:38:16.880
Chunker points at her and tells the other two, Ah,

1546
01:38:17.000 --> 01:38:20.479
this I gotta see. He's the husky guy wearing the

1547
01:38:20.520 --> 01:38:23.319
cargo shorts with an open Hawaiian shirt over a black

1548
01:38:23.359 --> 01:38:27.520
T shirt. Don't temp fate you, guys, Horton warns him.

1549
01:38:28.000 --> 01:38:31.439
He's the skinny guy wearing the glasses with circular lenses.

1550
01:38:32.079 --> 01:38:35.079
I keep telling you how evil Ariel Mirron is. One

1551
01:38:35.079 --> 01:38:36.960
of these days you're going to wish you'd have listened

1552
01:38:37.000 --> 01:38:41.199
to me. Ariel smirks, I'd be listening to Horton if

1553
01:38:41.199 --> 01:38:44.359
I were you guys, She points to him. But you're

1554
01:38:44.399 --> 01:38:47.479
not off the hook. Horton grins and looks her in

1555
01:38:47.520 --> 01:38:51.119
the eyes. Why don't you just look over your left shoulder.

1556
01:38:52.079 --> 01:38:55.760
Ariel quickly turns and sees my buddy and next door neighbor,

1557
01:38:55.800 --> 01:38:59.680
Carter Cross. The next thing we know, Ariel's running off

1558
01:38:59.680 --> 01:39:03.560
and check Carter down. Yesterday he recorded a video of

1559
01:39:03.640 --> 01:39:08.199
Ariel and Stuart at Denoyer's grill. He slipped away and

1560
01:39:08.239 --> 01:39:11.640
started running around and wreaking havoc. I know this because

1561
01:39:11.680 --> 01:39:14.279
she texted me asking for help nine to one to

1562
01:39:14.279 --> 01:39:19.399
one at Denoyer's Stuart. Fortunately for Ariel, I happened to

1563
01:39:19.439 --> 01:39:21.920
be in the area on my mongoose and stopped in.

1564
01:39:22.439 --> 01:39:24.560
I was able to get Stuart to calm down and

1565
01:39:24.600 --> 01:39:27.800
behave I don't know what it is about that little guy,

1566
01:39:27.920 --> 01:39:30.960
but he likes me enough to where he always minds me.

1567
01:39:31.479 --> 01:39:34.880
I don't even have to yell at him anyway. Carter

1568
01:39:35.039 --> 01:39:38.319
was already there before me and recording Ariel losing her mind.

1569
01:39:38.920 --> 01:39:42.199
He put the video on Facebook and got everybody laughing

1570
01:39:42.279 --> 01:39:45.279
at her. When the guys get their lunches, they come

1571
01:39:45.359 --> 01:39:47.760
and sit with me. The four of us have some

1572
01:39:47.920 --> 01:39:55.800
good conversation before we got to go back to class.

1573
01:39:56.720 --> 01:39:59.880
That night, I'm walking to Ariel's house. When I reached

1574
01:40:00.000 --> 01:40:02.920
a mere engated community, I punch in the new code

1575
01:40:02.960 --> 01:40:06.279
and go in. Never seems to fail. Every time I

1576
01:40:06.319 --> 01:40:08.880
walk to Ariel's on Friday nights, there's always a few

1577
01:40:08.920 --> 01:40:12.039
mirans who walk past me and give me looks like

1578
01:40:12.439 --> 01:40:15.880
I don't belong inside. I gotta walk a few blocks

1579
01:40:15.920 --> 01:40:18.880
before I get to Capital Court. When I reach the

1580
01:40:18.880 --> 01:40:23.119
double doors, one of them opens Ariel appears and says, wow,

1581
01:40:23.640 --> 01:40:27.279
you're actually here before Mona and Bailey mouse. Then she

1582
01:40:27.359 --> 01:40:30.840
steps aside and lets me come in. It's about twenty

1583
01:40:30.880 --> 01:40:36.000
minutes later when Mona abels and Bailey downs finally show up. Sorry, Ariel,

1584
01:40:36.399 --> 01:40:39.439
Mona says, I had to help mom with something at home.

1585
01:40:40.159 --> 01:40:43.840
You're good, Ariel replies, After the week I've had, I

1586
01:40:43.920 --> 01:40:45.880
just want to hang with my girls and let loose.

1587
01:40:46.359 --> 01:40:48.680
At least your aunt never drops Stuart off here while

1588
01:40:48.680 --> 01:40:52.880
we're having our slumber parties. Bailey says, Ariel points right

1589
01:40:52.920 --> 01:40:55.359
at her. You do not even get to say that.

1590
01:40:56.159 --> 01:40:59.119
Mona and Bailey laugh a little. Ariel gives me that

1591
01:40:59.199 --> 01:41:02.039
look that asks why she puts up with them. I

1592
01:41:02.119 --> 01:41:04.560
give her a smirk that says not to worry about it.

1593
01:41:05.279 --> 01:41:09.199
After some socializing, Ariel gets the pizza's order. From there,

1594
01:41:09.239 --> 01:41:12.640
we start spinning some movies. First up is a Christmas

1595
01:41:12.640 --> 01:41:15.359
horror story. As soon as the name of the town

1596
01:41:15.439 --> 01:41:20.439
is mentioned, Bailey gives us all weird looks. First Ginger snaps,

1597
01:41:20.439 --> 01:41:24.079
and now this one. She mutters, what other movies have

1598
01:41:24.199 --> 01:41:28.199
the town named the same as mine? Orphan Black? I reply,

1599
01:41:28.800 --> 01:41:33.239
it's a TV series. Bailey points right at Ariel. Why

1600
01:41:33.279 --> 01:41:35.159
do I get the feeling you had something to do

1601
01:41:35.239 --> 01:41:37.960
with this? Was this because Mona and I weren't spending

1602
01:41:38.000 --> 01:41:40.560
the night at the mall with you last weekend? Then

1603
01:41:40.640 --> 01:41:44.039
Ariel grabs a pillow and throws it at Bailey. She

1604
01:41:44.159 --> 01:41:47.920
catches it and laughs. Ariel points at her, not funny.

1605
01:41:48.399 --> 01:41:51.800
Then she smirks, Okay, Bailey, you can go out and

1606
01:41:51.840 --> 01:42:00.720
get our pizzas. Then Bailey gets off the couch. Fine.

1607
01:42:01.000 --> 01:42:05.920
Bailey downs after I bring our pizzas in. Mouse resumes

1608
01:42:05.960 --> 01:42:08.720
the blu ray of a Christmas horror story. I have

1609
01:42:08.800 --> 01:42:11.560
the feeling Ariel put Mouse up to bringing this movie

1610
01:42:11.600 --> 01:42:14.479
over in spite of the fact that it takes place

1611
01:42:14.520 --> 01:42:17.399
in a town with the same name as mine. It

1612
01:42:17.479 --> 01:42:20.640
is a really good horror anthology, though I really love

1613
01:42:20.720 --> 01:42:24.159
the twist and the Santa versus Crampis story. We also

1614
01:42:24.279 --> 01:42:27.640
watched the original Black Christmas and Silent Night Deadly Night.

1615
01:42:28.159 --> 01:42:30.039
We don't get to lay down for the night. After

1616
01:42:30.079 --> 01:42:33.279
three movies, Mona announces that she's got a movie she

1617
01:42:33.359 --> 01:42:37.960
wants us to see, which is called Doorway to Horror.

1618
01:42:38.560 --> 01:42:43.439
When Ariel asks what it's about, Mona doesn't know, believe

1619
01:42:43.479 --> 01:42:45.920
it or not. I found it just sitting on a

1620
01:42:45.960 --> 01:42:49.119
table in study hall. It's a burned blu ray, but

1621
01:42:49.359 --> 01:42:52.680
it plays. I put it in my laptop and checked it.

1622
01:42:53.319 --> 01:42:56.199
The opening scene looks really creepy, so I thought i'd

1623
01:42:56.199 --> 01:42:59.840
bring it to the sleepover to share. Ariel turns to Mouse.

1624
01:43:00.399 --> 01:43:02.800
I'm guessing you didn't turn up anything else on it.

1625
01:43:03.520 --> 01:43:06.720
Mouse shrugs. I tried all kinds of searches when I

1626
01:43:06.760 --> 01:43:10.800
got home. Nothing. So we sit back and let Mona

1627
01:43:10.880 --> 01:43:14.279
spin her find. There are all kinds of Christmas things

1628
01:43:14.319 --> 01:43:17.000
in the movie, but the town looks like something out

1629
01:43:17.000 --> 01:43:21.119
of a post apocalyptic story. We're eating more pizza and

1630
01:43:21.239 --> 01:43:23.399
drinking some more of the cokes that Mona and I

1631
01:43:23.560 --> 01:43:26.920
snuck over in our backpacks. You gotta love that missus

1632
01:43:26.960 --> 01:43:30.720
Miran won't let her own family drink any sugary sodas

1633
01:43:31.119 --> 01:43:34.800
it's diet or nothing. The four of us are talking

1634
01:43:34.840 --> 01:43:38.520
about the movie once it's over. There really wasn't any

1635
01:43:38.560 --> 01:43:42.920
dialogue or anything. Maybe David Lynch lost the one copy

1636
01:43:42.960 --> 01:43:45.800
of a new movie he was working on. I half joke.

1637
01:43:46.680 --> 01:43:49.239
We've seen some pretty weird stuff since we started doing

1638
01:43:49.239 --> 01:43:53.279
our sleepovers years ago. Ariel says, you've brought over stuff

1639
01:43:53.319 --> 01:43:57.039
like this before. Mouse, I ain't denying it, She agrees.

1640
01:43:57.640 --> 01:44:00.479
Doorway to Horror. Still don't ring a bell with me, though.

1641
01:44:01.039 --> 01:44:05.159
Guess you made a rare find. Mona, Yeah, kudos, I

1642
01:44:05.199 --> 01:44:08.399
tell my best friend. We talk for a little while

1643
01:44:08.479 --> 01:44:12.000
longer before we're finally yawning our heads off. The nice

1644
01:44:12.039 --> 01:44:14.479
thing about this big living room is there are enough

1645
01:44:14.520 --> 01:44:17.800
couches for all of us to sleep on. Ariel sleeps

1646
01:44:17.800 --> 01:44:20.000
on one too. Even though our bedroom is the first

1647
01:44:20.079 --> 01:44:23.199
one on entering the hallway, it don't take us all

1648
01:44:23.279 --> 01:44:30.319
long to fall asleep. Perspective, Mona abels I'm the first

1649
01:44:30.359 --> 01:44:33.359
one to wake up. I yawn and feel how parched

1650
01:44:33.399 --> 01:44:36.319
I am. Knowing we still got cans of coke left.

1651
01:44:36.439 --> 01:44:40.279
I grab one and feel grateful. I stop drinking and

1652
01:44:40.359 --> 01:44:45.119
notice something weird. Did I just take a power nap

1653
01:44:45.199 --> 01:44:48.279
or something? Because it still seems like it's dark out.

1654
01:44:49.000 --> 01:44:52.399
I look at my smart watch and see it's blank

1655
01:44:52.520 --> 01:44:56.800
across the screen. I find my smartphone underneath my pillow

1656
01:44:57.119 --> 01:44:59.600
and see the same blanks where the date and time

1657
01:44:59.680 --> 01:45:03.640
should be. Then I see Mouse's phone and look at hers.

1658
01:45:04.680 --> 01:45:09.720
She's got the same blanks too. Seriously, what gives I

1659
01:45:09.800 --> 01:45:12.119
need to see what time it is. As soon as

1660
01:45:12.159 --> 01:45:14.600
I come out of my comforter, I'm quickly wrapping my

1661
01:45:14.720 --> 01:45:18.560
arms around myself and start shivering. Boy, it's really cold

1662
01:45:18.560 --> 01:45:21.720
in Ariel's mansion, so cold I can see my own

1663
01:45:21.800 --> 01:45:25.479
breath like when I'm outside. I see Ariel's bedroom door

1664
01:45:25.520 --> 01:45:29.000
open and peek inside. My eyes are wide when I

1665
01:45:29.079 --> 01:45:33.640
see there's no windows. I mean, the cold's just blowing

1666
01:45:33.760 --> 01:45:36.560
right into the house. I walk down the hall to

1667
01:45:36.640 --> 01:45:39.199
the next bedroom and see there ain't no windows there either.

1668
01:45:39.960 --> 01:45:43.279
Then I hear movement and return to the living room.

1669
01:45:43.439 --> 01:45:46.880
Ariel's getting out from underneath her comforter. Why is it

1670
01:45:46.960 --> 01:45:52.119
so cold in here? Then Ariel sees me, Mona, why

1671
01:45:52.119 --> 01:45:55.920
aren't there any windows? Ariel? I ask, She gives me

1672
01:45:55.960 --> 01:46:00.439
a weird look. What no, I'll show you. I grab

1673
01:46:00.520 --> 01:46:03.359
Ariel's hand and bring her to her own room. You

1674
01:46:03.479 --> 01:46:07.119
have got to be kidding me, Ariel gasps. We move

1675
01:46:07.199 --> 01:46:10.239
to a few other rooms and see no windows. We

1676
01:46:10.359 --> 01:46:13.960
go into the bathroom. Normally there's scented pillar candles on

1677
01:46:14.000 --> 01:46:16.680
either side of the mirror. On the sink, looks like

1678
01:46:16.720 --> 01:46:19.880
there's only one that remains of the said candles. When

1679
01:46:19.880 --> 01:46:23.279
we come back out, we see Bailey and Mouse are up. Now, boy,

1680
01:46:23.359 --> 01:46:27.880
it sure got cold fast. Bailey states, what I wouldn't

1681
01:46:27.880 --> 01:46:31.800
give for some hot coffee right now? Mouse mutters. Then

1682
01:46:31.880 --> 01:46:35.239
Mouse turns and walks to the front window. She turns

1683
01:46:35.239 --> 01:46:38.239
to us fast. There's only a big window shade here,

1684
01:46:38.600 --> 01:46:42.880
as in no big window here. What's going on? Ariel?

1685
01:46:43.560 --> 01:46:47.560
Ariel goes to Mouse and sees for herself. What on

1686
01:46:47.600 --> 01:46:52.560
earth is going on here? Beats me. Mouse answers, and

1687
01:46:52.600 --> 01:46:55.760
what time is it? Ariel snaps, That's what I've been

1688
01:46:55.760 --> 01:46:59.039
trying to find out. I say, our phones and watches

1689
01:46:59.039 --> 01:47:02.800
ain't working. Ariel quickly goes to the closet and starts

1690
01:47:02.840 --> 01:47:05.800
tossing us our jackets. We take them and head into

1691
01:47:05.800 --> 01:47:09.279
separate rooms to get changed. We're all dressed to go

1692
01:47:09.359 --> 01:47:14.520
outside now. But when we do go outside, what the

1693
01:47:15.239 --> 01:47:19.079
Bailey gasps? Everything looks like what we saw in your

1694
01:47:19.159 --> 01:47:23.880
movie Mona. Ariel states, ah, man, you gotta be kidding me.

1695
01:47:24.399 --> 01:47:29.239
Mouse groans not again. We all look right at Mouse. Now,

1696
01:47:29.880 --> 01:47:34.079
do you know something about this? Ariel asks her. If

1697
01:47:34.119 --> 01:47:37.199
we are where I think we are, we're gonna be

1698
01:47:37.239 --> 01:47:43.560
in terrible danger. Fast. Mouse quickly answers. Just spit it out. Mouse,

1699
01:47:43.880 --> 01:47:51.800
I snap, we ain't in Strickfield. No more perspective, ariel mirn,

1700
01:47:52.960 --> 01:47:57.640
I give mouse wide eyes. Excuse me. I was really

1701
01:47:57.680 --> 01:48:01.239
hoping to never see this place ever again. Mouse groans.

1702
01:48:01.920 --> 01:48:05.239
Then she tells us we need to go back inside.

1703
01:48:05.319 --> 01:48:08.359
We go back inside the house. Then I get an

1704
01:48:08.359 --> 01:48:12.880
idea and turn on my smartphone. Flash, what in the

1705
01:48:13.640 --> 01:48:18.800
are you serious? Mona ads, no, we're not seeing things.

1706
01:48:19.479 --> 01:48:23.399
My house is trashed, and I mean trashed. Then I

1707
01:48:23.439 --> 01:48:28.800
point right at Mouse. Okay, start talking. Mouse springs up.

1708
01:48:28.840 --> 01:48:31.560
The night in October when she went to the Horror

1709
01:48:31.680 --> 01:48:34.880
Thon at the Strickfield Centennial Theater with her twin cousin

1710
01:48:34.920 --> 01:48:39.680
Aileen Carter Cross and Bella Tabon. They had watched a

1711
01:48:39.720 --> 01:48:42.840
screening of a film called The Portal. It was like

1712
01:48:42.920 --> 01:48:46.880
everything had changed. Places were trashed, much like my house.

1713
01:48:47.359 --> 01:48:50.800
Windows were mostly missing in the homes. It was night

1714
01:48:50.960 --> 01:48:57.159
all the time. But what was worse, everybody was a vampire.

1715
01:48:58.720 --> 01:49:01.560
The four of them barely escaped this place and made

1716
01:49:01.600 --> 01:49:04.760
it back to Strickfield. Mouse says, we're in an alternate

1717
01:49:04.880 --> 01:49:09.760
universe where it's all vampires. We're all in terrible danger.

1718
01:49:10.199 --> 01:49:14.239
She finishes any of those vampires sees us, they'll be

1719
01:49:14.319 --> 01:49:20.439
after us here. It's like Marvel zombies. After everybody suddenly

1720
01:49:20.439 --> 01:49:23.239
became vampires, they drank up all the living people they

1721
01:49:23.239 --> 01:49:26.800
could get their hands on. Now, like those zombies, after

1722
01:49:26.840 --> 01:49:31.520
a few days, they're out of food. Bailey quickly waves

1723
01:49:31.520 --> 01:49:35.319
her hands in front of her. Okay, okay, assuming Mouse

1724
01:49:35.399 --> 01:49:39.159
isn't making this stuff up here, how did we get here?

1725
01:49:40.199 --> 01:49:42.359
It had to have been that movie Mona brought over

1726
01:49:42.800 --> 01:49:47.159
Doorway to Horror. Mouse guesses. Mona points right at Mouse.

1727
01:49:47.680 --> 01:49:50.119
Oh no, you don't. You ain't blaming me for this,

1728
01:49:50.199 --> 01:49:53.239
you wicked little rodent. I raise my hand in front

1729
01:49:53.279 --> 01:49:56.720
of me. No, I think Mouse is right, Mona. Everything

1730
01:49:56.720 --> 01:49:59.399
we saw in that disc you brought over was much

1731
01:49:59.479 --> 01:50:02.279
like where we are. We are now. Nobody's blaming you

1732
01:50:02.319 --> 01:50:04.600
about this place, but you did bring that disc over.

1733
01:50:05.600 --> 01:50:08.840
Let's find the disc. Then, Mouse says, we can watch

1734
01:50:08.880 --> 01:50:11.640
it again and get back home. We had to rewatch

1735
01:50:11.680 --> 01:50:14.640
the portal to get back home. Two months ago. We

1736
01:50:14.720 --> 01:50:17.800
searched through everything. All the movies Mouse brought over are

1737
01:50:17.840 --> 01:50:23.520
still here, but the disc Mona brought is gone. Where

1738
01:50:23.600 --> 01:50:27.279
is it Mona shrieks, oh, wait, here it is. She

1739
01:50:27.399 --> 01:50:30.640
raises it up for us to see. I point to Mona,

1740
01:50:30.800 --> 01:50:33.399
keep hold of that. Now, we just have to find

1741
01:50:33.399 --> 01:50:36.840
something to watch it on. That'll be easier said than done.

1742
01:50:37.119 --> 01:50:41.159
Mouse says, powers a little hard to come by here.

1743
01:50:41.920 --> 01:50:45.399
They shattered every window, every mirror. I don't know how

1744
01:50:45.399 --> 01:50:49.840
they're keeping at night here, but they're doing it. Then

1745
01:50:49.880 --> 01:50:52.920
I see Bailey moved toward the kitchen. I follow her

1746
01:50:52.920 --> 01:50:55.960
and see her opening one of the two refrigerators. She

1747
01:50:56.079 --> 01:50:59.680
turns to me. Whatever food we've got, we're going to

1748
01:50:59.720 --> 01:51:03.560
have to ration it until we can find more. Without power,

1749
01:51:03.640 --> 01:51:07.039
the refrigerators aren't working. Also, we can't eat a single

1750
01:51:07.079 --> 01:51:09.760
bite of the food in either of them. I point

1751
01:51:09.760 --> 01:51:12.720
to the cupboards. We search them in the pantry and

1752
01:51:12.800 --> 01:51:15.800
find a few things we can take with us. We

1753
01:51:15.920 --> 01:51:18.960
head back out to the others. There's not much here,

1754
01:51:19.640 --> 01:51:23.600
maybe for a day two tops. I divide the food

1755
01:51:23.680 --> 01:51:26.840
evenly between all of us, including the cokes and what

1756
01:51:27.000 --> 01:51:31.119
was left of the pizzas. What are we doing? Mona asked,

1757
01:51:31.560 --> 01:51:34.560
you heard Mouse. I tell her we've got to find

1758
01:51:34.640 --> 01:51:37.520
something to play this disc to get back home. We're

1759
01:51:37.520 --> 01:51:40.199
going to have to leave and find some place. In fact,

1760
01:51:40.720 --> 01:51:43.079
I quickly unplug the Blu ray player and stuff it

1761
01:51:43.079 --> 01:51:46.119
in my backpack. We make a quick plan and agree

1762
01:51:46.600 --> 01:51:50.600
we need to go downtown. We stay together, everybody I

1763
01:51:50.680 --> 01:51:55.840
stress before we leave. Mouse hands everybody crosses she made.

1764
01:51:55.880 --> 01:51:59.680
Whatever you do, don't lose them. Mouse just gave me

1765
01:51:59.720 --> 01:52:02.880
an eye idea. We probably should stop by a church,

1766
01:52:03.239 --> 01:52:08.119
Bailey suggests. Mouse points to her good thinking. We all

1767
01:52:08.159 --> 01:52:10.880
wish each other good luck before we head out through

1768
01:52:10.920 --> 01:52:17.720
the front doors. Perspective, Madeline Donner, so much for us

1769
01:52:17.760 --> 01:52:21.199
going to churches. We hit a few in downtown village

1770
01:52:21.720 --> 01:52:25.079
and saw they were wrecked. The windows were all broken out,

1771
01:52:25.399 --> 01:52:29.640
pews were destroyed or overturned. Even the altars were busted up.

1772
01:52:30.119 --> 01:52:33.159
What was even worse were the skeletons with their religious

1773
01:52:33.159 --> 01:52:37.279
garbs still on. Only thing I can figure is whatever

1774
01:52:37.359 --> 01:52:41.399
happened to turn people into vampires didn't hit everybody. The

1775
01:52:41.399 --> 01:52:46.560
ones that weren't turned became food for the vamps. At least,

1776
01:52:46.560 --> 01:52:50.039
our trips to the two churches weren't total washouts. We

1777
01:52:50.119 --> 01:52:52.920
managed to find some holy wafers and even some holy

1778
01:52:53.000 --> 01:52:56.199
water itself. Sure would be nice if we had squirt

1779
01:52:56.239 --> 01:52:59.159
guns like in The Lost Boys, but all we found

1780
01:52:59.239 --> 01:53:02.920
were a few voss and bottles. We leave the second

1781
01:53:03.000 --> 01:53:06.159
church and sneak over to a few markets. We don't

1782
01:53:06.159 --> 01:53:10.039
find much in terms of food, just dry goods and

1783
01:53:10.079 --> 01:53:14.319
a few cans of soup. The refrigerators and freezers probably

1784
01:53:14.359 --> 01:53:17.520
haven't been working in a very long time, so the

1785
01:53:17.560 --> 01:53:21.239
food in him won't be any good. We duck in

1786
01:53:21.359 --> 01:53:25.159
back of Wylder's Market to work out another plan. Everybody

1787
01:53:25.199 --> 01:53:28.680
has ideas to bring to the table. Then Ariel suggests

1788
01:53:28.680 --> 01:53:32.800
heading out to Strickfield Town Center mall. Mona turns to her.

1789
01:53:33.560 --> 01:53:36.239
You do realize how far the mall is from downtown

1790
01:53:36.319 --> 01:53:40.560
village right and on foot? Who said anything about walking?

1791
01:53:41.079 --> 01:53:45.079
Ariel replies. Then she looks my way. We find a

1792
01:53:45.119 --> 01:53:48.520
car and get Mouse here to drive it. Mona gives

1793
01:53:48.520 --> 01:53:51.520
her a weird look. You have got to be kidding me,

1794
01:53:52.159 --> 01:53:55.560
Ariel shakes her head. Nope, you should have seen her

1795
01:53:55.640 --> 01:54:00.720
drive at the mall last weekend. Bailey size, Okay, let's

1796
01:54:00.760 --> 01:54:03.239
do it. There are plenty of cars outside. I would

1797
01:54:03.279 --> 01:54:07.079
imagine we can find one that works. Ariel slaps my arm.

1798
01:54:07.760 --> 01:54:12.239
You up for it, Mouse, I shrug, I guess I

1799
01:54:12.279 --> 01:54:17.079
ain't got a choice. Mona groans, Yeah, we're gonna die.

1800
01:54:17.800 --> 01:54:21.439
Bailey scoffs at Mona. Oh, have a little faith, will you?

1801
01:54:22.319 --> 01:54:27.560
Mona groans again. Then she notices something. You know, we've

1802
01:54:27.560 --> 01:54:31.119
seen a lot of Christmas stuff. You think all this

1803
01:54:31.199 --> 01:54:36.000
went down during the holidays. She looks sad. Now put

1804
01:54:36.079 --> 01:54:39.279
a time for something like a vampire apocalypse to happen.

1805
01:54:40.319 --> 01:54:43.239
The rest of us are sad for a moment. Then

1806
01:54:43.319 --> 01:54:45.680
we head out back to the parking lot, where there's

1807
01:54:45.720 --> 01:54:48.800
a nice selection of cars to choose from. We can't

1808
01:54:48.840 --> 01:54:52.279
be picky, you guys, Bailey says, just find one that's

1809
01:54:52.319 --> 01:54:56.640
got keys. I raise my finger. Just one thing. Once

1810
01:54:56.680 --> 01:54:59.159
we get a car started, if there's any vamps nearby,

1811
01:55:00.079 --> 01:55:02.640
they're gonna hear it. We gotta be ready for that.

1812
01:55:03.920 --> 01:55:07.560
And you know this how, Mona sneers. I don't want

1813
01:55:07.600 --> 01:55:09.640
to tell her how I know without giving away my

1814
01:55:09.720 --> 01:55:14.840
connection to Mary Worth and cousin Aleen's bff Bells, I

1815
01:55:15.000 --> 01:55:20.600
just know. Okay, Yeah, we're gonna die, Mona repeats. We

1816
01:55:20.680 --> 01:55:23.800
split up and look for cars. After some minutes, Mona

1817
01:55:23.880 --> 01:55:26.960
gets our attention. We come over to her. Keys are

1818
01:55:26.960 --> 01:55:30.560
in the ignition doors, are unlocked. When Ariel starts looking

1819
01:55:30.600 --> 01:55:34.079
it over, Bailey groans, come on, it's not going to

1820
01:55:34.119 --> 01:55:38.920
be a fancy limo you're used to being in. Ariel gasps, really, Bailey,

1821
01:55:39.239 --> 01:55:41.199
I'm checking the car to make sure it looks good,

1822
01:55:41.239 --> 01:55:46.960
you know, for flat tires and stuff. Okay, sorry, Bailey mutters,

1823
01:55:47.439 --> 01:55:51.479
looks good. Ariel says, Okay, Mouse, get behind the wheel

1824
01:55:51.479 --> 01:55:55.800
and hope this thing starts. Ah man, I squeak when

1825
01:55:55.800 --> 01:55:58.560
I open the door and get in. Now I feel

1826
01:55:58.600 --> 01:56:03.159
Ariel's hand on my shoulder. Are you actually scared? Mouse?

1827
01:56:04.199 --> 01:56:08.680
I glance over my shoulder. Ah please, which is a lie?

1828
01:56:09.279 --> 01:56:12.600
This little mousey is definitely scared. I just don't want

1829
01:56:12.640 --> 01:56:15.479
Ariels see in it on me. I turn the key

1830
01:56:15.520 --> 01:56:23.840
and perspective. Bailey downs the engine. Cranks and cranks and cranks.

