THE Paranormal Research Club

“THE Paranormal Research Club… You want all of us to be part of it?” Daniel asked.

Maple and I had just finished introducing the club to the group at the abandoned house. First impressions were positive, but as we delved into the details, everyone became increasingly wary of joining.

“Yes, Daniel, but it’s not like a school club where you have a responsibility or commitment. We’re just asking that you help out whenever you can with the investigation. There’s no fee either, so please join us and help make this a reality,” I begged.

“Hmm, but what do we get in return?” Nick butted in.

“Nick, why would you ask such a thing?”

“Because, Samantha, we should be compensated. Isn’t that right, Kevin and Daniel?”

“Totally! I mean, last time was kinda scary, wasn’t it? Almost broke curfew with my parents!” Daniel replied.

“Same here,” Kevin chimed in.

As the group echoed their concerns back and forth, I pulled Maple aside to discuss a solution.

“Maple, this isn’t going well; I guess we’ll have to bribe each of them with something. Do you have any ideas?”

“It’s simple.”

Clearing her throat, Maple began addressing everyone.

“What if every week you had a free meal, courtesy of Paige and me?”

For a moment, the house went quiet.

“Free… meals? Free meals! Everyone, free meals!” Daniel shouted.

It was a frenzy as they rejoiced with the new proposal.

“Hang on,” I said to Maple. “This is far, far too much to guarantee them. I mean, the cost alone to feed everyone every week would be—”

“Don’t worry, I’m going to get a part-time job!” Maple replied. “Maybe fast-food or retail or something.”

“But I have my own part-time job, so you don’t have to.”

“Paige, let me contribute to our dream. I’ll help pay for the expenses, including any new equipment you need. Plus, I could use the experience and… gaining back control of my life.”

Hearing her say those last words was all I needed to agree with her plan.

“Very well, let’s do it.”

“Thank you, dear.”

Having won everyone’s approval, our club was finally created. Within the charter, we created a list of rules and statements, those being:

1. Our mission is to make contact with and help spirits.

2. Do not endanger your or anyone’s safety. Your well-being is a higher priority than any investigation.

3. Do not disclose anything pertaining to the investigation to outsiders without everyone’s permission.

4. Do not withhold information. All information should be shared freely for the sake of the investigation.

“Should we add anything else?” I asked the group.

“Aren’t you forgetting something, dear?”

“Oh, that… Alright, I’ll write it officially.”

5. Every week, there will be a free meal courtesy of Maple and Paige. Please designate your meal of choice (no more than twenty dollars) prior to the next meeting you attend.

“Let’s go! Wooo!” Maple cheered along with everyone else.

“Indeed, what a momentous occasion this is! Not just because of the club, but rather some news I have to share.”

It was Miss Emily. She and Tater tots were descending from the staircase.

“While the lovebirds and everyone else were out, Tater tots and I did some digging around. We discovered a new lead that you all may be interested in. Come take a look!”

We followed the pair to the upstairs bathroom. Expecting nothing remarkable, I was stunned to see a walking toothbrush. With the imprinted design of a cartoon fairy, the toothbrush spoke, fortunately in English.

“Hi…”

“Hey there, I’m Maple, and over there is Paige, my partner. And back there from left to right are Kevin, Daniel, Samantha, and Nick. Do you happen to be Tater tots’ sister?”

“I don’t know… I don’t remember much before Miss Emily helped me.”

“What about your name?” Maple asked.

“Still nothing. Sorry…”

“Then how about we call you Fairy? Just like the one on your, uh—body?” I suggested.

“That works.”

In an attempt to jog Fairy’s memory, we showed her the photo album, but to no avail. Unable to think of something, I turned to the club for suggestions.

“What if we brought Tater tots and Fairy to an indoor water park?” Samantha said. “My clearest memories as a kid were fun ones, so maybe if we went as a group, it would help bring some back.”

“You had me at water park!” Maple said. “I think that’s an awesome idea! Are we all in?”

We all agreed, save for Miss Emily. For whatever reason, she couldn’t leave the house, a point she was vehement about. As the others began drafting plans for the water park, I left the group to have a chat with her.

“Miss Emily, you have to tell us why. It’s part of the club’s rules.”

“Paige, I never joined your little club. It’s neat, I’ll say that, but I won’t join.”

“Then, can you at least tell us how you brought Fairy to life? It’s the same thing you did with Tater tots, no?”

“All you need to know is that I used the toothbrush as a vessel, just like how I did with the toy dinosaur for Tater tots. Now, I’m tired, so I’ll see all of you later. Make sure you keep Tater tots and Fairy safe. Goodbye,” Miss Emily stated before leaving the doll.

“Did something happen between you two?”

Startled, I turned around to find Maple at my side.

“She’s being stubborn and won’t reveal why she can’t leave the house or the full details about how she brought Fairy and Tater tots to life.”

“Some things are best not shared—like how we aren’t going to tell your dad about us. I’m sure Miss Emily has her reasons. Don’t let it get to you. Alrighty, dear?”

Maple seemed to always have the perfect answer. Just what would I do without her?

“You’re right. Besides, what’s the point in getting upset before another day out with you?”

“Ooo? Already thinking that far ahead? I can’t wait!”