Flame-Girl

By Laura-Louise Slattery

CHEERLEADER BY DAY.

SUPERHERO BY NIGHT.

When ordinary sixteen-year-old teenager, Sunny Andrews, is forced to move to Saltville in California, after her mothers untimely death, her life changes forever.

After receiving mysterious fire powers from an ancient red-coloured rock, she discovers her life will never be the same again.

As violent criminals and serial killers take refuge in Saltville, Sunny is driven to use her powers to fight crime.

She dons a costume and becomes the crime-fighting acrobatic superhero known as Flame-Girl, abolishing the raging corruption that inhabits the town.

When a new super villain arrives, Sunny must trust in all her power and strength to stop him before its too late..

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris UK
• Release date: Sep 26, 2012
• ISBN: 9781479722495

Laura-Louise Slattery

Laura Louise Slattery was born & raised in the County of Tipperary in Ireland. After completing her secondary school education & finishing the Leaving Cert, she is now living her dream as a published author. She has always been passionate about writing, but her other pastimes include walking her dog, watching Doctor Who, & reading books. She suffers from a disorder called Peter Pan Syndrome & is a proud comic book nerd. Flame-Girl is her first published work & she is still finding it difficult to believe that her dream has finally come into being.

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Copyright © 2012 by Laura-Louise Slattery.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

0-800-644-6988

www.xlibrispublishing.co.uk

[e-mail]

304893

Contents

1.   Saltville

2.   First Day

3.   Flintko Island

4.   Burning

5.   Powers

6.   Pyromania

7.   Practice

8.   Choices

9.   Heroine

10.   Crime

11.   Capture

12.   Villain

13.   Faceless

14.   Enemies

15.   Bloody Mess

16.   Tick Tock

17.   The Parade

18.   Dark Hour

19.   Clock Tower

20.   Protector

‘WITH GREAT POWER THERE MUST ALSO COME GREAT RESPONSIBILITY.’

-STAN LEE, SPIDER-MAN: AMAZING

FANTASY #15, AUGUST 1962.

Acknowledgements

There should not be just one name on the cover of this book because there are so many people who have helped me write Flame-Girl and I won’t be able to sleep tonight without thanking them.

First of all, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to write this book. Thank you for my family, for my friends, for my talents. Thank you for giving me the precious things that so many people in the world crave for, but I would so easily take for granted. Thank you for being my rock.

Thank you, Mam and Dad, for your never-ending love and support. Thank you for loving me, for believing in me and for giving me the most precious gift anyone could ever receive: The gift of living.

Thank you to my siblings, Sarah and David, for being the best big brother and sister a girl could have. Don’t ever stop being awesome!

I can’t go without thanking my good friends, Helen, Natalie, Amy, Holly, Grace, Rachel, Ella, Ciara, Kelly, Aine, and Jennifer, for being the coolest bunch of friends in the world. We may not be together anymore, but we will always be together in here (Points to heart).

A big thank you to Ana Llamas, Rachel Burns, Jo Blanco and everyone at Xlibris Publishing, who are responsible for turning my dream into a reality. Thank you for helping me to achieve everything I couldn’t achieve.

A big hug to the class of 2012 for making my school years bearable. We Are Young, so Here’s To Us!

An ocean of thanks to the brilliant minds of comic book writers, Bob Kane and Stan Lee.

Flame-Girl would have never come to be if it wasn’t your genius and inspiration. Thank you.

And lastly, thank you to my grandmother, Ellen Kelly, for making me laugh and for all the buns and brown bread you stuff into me every Sunday evening. I hope this story makes you smile like the way you make me smile.

Slan Go Foill! (Goodbye For Now) Laura Louise Slattery.

Chapter 1

SALTVILLE

The first thing you should know about me is that I’m a superhero.

In crime-fighting, as in life, you don’t always get the ending you expect, but it helps when you have something worth fighting for. I was a normal sixteen-year-old teenager once. Well, as normal as any teenager can get. My name is Sunny Andrews and this is how my life changed forever. It all started when I moved to the seemingly friendly town of Saltville, in California … .

