Leo sat there leaning against the wall, he felt like a failure. He should have done more to keep Stacey from coming, he should have been more stern. Maybe then she would be at home, and safe. His dogs, Max and Artemis, walked over and they nuzzled into his sides. He smiled slightly and pet the two, scratching behind the ears.
"Such good dogs.." He whispered to them.
Ralph spoke up breaking the silence, "Hey did you guys know God spelled backwards is dog?" he smiled, the group looked at the boy as he continued. "Therefore, dogs are gods."
The group laughed at the boy, finding his words amusing. But Chase always using facts, chimed in.
"Not exactly Ralph, I find it highly impossible-" Chase started before Leo cut him off.
"Nah Chase, the kids right. Dogs are gods." Leo said.
"Yea! Yeah think about it, dogs are loyal and do literally anything to protect us. They can see the paranormal, AND they always seem to find a way back to us when we need them the most." Gwen chimed in.
The group smiled, the topic of dogs seemingly brightening the mood. Stacey curled up against Gwen, catching Leo's attention. He took a mental note to ask his sister about it later. He couldn't help but notice just how friendly Gwen and Stacey were with each other. He shrugged it off and sighed.
"Oh Bubba! Tell us funny stories?" Stacey asked.
Leo rolled his eyes and scoffed, "A funny story, huh, I guess I could." he said, before sitting up straighter. "Alright back when I was younger about third grade I think it was. Back when Stacey was still wetting diapers."
Stacey screeched, "Shut up! You just added that part to embarrass me!" she smacked her brothers arm, her face bright red.
Leo laughed but continued the story, "Maybe I did, but anyway, I remember going on a field trip. With my class, and boy was it one to remember." he smiled.
Jake chuckled, "Oh boy I know where this is going, can't wait to see your sisters reaction to it." he joked.
"Anyway, once, during the school field trip, me and Jake's class went to a science museum. As we wandered through the exhibits, I found a pair of giant inflatable dinosaur costumes." Leo smirked, Stacey uncovered her face, curious as to where the story was heading. "Deciding to be the ultimate class clown, I shoved my little ass into one, and started dancing like a T-Rex." Stacey's jaw dropped, while Jake started laughing clearly remembering the day. "My friends burst into laughter and soon, even the teachers couldn't help but join in, giving up on trying to keep a straight face. However what I didn't realize was that I had accidently walked into a serious lecture happening nearby."
"Talk about a 'roaring' distraction!" Jake said between laughs.
Leo smiled and finished the story, "That day, I learned that sometimes, being silly can turn a boring trip into an unforgettable adventure." he smiled.
Stacey was shocked, "Wait, wait. Wait!" she shook her head. "You mean to tell me you used to be the class clown!?"
"Oh girl, he was more than the class clown, he was always getting into trouble and pulling pranks!" Jake explained, giving Stacey a mischievous smile.
"Nah nah, don't do me like that, you were my right hand man and you know it!" Leo said punching Jake's arm lightly.
"Tell me more about your childhood Bubba!!" Stacey shouted, wanting to hear more about her brothers reckless silly childhood.
"Hmmm. Well I guess I have a few other stories." Leo shrugged, before starting to tell a few more stories. "When I first met Chase in fifth grade, I didn't tell him my name."
"Why not?" Andrea asked.
"Because he made me guess his stupid name!" Chase groaned shoving his face into his hands.
"Sure did, let me tell you how it went." Leo smiled and shifted against the wall, getting more comfortable before telling the story. "Chase was the new kid in the school, big nerd and everyone made fun of him. Me and Jake felt bad for him, so we stood up for him. He asked for my name and I smiled, choosing to poke a little fun at him. I said 'How bout you guess my name, if you get it right in under 20 tries, we'll be friends. If not I'll protect you. Deal?' God he agreed right away."
"I needed the friends ok.." Chase said softly.
"I remember sitting there for almost an hour after school, Chase was literally using his brain, he was trying so hard, he kept saying names like: Liam, Logan, Luca, Leon, Lincoln, Lance, and Landon. Until finally he guessed 'Leonardo' I simply smiled at him and patted her shoulder and said 'We'll be great friends.' and we've been friends ever since. Tho it took forever to convince him to call me Leo." Leo smiled recalling the memories.
The room was filled with laughter, "Do you have another funny story then?" Stacey asked her brother.
Leo nodded while laughing, "I I sure do." he managed to get out between his laughter.
"Tell us then!" Marrissa laughed.
"Alright alright," Leo said gathering himself but before he could speak there was a loud bang on the door. As the group looked at the door they saw a hand, a bloody hand.