Valley Beyond the Veil

It was a pleasant afternoon just before the weekend. Fridays were the days where most students of the University of South Carolina could relax without worry because most classes were over by 2pm. Adrian Yates, however, was a junior in the chemistry department working on his master's degree and, though he had no tests looming over his head the next week, he planned on making every second count. He had much research to do, but that was not all he had intended to do with his time. He had a passion that most found to be off putting about him. In fact, most of time when a fellow student found out about this hobby they often wrote him off as being out of his mind. Or strange. Both cases may have well been true.

Either way, Adrian had made a fortress of books out of his usual pick of table on the third floor of the library and it would seem that he intended to be there for some time, feverishly in study. Note paper scattered around and many wadded up scraps littered the area, but he did not seem to pay much attention. The library aids had long given up trying to talk sense into the young man, leaving him to his work. As long as he cleaned up when he was done, then they would not complain.

"I have got to figure out the history on that house. Surely there must be something," he muttered to himself, running a hand through his dusty blonde hair. His bright blue eyes poured over the text before him as his adjusted his thin, square glasses, "I've looked through all the real estate records and nothing? Ugh!"

"Hey, man," a mild tenor voice cropped up behind Adrian, making the man jump. He had been so wrapped up in the texts he'd been poring over, he hadn't heard anyone approach. When he turned to look he instantly recognized the speaker, James Lawson, who grinned. It made the young man's hazel eyes crinkle in amusement.

"What'cha workin' on?" He peered over Adrian's shoulder, his eyes alighting with interest. "Oh, it's the new haunt I pegged! Sweet. Finally starting to drift on over to the spooky side?"

Adrian rolled his eyes, "Please."

He stepped away to a more comfortable distance before turning to continue riffling through the pages. It wasn't that he disliked James at all, quite the contrary. But, he was never comfortable being close to anyone at all physically. A well known fact about the young man. He grabbed a book from atop a nearby stack and set it on the table to the side, ready for use. With his free hand he combed his fingers into his hair, rubbing his scalp in a gesture that indicated he was both deep in thought and not finding much of note, "I still hold that there is no spooky side, as you so like to put it. Our last several failed attempts at trying to find such occurrences haven't told you that much? Yet you still insist on debating me on this."

James pulled a chair out for himself and twirled it around so he could straddle it. His arms folded over the back of the chair and he watched the chem. student with an exuberant curiosity. James had a youthful face, partly attributed to his age and status as a sophomore but mostly due to facial structure. He had moderately high cheek bones and a strong jaw line, but what really tilted the scales in his favor was his nose. It was thin with just a slight sideways bend in the bridge, hinting that it might have been broken at one point in his life, and the tip of his nose curved upward in an almost dainty manner. It didn't make him look feminine by any means, and in some ways it played a nice contrast to the stubble that often coated his face.

He scratched at his jaw, shrugging, "Of course I'm gonna debate with ya. I've seen enough to know this stuff's real, and I can't believe ya don't agree with me yet. There's so much evidence, man! What about that bit of EVP we caught in Florida last summer? Or the heat imprints on the bed and the violent wall-knocking in that cottage up in Minnesota?"

"Anomalies, most of them. Bizarre occurrences from the shifting humidity and," Adrian chuckled, "I would say most of it was the wind. A poor excuse, but no less valid. And, I don't know what you're talking about. The EVP could not even be distinguished. It was jumbled garbage."

He sighed and plopped down in a jumble of long limbs in the vacant chair. He was a tall man and as scrawny as they come. No clothing seemed to fit him properly and sitting there leaned back in his chair it was more than apparent. His button up shirt was too large around the middle, but not long enough at the sleeves. His pants seemed to pose a similar problem, only clinging to his hips with the help of a belt. It was also noteworthy that the man did not seem to have much of a fashion sense at all. The very idea of wearing clothing for the sake of appeal was a foreign concept. Besides, he had no time for such trivial matters.

Adrian lifted his head again, "I've been looking all afternoon for some information on that house you found. So far, no luck. I can't even find it in the lists as far back as 1600. Ridiculous. It didn't just appear."

"Maybe the record just got lost. That's a really long time, man. Fires happen, and computer backups haven't been around forever." He shrugged, reaching into his jacket pocket to retrieve a caramel-covered sucker and he pulled the wrapper off. It crinkled loudly in the relative silence of the library and he stuffed the empty cellophane back into his pocket as he popped the candy into his mouth. It clicked against his teeth. "Then what about that ghost in my parent's old trailer? I told ya about that one. Explain that."