I remember it as if it happened yesterday. The day my mother died. It was a mild breezy Wednesday. Three solid months ago to be exact. I watched her pucker her thin lush pink lips as she painted them with cherry red lip gloss. Her soft pretty dark brown hair was tied into a low bun, neat and clean. Her dazzling blue eyes met mine and a smile followed. She took hold of my hand, spinning me around and around, never removing her smile. I loved that smile and I knew that after this day, I would never see it again.

My light chestnut brown locks danced with the settled breeze as I skipped merrily around her in my denim dungarees and black pumps. The moment was right. I thought nothing bad was going to happen. My mother and I were just waiting at the bus stop, minding our own business. It was a quiet day in the city of Los Angeles. Cars passed us, drivers giving us an odd glance or two, keeping their careless eyes on the road ahead, their hands glued to the steering wheel. I never forgot what my mother was wearing that day. A long beige dress with chocolate brown flowers embroidered upon it. Her shoes were casual, dark brown with thick high heels. She never took her eyes off me. Then, out of the blue, it happened … .

The long silver city bus came driving around the corner, ready to park on the curb where we were standing and waiting. I leaped up and down, the words ‘It’s here. Finally’, escaping my lips. My mother held my hand just as the doors to the bus opened slowly. Our jaws both dropped when two masked men jumped out of the bus and onto the curb, aiming their loaded pistols at us. My heart skipped a terrified beat. My mother took hold of my waist and pushed me behind her, protecting me from the dangerous men. They were wearing baggy trousers and hooded fleeces as they aimed their guns at my mother. I froze in fright.

Hey, lady! Give us your money! One of them barked seedily, his steady finger on the trigger.

O-Okay … . Just don’t hurt my daughter … . Mom stuttered in fear as she fumbled at her handbag.

The other masked man sighed, snatching the bag from her. Gimme it!

She shivered and shuddered, scared and helpless. I remained behind her, feeling the exact same way. The two thugs rifled through the handbag, taking her purse and her credit cards. As they were about to jump back onto the bus, one of them aimed for her again, smirking snidely.

Thanks, lady He grinned, shooting her. Blood fell from her gut as she collapsed to the ground right in front of me.

The bus drove away into the dark distance, leaving me all alone, staring down at my dead mother, a pool of crimson-coloured blood underneath her. I was forlorn, screaming down at her with strain in my voice. Tears poured from my eyes. My legs went numb. She was gone. By the time the police and the ambulances arrived, I was frozen. My Uncle had to bring me home that night. It was a big loss for all the family. She now only remains in my memory and my dreams. I knew I had to wake up sooner or later.

My sleepy blue eyes flew open, tired and bloodshot. The nightmare had ended. I rested my head softly on my pillow, wishing she was here with me. I sat up and looked around my messy bedroom, sighing and yawning loudly. Clothes were thrown on the carpet while the gentle Los Angeles breeze sailed in through the open window. My soft olive skin was warm due to the warmth of the heavy bed covers I was wrapped up in. My long chestnut brown hair remained a messy tumbleweed where it stopped at the tip of my shoulders. I rolled my eyes and smiled a little when I heard a female voice from downstairs. I had awoken from my dream. I was back in my Los Angeles house. The calendar that stood on my dresser read: January 5th, 2006.

Sunny! Are you up yet? The voice called. I made waffles!

It was my Aunt Teresa. She’s my mom’s sister and kind of like a second mother to me. I live with her and her husband, Jim, who I call my uncle. They took me and my younger brother, Miles, in after my mother was killed. My dad lives in Saltville, an exotic town in California. Aunt Teresa and Uncle Jim didn’t feel comfortable with him caring for us so they took us in instead. They didn’t like him much because he put mom through a lot. They got divorced when I was seven. I was very young at that time so I didn’t really know what was going on between them. I only see him on special occasions like Christmas or Birthdays or Thanksgiving. We haven’t been very close since mom died.

I stayed in bed, staring up at the blank white ceiling. The door opened and in walked Aunt Teresa with a tray of waffles. The freshly-cooked waffles had maple syrup sprinkled all over them. Just the way I liked it. I’m a huge fan of sugary foods. Well, which teenager isn’t? Every teen has had their sugar addictives. Where do you think acne comes from?

Your mother raised one lazy girl She laughed, placing the tray over my legs as I sat up in the bed.

Thanks I giggled, taking a fork and knife from her.

She sat at the edge of the bed, smiling at me. I dug into the waffles.

A hungry one too She added. I smiled.

