10. Haunted Halls

HAUNTED HALLS 10 The school day was finally over. The three hall monitors stood on the steps of Eerie Elementary. Everyone else was in town enjoying the Eerie Day festivities. The sun was setting. It cast purple shadows across the school, giving it a spooky glow. The haunted house decorations made the school look creepier than usual. "Any minute now," Sam said, "Orson will strike."

It had been less than one year since Sam had learned the truth about Orson Eerie— since Sam and Orson became enemies. In that short period, Sam and Orson had battled many times... But if my plan works, Sam thought, tonight's battle will be our last. "Look!" Lucy said, nudging her friends. Hundreds of people walked across the field. They were drinking lemonade, eating treats, and laughing. "The parade downtown must be over," said Antonio.

"It looks like everyone is having fun," Sam said. He swallowed. "They have no idea what scary strangeness is about to happen." Most townspeople lined up for the haunted hayride. But Mr. Nekobi led a group of ten parents and kids to the hall monitors. Sam glanced over at Antonio and Lucy. He knew they were thinking the same thing: Everything we've done as hall monitors has led to this moment to this walk through the school... Antonio used his best speaking voice to greet the group. "Welcome to the terrifying tour of our haunted school. Welcome to Eerie Elementary!"

Students giggled nervously. Grown-ups smiled. Lucy opened the front doors. "A mad scientist named Orson Eerie created this school," she said as the group filed in. "Some say he is still part of this school... and that his evil fills these halls! Prepare to be scared! And keep an eye out for monstrous Orson Eerie!" The hall monitors took turns speaking. Sam said, "Legend says that only hall monitors can stop this monstrous, haunted school." Antonio held up a shiny sash. Everyone watched. "This orange sash is a symbol of the hall monitors' power." "Lucy, Antonio, and I are hall monitors," Sam continued. "But tonight, we need an ARMY of hall monitors to help us fight!"

"So tonight," Lucy said, "you will all be hall monitors!" Antonio opened his duffel bag. It was full of brand-new orange sashes. Even with Jasper's help, it had taken the friends all night to sew them. "These sashes are the only things that will keep you safe," Sam said. "Put yours on before it's too late—" KLANG! Suddenly, the doors slammed shut! There was no turning back. The only way out was by defeating Orson Eerie!