Haunted States of America: The Dead Below

Haunted States of America: The Dead Below — page 7 — right corner of the block and a soccer field marked in the grass a little farther out Past the soccer area she could see two fenced-in basketball courts Here we go Treva whispered She watched for a moment as a group of teenagers played a pretty intense game of three-on-three A group of older men sweated it out on the next court Beyond the fence and across the street was a colorful building set into the odd triangular corner The name JERRY’S was spelled out along the top of the building alongside a number of signs boasting foods for sale It took a moment for Treva to realize what the place was Cheesy Jerry’s Treva thought That’s the world-famous Philly cheesesteak place She’d heard of it as it was something of a destination for foodies visiting the City of Brotherly Love but Treva had never been there and hadn’t even been sure where it

Haunted States of America: The Dead Below — page 8 — was Knowing she was going to be living that close to a relatively famous restaurant appealed to her It made her think the neighborhood couldn’t be that bad There was a metallic squeak of shocks below followed by her dad’s voice Okay Rapunzel he called You just going to stare out the window all day or are you going to help your old dad out Treva snapped out of it and touched her dark short hair Rapunzel I’m on my way Muscles Treva said and headed down After getting the last of the boxes put away and returning the moving truck to the rental place Treva and her dad stopped at a drive-thru on the way back home and got burgers They were both so hungry from all the hard work and exercise that they ate

Haunted States of America: The Dead Below — page 9 — their food in the car Excited for school Dad asked He set his drink in the cupholder Treva gave him a look and then caught herself before he could see it Not really she said C’mon Dad said It won’t be that bad New start new school No friends Treva replied It’s not easy to start tenth grade in a new school when you don’t know anyone I know Dad said It’s going to be an adjustment but you get on the basketball team for the new school and you’ll have new friends in no time Treva nodded I hope so I know so Dad said Trust me on this As they turned the corner to head down the block toward their apartment building they passed by the bright-orange awnings on the Cheesy Jerry’s building Treva glanced at the building and noticed the place was

Haunted States of America: The Dead Below — page 10 — pretty crowded She also saw something else as they passed A HELP WANTED sign She’d thought about getting a job before starting her sophomore year in school It would give her something to do for the last month before school started Plus the extra money would be nice How do you feel about me getting a job Treva asked A full-time job You’re not thinking of dropping out of school are you Dad joked No no Treva said Part time Somewhere close by Dad nodded as he scanned the streets for a parking spot near their building He flipped his blinker quickly to claim his place along the curb It’s not the worst idea Dad said It might keep you out of trouble I suppose

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