When No One's Watching

Ashley Flowers (0:01)

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Hi, listeners. I have a story I want to tell you.

SPEAKER_2 (1:39)

There was this doctor over at St. Agri's who would kill his patients.

Leanne Gadow (1:46)

Aren't you afraid the light take might get you?

SPEAKER_4 (1:57)

He had no idea what was on those tapes. This is Ollie and the Outcast.

SPEAKER_5 (2:06)

So gather around and listen close.

Leanne Gadow (2:25)

It was just a game Chrissy had made. Looking back, I wish I never went into her basement, wish I never saw that painting on the wall. Looking back, I wish I never played her game at all. But mom and dad had a work party to go to, so last Friday night, they walked me next door to Chrissy's house.

I remember it being cold outside. So cold, I ran back into my house to grab a warmer coat. It was dark, too, and only the street lamps dotting the sidewalk offered any kind of light. I'd never been to Chrissy's house. Even though she lived just four streets down, our personalities were worlds apart. She was awkward, flip-flopping between shy and too in-your-face. The only reason we were friends was because we shared the same recess. Every time she invited me to play after school, I made up an excuse to say no. But this time, I asked her. My mom and dad were going to a work conference and they needed someone to watch me. And since none of my other friends were free, I had to ask Chrissy to check with her mom. To my regret, she said it was okay. As we neared Chrissy's house, I had this awful feeling in my stomach. I turned to mom, telling her I didn't feel well, and she laughed. She ran her hand through my hair and told me it would pass, and that she and dad would be back in just two hours. Just two hours. What mom didn't know is evil, awful things can take place in just two hours.

We stood in front of Chrissy's house, and dad rang the doorbell. We waited. No answer. Dad knocked on the front door. We waited. No answer. I was beginning to think I'd run into a bit of luck. That may be Chrissy's mother had forgotten about me, and I wouldn't have to stay here with this strange girl. Then the porch light flickered on, and the front door creaked open just ajar. A pair of dark brown eyes peered through, and a small timid voice accompanied them.

SPEAKER_5 (4:56)

Yes?

Leanne Gadow (4:59)

Dad leaned forward.

SPEAKER_4 (5:01)

Hi, Helen. It's Greg, Nicole's father. We're here to drop her off. I just want to thank you for watching her, and we should be back around 730

Leanne Gadow (5:13)

The door opened just a bit more. The small timid voice continued.

SPEAKER_5 (5:20)

Hi, Mr. Keller. My mother is asleep right now. She had a long shift, but I can go wake her if you want.

Leanne Gadow (5:30)

Dad shook his head.

SPEAKER_4 (5:32)

Uh, no, that won't be necessary. Nick, call us if you need anything, and we'll be back soon.

Leanne Gadow (5:39)

Dad was already bounding down the front porch steps, but Mom turned to me, knelt down, and gave me a hug.

SPEAKER_5 (5:47)

Just two hours, pumpkin. Hang in there.

Leanne Gadow (5:52)

And then she turned too, leaving me alone at the mouth of a house I did not want to enter. Once my parents were out of sight, Chrissy opened the door all the way. Chrissy was a tall, thin, pale girl with long, stringy black hair that nearly hit her eyes. As usual, Chrissy wore long sleeves and torn jeans. Without saying a word, she stepped aside, motioning for me to come in.