rated *

Terror

by Robin

Fourteen-year-old Trixie Belden glanced at the clock. She couldn't believe the seniors had been called to the cafeteria at 10 o'clock in the morning. Glancing at her best friend Honey Wheeler, she realized Honey was just as confused.

They were even more perplexed when the juniors were called five minutes later. A few more minutes passed then the sophomores were called.

When they were finally called, Trixie made her way to Honey and asked, "Do you have any idea what’s going on?"

"None," Honey said as they made their way through the halls of Sleepyside Junior-Senior High School.

Entering the cafeteria, they immediately saw their brothers and friends sitting at a table along the wall. They moved to the table and sat down.

Trixie asked, "Does anyone have any idea what's going on?"

"No clue," 17-year-old Brian Belden said.

The others shook their heads. Trixie looked at her other brother Mart, and saw he was as confused as the rest. Dan Managan, Di Lynch and James Frayne wore the same expressions.

"Maybe Mr. Stratton is going to recognize some students," Di suggested.

"If that was true, then we'd be in the auditorium," Dan said.

"Then it has to be bad news," Honey said.

"Everyone quiet down please," Mr. Stratton said.

"I guess we find out now," Trixie mumbled.

Once the cafeteria quieted down, Mr. Stratton took a breath, then began. "I gathered all of you here because something has happened that you all need to be aware of. I chose to do it here because it is better than the auditorium."

Trixie kept her eyes on Mr. Stratton and realized his face was pale. She figured something terrible had happened.

"A while ago, four planes were hijacked," Mr. Stratton continued. "The planes crashed." He took a breath. "One plane crashed into the Pentagon. Another crashed in a field in Pennsylvania."

"What happened to the other two?" a voice asked from the other end of the cafeteria.

"The other two crashed into the World Trade Center towers."

"Oh no," several people gasped.

Trixie stared at Mr. Stratton with her eyes wide. She couldn't believe what happened. Reaching for Brian's hand, she found it and he gave it a squeeze.

"What's more," Mr. Stratton said trying to get everyone to quiet down again. Once quiet, he finished his sentence. "Both towers have collapsed."

Trixie was stunned. She had seen those towers the few times she had been to New York City. She couldn't believe they had collapsed.

"Now, you all need to remember that you are safe here. Nothing is going to happen. Some parents have already called and are on their way."

Trixie looked at her friends. They all seemed to be wearing the same expression she had on her face, disbelief. Honey and Di had tears streaming down their faces.

"Counselors will be here shortly in case any of you want to talk," Mr. Stratton said.

As conversations began, Trixie tried to focus her thoughts. She couldn't believe this had happened. She wondered why it happened.

"Who would take planes and crash them into the World Trade Center?" Mart asked voicing her same thoughts. She knew he was concerned because he wasn't using big words to confuse everyone.

"This is so unbelievable," said 16-year-old Jim. "We were just in the city two weeks ago and drove past the towers."

"I knew that area like the back of my hand," Dan said, stunned.

"Kids," a voice said quietly beside them.

They all looked up and saw Mr. Stratton standing beside them.

Brian asked, "Is there something you need, sir?"

"I spoke to all your parents a short while ago," he said. "They want all of you to head for the Manor House."

"Manor House?" Brian asked. "Shouldn't us Beldens head to our house?"

Mr. Stratton shook his head. "Your families are waiting at Manor House. Get your things and get going."

"All right," Brian said.

Trixie felt Brian put his hand on her back and she got to her feet. She saw Jim was helping Honey up. Honey appeared to be in shock.

As they stepped into the hallway, Brian said quietly, "Put you stuff in your lockers and we'll meet at the station wagon."

"All right," they said and girls and guys headed off in different directions.

As Trixie, Honey and Di made their way down the hall, Trixie kept a close eye on her best friend. Honey's face was as pale as it had been when she first moved to Sleepyside. They quickly deposited their books and headed for the station wagon.

  *       *      *
                                          

The ride to the Manor House was quiet. No one knew what to say. Jim stopped the station wagon by the garage and they all climbed out.

They saw Bill Regan, the Wheelers' groom and Dan's uncle coming from the garage. He said, "Hey kids."

"Hi Regan," Trixie said softly.

"Everyone is waiting in the living room," Regan said. "You all should hurry along."

Nodding their heads, they made their way inside with Regan following behind. Jim pushed the doors to the living room open and they stepped in. Seated were Helen Belden, Margaret Lynch and Miss Trask. All their faces were pale.

Moms, as they all called her and Mrs. Lynch quickly got to their feet and hurried to them, giving each a hug.

"We're all right," Brian said.

"I just needed to see you all to be sure," Moms said hugging Mart tightly.

"Is there anymore news about what happened?" Mart asked.

"There is," Miss Trask said. "But I think you all should sit down first."

Trixie looked at the others as they settled on the couches. Jim and Honey flanked Miss Trask on each side.

Trixie felt Moms wrap her arm around her shoulder. Glancing at the others, she saw Di's mother was the same way. Regan was sitting with Dan.

