Don't Laugh - A horror short story

Chapter I

It was on a lazy Saturday evening, my friend, Alex, and I were strolling along the sidewalk. We both attended Old Willow-Brook High. Almost last year there, thankfully. Looked forward of going to college than anything else. Get away from my parents. They're great, don't get me wrong. Just a little bit smothering at times. Always calling up to check on me. Where am I? Who am I with? When you getting home? All that shit. I'm even surprised they'd allowed me out at all. Might as well keep me locked away in the basement. A fresh breath of air would do me some good. Totally.

Alex, on the other hand, didn't want to go to college. And when I asked him, "Why not?" He'd often reply that he wanted to become a Marine. Since Alex's father served in the military, I could understand his point of view. College isn't for everyone. Shit, look at Bill Gates. He dropped out, and he's a billionaire. 

A vehicle zoomed past us while we walked along the sidewalk. Alex, being Alex, pointed his finger at the vehicle and laughed. He always been a class clown. Always that goofy kid in school. He'd do things to make the class roar in laughter. Some would say to deflect how he really feels about himself. But the truth was simple--he didn't really give a damn about much. 

"You shouldn't laugh," I told him.

Alex shrugged his bulky shoulders. "Don't tell me you believe that shit, do you?" A smirk drew across his face. "It's just a nursery rhyme." 

But still, it isn't respectful. Regardless if it's a nursery rhyme or not. Don't ever laugh when a hearse goes by, or you'll be the next to die. And I faithfully believed that. It's a shame that they don't make a song for vandalizing cemeteries. Maybe they'd suffer the same fate. 

"Don't ever laugh when a hearse goes by, or you'll be the next to die." Alex sang in a eerie voice. He punched my arm. "See, I'm still here man." Seconds later gave a contagious giggle. That type of giggle that'll make a room of people giggle. 

"Damn, what a shame." I smirked at him.

"How rude," he said, sounding hurt. But really, he wasn't. He knew he was my bro for life. Ever since grammar school, he'd been my best friend. In fact, he was the first kid that introduced himself to me. 

Alex clapped his hands quickly. "I'm excited about this party!"

"Yeah?" I asked.

"Don't you ever get hyped up anymore? Sometimes, you seem dead, bro."

"It's a party, and there's more parties in college. Nothing really special about them."

"Yeah, but you're wrong! There's women, sex and beer, oh my!"

We were approaching a house that I wanted to show Alex, like since it happened. The walk itself seemed to take forever. But we were almost there. The street name had been notorious and is right up Alex's alley. He loves creepy stuff that has a nice dark history behind them. Honestly, the house that once stood there isn't there anymore. But a family moved in to the area and built their dream house on that same location. 

Alex started to groan a bit. "Are we there yet?" 

"Soon." 

"What's up with the secret surprise?" 

"You'll like it. Trust me. If I knew you since forever, I know you'll like it."

"What is it? Spill the beans, man!" 

"It's coming up shortly." I nodded with a smile across my face. 

"Well, this better be good." 

And it was good. It had that type of darkness that excited Alex.  Shit, when I heard the truth about the location, I wanted to see it for myself. But knowing, Alex, would be more thrilled than I would ever be. Is it scary? Hell, yeah. It really makes you wonder though. Where do we go after we die. And if demons really exist. What I've read about the house and watched the documentary, it's too damn compelling to refuse. Just by watching Brad Herrick speak about it gave me chills. The horror that was filled inside his eyes when even mentioning the entities name. Started with a 'A' but can't remember. Ancor? Arc? Oh, I forget. Fuck it. 

"Oh, don't you worry your little heart. We're almost there." I slightly pushed him. That was a mistake.  A car blared it's horn while it past.

"Jesus-fucking-Christ!" he exclaimed, "are you trying to kill me?"

I had to laugh a bit. But was realized it wasn't a smart move on my part. "Are you okay?" I asked.

"No! I just shat myself," he said. "Yeah, I'm fine." He shook his head.

We were steadily approaching the road shortly. And if I knew Alex, he'll enjoy it.

** AUTHOR'S NOTE **

This story has been revised and given a last chapter. Hope everyone loves it. Enjoy.