Hiding In Plain Sight (2nd Edition)

By Sue Nelson Buckley

Just before her last year of school, Hilary watches as a new family moves in next door. It doesn't take long for her best friend Shannon to interrupt her observations and force her to introduce herself.

The Mom and Dad are oddly formal. Alex, the little sister is a brat and Ben, the son, is hot with a capital H. Even better, he seems to be a truly great guy.

Later that night, Hilary watches as Ben and his father walk across their back yard and then disappear into thin air. She can still hear them talking, but their voices sound distorted and tinny. She huddles in the shadows until they are done unloading weird electrical equipment from the invisible place they disappeared into.

School starts and weird things begin to happen. Strange purple lights fill the air, weaving and bobbing over the bog behind their homes as if searching for something.

Ben realizes he needs Hilary's help if he wants to escape the aliens after his family. The Hurlingen are on their way to Earth and it's going to take almost everyone they know, to stop these horrible aliens from kidnapping Ben and Alex.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sue Nelson Buckley
• Release date: Dec 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781990499050

Sue Nelson Buckley

Writing is as important to me as breathing... ok well at least as important as chocolate (trust me - that means it's vitally important). I've been telling stories since I was a kid. Often it was to get myself out of trouble (sometimes it even worked) but most of the time it was to keep my brothers and I entertained.My first manuscript was sent to a publisher over a decade ago. It was rejected, which devastated me at the time. But after a few years I met a group of awesome people who were writers. The took me under their wing and I got my confidence back.Life got in the way and I ended up moving across the country. I live in Canada, so it's a big country. It took me another few years before I decided to try my hand at getting published again. I'd been writing a lot in the meantime, but mostly just for my own pleasure.My friends think I'm insane for trying to make a living by writing. I figure, you can't succeed if you don't try.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Hilary, are you watching? Shannon’s voice screeched through the phone and into my ear. Her voice was so loud I could also hear it coming from her house across the street. It was like hearing her in stereo.

Shan was rarely subtle.

Mom looked up from her laptop. She had her work stuff spread all over the kitchen table. Shannon?

I nodded.

She went back to her notes and even though Shannon was still talking, my attention was already back to the action on the other side of our driveway where our new neighbours were unloading their stuff from a cube van with the name of a rental company splashed over its side. Of course, I’m watching.

Why didn’t you call me? Look at him.

I smiled. Yeah, right. That was precisely why I didn’t call her. I love Shannon. We’ve been best friends since Junior K, but when she’s excited, the girl just won’t shut up. Me? I like to observe. Not like a stalker or anything, but sometimes you just learn a lot more by keeping your mouth shut, and I was learning a lot.

I’m coming over. The phone clicked.

I had exactly forty seconds before Shannon appeared on my doorstep. Forty-five if she had to wait for a car to pass before crossing the road. That rarely happened, Shannon typically didn’t wait for anything.

I glanced back to my new neighbours. The mom was pretty. She had dark hair pulled back into a ponytail and appeared to be the one in charge of getting everything into the house. The dad was a bit older. His hair was greying at the sides, and he seemed stressed. The daughter looked to be about twelve, but she dressed like a little kid so she could be a lot younger. But the son… wow, just WOW. He’s the one I’d really been watching.

If someone read my journal and made me a guy to order, he’d be perfect. Just under six feet, dark hair, darkish eyes, and a great laugh that made my toes tingle.

I’d guess he was around seventeen. Ok, that was me hoping he is only seventeen. If he’s older, he won’t be attending high school with Shannon and me, which would mean he probably wouldn’t be interested in getting to know a high-schooler like me - even if I was a senior.

He reached up and pulled two of the bigger cartons off the back end of the truck. His muscles flexed under his dark blue t-shirt when the boxes threatened to tip over. For a minute, I forgot all about Shannon, the book I had been pretending to read, my mom in the kitchen and, well… everything. I just held my breath and watched him jostle the boxes to keep them upright.

Then Shannon’s bright blonde head bounced past my window.

I groaned. My peaceful morning of ogling the cute new neighbour was finished—kaput.

Hi, Mrs. F., Shannon said as she walked in without knocking.

Sure, the door was open to catch the breeze. But even if it was closed, she would’ve just come in. Her sense of entitlement always amazed me. We were both only children from middle-class families. We both had a lot of friends and were pretty good looking, if I do say so myself. Compared to her, I was practically a wallflower. Shannon just had that extra here-I-am attitude that could be just as annoying as it was endearing. Like right now, for example.

So why are you just sitting there? she demanded. Hands on her hips, she glared at the open book on my lap.

I shrugged. She already knew the answer.

Hilary, this is no time to be shy. If Janie gets to him first, he’ll be ruined.

