The Summer Of 1999
It was the summer of 1999, I had anticipated this summer's break all year long. Every year it was a tradition to get together with my friends and enjoy the long sunny days on the shore of California. One particular day in the crowded streets of LA we all decided to go out for ice cream. It was a normal day for us 13-year-olds, well it seemed. As we were walking along the hot sandy beach our ice creams started dripping, trying so hard not to let my hand get drenched in french vanilla Ella started rambling on about a -haunted- house that had been abandoned long before we existed. There was word around that a child our age went mysteriously missing a couple decades back with the last sitting being near the house, of course I didn't believe this as it seemed like a silly rumor. The house was only a couple miles from where we grew up, Celina suggested we went to check it out. I had an iffy feeling about this and so did Rachel by the look on her face. It was silent for a moment, “Let's do it!” I shouted enthusiastically. Celina and Ella were thrilled as it might've been the wildest and exciting thing we've done together.
We grabbed our bikes and Ella directed us with a map. We stopped for a short water break after about two miles. Rachel pulled me to the side “Hey I don't know about this, it sounds creepy” she whispered. “It's just a stupid rumor some kids made up, don't worry about it! Plus don't you think you need to actually live for once?” I jokingly said while getting back on my bike. After what felt like forever, “ We’re here” Ella said while focusing down on her map. “Woah…” Rachel and I slowly gasped. “ Geez, how big is this thing?” Celina questioned looking at what seemed to be all 3 stories. We got off our bikes and stood them up against the nearest tree. This was a deserted area, there was no site of anyone for miles so we thought there was no need to secure them.
We entered the house by kicking in the rotting wooden front door which had seemed to be locked, which I thought was very odd. Ella decided we should split up to cover the big layout. Rachel and Celina went off to the top floor together while Ella stayed on the first and I went to the second. Everything seemed to be fine until Ella's genius idea to split up. I quickly crouched behind the ragged grey couch, instinctively as I could've sworn I saw something move in the corner of my right eye. I stood up slowly gazing around at my surroundings which consisted of old graffiti, smashed-in windows, and torn-up furniture. I had a bad feeling about this place. “ Rachel? Ella?... Celina? “ I froze and yelled out realizing they weren't with me. “ Yeah? “ Ella questioned. Not knowing they were all behind me I flinched and let out a gasp in fear while rapidly turning my head around. I felt like my heart had skipped a beat; almost as if it jumped straight out of my chest. My mind HAD to be playing tricks on me there's no way I saw something- I kept telling myself. As we ventured deeper into the house I saw spider webs the size of drapes, brown foggy windows, boarded-up windows, and spots fully covering the walls which looked like mold. It had gotten creepier the further we went.
“Did you guys hear that?” Celina whispered as we were scoping out the bottom floor. We all looked at each other, spooked. “It came from that little rusty door,” Ella said. I felt my heart sink, my gut was definitely telling me to get out of here. “ Guys we should go,” Rachel stuttered. “ I agree with her, sorry,” I said. As Rachel and I went to walk away Ella grabbed us, “Guys don't leave us”. I didn't want to seem lame but this felt like life or death, and I was definitely choosing death. We all walked towards the rusty bolted door which looked like the way to a basement. Celina slowly pulled it open with the help of Ella as it was way too heavy for one person's strength, which made me question things like, whatever's down there, how did it get there? It couldn't just be a rat... “You guys aren't coming?” Celina asked the rest of us. Looking down the stairway and seeing complete pitch black made me feel woozy. Rachel slowly followed Celina down to the basement while Ella and I stood near the opening. I knew coming here was a bad idea in the first place, I had a gut feeling the moment I stepped into this place.
I was pondering and suddenly... out came a blood-curdling scream from the basement. Ella and I rushed down there frightened only to find Rachel standing in shock. “Rachel?” I yelled. “Get her out of here, NOW!” Ella ordered. There were tears streaming down Rachel’s face but it was almost like she was paralyzed, she seemed truly traumatized. We both left the house entrance. All of a sudden Ella came bursting out of the front door, yelling to get our bikes. “ What? Where's Celina?” I questioned. Ella gave me a frightening look. “We need to get her! We can't just leave her God knows what's down there” I yelled. I tried to break back inside but the front door was locked... Again. Rachel grabbed my sleeve, “We need to go, now.” she cried.