"Not that story," Adrian groaned, rubbing his forehead as his glasses bobbed about in an attempt to remain on his face. He adjusted the skewed spectacles and sat up in his seat, "Look I don't mean any offense. But, you were young. Kids have nightmares. We can't really take personal accounts seriously here. Facts, James. And I find that facts always explain these occurrences. I just can't gather the facts on cases that happened when you were seven, before we'd even met."

"Dude, that was not a dream. It's why I got into the whole ghost-hunting thing to begin with!"

A throat cleared behind him and he turned to find a dour-looking matronly woman standing behind him. She quirked one eyebrow and told the two of them that while whatever they were researching might have been 'engaging', they needed to remain quiet in the library.

James smiled, his expression sheepish as he muttered an apology, and he turned back to Adrian when she left. "Ghosts are real, Ade. Just as much as demons and all the other stuff out there."

He paused, "Even vampires, though most modern fiction has totally destroyed their reps. I just can't take those guys seriously anymore."

The blond ruffled his hair in irritation, his eyes roving over his research frantically as if searching the slew of literature for some clue he had missed. When nothing presented itself he leaned on the table with one elbow, holding his thin face by the forehead, "Look. I admire your enthusiasm. But, until I see the real thing. Right in front of me. Until I can find absolutely no explanation, I will not buy into this supernatural nonsense."

"You're such a downer. The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence, ya know." James rolled the sucker around with his tongue, making the hard candy clack repeatedly against his teeth. "Sometimes I wonder why you're so interested, if you don't believe."

He shook his head, "Because part of me just wants some proof that it doesn't exist. Call it a scientist's ambition. The simple desire to explain the previously unexplained."

"You mean you're a killjoy." He shook his head, grinning. This conversation was old hat by now.

Adrian shook his head again, "We're not getting anywhere arguing over the same things. When did you want to go and check this place out anyway? And tell me it's not going to be another sleepover."

"We're actually going to go? Sweet!" His brows rose and he looked around the room, half expecting the cold leer of the librarian traversing the aisles. When he didn't see her, he sighed and returned his gaze to Adrian. "Then, Thanksgiving break if you can swing it. I'll just tell my folks I can't make it home. Too much homework, or something. You've been there so you know the chaos and all the distractions there. They'll by it." He bounced, a sort of childish excitement building. James was always full of energy. "And of course it's gotta be a stay-over. It'll take us a couple hours to scope out the place and set up the gear, and then we've gotta monitor all the equipment to make sure no one messes with it. We'll need to pace the rooms too, and try to get the spirits to interact. You know, the usual fare."

Adrian nodded, slightly crestfallen to hear what he was dreading to hear, "Right right. I forget your enthusiasm sometimes. Thanksgiving is fine."

He chuckled and got to his feet, beginning to tidy up the work area a bit, "You know me. I don't have much family to speak of. What family I have likely won't want to see me. They'd rather me be studying like I usually am."

James nodded but kept his silence on that matter. Adrian didn't need anyone's pity, and he'd be insulted if he noticed it. The brunette liked the guy, and he wasn't going to put any drama between them. 'Good thing Sam missed that,' he noted mentally. Samantha-- Sam for short-- was their electronics expert and the final member to their very small team. She was the one who would keep watch on the gear while they explored the house at night. While the woman was level-headed when it came to the paranormal and a self-labeled 'curious skeptic', she had a weak spot for Adrian and those off-handed comments made her get all googly-eyed. Adrian either had yet to notice or simply didn't care.

James shrugged. "Aside from the lack of the building's construction history, did you find anything? Any idea what the creepy old place was used for?"

Adrian adjusted his glasses, weary eyes squinting momentarily from the strain of too much reading. He pursed his lips, a faint twitch at the corner indicating that the man was running on caffeine rather than sufficient sleep. He glanced out the window, his gaunt features flickering between his usual quirkiness and his exhaustion.

Then, after a silence, he shook his head, "All I've got on the matter is a vague idea of the area around it. I've found records on the houses in the same neighborhood. But that one in particular...it's as if it doesn't exist. I think you're right. Everything but the deed must have been lost."

The brunette sighed and ran his hand through his hair, which was gelled up to purposely look like he'd just tumbled out of bed. Dried flakes of gel flitted up and danced in the sun. "Yeah, and the most I've turned up through newspapers doesn't give my side much credibility. A bunch of teens went to the cops and said they'd been playing with a Ouija board, and they heard something. Or saw something. I'm not sure."

He shrugged and rolled the sucker in his mouth. "Either way, all the cops saw were a bunch of freaked out kids and thought it was just a prank. It didn't help that most of 'em were drunk."

Adrian looked at James critically, brow furrowing slightly, "Are you sure we won't just be wasting our time going there, then? I mean, granted a lot of what we deal with is explainable. But, if we go all the way to that house and nothing happens, I'm going to be disappointed."