1831
01:56:25.439 --> 01:56:31.960
You guys, look, Oh god, Mona shrieks. Vamps start the car. Mouse,

1832
01:56:32.439 --> 01:56:36.640
I'm trying. Mouse cries. The vampires are leaping from car

1833
01:56:36.720 --> 01:56:40.239
to car or they're running. It's when they're almost to

1834
01:56:40.359 --> 01:56:45.079
us that the car finally starts. Go mouse, go, Ariel yells.

1835
01:56:45.560 --> 01:56:49.079
Mouse has to study the controls. Okay, Hope and I

1836
01:56:49.119 --> 01:56:52.359
can do this. Never drove a stick. Now, I put

1837
01:56:52.399 --> 01:56:55.479
a hand on her shoulder. You're a gamer. Mouse. You're

1838
01:56:55.520 --> 01:56:58.199
not here with us right now. You're in Roth's rings,

1839
01:56:58.199 --> 01:57:03.159
playing a racing game with that. Okay, let's hope I

1840
01:57:03.199 --> 01:57:07.279
got this. Mouse stammers, just as the vamps are shattering

1841
01:57:07.279 --> 01:57:10.239
the windows. Mouse puts the car in gear and stutters

1842
01:57:10.279 --> 01:57:14.239
a little. Then she takes a deep breath and shifts again.

1843
01:57:15.319 --> 01:57:19.840
Finally we're moving away. We pull out of the parking

1844
01:57:19.880 --> 01:57:22.720
lot and out onto main street. Mouse hits the clutch

1845
01:57:22.760 --> 01:57:25.680
and shifts again. Looks like she's got the hang of

1846
01:57:25.720 --> 01:57:29.640
it now. There ain't no mirrors on this car. Mona says,

1847
01:57:29.760 --> 01:57:33.039
riding shotgun, you wouldn't see any vamps in the mirrors

1848
01:57:33.079 --> 01:57:36.479
even if we did have them. Mouse tells her no reflections.

1849
01:57:37.520 --> 01:57:40.880
The little Squeaker's right. Ariel says, looking out the back,

1850
01:57:41.479 --> 01:57:45.960
we got bats coming fast. I hate you. Mouse. Yeah yeah,

1851
01:57:46.119 --> 01:57:50.079
Mouse mutters, we good on gas. Mona asks Mouse, don't

1852
01:57:50.079 --> 01:57:52.920
know gas. Gage just shot from half a tank all

1853
01:57:52.960 --> 01:57:55.760
the way down to the big E fast. Hopefully we'll

1854
01:57:55.800 --> 01:57:58.399
be able to get to the mall. Then I'm having

1855
01:57:58.399 --> 01:58:02.600
second thoughts. I didn't think this through. Maybe the mall's

1856
01:58:02.680 --> 01:58:08.039
ravaged too. Everything's probably ravaged Bailey, Ariel says, but we

1857
01:58:08.119 --> 01:58:10.319
have to try and look for someplace that has power.

1858
01:58:10.800 --> 01:58:14.640
In fact, I think I have an idea. Ariel explains

1859
01:58:14.680 --> 01:58:17.119
that the hardware store in the mall should have gasoline

1860
01:58:17.159 --> 01:58:20.640
power generators. All we have to do is find one.

1861
01:58:20.720 --> 01:58:22.760
Then we would siphon the gas out of the cars

1862
01:58:22.800 --> 01:58:25.439
at the mall and power it from there. We find

1863
01:58:25.439 --> 01:58:28.239
a TV, hook up the Blu Ray player, and then

1864
01:58:28.600 --> 01:58:32.800
we're back home. That'll be easier said than done. I say,

1865
01:58:33.760 --> 01:58:37.000
but what else is there? Mouse keeps the car going.

1866
01:58:37.560 --> 01:58:40.800
Ariel and I are still seeing the bats flapping after us.

1867
01:58:41.399 --> 01:58:43.239
We have to get them off our backs. If we're

1868
01:58:43.279 --> 01:58:47.039
gonna make your plan work, Ariel, Mouse has something. I

1869
01:58:47.079 --> 01:58:49.800
got an idea for that. When we get to the mall,

1870
01:58:50.000 --> 01:58:52.880
I'll drive around to the under mall parking garage. I

1871
01:58:52.920 --> 01:58:56.199
won't pull inside, though, I'll drop you three off there,

1872
01:58:56.479 --> 01:58:59.560
and then hopefully the vamps will keep following me. How

1873
01:58:59.600 --> 01:59:02.479
will you make make it back? I ask, We can't

1874
01:59:02.520 --> 01:59:06.119
go home without you. Let me worry about that. You

1875
01:59:06.159 --> 01:59:09.359
guys work on getting Ariel's plan to work. I put

1876
01:59:09.359 --> 01:59:12.640
my hand on Mouse's shoulder. You just make sure you

1877
01:59:12.720 --> 01:59:15.920
get back to us and try not to get vamped

1878
01:59:16.039 --> 01:59:19.680
or eaten. Mona adds, hey, I want to go back

1879
01:59:19.720 --> 01:59:22.319
home too. We all got something to return to, right,

1880
01:59:22.760 --> 01:59:27.479
trust me, I'll make it back, Mouse promises. Ariel takes

1881
01:59:27.479 --> 01:59:31.000
a deep breath, then she just says it. Carter Cross

1882
01:59:31.039 --> 01:59:33.720
asked me out last weekend when we were at the mall.

1883
01:59:34.840 --> 01:59:37.880
I never did give him an answer. I turned to

1884
01:59:37.920 --> 01:59:44.119
her seriously. Mona turns around, no way, Then she bumps

1885
01:59:44.159 --> 01:59:48.319
Mouse's shoulder. Did you know you and Carter are bfs?

1886
01:59:48.640 --> 01:59:53.119
I know you tell each other everything. Mouse shakes her head.

1887
01:59:53.720 --> 01:59:56.880
Uh nope, but it's no secret in our group that

1888
01:59:56.920 --> 01:59:59.840
Carter and Ariel like each other. I hate you, MoU,

1889
02:00:00.600 --> 02:00:06.119
Ariel growls. Mouse shrugs. I'm just saying. Ariel bows her head,

1890
02:00:06.159 --> 02:00:09.279
looking sad. I'm just wishing I would have told him

1891
02:00:09.640 --> 02:00:13.079
i'd go out with him. She raises her head. That's

1892
02:00:13.119 --> 02:00:15.199
why I want to make it and get back home.

1893
02:00:15.960 --> 02:00:18.800
I'm sure you girls have something to return to too,

1894
02:00:19.039 --> 02:00:24.279
my family, I quickly say. Denoyer's grill. Mona gushes, I

1895
02:00:24.279 --> 02:00:26.720
don't want to be stuck here in some vampire universe,

1896
02:00:26.760 --> 02:00:31.479
and no Denoyer's grill or no coffee, Mouse adds, I

1897
02:00:31.479 --> 02:00:34.199
think it's safe to say we all loved our lives

1898
02:00:34.199 --> 02:00:38.199
in Strickfield before this happened. I say, then a thought.

1899
02:00:39.239 --> 02:00:40.880
Did you make it out this way when you were

1900
02:00:40.920 --> 02:00:45.319
here last Mouse? Nope, we got as far as Strickfield Academy.

1901
02:00:45.680 --> 02:00:49.079
Wish I could tell you more than what I already know. Okay,

1902
02:00:49.119 --> 02:00:52.920
we're here. Turn it in. Mouse turns us into a

1903
02:00:52.960 --> 02:00:56.239
mall entrance and floors it, making sure she shifts when

1904
02:00:56.239 --> 02:00:59.680
she needs to. Wow, I can't believe little Mouse learned

1905
02:00:59.680 --> 02:01:03.760
to dry playing all those racing video games. Honestly, I

1906
02:01:03.840 --> 02:01:06.079
thought she was an odd ball when Ariel invited her

1907
02:01:06.119 --> 02:01:08.800
to join our group. Mona and I didn't like her

1908
02:01:08.800 --> 02:01:12.239
for the longest time. However, Mouse grows on you after

1909
02:01:12.279 --> 02:01:15.239
a while. I'm just glad she's with us right now.

1910
02:01:15.960 --> 02:01:19.960
She's the reason we're all still alive. Get ready, Mouse

1911
02:01:19.960 --> 02:01:23.319
tells us. Mouse drifts us again as we round the

1912
02:01:23.359 --> 02:01:26.520
mall and head for the under mall parking garage. Before

1913
02:01:26.560 --> 02:01:29.119
we get there, she hits the brakes and swerves to

1914
02:01:29.159 --> 02:01:33.279
a stop. Go, Mouse belts out. Ariel, Mona and I

1915
02:01:33.399 --> 02:01:35.800
quickly get out of the car after we slam the

1916
02:01:35.800 --> 02:01:40.760
doors shut. Ariel belts back at Mouse. Go Mouse floors it.

1917
02:01:40.760 --> 02:01:42.680
As we're in the garage and hiding out of sight,

1918
02:01:43.199 --> 02:01:46.359
the bats are flying after mouse. I just hope they

1919
02:01:46.359 --> 02:01:48.159
don't see the three of us ain't in the car

1920
02:01:48.199 --> 02:01:51.920
with her. Even more so, I hope they don't get

1921
02:01:51.960 --> 02:01:59.039
mouse perspective. Mona abels the three of us wait for

1922
02:01:59.119 --> 02:02:02.239
a little bit. We ain't seeing no vamps in the sky.

1923
02:02:03.319 --> 02:02:07.279
I think we're good. They're all after mouse. We'd better

1924
02:02:07.319 --> 02:02:10.760
get a move on. Bailey says, we may be unborrowed.

1925
02:02:10.800 --> 02:02:14.000
Time As it is, we walk in the under mall

1926
02:02:14.039 --> 02:02:17.359
parking garage and come to the mall entrance. There. The

1927
02:02:17.479 --> 02:02:20.319
doors are ripped right off, so no worries on whether

1928
02:02:20.359 --> 02:02:23.640
that entrance was locked or not. We walk the corridor

1929
02:02:23.680 --> 02:02:26.479
and go up the steps. Soon we're in the food court,

1930
02:02:26.960 --> 02:02:30.720
coming out at the double doors besides Scotto's Pizza. Even

1931
02:02:30.760 --> 02:02:33.239
though it's dark all through the mall, we can see

1932
02:02:33.319 --> 02:02:36.840
enough to see there are Christmas decorations all over the place.

1933
02:02:37.359 --> 02:02:41.399
There's tinsel hanging off the ceilings, fully decorated Christmas trees

1934
02:02:41.439 --> 02:02:45.680
spread out, animatronic scenes though they're not working with no

1935
02:02:45.800 --> 02:02:49.520
electricity and there's the Santa's house not too far from

1936
02:02:49.560 --> 02:02:53.279
where we are. S Almo's Hardware is down by J. C. Penny.

1937
02:02:53.640 --> 02:02:58.199
Ariel says, oh, I sure, hope, so I groan, what

1938
02:02:58.239 --> 02:03:01.680
do you mean? Aerial demands. Mouse said, We're in a

1939
02:03:01.720 --> 02:03:04.880
parallel universe, right, how do we know things are gonna

1940
02:03:04.880 --> 02:03:08.640
be the same here as back home? I state, she's

1941
02:03:08.640 --> 02:03:11.800
got a point, Bailey tells Ariel, but we still need

1942
02:03:11.840 --> 02:03:16.399
to check mona. Ariel takes a deep breath. Okay, I'm

1943
02:03:16.439 --> 02:03:19.039
going to head out and look around. I'll signal when

1944
02:03:19.039 --> 02:03:22.880
the coast is clear. We should just go out together.

1945
02:03:23.239 --> 02:03:29.760
Bailey counters, you know, safety in numbers. Okay, fine, Ariel replies,

1946
02:03:30.279 --> 02:03:34.279
come on. We start walking away from Scotto's Pizza. We

1947
02:03:34.359 --> 02:03:36.720
can see the malls wrecked, but it doesn't look all

1948
02:03:36.760 --> 02:03:39.800
that bad. I mean, the gates look messed up and

1949
02:03:39.880 --> 02:03:42.479
some of the store signs are damaged. I don't know,

1950
02:03:42.560 --> 02:03:45.199
it's like someone's gone to lengths to try to make

1951
02:03:45.239 --> 02:03:50.239
this mall look nice again. Then I have a gut

1952
02:03:50.279 --> 02:03:54.840
feeling you guys, I don't think we're alone in here.

1953
02:03:55.399 --> 02:03:59.319
I tell them, then explain why I don't look for

1954
02:03:59.359 --> 02:04:04.319
this to be Ariel agrees, look out. Bailey suddenly shrieks.

1955
02:04:04.640 --> 02:04:07.119
We see someone flying right at us, and quickly get

1956
02:04:07.119 --> 02:04:10.960
out of the way. How dare you come into my mall?

1957
02:04:11.560 --> 02:04:14.880
A voice roars behind us. Then we make the mistake

1958
02:04:14.920 --> 02:04:19.760
of stopping and looking behind us. It's Harmony, Miron, my cousin.

1959
02:04:20.119 --> 02:04:25.520
Ariel gasps, she owns this mall, your cousin. I ask

1960
02:04:26.039 --> 02:04:28.920
the one who had you hanging decorations here last weekend.

1961
02:04:29.640 --> 02:04:34.119
Ariel nods quickly, yeah, except she wasn't all vamped out

1962
02:04:34.159 --> 02:04:38.760
like this Harmony is. Then Harmony sniffs our way. Her

1963
02:04:38.840 --> 02:04:42.359
human face suddenly shifts into one that looks like the Joker,

1964
02:04:42.880 --> 02:04:49.239
only with lots and lots of sharp teeth food. I'm

1965
02:04:49.279 --> 02:04:51.760
ready to turn and run, but Ariel quickly stops me.

1966
02:04:52.359 --> 02:04:55.960
We can't outrun her. Use your head or better yet,

1967
02:04:56.520 --> 02:04:59.920
Ariel pulls out her cross that mousemade just as Harmony

1968
02:05:00.119 --> 02:05:03.600
flying our way. She shrieks and suddenly drops to the floor.

1969
02:05:04.119 --> 02:05:07.680
Bailey and I join her and keep Harmony down start

1970
02:05:07.680 --> 02:05:11.840
walking back. Ariel tells us. We do what Ariel says

1971
02:05:11.880 --> 02:05:14.239
and start moving in the direction of J. C. Penny.

1972
02:05:14.840 --> 02:05:19.479
Harmony gets back to her feet, but advances very slowly.

1973
02:05:20.560 --> 02:05:23.039
You really think you're going to be safe from me?

1974
02:05:23.760 --> 02:05:27.439
Harmony hisses. The last mortals who came into my mall

1975
02:05:28.039 --> 02:05:32.880
made a very tasty candlelit dinner. She points a very

1976
02:05:33.000 --> 02:05:36.600
long finger at us. I think I'll have you three

1977
02:05:37.000 --> 02:05:42.560
by candlelight as well. She laughs, a horrible laughter, especially

1978
02:05:42.680 --> 02:05:47.840
since today is Christmas. Yeah, we don't plan on staying.

1979
02:05:48.199 --> 02:05:52.680
Bailey tells her, I don't care about your plans. Harmony yells,

1980
02:05:53.000 --> 02:05:56.119
I only care about my home. Here at my mall,

1981
02:05:56.640 --> 02:05:59.880
other vampires and mortals tried to take what was mine,

1982
02:06:00.079 --> 02:06:03.800
but I showed them the error of their ways. Nobody

1983
02:06:03.960 --> 02:06:08.920
takes what's mine. Nobody. Oh, we're not here to take

1984
02:06:08.960 --> 02:06:12.920
anything from you, Ariel says, we actually just want to

1985
02:06:13.000 --> 02:06:16.560
visit your beautiful mall, dear cousin, and I must say

1986
02:06:16.640 --> 02:06:21.439
you've done very well with the Christmas decorations. Harmony growls

1987
02:06:21.479 --> 02:06:25.439
a dangerous growl. Then she howls at us. The next

1988
02:06:25.439 --> 02:06:29.640
thing we know, she's suddenly gone health. She's got me.

1989
02:06:30.279 --> 02:06:34.439
Oh no, she warped right behind Bailey. Harmony suddenly pulls

1990
02:06:34.479 --> 02:06:38.239
Bailey to her and leaps back with her. Drop those crosses,

1991
02:06:38.319 --> 02:06:41.439
or I promise you I'll drink this one up for

1992
02:06:41.560 --> 02:06:46.840
some early Christmas Day punch right here. And now, don't

1993
02:06:46.880 --> 02:06:51.600
do it. Bailey yells, she'll drink me anyway. Ariel holds

1994
02:06:51.640 --> 02:06:55.199
out her hand. Just stop, Harmony. We're not here to

1995
02:06:55.239 --> 02:06:58.399
take anything from your mall. We just want to go home,

1996
02:06:59.079 --> 02:07:01.079
but we need a few things in your mall to

1997
02:07:01.079 --> 02:07:04.800
help us get there. Then Ariel moves her arm around

1998
02:07:05.920 --> 02:07:09.079
like I said, you've really made this place look great.

1999
02:07:09.159 --> 02:07:14.479
I mean, your Christmas decorations are so lovely. She raises

2000
02:07:14.520 --> 02:07:18.560
her finger. But what if we could really brighten up

2001
02:07:18.600 --> 02:07:21.079
the place? I mean, what if we could light up

2002
02:07:21.119 --> 02:07:25.479
the Christmas trees and stuff. Harmony growls again. Then she

2003
02:07:25.560 --> 02:07:29.159
grabs Bailey's head and cocks it to expose her neck.

2004
02:07:29.760 --> 02:07:33.800
She raises her head ready to lower it to bite her.

2005
02:07:34.600 --> 02:07:39.439
Stop what do you want, Harmony, Ariel cries, I already

2006
02:07:39.520 --> 02:07:45.880
have you. You are mortals. You are food. Harmony yells,

2007
02:07:46.279 --> 02:07:52.520
and today you are Christmas dinner. Ariel puts her cross down. Okay, look,

2008
02:07:52.640 --> 02:07:56.199
see no cross. Now I'm going to come to you.

2009
02:07:56.840 --> 02:08:02.600
I'll switch places with Bailey. Okay, then you can have me. Suddenly,

2010
02:08:02.640 --> 02:08:06.840
Harmony appears right behind Ariel and snatches her up. Weren't

2011
02:08:06.840 --> 02:08:11.399
you listening, mortal? I already have you. She points right

2012
02:08:11.439 --> 02:08:15.920
at me, as for your pathetic crosses. My cross suddenly

2013
02:08:15.960 --> 02:08:19.000
catches fire. I cry out and drop it. The other

2014
02:08:19.039 --> 02:08:22.319
crosses are on fire too. Harmony moves her mouth to

2015
02:08:22.359 --> 02:08:26.680
Ariel's ear, and exactly how will you light up my

2016
02:08:26.760 --> 02:08:31.880
Christmas display when there's no power? She seems to calm

2017
02:08:31.920 --> 02:08:35.880
down a little bit. I would love to see Christmas

2018
02:08:35.920 --> 02:08:40.319
lights one more time. There hasn't been a Christmas since

2019
02:08:40.359 --> 02:08:45.439
the plague came years ago. I'm so very hungry, but

2020
02:08:45.479 --> 02:08:49.119
I would forsake my hunger just to see my mal

2021
02:08:49.239 --> 02:08:54.920
brightly lit for Christmas one more time. We can talk, then,

2022
02:08:55.479 --> 02:08:59.680
Ariel asks Harmony lets her go, then morphs her face

2023
02:08:59.720 --> 02:09:03.760
back to normal. I would hear you. She points to

2024
02:09:03.800 --> 02:09:08.359
a table in the food court. Sit. We reluctantly move

2025
02:09:08.479 --> 02:09:11.640
to the table and sit with Harmony. As Ariel's digging

2026
02:09:11.640 --> 02:09:15.800
into her backpack, Harmony quickly snatches her wrist. Do not

2027
02:09:16.399 --> 02:09:20.000
try and trick me, and especially do not play on

2028
02:09:20.119 --> 02:09:24.960
my generosity. Ariel pulls out a coke. I just needed

2029
02:09:24.960 --> 02:09:29.880
something to drink. Harmony nods. After Ariel has her drink

2030
02:09:30.199 --> 02:09:33.239
She explains to Harmony that we can't get the power

2031
02:09:33.279 --> 02:09:37.920
back on completely. However, Ifslmo's Hardware still has a gas

2032
02:09:38.000 --> 02:09:42.239
power generator, we can siphon gas from the cars. Then

2033
02:09:42.319 --> 02:09:45.079
we can connect extension cords to the Christmas trees and

2034
02:09:45.079 --> 02:09:49.039
the animatronics to get them working at least for a

2035
02:09:49.079 --> 02:09:56.640
little while. Harmony considers Ariel, then she says, my parents

2036
02:09:56.640 --> 02:10:00.000
were too greedy to install backup generators when they build

2037
02:10:00.119 --> 02:10:03.000
this mall. I wish I'd have thought to correct that

2038
02:10:03.119 --> 02:10:08.159
mistake in life. Okay, I'll take you to Solmo's Hardware.

2039
02:10:09.039 --> 02:10:14.039
One wrong move and it's dinner time. I won't worry

2040
02:10:14.079 --> 02:10:18.520
about Christmas Day candlelight. We leave the food court and

2041
02:10:18.640 --> 02:10:21.920
walk to the hardware store. Using our smartphone lights. We

2042
02:10:22.000 --> 02:10:27.399
look around until we find what we're looking for perspective

2043
02:10:27.760 --> 02:10:32.800
aerial mirror. We find only four gas power generators still

2044
02:10:32.840 --> 02:10:35.680
in the box. We're probably not going to be able

2045
02:10:35.680 --> 02:10:38.479
to light up your whole mall, Harmony, I just want

2046
02:10:38.520 --> 02:10:42.239
the Christmas lights, the big tree, and the displays around

2047
02:10:42.279 --> 02:10:46.319
the food court powered Harmony replies, I point to Mona,

2048
02:10:47.000 --> 02:10:50.560
grab all the extension cords. I point to Bailey gas

2049
02:10:50.600 --> 02:10:53.760
cans and a rubber hose to siphon the fuel. Harmony

2050
02:10:53.800 --> 02:10:56.079
and I start ripping open the boxes and getting the

2051
02:10:56.079 --> 02:11:00.880
generators ready. When my girls return, we talk. I piled

2052
02:11:00.920 --> 02:11:04.079
up all the extension chords at the store's entrance. Mona says.

2053
02:11:04.920 --> 02:11:06.880
I also piled up as many gas cans as I

2054
02:11:06.880 --> 02:11:11.800
could find, which wasn't much. Bailey adds, then she glares

2055
02:11:11.800 --> 02:11:15.000
at me. I suppose Mona and I get to siphon

2056
02:11:15.039 --> 02:11:18.680
the gas. Now I get where Bailey's coming from. No,

2057
02:11:19.600 --> 02:11:21.960
I'll go out and do it. We don't have time

2058
02:11:22.000 --> 02:11:26.199
for this. Bailey quickly puts a hand on my shoulder. No,

2059
02:11:27.159 --> 02:11:30.359
you're right, I'm sorry. Go get the generators and the

2060
02:11:30.399 --> 02:11:33.359
extension chord set up. I'll go out and get the gas.

2061
02:11:33.720 --> 02:11:36.800
I ain't letting you go out there by yourself. Mona snaps,

2062
02:11:37.520 --> 02:11:41.079
you know what, let's all go get the gas. I suggest.

2063
02:11:41.479 --> 02:11:43.239
At least it'll be one thing we won't have to

2064
02:11:43.239 --> 02:11:48.600
do later. Harmony suddenly appears. Do not even think about escaping.

2065
02:11:49.079 --> 02:11:52.399
I am too resolved for things such as that. I

2066
02:11:52.479 --> 02:11:55.119
tell Harmony, we're just going down to the parking garage

2067
02:11:55.159 --> 02:11:58.479
to siphon gas from the cars there. Maybe you could

2068
02:11:58.520 --> 02:12:01.000
come with us. You can say were your slaves if

2069
02:12:01.039 --> 02:12:04.600
any other vampires show up. When she's still not sure,

2070
02:12:04.720 --> 02:12:08.479
I groan, Harmony, come on, where are we going to go?

2071
02:12:09.319 --> 02:12:12.720
Harmony accompanies us to the parking garage and watches us

2072
02:12:12.800 --> 02:12:16.760
fill the gas cans. Since she doesn't breathe, she can't

2073
02:12:16.800 --> 02:12:20.319
really help us. She can warp the cans back into

2074
02:12:20.359 --> 02:12:22.880
the mall and bring us more to fill, until we

2075
02:12:23.000 --> 02:12:26.439
filled every single container we were able to find. All

2076
02:12:26.479 --> 02:12:28.439
I have to say is that mouse better still be

2077
02:12:28.520 --> 02:12:33.399
making tracks. Yuck. I'll never get that taste of gasoline

2078
02:12:33.399 --> 02:12:36.760
out of my mouth. Eugh. We go back into the

2079
02:12:36.760 --> 02:12:39.640
mall and work to connect as many extension cords as

2080
02:12:39.640 --> 02:12:42.880
we can to the generators to show Harmony my plan

2081
02:12:43.000 --> 02:12:45.960
will work. We gas up a generator and plug some

2082
02:12:46.039 --> 02:12:49.640
stuff in. I fire it up. You should have seen

2083
02:12:49.840 --> 02:12:53.199
the bright smile on Harmony's face when she sees a

2084
02:12:53.239 --> 02:12:57.039
few Christmas trees and some lights and a few animatronic

2085
02:12:57.079 --> 02:13:00.359
displays come to life. Then the big tree and the

2086
02:13:00.399 --> 02:13:06.439
Santa House lights burst into life. Yes, Harmony breathes like

2087
02:13:06.520 --> 02:13:10.199
she's a little girl seeing her first Christmas all over again.

2088
02:13:11.239 --> 02:13:13.720
It takes us some more time, but we get everything

2089
02:13:13.720 --> 02:13:16.960
we're able to get hooked up connected when the generators

2090
02:13:17.000 --> 02:13:21.680
are all running, Harmony's very happy. At one point, she's

2091
02:13:21.760 --> 02:13:24.399
kneeling down in front of the very big Christmas tree

2092
02:13:24.399 --> 02:13:28.079
next to Santa's house. For the record, this tree is

2093
02:13:28.239 --> 02:13:32.119
not in our mall back home, unless our Harmony put

2094
02:13:32.119 --> 02:13:34.199
it in just after she banned us all from the

2095
02:13:34.239 --> 02:13:38.840
mall last weekend. It surprises me that this particular vampire

2096
02:13:39.239 --> 02:13:43.119
seems more interested in Christmas than in drinking our blood.

2097
02:13:43.159 --> 02:13:46.840
I mean, you should see how Harmony's eyes are glowing,

2098
02:13:47.840 --> 02:13:51.760
not literally glowing. I mean, I don't know. Christmas must

2099
02:13:51.840 --> 02:13:57.520
hold some special value in her undead heart somewhere. If

2100
02:13:57.520 --> 02:14:01.359
our Harmony holds Christmas in the same regard, she certainly

2101
02:14:01.439 --> 02:14:03.159
never showed it the way this one does.

2102
02:14:04.520 --> 02:14:09.720
It's been so very long, she whispers. It feels like

2103
02:14:09.800 --> 02:14:14.920
I've waited a lifetime just to experience Christmas Day like

2104
02:14:15.039 --> 02:14:15.600
this again.

2105
02:14:16.720 --> 02:14:20.279
She slowly turns to look at me. And many of

2106
02:14:20.359 --> 02:14:24.119
us died so long ago when we were suddenly turned

2107
02:14:24.159 --> 02:14:31.640
into vampires. Mona and Bailey slowly approach. Is everything okay?

2108
02:14:32.399 --> 02:14:36.880
Mona asks, we got all we could started up for you, Harmony,

2109
02:14:37.279 --> 02:14:41.520
Bailey ads sorry, we couldn't get it all working. We

2110
02:14:41.640 --> 02:14:47.600
just didn't have enough generators. Harmony stands up. Now she's

2111
02:14:47.680 --> 02:14:54.840
crying human tears. I heard the ones back home cried blood. Anyway,

2112
02:14:55.279 --> 02:14:59.439
I never thought vampires were even capable of crying. Of course,

2113
02:15:00.000 --> 02:15:04.359
I recall meeting my first real vampire last weekend. Harmony

2114
02:15:04.399 --> 02:15:08.840
puts gentle hands on both Mona and Bailey's shoulders. You

2115
02:15:08.960 --> 02:15:13.079
gave me enough, then I have a burning question.

2116
02:15:15.000 --> 02:15:15.399
Do you.

