Far From Perfect [S.Uris]

Eden and the Cleaning Crew

Eden walks to Stanley's house in her pajamas, absolutely frightened from what had just happened.

It was like a horror movie. She couldn't move, she couldn't breathe, all she could do is watch. Watch as a horrifying clown stands above her, it's yellow eyes piercing into her soul.

She lightly knocks on his window (which luckily for her, was on the first floor). Stanley tiredly walks over, pulling it open.

"Eden, hey, what are you doing here?" He yawns. "I just.. I'm scared." She admits. Stanley sighs, looking behind him, then holding out his hand.

"Here, come in." Stanley smiles. She takes his hand, feeling as Stanley helps her into his room. "Thanks, Stan. I don't know what I'd do without you." She says.

"Well, you might just find out." He says, causing her to curiously look at him. "What?"

Suddenly, his face contorts into that of the horrifying clown. "Wouldn't want to lose poor Stanley, would you?" It shines its sharp teeth.

It starts to charge at her as her scream pierces through, echoing all around her head.

Eden gasps, sitting up as she is awoken by yet another ringing telephone. She breathes heavily, her eyes adjusting to the light.

She sighs, reaching for the phone. "Hello?" Her voice cracks. "Hey, Eden, it's Bev." Beverly says, sounding just as distraught as Eden. "Bev, hey. You sound worried. What happened?"

"It's better if I show you. I'm gonna call the boys right after. I need you over as soon as possible." She explains.

"Yeah. Okay." Eden quickly stands, hanging up the telephone and running over to her dresser.

As she does, her mother walks past her room. "Honey, What happened? You look sweaty and disgusting." She comments.

"Nothing." Eden responds calmly. "Why don't you go shower?" The woman suggests. "Mom, Bev needs me at her house. It's an emergency." She walks past her mother and down the stairs, practically running outside.

Once she makes it a few blocks down, she spots Stanley, which causes her to panic. "Hey, Eden." He smiles.

"Stan, hi." She responds anxiously. "I figured you'd need a ride." Stanley states. "A ride?"

"Wait, Beverly called you, right?" Stanley inquires. "Oh! A ride! Yes! That. She called me." She stammers. "Okay, well, you need one?"