Lock: Can we talk this over before we decide?
Beldam: Go ahead.
She continued to sit there.
Lock: I mean, talk to each other, alone.
The Beldam’s smile shrunk a little.
Beldam: Fine.
She got up from the table and walked to the kitchen.
Lock: Well, what do you think guys? Should we do it?
Shock: You’re considering it? Are you insane?
Barrel: Lighten up Shock, how much could it hurt?
Shock: It’s not about that, something’s wrong here. Doesn’t she strike you as kinda creepy?
Barrel: We’re from Halloween, everyone we know is creepy.
Shock: You know what I mean.
Lock: Would you rather go back to Oogie?
Shock: Not really…but I don’t trust the Beldam. Please, Lock, Barrel…
The Beldam reentered the room.
Beldam: Have you come to a decision?
Lock: Well, we’re not sure if…
Beldam: (interrupting) It’s getting late, perhaps you should sleep on it. How about I show you to your rooms?
Barrel: (distracted) You have rooms for us?
Beldam: Uh-huh, right this way and I’ll show them to you.
L, S, & B weren’t sure if they wanted to sleep in a stranger’s house but there was no room for protest as the Beldam ushered them into the hallway. She stopped in front of one of the doors.
Beldam: This is your room Lock. Go ahead, open it and see.
Lock hesitated only a moment before opening the door to the most spectacular room he’d ever seen. The room was huge, painted fire red, and in the center was a race car bed with flame decals. Little toy dragons flew through the air above the bed and a small toy army fought next to the toy box. One wall was lined with arcade games, a TV, and a stereo system.
Lock: Awesome!! Thanks Mom!
Lock paused a moment. He’d called her mom, but she said he could and she didn’t seem to think anything of it so he rushed into the room.
Beldam: I thought you’d like it. Feel free to stay up and play.
Lock: Cool! Hey look!
Beldam: Come on, Shock, Barrel I’ll show you your rooms. (quietly, to herself) Have fun Lock.
The Beldam slowly closed the door behind her. She gestured for Shock and Barrel to follow her. They didn’t walk far before she stopped again.
Beldam: This is your room Barrel.
Barrel, after seeing Lock’s room didn’t hesitate to open the door. He wasn’t disappointed. The walls were painted with black and orange stripes, and pushed into the corner of the room was a bed shaped like a coffin. Little metal insect toys writhed and snapped on the floor. At the foot of the bed was a real motorcycle, sized perfectly for Barrel. One wall was covered in weapons.
Barrel: Whoa!
Barrel rushed into the room running strait to the bike. He couldn’t believe it. He loved motorcycles.
Barrel: Is this real?
Beldam: You bet. You can ride it outside if you want, but be sure to wear a helmet.
Barrel: I can’t believe it! Shock look! I’ve gotta show this to Lock.
Beldam: I’m so glad you’re happy. Come on Shock, I’ve saved the best for last.
Shock didn’t like being alone with the Beldam. She was too…happy. Lock and Barrel may have been sucked into her world but Shock was a bit wary of the woman with the button eyes. Then they stopped at the last door at the end of the hall way.
Beldam: Here we are Shock, this is your room.
Shock paused before opening the door and looked up at the Beldam’s cold button eyes. Then she opened the door. Shock let out a gasp. It was a gothic princess room. Glittering spider web lace curtains hung over the windows and around the four poster bed. The walls were pale purple and the carpets emerald green. Shock couldn’t help but run into her room. She had to see more. Jeweled dragonflies fluttered around the room.
Shock: It’s beautiful.
Beldam: I’m sure it’s a change from what you’re used to, being the only girl.
Shock: Yeah…
It was true, living with her brothers Shock never really got a chance to be girly.
Beldam: Look in the box on the nightstand.
Shock looked at the box. It was covered in jewels arranged to look like a spider in a web. She opened the box and it started playing music. It was full of jewelry. Shock had never owned jewelry. She couldn’t resist putting some on. She went over to the vanity and marveled at how beautifully the jewels glittered around her neck.
Beldam: You like the jewelry don’t you?
Shock: Yes, they’re beautiful. Thank you.
Beldam: You’re welcome. You should get ready for bed; you have a night gown in the closet. I’ll be back in a few minutes to tuck you in.
Tuck me in? thought Shock. She’d never been tucked in before. Shock felt herself starting to give in to the Beldam and tried to fight it. Still, she reasoned, it couldn’t hurt to see what kind of clothes she had. Especially if she was going to be staying the night. They were beautiful; the kinds of clothes she would have loved to have had at home. She found her nightgown. It was pure silk, with vertical stripes of purple and black and trimmed in black lace. It was much nicer than any clothes she had owned before. She put it on. Soon after the Beldam returned to tuck her in.
Beldam: I see you’re ready. Now lie down and I’ll tuck you in.
Shock did as she was told. The Beldam pulled the covers over her then tried to smooth back Shock’s wild blue hair. Shock cringed under the her ice cold fingers and the Beldam drew back her hand.
Beldam: Good night Shock. I’ll see you in the morning. Sweet dreams.
Shock: Good night…
Shock watched her go. As nice as she’d been, as much as Shock had loved her gifts, she still couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was wrong here.
Meanwhile Oogie continued to look for L, S, &B. He was starting to regret yelling at them. After all, it had just been a prank. He’d done much worse at that age. It was getting really late, and still he’d seen no sign of them. He’d known those kids a long time, and he knew they could take care of themselves. Still, the fact that he’d seen no sign of them was starting to worry him. He wasn’t a particularly caring parent, but they were great henchmen and irreplaceable.
Oogie: LOCK, SHOCK, BARREL! WHERE ARE YOU?
.............................................................................
Will Oogie find them?
Will Shock give in to the Beldam?
Is the Social Worker still waiting for Oogie to return?
