FZRW Chapter 1

April 4th, at 4:00 PM, 20XX. Known pimp, narcotics dealer, and gang leader H. P. Jones had purchased a house in a rather nasty neighborhood in Venice, California. As he stored heroin into the house’s basement, he encountered a strange door. After entering, he ran out as soon as possible after grabbing the heroin. At least, that’s what he claimed is what happened upon his arrest.

But this isn’t about him.

A day later, a visitor stands below basement window, patting dirt off of her skirt, before entering the very same door.

This isn’t about her, either.

A month later, a new family has moved in.

”Frenchy, get over here already!” The son of the family shouted from the doorway, as his sister spent a little extra time packing her things. “Merde, Flash, you’re never this concerned about me normally...” She replied with venom lacing her words, before standing up with her bag in hand. The pair walked out the door without a word, and made their way to the end of the block. Another pair of siblings went outside of their neighboring apartment complex and followed, silent as ever. The four just walked together solemnly, not even looking at one another. Frenchy was staring off at the road went she felt a hand tap her shoulder. “Hi!” An excited voice greeted her, making her jump in brief panic. She turned around, and saw a slightly taller girl around her age in front of her. The girl has dark hair in a bob cut, a pair of soft round glasses, and a long skirt. Her white scarf contrasted with her comfortable dark t-shirt. Her face was long and her smile was eccentric but welcoming, even with dark lipstick on. “My name’s René! Are you new here?” René asked, tilting her head in curiosity. “Oh! Er...” Frenchy stammered, about to speak before being interrupted by a boy that was nearby. The boy had the same face and hair color as René, but nowhere near the same welcoming presence. He had a fisher’s hat on his head, and denim overalls with a pair of custom buttons. His glasses had a thick frame, and he even had the same lipstick as his twin. “René. The bus is here.” He said, coldly.

The girls sat next to one another for the ride, and Frenchy gave René a confused look. “So, as I was saying...” She continued, “My name’s René Henderson. You just moved in, right? Sorry about that guy, he’s my brother, he’s *soooo* annoying sometimes!” René’s way of introducing herself felt like being pelted with hundreds of bullets at once, to a point where she was a tad annoying herself. “I’m Susan Hercules. Mais je m’appelle Frenchy, aussi!” Frenchy cooed, hoping to impress the other girl. “Huh. So, you’re like a weeb but for France?” René asked teasingly, nudging Frenchy with her elbow. The francophile tried to come up with a witty response, but ultimately found herself defeated. “Hm, so, do you like paranormal things?” René asked, as her ears perked and the corners of her mouth stretch upward into a grin. Frenchy took some time to think, wanting to ensure she’d have some chance at a social life. “Ghosts are pretty cool, I gue-”

“IT’S A RICH KID BUS!” René shouted, pointing at a fancy white bus with tinted windows. René clapped her hands, and yelled at the bus: “DADDY’S MONEY!” Another voice joined, as her brother stood up and clapped with her. “DADDY’S MONEY!” The two chanted together, as a few more voices joined and clapped along. “DADDY’S MONEY!” More clapping... “DADDY’S MONEY!” Even more clapping...

The chanting continued until the other bus was completely out of sight. “Oh, we do that every time we see a bus the kids from the private schools are in!” René explained with a cheeky smile, as if it was something completely normal. “Nobody likes driving near our route, but honestly, that’s their problem.” She said confidently, as the bus pulled over at the sidewalk near the school. ”I hope you’re in my first period and we can talk later! Ms. Feldman always freaks out and it’s the funniest shit!” René cheerfully waved to Frenchy as the goth’s brother stopped her. “Hey. If my sister tries to show you anything weird in your basement, don’t listen to her.” The boy warned. Although it was clear he meant to be menacing, something about him made it a message of concern. She nervously nodded, then walked away perplexed at what the hell he was talking about.