You Can't Hide

How It Started

19 Jan, 2019

BANG!

BANG!

BANG!

The sound of a fist hitting his door woke the dark haired teen, who'd fallen asleep on the couch. He groaned, rubbing the heel of his hand against his eye as he rolled over to face the couch.

BANG!

"FBI! Open up!"

The boy's head shot up, his wide eyes searching for his front door.

BANG!

He jumped, rolling off the couch and scrambling to his feet. He went to the door, fumbling with the lock. He opened the door, something pressing against his forehead suddenly.

"Bang!" The teen standing at the door grinned, pulling his finger away from the boy's forehead. "I thought that would get you up and awake."

"Eric!" The dark haired teen clenched his jaw, but only stepped aside for his friend. "What are you doing here man? I don't remember inviting you."

The lighter haired boy stepped in, looking around. "You didn't! I invited myself here!" He moved immediately toward the kitchen. "I figured you might want some company in this fine summer afternoon!"

"You could've warned me first." The dark haired boy grumbled, licking his front door again.
"I called you, like, twenty times Ben!" Eric yelled from the kitchen.

Ben looked over at his phone, turning it on. The screen told him that he did have missed calls from Eric since an hour ago. "Okay. Fine. I didn't answer though, so you shouldn't-"

"It's about time you woke up, man!" Eric walked into the living room, a frozen toaster strudel in his hand. "You're not allowed to become nocturnal! Not on my watch!"

"And you're not allowed to eat a frozen toaster strudel!" Ben retorted, looking at the strudel with disgust. "Heat that up!" Eric stared him in the eyes as he slowly put the strudel to his mouth and took a bite. "I hate you." Ben shook his head, sighing.

"I'm a joy to be with!" Eric argued, chuckling. "Anyway, I saw a for sale sign on that really rich estate that we always pass on the way to school!"

"No."

Eric frowned. "I'm pretty sure I saw a sign man."

"I'm saying no to what you're going to suggest." Ben frowned at him.

"But wouldn't it be cool to go inside and see what it's like?"

"Eric, you're usually the one telling me not to do stupid things!" Ben shook his head, crossing his arms. "What's there that's making you go against everything you've told me?"

Eric's smile faltered for a moment, his eyes more serious now. "Let's just go. It's better to see it."

"I don't know Eric... this is a bit weird."

"Then I'll go alone!" Eric huffed, taking a bite out of the strudel. "Go ahead and sit around if you want, but I need to check this thing out."

"You're going to get yourself in trouble! Just don't go!"

Eric scowled at Ben, his eyes malicious. "I thought you'd understand my longing to investigate and go on an adventure! I guess I was wrong!" He stomped toward the door, but Ben got in the way. "What the hell Ben! You don't want to go, I get it! Don't stop me, though!"

Ben watched his friend, confused. "Eric? What's gotten into you? You're never like this. Have you made a plan? You'll be trespassing and you usually-"