The Unnaturals: Book One

By L.F McLaughlin

In the midst of her seemingly perfect life, Rebecca's world is shattered when her boyfriend, the charming Elliot, mysteriously vanishes without a trace. Desperate to uncover the truth behind his disappearance, she embarks on a relentless search, unknowingly stepping into a realm of darkness and the supernatural. Teaming up with her loyal best friend Isaac and the enigmatic Frankie, Rebecca finds herself thrust into a perilous battle against otherworldly forces. As they confront life-threatening challenges and endure heart-wrenching losses, the secrets they unearth only deepen the mystery. As the malevolent powers behind the shadows threaten to engulf her world, Rebecca must decipher the enigma of her own abilities. Will she find the strength to protect her friends and save humanity, or will darkness prevail?
Prepare to be spellbound by a tale of love, sacrifice, and the supernatural…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Woodbridge Publishers
• Release date: Mar 28, 2024
• ISBN: 9781917184250

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Eliot Hartland went missing on January 22nd, 2017, between 9 and 10 pm. It was just another normal day for Eliot.

He woke up to the sound of his clock radio blasting out classic rock, groaned at the thought of getting out of bed, rolled over to grab his cell phone, and beamed a smile, showing off his perfect white teeth.

He typed on his phone, Morning, beautiful, hit send, then tossed his cell on his bed as he got up.

Eliot could hear his mother singing from downstairs in the kitchen. He loved hearing her sing. Once dressed, he headed downstairs to join the rest of his family. His mother was at the stove cooking his favourite—French toast.

He greeted his mom by giving her a kiss on the cheek, followed by, Good morning, Mom. Morning, Dad.

Mr Hartland didn’t respond. Eliot’s father sat at the breakfast table, eyes locked on the newspaper while sipping his black coffee. Eliot didn’t take any offence to his dad ignoring him; he was used to him being non-verbal before 10 am on weekdays.

Mrs Hartland placed the French toast onto her son’s plate while she sat across from him. She started to quiz Eliot for his math test that day but frowned when she learned he was more rusty than usual.

You didn’t study last night, did you? she said as she gave him a disappointed look.

I got distracted, he replied with half of his French toast in his mouth.

She gave him a half-hearted glance from across the table.

I bet I know who was responsible for that, she huffed.

Eliot ignored her comment. Relief appeared on his face when he heard the sound of Greg Masters’ jeep honking from the yard. Eliot leapt out of his seat, grabbed the last of his breakfast, quickly kissed his mother’s cheek, and promised her they would discuss it when he got home later.

Mrs Hartland watched as her son rushed out the door, not knowing that she would never see him again.

***

School that day was a blur. Eliot arrived at school at 8:30 am. Greg Masters was behind him, teasing his best friend in Mrs Hartland’s voice about spending too much time with his girlfriend. Eliot rolled his eyes and slightly dabbed Greg’s arm in a joking manner.

Speaking of the devil… Greg stated, making Eliot turn his neck way too quickly.

Standing in front of Fallsgrove High School was Becca Pears, her golden-blonde curly hair placed neatly just past her ears, her black leather jacket warped around her curvy body. Becca grinned as her boyfriend greeted her with a kiss on her lips.

Morning, beautiful, his voice sang with glee.

He fell in love with her the minute he laid eyes on her when Becca had walked into their freshman English class last year, and they’d been together since. He couldn’t imagine his life without her, and the feeling was mutual for Becca.

The rest of the day consisted of home-ed in the first period, then French in the second.

Eliot spent his lunch hour watching Becca and her best friend, Isaac, skateboarding on the quad. The fifth period was health class, followed by math. Eliot left the classroom with doubt. He spent the whole class worrying and stressing out about how badly he had done on the test. He knew his mom would kill him if he failed this one.

How did you do? Greg asked as they both headed to the parking lot.

Eliot sighed, A month grounded!

Shit! That bad, huh?  Eliot ignored him.

Look, man, why don’t you come back to mine? Lay low for a bit so your mom doesn’t grill you right away?

Eliot smiled. You are a genius!

Eliot left Greg Masters’ house around 9 pm that night.

He had four unread messages from his mom, so he quickly replied back with, I’m heading home. We’ll talk then.

It was a cold January night, and the air was crisp. Eliot pulled up the hood on his jacket, trying to keep the cold from his face. He headed down the alley just off Kirby Street, 10 minutes away from his house. It was a quiet night. A bit too quiet, he thought. He had sworn he saw something in the dark alley but brushed it off and guessed it was most likely a reflection of light or something. However, he couldn’t ignore his feeling, which made him pick up his walking pace. His heart began to beat faster than normal.

Eliot noticed cars speeding past in front of him. He sighed with relief when he saw that he was almost home. A noise screeched behind him, and loud breathing suddenly tickled his ear.

Eliot jumped, feeling like something or someone was touching his arm, his body now shaking with fear. Eliot screamed as loud as he could, hoping someone would hear him, but it was too late… he was gone… vanished into the dark night.

