by C. A. Kunz
CRACKLE…CRACKLE… “Welcome to my house of mirrors! It’s full of surprises! Beware of the walls, they might move on you! Hope you can find your way out! If not, oh well!” A creepy voice came through the speaker in the clown’s mouth. “Yes, welcome!” The menacing laughter that followed sent chills down their spines. Entering the mouth and pushing their way through a wall of black curtain, the group slowly approached a door with a sign that read “Fun this way!” The door slowly creaked open revealing a labyrinth of mirrors. It appeared as if their reflections went on forever. Entering last, Cat was mesmerized. It took her a few seconds to realize that the others were far ahead and she had fallen behind. She hurried to catch up, but found her path suddenly blocked by a mirror that somehow appeared in front of her. Oh wow, that’s what that creepy ass clown voice meant by moving mirrors. I bet there’s some mean little man operating them. The mirrors seemed endless and just when she thought she had found a way out, more mirrors were placed in her path. Looking around she saw nothing but her reflection looking back. Where did the path go? She was completely surrounded with no apparent way to move ahead, to the sides or back. Watching her reflection, she saw her image slowly disappearing, until she was looking at an empty mirror. The lights dimmed and then she was in total darkness. Don’t panic Cat! This is all a part of it! She thought. Sighing, she was relieved when the lights slowly flickered on and she could see her reflection again. That was weird. This place is totes giving me the wiggins. I need to find everyone and get out of here. Turning around she caught a glimpse of a dark figure in the distance. The mirror in front of her shifted and the figure disappeared. The room became freezing cold and Cat could see her breath. What the hell’s going on? That’s it, I’m out of here! Scanning side to side Cat began to panic, looking for the exit. With her heart pounding, she began pushing the mirrors to see if she could move one herself. Reflected in the mirror she was attempting to move, Cat saw the mirror behind her opening, exposing the dark figure. The hood of its cloak was pulled slightly back revealing its bright red curly hair. Terrified, she screamed hoping someone would hear her. She shivered as her cry echoed over and over.
“Catherine! I need to…” the figure called out. Before it could finish, the mirror Cat was desperately trying to open gave way, causing her to fall forward, hitting her head.
“Cat! Cat wake up! Cat! Elle, go get someone! Cat, can you hear me? Matt, go help Elle,” Julie ordered, rubbing Cat’s hand.
“Out of my way, out of my way, what’s going on here?” A man as tall as he was round pushed Julie and Amanda away from Cat, speaking into a two way radio. “Yes, get in here now! We’ve got a fainter. Yeah, she’s breathing. No, I don’t know why she fainted! Get your ass in here now!”
Looking at Julie and Amanda, he pointed at a mirror behind them. “Push on that mirror, that’s right, now when it clicks, push it again.” To Julie and Amanda’s amazement the mirror moved and they could see a hallway leading outside. A person was hurrying down the corridor toward them, carrying a small case. As he got closer they realized he was a paramedic.
“Okay everyone, clear a path. What happened here?” the paramedic asked hurriedly.
“We don’t know, we got separated from her, heard her screaming and then we found her like this,” Julie explained, concern filling her eyes.
“Does she suffer from low blood sugar?”
“No, I don’t think so,” Julie replied.
“Well let’s check her vitals. Look! She’s coming around! Guys stand by!” he barked into his shoulder radio. “The patient’s coming around, over and out. Well, little lady, just lay there. No, don’t try to get up,” he said, gently suppressing her attempt to sit up.
“What…what happened, where…am I? Julie…Amanda?” Cat focused her eyes on their faces, confused at why they looked so worried.
“Now, how do you feel? Do you hurt anywhere?” he asked, intently looking at her.
“No…I…I don’t hurt. I remember…I…nothing.” Cat stopped as she remembered what happened. The dark figure. The one I saw from the carousel. How did it know my name? I don’t think I should say anything about it right now. “I think I know…why I passed out. I haven’t eaten since breakfast…maybe I need…to eat something.”
“Yes, that could be it, can you stand?” the paramedic asked, placing his hand on her shoulder.
“Yeah…I think so. I feel so stupid. Sorry guys, I guess this will teach me to skip a meal, huh?” Cat tried to laugh but it sounded hollow.