I gobbled the delicious food down my throat, cutting the waffles into even slices. Aunt Teresa watched me with a big grin on her face. She just sat near me on the bed, her big ginger hair sitting on top of her head like a large gingery cloud. Long dark purple hoop earrings hung from her ears and her hands rested on her lap contently, but I could sense a nervous tension with them. By the time I was finished my breakfast, she began talking.

You’re probably wondering why I made you your favourite breakfast meal, huh? She raised an eyebrow.

Not really. I just thought you were being generous I shrugged. I placed the empty plate on my bedside dresser and listened to what my aunt had to say. Her voice seemed serious and deep.

Your father rang me last night She replied coyly. I gulped.

Oh … . What did he want? I asked.

Well, he wants … . um … . you and Miles to come live with him She managed to squeeze the words out.

You’re kidding, right? I raised my eyebrows. Aunt Teresa shrugged.

Why … . ? I asked her.

He feels bad that he doesn’t see you that often … . so I guess he wants to make it up to you She told me, moving in closer, resting a hand on my warm cheek.

Too bad. I’m not moving to Saltville! I complained, stepping out from the bed. I paced around the room, crossing my arms in frustration.

Sunny … . Aunt Teresa sighed.

I can’t believe him! I moaned.

Aunt Teresa pursed her lips and walked over to me, combing my hair back from my face. She gave me a comforting smile.

Sweetie, your father is trying, isn’t he? She asked. He’s trying to make up for the past. He knows he wasn’t much of a father to you, but he’s trying.

I don’t care I gave her a scowl. I’m not going to live with him!

I turned away from her and stormed out of the bedroom, slamming the door behind me. She was left there, arms crossed. She failed in persuading me to go.

I stomped into the bathroom in the hallway, my back up against the door. Feelings of frustration and anxiety filled my mind. My brain was about to boil and sizzle with all the brewing anger. I didn’t think of him as a father. After what he put the family through, why should I consider his Saltville offer? He and mom were always fighting about their relationship and things like that. They started to bicker with each other a lot after Miles was born. Bringing a new baby into the house at that time wasn’t their greatest idea.

My ear was pressed against the bathroom door and I could overhear Aunt Teresa and Uncle Jim discussing the issue.

She won’t go Aunt Teresa told her husband. They were downstairs in the kitchen, their loud voices easy to hear.

Give her some time, Teresa. She’ll come around Jim replied.

Do you think so? She asked in a worried tone.

Of course. He’s still her father. Sure the man is rough around the edges, but he deserves to be with his kids Jim said.

You’re right. He’s making an effort. I say we make her go to Saltville. It will be good for her Teresa said to her husband.

I sighed deeply, banging my head into the door.

When I walked out into the hallway, a twelve year-old-boy with cropped dark brown hair and brown eyes came out of the bedroom next to mine, yawning and stretching his arms. My annoying brother, Miles. He was unaware of what was going on. I didn’t want to be the one to tell him. I didn’t want to know how he would react to the news. He wiped his eyes while squinting them, hovering down the staircase. I followed him.

Down in the kitchen, Uncle Jim was sitting at the table while watching the television. There was a documentary about ships on TV Aunt Teresa was standing by the worktop, chopping up peppers and celery. Miles walked in with me behind him. He sat down, pouring cereal into a bowl.

Miles, honey, you’re up Aunt Teresa smiled. I glared at her while taking a seat beside Miles. As he poured a drop of milk into the cereal bowl, Aunt Teresa sat across from us, ready to tell Miles.

Morning He mumbled.

Miles? Your uncle and I have something to tell you She took a light breath.

You’re not pregnant, are you? I mean, it’s just … . aren’t you too old now to have babies? Miles raised his eyes at his aunt. I rolled my eyes.

No. And for your information young man, I’m forty two. Some people consider me to be quite young, you know She replied.

Yeah, people who are considered to be old geezers Miles retorted.

Anyway, the thing I wanted to tell you is that you and your sister are going to live with your father in Saltville Aunt Teresa smiled nervously.

Really? Miles asked in surprise.

Am I the only one who thinks this is a bad idea? I asked in annoyance.

Well, you can only go if your sister goes Aunt Teresa told her twelve-year-old nephew. Miles turned to me.

I’m not going! I scowled, repeating myself again.