She had a point. Janie was the golden girl. Her dad owned a bunch of businesses around town and with her posse of local celebrity wannabes, she made Shannon look like a cowering wreck. Janie and her buddies had been extras on a movie set back in middle school. Four years later, they were still milking the glory, brandishing their Apprentice Member ACTRA Cards in case we forgot.

I put my book down and stood up. Shannon gave me the once over with a critical eye. My long auburn hair hung straight down past my shoulders. I was wearing one of the tank tops she gave me for my birthday last week and my favourite shorts that, in my mind at least, made me look taller than my five foot two.

Her eyes narrowed when she saw I wasn’t wearing make-up, a major faux pas in her book.

I shrugged. It was still two weeks before school started, and I didn’t have to work at Coles Electronics until later this afternoon.

Shannon ignored my lack of make-up and nodded her approval of my wardrobe. She was wearing a similar outfit, Khaki shorts, t-shirt, and her favourite platform sandals that did great things for her legs and unfortunately made her tower over me.

Let’s go, she ordered.

I paused at the door long enough to slip my flip-flops on to my feet. I could hear mom laughing behind me. I swear, she enjoyed watching Shannon boss me around, especially when she agreed with her. Mom had already suggested I go over to say hello. I shot her a look over my shoulder, which only made mom laugh harder. I took a deep breath and followed Shannon out the door. I had no choice but to walk slightly behind. Even in heels, she out-paced me as she strode across the thin stretch of lawn separating the two driveways.

The father was just reaching into the truck when he saw us coming. He stopped what he was doing and smiled.

Shannon stuck her hand out to shake his. Welcome to the neighbourhood. I’m Shannon, I live across the street.

The man hesitated only a second before reaching out as if her gesture was unexpected. Hi Shannon, I’m Norman McAllister.

The daughter appeared around the edge of the truck to get another load. She stopped short when she saw us. Alex, come here. This is Shannon and…

Hilary, I stepped forward. I live next door.

Mr. McAllister shook my hand too while Alex looked on. She looked downright unfriendly.

Ben, Angela, we have visitors. Mr. McAllister hollered into the house. I turned my attention back to Alex. I didn’t want to look like I was desperately waiting to meet the hot guy next door. What grade are you in, Alex?

She shrugged. I’m starting grade nine this year.

I was surprised. Even up close, she didn’t look old enough to start high school.

Our Alex is a genius. She skipped ahead of the rest of her class and is starting high school two years early.

Daaaaad, do you have to tell everybody? If possible, Alex looked even more annoyed.

I looked at Alex with a whole new level of sympathy. Starting high school at twelve was going to be rough. Especially if she got on Janie’s radar, which I really hoped she didn’t.

Ahh, here they are. Ben, Angela, meet Shannon, she lives across the street.

The mom, Angela, stepped forward to shake Shannon’s outstretched hand. Ben glanced at Shannon, then looked directly at me. I’ve seen you around.

I… I’m Hilary. Up close, he was incredible. His eyes were such a dark blue they were almost black, even in the sunlight. Seriously wow.

I know.

Shannon didn’t even notice she had been ignored. Really? Where’d you see us?

Ben broke my gaze to answer Shannon’s question. I’ve seen Hilary a few times when I drove by to check out the neighbourhood.

You drive? Shannon practically danced with delight. At our school, having a friend who drove was almost as important as driving yourself. If you had your own car? Well, it put you into a completely different stratosphere.

I knew Shannon’s next question would be whether he had his own car. Before she got too excited about how he could increase our already solid social standing, I figured we’d better find out if he was still in school. Where Alex looked younger up close, Ben looked much older. There was a wisp of hair peeking over the V-neck of his t-shirt and the five o’clock shadow he had would take most guys in senior year at least a week to grow. Are you still in school?

Yeah, I graduate in the spring. He cocked his head. Saint John High?

Downtown Saint John had three high schools. Harbourview High was the trade school. St. Mac’s and Saint John High were both academic.

Yes, Shannon butted in again. Hilary and I are seniors too. She looked around. So do you have a car?

So much for distraction. I sighed and let her run with the conversation.

Ben smiled, Come on, I’ll show you. He led us around the truck to their backyard, which had been blocked from view when I was on the couch.

Shannon and I gasped.

It wasn’t just a car. It was a mint condition classic Barracuda. Its metallic blue paint sparkled in the sun. I felt my knees go weak and thought Shannon was going to collapse from excitement. Our it factor will skyrocket just by standing close to a car like that, never-mind being on speaking terms with its owner.

Ben’s shoulders shot back, and his chest stuck out at our reaction. Dad and I spent all last year restoring it.

Shannon jabbered on about how cool the car was and how smart Ben and his dad were for fixing it. She opened the driver door and plunked herself in the driver’s seat, running her hand over the crimson leather.