"Oh, but think of the adventure! The male bonding!" James wheedled, his expressive hazel eyes playful yet pleading. They suddenly narrowed, a devious little grin tugging at his lips. If Adrian didn't know for sure that he was straight, he could have thought it seductive, "And... You know I'd owe you one. I could keep you loaded up on that high-end pumpkin-spice coffee you practically cream over."

The blonde’s mouth tilted at an awkward angle and his eyes widened comically, excitement more than evident in his features. James knew his vices well, that was certain. So he shrugged, trying his best to recollect nonchalance, "Yeah well...I guess I have nothing better to do..."

James grinned. "Awesome, possum! Man, I'm psyched. Maybe I should check out a couple audio books for the trip. You think?" He gave a little bounce in his chair, showcasing his childish energy, and leaned back. The chair tilted, balancing on just two legs.

The blond shook his head, unable to hold back the smile. James had an endearing nature about him that simply could not be ignored. He shrugged, "Yeah maybe. It is a long trip, so we may as well. But, I doubt any of mine will be of interest to you. It's mostly fantasy books and old horror tales and what not."

"Hey, I enjoy those sometimes," he defended, pouting playfully. His lips were perfect for pouting. "You can't think I'm all that boring, Gatorade. Tell ya what: You pick one out, and I'll grab a gritty detective novel. That way, it's win-win."

Adrian grinned, a rare expression for the young man, "Deal." He hefted a large stack of the books, holding them strangely in his gangly arms, "For now, I think I'm going to go get some sleep. I was up all night last night, quite literally, and I think my coffee is wearing out."

James snorted, taking some of the burden right out of his arms. "Yeah, you look a little strung out. You always let yourself get in too deep, when it comes to these things. Not that I mind the enthusiasm, but... well, sleep's important. Failing neuroceptors means impaired cognitive function, right? And, you're the brains of our outfit. You keep me level."

The blond nodded, "For once you make a point I can agree with wholeheartedly. Someone has to talk some sense into you. And don't get me started on Sam." Depositing the books on the cart, he stretched his back with a tired groan, "I haven't been sleeping well lately anyway. A mild case of insomnia I think, but I'm no psychologist. I think I just need to buy a fan or something. White noise might help."

"Ooh, white noise," James murmured, his eyes lighting up with glee. "We'll definitely have to keep track of that, too."


It was early, the November sun only beginning to rise. Adrian had just finished packing the rest of his necessities for the trip, mostly things like his toothbrush and other items essential to his morning routine. He looked in the mirror and his mouth formed a thin line. He had long since given up trying to make his mop of dirty blond hair behave, fine though it was it was always a mess. None of it could seem to agree on a direction to lay in, but he had to admit it wasn't so bad. It never had the habit of frizzing. Blinking, he realized that he was lingering there staring. Why did he care, suddenly? He shrugged and went about his way. Pulling his cell phone from his pocket he called James, hoping the young man was awake as they had planned.

It took a few rings before the brunette answered and he snuffled into the phone before murmuring a sleep-slurred, "Hullo?"

Adrian sighed, "Tell me you didn't sleep in. Are you ready to go?"

"I might've," he murmured, a strained groan traveling over the phone as he obviously stretched. "'S'all good though, Adie-kins. I packed and loaded the van last night. Call Sam so I can get dressed, and we'll roll in ten."

"Alright, just don't be late," he said with a chuckle. He was always in much better spirits at the crack of dawn. He ended the call after a brief goodbye and, with slight hesitation, dialed Sam's number.

"I was wondering when I'd be getting a call," a dryly amused feminine voice answered in greeting, the words lilted a soft lower soprano. A bit of a Texan accent weaved its way into her words. "Let me guess. Our excitable little puppy didn't crawl out of bed until just now."

"You know us both so well. Are you, at least, ready to go?" Some mild fumbling echoed over the phone as Adrian made an attempt to gather his bags.

"I've been ready for about half an hour, now. I'm in the chow hall right now, nabbing some breakfast-to-go for us." Samantha came from a military family and she didn't notice the slip. "You know how much of a one-track mind James can have. He's lucky I don't have any tests coming up, dragging us both out to bum-fuck Egypt."

"Alright, well," Adrian winced slightly, now struggling with the door as he juggled the phone and his bag while undergoing the task of locking it. He managed to get the key turned without dropping the phone, clearing his throat before continuing, "You know we appreciate it, of course. You help us out quite a bit --oh, excuse me," he moved over as someone entered the elevator with him. His voice began to dawn an echo over the receiver, "I'll meet you in the parking lot then?"

"You've got it. I'll snag a few extra cinnamon rolls for you." The line clicked, going silent.

