Three of a Kind: Tales of Luck, Chance, and Misfortune

Chapter One

Did you see that, Trent? whispered my younger brother, Ben, as we stared into the darkness toward the old house across the street. The weird light coming from his hands?

We were kneeling in Brent’s bedroom with the binoculars, trying to get a better glimpse of the short, stocky man who’d just walked out of his garage for the fifth time. Now he was pacing back and forth, talking to himself and looking agitated.

No, I sighed. And frankly, I’m really getting sick of spying on the neighbor, Ben. This is ridiculous.

His eyes narrowed. You don’t believe me, do you?

I snorted. What? That he’s some kind of goblin or boogieman?

Yes! I saw him disappear and then reappear a few minutes later. He had a black pot, too. I swear to God, there was a stack of bright gold coins inside.

I groaned – nine year old boys and their wild imaginations. Okay, Ben, that’s enough. I stood up and walked over to the light switch. You were obviously dreaming.

Wait, he whispered loudly as he stared through the binoculars again. Oh, my God, Trent. He did it again!

I rushed over to the window. What?

He vanished into thin air. He’s gone.

I rolled my eyes. Yeah, he’s probably in the garage.

Why are the lights off then? Who walks around their garage in total darkness?

Deciding to humor him, I grabbed the binoculars and waited. Even though I didn’t believe in Leprechauns, I had to admit that the neighbor across the street certainly looked like the kind in picture books, especially with his red beard, bulbous nose, and short, stubby legs. He also wore a lot of green.

See anything? asked Ben.

No.

Just keep watching, he said.

Ten minutes later, out of patience and feeling foolish, I stood back up and stretched my legs. This is ridiculous. I don’t have time for this. In fact, I have a lot of homework that’s due tomorrow. You’re on your own, bud.

He turned back toward the window. Fine, but if something happens and he comes for me...

"Ben, nobody is coming for you."

The sound of the bedroom door creaking open made us both jump.

What’s going on in here? asked our mother, Mira, flicking on the lights.

Releasing my breath, I pointed to Ben, who looked like he’d just pissed his pants. He thinks the neighbor across the street is some kind of Leprechaun or something.

She raised her eyebrows. A Leprechaun? Mr. O’Darby?

Yeah, mom! he said, rushing to her side. I saw him disappear into thin air and his hands, they were glowing!

Oh, Ben, she smiled, putting an arm around him. "You’re letting your imagination run wild, again. You know there are no such things as Leprechauns."

He pushed the dark hair out of his eyes. But...

She groaned and shook his shoulders, playfully. No buts. It’s getting late and, she wrinkled her nose, "you could use a shower. And there will be no more television before bedtime either, young man. Obviously some of the crap on television is warping your young, impressionable mind."

Fine. I’ll take a shower but I still think that guy is hiding something.

Don’t be ridiculous. By the way, Trent, we need to talk, she said, turning to me.

Why? I asked, although I already had an idea of what it was. Parent-teacher conferences had been earlier today and I was slipping in both Math and History.

In your room, she said, snapping her fingers.

Okay, I answered.

She followed me down the hallway to my bedroom and then closed the door behind her. Listen, she said, leaning against the door. We really need to talk.

I sighed. I know. School. I’ll try harder.

She rubbed her forehead with the tips of her fingers and shook her head. It’s not about school, although I’d appreciate it if you would try harder. I wasn’t very happy today. You’re supposed to be graduating this year, have you forgotten?

No. I haven’t, okay? Why did parents have to be so freaken condescending? I’ll bust my ass and try to raise my grades. Maybe even do some extra credit.

She nodded. Good.

So, what did you want to talk about?

She bit the side of her lip. I want you to keep an eye on your brother. Especially at night, when I have to work.

No problem. I already do that now.

"Well, keep a closer eye on him."

What’s the big deal? I asked.

Listen, don’t repeat this to Ben but there were two missing children reported earlier today, in Barnet. A boy and a girl – both only ten years old.

Our mother works in the local Sherriff’s Department as a dispatcher. 

Who took them? I asked. Barnet was the next town over, less than five miles away.

She shrugged. That’s just it. Nobody really knows what happened.  Both of them left school, walking their separate ways, and nobody has heard from either of them since.

Nobody saw anything?

She shook her head. No, unfortunately. Both kids lived within walking distance of the school so they weren’t missed on any bus. The police have been searching the surrounding neighborhoods and wooded areas all evening.

What about the parents? Could they have...?

I’d learned from my mother’s boyfriend, Matt, who’s a cop, that parents were usually the first suspects.

Don’t know for sure. The parents all had alibis and appeared to be genuinely upset.

I sat down on my bed. Wow, that’s freaky.

Tell me about it. Anyway, I’m sure it’s all over the news right now.

I grabbed the remote control for my television.

Wait, finish your homework first. I’ll keep an eye on the news and let you know what I find out.

Okay.

She picked up my dirty clothes hamper. Just remember to keep an eye on your brother, okay?

I will.

Thanks, I appreciate it, she said, and left the room.

Chapter Two

There hadn’t been any new information regarding the missing kids, and I’d all but forgotten about it until the next morning, when our mom pleaded with me to pick up Ben after school.

I don’t want him walking home alone, she said.

Fine.

What’s the big deal? asked Ben between bites of his Cocoa Pops. I always walk with Steve and Jacob. He turned to me. Can you give them rides, too?

