by Cody Hyde
Charlie opened his eyes. In front of him was an alarm clock. It read 11: 54 p.m. He watched as the 4 turned into a 5.
I’m home, he thought.
He pulled the thick blanket off of him and sat up in his bed. He was still in the black shirt and blue jeans.
He turned his lamp light on. On top of his nightstand next to his alarm was the Book of the Underground. He decided he’d be better off not to touch it.
He quietly left his room and walked down the hallway toward his mother and Tara’s room.
He opened his mother’s bedroom door. There she was in her bed, Tara in her arms next to her. They were both sound asleep.
Well, so far everything appears to be fine, thought Charlie.
He then walked back to his room and stared down at the Book of the Underground. He picked it up, and as he did, he realized the ring he was wearing.
I still have my Blue Ring.
Suddenly, a voice was heard from behind him. “Charlie.”
He turned around, startled.
A dark figure appeared to be standing next to the door leading outside.
Maybe it’s not over yet.
The figure spoke to him. “It’s only me,” said a recognizable voice. It was Jacob. What a relief!
“Oh, hey,” replied Charlie. “You alright?”
“Yeah, I think so.” Jacob then stepped into the light provided by Charlie’s lamp. He appeared to be holding a long shiny object in his hands. “I’ve brought you this.”
“My sword,” responded Charlie, taking his sword from him.
“Yeah, I didn’t think you would want to leave it behind.”
Charlie stared down at his sword now resting in his hands. He went into a quick thought of the Black Cave, when he acquired it from the stone with Ted Grey at his side.
Ted. He was going to miss him.
He looked back up at Jacob. “Your brother was a good man, Jacob.”
He nodded with a smile. “He was indeed.”
Charlie could see the emotion in Jacob’s eyes, so he decided maybe it was a good idea to change the subject. “Where’s Sheila?” he asked.
“She’s staying at my place for now.”
“Well, is she alright?”
“She’s fine.”
The two then went silent, unsure of what to ask.
It was great to know that Sheila was alright, though. Now he just needed to find out if his best friend was okay.
I’m sure I’ll see you in school, Will, he thought.
“Well, you should probably get some rest, and I’ll be taking this,” said Jacob as he walked over to where the Book of the Underground lay and picked it up.
“Wait,” ordered Charlie. “That day when I found the book at the library... did you put it there?”
Jacob nodded.
“Yes, I did.”
He then pocketed the Book of the Underground in the inside of his trench coat.
“Well, I’ll see you around, Charlie.”
“See you around.”
He then watched as Jacob put his hood up of the black trench coat he was wearing, turned away, and stepped out through the open door leading to his patio outside.
Closing the door behind him, Jacob walked out onto the dirt driveway in front of the house and began his walk back to wherever he was going.
Eventually he was no longer visible.
It’s all over, thought Charlie.
Chapter 37