2117
02:15:17.199 --> 02:15:22.880
Who did this to you? Harmony's still crying softly. I

2118
02:15:22.920 --> 02:15:26.520
can't say for sure how it all began, but I

2119
02:15:26.600 --> 02:15:31.720
do know our esteemed mayor was heavily involved. Mayor Patrick

2120
02:15:31.760 --> 02:15:34.680
Gunter and a few of his converts tried to take

2121
02:15:34.760 --> 02:15:40.039
my mall, but I drove them out. Before Harmony can

2122
02:15:40.119 --> 02:15:44.960
finish her story, we hear fluttering noises coming. Harmony hisses

2123
02:15:45.000 --> 02:15:49.199
in the direction and looks at us. It's Mayor Gunter again.

2124
02:15:49.600 --> 02:15:51.920
He and his army must know you three are in here.

2125
02:15:52.319 --> 02:15:57.119
She says, you are my Christmas dinner mine. He can't

2126
02:15:57.119 --> 02:16:01.760
have you. Mona gulps are still gonna kill us after

2127
02:16:01.800 --> 02:16:05.560
what we did for you. Harmony vamps out again, making

2128
02:16:05.600 --> 02:16:10.800
a shriek and raises her claws. He can't have you.

2129
02:16:11.840 --> 02:16:16.119
She snatches up, Bailey, you belong to me. Now, she

2130
02:16:16.359 --> 02:16:20.239
sounds really crazy. I quickly reach into my pack and

2131
02:16:20.319 --> 02:16:22.479
slap one of the Holy Wafers on the back of

2132
02:16:22.520 --> 02:16:27.119
my hand. Harmony shrieks, causing her to drop Bailey. Then

2133
02:16:27.199 --> 02:16:29.560
she holds her hand as she falls to her knees

2134
02:16:29.920 --> 02:16:34.719
and cries again. I hate being this way, she chokes out.

2135
02:16:35.399 --> 02:16:38.639
I've consumed so many mortals just to satisfy my never

2136
02:16:38.760 --> 02:16:41.879
ending hunger. I hate being so hungry all the time.

2137
02:16:42.079 --> 02:16:46.239
I hate that it drives me to this insanity. I

2138
02:16:46.280 --> 02:16:51.399
don't want to kill you, but I'm so very hungry.

2139
02:16:52.159 --> 02:16:55.639
You won't have the chance to satisfy your hunger, Harmony mirring.

2140
02:16:56.280 --> 02:16:59.600
A new voice calls out. We all turn and face

2141
02:16:59.680 --> 02:17:03.319
Mayor Patrick Gunter and his army of the living dead.

2142
02:17:04.360 --> 02:17:07.200
I think it's safe to say we've never been so

2143
02:17:07.360 --> 02:17:11.319
scared in all our lives. Mona quickly leans in and

2144
02:17:11.360 --> 02:17:14.920
whispers that the Blu ray player is set up and ready.

2145
02:17:15.600 --> 02:17:17.840
Then Bailey nods to one of the monitors in the

2146
02:17:17.840 --> 02:17:22.360
food court. The movie Doorway to Horror is playing. Now

2147
02:17:23.079 --> 02:17:26.040
soon we may be able to return home. But now

2148
02:17:26.079 --> 02:17:32.079
I'm feeling despair, just like Harmony Mouse. I choke out.

2149
02:17:32.719 --> 02:17:35.600
We can't leave her here, We can't, you guys, she's

2150
02:17:35.639 --> 02:17:39.959
our friend, she's one of us. Bailey nods quickly, but

2151
02:17:40.040 --> 02:17:43.120
Mona doesn't look so sure. I'm ready to smack her

2152
02:17:43.200 --> 02:17:46.120
arm and tell her to just grow up, but then

2153
02:17:46.760 --> 02:17:50.280
she explains her. Look, if Mouse was gonna find her

2154
02:17:50.319 --> 02:17:53.520
way back here, she would have done it already, right,

2155
02:17:54.479 --> 02:17:59.879
Mona shakes her head. Those vamps probably got her. Don't

2156
02:18:00.079 --> 02:18:02.680
you think Mouse would want us to go back. That's

2157
02:18:02.680 --> 02:18:05.120
why she dropped us off here and sped off herself.

2158
02:18:06.159 --> 02:18:10.159
Mayor Gunter points right at us. You foolish children think

2159
02:18:10.159 --> 02:18:13.120
I can't hear what you're saying. You will end that

2160
02:18:13.239 --> 02:18:18.120
movie immediately. He waves his hand. Two of his vampires

2161
02:18:18.120 --> 02:18:23.040
bring Mouse out. No, these vampires were the bats chasing us.

2162
02:18:23.799 --> 02:18:27.600
They did catch up to Mouse. What happened to you?

2163
02:18:28.200 --> 02:18:32.760
I ask her? Car ran out of gas? She mutters,

2164
02:18:33.239 --> 02:18:35.559
I said the gas gage was busted. I was hoping

2165
02:18:35.879 --> 02:18:37.959
he got away and made it back home. By now,

2166
02:18:38.879 --> 02:18:42.440
Mayor Gunter suddenly grabs Mouse and lifts her up to him.

2167
02:18:43.200 --> 02:18:46.079
You will stop the movie now, or I satisfy my

2168
02:18:46.200 --> 02:18:54.000
hunger with this little morsel. Decide fast. I quickly raise

2169
02:18:54.120 --> 02:18:57.639
my hands out in front of me. Okay, okay, stop,

2170
02:18:58.559 --> 02:19:07.600
we surrender perspective. Bailey downs. Mayor Gunter's still holding Mouse

2171
02:19:07.680 --> 02:19:10.200
up to him. He arches her neck and is ready

2172
02:19:10.200 --> 02:19:14.559
to bite her. No way, Mona sneers, I ain't giving

2173
02:19:14.639 --> 02:19:17.319
myself up for a little rodent. Go ahead and eat her.

2174
02:19:17.719 --> 02:19:20.319
Look at her, Mayor, just look at her. There ain't

2175
02:19:20.360 --> 02:19:23.559
no meat on her bones. She won't have nearly enough

2176
02:19:23.559 --> 02:19:26.639
blood to satisfy you. She probably don't even have half

2177
02:19:26.680 --> 02:19:29.879
the blood the rest of us have. Bailey turns to her,

2178
02:19:30.719 --> 02:19:35.239
what are you doing? Mona ignores her. Don't you see

2179
02:19:35.799 --> 02:19:39.719
she's just a troublesome little rodent. She don't belong with us,

2180
02:19:40.000 --> 02:19:42.680
she never did, so go ahead put her out of

2181
02:19:42.680 --> 02:19:46.840
her misery. Mouse tightens her jaw and glares right at Mona.

2182
02:19:47.680 --> 02:19:52.120
She doesn't say anything, but if looks could kill. I

2183
02:19:52.200 --> 02:19:54.239
think this is as close to madd as I've ever

2184
02:19:54.280 --> 02:19:58.040
seen little Madeline Donnerly get. Then I see the first

2185
02:19:58.079 --> 02:20:01.840
signs of flickering near the TV and see what looks

2186
02:20:01.959 --> 02:20:07.760
like a portal starting to form. Mayor Gunter roars with anger.

2187
02:20:08.479 --> 02:20:11.399
I sent that disk to your universe and hope one

2188
02:20:11.440 --> 02:20:14.639
of you mortals would find it and bring more food

2189
02:20:14.760 --> 02:20:19.559
back to us, proving our latest experiment to success. But

2190
02:20:19.719 --> 02:20:23.559
none of you are returning to your universe last time.

2191
02:20:24.120 --> 02:20:27.239
Stop playing the movie, or I make a quick snack

2192
02:20:27.280 --> 02:20:31.319
out of your friend here, then I'll claim the rest

2193
02:20:32.440 --> 02:20:36.639
take her. Then Mona goads him on. Then she tells Mouse,

2194
02:20:37.440 --> 02:20:40.479
I never did like you. Now I'll finally be rid

2195
02:20:40.520 --> 02:20:43.040
of you. In fact, why don't you have a drink

2196
02:20:43.079 --> 02:20:47.440
of this before you become vampire chow? Mona throws Mouse

2197
02:20:47.479 --> 02:20:52.120
a bottle of water. Then my spirit lifts. Mouse catches

2198
02:20:52.159 --> 02:20:55.000
the bottle and quickly opens it. She splashes the water

2199
02:20:55.040 --> 02:20:59.200
in Mayor Gunter's face, which sizzles and burns immediately. Once

2200
02:20:59.239 --> 02:21:03.000
he drops Mouth, she immediately comes to us. He really

2201
02:21:03.040 --> 02:21:07.879
had me going there. Mouse tells Mona, what oops, I

2202
02:21:07.879 --> 02:21:11.760
guess I gave you the wrong bottle. Mona snaps, yeah.

2203
02:21:11.959 --> 02:21:14.719
Mona never likes to show how she really feels to Mouse.

2204
02:21:14.799 --> 02:21:18.319
But Mona's not moving to shove Mouse back to the vampires,

2205
02:21:18.360 --> 02:21:21.920
so I know she truly meant to save her. I

2206
02:21:22.040 --> 02:21:26.000
do know my best friend Mayor Gunter points to all

2207
02:21:26.040 --> 02:21:31.399
of us, kill them. Then he really vamps out. I mean,

2208
02:21:31.760 --> 02:21:33.920
if this is a head vampire and he's got an

2209
02:21:33.959 --> 02:21:38.120
ultimate form, this must be it. He's much bigger now,

2210
02:21:38.200 --> 02:21:42.799
he looks much uglier. He looks like a scary bat

2211
02:21:42.959 --> 02:21:46.840
like creature, but with clothes on. He turns and focuses

2212
02:21:46.840 --> 02:21:49.520
on the movie. The portal's not ready yet, but if

2213
02:21:49.559 --> 02:21:53.159
he destroys the TV or the player, we're never going home.

2214
02:21:53.920 --> 02:21:56.760
I'm pulling out my holy water and wafers and am

2215
02:21:56.799 --> 02:21:59.879
ready to make a last stand. Ariel sees what I'm

2216
02:21:59.879 --> 02:22:03.280
doing and is joining me. Just as Mona's digging into

2217
02:22:03.319 --> 02:22:07.920
her pack, Harmony Miron suddenly flies right onto Mayor Gunter's back.

2218
02:22:08.319 --> 02:22:12.680
She's clawing with rage at him. Unfortunately, Harmony's just too

2219
02:22:12.760 --> 02:22:16.200
small and not nearly powerful enough to win against Mayor Gunter.

2220
02:22:17.079 --> 02:22:20.920
Now he's holding her up by her throat. Winning the

2221
02:22:20.959 --> 02:22:26.879
office of mayor was so easy, he brags, bringing this

2222
02:22:27.000 --> 02:22:33.200
vampire existence to our world was even easier. But destroying you,

2223
02:22:34.959 --> 02:22:36.360
I'm going to enjoy this.

2224
02:22:37.440 --> 02:22:38.079
You have been.

2225
02:22:38.000 --> 02:22:41.479
Nothing but a thorn in my side, Harmony Miren. You

2226
02:22:41.639 --> 02:22:44.399
fought to keep me out of office. You even failed

2227
02:22:44.399 --> 02:22:47.559
to stop me from conquering this world, and you will

2228
02:22:47.719 --> 02:22:53.280
fail to save your new friends. But suddenly, Harmony's face

2229
02:22:53.360 --> 02:22:59.000
starts to burn. What gives? Then her mouth practically irrupts

2230
02:22:59.200 --> 02:23:05.239
when she blasts something into his face. Holy yeah, that's it,

2231
02:23:05.520 --> 02:23:08.840
holy water. She must have found our bottles in our packs,

2232
02:23:08.840 --> 02:23:12.840
and she's really trying to help us get home. Mayor

2233
02:23:12.879 --> 02:23:16.879
Gunter and Harmony both fall. Harmony's face looks just awful,

2234
02:23:16.959 --> 02:23:21.200
but you should see Mayor Gunter, Harmony got him good.

2235
02:23:21.520 --> 02:23:24.559
Now the other vampires start coming at us. Just as

2236
02:23:24.639 --> 02:23:28.559
the portal is finally open, Harmony forces herself to her feet.

2237
02:23:28.600 --> 02:23:33.319
Now she looks just hideous. I don't think she's going

2238
02:23:33.360 --> 02:23:36.680
to heal up from this. She grabs us and turns

2239
02:23:36.760 --> 02:23:40.319
us to the portal. Get out of here, go back

2240
02:23:40.319 --> 02:23:45.520
to your home you live. What about you? Ariel yells,

2241
02:23:45.959 --> 02:23:49.680
you'll die if you stay here. I can't come to

2242
02:23:49.760 --> 02:23:54.559
your universe with you, Harmony tells her, anticipating what Ariel's thinking.

2243
02:23:55.639 --> 02:24:00.440
I'm so tainted. I've devoured mortals before, and I'll want

2244
02:24:00.479 --> 02:24:05.760
to devour your people to satisfy my hunger. I'll stay

2245
02:24:05.799 --> 02:24:11.680
here and see that you all get home. Safely go. Now,

2246
02:24:12.520 --> 02:24:14.559
the four of us turn and run to the portal.

2247
02:24:15.000 --> 02:24:21.879
Harmony's pushing us along, Move faster, closer, closer, so close,

2248
02:24:22.479 --> 02:24:26.520
almost there. When we finally reach the portal, I'm wondering

2249
02:24:26.559 --> 02:24:28.799
if this is going to truly take us back home

2250
02:24:29.360 --> 02:24:33.120
or we'll end up in some other universe. I'll destroy

2251
02:24:33.200 --> 02:24:37.120
the disc. Once you're through, Harmony promises us, thank you

2252
02:24:37.200 --> 02:24:42.159
for giving me Christmas again, even if just for a

2253
02:24:42.200 --> 02:24:47.319
few short minutes. Now I give you your freedom and return

2254
02:24:49.319 --> 02:24:54.000
Merry Christmas. Before we can say anything in the way

2255
02:24:54.000 --> 02:24:57.399
of thanks, Harmony grabs each of us with her vampire

2256
02:24:57.479 --> 02:25:01.280
speed and shoves us through the portal. All we see

2257
02:25:01.280 --> 02:25:05.799
are many flashes of different colored lights, kind of Christmasy.

2258
02:25:06.360 --> 02:25:08.360
Before the four of us will find out if we

2259
02:25:08.440 --> 02:25:17.200
made it home or not. Perspective Mona abels I gasp

2260
02:25:17.280 --> 02:25:20.760
and suddenly sit up to see I'm in Ariel's living room.

2261
02:25:21.799 --> 02:25:26.040
I'm seeing everybody else is awake now too. Bailey gets

2262
02:25:26.040 --> 02:25:29.040
off her couch and comes to us, Are you guys

2263
02:25:29.040 --> 02:25:33.000
all right? The rest of us nod quickly. There's enough

2264
02:25:33.120 --> 02:25:37.360
light in here to tell it's probably morning. In fact,

2265
02:25:37.920 --> 02:25:41.360
Ariel goes right to the curtains and opens them. Warm

2266
02:25:41.479 --> 02:25:45.440
light comes in. Then Ariel goes right to Mouse. You

2267
02:25:45.520 --> 02:25:49.680
weren't turned. Mouse shakes her head quickly. Once they got me,

2268
02:25:49.760 --> 02:25:52.319
I really thought i'd had it. All I thought about

2269
02:25:52.399 --> 02:25:56.520
was hoping you guys got home. Yeah, I'm lucky, all right.

2270
02:25:57.360 --> 02:26:00.920
I'm actually surprised when Ariel pulls Mouse into her arms

2271
02:26:00.959 --> 02:26:05.799
and hugs her. Then Mouse hugs her back. Eventually they

2272
02:26:05.799 --> 02:26:09.319
come apart. I always wondered what Ariel saw in that

2273
02:26:09.399 --> 02:26:14.040
wicked little rodent. I mean, she totally clashes with the

2274
02:26:14.079 --> 02:26:18.920
rest of us. She's just a nerd. Seriously, why does

2275
02:26:18.959 --> 02:26:23.680
Ariel like her so much? Mouse quickly picks up her smartphone.

2276
02:26:23.719 --> 02:26:27.120
It's almost ten. The rest of us go to our phones.

2277
02:26:27.639 --> 02:26:31.200
I can see my watch is working right again. Looks

2278
02:26:31.200 --> 02:26:34.879
like we're really home, you guys, Bailey says. I can

2279
02:26:34.959 --> 02:26:38.079
even feel how nice and warm it is here compared

2280
02:26:38.120 --> 02:26:42.600
to when we woke up in that vampire universe. Then

2281
02:26:42.680 --> 02:26:47.040
Mouse has a thought and checks something. Yep, looks like

2282
02:26:47.079 --> 02:26:49.719
both your Blu ray player and that disc mona Brot

2283
02:26:50.120 --> 02:26:54.559
are gone. Ariel. She sighs, I really don't care about

2284
02:26:54.600 --> 02:26:57.879
that right now. Then she looks at her phone. Hey,

2285
02:26:58.840 --> 02:27:02.120
it's not Christmas like was there. We're still in the

2286
02:27:02.120 --> 02:27:05.000
second weekend of December, like before we went to that

2287
02:27:05.639 --> 02:27:09.559
other universe. Then she puts her phone down and claps

2288
02:27:09.559 --> 02:27:12.600
her hands together. You guys don't have to come with me,

2289
02:27:12.719 --> 02:27:16.639
but I'm going out to the mall. But we're banned

2290
02:27:16.680 --> 02:27:21.079
from there. Mouse reminds her. I don't care, Mouse, I

2291
02:27:21.200 --> 02:27:27.159
have to know. Mouse shrugs, Okay, but I'm coming with you.

2292
02:27:28.360 --> 02:27:32.600
Bailey and I decide to tag along too, Like Ariel said,

2293
02:27:33.639 --> 02:27:38.879
we gotta know. Ariel calls us an uber and takes

2294
02:27:38.959 --> 02:27:42.040
us out to Strickfield Town Center Mall. Once we get

2295
02:27:42.120 --> 02:27:45.440
dropped off, we waste no time going in. It's just

2296
02:27:45.559 --> 02:27:49.239
like any other December weekend in Strickfield, packed with people

2297
02:27:49.280 --> 02:27:53.760
and nearly every store filled and open. Our mall only

2298
02:27:53.799 --> 02:27:57.040
gets like this around November and December. The rest of

2299
02:27:57.079 --> 02:28:01.159
the year, there are many vacancies. People sometimes say them

2300
02:28:01.159 --> 02:28:06.200
all's going to close for good eventually, but it never does. Yeah,

2301
02:28:06.840 --> 02:28:10.760
all the decorations are still up, Ariel says, looks like

2302
02:28:10.799 --> 02:28:14.799
we really made it back home. Bailey replies, it's daylight

2303
02:28:15.239 --> 02:28:18.680
and we never saw anybody burning up when they were outside.

2304
02:28:18.799 --> 02:28:22.959
Then Ariel stops us. Hey, let's go into caffeine Junction

2305
02:28:23.079 --> 02:28:26.520
for breakfast. My treat Mouse, I'm going to buy you

2306
02:28:26.799 --> 02:28:29.840
the biggest coffee they got. Go on in, you, guys.

2307
02:28:30.559 --> 02:28:33.319
I think Ariel's just glad we're back home and we're

2308
02:28:33.319 --> 02:28:36.319
all safe. True to her words, she lets us order

2309
02:28:36.360 --> 02:28:39.840
whatever we want. When Bailey and Ariel both got their orders,

2310
02:28:40.200 --> 02:28:43.280
they head off to a booth. Now it just leaves

2311
02:28:43.319 --> 02:28:46.600
Mouse and me to wait for our stuff. Mouse kind

2312
02:28:46.639 --> 02:28:49.440
of gives me a look that says she ain't sure

2313
02:28:49.479 --> 02:28:53.799
about me. Just so you know, I wouldn't have really

2314
02:28:53.879 --> 02:28:57.799
let you die back there. I tell her, I don't

2315
02:28:57.799 --> 02:29:00.920
know what Ariel's season you or what Bailey's you, But

2316
02:29:01.840 --> 02:29:04.840
why do you hate me so much? Mona Mouse asks,

2317
02:29:06.120 --> 02:29:09.319
I don't hate you. I tell her, I just don't

2318
02:29:09.319 --> 02:29:15.680
feel like you belong with us. You're just so so weird.

2319
02:29:17.159 --> 02:29:20.440
Maybe to me you might be the weird one. She says,

2320
02:29:21.000 --> 02:29:24.319
you ever thought about that? We just look at each other.

2321
02:29:24.920 --> 02:29:28.520
When Ariel and Bailey ain't looking, I extend my hand.

2322
02:29:29.440 --> 02:29:35.200
Truce Mouse shakes my hand. Truce. I lean in and say,

2323
02:29:36.079 --> 02:29:40.360
you say anything about this, and I'll deny it fair enough.

2324
02:29:41.200 --> 02:29:43.760
When we get our food, we join the others at

2325
02:29:43.760 --> 02:29:47.440
the booth. Surprisingly, we make it through the whole length

2326
02:29:47.479 --> 02:29:50.680
of the mall. Just after Ariel's called us another uber

2327
02:29:51.079 --> 02:29:54.959
Harmony Miron is right there. She points to Ariel and Mouse.

2328
02:29:55.719 --> 02:29:58.879
Last I checked. You two are banned from my mall.

2329
02:29:59.479 --> 02:30:01.760
Tell me now why I shouldn't bring you to my

2330
02:30:01.840 --> 02:30:05.799
office and have you both arrested. Ariel and Mouse look

2331
02:30:05.840 --> 02:30:09.120
at each other. Then Ariel digs into her purse and

2332
02:30:09.159 --> 02:30:12.040
pulls out receipts. She hands them to her and says,

2333
02:30:12.879 --> 02:30:15.000
because I wanted to treat my girls to some of

2334
02:30:15.040 --> 02:30:18.479
your fine establishments. We all ended up having a near

2335
02:30:18.520 --> 02:30:21.879
death experience, and I just wanted us to celebrate that

2336
02:30:21.920 --> 02:30:26.239
we're still alive for another Christmas season. This mall has

2337
02:30:26.239 --> 02:30:29.159
been our hangout place for a long time. You want

2338
02:30:29.159 --> 02:30:32.079
to call the police, you go right ahead. But we

2339
02:30:32.120 --> 02:30:36.040
didn't cause any trouble here. Besides, I thought you like

2340
02:30:36.159 --> 02:30:40.520
the idea of people spending money at your mall. Harmony's

2341
02:30:40.559 --> 02:30:45.399
still holding Ariel's receipts and keeps looking sour at us. Finally,

2342
02:30:45.879 --> 02:30:50.600
she hands back the receipts. Okay, you two can come back,

2343
02:30:51.000 --> 02:30:55.200
she says. Then she points sharply at them. You're on probation.

2344
02:30:55.799 --> 02:30:58.559
In other words, if I ever see cousin Stewart back

2345
02:30:58.559 --> 02:31:01.200
in here with you again, we're all going to be

2346
02:31:01.280 --> 02:31:06.719
permanently banned. Do we understand each other? We all quickly

2347
02:31:06.760 --> 02:31:11.760
tell her we do. Then Harmony nods once. Okay, then,

2348
02:31:12.239 --> 02:31:17.280
but remember, I'll be watching. Like Santa Claus. I'm always

2349
02:31:17.319 --> 02:31:21.479
watching now that we have our arrangement out of my sight.

2350
02:31:22.600 --> 02:31:26.200
I guess money really does talk, Ariel says, and snickers.

2351
02:31:26.600 --> 02:31:30.559
When we're far enough away from Harmony, that means you

2352
02:31:30.600 --> 02:31:34.559
ain't bringing Stuart here ever again. Mouse replies. Then I

2353
02:31:34.639 --> 02:31:40.000
quickly smack Ariel's arm. What was that for? She demands? Look.

2354
02:31:40.479 --> 02:31:43.280
I tell her. We see Ariel's mom and her aunt

2355
02:31:43.319 --> 02:31:47.840
together with Stuart. When they see us. Ariel's mom points

2356
02:31:47.920 --> 02:31:52.399
right at her. Run you, guys, Ariel yells. Aunt Margaret

2357
02:31:52.399 --> 02:31:55.079
wants to hand Stuart off to me. We turn and

2358
02:31:55.159 --> 02:31:57.760
run for all we're worth. Boy, do we ever hear

2359
02:31:57.799 --> 02:32:00.600
Ariel's mom and aunt yelling at her, He runs straight

2360
02:32:00.639 --> 02:32:03.639
past Harmony, miron and write out them all Entrance. We

2361
02:32:03.719 --> 02:32:05.680
could tell she was about to call out to us,

2362
02:32:06.040 --> 02:32:09.280
but when she sees Ariel's mom and aunt and Stuart.

2363
02:32:10.040 --> 02:32:13.440
She starts going off on both of them. Now as

2364
02:32:13.479 --> 02:32:16.520
soon as we're outside the ubers right there, we quickly

2365
02:32:16.559 --> 02:32:20.760
climb in go, Ariel orders him. As soon as the

2366
02:32:20.840 --> 02:32:24.799
driver pulls away. That's when Ariel's mom and aunt are outside,

2367
02:32:25.319 --> 02:32:28.399
Ariel rolls down her window and waves to them, have

2368
02:32:28.520 --> 02:32:31.959
fun with Stuart, you two. Ariel's Mom's going to let

2369
02:32:31.959 --> 02:32:34.719
her have it when they're both home later, but Ariel

2370
02:32:34.760 --> 02:32:38.239
really doesn't care about that. Right now, we needed this,

2371
02:32:38.360 --> 02:32:42.000
you guys, Ariel says. I know it's not quite the

2372
02:32:42.079 --> 02:32:49.680
day yet, but after everything we've been through, well, Merry Christmas,

2373
02:32:50.479 --> 02:32:53.879
we don't hesitate and wish her the same. I think

2374
02:32:53.920 --> 02:32:57.079
this is why I'm glad we have our group. I

2375
02:32:57.120 --> 02:33:00.399
still don't think Mouse belongs in it, but Ariel wants

2376
02:33:00.440 --> 02:33:04.639
her around. She's definitely grown on Bailey. I guess I

2377
02:33:04.760 --> 02:33:08.000
tolerate her because she don't cause trouble. To be fair,

2378
02:33:08.079 --> 02:33:11.399
she did risk her life for us both on Halloween

2379
02:33:11.479 --> 02:33:15.520
night and last night. In light of that, I'll keep

2380
02:33:15.559 --> 02:33:19.280
the truce with Mouse. Like I said, I'll deny it

2381
02:33:19.319 --> 02:33:24.200
if she says anything about it. Besides, Ariel's right, we've

2382
02:33:24.200 --> 02:33:28.360
all been through the absolute most horrifying experience together to date.

2383
02:33:29.200 --> 02:33:32.120
I can tell you one thing, It'll be one sleepover.

2384
02:33:32.200 --> 02:33:37.360
None of us we'll ever forget. But Ariel's right, at

2385
02:33:37.440 --> 02:33:41.840
least we have another Christmas. Deep down, I'm hoping the

2386
02:33:41.879 --> 02:33:45.760
Harmony mirror of that other universe succeeded in destroying that disk,

2387
02:33:46.879 --> 02:33:50.239
because if she didn't, No, I don't even want to

2388
02:33:50.280 --> 02:33:55.200
think about that. It's going to be Christmas soon. Speaking

2389
02:33:55.239 --> 02:33:58.559
of soon, that's when you'll see us again, and with

2390
02:33:58.639 --> 02:34:09.479
a new adventure in the meantime. Merry Christmas, Home Sweet

2391
02:34:09.520 --> 02:34:17.639
Horror by Rob Fields Part one Bailey Downs. I can't

2392
02:34:17.639 --> 02:34:20.959
believe I totally messed up on the dates. Good thing, Missus.

2393
02:34:21.000 --> 02:34:24.040
Emma Gibson from Home Sweet Home Orphanage over in Pendleton

2394
02:34:24.159 --> 02:34:28.920
called me to confirm. After confirming the date, I realized

2395
02:34:28.959 --> 02:34:32.520
the upcoming event was for the day before you see.

2396
02:34:32.879 --> 02:34:35.600
Missus Gibson called me at home a few months back

2397
02:34:35.639 --> 02:34:37.920
and asked if I wouldn't mind coming to the orphanage

2398
02:34:37.959 --> 02:34:41.159
in December to help out with the big Christmas event there.