But, Sunny, we haven’t seen dad in ages and he’s barely around Miles tried to persuade me. I frowned at him.

Dad has made a lot of bad decisions after he and mom split … . This is another one added to the list! I’m not going! I barked, leaving the kitchen.

I sat on the three bottom steps of the stairs, my head in my hands. Miles was still in the kitchen, neglecting his breakfast. He came rushing into the hallway, facing me with anger in his tone of voice.

You always do this, Sunny! Whenever I wanna do something or go somewhere, I end up not doing it because of you! Miles shouted. I avoided his sad eyes.

It’s not fair! I wanna live with dad He said.

You … . You really want to go live in Saltville? I asked him.

Yes. Come on, we never see dad. Please? He pleaded. I let out a sigh and stood up from the stairs, facing him.

What about Aunt Teresa and Uncle Jim? I asked him. What about your home here in Los Angeles?

We’ll come back to visit Miles said. I looked down into his brown eyes, resisting. I let him win this fight. Moving to a new place was just something I had to get used to.

Fine. I’ll go … . I gave up. His face brightened up with joy.

Thank you, thank you He said, hugging me and swinging me from side to side.

Aunt Teresa and Uncle Jim had us pack up our things and retrieve our suitcases. I laid out all my favourite outfits and shoes on the bed, while my suitcase was wide open, ready to pack up the belongings I would put into it. The closet was wide open, many clothes still hanging on the hangers, waiting for me to choose. I sucked in a deep breath before taking the hangers in both hands, throwing them onto the bed. My head pounded a little. I still wasn’t ready to move into a new town to live with my distant father, who I had not spoken to in months. But, this was a sacrifice I had to make. For Miles.

I was ready. My packing was finished. My suitcase was filled with individual clothing and accessories. My squeaky white sneakers made the obvious squeaking noise as I walked slowly down the stairs, my suitcase rolling down the steps behind me. I clung on tightly to the long black handle, walking into the living room where everyone waited. Aunt Teresa sat beside Jim, his arm around her while the other one supported the TV remote. As usual, he was watching a documentary about wildlife in Brazil. Aunt Teresa was talking on the phone, her loud chatty laughter causing a smile to form on my lips.

I watched the way the dim morning sunlight streamed through the open window, catching the all the different curly ginger hairs on her head as it turned each one into a shimmering gold strand. Miles was lying on the stretched-out furry rug, his stomach squeezed against the floor with his hands holding up his bored face. His luggage was beside him. He had at least four bags with him. I knew how much this meant to him. I had to endure it, no matter how it hard it was.

Don’t worry, Joe. They’re both ready Aunt Teresa smiled, holding the house phone to her ear. My heart skipped a beat. I knew who she was talking to. Joe Andrews, my father.

Okay, then. Great. See you in a few hours She giggled. You do?

Aunt Teresa flickered her bright blue eyes over to me, handing me the phone. I bit down on my lower lip before taking it. I pressed it to my ear, hearing his friendly husky voice.

Dad? I asked.

Hey, Sunshine. How have you been? He asked, his voice gentle and quiet. The name ‘Sunshine’ made me melt a little. That was his nickname for me when I was little. I loved it when he called me that. It made me feel like a little girl again.

Hi, dad. I’m fine I lied.

So, are you okay with moving to Saltville? He asked. In the background, I heard the breezing sound of his speeding Mercedes car. He was on the road.

Its fine. Besides, Miles is really excited. He’s really missed you I told him.

And I’ve really missed him. Both of you, I mean He responded. Have you been good for your aunt and uncle?

You bet I smiled, hearing how sincere and happy his voice was. Maybe he was willing to take a risk in reuniting with his children.

That’s my girl. Anyway, I’m coming to collect you. It takes a few hours to drive from California to Los Angeles … . so hang in there until I come, okay?

Okay I nodded.

Is Miles there? Can I speak with him? Joe asked me.

I gave the phone to Miles who didn’t leave the floor. He smiled the moment the phone even touched his ear. I sat beside Aunt Teresa, smiling too. I crossed my arms across my chest, causing wrinkles and creases to form in my peachy pink t-shirt. My easy flow blue denim jeans were already wrinkly enough since I just threw them on. They were ironed. I went casual. My hair was tied back in a low messy ponytail. I didn’t bother brushing it. I was born a lazy child.