I walked slowly around the car, afraid to touch it in case I left a fingerprint. The third time Shannon called for me to look at something inside, I raised my gaze. Ben was staring at me, as if watching my reaction. My dad was always working on his car. I’d go out and help him, but we’d just end up talking. I blinked back the sudden tears in my eyes. He would’ve loved this car.

Ben looked as if he was about to say something when Alex came around the corner of the house. Dad said to stop showing off your car and come back to help him.

Did dad really say for me to stop showing off the car? he questioned.

No but, he told mom he hoped you didn’t get distracted for long because he had to get the truck back before two.

I laughed, Hey, Shannon, we qualify as distractions. We’re moving up in the world.

Shannon looked at me in surprise. She is usually the flirt, not me. I’m the one who makes sure everything goes smoothly, not really a wallflower, but when it comes to flirting or initiating conversations with guys as good looking as Ben, I usually got tongue-tied.

I glanced away. I could feel the heat crawl over my face. I knew looking away wouldn’t stop the blush from happening, but at least it prevented me from seeing Shannon smirk about it, or Ben, which would make me blush even harder.

Unfortunately, I looked right into Alex’s combative gaze.

Her feet were planted shoulder-width apart, her arms folded stiffly across her chest. Her scowl made it clear that her brother was off limits.

Ben must have seen something change besides the colour in my face. One look at his little sister’s expression and he motioned Shannon out of his car.

Alex’s expression turned triumphant as she whirled around and preceded us toward the front of the house.

Ben shook his head. Do either of you want a little sister? I’m willing to sell her. Cheap.

Shannon and I both held up our hands as if to push such a horrible thought away. Shan added a dramatic shudder, No thanks, I like being an only child.

While we were gone, Ben’s dad had started moving the couch and mattresses to the edge. Ben jumped up beside him to lend a hand.

Can we help? I asked.

Mrs. McAllister said yes at the same moment Mr. McAllister said no. They looked at each other for a few seconds, having a silent conversation of couple-speak before Mr. McAllister changed his mind. Thank you, that would be nice. He pointed to half a dozen smallish boxes waiting to be taken inside.

I could feel the visual daggers Shannon was shooting at my back when I reached up to grab the first box, marked living room books.

She was dressed to impress. Her sandals weren’t designed to lug boxes, no matter how cute the new neighbour was. I tried to feel guilty for making Shannon do hard labour in heels, but I couldn’t. Considering all the situations she had roped me into over the years, this was a pretty tame form of payback. I smiled as I walked into the split entryway and up the stairs, Shannon trailing behind me. I was feeling proud of myself until I reached the top.

Alex stood there blocking the door to the kitchen behind her, one hand on her hip, the other pointing to my right, In there.

I decided now was not a good time to tell her I knew her new home better than she did. Mr. and Mrs. Jennings, the people who lived here before, used to babysit me after school when mom had to work late. After dad died, she worked late a lot. Since I was carrying books, I walked directly over to one of the built-in bookcases flanking the stone fireplace and set them on the floor.

Alex looked at me suspiciously, her glare intensifying until even Shannon noticed.

Shan was about to make a smart-assed comment but stopped when she saw me shake my head in warning.

Being seventeen is hard. You’re not quite an adult, but at least you’re on the downswing of puberty. Shannon and I had each other and our other friends to help through the worst parts. Alex was a prodigy at twelve, in a new city with no friends yet. I felt sorry for her, even though for some weird reason, she was trying to pick a fight with me. The fact that I wasn’t taking the bait seemed to make her even more furious.

The clumping of Ben and his father coming up the stairs broke our silent standoff. Whatever they were carrying sounded heavy. They hesitated at each step to adjust their load.

Alex, stop glaring at the girls and move. Impatiently, Ben nudged his sister out of the way as he guided his end of the sofa into the living room.

Shannon and I both stepped closer to the fireplace to give them room to bring the sofa into the room.

Alex stomped back down the stairs as soon as the way was clear.

Mr. McAllister was puzzled. Why would Alexandra be glaring at the girls? They are helping.

Mrs. McAllister came up the stairs behind them. What is wrong with Alex?

It was clear Alex wanted us to leave, and I’d thwarted her by offering to help and invaded her turf even further. I started to apologize.

Ben spoke before I could. She’s being a brat. Probably ticked that I didn’t include her when I took the girls out back to see my car.

I am not being a brat, Alex shouted from outside. And I don’t care about your stupid car.

Mr. McAllister frowned. Well, she cannot be with you all the time. She will have to find her own friends.

Shannon and I looked at each other. There was no one Alex’s age in our neighbourhood. Shannon and I were the only teens nearby. I’d just turned seventeen and Shannon’s birthday was next month.

I’m afraid she’s stuck with us. Shannon said.

I am glad you girls came over. We have moved so much over the past two years the children had no chance to make friends. It’s been especially hard on Alex.

Shannon didn’t look exactly pleased to play saviour to a twelve-year-old, but I kind of liked the idea. I’d always wanted to have a little brother or sister. This was as close as I would ever get.