2399
02:34:41.680 --> 02:34:45.280
At first I didn't want to. However, after really thinking

2400
02:34:45.319 --> 02:34:49.280
about it, I reconsidered Mom and Dad were more than

2401
02:34:49.319 --> 02:34:52.639
willing to take me to Pendleton for the event, except

2402
02:34:52.639 --> 02:34:55.399
now there's a problem. The event is going to be

2403
02:34:55.440 --> 02:34:59.639
on December sixteenth, which is a Saturday. I thought it

2404
02:34:59.680 --> 02:35:02.920
was on Sunday, the seventeenth. When I told my parents

2405
02:35:02.920 --> 02:35:05.239
about the mix up, they told me they wouldn't be

2406
02:35:05.239 --> 02:35:08.200
able to take me on the sixteenth because they'll both

2407
02:35:08.280 --> 02:35:13.200
be too busy. Dad's working mandatory overtime at Strickfield Automotive

2408
02:35:13.600 --> 02:35:15.840
and Mom's got to deliver mail and won't be done

2409
02:35:15.879 --> 02:35:19.280
until later in the afternoon. If you can find another

2410
02:35:19.319 --> 02:35:21.200
way there, Bailey, then you can go ahead and go

2411
02:35:21.239 --> 02:35:24.760
to Pendleton. Mom told me. Otherwise, you better call missus

2412
02:35:24.760 --> 02:35:28.920
Gibson back and clear things up. Like I said, I

2413
02:35:29.000 --> 02:35:32.239
really don't want to do the event, but two things,

2414
02:35:32.680 --> 02:35:35.760
it's a Christmas celebration, so it would be morally wrong

2415
02:35:35.840 --> 02:35:39.840
to back out. And two and only a select few

2416
02:35:39.840 --> 02:35:44.840
people know I was adopted. I don't know the circumstances

2417
02:35:44.840 --> 02:35:47.079
to where I ended up at Home, Sweet Home, but

2418
02:35:47.159 --> 02:35:48.879
I do know I was there from when I was

2419
02:35:48.920 --> 02:35:52.639
a baby and only known as Bailey. I grew up

2420
02:35:52.639 --> 02:35:55.440
in the orphanage until the day came when Monty and

2421
02:35:55.559 --> 02:35:58.879
Vera downs came in looking to adopt a daughter. I

2422
02:35:58.920 --> 02:36:00.799
was seven years old at the time, by the way,

2423
02:36:01.319 --> 02:36:04.280
but they took one look at me and the rest

2424
02:36:04.399 --> 02:36:07.760
was history. I ended up leaving to go to Strickfield

2425
02:36:07.799 --> 02:36:12.319
with them one week later and officially became Bailey Downs.

2426
02:36:12.799 --> 02:36:15.319
I actually laughed last night when we watched a Christmas

2427
02:36:15.360 --> 02:36:18.840
horror story at Ariel Mirr and Slumber Party funny thing.

2428
02:36:19.399 --> 02:36:21.959
The town in that movie and in Ginger Snaps are

2429
02:36:22.000 --> 02:36:27.239
called Bailey Downs. Lucky me, believe it or not. I'm

2430
02:36:27.239 --> 02:36:30.399
probably one of the few cases where being in orphanage

2431
02:36:30.440 --> 02:36:34.319
care actually wasn't bad. I was never mistreated in any way.

2432
02:36:34.879 --> 02:36:36.600
It was nice to have other kids to play with

2433
02:36:36.639 --> 02:36:38.879
and everything, and Missus Gibson and the rest of the

2434
02:36:38.920 --> 02:36:43.040
staff were very motherly to all of us. I suppose

2435
02:36:43.079 --> 02:36:46.159
I agreed to come back to the orphanage because Missus

2436
02:36:46.200 --> 02:36:48.680
Gibson kept in touch with me after I was adopted.

2437
02:36:49.280 --> 02:36:51.600
In a way, I'd kind of like to visit there

2438
02:36:51.680 --> 02:36:55.440
again and see how things are there now. So I'm

2439
02:36:55.520 --> 02:36:58.000
sitting here in the living room and racking my brain

2440
02:36:58.120 --> 02:36:59.840
trying to think of a way I can get a

2441
02:37:00.280 --> 02:37:04.239
to Pendleton. At first, I thought about calling a ride service.

2442
02:37:04.280 --> 02:37:08.159
But after hearing Mona Abels tell me how expensive an

2443
02:37:08.280 --> 02:37:10.040
uber was for her and her mom to get to

2444
02:37:10.120 --> 02:37:13.479
North Ridgeway a few months ago, I decided not to

2445
02:37:13.559 --> 02:37:18.760
go that route, and then a rather risky idea hit me.

2446
02:37:20.600 --> 02:37:24.319
Getting a car wouldn't be a problem. It's the driver

2447
02:37:24.520 --> 02:37:28.319
that I'll have to do some convincing on. I sigh

2448
02:37:28.360 --> 02:37:31.440
and pull out my smartphone. I open the texting app

2449
02:37:31.520 --> 02:37:35.120
and tap my thread with Mouse. I message her and

2450
02:37:35.239 --> 02:37:38.120
ask if she can call me. When I don't get

2451
02:37:38.159 --> 02:37:41.239
an answer after several minutes, I'm thinking she's probably busy

2452
02:37:41.319 --> 02:37:45.239
doing something and not looking at her phone. Then I

2453
02:37:45.319 --> 02:37:48.760
know exactly where she's likely to be. I get out

2454
02:37:48.760 --> 02:37:53.520
of the recliner and put my coat on. I open

2455
02:37:53.600 --> 02:37:56.360
the door to Roth's Rings, a twenty four hour donut

2456
02:37:56.360 --> 02:38:01.200
shop and video game arcade in downtown village. I see

2457
02:38:01.239 --> 02:38:03.840
Mouse sitting behind the wheel of a full sized driving

2458
02:38:03.920 --> 02:38:08.040
cabinet for the brand new Grand Turismo game. Her real

2459
02:38:08.120 --> 02:38:11.440
name is Madeline Donnerley, and she's just a happy, go

2460
02:38:11.520 --> 02:38:16.239
lucky kind of girl. I mean, nothing ever really bothers her.

2461
02:38:17.360 --> 02:38:20.600
The reason people call her Mouse is because she's short, skinny,

2462
02:38:20.639 --> 02:38:23.799
and has a mousey voice. She's also a geek with

2463
02:38:23.879 --> 02:38:27.559
all the stuff she's into video games and horror movies.

2464
02:38:27.959 --> 02:38:30.040
You wouldn't think she was a geek when you'd see

2465
02:38:30.040 --> 02:38:33.920
her wearing her beret and scarf like she's a cultured person.

2466
02:38:34.600 --> 02:38:37.079
I never really asked her why she wears them, but

2467
02:38:37.280 --> 02:38:40.600
nobody really gives her a hard time about it. Plus

2468
02:38:41.000 --> 02:38:44.639
she drinks coffee the same way her mom does. Let's

2469
02:38:44.719 --> 02:38:48.840
just say she's very mature for a seventh grader. I

2470
02:38:48.879 --> 02:38:51.440
know you're probably thinking I've got a screw loose somewhere,

2471
02:38:51.440 --> 02:38:55.799
but Mouse is the only shot I got. Like I said,

2472
02:38:55.879 --> 02:38:58.760
she's a fellow seventh grader at Strickfield Junior High, But

2473
02:38:59.600 --> 02:39:03.319
that little squeaker can actually drive a car. You should

2474
02:39:03.319 --> 02:39:06.360
have seen Mouse on Halloween night when we were checking

2475
02:39:06.399 --> 02:39:09.559
out the legend of cry Baby Bridge and found the

2476
02:39:09.639 --> 02:39:13.479
legend to be true. When Abigail Tomlin's ghost was chasing

2477
02:39:13.559 --> 02:39:16.799
us down, Mouse found this beat up car and ended

2478
02:39:16.879 --> 02:39:19.879
up driving it to save all of us. Okay, we

2479
02:39:19.959 --> 02:39:23.440
didn't quite get away since the tire blew out, but

2480
02:39:24.120 --> 02:39:26.520
she really surprised me that day with how well she

2481
02:39:26.680 --> 02:39:30.360
was driving. This is going to take some real convincing

2482
02:39:30.399 --> 02:39:33.040
on my part, but I think I can do it.

2483
02:39:34.239 --> 02:39:37.399
I wait until Mouse finishes and wins a race. Then

2484
02:39:37.479 --> 02:39:39.440
she reaches out for her cup of coffee on the

2485
02:39:39.479 --> 02:39:42.600
stand next to the game and sees me standing there.

2486
02:39:43.520 --> 02:39:47.719
Oh hey, Bailey, how you doing? She asks? What brings

2487
02:39:47.760 --> 02:39:51.840
you in here? Then she looks out where's Mona and

2488
02:39:51.879 --> 02:39:57.959
ariel I'm here alone? Actually, I tell her I was

2489
02:39:58.040 --> 02:40:00.239
wondering if I could talk to you for a little bit.

2490
02:40:01.280 --> 02:40:05.479
Mouse comes out of the game. You okay, is something wrong?

2491
02:40:05.639 --> 02:40:09.159
You in trouble? I quickly shake my head. No, no,

2492
02:40:09.239 --> 02:40:13.399
nothing like that. I mean, okay, Yes, I'm I'm kind

2493
02:40:13.440 --> 02:40:16.120
of in trouble. I quickly raise my hands in front

2494
02:40:16.120 --> 02:40:20.120
of me. Don't worry, it's nothing real bad. I'm just

2495
02:40:20.200 --> 02:40:22.079
in a bit of a bind and need your help.

2496
02:40:22.559 --> 02:40:25.719
So can we talk? Mouse points to a table in

2497
02:40:25.760 --> 02:40:29.879
the far corner. That good. I nod. Before I sit

2498
02:40:29.920 --> 02:40:32.760
down with Mouse, I order a peppermint hot chocolate. I

2499
02:40:32.760 --> 02:40:35.360
don't want the girl behind the counter to think I'm loitering.

2500
02:40:36.280 --> 02:40:38.680
After I get my drink, I sit down with Mouse

2501
02:40:38.959 --> 02:40:42.600
and tell her my problem. Mouse has this weird look

2502
02:40:42.600 --> 02:40:45.440
on her face when I'm done, so you're saying you

2503
02:40:45.479 --> 02:40:48.879
want me to drive your dad's old SUV de Pendleton.

2504
02:40:49.799 --> 02:40:52.399
You do understand I was only driving that night because

2505
02:40:52.440 --> 02:40:54.719
of I quickly raise a hand in front of me.

2506
02:40:55.319 --> 02:40:59.360
I know, Mouse, believe me. I remember. I sigh and

2507
02:40:59.399 --> 02:41:02.840
lower my hand, and you're really my only hope here.

2508
02:41:03.360 --> 02:41:06.040
It's a Christmas celebration at the Orphanage, and I really

2509
02:41:06.040 --> 02:41:09.280
want to help out there. I know asking you is

2510
02:41:09.319 --> 02:41:11.200
a long shot, but you're the only one I can

2511
02:41:11.239 --> 02:41:14.239
turn to. I can pay you money to drive if

2512
02:41:14.239 --> 02:41:18.200
that's what you want. Oh, it ain't that, Bailey. If

2513
02:41:18.200 --> 02:41:20.879
I recall you did tell me in the car Halloween

2514
02:41:20.959 --> 02:41:23.799
night that we ain't old enough to drive. What if

2515
02:41:23.799 --> 02:41:27.000
something happens and we get pulled over? You really want

2516
02:41:27.000 --> 02:41:30.520
to face your parents after the cops bust us? I

2517
02:41:30.559 --> 02:41:32.479
know I don't want to be explaining to mom and

2518
02:41:32.559 --> 02:41:34.879
dad why I was driving a car and got arrested.

2519
02:41:35.760 --> 02:41:37.639
For a long moment, the two of us look at

2520
02:41:37.639 --> 02:41:43.120
each other. Then Mouse sighs. But I'm gonna do it, Bailey.

2521
02:41:43.600 --> 02:41:49.000
I'll take you to Pendleton. My heart's skipping several beats. Okay,

2522
02:41:49.280 --> 02:41:52.159
but what made you decide to do it? After all?

2523
02:41:52.239 --> 02:41:56.000
Mouse I've been kind of itching to drive a real

2524
02:41:56.040 --> 02:42:00.719
car again after Halloween night, Mouse admits, But you're willing

2525
02:42:00.799 --> 02:42:04.239
to trust me now. Hugh and Bailey weren't too trusted

2526
02:42:04.280 --> 02:42:07.600
to me that night. You know, like I said, you're

2527
02:42:07.639 --> 02:42:10.520
my only hope. I'm willing to do a big favor

2528
02:42:10.600 --> 02:42:13.399
for you or give you money if that's what you want.

2529
02:42:14.479 --> 02:42:18.079
Mouse and I talk about it some more. Ultimately she's willing,

2530
02:42:18.120 --> 02:42:21.440
and we make a plan. I can't believe what we're

2531
02:42:21.479 --> 02:42:25.000
going to do. We're really doing it sounds crazy, right,

2532
02:42:25.959 --> 02:42:28.040
but I'm just not willing to let Home Sweet Home

2533
02:42:28.159 --> 02:42:33.760
Orphanage down. It's Friday at school. I'm walking the halls

2534
02:42:33.760 --> 02:42:36.440
with my very best friend, Mona Abels and telling her

2535
02:42:36.479 --> 02:42:40.200
about what's going down. I expected Mona to give me

2536
02:42:40.280 --> 02:42:43.559
her odd look. I know I could have kept this quiet,

2537
02:42:43.600 --> 02:42:48.000
Like I said, Mona's my dearest friend. Though, Little Mouse

2538
02:42:48.079 --> 02:42:50.719
is going to drive you to Pendleton, she asked for

2539
02:42:50.799 --> 02:42:54.760
the fifth time. Yes, already, you want me to write

2540
02:42:54.760 --> 02:42:59.479
it on your palm? I snap, I'm desperate here. Mona sighs.

2541
02:43:00.159 --> 02:43:02.879
I can't believe I'm gonna say this, but I'm coming

2542
02:43:02.959 --> 02:43:07.280
with you. You don't have to, I tell her somebody's

2543
02:43:07.319 --> 02:43:09.559
got to look out for you in case that wicked

2544
02:43:09.600 --> 02:43:13.719
little rodent crashes the car. She raises her finger. Not

2545
02:43:13.879 --> 02:43:18.959
up for debate, Bailey, I smile, okay, okay, you can come.

2546
02:43:19.760 --> 02:43:23.879
Then I see the worried look on Mona's face. Uh oh,

2547
02:43:24.200 --> 02:43:28.680
things just got bad. Turn around, I do, and we

2548
02:43:28.760 --> 02:43:32.760
both see a very angry Ariel Miran coming right at us.

2549
02:43:33.159 --> 02:43:37.920
Where is he? Who? Mona asks? Who do you think

2550
02:43:38.399 --> 02:43:43.840
Carter cross? Ariel yells last I saw him. He was

2551
02:43:43.840 --> 02:43:47.319
sitting in the cafeteria with Horton, Chapman and Chunker, I say.

2552
02:43:47.959 --> 02:43:51.479
Ariel quickly pulls out her smartphone. Look what Carter just

2553
02:43:51.559 --> 02:43:55.319
posted on Facebook. Look at it. Mona and I both

2554
02:43:55.360 --> 02:43:57.799
see a video of Ariel and her little cousin Stewart,

2555
02:43:57.799 --> 02:44:00.639
at Roth's rings. She bought him a slice of pie

2556
02:44:00.719 --> 02:44:03.719
and a soft drink. Little Stuart was in a really

2557
02:44:03.799 --> 02:44:06.639
foul mood, since he ended up throwing both the pie

2558
02:44:06.719 --> 02:44:10.079
and the soda at Ariel. The soda was the worst,

2559
02:44:10.079 --> 02:44:13.239
since it exploded all over. Carter had to have been

2560
02:44:13.280 --> 02:44:17.200
there since he recorded it. The comment said, little Stewie

2561
02:44:17.239 --> 02:44:22.360
treats Princess Ariel to a coke Ariel growls. Then we

2562
02:44:22.479 --> 02:44:25.559
carefully follow her when she marches right to the cafeteria.

2563
02:44:26.159 --> 02:44:29.879
Sure enough, Ariel finds Carter right where I said. Soon

2564
02:44:29.879 --> 02:44:33.200
as he sees a very angry Ariel coming, he quickly

2565
02:44:33.239 --> 02:44:35.479
gets up and moves to keep a table in between

2566
02:44:35.600 --> 02:44:39.120
him and her. Ariel points right at him. You are

2567
02:44:39.280 --> 02:44:43.440
so dead, Carter cross. Carter raises his hands in front

2568
02:44:43.440 --> 02:44:46.399
of him. Hey, princess, it ain't my fault. You'd rather

2569
02:44:46.440 --> 02:44:49.040
wear your coke instead of drink it. What did you

2570
02:44:49.079 --> 02:44:51.479
do tell the kid he couldn't come to your royal

2571
02:44:51.600 --> 02:44:57.159
palace anymore? Then, Ariel gives him an evil grin. I

2572
02:44:57.200 --> 02:45:00.000
should just drop that little goober off at your house.

2573
02:45:00.479 --> 02:45:03.520
Then I can post on social media how he runs

2574
02:45:03.559 --> 02:45:08.559
around and destroys everything while you're losing your mind. Carter laughs,

2575
02:45:09.159 --> 02:45:11.479
I don't think your little cousin would like being among

2576
02:45:11.559 --> 02:45:16.600
us peasants. Now. Ariel looks at Richie Horton, Bill Chapman

2577
02:45:16.639 --> 02:45:20.319
and Brian Chunk. What are you three snickering about? You

2578
02:45:20.360 --> 02:45:23.239
think this is all funny? She points right at them.

2579
02:45:23.719 --> 02:45:27.200
Remember you're in my school. You three will know your

2580
02:45:27.280 --> 02:45:30.319
place here. I don't see your name out there on

2581
02:45:30.360 --> 02:45:34.959
the sign, Chapman says, last I checked, it says Strickfield

2582
02:45:35.000 --> 02:45:38.280
Junior High School. He's the rough looking guy with the

2583
02:45:38.319 --> 02:45:41.959
buzz haircut. Yeah, there ain't no school named after any

2584
02:45:42.000 --> 02:45:46.000
mirrors in Strickfield. Last I checked. Horton ads he's the

2585
02:45:46.040 --> 02:45:50.000
skinny toothpick of a kid with circular lensed glasses. Then

2586
02:45:50.079 --> 02:45:53.239
Carter points at her. But you could probably buy the

2587
02:45:53.319 --> 02:45:58.040
sign and rename it to Princess Ariel Miron's Royal Peasant Camp.

2588
02:45:58.879 --> 02:46:04.520
Ariel suddenly points right at him, Oh you you. Everybody

2589
02:46:04.559 --> 02:46:07.600
puts their hands to their ears when Ariel belts out

2590
02:46:07.600 --> 02:46:10.760
her infamous scream that can be heard throughout the whole

2591
02:46:10.799 --> 02:46:15.280
building and could probably wake the dead. Ariel and Carter

2592
02:46:15.360 --> 02:46:18.399
are both circling each other. Now I'm trying to get

2593
02:46:18.440 --> 02:46:20.639
their attention, but neither of them are wanting to look

2594
02:46:20.680 --> 02:46:26.040
my way. Hey, we got company. Chunker calls out, helping me.

2595
02:46:26.719 --> 02:46:29.719
He's the heavy set guy who's always wearing cargo shorts

2596
02:46:29.760 --> 02:46:32.680
and the open Hawaiian shirt over a T shirt. When

2597
02:46:32.719 --> 02:46:35.319
Ariel and Carter both look at Chunker, he nods in

2598
02:46:35.360 --> 02:46:39.520
the direction before Ariel and Carter know it. Principal Benjamin

2599
02:46:39.600 --> 02:46:43.799
Van dist is right there, you two again, He demands,

2600
02:46:44.360 --> 02:46:47.040
what is it this time? Then he raises his hand

2601
02:46:47.040 --> 02:46:50.840
and shakes his head. You know what, I really don't

2602
02:46:50.840 --> 02:46:54.399
want to know. He points to Ariel. Get to class.

2603
02:46:55.280 --> 02:46:58.920
Ariel's face is really red now. Then she points to Carter.

2604
02:46:59.680 --> 02:47:04.440
You just wait. Ariel storms out of the cafeteria. Then

2605
02:47:04.479 --> 02:47:07.799
Principal van dest waits for Carter to leave. Next, he

2606
02:47:07.799 --> 02:47:10.760
looks at the rest of us but doesn't say anything.

2607
02:47:11.520 --> 02:47:14.559
After a little bit, he leaves and goes back to

2608
02:47:14.600 --> 02:47:19.399
the office. I'm sorry you guys had to see that,

2609
02:47:19.920 --> 02:47:23.719
I tell them. Chapman waves me off. Yeah, we're used

2610
02:47:23.760 --> 02:47:27.479
to Ariel mirran By now. Yeah, we've known her for years,

2611
02:47:27.799 --> 02:47:32.680
Chunker says, even before we disappeared last year. Mona and

2612
02:47:32.719 --> 02:47:36.280
I both nod quickly. She's your friend, we get it.

2613
02:47:36.680 --> 02:47:41.159
Horton says, in his squeaky, nerdy voice. Anyway, we've dealt

2614
02:47:41.159 --> 02:47:46.600
with way worse people. I know, Abigail Tomlin, right, I ask,

2615
02:47:47.120 --> 02:47:49.920
Then I wink. Chunker was in the middle of drinking

2616
02:47:49.959 --> 02:47:56.120
his pop when he spits it out. What ah, come on, Bailey, Yeah,

2617
02:47:56.200 --> 02:48:00.079
that ain't nothing to be joking about. Chapman agrees, then

2618
02:48:00.360 --> 02:48:05.399
gives me that look again. Really, I smirk a little. Okay,

2619
02:48:05.600 --> 02:48:09.600
I take it back, my bad. Something on your mind, Bailey.

2620
02:48:10.079 --> 02:48:14.639
Chapman asks, you kinda got that look. Mona and I

2621
02:48:14.680 --> 02:48:16.639
have been hanging out with these guys since all of

2622
02:48:16.719 --> 02:48:21.079
us rescued them from Abigail Tomlin on Halloween. They're really

2623
02:48:21.079 --> 02:48:25.159
good guys. Yeah, Chunker likes to eat, same as Mona,

2624
02:48:25.479 --> 02:48:28.399
but he's really gentle in a way. I think he's

2625
02:48:28.680 --> 02:48:32.239
kind of cute, like a teddy bear. Mona and I

2626
02:48:32.280 --> 02:48:34.600
sit down with the guys and tell them what's going on.

2627
02:48:35.920 --> 02:48:38.120
You should see the looks on their faces when I

2628
02:48:38.159 --> 02:48:41.559
tell the mouse is driving us tomorrow. You realize how

2629
02:48:41.600 --> 02:48:47.000
crazy that sounds, right, Horton asks Madeline Donnerly, I know right.

2630
02:48:47.479 --> 02:48:51.399
Mona agrees, Man. I'd love to see her drive a car,

2631
02:48:51.799 --> 02:48:56.719
Chunker says. Chapman turns to him, Seriously, you've been eating

2632
02:48:56.719 --> 02:49:00.559
too much of Denoyer's sweet Potato pie again, haven't you what?

2633
02:49:01.319 --> 02:49:03.920
You wouldn't want to see Madeline Donnerley driving a car?

2634
02:49:04.319 --> 02:49:07.680
Horton cuts in. I've seen her playing those car games

2635
02:49:07.760 --> 02:49:10.520
at Roth's rings. I really think she could do it.

2636
02:49:11.239 --> 02:49:14.799
Chapman gives his buddies his evil eyes. Then he gives

2637
02:49:14.840 --> 02:49:17.879
them to me. How about you let us tag along

2638
02:49:17.920 --> 02:49:21.159
and see for ourselves. At first, I'm not keen on

2639
02:49:21.200 --> 02:49:24.520
the idea, but then I figure missus Gibson would love

2640
02:49:24.639 --> 02:49:27.399
to have the extra help at the Orphanage, so I

2641
02:49:27.479 --> 02:49:29.680
tell them that's the only way they can come along.

2642
02:49:30.360 --> 02:49:32.879
I'd have expected them to scoff and say no way,

2643
02:49:32.920 --> 02:49:37.000
but they're all quick to agree. So it's gonna be

2644
02:49:37.000 --> 02:49:42.440
the six of us going to Pendleton tomorrow with Mouse driving.

2645
02:49:45.879 --> 02:49:52.159
Part two. The next morning, Saturday, the six of us

2646
02:49:52.159 --> 02:49:55.239
are at my house. We're packing in the old suv.

2647
02:49:56.000 --> 02:49:58.959
Mouse is sitting in the driver's seat and looking over everything.

2648
02:49:59.600 --> 02:50:02.680
Then I hand her the keys. You sure you're going

2649
02:50:02.719 --> 02:50:05.200
to be able to drive this thing, Mona asks her.

2650
02:50:05.840 --> 02:50:09.360
I think I can get us there, okay, Mouse says confidently.

2651
02:50:09.920 --> 02:50:13.079
Of course, I didn't know all of you were tagging along.

2652
02:50:14.000 --> 02:50:16.760
We're all gonna work at the orphanage. Chapman tells her,

2653
02:50:17.280 --> 02:50:21.920
you gonna help too, Mouse makes her usual shrug. Why not?

2654
02:50:22.479 --> 02:50:25.920
I mean, we're all going to Pendleton, right, I know,

2655
02:50:26.000 --> 02:50:27.520
I don't want to be sitting here in the car

2656
02:50:27.559 --> 02:50:30.639
all day. Once we're all seated and ready to go.

2657
02:50:30.799 --> 02:50:37.319
Mouse starts the car. Yeah, we're all gonna die. Mona mutters, Oh,

2658
02:50:37.520 --> 02:50:41.440
we already did that. Mona, don't you remember, Mouse says,

2659
02:50:41.920 --> 02:50:45.079
I really did crash the car on Halloween night. Now

2660
02:50:45.120 --> 02:50:48.280
we're hanging out here in the afterlife together. We all

2661
02:50:48.440 --> 02:50:51.520
jeer Mouse as she snickers. Even I have to admit

2662
02:50:51.559 --> 02:50:54.840
little Mouse can be funny when she wants to be. Anyway,

2663
02:50:55.159 --> 02:50:57.239
it's us girls in the front and the guys in

2664
02:50:57.280 --> 02:51:00.159
the back. Mouse finally starts the car and takes a

2665
02:51:00.200 --> 02:51:04.200
deep breath before she shifts the gears. Then we're moving

2666
02:51:04.280 --> 02:51:07.639
forward until we're out on the road itself. So far,

2667
02:51:07.760 --> 02:51:12.159
so good. Just please don't get us pulled over mouse,

2668
02:51:12.680 --> 02:51:16.879
Mona says, shakingly. Don't worry. I've been studying up since

2669
02:51:16.879 --> 02:51:20.600
Bailey asked me to drive today. Mouse replies, I know

2670
02:51:20.639 --> 02:51:24.799
what I'm doing. I think everybody was worried, especially when

2671
02:51:24.799 --> 02:51:28.559
a few police cars passed us. We really panic when

2672
02:51:28.559 --> 02:51:31.760
a police car suddenly turns around with its flashers on.

2673
02:51:32.399 --> 02:51:37.159
We probably thought they recognized Mouse and that was it. Nope,

2674
02:51:37.319 --> 02:51:39.840
Mouse does pull over, only for the police car to

2675
02:51:39.879 --> 02:51:42.639
pass right by us on the way to an emergency.

2676
02:51:43.680 --> 02:51:46.920
We all breathe big sighs of relief. Then Mouse starts

2677
02:51:47.000 --> 02:51:50.920
driving again. We're all feeling better when we finally leave

2678
02:51:50.959 --> 02:51:55.520
Strickfield and are en route to Pendleton. We only have

2679
02:51:55.600 --> 02:51:57.680
to make one stop to put gas in the car.

2680
02:51:58.200 --> 02:52:01.159
We get some weird looks from people, but nobody asks

2681
02:52:01.200 --> 02:52:04.680
and nobody turns us in. We get back on the

2682
02:52:04.760 --> 02:52:09.239
road and eventually make it to Pendleton. From there, I

2683
02:52:09.280 --> 02:52:12.799
give Mouse the directions to the home, Sweet Home, Orphanage.

2684
02:52:12.840 --> 02:52:15.440
Mouse finally pulls us into the parking lot and backs

2685
02:52:15.440 --> 02:52:20.360
into a spot. Nice and neat. Wow, we really made it.

2686
02:52:20.680 --> 02:52:25.159
Mona says, we're still alive. Yeah, I really thought those

2687
02:52:25.200 --> 02:52:27.479
people at the gas station were gonna call the police,

2688
02:52:27.879 --> 02:52:32.319
Horton admits. Then Mona looks at Mouse. You did good.