“I’ll go get you something Cat,” Amanda said as she started walking down the hallway. “I’ll be right back.”
“Okay, okay let’s get her out of here. We’ve got to restart the attraction. There’s a crowd waiting outside, and they’re getting impatient,” barked the rotund man. Cat stood up. With the help of Julie and the paramedic, she walked down the hallway to the exit. The rotund man followed, pushing the mirror back into place, muttering something about young girls and not eating due to them thinking they were fat. His daughter had gone through that phase and it had driven him nuts.
Outside, Cat was lead to a picnic table away from the crowd. The paramedic looked at Cat and shut his bag. He stayed with her until her friends came back with an assortment of drinks and food, enough to feed themselves and a few others too.
“I’m going to leave now, okay. Eat slowly and then, and only then, get up and start walking around. No crazy rides for the rest of the night. You might even want to consider going home a little early,” the paramedic said and then walked away. Matt handed Cat a hot dog with mustard and ketchup from the tray that Amanda had brought over. She took a bite and started chewing slowly as she had been directed. Everyone else sat down at the table with her and grabbed a hot dog, apparently having not eaten as well.
“How are you feeling Cat? Do you want to go home?”
Startled, Cat looked at Amanda. “Yeah…unfortunately I think I’ve had enough tonight.”
“All right, I’ll call my mom and have her pick us up,” she said, taking out her cell.
During their walk back toward the entrance, making sure no one was watching, Cat reached up and felt the painful small knot on her forehead.
“What happened to you?” Taylor’s voice called out in front of them.
“Hey Taylor, my man!” Matt gushed, outstretching his hand for a high five. Taylor rolled his eyes and walked passed him toward his sister.
“Hey Cat! Heard you had problems at the ferris wheel?” Taylor’s best friend and captain of the football team, Jonathen, interjected.
“What do you mean? I was talking about the house of mirrors, what happened at the ferris wheel?” Taylor asked, turning to Jonathen.
“I don’t know, ask your sister,” Jonathen replied. All eyes turned to Cat.
“Well, Cat, what did you do this time?” Taylor asked with a sigh.
“I didn’t do anything! Why do you automatically think I did something wrong? For your information, I had a little run in with Isaac.” Taylor’s facial expression became serious. “Hannah was going on the ride with me and Isaac didn’t like the idea,” she said shrugging her shoulders, acting like it was no big deal.
Taylor’s friends gathered closer around Cat, looking at her with anger in their eyes.
“Did he touch you?” Taylor seethed through clenched teeth.
“Of course not. He wouldn’t dare,” Cat replied not liking the look on their faces. “Taylor why are you so angry, he’s just a jerk. I can handle him,” she said vehemently.
“I don’t like anyone messing with my family, especially my little sister!” His voice carried over the noises around him.
“I didn’t know you cared so much,” she said with an impish smile, trying to break the tension.
“Yeah, well I have my weak moments. Just don’t get used to it, doesn’t happen often.”
“Well hello fellow classmates,” a sickly sweet, voice piped up behind Cat. “Hey Cat, congrats on making the swim team, I knew you w
ould. Oh Taylor, aren’t you proud of your little sis?” Cat turned to see Kirsten and her lackeys, Jessica and Tonya, standing there. Out of the corner of her eye, Cat saw Matt’s eyes grow wide, drawn to Kirsten’s snug fitting sweater leaving nothing to the imagination. His mouth had fallen open and Amanda reached up and pushed it closed.
“You made the swim team?” Taylor asked looking at Cat.
“Yeah, I guess you didn’t hear, as you were out with Trish last night when I came home,” she said throwing Trish, Taylor’s girlfriend, a big smile. Cat really liked the sassy, petite brunette and knew she was exactly the type of girl to keep her brother in line.
“Oh Cat, that’s awesome!” Trish smiled back, putting her arm around her. “Two athletes in one family! We should go celebrate!” Standing behind Trish, Taylor shook his head, mouthing the word no to Cat.
“Cat I just talked to my Mom, she’ll be here shortly,” Amanda interjected.
“Sounds great. So Trish can we maybe celebrate another time?” Trish nodded.
“Oh Cat you can’t leave yet. It’s early. Hang out with us. We can take you home, right girls?” Kirsten looked at the two lackeys beside her, each nodding in agreement, mimicking bobble heads.