"This is so difficult," Miss Trask said quietly.

"Just tell us," Jim said. "It can't be that bad."

"We'll talk about that after you hear the news," Miss Trask said and took a breath. She looked at Jim, then Honey. "You both know that your parents were off taking care of business for the company."

"And they are in New York," Jim finished.

Miss Trask nodded. "We heard from your mother and she said she is fine."

"You talked to Mother?" Jim asked.

"I did."

"What about Dad?" Honey asked quickly. "Is he all right?"

"Jim, Honey, your mother told me that your father had a meeting at one of the towers at 9 o'clock this morning," Miss Trask said.

"Oh no," Honey said putting her left hand to her mouth.

"Where is Dad?" Jim asked quickly.

"We're not sure," Miss Trask said. "Your mother is waiting at the hotel for some word from him."

"Is he dead?" Honey asked softly.

"We don't know that," Miss Trask said wrapping her arm around Honey's shoulder trying to offer her some comfort. "We just have to wait."

Trixie watched as Jim quickly got to his feet and hurried out of the Manor House. She slipped out of Moms arm and followed him. She slipped outside  just in time to see Jim take off running into the woods. She followed him, but kept a safe distance back so as not to crowd him while he sorted the thoughts going through his head.After running for a while, Jim slowed to a walk and Trixie did the same. He finally sat down on a fallen tree and put his head in his hands. She made her way toward him and sat down. She didn't say anything. She knew her presence was enough.

A short while later, Jim lifted his head and let out a breath. "You didn't have to follow me."

"I...I just wanted to make sure you were all right."Jim got to his feet. "You should head back. Your mother will be worried."

"She will be," Trixie paused, "about you."

Jim looked at her. "What are you talking about?"

"Jim, you are like another son to Moms. She considers you part of the family, just like the rest of the Bob-Whites."

Jim turned away and mumbled just loud enough for Trixie to hear. "Why did this have to happen?"

"I don't know, but you can't jump to conclusions. You need to wait for proof, one way or another."

Jim looked at her and gave a small laugh. "I never thought I'd hear you say that. You are the one who always acts before thinking."

"Sorry. I'll try not to do it again." Trixie smiled. "We can't ruin my reputation." Jim laughed again as she got to her feet and moved toward him. "If you need to talk, I'll listen."

"I know, Trix. Thank you." Jim gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Come on. Let's head back. There may be some news."

*      *      *

Through the rest of the morning and early afternoon, they watched the television coverage of the disaster at the Manor House. None of the Bob-Whites could believe what they were seeing.

They all jumped when the phone rang. Jim and Honey hurried toward it, but stopped when they saw Miss Trask has it. The rest of them moved up behind Honey and Jim.

"Yes, Mrs. Wheeler," Miss Trask said. "Jim and Honey are right here. Do you want to talk to them? Hang on."

Miss Trask held the phone out to them. Honey said, "Jim, you talk to mother."

He took the phone and put it to his ear. "Hello? Mother?" He closed his eyes. "We're all right. We're watching the news coverage." He took a breath. "Has there been any news?" Jim paused for a minute. "Dad? Is it really you?"

"Dad?" Honey asked.

Jim opened his eyes and nodded. He looked at Honey. "He's all right."

Honey ran at Jim and hugged him tightly. Trixie smiled. She was glad Mr. Wheeler was safe and would be returning home soon. As Honey took the phone from Jim, Trixie saw him smile and knew he was relieved.

*      *      *

The next evening, the Bob-Whites and their families gathered at the Manor House to hear Matthew Wheeler's story about what he saw. Once everyone was seated, he began his tale.

"I was running late for my meeting at the towers," he said. "The meeting was to be on the 81st floor of Tower 1. I was almost to the towers when I heard a plane engine that sounded low. Looking up, I saw a plane and it crashed into the north tower. Pieces fell from the building and people were screaming. Police and fire crews rushed to the scene as I slowly made my way from the towers. A few minutes later, a second plane hit the other tower.

"I was mesmerized with what was happening so I stood there and watched. I was several blocks away when the first tower collapsed." Honey moved to Matthew and sat on the arm of his chair as he continued. "The dust from the towers came quickly. I moved into one of the stores and watched the dust and debris come down the road past the store. I'm not sure how much time passed.  When the dust settled , I hightailed it out of there unsure of what was to come.

"It was a long walk back to the hotel since very few cars were moving. Phones were so busy that my cell phone didn't work." He looked at Honey and took her hand in his. He then looked at Jim. "I hurried back to the hotel, eager to make sure you two knew that I was all right. I didn't know what you knew and I didn't want you to worry."

"We were worried a little," Honey said trying to downplay their true concern.

"But we knew you would call once you got the chance," Jim said.

"We're just glad you're home," Honey said wrapping her arms around Matthew's neck.Matthew tightened his hold on her. "I'm glad to be home too."

Trixie watched Jim and Honey interact with Mr. Wheeler and was glad everything worked out for them.

THE END

Trixie Belden Fan Fiction