2689
02:52:32.719 --> 02:52:37.040
Mouse turns off the motor. Not bad for my second time. Huh.

2690
02:52:37.360 --> 02:52:41.200
Like Mona said you did good, Mouse, I say, I

2691
02:52:41.239 --> 02:52:46.200
owe you one. Mouse waves me off. Nah. We get

2692
02:52:46.239 --> 02:52:49.479
out and head into the Orphanage. Sure enough, Missus Gibson

2693
02:52:49.559 --> 02:52:52.120
is at the front door waiting for us. Believe it

2694
02:52:52.200 --> 02:52:55.079
or not, she doesn't even ask who brought us here. Hey,

2695
02:52:55.600 --> 02:52:59.760
don't ask, don't tell, right, Missus Gibson and I hug.

2696
02:53:00.559 --> 02:53:03.559
She's kind of my third grandma when you think about it.

2697
02:53:04.360 --> 02:53:06.959
Missus Gibson invites us inside and takes us for a

2698
02:53:07.000 --> 02:53:11.200
tour around the orphanage, which is all decorated for the holidays.

2699
02:53:11.559 --> 02:53:14.959
There are plenty of kids around here. I don't recognize

2700
02:53:15.000 --> 02:53:17.479
a single one from back when I was here. I'm

2701
02:53:17.479 --> 02:53:20.559
pretty sure they've all been adopted, because Home Sweet Home

2702
02:53:20.600 --> 02:53:24.159
doesn't pass their kids off to other orphanages. When Missus

2703
02:53:24.200 --> 02:53:26.719
Gibson takes us into the kitchen, I remember the head

2704
02:53:26.799 --> 02:53:31.680
cook immediately. She remembers me too. Oh Bailey, it's so

2705
02:53:31.799 --> 02:53:34.760
good to see you. Back when Emma told us you

2706
02:53:34.799 --> 02:53:38.600
were coming to help with today's celebration, I was overjoyed.

2707
02:53:39.239 --> 02:53:42.159
I go and hug Miss Barrett. I'm glad to see

2708
02:53:42.200 --> 02:53:45.479
you too. We talk for a little bit. Then Miss

2709
02:53:45.600 --> 02:53:48.239
Barrett asks Missus Gibson if she can keep me in

2710
02:53:48.280 --> 02:53:50.879
the kitchen. I could use an extra hand with all

2711
02:53:50.879 --> 02:53:55.159
the preparations for our big Christmas dinner. I'm afraid I'm

2712
02:53:55.200 --> 02:53:58.479
going to need Bailey with me today. Missus Gibson says,

2713
02:53:59.200 --> 02:54:01.280
I need her to help me with the other kids here.

2714
02:54:01.799 --> 02:54:04.680
But maybe you can have one of these others. Miss

2715
02:54:04.760 --> 02:54:08.840
Barrett immediately points to Mouse. How about you, young lady,

2716
02:54:09.159 --> 02:54:12.200
Could I have you help me here in the kitchen? Sure?

2717
02:54:12.360 --> 02:54:16.159
Why not? Mouse says. When Mouse goes to her, Miss

2718
02:54:16.200 --> 02:54:19.360
Barrett quickly gives her an apron. Looks like mouse may

2719
02:54:19.360 --> 02:54:22.040
get lost in the shuffle here. I know what it's

2720
02:54:22.079 --> 02:54:25.319
like helping out in the kitchen. Mouse'll be in good hands.

2721
02:54:26.159 --> 02:54:29.280
After missus Gibson finishes our tour of the orphanage, she

2722
02:54:29.399 --> 02:54:32.200
brings us into the living room. Looking over all the

2723
02:54:32.280 --> 02:54:34.239
kids here, it looks like some of them might be

2724
02:54:34.319 --> 02:54:37.440
easy going. I can already see the sneers on the

2725
02:54:37.479 --> 02:54:40.959
three boys that are kind of rough looking. Even when

2726
02:54:41.000 --> 02:54:44.159
I was here, we had a few such kids. Then

2727
02:54:44.200 --> 02:54:46.879
I remember Ariel and how she calls her little troublesome

2728
02:54:46.959 --> 02:54:51.680
cousin Stewart a goober. Well, I don't feel threatened, knowing

2729
02:54:51.719 --> 02:54:54.879
I've got Mona and the guys here. But it's the

2730
02:54:54.879 --> 02:54:57.479
next woman here I've got to tell you about. The

2731
02:54:57.559 --> 02:55:00.200
second she comes in, It's like the room gets cold

2732
02:55:00.239 --> 02:55:03.920
and quiet fast. You ever see that movie The Goonies.

2733
02:55:04.440 --> 02:55:08.000
If you did, I'm sure you remember Mama for Telly. Well,

2734
02:55:08.239 --> 02:55:12.079
picture her, but with longer hair and skinny like mouse

2735
02:55:12.120 --> 02:55:15.799
and Horton. Okay, that alone probably won't scare you, But

2736
02:55:15.920 --> 02:55:20.600
that glare and that scowl she's showing now, this is

2737
02:55:20.639 --> 02:55:25.200
miss Stanlan, missus Gibson says. She's my assistant director here

2738
02:55:25.239 --> 02:55:28.760
at Home, Sweet Home. I know Miss Stanlan wasn't working

2739
02:55:28.760 --> 02:55:31.559
here when I was here. Missus Gibson must have hired

2740
02:55:31.559 --> 02:55:33.719
her at some point after I was long gone and

2741
02:55:33.799 --> 02:55:37.440
living in Strickfield. I told you we didn't need extra

2742
02:55:37.479 --> 02:55:43.200
help here, Emma, She practically growls, Oh nonsense. Missus Gibson replies,

2743
02:55:43.520 --> 02:55:46.719
it's Christmas time, Helga. We've got more children here in

2744
02:55:46.760 --> 02:55:49.079
the last couple of years, and it would be nice

2745
02:55:49.120 --> 02:55:52.440
to have these kids interact with our children. Besides, we've

2746
02:55:52.479 --> 02:55:56.479
got a lot going on for the big Christmas celebration today, Helga.

2747
02:55:56.559 --> 02:55:59.440
Stanlan grunts and looks ready to raise one of her

2748
02:55:59.479 --> 02:56:03.040
bony face. I'm almost wondering if she's going to roar

2749
02:56:03.319 --> 02:56:08.399
or cackle like a witch. She doesn't, though, come on, Bailey,

2750
02:56:08.440 --> 02:56:12.360
you're imagining things. Maybe Abigail Tomlin's still somewhere in the

2751
02:56:12.360 --> 02:56:15.879
back of your mind. Miss Stanlin can't be any worse

2752
02:56:15.920 --> 02:56:19.360
than the ghost of the cry, Baby Bridge back in Strickfield.

2753
02:56:19.559 --> 02:56:22.920
Still something doesn't feel right about her. When she turns

2754
02:56:22.920 --> 02:56:26.520
and storms off, Missus Gibson takes the five of us

2755
02:56:26.559 --> 02:56:28.840
into her office and tells us what she needs us

2756
02:56:28.879 --> 02:56:31.639
to do. She reminds us she wants us to interact

2757
02:56:31.719 --> 02:56:34.639
with the other kids here. We're supposed to help serve

2758
02:56:34.719 --> 02:56:37.840
the big turkey dinner later on. Then we're going to

2759
02:56:37.879 --> 02:56:42.559
help hand out presents. Chunker raises his hand when Missus

2760
02:56:42.639 --> 02:56:45.799
Gibson points to him. He asks her, how come you're

2761
02:56:45.840 --> 02:56:49.719
celebrating Christmas here today instead of actually on Christmas Day.

2762
02:56:50.559 --> 02:56:56.159
Missus Gibson doesn't even blink. We actually celebrate two Christmases here, Brian.

2763
02:56:56.760 --> 02:57:00.120
Of course, we have the real celebration on Christmas Day itself.

2764
02:57:00.559 --> 02:57:03.200
The children will get more presents and an even better

2765
02:57:03.239 --> 02:57:08.000
holiday feast. As for today, Mayor Eloise Parkhurst will be

2766
02:57:08.120 --> 02:57:11.479
visiting here later. She often drops by home, sweet home,

2767
02:57:11.520 --> 02:57:14.879
and make sure everything's good here. She's been a true

2768
02:57:14.920 --> 02:57:18.000
friend of the orphanage for many years, even after she

2769
02:57:18.120 --> 02:57:23.760
was elected the village mayor. Sounds good to me, Chunker says, satisfied.

2770
02:57:24.520 --> 02:57:28.440
Missus Gibson points to me. Mayor Parkhurst also wants to

2771
02:57:28.479 --> 02:57:32.280
see you again, Bailey. Ah, I think I now understand

2772
02:57:32.319 --> 02:57:34.959
why missus Gibson asked me to come here and help.

2773
02:57:35.719 --> 02:57:39.239
But that's okay. Like I said, this place was a

2774
02:57:39.239 --> 02:57:41.760
good home until mom and Dad adopted me and took

2775
02:57:41.799 --> 02:57:45.040
me home to live with them. Suddenly we hear a loud,

2776
02:57:45.120 --> 02:57:49.840
screaming noise. What the chapman mutters. The rest of us

2777
02:57:49.879 --> 02:57:52.920
follow Missus Gibson through a couple of doors until she

2778
02:57:53.000 --> 02:57:56.520
goes into an office. Miss Stanlin, what is going on

2779
02:57:56.639 --> 02:57:59.520
in here? We hear her say. We can see that

2780
02:57:59.559 --> 02:58:03.280
Miss Stanyn's got what appears to be shaving cream all

2781
02:58:03.319 --> 02:58:06.479
over her hands. I don't know about the others, but

2782
02:58:06.559 --> 02:58:08.879
I can see it in the desk drawer, which she

2783
02:58:09.000 --> 02:58:13.239
must have been going into. Miss Stanlan points outside. It

2784
02:58:13.399 --> 02:58:18.200
was those blasted monsters. Again, we didn't do anything. Horton

2785
02:58:18.239 --> 02:58:22.799
pipes up. Missus Gibson sees us. Richie is right, Helga.

2786
02:58:23.000 --> 02:58:26.040
These children have been with me the entire time, well

2787
02:58:26.079 --> 02:58:28.920
except for Madeline, who's with Miss Barrett in the kitchen.

2788
02:58:29.680 --> 02:58:33.799
I see Miss Stanlan's face turn really red. Now I'm

2789
02:58:33.799 --> 02:58:37.719
not talking about these brats. She points right at missus Gibson,

2790
02:58:38.319 --> 02:58:42.239
you know what brats I'm talking about. Suddenly we hear

2791
02:58:42.280 --> 02:58:45.479
another cry just by us. We turn to see Chapman

2792
02:58:45.559 --> 02:58:48.159
with one of those mean looking goober kids in a

2793
02:58:48.159 --> 02:58:51.920
hammer lock. Chapman, I call out, what are you doing?

2794
02:58:52.600 --> 02:58:55.719
Chapman looks over his shoulder. Look on the floor there.

2795
02:58:55.760 --> 02:58:57.879
Look what this little whimp just tried to do to me.

2796
02:58:58.760 --> 02:59:02.360
We all see the canon shaving cream there. Chapman turns

2797
02:59:02.440 --> 02:59:05.559
him around. Yeah, thought you'd come up behind me and

2798
02:59:05.639 --> 02:59:08.200
lather me up. Huh. I gotta hang you upside down

2799
02:59:08.239 --> 02:59:11.760
from the upstairs banister for that. When Missus Gibson tells

2800
02:59:11.840 --> 02:59:15.200
Chapman to let the kid go, he does. She turns

2801
02:59:15.239 --> 02:59:19.000
the kid around. Butch, were you three giving Miss Stanlin

2802
02:59:19.040 --> 02:59:22.639
a hard time again? Butch doesn't even try hiding it.

2803
02:59:23.239 --> 02:59:26.399
That old hag deserves it. All she does is yell

2804
02:59:26.440 --> 02:59:28.879
at us and make us all do the dirtiest jobs

2805
02:59:28.920 --> 02:59:32.079
around here. We're sick of cleaning the bathrooms every day.

2806
02:59:32.840 --> 02:59:38.120
Missus Gibson nods, I see stan Joe, you boys come

2807
02:59:38.159 --> 02:59:42.159
out here too. The lead Goober's two pals come out.

2808
02:59:42.639 --> 02:59:45.920
They both have shaving cream cans in their hands too.

2809
02:59:46.159 --> 02:59:49.719
Makes me wonder where and how they got them. Just

2810
02:59:49.760 --> 02:59:53.319
as they're about to reach missus Gibson, Miss Stanlan screams

2811
02:59:53.319 --> 02:59:57.040
and comes right out of the office. You rotten little devils,

2812
02:59:57.399 --> 03:00:00.479
she yells, grabbing one of the other kids. I'm gonna

2813
03:00:00.479 --> 03:00:03.200
make your bottom so red you'll never sit down ever again.

2814
03:00:04.120 --> 03:00:06.879
Before she can make good on her promise, missus Gibson

2815
03:00:06.959 --> 03:00:10.399
quickly gets in between them, Miss Stanlin, you stop this

2816
03:00:10.639 --> 03:00:15.319
right now, Miss Stanlin points past her. Those wretched little

2817
03:00:15.360 --> 03:00:19.000
monsters never appreciate anything they get here. They have a

2818
03:00:19.040 --> 03:00:21.440
roof over their heads and three squares a day, and

2819
03:00:21.559 --> 03:00:25.200
all they do is run rampant and play their mean

2820
03:00:25.399 --> 03:00:30.680
tricks on the other kids and on me. Seriously, Emma,

2821
03:00:30.799 --> 03:00:33.879
either you do something about those boys or I will.

2822
03:00:34.879 --> 03:00:38.360
And just then, the one called Butch has this wicked

2823
03:00:38.399 --> 03:00:42.120
little smile on his face. When Miss Stanlin goes back

2824
03:00:42.159 --> 03:00:45.239
in her office, he throws these little white paper wads

2825
03:00:45.280 --> 03:00:47.959
at her. They make these popping noises when they hit

2826
03:00:48.000 --> 03:00:51.799
the floor, startling her. Then her hands end up back

2827
03:00:51.840 --> 03:00:54.399
in the desk door filled with the shaving cream. She

2828
03:00:54.520 --> 03:00:58.920
gasps and trips over her chair to fall onto her side.

2829
03:00:59.079 --> 03:01:01.200
Mona and I quickly go into the office to help

2830
03:01:01.239 --> 03:01:03.239
her up, but she's grabbing things that fell on the

2831
03:01:03.239 --> 03:01:06.840
floor and throwing them at us. We quickly back off

2832
03:01:06.840 --> 03:01:09.559
and get out of the office. We see Miss Stanlan's

2833
03:01:09.600 --> 03:01:12.360
all right. When she gets back up, with her hands

2834
03:01:12.360 --> 03:01:15.360
slickened with shaving cream, she nearly slips on the desktop

2835
03:01:15.600 --> 03:01:19.799
and falls again. She doesn't though. When Miss Stanlan sees

2836
03:01:19.840 --> 03:01:22.479
those three goobers pointing at her and laughing it up,

2837
03:01:22.799 --> 03:01:25.879
she points right back at them. You just wait, you

2838
03:01:26.040 --> 03:01:29.000
rotten brats. You're going to regret the day you ever

2839
03:01:29.079 --> 03:01:34.239
started messing with me. Yeah, whatever, you old hag. Butcher

2840
03:01:34.239 --> 03:01:37.399
returns now. Missus Gibson is upset and points to the

2841
03:01:37.440 --> 03:01:41.760
three goobers go into the main living room right now.

2842
03:01:42.600 --> 03:01:45.120
When they don't obey her, Chapman moves up to Butch.

2843
03:01:45.959 --> 03:01:47.920
Since you got rocks in your head, let me tell

2844
03:01:47.920 --> 03:01:52.600
you what she means. He shoves Butch. Move it. Butch

2845
03:01:52.680 --> 03:01:55.440
and his two friends, No, Chapman means business and do

2846
03:01:55.559 --> 03:01:58.399
what he says. Seeing the looks on their faces, they're

2847
03:01:58.399 --> 03:02:02.120
planning something else possible. On Chapman, I'm going to have

2848
03:02:02.159 --> 03:02:05.079
faith at him. Since he doesn't let even Ariel Miron

2849
03:02:05.120 --> 03:02:08.120
get to him. I notice the look on Mona's face,

2850
03:02:08.600 --> 03:02:11.399
not because of what Chapman's doing, but because we both

2851
03:02:11.440 --> 03:02:15.920
feel something real bad's going to go down. Yeah, you'd

2852
03:02:15.920 --> 03:02:20.120
expect that justin Strickfield, right. Truth is, there have been

2853
03:02:20.159 --> 03:02:23.360
other things going on here in Feltner County. All you

2854
03:02:23.440 --> 03:02:26.120
have to do is go to the Strickfield University website

2855
03:02:26.200 --> 03:02:29.639
and click on the local legends tab. Then I get

2856
03:02:29.680 --> 03:02:32.120
a shiver down my back when I remember how one

2857
03:02:32.159 --> 03:02:36.120
of those actually came true back in October, back when

2858
03:02:36.159 --> 03:02:39.000
some of us went and explored the myth of the

2859
03:02:39.040 --> 03:02:44.120
cry Baby Bridge. Anyway, Mona and I both feel something

2860
03:02:44.200 --> 03:02:47.520
really bad's about to go down. When Horton and Chunker

2861
03:02:47.559 --> 03:02:50.280
look at us, I sigh. Then the four of us

2862
03:02:50.399 --> 03:02:53.280
go into the living room to meet up with Chapman

2863
03:02:53.840 --> 03:03:05.000
and Missus Gibson. Part three. Helga Stanlein had just finished

2864
03:03:05.159 --> 03:03:08.440
washing all the shaving cream off of her hands. She

2865
03:03:08.479 --> 03:03:12.159
had just finished cleaning out her desk drawer prior. Helga

2866
03:03:12.280 --> 03:03:16.079
wasn't always the menacing figure the children assumed she was.

2867
03:03:16.959 --> 03:03:19.920
What few people knew was that Helga herself had grown

2868
03:03:20.000 --> 03:03:23.479
up at the Home Sweet Home orphanage, and fortunately for her,

2869
03:03:24.239 --> 03:03:28.079
no potential parents would ever adopt her. As she got older,

2870
03:03:28.120 --> 03:03:30.440
it was clear that she would still be an orphan

2871
03:03:30.959 --> 03:03:35.600
going into adulthood. Helga never let being an orphan bother her,

2872
03:03:35.639 --> 03:03:38.319
since she had a warm place to live and three

2873
03:03:38.360 --> 03:03:41.719
meals a day. Even the other kids who were there

2874
03:03:41.760 --> 03:03:44.280
with her at the time never gave her any problems.

2875
03:03:44.760 --> 03:03:49.239
In fact, they were her friends and family. But the

2876
03:03:49.319 --> 03:03:52.040
years went by and many of them had been adopted

2877
03:03:52.120 --> 03:03:56.360
or had grown to adulthood and ended up leaving. Helga

2878
03:03:56.479 --> 03:03:59.200
was given the opportunity to work at a sister location

2879
03:03:59.680 --> 03:04:02.840
of Home Sweet Home over in Ridgeway Heights and went

2880
03:04:02.879 --> 03:04:06.559
there to train and live, which would explain how she

2881
03:04:06.600 --> 03:04:09.600
had missed out on seeing Bailey Downs when she was

2882
03:04:09.600 --> 03:04:13.959
an orphan in Pendleton. Then Edith Hensley retired from her

2883
03:04:14.000 --> 03:04:17.719
assistant director position in Pendleton only a few years ago,

2884
03:04:18.159 --> 03:04:21.680
and Helga had the opportunity to return to her home

2885
03:04:21.760 --> 03:04:26.280
if she wanted to. Helga accepted the position and became

2886
03:04:26.399 --> 03:04:30.920
Missus Gibson's assistant. When she got there, these new kids

2887
03:04:30.959 --> 03:04:33.120
were nothing like the ones she had grown up with.

2888
03:04:33.639 --> 03:04:36.840
To her, many of them seemed to feel entitled, didn't

2889
03:04:36.840 --> 03:04:38.879
want to be around others, didn't want to be there

2890
03:04:38.920 --> 03:04:43.680
at all, or were just simply bad seeds. From the

2891
03:04:43.719 --> 03:04:46.879
moment she had met Butch, Joe and Stan, they started

2892
03:04:46.920 --> 03:04:49.879
playing mean tricks on her. A joke or too was

2893
03:04:49.959 --> 03:04:54.360
okay every once in a blue moon, but enough was enough.

2894
03:04:55.280 --> 03:04:58.520
When Missus Gibson refused to give them severe punishments for

2895
03:04:58.559 --> 03:05:01.479
the cruel pranks the boy's play he or some of

2896
03:05:01.479 --> 03:05:05.760
the other children, she started to turn sour. This place

2897
03:05:05.799 --> 03:05:08.719
had been her home and these kids and her boss

2898
03:05:08.760 --> 03:05:12.719
were ruining it. Finally, Helga had reached the point to

2899
03:05:12.760 --> 03:05:15.719
where she would give the kids tasks to do. If

2900
03:05:15.719 --> 03:05:19.799
they didn't do them, she would punish them severely. No,

2901
03:05:20.120 --> 03:05:22.680
she couldn't give them the kinds of punishments the children

2902
03:05:22.680 --> 03:05:25.920
of her generation received back in her day, but she

2903
03:05:26.000 --> 03:05:29.520
could take things they valued away from them or lock

2904
03:05:29.639 --> 03:05:33.040
them in other rooms. The more Helga would take away

2905
03:05:33.040 --> 03:05:36.440
from Butch, Joe and Stan, the more dirty tricks they

2906
03:05:36.440 --> 03:05:39.840
would play on her. Although she wouldn't admit it, she

2907
03:05:40.000 --> 03:05:43.040
almost smiled when she had seen Bill Chapman put Butch

2908
03:05:43.120 --> 03:05:46.559
in his place just the same. She was upset with

2909
03:05:46.639 --> 03:05:50.040
Bill because this junior high brat could get away with

2910
03:05:50.079 --> 03:05:53.360
the things she herself wanted to do. She could have

2911
03:05:53.440 --> 03:05:58.000
easily returned to Ridgeway Heights, but this location in Pendleton

2912
03:05:58.760 --> 03:06:01.399
was her home. She would not give it up to

2913
03:06:01.479 --> 03:06:05.000
these little hooligans. She would get rid of each and

2914
03:06:05.079 --> 03:06:10.040
every last one of them first. Just then the front

2915
03:06:10.079 --> 03:06:14.799
doorbell rang, Helga, could you please get that missus, Gibson

2916
03:06:14.840 --> 03:06:18.680
called out. Helga growled in disgusted and marched right out

2917
03:06:18.680 --> 03:06:22.159
of the bathroom. She stormed through the downstairs hallway and

2918
03:06:22.319 --> 03:06:24.799
was soon at the front door. She opened it to

2919
03:06:24.840 --> 03:06:27.559
see a postal carrier in his late forties to early

2920
03:06:27.639 --> 03:06:31.719
fifties standing there with a beautifully gift wrapped package in

2921
03:06:31.760 --> 03:06:35.360
his hands. I have a very special delivery for a

2922
03:06:35.799 --> 03:06:40.559
Helga Stanlin, the man said, pleasantly. Helga looked at his

2923
03:06:40.639 --> 03:06:47.040
name tag E. Tinker. That would be me, Helga told him,

2924
03:06:47.399 --> 03:06:49.440
But I have no idea who would send me a

2925
03:06:49.520 --> 03:06:55.840
Christmas gift. You must be mistaken, mister Tinker. Tinker smiled, Now, no,

2926
03:06:56.520 --> 03:06:59.600
your name is clearly marked on the card, ma'am. Of course,

2927
03:06:59.639 --> 03:07:01.719
I can't force you to accept it if you don't

2928
03:07:01.760 --> 03:07:07.879
want to. Helga groaned, Fine, where do I sign? Tinker

2929
03:07:07.959 --> 03:07:11.600
handed her the electronic clipboard and stylus pen. Once she

2930
03:07:11.639 --> 03:07:15.159
had signed it, she traded him for the package. This

2931
03:07:15.239 --> 03:07:20.040
thing sure is heavy, Helga observed, upon taking the package.

2932
03:07:20.200 --> 03:07:22.799
I'm sure everything will be all right, ma'am. Then he

2933
03:07:22.920 --> 03:07:26.440
gave her a pleasant nod. Isley Tinker at your service.

2934
03:07:26.959 --> 03:07:31.600
Good day to you, and have a very merry Christmas.

2935
03:07:31.879 --> 03:07:36.799
Helga growled and slammed the door. Eisley Tinker turned away

2936
03:07:36.840 --> 03:07:40.440
and looked up at the sky. I do so love

2937
03:07:40.520 --> 03:07:43.719
being a shopkeeper. It's even better when I can branch

2938
03:07:43.799 --> 03:07:49.159
out into delivery, he chuckled. No, you most certainly did

2939
03:07:49.200 --> 03:07:53.000
not order what I've given you, Helga Stanlenn, But you

2940
03:07:53.079 --> 03:07:56.399
shall most certainly be thankful for the contents. Once you

2941
03:07:56.440 --> 03:08:00.719
have come to accept its power, then you shall have

2942
03:08:00.799 --> 03:08:04.520
your heart's desire. The college girl who wielded it in

2943
03:08:04.600 --> 03:08:09.120
the previous Christmas Eve chose to throw that power away.

2944
03:08:10.200 --> 03:08:14.799
But I believe that you shall become the perfect vessel.

2945
03:08:15.719 --> 03:08:19.079
Isley Tinker got into his mail truck and drove away.

2946
03:08:20.079 --> 03:08:23.799
He would return to Strickfield Town Center Mall and manage

2947
03:08:23.799 --> 03:08:27.360
his store there again. It would only be a matter

2948
03:08:27.440 --> 03:08:30.840
of time before someone would enter his shop and look

2949
03:08:30.879 --> 03:08:38.600
for something that would change their lives literally. Helga took

2950
03:08:38.639 --> 03:08:41.239
the package up to her room and closed the door.

2951
03:08:41.840 --> 03:08:44.760
She sat at her desk and opened it up. She

2952
03:08:44.879 --> 03:08:48.159
kept wondering who would possibly send her a Christmas gift.

2953
03:08:48.840 --> 03:08:52.159
When she had finished removing the wrapping paper, she worked

2954
03:08:52.159 --> 03:08:56.799
off the top of the box and looked inside. Oh,

2955
03:08:57.760 --> 03:09:02.440
she gasped. She reached inside the box and removed a

2956
03:09:02.600 --> 03:09:06.399
large snow globe. She was right about it being heavy.

2957
03:09:07.200 --> 03:09:09.239
It was a full foot from the top of the

2958
03:09:09.319 --> 03:09:13.479
glass to the bottom of the rocky pedestal. She put

2959
03:09:13.520 --> 03:09:17.520
it down and stared at it. The artificial snow inside

2960
03:09:17.559 --> 03:09:21.920
it began to fall within the contained water. Now, who

2961
03:09:22.000 --> 03:09:27.760
would send you to me? Helga murmured. The figure inside

2962
03:09:27.760 --> 03:09:32.920
the globe made her smile. It was Crampus, sitting upon

2963
03:09:32.959 --> 03:09:37.719
his wintry throne and holding a scepter. The figure looked

2964
03:09:37.760 --> 03:09:41.360
every bit like the story she and her former childhood

2965
03:09:41.399 --> 03:09:44.479
friends had grown up with and shared with each other

2966
03:09:44.559 --> 03:09:49.479
around this time of year. The figure had big, curly horns,

2967
03:09:50.000 --> 03:09:53.840
brown to graying fur, bright red eyes, and cloven hoofs

2968
03:09:53.879 --> 03:09:58.399
for feet. Those bright red eyes glowed hot as she

2969
03:09:58.520 --> 03:10:02.440
looked at them. Helga didn't know why but she just

2970
03:10:02.559 --> 03:10:04.920
couldn't seem to take her own eyes off of them.

2971
03:10:06.280 --> 03:10:11.079
Well what are you waiting for? She heard in her mind.