Yes, he can, said mom, wrapping her dark brown hair into a ponytail, which made her look more like a college student than a woman of thirty-eight.

I groaned. Seriously?

Ben’s friends were slobs – always farting and picking their noses when they were over. Once I saw Steve eating a booger and almost hurled.

It’s a good idea, she said. Don’t you agree?

I knew I wasn’t going to win that argument so I just agreed.

Thank you, she said, kissing the top of my head. Now, Ben, are you ready for school?

Almost, he said and then stared at her in horror. You’re not actually going to drive me to school now, are you?

Yes.

He sighed. Fine, drop me off in the back, though. I’ll never hear the end of it if one of the guys catches me getting a ride from my mom.

She pretended to pout. My little guy doesn’t want to be seen around mommy anymore?

I’m going to be ten next week. I’m not a little guy. Sheesh.

I stood up and grabbed my backpack. "I’m outta here. Wait for me by the parking lot right after school, little guy."

"Whatever, butt-face."

Mom shook her head. Boys.

***

After school, I dropped off Ben’s friends at their homes as quickly as possible and then we headed to ours.

Did you ever notice that Mr. O’Darby is never seen in the daylight? said Ben as we pulled into our driveway.

I glanced into my rearview mirror at O’Darby’s house and gave a sinister laugh. Maybe he’s actually a vampire.

That’s not funny, he mumbled.

I stared at him. "You’re seriously that freaked out about the guy?"

He shrugged. He’s strange.

Have you actually ever met him?

No.

Well, I think we should do something about that.

He looked at me in horror. No way.

I opened the door to my ’72 Impala and got out. Come on, Ben. Let’s go over and properly introduce ourselves to the neighbor.

He shook his head vehemently. You can, I’m not.

I shut my door, walked around to the passenger side, and opened his. I’m serious. The only way to beat your fears is to face them. We are going across the street to meet the Leprechaun.

No.

I bent down onto my knee. Tell you what, we’ll go across the street and ask to borrow some sugar. You stand behind me and just watch. You don’t even have to say a word.

After a few seconds of silence, he nodded. Fine.

I smiled. Good. Let’s go.

Ben got out of the car and followed me to the edge of our yard. We both stopped at the curb and looked at Mr. O’Darby’s house. 

What a shit-hole, I said, staring at the dilapidated structure. Most of the homes on our street were old, large, but fairly maintained. This one had paint peeling on all sides, moss growing across fogged glass windows, and pretty much reminded me of the house from the movie Psycho, the creepy one behind the Bates Motel.

Maybe we should just forget it. He might not even be home, said Ben.

I nudged him. We’ll soon find out. Come on.

We walked across the street, and this time my pulse began to pick up. Ben’s paranoia was getting contagious.

Little brothers.

Ignoring the knot in my stomach, I stepped onto the rickety old porch and raised my hand to knock, when Ben stopped me.

Don’t do it, he pleaded, grabbing my arm. Please.

Would you stop being such a wuss?

His lip began to tremble. I can’t help it. I don’t think we should be on his property.

I sighed. Ben, it’s fine. You know I would never put you in any kind of danger.

Not on purpose, I get that, but this is different, he said, backing away. I’m leaving. Then he ran down the steps and back across the street.

Can I help you? asked a soft voice.

I whipped my head around and locked eyes with a girl standing behind the screen door. She was about my age, with long red hair, large almond-shaped eyes, and full lips. She was so hot, I could barely breathe.

I smiled weakly. Uh...hi.

She smiled back and my throat went dry. I wouldn’t have thought anyone could have gotten prettier.

Until that smile.

Sorry, I said, finding my voice. My name is Trent and I, uh, live across the street and was wondering if you had any sugar I could borrow?

She folded her arms under her chest and stared at me with amusement. "Sugar? What do you need sugar for?"

Cookies?

She threw her head back and laughed, a sound so nice that it made my heart skip a beat. I’m sorry, she said, wiping the tears from her eyes. I just really wasn’t expecting that.

Honestly, I thought her comment was borderline strange. Besides Kool-Aid, I didn’t know of many things, besides cookies, that you’d need to borrow sugar for.

She opened the screen door and stepped back. Come on in. My dad’s not home, so I can loan you as much as you need.

I stared in awe at the most intense green eyes I’d ever seen. Thanks, I said.

She smiled and nodded. The house is kind of a mess, actually. Why don’t you wait right here. I’ll be right back.

Okay. Thanks.

She turned and I couldn’t help but stare at the way her butt filled out the jeans she was wearing.

How come I’d never seen her before?

Sighing, I took a few more steps down the hallway and glanced into what appeared to be their living room. Or it would be. The furniture was covered in plastic, stacks of books were piled on top of coffee and end tables, and brown packing boxes took up almost every remaining space.

We’re still unpacking, she said, coming up behind me.

I turned around. Oh, sorry, I said. I didn’t mean to be nosy.

She shrugged and handed me a bowl of sugar. It’s okay.

Thanks, I said.

I hope it’s enough, she said. I forgot to ask you how much you needed.

I smiled. This is plenty.

I’m Shannon, by the way, she said, holding out her hand.

I wrapped my hand around hers and shook it. Nice to meet you.

What’s it like? she asked, pulling her hand back.

I raised an eyebrow. "What’s what like?"

Going to school?

"What do you mean? Don’t you