Chapter 17: Basement

Their basement was surprisingly, exceptionally neat and organized, unlike the research room within in. The research room was old and dusty. It was a locked room inside the house which is hidden on their basement. It really did look like no one entered this place in ages… well, decades, specifically.

First, I looked around the room. The size of the room looks to be about the same size of mine. It felt somewhat confined because of the gray, thick, cement walls and having no windows at all. There were shelves filled with different types of books. Other shelves were filled with bottles which I suspect to be potions. I noticed drawers on another wall as well.

An alarm went off from Yuki's watch, "Well, I have to go take my medicine now and rest up after. This room also makes me a little claustrophobic." He says, walking towards the door, "You can go ahead and dawdle around the room. Take your time and join us upstairs when you're done."

"Thanks, Yuki."

I wondered if I should thank him in Japanese, but he already left the room before I could decide.

I think of where I should start searching and go to the bookshelf. