The Lake ( Rewritten )

It's been oh, some thirty years or so and I am now a grandfather. My grandchildren and I are up at the lake. Before we even started dinner my
grandchildren kept asking. " Grandpa, Please tell us a scary story? "

Giving it some thought I begin while we were at the fires edge, roasting our hot dogs and marshmallows. " Kids, this is a tale of long ago way
before you were born. A group of my friends were up at the lake, much like we are now. There was about twenty of us. Ten boys and girls.

And being about seventeen years old at the time and it was during spring break. The skies were clear and the moon was nowhere in sight. So
the only source of light was the stars above and the flames that gave off that orange glow as the fire danced on the logs. We too were cooking
hot dogs.

Terri and a few others were singing songs which really sounded very nice. So I being the brave one shouted. " Let's go skinny dipping. " And
believe me it's way more fun when girls are around. Both Mary and James at the same time. " Grandpa that's so gross. "  Yet there was
someone watching us. Waiting to attack.

The grandchildren moved closer one on each side grabbing my shirt, fearing that someone would take them away. Suddenly!  The stillness and
peaceful night was shattered by high pitch screams.

Yet, Not just one, but two ear piercing screams. However, these screams didn't come from where the kids were sitting and eating their hot dogs.
Nor where they were singing. These screams came from the lake.  Some suspected the Thompson boys were just at it again. David and Paul!

just loved to scare the girls. Yet they didn't think it was very funny.  But it was not till morning that this was no prank or game. For these screams
were real. Mary! you see gets up every morning and takes her walk around the shoreline. She has done this for the past three days.

But this morning was different. Rounding a large granite rock and several tree's Mary! Let's out a loud scream. It's so loud that she wakes the entire
camp. As they race to where Mary was.

As they start arriving. Sam being the fastest. See's Mary sitting shaking and crying. All Mary could do was point to the other side of the tree.  And
there laid the Thompson boys  David and Paul. Dead. One was sliced into and the other without his head. Jerry! being the slowest to get there peeks
at what the others all ready has seen and gags.

Jerry! jumps up, turns and runs straight to his car. As he jumps in and pulls away at a very high rate of speed leaving all his belonging behind. Racing
down the highway to a gas station that's only four miles away. Jerry, slams on his breaks and jumps out and calls the police. Yet Jerry doesn't
return nor does anyone ever see's him again.

As thirty minutes pass by the sheriff pulls up. Poor Sam, Pondering over what took so long? Two people were dead. As the car door opens the
sheriff steps out and grabbing his notebook. Slowly he makes his way to where everyone is sitting. Some were crying and yet all were shaking
out of fear.

With each question asked, all the answers were the same. All seventeen kids repeated the story over and over again. As the ambulance arrives
the bodies were covered and loaded into the back. Moments later they headed off towards the city morgue.

By now the deputy calls for more help in the investigation yet nothing was ever found. No tracks, No clues, Not even a weapon of anykind. So
the stories began. And to this day no one really knows who attacked and killed the Thompson boys Dave and Paul? Was it man or beast? For
who can say?

These kids that were there that night of long ago never returned were the Thompson boys died. Years pass and a sign was placed. Which reads.
" Beware of the night of May 15th. For whom ever remains when night falls. Two shall die. "  My grandchildren were shaken but not afraid. " Now
Grandpa. Was this story true or made up? " Mary asks, inquiring with eagerness.

So I told her the truth. " Mary! This story is true and it is this lake and night that the Thompson boy's died. I can show you the sign if you like just
give me a minute to get my flashlight. "

Both Mary and James, " Grandpa, Please let's get out of here. We are afraid. "  With that I laugh. " Don't you know this is a story? This is what you
wanted to hear.  I just gave you both a scary story. Now it's time for bed, I love you both and I'll see you in the morning. "

In the distance the howling of coyote's could be heard. Grandpa? Mary asks." Can we sleep with you tonight? we are afraid that someone will come
and take us away. " I laugh and say why not. Now get in that tent and go to sleep.



Dave

870 words