“Thanks Kirsten, but I think I’ll pass. I’m not really feeling too hot anyway. See Taylor, you don’t have to worry about me any more tonight. I’m going home,” Cat said flashing a fake smile to her brother.
“Great! Now I’ll have three hours of peace, not worrying if you’ll get into any more trouble. Oh yeah, and congrats Red Freak on making the swim team,” he said turning and following Jonathen, as he led their group toward their cars.
“Love you Taylor!” Cat yelled, watching his shoulders stiffen as her voice carried above the crowd. Chuckling, she turned and said goodbye to a forlorn Kirsten and followed her friends to the parking lot.
“Did you get a load of Miss Kirsten Fuller? Did she really think she was fooling anyone by making those goo goo eyes at Taylor? And with Trish standing right there? Some nerve she has,” snorted Amanda.
“I feel sorry for her,” Elle commented.
“Hey if I was Taylor I’d be all over that,” Matt interjected.
“You would you immature male chauvinist pig,” Amanda said, punching him in the arm as she spoke.
“Ow, that hurt,” he whined, rubbing his arm.
“What a wuss!” she groaned.
A loud horn blasted from across the parking lot announcing Amanda’s mom, sitting in a drab grey van. She waved and smiled at them as they approached and opened the doors. Cat loved Aurora Stevens. Her unique outfits, which would have looked awful on most people, suited her to a tee. Her house was just as colorful and eclectic, with fun furniture, antiques, modern art, hippie stuff and everything in between. The confusing part was that Mr. Stevens, the ultimate number crunching banker who was very rarely ever seen without a suit and tie, was her husband. I guess the old saying is true, Opposites do attract.
“You kids have a good time?” Aurora asked as they all got settled.
“Yeah, we did,” replied Amanda smiling at her mom.
“I love your outfit, Mrs. Stevens,” Matt said with a mischievous grin.
“Thank you Matthew, it’s my Victorian look. Found it in the attic of an estate sale. Fits perfectly! I think I’m going to keep it.”
“By the way, what’s with the new paint job Mrs. Stevens?” Cat asked.
“Oh that. Yes, well I can’t wait for it to be finished. The man at the auto shop said he had to put this gosh awful color on first before he could paint it. Primer I think he called it. Whatever it is, it sure offends my eyes. So, everyone buckled in? Well off we go then!”
“Just me coming to say goodnight,” Rachel said softly walking into Cat’s room.
“So glad you had a good time tonight. I’m bushed. We had a busy day at the shop…well, I’m off to bed. Love you honey.”
“Love you too mom, g’night,” Cat said lifting her face for her mom’s kiss. Cat was glad she hadn’t told her mom about what really happened at the carnival. She would only worry.
Closing the door, Rachel stood outside the room and sighed. Jeremy Cummings had called Sam a couple of hours ago to make sure Cat was alright. Rachel was hoping Cat would tell her about the incident in the House of Mirrors and she wondered why she hadn’t. Jeremy’s the son of one of Sam’s colleagues and a good paramedic. He had no idea that Cat wouldn’t tell them, and for now Rachel would just let it go. Sam told her they would just keep a closer eye on Cat to see if there were any further issues. He tried to reassure her that everything would be okay, but she knew that things were likely to get worse. Wishing she knew what to expect, Rachel walked down the old creaky attic staircase with melancholy eyes.
Hearing a scratching noise at the window, Cat opened it as Jewels gracefully sauntered through the opening. Jumping on Cat’s bed, she lay down and started purring. Cat lay down next to her, scratching behind her ear. “Do I have tons to tell you? You’ll never believe what happened to me tonight!” As Cat talked on, Jewels listened to every word she said, seeming to store it in her memory.
5
The Big Game
The next two weeks of school flew by with preparations for the Homecoming festivities. With school spirit in high gear, the halls of Astoria High echoed with the excitement of its student body and roar of the school mascot, the Panther. Banners with black and gold writing were hung in the hallways as a constant reminder to the school that they would soon face their rivals, the Madison Warriors, in a pigskin battle royal.
Bypassing the gym, Cat opened the side door leading to the pool. The warm, humid, chlorine filled air hit her as she entered. Walking around the edge of the pool, she headed for the locker room to change. Dressed, passing the coach’s office, Cat overheard a heated argument coming from within.