2972
03:10:12.159 --> 03:10:15.000
You know you wish to make those little trouble makers

2973
03:10:15.239 --> 03:10:20.120
pay for their sins. They've been very naughty? Have they

2974
03:10:20.159 --> 03:10:28.040
not accept my power and claim what is yours? Helga

2975
03:10:28.120 --> 03:10:33.559
looked around but didn't see anyone. Who's there? It better

2976
03:10:33.600 --> 03:10:37.639
not be you kids playing your cruel pranks again. When

2977
03:10:37.680 --> 03:10:40.200
I get a hold of you, I'll have your breeches

2978
03:10:40.280 --> 03:10:43.760
down and tan you good. She darted right out of

2979
03:10:43.799 --> 03:10:49.200
her room, but didn't see anybody. Then a little girl

2980
03:10:49.239 --> 03:10:52.120
came out of one of the bedrooms and just looked

2981
03:10:52.120 --> 03:10:55.559
at her. Helga wanted to make good on her promise,

2982
03:10:55.879 --> 03:10:57.879
but she knew the little girl well enough to know

2983
03:10:58.639 --> 03:11:01.799
she wouldn't have heard a fly. After a little bit,

2984
03:11:02.479 --> 03:11:09.959
the little girl moved and made her way downstairs. A

2985
03:11:10.000 --> 03:11:13.639
little bit later, she made her way back downstairs herself.

2986
03:11:14.239 --> 03:11:16.760
Then she remembered that the rest of the mail was

2987
03:11:16.920 --> 03:11:20.440
likely still in the mailbox. She knew she only had

2988
03:11:20.479 --> 03:11:22.440
to go to the end of the walkway to get it,

2989
03:11:22.520 --> 03:11:26.360
so she didn't bother putting on her coat. She opened

2990
03:11:26.399 --> 03:11:30.959
the front door and stepped outside. When Helga reached the mailbox,

2991
03:11:31.200 --> 03:11:34.399
she opened it and pulled out the short stack of envelopes.

2992
03:11:35.280 --> 03:11:37.920
Then she saw the car pulling out of the parking

2993
03:11:37.959 --> 03:11:42.159
lot and knew it was Miss Barrett. She also saw

2994
03:11:42.200 --> 03:11:45.120
the mousey junior high girl who came with those other

2995
03:11:45.239 --> 03:11:50.200
kids sitting in the passenger seat. Probably ran out of something.

2996
03:11:50.600 --> 03:11:54.239
Helga muttered, Emma should have fired her a long time ago.

2997
03:11:55.159 --> 03:11:57.520
Helga turned and made her way back to the door.

2998
03:11:58.280 --> 03:12:01.600
She had the door halfway opened when she suddenly felt

2999
03:12:01.680 --> 03:12:05.840
it being pushed hard against her and slammed shut. The

3000
03:12:05.920 --> 03:12:09.799
lock clicked Shortly after, she dug into her pocket for

3001
03:12:09.879 --> 03:12:13.639
her keys. When she couldn't find them, she knew she

3002
03:12:13.680 --> 03:12:17.959
had left them upstairs in her room. Helga started pushing

3003
03:12:18.000 --> 03:12:22.399
on the doorbell button, but no sound was heard inside,

3004
03:12:22.600 --> 03:12:25.959
at least not the one she was listening for. A

3005
03:12:26.000 --> 03:12:28.840
few moments later, she heard some tapping on one of

3006
03:12:28.879 --> 03:12:33.799
the windows and saw Butch, Joe, and Stan looking out

3007
03:12:33.840 --> 03:12:37.399
at her. They gave her their mischievous looks as they

3008
03:12:37.440 --> 03:12:41.520
waved at her. Open this door right now, you rotten

3009
03:12:41.600 --> 03:12:46.120
little brats, Helga yelled in response. The three boys were

3010
03:12:46.120 --> 03:12:50.079
making even worse faces at her. Then Butch opened the window.

3011
03:12:50.959 --> 03:12:56.399
You stay outside, you old witch. Yeah, Joe added, go away,

3012
03:12:57.719 --> 03:13:02.079
We don't want you here. Stand further. Then the boys

3013
03:13:02.120 --> 03:13:06.200
started pushing clothes out of the window. Helga immediately knew

3014
03:13:07.159 --> 03:13:11.079
they were hers. You little monsters. You just wait till

3015
03:13:11.120 --> 03:13:15.040
I get back inside. The last thing the mischievous boys

3016
03:13:15.040 --> 03:13:20.159
throughout was the snow globe she had just received. When

3017
03:13:20.159 --> 03:13:22.319
I get back inside, I'm going to see to it.

3018
03:13:22.399 --> 03:13:27.000
You never leave your bedrooms ever again. Helga yelled, yeah,

3019
03:13:27.040 --> 03:13:31.559
but you ain't never getting back inside, Butch teased. Suddenly

3020
03:13:31.600 --> 03:13:35.200
the front door opened up. Helga rushed right in and

3021
03:13:35.280 --> 03:13:39.879
saw Brian Chunk standing there. Then she grabbed him, You

3022
03:13:40.000 --> 03:13:44.559
rotten little boy, she yelled, I'm gonna tan your hide.

3023
03:13:44.879 --> 03:13:48.920
What I didn't do nothing, Brian returned as he broke

3024
03:13:49.000 --> 03:13:52.079
loose from her. I just came by and heard yelling outside,

3025
03:13:52.360 --> 03:13:54.120
so I opened the door to see what was up.

3026
03:13:55.000 --> 03:13:58.079
Just then, Butch appeared and saw Helga had been let

3027
03:13:58.159 --> 03:14:01.920
back in. Then he put it to Brian, this ain't

3028
03:14:01.920 --> 03:14:05.079
none of your business, fat stuff. He looked back at

3029
03:14:05.120 --> 03:14:09.280
Helga and made a hideous face. You wanna fight, Come

3030
03:14:09.319 --> 03:14:12.879
and get me The ugly old bat. Helga turned and

3031
03:14:12.920 --> 03:14:16.239
went straight after Butch. As she was about to grab him,

3032
03:14:16.440 --> 03:14:19.120
the other two boys sprung out of their hiding places

3033
03:14:19.120 --> 03:14:22.239
and came together to make Helga trip over their backs

3034
03:14:22.680 --> 03:14:26.879
and hit the floor hard. Then the three troublesome boys

3035
03:14:26.920 --> 03:14:32.559
came together, pointed down at Helga and laughed. Brian Chunk

3036
03:14:32.639 --> 03:14:35.280
pushed right past them and went to help Helga up.

3037
03:14:35.959 --> 03:14:39.840
That was when the boys moved and jumped him from behind. However,

3038
03:14:39.920 --> 03:14:44.040
they had greatly underestimated Brian. Not only was he taller

3039
03:14:44.079 --> 03:14:47.639
than all of them, but he was also strong. True

3040
03:14:47.760 --> 03:14:50.040
he looked overweight on the account of loving to eat,

3041
03:14:50.680 --> 03:14:54.440
but he also exercised and lifted weights. Brian had no

3042
03:14:54.520 --> 03:14:58.079
problem getting the troublesome boys off of him before Butch

3043
03:14:58.159 --> 03:15:01.239
and his pals could come at Brian again. His friends

3044
03:15:01.280 --> 03:15:04.159
came to his aid when they saw Bill Chapman, they

3045
03:15:04.239 --> 03:15:08.719
knew they didn't want to tangle with him again. Miss Stanlan,

3046
03:15:08.760 --> 03:15:11.840
are you all right, missus Gibson asked when she finally

3047
03:15:11.959 --> 03:15:15.399
arrived on the scene. Brian Chunk and Mona Abels were

3048
03:15:15.440 --> 03:15:18.479
trying to help Helga up, but she shoved them away

3049
03:15:19.000 --> 03:15:22.000
when she was almost to her feet. She pointed right

3050
03:15:22.040 --> 03:15:25.680
at missus Gibson. That's the last straw I have had

3051
03:15:25.719 --> 03:15:29.760
it with these little brats, Miss Stanlan, we do not

3052
03:15:29.959 --> 03:15:33.120
call them that here at Missus Gibson started to say,

3053
03:15:33.440 --> 03:15:36.760
but they are. Every last one of these rotten children

3054
03:15:36.840 --> 03:15:42.399
here are just that rotten, especially those three little boys.

3055
03:15:42.959 --> 03:15:46.440
Then she heard the voice in her mind again. Come

3056
03:15:46.479 --> 03:15:50.680
back outside and pick me up, accept my power, and

3057
03:15:50.799 --> 03:15:55.399
you shall have your revenge. Helga marched to the front

3058
03:15:55.440 --> 03:15:59.200
door and opened it, not wanting to waste an opportunity,

3059
03:15:59.559 --> 03:16:04.200
but quickly moved up behind her and shoved her back outside.

3060
03:16:04.239 --> 03:16:08.120
Everybody could hear Helga fall down the front steps. Then

3061
03:16:08.200 --> 03:16:12.479
Butch closed the door and locked it. When Helga was

3062
03:16:12.520 --> 03:16:16.079
picking herself up off the snowy ground, she saw something

3063
03:16:16.120 --> 03:16:20.639
glowing nearby and went to it. She found and picked

3064
03:16:20.719 --> 03:16:25.239
up the snow globe. As before, the crampest figure's eyes

3065
03:16:25.799 --> 03:16:29.959
glowed brightly. As she looked into them. She could hear

3066
03:16:30.040 --> 03:16:34.760
the voice in her mind one more time. Those children

3067
03:16:34.879 --> 03:16:39.520
deserve to be punished. There are no good children in

3068
03:16:39.600 --> 03:16:44.040
that house. All you have to do is accept me

3069
03:16:45.120 --> 03:16:52.280
and invite me in use my power. Helga Stanlen, Yes,

3070
03:16:53.000 --> 03:16:58.799
Helga replied quickly yes. Then Helga's own eyes began to

3071
03:16:58.840 --> 03:17:02.600
glow brightly as she felt the incredible surge of energy

3072
03:17:02.680 --> 03:17:06.760
flowing from the snow globe and into her body. It

3073
03:17:06.920 --> 03:17:11.360
was then when she started to feel herself transforming. She

3074
03:17:11.520 --> 03:17:14.760
groaned with pain when her muscles started to burn as

3075
03:17:14.760 --> 03:17:19.319
they swelled, her bones began to grow, Her skin turned white,

3076
03:17:19.520 --> 03:17:22.639
and she was growing two very large horns out of

3077
03:17:22.680 --> 03:17:26.479
the top of her head. Gray fur was starting to form,

3078
03:17:26.639 --> 03:17:31.319
and her feet were transforming into hoofs. Her eyes were

3079
03:17:31.360 --> 03:17:33.639
now just as red as the figures in the snow

3080
03:17:33.680 --> 03:17:37.040
globe and were glowing. She looked at her hands and

3081
03:17:37.120 --> 03:17:42.959
saw they were now clawlike. When the transformation was complete,

3082
03:17:43.000 --> 03:17:46.719
she was still holding the snow globe. She moved to

3083
03:17:46.840 --> 03:17:49.920
a nearby tree and reached up to break off the

3084
03:17:50.000 --> 03:17:54.520
branch that she wanted. Then she put one end of

3085
03:17:54.559 --> 03:17:57.319
the branch to the bottom of the snow globe and

3086
03:17:57.399 --> 03:18:03.079
watched them fuse together to make her staff. Crampis turned

3087
03:18:03.360 --> 03:18:06.239
and looked at the home, Sweet Home Orphanage as a whole.

3088
03:18:07.639 --> 03:18:12.760
Those naughty children shall pay for their sins soon enough,

3089
03:18:14.040 --> 03:18:20.120
But first Crampus raised the staff to the sky. Moments later,

3090
03:18:20.479 --> 03:18:24.920
wintery storm clouds came together fast. Soon the winds were

3091
03:18:24.920 --> 03:18:30.440
blowing hard and heavy snow was coming down fast. Crampis

3092
03:18:30.520 --> 03:18:33.799
knew that eventually traveling would be next to impossible.

3093
03:18:34.639 --> 03:18:39.680
Everybody would be trapped inside the orphanage. She wanted to

3094
03:18:39.719 --> 03:18:43.040
burst through the front door, but she decided to wait

3095
03:18:43.120 --> 03:18:46.799
until everything was just right before she would make those

3096
03:18:46.920 --> 03:18:51.719
children pay for their sins. She wanted to take them

3097
03:18:51.760 --> 03:18:54.440
back to her layer and make them stay in her

3098
03:18:54.520 --> 03:19:00.360
many cages there forever and ever. You shall pay for

3099
03:19:00.440 --> 03:19:05.280
your sins as well, Emma Gibson. You've let those monsters

3100
03:19:05.280 --> 03:19:10.239
get away with everything for far too long. Then she

3101
03:19:10.360 --> 03:19:14.280
saw a car turning into the parking lot and knew

3102
03:19:14.360 --> 03:19:19.639
who it was immediately. Ah, seems the Mayor of Pendleton

3103
03:19:19.639 --> 03:19:24.159
has arrived. This night shall prove to be most interesting.

3104
03:19:25.399 --> 03:19:31.719
Get comfortable, Mayor, because you shall never be leaving. You

3105
03:19:31.799 --> 03:19:38.959
and everyone else shall soon belong to Crumpus. Part four

3106
03:19:39.479 --> 03:19:44.840
perspective Bailey downs. Missus Gibson has those three goobers sitting

3107
03:19:44.879 --> 03:19:47.719
down in the main living room. Listening to her. It

3108
03:19:47.840 --> 03:19:51.520
sounds like Butch, Joe and Stan have been nothing but trouble.

3109
03:19:52.520 --> 03:19:55.040
Joe and Stan both came here a month apart a

3110
03:19:55.079 --> 03:19:58.000
few years ago and seemed to be distant from everybody.

3111
03:19:58.639 --> 03:20:01.280
As soon as Butch came along, he ended up getting

3112
03:20:01.280 --> 03:20:05.639
with those two. Since then, he's been their fearless leader,

3113
03:20:05.840 --> 03:20:09.040
and together they've been causing all kinds of problems here.

3114
03:20:10.040 --> 03:20:12.559
Looking at them, they don't seem to have any remorse

3115
03:20:12.639 --> 03:20:17.040
for what they've done, especially to Miss Stanley. Yeah, they're

3116
03:20:17.079 --> 03:20:21.319
making their wicked little smiles. Go figure. They're probably around nine,

3117
03:20:21.719 --> 03:20:24.319
maybe ten or eleven, and they act like they run

3118
03:20:24.360 --> 03:20:28.440
the orphanage. When Missus Gibson emphasizes how they've driven many

3119
03:20:28.479 --> 03:20:32.280
potential parents away, she tells them she really doesn't know

3120
03:20:32.360 --> 03:20:35.200
how much longer she'll be able to keep them there,

3121
03:20:36.479 --> 03:20:41.159
can't hear you, old lady, Butch says, not listening, Joe

3122
03:20:41.200 --> 03:20:46.040
ads forget it, stand further ads. A moment later, an

3123
03:20:46.079 --> 03:20:49.399
important looking middle aged woman walks into the living room.

3124
03:20:50.000 --> 03:20:53.239
When Missus Gibson sees her, she points to the boys,

3125
03:20:54.040 --> 03:20:56.559
you three will stay right here and not move a

3126
03:20:56.639 --> 03:21:02.120
muscle whatever. Butch says defiantly, Who'll do whatever we want?

3127
03:21:02.879 --> 03:21:06.159
But when they try getting off the couch, Chunker, Mona

3128
03:21:06.200 --> 03:21:09.760
and Chapman are right there to make them reconsider. Those

3129
03:21:09.840 --> 03:21:13.040
goobers only scowl at my friends, but they can't really

3130
03:21:13.079 --> 03:21:16.680
do much to them, since they're bigger and stronger. The

3131
03:21:16.760 --> 03:21:19.760
important looking woman is definitely younger than any of the

3132
03:21:19.760 --> 03:21:23.680
staff women we've seen working here. She's about my mom's age.

3133
03:21:24.159 --> 03:21:29.879
In fact, I know her. Then I realize something. Hey

3134
03:21:30.120 --> 03:21:32.879
have you guys seen miss Barrett or Mouse? I ask?

3135
03:21:33.479 --> 03:21:37.479
Missus Gibson raises her finger. Oh dear, I'm so sorry.

3136
03:21:37.879 --> 03:21:40.959
I should have told you all. They just left here.

3137
03:21:41.159 --> 03:21:43.600
Miss Barrett went to Strickfield to pick up some things

3138
03:21:43.639 --> 03:21:47.280
and took your friend with her. The important looking woman

3139
03:21:47.399 --> 03:21:50.559
takes off her coat. I hope they'll be all right, Emma.

3140
03:21:50.879 --> 03:21:53.719
The weather just got really nasty all of the sudden.

3141
03:21:54.639 --> 03:21:58.639
Are you serious, Eloise, missus Gibson asked, It wasn't that

3142
03:21:58.719 --> 03:22:02.000
bad when I looked outside a while ago. When I

3143
03:22:02.040 --> 03:22:05.920
pulled in here, it was snowing really hard with heavy winds.

3144
03:22:06.440 --> 03:22:10.840
Eloise points to a nearby window. See for yourself. Missus

3145
03:22:10.879 --> 03:22:15.600
Gibson goes and looks outside. Oh my, She turns back

3146
03:22:15.639 --> 03:22:19.159
to Eloise. It wasn't supposed to be like this, The

3147
03:22:19.239 --> 03:22:21.239
news said. It was supposed to be a clear day.

3148
03:22:21.959 --> 03:22:25.239
I can't believe how dark it looks outside. You'd think

3149
03:22:25.280 --> 03:22:28.840
it was night and it's only going on one. She

3150
03:22:29.040 --> 03:22:33.000
sighs and turns around. Guess you can't always trust the weatherman.

3151
03:22:33.959 --> 03:22:37.079
Then Eloise looks at all of us. Are these your

3152
03:22:37.079 --> 03:22:42.120
helpers for today? Yes, missus Gibson answers cheerfully and introduces us.

3153
03:22:42.600 --> 03:22:47.200
Then she tells us kids, this is Mayor Eloise Parkhurst,

3154
03:22:47.520 --> 03:22:50.840
a huge supporter of Home, Sweet Home. She's been the

3155
03:22:50.920 --> 03:22:55.600
driving force behind us keeping our doors open. Indeed, Mayor

3156
03:22:55.680 --> 03:22:58.920
Parkhurst degrees, my husband and I have adopted and are

3157
03:22:59.000 --> 03:23:02.200
raising two children from here. Then she points to me

3158
03:23:02.760 --> 03:23:06.639
and I do remember you, Bailey? Come here. I go

3159
03:23:06.680 --> 03:23:09.399
to her so he can hug. It's nice to see

3160
03:23:09.399 --> 03:23:14.799
you again, I say. Indeed, she replies, you've really grown

3161
03:23:14.920 --> 03:23:17.120
since I last saw you the day you left here

3162
03:23:17.360 --> 03:23:21.200
with your new parents. When we finish our hug, Horton

3163
03:23:21.319 --> 03:23:25.319
goes and looks outside. Geez, you were right, Missus Gibson.

3164
03:23:25.959 --> 03:23:28.719
He turns to look at us. It really does look

3165
03:23:28.760 --> 03:23:33.840
like it's night outside. Mona hugs herself and shivers. Why

3166
03:23:33.840 --> 03:23:36.360
do I get the feeling things are gonna be bad?

3167
03:23:37.120 --> 03:23:40.479
I put my hand on Mona's shoulder. Hey, it's okay.

3168
03:23:41.040 --> 03:23:46.200
We're all here together. Only now I'm a little scared myself.

3169
03:23:47.120 --> 03:23:49.879
I hope Miss Barrett and Mouse make it back here safely.

3170
03:23:50.639 --> 03:23:53.639
Then Chunker turns and moves to the window to see

3171
03:23:53.680 --> 03:23:57.760
for himself. Aw man, how to become night all? A

3172
03:23:57.799 --> 03:24:01.959
sudden Horton shrugs. Your guess is as good as mine.

3173
03:24:04.959 --> 03:24:09.559
As Chunker turns back around, the window seemingly explodes right

3174
03:24:09.600 --> 03:24:14.760
behind him, and these two hideous claw like hands grab him.

3175
03:24:15.559 --> 03:24:19.600
Come to me, you little porker. Chunker screams and fights

3176
03:24:19.639 --> 03:24:25.680
to lean forward. Hell. Then he screams again. We scream

3177
03:24:25.719 --> 03:24:28.879
ourselves and quickly move to help Chunker. We grab hold

3178
03:24:28.920 --> 03:24:31.879
of him and pull back with our combined weight. There's

3179
03:24:31.959 --> 03:24:36.120
no use trying to help your friend. He belongs to Crampus.

3180
03:24:36.159 --> 03:24:39.360
Now I'll place him in my sack and take him

3181
03:24:39.360 --> 03:24:42.799
back to my lair with me. You shall be caged

3182
03:24:42.879 --> 03:24:47.399
up forever and ever. All of you shall soon belong

3183
03:24:47.520 --> 03:24:51.959
to Crampus. Chunker screams again, get your hands off me.

3184
03:24:52.200 --> 03:24:55.799
I ain't goin nowhere with you. Then Mona makes a

3185
03:24:55.959 --> 03:24:59.760
very bold move and slips him between that thing and Chunker.

3186
03:25:00.319 --> 03:25:04.120
Let him go, you ugly monster. She growls and kicks

3187
03:25:04.120 --> 03:25:07.000
that thing right in the face, making it finally let

3188
03:25:07.040 --> 03:25:10.239
go of Chunker. We all cry out and fall on

3189
03:25:10.280 --> 03:25:14.000
the floor. Snow and heavy winds are blowing into the orphanage.

3190
03:25:14.520 --> 03:25:17.239
Looking at those three goobers, they're not looking as cool

3191
03:25:17.280 --> 03:25:20.559
as they thought they were. When the thing reappears in

3192
03:25:20.600 --> 03:25:24.280
the broken out window. We're all screaming now. Then she

3193
03:25:24.399 --> 03:25:27.600
points to the three goobers on the couch. Just give

3194
03:25:27.680 --> 03:25:30.440
me those boys right there, and you may get to

3195
03:25:30.600 --> 03:25:36.680
enjoy your Christmas after all. What are you, missus, Gibson stammers,

3196
03:25:37.040 --> 03:25:42.440
Then she makes this weird look. Helga, is that you

3197
03:25:44.159 --> 03:25:45.200
the thing? Laughs?

3198
03:25:46.200 --> 03:25:52.360
There is no more Helga Stanlen. Now there is only Crampus,

3199
03:25:52.840 --> 03:25:56.879
and I want those mischievous boys. You can either give

3200
03:25:56.920 --> 03:26:01.399
them to me, or I'll just have to come in

3201
03:26:01.440 --> 03:26:06.040
there and claim them myself. Why are you doing this, Helga,

3202
03:26:06.520 --> 03:26:10.559
missus Gibson demands. The goobers quickly stand up on the couch.

3203
03:26:11.239 --> 03:26:13.799
Then they move over the top and stand behind it.

3204
03:26:14.440 --> 03:26:17.239
Next thing we know, they turn and run away, screaming

3205
03:26:18.600 --> 03:26:22.520
because you refuse to punish them. Emma, how many times

3206
03:26:22.520 --> 03:26:25.280
have you let those brats practically get away with whatever

3207
03:26:25.319 --> 03:26:30.319
they wanted to here she raises her hand. Well, now

3208
03:26:30.399 --> 03:26:33.680
you don't have to do anything. Crampush shall do what

3209
03:26:33.719 --> 03:26:38.760
you were unwilling to do. Crampis laughs a long, horrible,

3210
03:26:38.959 --> 03:26:42.760
evil laugh before she comes in through the window. We

3211
03:26:42.799 --> 03:26:46.399
all scream again and scatter in different directions. Horton and

3212
03:26:46.440 --> 03:26:49.079
I run down one of the downstairs hallways into another

3213
03:26:49.120 --> 03:26:52.680
living room area. Hey, this place is big enough to

3214
03:26:52.719 --> 03:26:53.399
have three of them.

3215
03:26:54.239 --> 03:26:56.200
Oh man, oh man, oh man, oh man, oh man,

3216
03:26:56.239 --> 03:27:00.360
oh man, oh man. Horton practically breathes out why things

3217
03:27:00.399 --> 03:27:04.559
like this keep happening? Before I can answer him, Crampis

3218
03:27:04.600 --> 03:27:07.520
is suddenly coming in behind us. She points at us

3219
03:27:07.559 --> 03:27:12.159
and says, your souls belong to Crampis now. Horton and

3220
03:27:12.200 --> 03:27:15.920
I both scream again and run into another hallway. It

3221
03:27:16.000 --> 03:27:19.840
seems like Crampis is practically floating after us. We both

3222
03:27:19.879 --> 03:27:22.040
have the same idea and start pulling stuff to the

3223
03:27:22.079 --> 03:27:26.280
floor to try making the monster stagger. You two naughties

3224
03:27:26.520 --> 03:27:30.120
might as well just jump into my sack. No way,

3225
03:27:30.520 --> 03:27:34.440
I yell, get away from us. We make our way

3226
03:27:34.479 --> 03:27:37.760
back around into the previous living room. When we get there,

3227
03:27:37.840 --> 03:27:40.399
I quickly grab a glass sculpture off of a table

3228
03:27:40.799 --> 03:27:44.559
and throw it at Crampus. She's got this devilish smile

3229
03:27:44.639 --> 03:27:47.920
on her face when she catches it and easily crumbles

3230
03:27:47.959 --> 03:27:51.639
it in her hands. Then Horton starts grabbing books off

3231
03:27:51.639 --> 03:27:55.879
the shelf and heaving a matter, what a shame. A

3232
03:27:55.959 --> 03:27:59.920
mind is a terrible thing to waste, she teases, knock

3233
03:28:00.200 --> 03:28:03.799
the books away. Suddenly someone comes running from out of

3234
03:28:03.840 --> 03:28:09.840
nowhere and tackles Crampis Chunker. Horton cries excitedly. He quickly

3235
03:28:09.840 --> 03:28:12.959
gets off the monster and comes to us. I can't

3236
03:28:12.959 --> 03:28:16.760
believe it just did that, run, I yell. The three

3237
03:28:16.760 --> 03:28:20.000
of us keep moving through the orphanage. Then we've only

3238
03:28:20.040 --> 03:28:23.639
got one choice available and do the one horror movie

3239
03:28:23.680 --> 03:28:28.959
thing you should never do. We head upstairs. It surprises

3240
03:28:29.000 --> 03:28:31.639
me how Chunker can keep up with us, being a

3241
03:28:31.639 --> 03:28:34.639
little on the portly side, and all we can hear

3242
03:28:34.760 --> 03:28:40.319
Crampis following us on up Help me, Chunker yells. At first,

3243
03:28:40.319 --> 03:28:43.959
I'm thinking he's in trouble. When I turn around, Horton's

3244
03:28:44.000 --> 03:28:46.600
moving to Chunker to help him push a big, heavy

3245
03:28:46.639 --> 03:28:49.600
shelf down the stairs. I quickly move to help them.

3246
03:28:50.280 --> 03:28:54.840
You really need to just stop. The demon groans. We

3247
03:28:54.920 --> 03:28:57.440
get the shelf to tumble down the stairs at Crampis,

3248
03:28:57.879 --> 03:29:00.280
it slams into her and makes her hit the wall

3249
03:29:00.040 --> 03:29:04.200
all hard. We turn and keep running. Where are we

3250
03:29:04.239 --> 03:29:07.559
going to run to? Up here? Horton yells, follow me.

3251
03:29:07.959 --> 03:29:10.440
I tell them I know my way around this place.

3252
03:29:11.079 --> 03:29:13.319
I lead Horton and Chunker down to the end of

3253
03:29:13.360 --> 03:29:15.799
this hallway so we can take a quick left and

3254
03:29:15.920 --> 03:29:19.760
keep moving. I would imagine since miss stanlin Is Crampis now,

3255
03:29:20.280 --> 03:29:24.040
she probably knows where we're heading. Still, we can't let

3256
03:29:24.040 --> 03:29:26.680
her just trap us up here. We make it to

3257
03:29:26.719 --> 03:29:30.719
the other stairway and start heading back down. Suddenly Crampis

3258
03:29:30.760 --> 03:29:33.719
is right there. We all scream and turn back around.

3259
03:29:34.799 --> 03:29:38.079
Face it. You'll never escape me, and believe me when

3260
03:29:38.120 --> 03:29:43.040
I say, no naughty escapes me. How are we naughty?

3261
03:29:43.360 --> 03:29:47.200
Chunker calls back, what did we do? None of you

3262
03:29:47.280 --> 03:29:51.200
are ever satisfied with anything you've been given, especially those

3263
03:29:51.280 --> 03:29:55.559
three rotten brats. You're trying to protect them, so that

3264
03:29:55.719 --> 03:30:01.799
makes you sinful and naughty. Then the absolute weirdest thing

3265
03:30:01.920 --> 03:30:05.440
happens when we reach the stairway we came up. Chunker

3266
03:30:05.479 --> 03:30:08.000
trips on a bunched up part of the hallway carpet

3267
03:30:08.319 --> 03:30:12.239
and is diving at the stairs in trying to stop Chunker.

