The House On Turner Street

Chapter 2 - Valerie

The young men had packed their equipment the night before. Mostly, they'd be using video and audio recording devices, but they also had their EMF and infrared thermometer packed as well. They hadn't been able to get a spirit box yet, but they were both hoping that this little venture would end with some significant financial gains. I mean, they were always thankful for one sponsor, old Carl, but the Old Country Bait And Tackle Shack was hardly the name you wanted to throw out first at a paranormal convention. The group needed some new sources of revenue if they ever hoped to be taken seriously.

As a favor, they started taking footage of the prep at the Tackle Shop. Old Carl had asked for a sip spot to help him promote a new lure he had recently put on his shelves. It ended up saving them some trouble because the third member of the group happened to be old Carl's granddaughter, Valerie.

The trio had been together a long time. Stephen and Evan were in daycare together, and Valerie had joined them around the first grade. One of their classmates had been asking her to be their girlfriend, and she needed a place to hide. The boys took over, protecting her. Evan initially befriended her, and Stephen learned to like her. He was very picky about the kids they let join their group. Valerie had always been popular with the boys. She'd gone on random dates but never stuck with them long. Evan and Stephen used to give her grief over it. She'd merely laugh and say she was waiting for someone who could make her feel something special. The boys didn't have any clue what that meant, but they figured it wasn't right to make fun of her dreams.

"Come on, Val!" Stephen yelled into the room, "I'm ready to get this party started!"

"Be patient, "Evan chided, " We have plenty of time. She's probably just making sure she looks good for the camera."

Ten minutes later, Val walked outside. It would appear Evan was right. He almost didn't recognize her. Her blonde hair was in bouncy ringlets. Was she wearing lipstick!? Even her outfit seemed a bit too nice for traipsing through an old, abandoned house.

"Wow, Val!"Evan swallowed noticeably, "You really are beautiful..". He quickly blushed at this admission. "What I mean to say is you always are, but today.... You're just beautiful."

Trying to save face, he looked to Stephen for help.

"I mean, you're definitely ready for a blind date with a rich guy hunting a trophy wife," Stephen's attempt didn't really lessen the awkwardness.

"Well thank you both for your honesty," Val laughed at them as if they were both just silly, "I guess I just thought this night was going to be really special so I wanted to look my best "

Well, she had accomplished that. Evan knew he couldn't stop glancing at her, and neither could Stephen. Though there was something different about the way he looked at her. Maybe something had happened. If that were the case, they'd talk about it in due time. He knew that none of them kept secrets from each other for long or very well.

They finished loading some last-minute gear, plus a few snacks, and headed to Turner Street. Miss Watson wasn't supposed to meet them until 2 pm. It was only about one, but they didn't want to risk any form of tardiness. Today needed to be perfect.