Miles’ baby face glowed with happiness as he spoke with Joe over the phone. My smile didn’t leave.

Hours past. The family still remained in the living room, watching the television. I was curled in beside Aunt Teresa as we watched a romantic comedy on TV. Miles and Uncle Jim were in the kitchen, building a house of cards on the table unsuccessfully.

Outside, it was starting to rain. I could hear the thousands of drops of water pelting against the windows. The movie was nearly over. It ended with a kiss and the screen faded to black, names in white coming into view. My legs and arms stretched while Aunt Teresa was already sleeping. She was more of a horror movie person.

The front door opened, letting in all the falling rain and closed shut. A tall forty year old man with short dark brown hair and hazel brown eyes walked into the living room. He was wearing a green and cream bowling shirt over a pair of jeans and boots.

Dad! Miles exploded into joyfulness as he left the kitchen table to hug Joe. Joe picked him up in his arms and embraced him tightly.

Hi, dad I grinned, approaching them.

Come here, Sunshine. There’s room for one more He smiled back as Miles raised one cautious eyebrow at me. I walked into his chest, wrapping both arms around him. Miles was buried in the huge bear hug. Aunt Teresa and Uncle Jim stared at us, glancing at each other, their eyes glowing and their hearts wrenching.

Ready to come to Saltville with me? He asked us.

Yeah! Miles cheered.

You’re both gonna love Saltville. I mean, it’s sunny everyday and we live near the beach Joe told us. Unlike this hellhole.

Aunt Teresa and Uncle Jim shot him a look.

I-I mean … . uh … . this city. This great … . great city He stuttered in embarrassment.

Well, not all of us own a juice bar and can afford a beach house in California Uncle Jim said.

Right. Sorry Joe apologized.

After the drizzle and the rain started to die down a little, Joe took all of our luggage out into the driveway where his black Mercedes was parked. Uncle Jim gave him a hand. The two men gathered all of our luggage and shoved it into the trunk of the car while throwing hints of conversation at each other. Miles and I said our goodbyes to Aunt Teresa on the front porch. The Los Angeles sky was painted a very dull grey after the rain.

I’m gonna miss you kids so much She sobbed, pushing us into her broad chest. Mostly into her breasts.

We’ll miss you too, Aunt Teresa I replied, looking up at her.

We’ll miss you more if you let us breathe! Miles managed to choke out, struggling to break free from her tight hug. She laughed at his comment, kissing his forehead after kissing mine. Miles smiled at her and ran down the porch steps, into Joe’s arms. Uncle Jim retreated to the porch where I was going to say my last goodbye.

Now, you better call me the minute you get there Aunt Teresa sobbed as tears of joy rolled down her cheeks.

Don’t worry, I will I said, reflecting a smile. I was sad to be leaving, but I wasn’t able to cry about it.

Take care of yourself, Squirt Uncle Jim replied, tapping a finger off of my nose. I hugged them both, closing my eyes, feeling the tears coming.

I left them at the porch, walking slowly towards Joe’s car where he and Miles waited. I grinned at them both. Joe opened the door for me, but before I could even think about stepping into it, I flickered my eyes back at my beloved aunt and uncle, smiling sadly back at them. They had their arms around each other, waving back at me. I waved too.

As soon as Miles was seated in the back seat, Joe and I sat in the in the front seats. Joe slid the keys into the ignition, causing the car to roar to life. The Mercedes drove out of the driveway, departing Los Angeles. Saltville was waiting for me.

We were on the road for about two hours. Maybe more. Miles slouched in the back seat, playing his portable video game, his tired eyes glued to the screen. His seatbelt was buckled tightly around his tiny waist. Joe had both hands resting calmly on the steering wheel, his long fingers tapping lightly to the upbeat pop song that was playing on the radio. I bobbed my head back and forth to the music, my hands lying flat on my lap.

Outside, different coloured cars passed us out as they sped rapidly on the open road. I rolled the window down, resting my peach pale arms across the surface. The warm wind rushed through my hair as I looked up at the blue cloudless sky above me. I had never seen such a blue sky. I had never felt such a warm sunny atmosphere before. It was so warm. So right.

Joe spun the wheel around and around, turning into a corner on the highway. As the he drove the car down a bumpy hill, a large green sign was standing at the side of the road: WELCOME TO SALTVILLE. We made it. We arrived at our new home.