CHAPTER 1

Doctor Henry Oaks’ office was your typical therapist’s room. The walls were covered with plain white paint, with a few odd paintings to make the room softer.

His awards were hanging over his desk — PhD at Stanford, an honours degree, and a Doctor of the Year award.

A brown leather couch was placed in the middle of the room, which was cold every time Becca sat down on it. A cactus plant sat on the edge of his coffee table. Becca always had the urge to reach out and touch it. She spent more time focusing on the plant than she did on Doctor Oaks.

So, Becca, how have you been? the shrink asked while twiddling with his pen.

Becca stared at the cactus. This time, she wasn’t thinking about touching it. She was just trying to avoid eye contact.

Becca didn’t want to give any indication that she wasn’t better. She wanted to make Doctor Henry think she was fine, and looking him in the eyes might discourage that plan.

Yeah, I’m ok, she spoke quietly, almost in a whisper.

Just ok? Doctor Henry started to scribble something down in his notebook.

Great… I’ve been great. Becca tried to force out a smile.

It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Since the last time you were here.

Um… Becca began to play with her hair—a trait she picked up when she was uncomfortable.

About a year, I think.

Doctor Henry smiled.

A lot can happen in a year. Tell me what’s been going on with you.

Not much, really, Becca let out an awkward laugh, I graduated this year and applied for an art school in New York.

That’s fantastic! You have come a long way. I’m very proud of you, Becca.

Becca smiled, the first sincere smile she had made since she entered his office.

I’m seeing someone.

Doctor Henry Oaks’ head sprung up from his notebook.

Really? Tell me about them.

Becca suddenly felt nervous.

Um, well, her name is Frankie. She is a senior like me, and we’ve been dating for about two months now.

And how is that going?

Yeah, it’s going great. I mean, she is amazing and understands a lot, you know. She’s exactly what I need right now.

What about your nightmares? Do you still have them? Doctor Oaks’ question took Becca by surprise.

No.

Well, that’s good that they have stopped. When did they stop?

Becca felt defensive, Do we have to talk about this?

Well, Rebecca, this is why you are here. It’s the two-year anniversary of Eli—

I know! she had to cut him off as she still wasn’t ready to hear his name.

But I’m good. I’m a lot better than I was. I’ve got my life back, no nightmares, no conspiracy theories… I have accepted it.

Accepted what? the doctor asked with curious eyes.

She could feel the sting on the back of her throat. She was scared to talk about it. She was scared it would open up old wounds.

That he’s gone—he’s dead.

Becca tried not to show any emotions.

Who is dead, Rebecca?

She took a deep breath, trying hard not to show how annoyed she was that Doctor Henry was pushing this.

Eliot.

His name stung like a bumble bee piercing through her skin. Doctor Henry Oaks took his glasses off and placed them on the glass coffee table.

Well, I can see you have made excellent progress. I’m glad you have finally accepted Eliot’s death.

He’s not dead, Becca thought.

They never found Eliot’s body, just a ripped jacket with a few blood stains on it. Becca was still convinced he was alive, but lying to her therapist and her mom was what she needed to do so she didn’t end up getting admitted again.

***

Ms Pearce was sitting in her car waiting for her daughter’s therapy session to be over. She took another drag of her cigarette, listening to some pop music on the radio. She was thinking of a happier time, Becca’s first homecoming dance, going to the mall to pick out the perfect dress. She remembered how Becca was happy and full of ambition.

It had been a rough two years for her and her daughter. Ms Pearce suddenly jumped at the sound of the passenger car opening.

How did it go? her voice was shaky; all she did was worry about her only child.

Ok. He said I’ve made a lot of progress.

Becca’s mom smiled with relief, That’s great, baby!

She stared at her daughter, hoping what Doctor Henry had said was true. Becca could fool him, but she couldn’t fool her mother. She glanced one more time at Becca.

Seeing her child this way broke her heart; her once curvy body was now just skin and bone, and her beautiful thick curly hair was now poker thin and straight, which looked very unhealthy.

Ms. Pearce knew her daughter was doing her best, but she could still see that Becca was broken, and feared that she would always be broken.

Ms Pearce sighed at her thoughts.

So, veggie casserole for dinner?

I can’t. I am going to go over to Frankie’s.

Becca saw the disappointed look on her mother’s face, I could cancel.

No, don’t, it’s ok, we can have dinner together tomorrow night.

You sure?

Yeah, kid. I’m glad you have Frankie, her mother smiled.

Becca smiled back. She knew how lucky she was to have had her mom these past two years. Her mother was her rock.

***

Music played in the background of Frankie’s bedroom. She had painted her walls a dark red colour, making them look gloomy and gothic. The décor was full of music bands’ memorabilia and concert ticket stubs covering most of the centre wall. Her blue vender bass guitar was placed next to her black dresser.

Frankie and Becca lay on the bed, hand in hand. Frankie was singing every word of the song that was playing, and Becca was in a world of her own, not really thinking about anything important, just in a daze.

How good is this band? Frankie stated.

Yeah, they’re cool, Becca said, flatness in her tone.

You still coming tomorrow night? Frankie was scared of the answer to