CHAPTER TWO

I worked until six and then, after supper, went out to my treehouse. Mom thought I was too old to hang out in a playhouse, but my dad built it for me when I was eight, just before he got sick.

He built the floor over two of the lowest branches. The ceiling was just over a metre high where it attached to the tree trunk. It sloped down to the outer walls, which were barely half a metre tall. Dad had built little cabinets for me to store my dolls and tea sets and then shingled the roof and put glass in the windows just like a proper house. I was so excited when he let me help him paint the inside, bright pink, just the way I’d wanted it back then.

The tree had grown, so now the floor was almost two metres above the ground, and it didn’t seem nearly as big as it did back then. The floorboards creaked now when I moved around but coming out here had become a nightly ritual. I kept a journal hidden in the secret hiding spot dad created for me. It had become one long letter to him. Even though I knew dad couldn’t answer back, I felt closer to him here in my treehouse than anywhere else.

I picked up my journal. There was so much to tell him. Not only about Ben, but the whole McAllister family.

After we finished helping the McAllisters unload the truck, Shannon went back to her place. I went back to reading my book on the couch until it was time to leave for my shift. I could hear them talking out in the yard. There was something odd about them, especially the parents. They seemed really formal, even with their kids. Occasionally, I thought I heard words in a different language. I tried to remember where they were from, but I don’t think they said. There was something surreal about them. They reminded me of a TV show from the old days, like when my mom was a kid.

From my treehouse, I could see into the McAllister’s back yard. While I was writing, Ben and his dad came out of their back door, deep in conversation. This time, I was certain they weren’t speaking English. Or any language I’d ever heard before. They walked in front of Ben’s car and across their back lawn, right toward me. For a minute, I wondered if they were coming to visit me in my treehouse. Then they stopped, looked around for a minute and then poof. They disappeared.

What the…?

One second, they were there and the next they disappeared into thin air.

I blinked and leaned closer to my window, fighting the urge to freak out. I could still clearly hear them talking. Their voices had changed. It sounded like they were speaking from the inside of a big tin can. I rubbed my eyes like a little kid. Surely, I hadn’t just seen what I thought I did.

There is no way Ben, and his dad could just vanish.

Without taking my eyes from the spot where Ben and his dad had been, I shrank back against the far side of my treehouse. I willed the floorboards not to creak and give away my presence while I figured out what to do. Even though I couldn’t see them, I could still hear them. That meant they were still there. If I tried to leave the treehouse, I was sure they would see me.

I was trapped!

Then Ben reappeared just as suddenly as he’d vanished. He was carrying a big bluish-metal box with wires hanging down from one side. Behind him, Mr. McAllister popped back into view with another bluish box and more wires.

My heart was pounding. My back pressed so hard against the wall I was afraid I’d fall through. I had to relax and try to think this through logically. So far, they didn’t seem to know I was there. Good! Until I figured this out, I wanted to keep it that way.

I watched them go back and forth, disappearing, then reappearing again with more big boxes. It looked like electronic equipment but nothing like I had ever seen before… and I work in an electronics store. After a while, I realized I had switched from being scared to being curious. Whatever they were carrying into the house looked like super-secret spy gear, or components to make a terrorist tracking system, or something.

Okay, now I was back to scared.

If you drew a triangle on the bottom half of a map of New Brunswick, with one point on the oil refinery, one on the nuclear power plant and the other on the military base, my neighbourhood fell right in the centre. Sure, the McAllister family seemed friendly, but wasn’t that what neighbours always said about the serial killer who used to live beside them? No one ever suspected a thing.

Holy crap, just how much stuff did they have in whatever it was? Ben and his dad had been moving stuff for almost an hour. And how did they just disappear into thin air like that?

My journal lay forgotten on the floor of my treehouse as I peered through the window, waiting until it was dark enough for me to escape my hiding spot. It was only fifteen metres to the back door of my house, but it might as well have been a million. The sun had finally set, but it was still too light for me to leave undetected. I had at least another half an hour to wait. I hoped that’d give me enough time to stop shaking.

I still wasn’t sure if it was fear or excitement that made my hands tremble. Maybe Shannon was right when she complained I read too much science fiction, or maybe I was just losing my mind. I hoped mom was watching TV when I made it inside. The last thing I needed was to have her asking why I looked freaked out. I’m not a good liar, so she wouldn’t believe me if I told her everything was fine. Especially since right now, I wasn’t sure it was.

CHAPTER THREE

After watching Ben and his dad do their disappearing act, I tried to avoid close encounters with any of the McAllister family. I had so many questions, but how was I going to include, So I saw you guys disappearing in your backyard the other day, are you magicians or just terrorists? in a conversation?

What I really wanted to do was explore their backyard on my own and figure out what was going on, but they always seemed to be