Adrian sighed. Cinnamon rolls were not exactly the best option for a balanced breakfast, but he would not have time to go and fetch something of his own choosing. There was no room to complain. Besides, it wasn't him that would have to suffer through the consequences of giving him sugar. He was jittery enough after drinking so much coffee, adding sugar was not the best idea. Regardless, he set his things down by the lamppost of the parking lot and waited for Samantha to arrive.

James wobbled out of the dormitory's front door and down the steps a few minutes later. His eyes were bright and alert, looking like polished silver in the early morning light, and they were intently focused on the two thermoses of coffee he carried in his one-handed grip. Most of the gear and the sleeping bags were stowed in his van, but the more sensitive items and his necessities were in the two duffels he carried-- one slung over his shoulder and the other in his left hand. "Hey, Ade. Got your coffee," he practically sang. Though he had a habit of sleeping in, he was most definitely a morning person. "Ya want?"

Adrian's eyes lingered on the thermos longingly. His addiction was most obvious to everyone but himself. He shifted slightly, his voice pleading, "Yes, please."

"Take your pick," the brunette said then, holding them out for the man to pry them away from his awkward, claw-like grip. "One's for now, the other's later."

"God, tell me you're not hopping him up, James."

He turned and flashed Samantha a shocked, indignant look. "Hoppin’ him up? They're not drugs, ya know."

She snorted, rolling her eyes. They were a pale green, the color of worn dollar bills. "Right. For you, maybe."

She sighed and adjusted the to-go boxes in her arms. "Whatever. To the Spookmobile, so I can pass out the grub."

Adrian stayed silent through the exchange, taking a long slow sip of his coffee. He was used to their banter. Both were highly energetic people, after all, it was natural that they'd carry on. Adrian was often silent, unless you managed to touch on a subject of genuine interest to him. Then it would take nothing less than a miracle to silence him. For now, he was content to let them talk and drink his coffee. He drained a great deal of the thermal container before he made to gather his things, motioning for the other two to lead the way.

James opened the sliding door on the side before he did anything else and slid his bags in the very back, tucking them in with the gear. He took the bags from the others as well, then Sam hopped into the middle seat and shut the door. James rolled his eyes and popped open the passenger door. "Looks like you've got shotgun."

Adrian set his belongings in the back of the van. He brought less than the others did most of the time. His most important contribution to the group's efforts had always been the foundation of logic. So, as long as he had his laptop, he was all set. But, he always made sure to pack an extra set of clothing. You never knew what might happen while on one of these little adventures. Once the roof of a house they were investigation caved in under the stress of the weather. Thankfully, it was nothing very serious. Just a bit of water. The equipment was in the most danger, but they managed. It was a hassle sometimes, yes, but Adrian did it because, well, he enjoyed the hobby of it. Plus, he enjoyed the company of James and Samantha. The two of them were the only people that had bothered to get to know him beyond his awkward, shambling mess of bookishness that he usually seemed to be. For that, he valued their friendship highly. It also got him outside of the dorm, which was always a good thing.

He slipped into the passenger seat with a mild smile and buckled himself in, "So, what are we listening to first?"

The brunette hopped into his seat on the other side and shut the door. Slammed it, really, making the van shake slightly. He hummed softly. On one hand, if he played Adrian's choice first, he would be in a good mood going into this venture. If he waited until the return trip, it could be a good pick-me-up if the stakeout tanked. Ever optimistic, he chose the former. James cranked up the van and popped in the first disc to the horror and suspense novel his friend had chosen, then hit pause. "Let's let Sam pass out our food first so you can focus on it."

Adrian nodded as the Lovecraft tale 'Herbert West Reanimator' was placed in the player, waiting to be told. The whole CD was a collection of random tales by H.P. Lovecraft and he was sure the others would get bored of it eventually. He was never sure why, but horror tales always fascinated him. And it was so difficult to find well written occult fiction these days. He drained the rest of his coffee and sat back, "I still haven't gotten much as far as information of this place. I gather, however, that the houses in the area are all very old and mostly family owned. Homes that great grandfathers built, that sort of thing."

"Old neighborhood," Sam murmured, passing a container to James.

He popped it open and grinned. It contained sweets, mainly, but there was a breakfast burrito in there as well as a few sausage patties. All were things he could eat with one hand and very little attention, and he grinned gratefully. "Generations of rumor and urban legends might surround the place, then. Especially if families didn't want their children snooping around it."

She gave Adrian his box next and the blond took his food gratefully, feeling hungrier by the second now that the scent of it was filling the vehicle. He hoped that there was fruit, but he knew that was asking far too much. He would settle for the breakfast burrito.

"Rumors," he said as he peeled away the foil encasing the food, "Hopefully we can get rid of some of those while we're there."