“You’re lucky I’ve let you swim in these last two meets, Miss Rowe! Not showing up for practice is unacceptable!”
“We both know I don’t need to practice. And your winning attitude will not allow you to kick me off the team. So this conversation is totally moot,” Amelia said pompously.
“Well you better keep winning or you’ll find yourself on the sidelines! That’s a threat and a promise! You’re dismissed!” Coach Hutchins bellowed. Amelia stormed out of the office, nearly colliding with Cat. Glaring at her, she wondered how much Cat had overheard. Moving to the side, Cat watched as Amelia flung open the locker room door, making it crash against the wall and sending a shower of concrete tumbling to the floor.
“Running a little late aren’t we Cat? Well don’t just stand there, out to the pool with you!” Coach Hutchins pointed, allowing Cat to walk ahead of her.
Standing by the pool waiting for her turn, Cat mulled over what she just witnessed. Amelia must be really strong to crack the wall. She’s definitely an intense person, that’s for sure! And how does she get away with talking to Coach like that? Looking to her left she noticed Kirsten stretching arrogantly. Feeling her gaze, Kirsten looked at her and smiled, though Cat noticed her eyes were cold and calculating. “Next!” shouted Coach Hutchins and Cat turned to take her position on the blocks.
Sixth period finally rolled around, it seemed like the day had been endless. A static noise erupted from the speakers at the front of the classroom. “Hey Panthers! Cindy Napleton here! Just reminding you that tonight is the big night when we’ll cream the Madison Warriors!” Her bubbly cheerleading voice piped through the static. “As I speak, each teacher should be passing out the Homecoming Court ballots. At the end of class he or she will collect them. By the way, I’m on it. Also we’re soooooo happy with our Mascot, Eleanor Porter, who’s done a fabulous job over the last two weeks.”
“Eek!” Cat turned to see Elle sliding down in her seat, her hair falling completely over her bright red face.
“So Panthers, let’s beat those wimpy Warriors and don’t forget to vote. Cindy Napleton signing off!”
“Elle sit up, ev
eryone’s staring,” Cat leaned over and whispered. Elle slowly rose up in her seat, her face flush and eyes staring straight ahead.
“Jeremy would you please pass out the ballots?” Miss Amaya asked smiling at him, her purple scarf flowing around her neck as if blown by a non-existent breeze. “Thank you Jeremy. Now, I know today is Homecoming and you’re all probably focused on the game tonight. So I’ve decided to take it easy on you today and give a little trivia about the history of Homecoming. Then we can review what we’ve learned over the past few weeks.” Before Cat and Elle knew it, the bell rang ending their favorite class.
Cat’s feet felt like they were encased in concrete as she trudged to her next period. Bidding farewell to Elle, she sighed, took a deep breath and entered Hell, Room #305. She dreaded going to Algebra every day, not because she didn’t like math. No, she and math got along just fine. It was just that Mr. Crawley got in the way. His mean spirit had everyone on edge and in every class there were several victims who were singled out and tortured, making the hour seem like an eternity. Fortunately today was not her day for torture. The bell rang just before he called on her to answer the next question. Grabbing her books Cat fled to her locker and dumped them inside. Due to no homework, her messenger bag flew behind her as she proceeded down the hall.
Passing Miss Amaya’s class, Cat peered through the open door. She saw her struggling with a stack of books in her arms while trying to pick up a ruffled lavender purse hanging on her chair.
“Miss Amaya, here, let me help you with that,” Cat said, grabbing her purse and the remaining books left on the desk.
“Thanks Cat, trust me to be lazy and try and make it to my car in one trip, not two. You’re so wonderful.” Walking through the parking lot, they made their way toward an ancient, light purple Volkswagen. Proudly displayed on the bumper was a sticker, reading: MY OTHER CAR IS A BROOM. Putting Miss Amaya’s stuff in the back seat, Cat noticed a shimmer of light coming from the pendant around her teacher’s neck. From her angle, Cat caught a glimpse of the back and observed an engraved image of a pentagram. Being an avid fan of the occult and horror genre, Cat was surprised to see her teacher sporting such a symbol. She couldn’t believe that Miss Amaya would wear something that represented evil.