3268
03:30:12.319 --> 03:30:15.399
I fall onto his back and we start sliding down

3269
03:30:15.440 --> 03:30:19.079
the stairs together. Then I feel skinny little Horton land

3270
03:30:19.120 --> 03:30:22.239
on top of me, and he's sliding with us as

3271
03:30:22.280 --> 03:30:26.120
a triple decker sandwich. We reach the bottom, separate and

3272
03:30:26.200 --> 03:30:28.479
quickly get up in time to see Crampis at the

3273
03:30:28.479 --> 03:30:32.040
top of the stairs and getting ready to jump. We

3274
03:30:32.200 --> 03:30:35.639
scream and run again, talk about needing that stroke of

3275
03:30:35.719 --> 03:30:39.200
luck again as Crampis lands on the floor hard and

3276
03:30:39.360 --> 03:30:44.680
falls right through it to land in the basement. Hey over,

3277
03:30:44.719 --> 03:30:47.840
hear you, guys. We turned to see Chapman called out

3278
03:30:47.879 --> 03:30:50.559
to us and motioning for us to come to the kitchen.

3279
03:30:51.239 --> 03:30:53.639
We turn down that hallway and move until we're all

3280
03:30:53.639 --> 03:30:57.239
in the kitchen. Missus Gibson, Mayor Parkhurst, and all the

3281
03:30:57.280 --> 03:31:00.559
other kids and our other two friends are all in there.

3282
03:31:01.559 --> 03:31:04.600
Chapman and Mona work to slide the big metal door shut.

3283
03:31:05.760 --> 03:31:10.280
Of course, I quickly say, realizing I should have remembered

3284
03:31:10.280 --> 03:31:13.719
this orphanage uses the kitchen as a tornado shelter. I

3285
03:31:13.799 --> 03:31:16.959
really have been away from here for too long. What

3286
03:31:17.479 --> 03:31:20.799
you want to come live here again? Mona cracks. I

3287
03:31:20.879 --> 03:31:23.879
laugh a little and gently slap her shoulder. Then I

3288
03:31:23.959 --> 03:31:27.440
noticed those three goobers ain't in here with us. Chapman

3289
03:31:27.520 --> 03:31:31.120
sees the look on my face. Yeah, they ended up

3290
03:31:31.159 --> 03:31:33.840
going into the pantry over there and locking it behind them.

3291
03:31:34.680 --> 03:31:36.520
They got most of the food in there and won't

3292
03:31:36.559 --> 03:31:39.799
open up. Mona walks to the door and punches and

3293
03:31:39.879 --> 03:31:44.600
kicks it. Open up, you stupid little goobers. No, you're

3294
03:31:44.639 --> 03:31:48.760
all stupid. Stan jeers from behind the door. Yeah, that

3295
03:31:48.879 --> 03:31:52.239
think you get all of you, butch Ads, we ain't

3296
03:31:52.239 --> 03:31:57.399
opening up. Chapman slams his fist into the door. Yeah, clearly,

3297
03:31:57.440 --> 03:32:00.639
you dummies ain't thinking things through. If if that monster

3298
03:32:00.719 --> 03:32:02.879
gets all of us, how long do you think it'll

3299
03:32:02.920 --> 03:32:05.200
be before she'll be coming right through this door to

3300
03:32:05.280 --> 03:32:10.159
get you, Especially when it's you three she wants, Horton adds.

3301
03:32:11.280 --> 03:32:14.760
Then we hear butch making mocking noises at us, kind

3302
03:32:14.760 --> 03:32:16.920
of like those squeakers tend to do if you run

3303
03:32:16.959 --> 03:32:20.440
into any when you're playing video games online. Now, a

3304
03:32:20.479 --> 03:32:22.600
little girl comes up to me and holds onto me.

3305
03:32:23.360 --> 03:32:27.639
I'm scared. I squat down to give her, a gentle hug. Hey,

3306
03:32:28.280 --> 03:32:31.600
I'm scared too, we all are, but we've got to

3307
03:32:31.639 --> 03:32:34.639
be strong if we're going to get through this. Chunker

3308
03:32:34.680 --> 03:32:39.559
asks Missus Gibson. Any ideas what we can do? She

3309
03:32:39.680 --> 03:32:43.479
gives Chunker a confused look. I can't believe any of

3310
03:32:43.520 --> 03:32:48.120
this is real. You and me both, Mayor Parkhurst tells her.

3311
03:32:48.840 --> 03:32:52.319
Mona turns to them. Yeah, be glad neither of you

3312
03:32:52.360 --> 03:32:55.520
live in Strickfield. This sort of thing tends to happen

3313
03:32:55.520 --> 03:32:58.799
all the time there. She looks at me. Now, I'd

3314
03:32:58.879 --> 03:33:01.319
rather have to deal with seeing Bloody Mary again then

3315
03:33:01.360 --> 03:33:06.120
face down Crampis. I nod quickly. At least Bloody Mary

3316
03:33:06.159 --> 03:33:09.360
only scared us. Then I'm looking around for Mouse and

3317
03:33:09.399 --> 03:33:13.719
the cook, And then remember, at least Mouse and Misbarrett

3318
03:33:13.719 --> 03:33:16.840
are safe. They won't be if they end up coming

3319
03:33:16.920 --> 03:33:21.239
back here, Horton says. Suddenly, we hear a huge thud

3320
03:33:21.600 --> 03:33:25.159
at the metal door. You really think this door will

3321
03:33:25.239 --> 03:33:29.520
keep Crampus out, foolish Mortals. All I want are those

3322
03:33:29.559 --> 03:33:32.799
three rotten little boys. Just give them to me and

3323
03:33:32.840 --> 03:33:36.840
I'll leave you here in peace. Yeah, like we're stupid

3324
03:33:36.920 --> 03:33:40.639
enough to believe that she was just chasing chunker Horton

3325
03:33:40.680 --> 03:33:43.079
in me, she's going to try and grab all of

3326
03:33:43.159 --> 03:33:47.680
us before she's through here. Then Mona states the obvious.

3327
03:33:48.200 --> 03:33:50.799
We got two choices here the way I see it.

3328
03:33:51.600 --> 03:33:54.559
One we either try and tough it out in here.

3329
03:33:55.479 --> 03:33:58.399
Two we gotta try and get out of here before

3330
03:33:58.440 --> 03:34:01.239
missus Gibson can say anything, raises her hand up in

3331
03:34:01.239 --> 03:34:03.920
front of her. I know, I know it's easier said

3332
03:34:03.959 --> 03:34:08.760
than done with that nasty weather out there. Thud, boom

3333
03:34:09.319 --> 03:34:15.159
bang crash. Then I have an idea. What about using

3334
03:34:15.200 --> 03:34:19.399
the bus outside? Even if we could get everybody there,

3335
03:34:19.600 --> 03:34:22.040
there's no guarantee the bus will start or that we'll

3336
03:34:22.040 --> 03:34:25.840
be able to get away. Missus Gibson counters, well, we

3337
03:34:25.920 --> 03:34:30.120
can't just stay here, Missus Gibson. Chapman states boldly, how

3338
03:34:30.159 --> 03:34:33.520
long do you think that door's gonna hold out? Okay, yeah,

3339
03:34:33.680 --> 03:34:35.959
we're between a rock and a hard place here, but

3340
03:34:36.040 --> 03:34:43.159
we gotta do something. Crash, boom, bang, slam h If

3341
03:34:43.159 --> 03:34:47.680
only mouse we're here to drive, Mona groans, Missus Gibson,

3342
03:34:48.120 --> 03:34:51.280
can you drive the bus? I ask her. When she's

3343
03:34:51.280 --> 03:34:54.040
still looking scared and confused, I slap her on the arm.

3344
03:34:54.520 --> 03:34:58.159
Missus Gibson snap out of it. She finally does and

3345
03:34:58.200 --> 03:35:01.920
looks right at me. I'm sorry, sorry, what Bailey? Can

3346
03:35:01.959 --> 03:35:04.040
you drive the bus if we can get it started?

3347
03:35:04.319 --> 03:35:08.600
I repeat, Oh, yes, yes I can. But how will

3348
03:35:08.639 --> 03:35:11.719
you get out there to start it? She returns. Horton

3349
03:35:11.799 --> 03:35:15.600
raises his finger. I think you just answered your own question, Lady.

3350
03:35:16.280 --> 03:35:20.040
Chapman steps up next to him. Horton's right, ma'am. You

3351
03:35:20.159 --> 03:35:22.559
got the keys. We can go out there and see

3352
03:35:22.559 --> 03:35:25.879
if we can fire it up. But what if miss Stanlin.

3353
03:35:26.079 --> 03:35:28.399
The five of us suddenly all have the same idea

3354
03:35:28.719 --> 03:35:31.319
and quickly point to the door, which is starting to

3355
03:35:31.440 --> 03:35:35.639
dent pretty good. Now. Oh yes, yes, missus Gibson's quick

3356
03:35:35.639 --> 03:35:39.040
to agree, I see what you mean. We would have

3357
03:35:39.120 --> 03:35:41.280
thought she would need to go to the office or something,

3358
03:35:41.319 --> 03:35:43.399
but it turns out there's a board next to the

3359
03:35:43.440 --> 03:35:47.239
sliding metal door with many key rings on it. She

3360
03:35:47.360 --> 03:35:49.479
suddenly takes the one she knows has the key for

3361
03:35:49.559 --> 03:35:53.520
the bus on it. There are two buses outside, Missus

3362
03:35:53.520 --> 03:35:57.719
Gibson says, handing me the keys. I nod once get

3363
03:35:57.760 --> 03:36:01.120
ready to open up. I'm going for it. Chunker comes

3364
03:36:01.159 --> 03:36:04.079
over to me. You ain't going there by yourself, Bailey,

3365
03:36:04.120 --> 03:36:09.120
I'm coming with you, me too. Mayor Parkhurst quickly says, Hugh,

3366
03:36:09.200 --> 03:36:13.840
kids can't drive the bus. Missus Gibson quickly agrees, Yes,

3367
03:36:14.040 --> 03:36:17.399
you go with them, Eloise. My place is here. I

3368
03:36:17.479 --> 03:36:22.399
need to be with the children. Mayor Parkhurst nods in agreement. Hey,

3369
03:36:23.000 --> 03:36:27.360
if mouse can drive, why can't we. Mona disagrees because

3370
03:36:27.399 --> 03:36:32.399
we don't play driving games religiously like mouse does I return? Okay,

3371
03:36:32.440 --> 03:36:37.559
Mayor Parkhurst, it's you, Chunker and me and me. Mona states,

3372
03:36:38.120 --> 03:36:40.520
you're my best friend, Bailey. No way I'm leaving you

3373
03:36:40.639 --> 03:36:44.000
like that. No way I'm arguing with Mona on this,

3374
03:36:44.440 --> 03:36:47.239
especially when I do the same thing for her. Mona

3375
03:36:47.319 --> 03:36:49.399
was the first real friend I made since leaving the

3376
03:36:49.399 --> 03:36:53.000
Home Sweet Home Orphanage and coming to Strickfield. As Bailey downs,

3377
03:36:53.680 --> 03:36:55.719
Mona and I have been through thick and thin with

3378
03:36:55.760 --> 03:36:58.440
each other, even before we came to meet Ariel mir

3379
03:36:58.559 --> 03:37:01.879
and Carter Cross and Madeline Honorly, it doesn't take me

3380
03:37:01.959 --> 03:37:05.319
long to remember we screamed through Bloody Mary together and

3381
03:37:05.399 --> 03:37:09.959
survived Abigail Tomlin this last Halloween. I quickly hug Mona.

3382
03:37:10.719 --> 03:37:13.319
She hugs me back. Then we look at each other

3383
03:37:14.239 --> 03:37:18.440
we're really doing this, Mona states. I nod quickly right.

3384
03:37:19.280 --> 03:37:22.200
Then I point to Chapman. Can you stand at the

3385
03:37:22.239 --> 03:37:26.440
back door? You got it, Bailey, He gestures around the kitchen.

3386
03:37:27.120 --> 03:37:31.600
But at least arm yourselves first, right, I repeat. We

3387
03:37:31.639 --> 03:37:34.120
each open drawers and grab something to take out with

3388
03:37:34.200 --> 03:37:38.600
us when we're ready. Chapman stands at the back door. Unfortunately,

3389
03:37:38.680 --> 03:37:40.959
our jackets are in the walk in coat closet near

3390
03:37:41.000 --> 03:37:43.360
the main living room, so we're going to have to

3391
03:37:43.399 --> 03:37:46.840
brave the blowing winds and snow wearing just the clothes

3392
03:37:46.840 --> 03:37:50.319
on our backs alone. I look at Mayor Parkhurst, Mona

3393
03:37:50.360 --> 03:37:55.799
and Chunker. You guys ready, Chunker scoffs, you kidding? How

3394
03:37:55.840 --> 03:37:59.479
would we be ready for crampis? Oh? Shut up? Mona

3395
03:37:59.559 --> 03:38:04.280
groans really scared. Chunker looks at Chapman. Open up, buddy.

3396
03:38:05.040 --> 03:38:09.600
Chapman nods once on three. He unlocks the door, makes

3397
03:38:09.639 --> 03:38:12.879
the count, then pulls hard. The blowing snow and wind

3398
03:38:12.879 --> 03:38:15.239
blast right into the kitchen, but the four of us

3399
03:38:15.239 --> 03:38:17.840
shoot right outside and are running for it. We hear

3400
03:38:17.959 --> 03:38:20.280
Chapman yelling for Horton and some of the other kids

3401
03:38:20.280 --> 03:38:22.319
to come and help him slide the door shut again.

3402
03:38:23.239 --> 03:38:26.120
It seems like a long long way to get to

3403
03:38:26.159 --> 03:38:30.079
the buses. It gets even longer when we hear Crampis's

3404
03:38:30.120 --> 03:38:34.959
horrible laughter echoing in the darkness. I can tell you

3405
03:38:35.079 --> 03:38:37.639
right now, I have never been as scared as I

3406
03:38:37.680 --> 03:38:41.280
am right now. We're all scared, but we gotta save

3407
03:38:41.319 --> 03:38:44.760
the orphanage. Also, I know I want to see my

3408
03:38:44.879 --> 03:38:48.879
adopted mom and dad again and have Christmas with them.

3409
03:38:49.719 --> 03:38:53.360
Part five. The four of us are powering our way

3410
03:38:53.360 --> 03:38:56.600
through the winds and snow. Chunker's leading the way, so

3411
03:38:56.680 --> 03:38:59.879
we just follow him. It's actually pretty easy to see

3412
03:38:59.879 --> 03:39:03.760
the bright colors on his Hawaiian shirt. I can't see anything,

3413
03:39:04.319 --> 03:39:09.120
Mayor Parkhurst says, I can. Chunker tells her we're almost there.

3414
03:39:09.879 --> 03:39:12.399
In the back of my mind, I keep hoping and

3415
03:39:12.479 --> 03:39:16.319
praying that Crampis isn't anticipating what we're doing. If she

3416
03:39:16.440 --> 03:39:18.840
shows up back here, we can plan on spending the

3417
03:39:18.879 --> 03:39:23.040
next several holiday seasons in some dark place where we'll

3418
03:39:23.079 --> 03:39:27.000
never see the light of day ever again. Bailey, give

3419
03:39:27.040 --> 03:39:30.879
me those keys, Chunker says. When we reach the bus here,

3420
03:39:31.440 --> 03:39:34.000
I hand them to him. He takes them and tries

3421
03:39:34.040 --> 03:39:38.200
to push open the bus door. Locked. Chunker works through

3422
03:39:38.200 --> 03:39:41.520
the key ring quickly, wouldn't you know it. It's gotta

3423
03:39:41.559 --> 03:39:45.200
be the last key that finally works. Chunker unlocks the

3424
03:39:45.200 --> 03:39:48.879
bus and pushes the door open. Once we're in, Mayor

3425
03:39:48.920 --> 03:39:52.719
Parkhurst closes the door. Chunker hands her the keys and again,

3426
03:39:53.239 --> 03:39:55.319
it's gotta be the last one, she uses. But the

3427
03:39:55.319 --> 03:39:57.840
Mayor slips the key in and turns it. As the

3428
03:39:57.879 --> 03:40:01.000
rest of us are crossing our fingers, the bus makes

3429
03:40:01.040 --> 03:40:05.079
a few weak cranks. Oh, come on, come on, Mayor

3430
03:40:05.159 --> 03:40:09.000
Parkhurst groans. The Mayor of Pendleton takes a deep breath

3431
03:40:09.040 --> 03:40:12.639
and turns the key one more time. It's another weak crank,

3432
03:40:13.159 --> 03:40:19.000
then it finally fires up. Yes, Mona shrieks, Yes, is

3433
03:40:19.079 --> 03:40:23.440
right Mona. Mayor Parkers degrees sharply. Okay, you kids, sit down.

3434
03:40:23.920 --> 03:40:26.319
We get this mobile fortress up by the door, Get

3435
03:40:26.319 --> 03:40:29.479
everybody on and get out of here. The Mayor puts

3436
03:40:29.520 --> 03:40:32.239
the bus in gear. At first, it seems like we're

3437
03:40:32.280 --> 03:40:35.399
spinning our tires on the snow covered parking lot, but

3438
03:40:35.479 --> 03:40:39.440
the bus does finally move along. Then we start cheering.

3439
03:40:40.360 --> 03:40:43.600
Mayor Parkers drives the bus towards the building, turning it.

3440
03:40:43.639 --> 03:40:47.000
When we're near the back door, she stops and opens

3441
03:40:47.040 --> 03:40:50.040
the bus doors. Chunker and I climb off the bus

3442
03:40:50.079 --> 03:40:53.920
and knock on the back door. Chapman opens up. Come on,

3443
03:40:54.159 --> 03:40:58.239
let's load up, Chunker tells him. Chapman glances over his shoulder.

3444
03:40:59.000 --> 03:41:02.479
We can get out of here. Let's go. But Horton's

3445
03:41:02.559 --> 03:41:05.719
kind of being a Debbie downer with good reason. We

3446
03:41:05.879 --> 03:41:10.360
still got those what did you call them, Bailey goobers.

3447
03:41:10.719 --> 03:41:13.600
I tell him. I march right inside and go right

3448
03:41:13.639 --> 03:41:16.440
to the locked pantry door. We're getting out of here,

3449
03:41:16.479 --> 03:41:19.959
you little goobers. I mean it. Crampis is almost in here.

3450
03:41:20.239 --> 03:41:22.920
Last chance you don't come. You can send us all

3451
03:41:22.959 --> 03:41:27.479
postcards from Crampis's layer each and every Christmas, of course,

3452
03:41:27.719 --> 03:41:32.440
butch has to talk in that stupid idiotic voice. Oh okay,

3453
03:41:33.040 --> 03:41:36.959
then his two friends are making their stupid idiotic noises again.

3454
03:41:37.680 --> 03:41:40.959
Chapman quickly taps my shoulder. We gotta go, Bailey. A

3455
03:41:41.000 --> 03:41:44.239
few more hits, and Crampis is coming in again. Those

3456
03:41:44.280 --> 03:41:49.200
idiots won't stop with their stupid noises. Okay, goobers, we're leaving.

3457
03:41:49.719 --> 03:41:54.680
I tell them one last time, goodbye forever. Chapman and

3458
03:41:54.719 --> 03:41:57.280
Horton and I are the last ones out Chapman and

3459
03:41:57.319 --> 03:42:00.200
I are just sliding the back door shut when Crampus

3460
03:42:00.319 --> 03:42:03.959
finally comes through the other one. She's really mad and

3461
03:42:04.000 --> 03:42:07.879
her eyes are glowing red hot. Come on, we gotta

3462
03:42:07.879 --> 03:42:11.120
get out of here, Chunker calls out. Suddenly, those little

3463
03:42:11.159 --> 03:42:14.479
goobers burst out of the pantry, screaming their brains out.

3464
03:42:14.879 --> 03:42:17.879
Guess they finally realized we weren't stooping to their level.

3465
03:42:17.920 --> 03:42:20.239
After all, they can't get out through the back door

3466
03:42:20.280 --> 03:42:23.319
and get on the bus fast enough. Crampis snarls and

3467
03:42:23.360 --> 03:42:26.280
points her staff with some snow globe on it at us.

3468
03:42:26.840 --> 03:42:31.399
You truly underestimate my power. I shall have those naughty boys.

3469
03:42:31.760 --> 03:42:35.639
I shall have you all. I barely comprehend things when

3470
03:42:35.680 --> 03:42:38.479
Crampis is almost on me. I shriek when I feel

3471
03:42:38.520 --> 03:42:41.520
myself being lifted off my feet and am draping over

3472
03:42:41.600 --> 03:42:45.399
Chapman's shoulder. He's literally carrying me in a fireman's carry

3473
03:42:45.479 --> 03:42:49.879
out the back door. Close it, Chunker, he yells. Chunker

3474
03:42:49.959 --> 03:42:53.159
quickly slides the back door shut. Then I feel Chapman

3475
03:42:53.280 --> 03:42:58.079
shaking me. Hey you okay, Bailey. I quickly look around

3476
03:42:58.079 --> 03:43:01.280
and see I'm on a very crowded bus. Mayor parkerst

3477
03:43:01.399 --> 03:43:03.760
is pulling away from the back door and driving across

3478
03:43:03.760 --> 03:43:06.559
the parking lot to get us to the road. I

3479
03:43:06.600 --> 03:43:10.360
look back at Chapman and nod quickly. Yeah, I'm okay,

3480
03:43:10.680 --> 03:43:13.639
I'm I'm sorry. I really thought cramp has had me.

3481
03:43:14.079 --> 03:43:17.639
That's how close she got. Thank you for saving me.

3482
03:43:18.360 --> 03:43:22.879
Chapman nods back. We're getting out of here. Go faster, stupid,

3483
03:43:23.280 --> 03:43:26.440
Butch tells the mayor. Chapman grabs him and plants him

3484
03:43:26.440 --> 03:43:29.520
in a seat. Fact check. The roads are dangerous out

3485
03:43:29.520 --> 03:43:32.159
here right now. One wrong move and we'll turn onto

3486
03:43:32.200 --> 03:43:36.280
our side. Where would we go then again? Butch makes

3487
03:43:36.319 --> 03:43:39.520
with the dorky noises. He quickly shuts up when Chapman

3488
03:43:39.600 --> 03:43:43.200
gives him a mean look. At last, Mayor Parkers pulls

3489
03:43:43.200 --> 03:43:46.280
out onto the road. Then I remember I have my

3490
03:43:46.360 --> 03:43:52.000
smartphone and pull it out. Ah no, I mutter, no signal.

3491
03:43:52.760 --> 03:43:55.719
The storm must have knocked out the cell towers. I

3492
03:43:55.760 --> 03:43:59.360
can't text Mouse and Warner to stay away from the orphanage. Suddenly,

3493
03:43:59.399 --> 03:44:02.719
Horton's got this weird look on his face. What the

3494
03:44:03.319 --> 03:44:05.200
He scurries to the back of the bus and looks

3495
03:44:05.239 --> 03:44:09.840
out the window. Uh, guys, we have a huge problem.

3496
03:44:10.520 --> 03:44:13.319
The other kids who see what Horton's seeing are screaming. Now.

3497
03:44:13.639 --> 03:44:16.840
Mona quickly comes up behind him. Then she turns to

3498
03:44:16.840 --> 03:44:20.239
look our way. He's right. Crampis has a sleigh and

3499
03:44:20.319 --> 03:44:25.040
some zombie looking reindeer pulling it. I can't drive any faster,

3500
03:44:25.559 --> 03:44:28.600
Mayor Parkhurst groans, I'm barely keeping this bus on the

3501
03:44:28.680 --> 03:44:31.639
road as it is. When the goobers start doing their

3502
03:44:31.680 --> 03:44:35.440
stupid stuff again, I quickly say maybe we should take

3503
03:44:35.520 --> 03:44:38.319
these three and throw them out the back. I'll bet

3504
03:44:38.360 --> 03:44:42.680
Crampis would finally leave us alone. That definitely shut those

3505
03:44:42.680 --> 03:44:47.159
goobers up, and I mean fast. This road ends up ahead,

3506
03:44:47.159 --> 03:44:50.959
eluise missus. Gibson mourns her. You'll have to turn the bus.

3507
03:44:51.760 --> 03:44:55.719
I'm aware of that, Emma. The mayor quickly replies, hang on.

3508
03:44:56.879 --> 03:44:59.360
When we reach the intersection where this road ends, Mayor

3509
03:44:59.399 --> 03:45:03.280
parkers to try and turn. Unfortunately, the roads are too

3510
03:45:03.319 --> 03:45:05.280
snow covered for her to make the turn at the

3511
03:45:05.319 --> 03:45:08.799
speed she's driving. We end up going through the intersection

3512
03:45:08.879 --> 03:45:11.520
and over the curb. The Mayor hits the gas and

3513
03:45:11.639 --> 03:45:15.159
drives right across the open area. Do you know where

3514
03:45:15.159 --> 03:45:19.000
you're going? I ask her. Little lady I'm the mayor

3515
03:45:19.000 --> 03:45:22.479
of Pendleton, she replies, I know this village like I

3516
03:45:22.520 --> 03:45:25.200
know my own house. Don't worry, I don't plan on

3517
03:45:25.239 --> 03:45:27.399
getting us caught. You want to get back to your

3518
03:45:27.440 --> 03:45:29.399
parents in Strickfield, and I want to get back to

3519
03:45:29.440 --> 03:45:33.840
my husband and my kids. Hang on, look, Chunker yells,

3520
03:45:33.879 --> 03:45:37.360
pointing straight ahead. The mayor gasps when Crampis's sleigh and

3521
03:45:37.479 --> 03:45:40.559
zombie reindeer pull across the way to block us. The

3522
03:45:40.639 --> 03:45:43.680
Mayor's still keeping her lead foot on the gas I

3523
03:45:43.760 --> 03:45:46.239
get it. Trying to stop the bus might cause us

3524
03:45:46.280 --> 03:45:49.040
to turn sharply and make us flip onto one side.

3525
03:45:49.719 --> 03:45:51.799
On the other hand, Crampis is going to have to

3526
03:45:51.879 --> 03:45:57.120
move or be moved or not. Crampis hops off the

3527
03:45:57.159 --> 03:46:00.000
sleigh and quickly stops the bus dead in its track.

3528
03:46:00.799 --> 03:46:02.959
Before any of us can think of what to do next,

3529
03:46:03.440 --> 03:46:06.200
Crampis pulls off the hood like it's a cardboard top.

3530
03:46:06.760 --> 03:46:09.879
Then she reaches in and rips the huge motor clean

3531
03:46:09.920 --> 03:46:12.280
out so she can toss it over her shoulder like

3532
03:46:12.319 --> 03:46:16.799
an empty soda can. End of the road. Everybody out,

3533
03:46:17.440 --> 03:46:20.680
Crampis jeers. She walks to the bus doors and rips

3534
03:46:20.719 --> 03:46:23.360
them off. She looks in and points right at Butch.

3535
03:46:24.000 --> 03:46:27.959
You belong to me, you little naughty. Then Crampis sees

3536
03:46:28.000 --> 03:46:30.920
the bus as getting more and more empty, turns out.

3537
03:46:30.959 --> 03:46:33.559
Horton open the emergency door in the back is Mona

3538
03:46:33.600 --> 03:46:36.719
and missus Gibson got everybody to go out. Now all

3539
03:46:36.760 --> 03:46:40.399
the kids are running for their lives. No, I shall

3540
03:46:40.399 --> 03:46:45.000
not be robbed of my prizes, Crampis declares. Suddenly, Crampis

3541
03:46:45.079 --> 03:46:47.760
drops her staff and walks to tip the bus onto

3542
03:46:47.760 --> 03:46:51.239
its left side. I have a gut feeling about that staff.

3543
03:46:51.719 --> 03:46:55.159
Without even thinking of whatever repercussions may result, I dive

3544
03:46:55.239 --> 03:46:57.120
right out of the bus entrance and hit the snow.

3545
03:46:57.959 --> 03:47:01.360
Then I get up and grab Crampis's staff. I just

3546
03:47:01.440 --> 03:47:05.120
turn in a direction and run for all I'm worth,

3547
03:47:05.760 --> 03:47:10.200
you dare. Crampis roars so loudly that the force actually

3548
03:47:10.280 --> 03:47:13.680
knocks me down. I quickly get back up, still holding

3549
03:47:13.719 --> 03:47:18.520
the staff. You want those goobers or me, Crampis. Crampis

3550
03:47:18.559 --> 03:47:21.760
comes after me. Now give me my staff, you little

3551
03:47:21.840 --> 03:47:24.920
naughty I shall have your soul for this. Bailey downs.