There were a group of friends strolling through the flea markets where they found themselves in a clothes store, threading their way past vintage dresses, stacks of stylish shoes and a life-size mannequin of Audrey Hepburn. The sidewalks were crowded with shoppers-Uniformed police officers on leave, families with children darting about. I couldn’t imagine seeing this wonderful seaside metropolis any other way. It looked like a lovely place to live. I had to give it a chance.

Joe drove the car into the sun drenched driveway of his large expensive beach house. Miles and I both gazed dumbstruck at it as he parked the Mercedes in the narrow driveway. We all rushed out of the car, stumbling over our feet. The sun glinted it’s magnificent sunlight off of Joe’s Mercedes, making it glisten like a crystal at sea. I looked around. The sun was shining beautifully in the blue California sky. Joe’s beach house stood in the middle of a friendly neighbourhood. The footpaths and roads were clean and spotless. No trash or graffiti anywhere. Tall broad dazzling palm trees stood by the houses along with freshly-cut grass and fragrant flowerbeds. Behind the neighbourhood, the local beach resided. It was surrounded by ports and shops like Ice-Cream parlours and hotdog stands. It was such a lovely picturesque setting. I think I was going to like it here.

Joe managed to carry all of Miles’ luggage to the front door while I carried my own. The sun’s glowing ray of light sprinkled across the neat lawn. The sky spluttered a dazzling bright blue as if it was in the middle of Summer. Like an ocean of turquoise, sending clouds through the air. The warm air pulled back at my hands like mist at sunrise. It melted the coldness inside me, becoming a tunnel in the deep drift, fleeing from me, writhing around me.

Come on, stupid darn key! Joe complained stubbornly while pushing a small silver key into the door’s curved keyhole. He eventually twisted it and it opened, letting the three of us inside. We all walked in, Miles and I flabbergasted at how big and well-furnished the house was. It was amazing.

Joe dropped all of Miles’ luggage by the end of the ivory white staircase that was located in the narrow hallway when you enter through the front door. A long crimson-red furred rug ran down the steps of the stairs like a long red tongue. Joe hung his leather jacket on the banister. The floor in the hallway was lino, coloured a light brown. Joe faced the first door in the hall, pushing it open.

I left my bags with my brother’s ones and followed Joe into the next room.

We all entered into the very sophisticated living room that was connected to the kitchen. The walls were painted bright canary yellow, with framed pictures hanging on them. Some were photos of me, Miles and Joe’s friends. Others were actual paintings. Paintings of fruit bowls and flowery meadows. I remember Joe being a huge fan of the works of the old Italian Renaissance. That was one of his creative interests along with collecting old fashioned cars like Mustangs and Volkswagens.

In the center of the living room, sat a large cream leather sofa made for three, decorated with tangerine coloured cushions, soft like cotton. A dark green armchair stood at either side of the sofa while a glass coffee table was facing the flat screen television in front of them. The floor of the living room was timber with a large thick hazelnut brown carpet over it. The TV sat upon a mahogany wooden drawer where a DVD player was sitting inside it along with about fifty different DVDS. Plants resided on both sides of the drawer while the curtains by each window were snow white with orange flowers sewed across them.

There was an archway behind the living room, painted ivory white like the stairs, which lead into the kitchen. This was the room where I was going to eat my breakfast and dinner from on. It just seemed so different from Aunt Teresa and Uncle Jim’s house back in LA. Joe’s kitchen was pretty big. The floor tiled with black and white tiles. The walls were painted a dark chartreuse green. There was a round circular breakfast table in the middle of the kitchen. A long worktop stretched across, circulating the room until it reached the archway leading into the living room. On the worktop, were things like the microwave, coffee maker and cutlery dish. The fat white fridge was standing beside the worktop with lots of multi-coloured fridge magnets scattered across it, like a rainbow of tiny abstract pictures.

Ok, kids, now it’s time to see the bedrooms Joe announced, guiding us back into the hallway after showing us around the downstairs of the house.

At the end of the hall, was the basement. That’s where Joe did his laundry and there was also another TV in there too with a sofa and bean bags. He picked up all of Miles’ bags while I gathered mine. He galloped up the stairs quickly, Miles and I running up behind