3552
03:47:25.719 --> 03:47:28.159
I'm still holding onto the staff. When I turn and

3553
03:47:28.239 --> 03:47:32.280
run again, I hear Crampis roaring behind me. The next

3554
03:47:32.319 --> 03:47:34.639
thing I know, I get clipped and I'm being shoved

3555
03:47:34.680 --> 03:47:38.559
into the snow face first. Crampis is incredibly strong as

3556
03:47:38.559 --> 03:47:41.120
she holds me down while trying to take her staff back.

3557
03:47:41.920 --> 03:47:47.479
Let go, she demands. No, I yell back. Suddenly Crampis

3558
03:47:47.520 --> 03:47:49.760
lifts me right off the ground and slams me onto

3559
03:47:49.760 --> 03:47:52.479
my back. I groan when I feel the wind get

3560
03:47:52.520 --> 03:47:56.159
knocked out of me. I can't move. Just as Crampis

3561
03:47:56.200 --> 03:47:58.959
grabs her staff, she gets taken down for the second

3562
03:47:59.040 --> 03:48:02.559
time today by Chunker. He quickly gets off her and

3563
03:48:02.600 --> 03:48:05.559
grabs the staff. Then I feel Chapman lifting me up

3564
03:48:05.600 --> 03:48:10.239
into a fireman's carry. Let's go, Chunker. Chapman yells, I'm going.

3565
03:48:10.360 --> 03:48:13.920
I'm going. He yells back. Chapman's running with me like

3566
03:48:14.000 --> 03:48:16.559
I'm a pillow. I know he works out like Chunker,

3567
03:48:16.600 --> 03:48:19.680
but he doesn't look as strong as Carter Cross. Yeah,

3568
03:48:19.719 --> 03:48:24.000
I ain't complaining. He got me far away from Crampis. Man.

3569
03:48:24.040 --> 03:48:27.760
It's really freezing out here. I hear Chunker groan. You

3570
03:48:27.920 --> 03:48:32.639
think Chapman returns, Just keep running, You're gonna be okay, Bailey.

3571
03:48:33.520 --> 03:48:36.120
Then I'm starting to feel I can move again as

3572
03:48:36.120 --> 03:48:39.319
I'm getting my wind back. The guys managed to make

3573
03:48:39.360 --> 03:48:42.559
it to a nearby building and move by the loading docks.

3574
03:48:43.200 --> 03:48:46.040
You can put me down now, Chapman, I tell him,

3575
03:48:46.440 --> 03:48:53.000
I'm okay. Chapman, does you sure you're okay? I nod, yeah,

3576
03:48:53.079 --> 03:48:56.079
I'm fine. Now what do we do with this thing?

3577
03:48:56.360 --> 03:48:59.680
Chunker asked me. You went after it for a reason, Bailey,

3578
03:49:00.319 --> 03:49:04.239
Chapman gets it. I'm thinking without this, Crampis doesn't have

3579
03:49:04.280 --> 03:49:07.399
any power. You're right, Chapman, that is what I think.

3580
03:49:07.639 --> 03:49:11.079
I agree. Crampis'll come for us before she goes after

3581
03:49:11.120 --> 03:49:15.920
the others, even those goobers. Suddenly, Crampis drops right down

3582
03:49:15.920 --> 03:49:19.959
in front of us. I'll take that now. I leap

3583
03:49:20.000 --> 03:49:23.120
at Crampis and let her catch me. Run, Chunker, run.

3584
03:49:23.879 --> 03:49:26.719
Chapman and Chunker both turn and run. I hold on

3585
03:49:26.840 --> 03:49:29.680
to Crampis's face, hoping to blind her so she can't

3586
03:49:29.680 --> 03:49:33.319
see where the guys ran off to. Crampis eventually proves

3587
03:49:33.360 --> 03:49:36.159
too strong and grabs hold of me. She lifts me

3588
03:49:36.280 --> 03:49:39.360
high into the air and throws me really far. I

3589
03:49:39.479 --> 03:49:42.280
land on snowy ground and feel the wind get knocked

3590
03:49:42.280 --> 03:49:47.280
out of me again. No, I can't move, but I

3591
03:49:47.399 --> 03:49:51.559
groan and grit my teeth. I won't let Crampis win.

3592
03:49:53.479 --> 03:49:56.120
I push to sit up with all the determination I

3593
03:49:56.159 --> 03:50:00.399
can muster. Then I feel myself finally sitting up. I

3594
03:50:00.520 --> 03:50:02.959
use more will power and force myself to get to

3595
03:50:03.000 --> 03:50:06.360
my feet. I fall to my knees, but I force

3596
03:50:06.440 --> 03:50:10.200
myself to stand again. I can only manage short trots

3597
03:50:10.200 --> 03:50:13.639
as I'm trying to run. Before long, I have my

3598
03:50:13.719 --> 03:50:17.719
wind back again, and I run to find Crampis. When

3599
03:50:17.719 --> 03:50:20.200
I get back to the loading docks, I see the

3600
03:50:20.239 --> 03:50:24.120
cloven hoof prints and know where to follow. Soon I

3601
03:50:24.200 --> 03:50:27.520
see she's caught up to Chunker and Chapman. She's about

3602
03:50:27.520 --> 03:50:30.120
to take the staff away from Chunker when I run

3603
03:50:30.159 --> 03:50:34.280
to them and snatch it up myself. Na, Na can't

3604
03:50:34.319 --> 03:50:37.799
catch me. I jeer at Crampis. I know I can't

3605
03:50:37.799 --> 03:50:41.120
outrun that monster. If she easily caught up to me first,

3606
03:50:41.200 --> 03:50:44.440
then the guys she'll catch up to me again. I

3607
03:50:44.479 --> 03:50:47.879
have one last ditch idea I can try. I'm scared

3608
03:50:47.879 --> 03:50:51.239
for my life, but I'm also determined. I never forgot

3609
03:50:51.280 --> 03:50:55.120
what happened on Halloween night when Bloody Mary showed up

3610
03:50:55.680 --> 03:51:00.079
to save us from Abigail Tomlin. Just seeing that it

3611
03:51:00.159 --> 03:51:03.120
made me want to be a better person. I stop

3612
03:51:03.239 --> 03:51:06.319
trying to be more like Ariel. I've been trying so

3613
03:51:06.479 --> 03:51:10.479
hard to be nice to others. Well, now's my big

3614
03:51:10.559 --> 03:51:13.920
chance to really do some good. I can keep Crampis

3615
03:51:13.959 --> 03:51:16.840
here with me and make sure she doesn't get the others.

3616
03:51:17.440 --> 03:51:20.440
What do you think you're doing? Child? Give me back

3617
03:51:20.479 --> 03:51:22.799
my staff, or I shall rip it from your hands,

3618
03:51:23.360 --> 03:51:27.319
along with your very soul. I tighten my hands on

3619
03:51:27.360 --> 03:51:31.559
the staff. You can't have it. Really, all of this

3620
03:51:31.760 --> 03:51:35.159
because of three rotten little kids who don't know any better.

3621
03:51:35.440 --> 03:51:38.280
Give me a break. We've all done stupid things in

3622
03:51:38.319 --> 03:51:41.239
our lives. I know I have, you know what. I

3623
03:51:41.319 --> 03:51:44.559
may be doing something really stupid right now, but I'm

3624
03:51:44.639 --> 03:51:48.280
doing it. I feel my anger. Now you ain't getting

3625
03:51:48.319 --> 03:51:52.479
this staff back, Helga. Crampis roars at me and knocks

3626
03:51:52.520 --> 03:51:56.000
me down again. Then I feel myself being lifted up

3627
03:51:56.040 --> 03:51:59.639
along with the staff. Now I'm looking Crampis right in

3628
03:51:59.680 --> 03:52:02.520
the face as I'm hanging off the staff like a

3629
03:52:02.559 --> 03:52:06.680
pull bar at a gym. You are mine, Bailey Downs.

3630
03:52:06.920 --> 03:52:11.399
You shall never return to your family again. I growl

3631
03:52:11.479 --> 03:52:14.479
with anger and determination as I hold onto the staff

3632
03:52:14.559 --> 03:52:17.200
and push my feet to kick off her stomach. Then

3633
03:52:17.239 --> 03:52:19.680
I come back into her while still holding the staff

3634
03:52:19.840 --> 03:52:22.600
and give her a kick real hard in the gut.

3635
03:52:22.799 --> 03:52:26.319
She's momentarily stunned, but she drops me and the staff.

3636
03:52:26.959 --> 03:52:29.920
I pick myself up and hold onto that staff tight.

3637
03:52:30.600 --> 03:52:33.280
Crampis comes for me again, but I lash out and

3638
03:52:33.360 --> 03:52:36.040
hit her with the snow globe. I can't believe how

3639
03:52:36.120 --> 03:52:39.479
fast Crampis goes down. Chapman and I were on the

3640
03:52:39.479 --> 03:52:43.559
same page. This snow globe is the source of Crampis's power.

3641
03:52:44.079 --> 03:52:47.639
Without it, she can be beaten. When Crampis gets up again,

3642
03:52:47.719 --> 03:52:51.079
I step up to bat and swing. I connect with

3643
03:52:51.159 --> 03:52:54.840
Crampis again and knock her down fast. As she's getting

3644
03:52:54.879 --> 03:52:58.440
back up, Chunker tackles her one more time. He gets

3645
03:52:58.520 --> 03:53:01.760
up and gets away from her. When Crampis gets up again,

3646
03:53:01.879 --> 03:53:05.399
this time Chapman tackles her. I know we can't just

3647
03:53:05.520 --> 03:53:09.239
keep hitting her. Then I have an idea. I move

3648
03:53:09.360 --> 03:53:11.360
to the side of the building and swing the snow

3649
03:53:11.360 --> 03:53:14.200
globe to try and shatter it. I swing with all

3650
03:53:14.280 --> 03:53:18.719
my strength again and again, but the globe just will

3651
03:53:19.079 --> 03:53:22.840
not shatter. I scream at the top of my lungs

3652
03:53:22.959 --> 03:53:27.840
and hit the building one more time. Yes, okay, I

3653
03:53:27.920 --> 03:53:30.200
still couldn't shatter the snow globe, but I made it

3654
03:53:30.239 --> 03:53:34.239
come off the wooden staff. I quickly pick it up. Think, Bailey,

3655
03:53:34.360 --> 03:53:39.200
Think what can I do to stop crampis? Okay? What

3656
03:53:39.200 --> 03:53:42.959
would mouse do? Of course, I'll just think outside the

3657
03:53:43.000 --> 03:53:46.360
box here, and then I have an idea. I turn

3658
03:53:46.440 --> 03:53:48.959
the snow globe and look at the Crampis figure sitting

3659
03:53:49.040 --> 03:53:53.920
on its throne. Its eyes are glowing red hot. Take me,

3660
03:53:54.680 --> 03:53:57.479
I tell it. I'll give myself to save the others.

3661
03:53:57.760 --> 03:54:01.440
Take me. I know I'm flawed. I know I've been

3662
03:54:01.479 --> 03:54:03.680
a bad person and was mean to others at school,

3663
03:54:03.680 --> 03:54:07.840
but I've been trying to do right. Take me. Take

3664
03:54:07.879 --> 03:54:10.639
my soul if you've gotta have one, But I'm begging

3665
03:54:10.680 --> 03:54:14.000
you to let the others go. Suddenly, the snow globe

3666
03:54:14.040 --> 03:54:20.319
begins to glow brightly. Take me. I hold onto the

3667
03:54:20.319 --> 03:54:24.840
globe tightly as the light illuminates the entire area. Suddenly,

3668
03:54:24.840 --> 03:54:29.319
the very bright light is all I can see. I

3669
03:54:29.319 --> 03:54:32.120
don't know where I am now, but I still won't

3670
03:54:32.159 --> 03:54:34.959
let go of the Crampis snow glow. I can even

3671
03:54:35.000 --> 03:54:40.399
feel the light shooting out of my own eyes. Take me,

3672
03:54:41.399 --> 03:54:46.840
I say weekly, and then the light dims and slowly

3673
03:54:46.959 --> 03:54:51.040
turns to darkness. If this is truly the end for me,

3674
03:54:51.920 --> 03:54:54.159
then I pray that if there is a higher power

3675
03:54:54.200 --> 03:54:57.719
I have to answer to that I'll be judged fairly.

3676
03:54:59.479 --> 03:55:03.239
I gave it my best shot in life. I just

3677
03:55:03.360 --> 03:55:08.440
hope and pray beyond all hope that the others are saved.

3678
03:55:12.959 --> 03:55:20.959
Epilogue perspective. Bailey downs Mouse can't believe the story I'm

3679
03:55:21.000 --> 03:55:26.639
telling everybody. As she's driving us back to Strickfield. Wow,

3680
03:55:27.440 --> 03:55:32.120
you really met up with crampis? She gawks. She's telling

3681
03:55:32.159 --> 03:55:36.520
the truth. Mattie Horton says, backing me up. Yeah, why

3682
03:55:36.520 --> 03:55:41.079
would we lie about something like that? Chunker ads never

3683
03:55:41.120 --> 03:55:45.079
said you guys did? Mouse replies, And I wouldn't call

3684
03:55:45.120 --> 03:55:47.479
you a liar, Bailey. Not after our meeting up with

3685
03:55:47.719 --> 03:55:52.479
Abigail Tomlin on Halloween and Bloody Mary back in September

3686
03:55:52.479 --> 03:55:57.200
at Ariel Mirrn's sleepover, Mona adds I finished the story

3687
03:55:57.239 --> 03:56:00.479
with a little help from Chapman and Chunker. Turns out,

3688
03:56:00.520 --> 03:56:04.360
after I passed out, the disastrous winter weather suddenly just

3689
03:56:05.520 --> 03:56:09.799
stop dead. When Mayor Parkhurst and missus Gibson found us,

3690
03:56:10.440 --> 03:56:13.319
they found me unconscious with the crampist snow globe in

3691
03:56:13.399 --> 03:56:18.000
my hands. Not too far away, they found Helga Stanlein

3692
03:56:18.120 --> 03:56:22.920
back to normal and lying in the snow. Mayor Parkhurst

3693
03:56:22.959 --> 03:56:27.360
took care of everything since cell signal was miraculously restored.

3694
03:56:28.360 --> 03:56:31.000
Only thing I can figure was that Crampis got pulled

3695
03:56:31.000 --> 03:56:35.200
out of Helga and back into the snow globe. Also,

3696
03:56:35.399 --> 03:56:38.440
the night that happened during the afternoon ended up becoming

3697
03:56:39.399 --> 03:56:43.399
daylight again. We ended up getting the orphanage cleaned up

3698
03:56:43.440 --> 03:56:47.399
and still having the Christmas celebration. It was a little late,

3699
03:56:47.520 --> 03:56:52.120
but better late than never. As for the three Goobers,

3700
03:56:52.920 --> 03:56:56.479
they were given a choice. Either they could help clean

3701
03:56:56.559 --> 03:57:01.319
up or they could be shipped off to another orphanage.

3702
03:57:01.440 --> 03:57:04.440
Both Mayor Parkhurst and Missus Gibson put their feet down

3703
03:57:04.479 --> 03:57:08.239
on them. The Goobers realized they had it better at

3704
03:57:08.280 --> 03:57:12.440
Home Sweet Home and helped clean up. And you know what,

3705
03:57:13.440 --> 03:57:16.840
they actually did a good job. They were even good

3706
03:57:16.840 --> 03:57:20.959
boys when potential parents came to Home Sweet Home looking

3707
03:57:21.040 --> 03:57:24.920
to adopt, Butch's little gang may end up being broken up.

3708
03:57:25.600 --> 03:57:28.399
Both Joe and stan are likely going to be adopted.

3709
03:57:29.520 --> 03:57:31.520
I think the two of them know they're better off

3710
03:57:31.559 --> 03:57:34.879
having parents and a real home than staying in the

3711
03:57:35.000 --> 03:57:39.760
orphanage system. Don't get me wrong, Home Sweet Home wasn't

3712
03:57:39.760 --> 03:57:43.000
a bad place to be again. I was glad I

3713
03:57:43.040 --> 03:57:45.920
had a roof over my head, good food to eat,

3714
03:57:47.159 --> 03:57:51.399
and people who really cared about us. Deep down, I'm

3715
03:57:51.520 --> 03:57:53.639
very thankful for the man and woman who came to

3716
03:57:53.680 --> 03:57:58.600
Home Sweet Home and adopted me. I'm hoping Joe and

3717
03:57:58.639 --> 03:58:01.680
stan will think so too when they go to their

3718
03:58:01.719 --> 03:58:07.440
new homes with their new parents. And here's the really

3719
03:58:07.520 --> 03:58:11.360
messed up part about all of this. That Crampis snow

3720
03:58:11.360 --> 03:58:15.239
globe just disappeared. We looked all over the Orphanage for it,

3721
03:58:15.879 --> 03:58:18.639
but it was nowhere to be found. We had to

3722
03:58:18.680 --> 03:58:21.040
give it up for lost and head back to Strickfield

3723
03:58:21.040 --> 03:58:26.399
without it. This Saturday turned out to be quite the eventful.

3724
03:58:26.399 --> 03:58:30.600
One mouse ended up missing out on Crampis, but it

3725
03:58:30.680 --> 03:58:34.079
was for the best. I tried and tried to remember

3726
03:58:34.079 --> 03:58:37.639
what I could before I passed out, but there wasn't

3727
03:58:37.680 --> 03:58:41.079
anything else. Like I said, I was found and brought

3728
03:58:41.120 --> 03:58:44.440
back to the Orphanage. I was revived and everything was

3729
03:58:44.840 --> 03:58:49.760
back to normal again. As for Helga Stanlan, she was

3730
03:58:49.840 --> 03:58:53.239
fired from the Orphanage, she was told on no uncertain

3731
03:58:53.360 --> 03:58:57.680
terms by Missus Gibson to pack up and leave. Helga

3732
03:58:57.719 --> 03:59:02.319
didn't need to be told twice. What's more, those goobers

3733
03:59:02.360 --> 03:59:04.799
even tried to apologize to her for what they did,

3734
03:59:05.840 --> 03:59:09.520
but she wouldn't even acknowledge them. He got to hand

3735
03:59:09.520 --> 03:59:12.319
it to him, though. They tried to make things right,

3736
03:59:12.360 --> 03:59:16.440
but Helga wasn't going to be redeemed. On a much

3737
03:59:16.479 --> 03:59:21.719
brighter note, nobody got hurt or killed. When it came

3738
03:59:21.760 --> 03:59:24.559
to the big celebration dinner, Miss Barrett and Mouse prepared.

3739
03:59:25.319 --> 03:59:28.760
It was definitely a nice turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

3740
03:59:29.239 --> 03:59:31.000
I don't think we're going to want to eat anything

3741
03:59:31.079 --> 03:59:35.879
until tomorrow, even Chunker ate good. Turns out, Miss Barrett

3742
03:59:35.879 --> 03:59:37.879
and Mouse went all the way to Denoyer's grill to

3743
03:59:37.920 --> 03:59:43.360
get dessert pies, including Chunker's favorite sweet potato pie. The

3744
03:59:43.479 --> 03:59:45.959
truck that was supposed to deliver the dessert pies to

3745
03:59:46.000 --> 03:59:49.280
the Orphanage broke down coming from North Ridgeway, so Miss

3746
03:59:49.360 --> 03:59:53.120
Barrett took Mouse and made their emergency run to Denoyer's

3747
03:59:53.159 --> 03:59:57.600
grill back in Strickfield go figure. To end the day,

3748
03:59:58.440 --> 04:00:02.079
Mouse would get us back to Strickfield just fine. I

3749
04:00:02.079 --> 04:00:04.319
can't believe how well she can drive, for all of

3750
04:00:04.399 --> 04:00:07.680
us being in seventh grade. She even managed to put

3751
04:00:07.680 --> 04:00:11.280
the suv right back where it was. From there, we

3752
04:00:11.360 --> 04:00:15.520
got out and set our goodbyes before parting ways. Of course,

3753
04:00:16.040 --> 04:00:19.079
I thanked Mouse again and told her I owed her

3754
04:00:19.079 --> 04:00:24.719
one again. Mouse just waved me off. Nah, we're good, Bailey.

3755
04:00:25.479 --> 04:00:28.040
We did it for a good cause. See you at

3756
04:00:28.079 --> 04:00:33.719
school on Monday. Yeah, have a good one, Mouse, Thanks again.

3757
04:00:35.159 --> 04:00:39.000
Mom and Dad eventually came home. They never did find

3758
04:00:39.000 --> 04:00:43.079
out about our little adventure with the suv. I hated

3759
04:00:43.120 --> 04:00:45.959
to do it, but I told them a little white

3760
04:00:46.000 --> 04:00:49.200
lie and said Mona and I took an uber and

3761
04:00:49.280 --> 04:00:54.159
that was the end of that. We went through our

3762
04:00:54.200 --> 04:00:56.879
final week of school before we went on Christmas vacation.

3763
04:00:57.920 --> 04:01:03.079
Then we ended up having another adventure just before Christmas Day. Horton, Chapman,

3764
04:01:03.120 --> 04:01:06.159
and Chunker weren't part of this one, but let's just

3765
04:01:06.239 --> 04:01:08.559
say it was another one where we barely made it

3766
04:01:08.600 --> 04:01:12.520
by the skins of our teeth. Of all the things

3767
04:01:12.559 --> 04:01:15.639
that could come and cause trouble for us, it was

3768
04:01:15.680 --> 04:01:18.719
an old school VR video game console that was possessed

3769
04:01:18.719 --> 04:01:22.840
by some really advanced code that came to life, and

3770
04:01:22.879 --> 04:01:24.120
that's all I'm going to say.

3771
04:01:24.159 --> 04:01:24.600
On that.

3772
04:01:26.079 --> 04:01:30.159
Christmas Day finally came, I would have a wonderful dinner

3773
04:01:30.159 --> 04:01:33.319
with the man and woman who adopted me, whom I

3774
04:01:33.399 --> 04:01:36.959
gladly call Mom and Dad. I've been told by my

3775
04:01:37.040 --> 04:01:39.799
friends that our home is a small one, but Mom

3776
04:01:39.840 --> 04:01:42.959
and Dad made more than enough room for me. I

3777
04:01:43.040 --> 04:01:46.479
excused myself from the table and went to my room

3778
04:01:46.520 --> 04:01:49.879
for a little bit. I felt so emotional about my

3779
04:01:49.959 --> 04:01:53.520
life and my adoptive parents. I cried for a little while.

3780
04:01:54.680 --> 04:01:56.600
I've been trying to be the best daughter to my

3781
04:01:56.639 --> 04:01:59.840
adoptive parents that I can be. Believe me when I

3782
04:01:59.840 --> 04:02:03.920
say say, I'm very thankful for everything I have. That

3783
04:02:04.159 --> 04:02:07.200
was the biggest lesson I took away from the Home

3784
04:02:07.280 --> 04:02:12.600
Sweet Home, Orphanage then and now. I finished crying for

3785
04:02:12.760 --> 04:02:17.360
joy and returned to the table. After dinner, we sat

3786
04:02:17.360 --> 04:02:20.440
down in the living room and watched some Hallmark Christmas

3787
04:02:20.440 --> 04:02:24.520
movies on TV. Later on, Mona came over and we

3788
04:02:24.600 --> 04:02:27.799
hung out. My parents never care that Mona comes over.

3789
04:02:28.840 --> 04:02:33.000
I'm also very thankful for Mona. Like I said, she

3790
04:02:33.200 --> 04:02:37.840
was my first real friend that I made since being Bailey. Downs.

3791
04:02:38.600 --> 04:02:41.479
Mom and Dad got me wonderful presents like they always do.

3792
04:02:41.879 --> 04:02:45.079
But Mona and my parents continue to be the very

3793
04:02:45.159 --> 04:02:48.520
best gifts that keep on giving. I know I'll always

3794
04:02:48.559 --> 04:02:51.840
have my parents, but when it comes to Mona, I

3795
04:02:51.920 --> 04:02:55.360
truly hope we never lose touch with one another, even

3796
04:02:55.399 --> 04:02:58.920
when we move into adulthood and go our separate ways

3797
04:03:00.159 --> 04:03:03.879
overthinking things, ain't I No, I better stick to the

3798
04:03:03.920 --> 04:03:06.840
here and now. Mona and I are lying on my

3799
04:03:06.920 --> 04:03:10.360
bed and watching a few Christmas horror movies together and

3800
04:03:10.440 --> 04:03:15.920
guess what, right, we're actually watching Crampus. Yeah, I know,

3801
04:03:16.440 --> 04:03:20.719
call us crazy. Afterwards, we watch a Christmas horror story again.

3802
04:03:21.559 --> 04:03:23.520
I already told you we watched this one at one

3803
04:03:23.520 --> 04:03:27.319
of Ariel's Friday night sleepovers earlier this month, but Mona

3804
04:03:27.319 --> 04:03:29.879
and I wanted to see it again. Like I said,

3805
04:03:29.920 --> 04:03:31.879
it's one of the few horror movies where the town

3806
04:03:32.040 --> 04:03:35.399
is the same name as mine, and this one does

3807
04:03:35.479 --> 04:03:38.920
have a few stories about Crampus in it. Even though

3808
04:03:38.920 --> 04:03:41.520
we went through that horrible ordeal with the real thing,

3809
04:03:42.200 --> 04:03:45.600
we're still here and doing the things we love with

3810
04:03:45.719 --> 04:03:49.399
each other. When it comes to the Home, Sweet Home orphanage,

3811
04:03:49.920 --> 04:03:52.639
I actually found myself missing that place. When we left,

3812
04:03:53.280 --> 04:03:56.440
Missus Gibson and Mayor Parkhurst both asked us if we'd

3813
04:03:56.479 --> 04:03:59.440
consider coming back next holiday season to help out for

3814
04:03:59.479 --> 04:04:04.799
their big celebration. We all promised we would. Mouse said

3815
04:04:04.840 --> 04:04:07.200
she'd even drive us to Pendleton again as long as

3816
04:04:07.200 --> 04:04:10.879
we could get a hold of another car. I really

3817
04:04:10.920 --> 04:04:14.840
am happy and thankful for everyone and everything in my life.

3818
04:04:14.959 --> 04:04:17.559
I love Halloween and Christmas just the same, and always

3819
04:04:17.600 --> 04:04:20.760
look forward to celebrating them both, even if we've got

3820
04:04:20.799 --> 04:04:26.280
ghosts and demons chasing us down. Speaking of which I

3821
04:04:26.360 --> 04:04:28.639
have the feeling this won't be the last time we're

3822
04:04:28.680 --> 04:04:32.360
going to be dealing with such things. Mona and I

3823
04:04:32.399 --> 04:04:34.879
are going to finish Christmas together, enjoy the rest of

3824
04:04:34.879 --> 04:04:37.319
our holiday break with the rest of our circle of friends,

3825
04:04:37.920 --> 04:04:41.520
and then return to school. And you just know we're

3826
04:04:41.520 --> 04:04:44.920
going to be heading into some other wild adventures down

3827
04:04:44.959 --> 04:04:48.200
the road. In other words, we're going to be back

3828
04:04:48.239 --> 04:05:00.239
again in the meantime. Merry Christmas. And that is three

3829
04:05:00.479 --> 04:05:07.079
holiday horror novella's Down My Spookies, Three big heavy gifts,

3830
04:05:07.479 --> 04:05:12.200
ripped open and scattered across the snow. If you made

3831
04:05:12.239 --> 04:05:18.479
it to the end, congratulations you survive. The marathon. Your

3832
04:05:18.559 --> 04:05:25.079
reward is sleep, or at least the idea of it.

3833
04:05:25.959 --> 04:05:31.520
But before you go, the holidays love a grand finale.

3834
04:05:31.600 --> 04:05:36.399
They love one last surprise, one last package under the

3835
04:05:36.479 --> 04:05:41.600
tree that you swear wasn't there an hour ago. So

3836
04:05:41.840 --> 04:05:46.319
if you check the weekly spooky Feed tomorrow and Monday

3837
04:05:46.600 --> 04:05:52.120
and Tuesday and Wednesday, you'll find something new and scary

3838
04:05:52.239 --> 04:05:59.200
to enjoy. Don't overthink it, just unwrap it, and no

3839
04:05:59.479 --> 04:06:04.040
one thing this holiday season. Some gifts are meant to

3840
04:06:04.079 --> 04:06:10.639
be opened, and some gifts open you. Merry Christmas, my spookies.

3841
04:06:11.719 --> 04:06:15.200
Keep the lights on unless you don't want to.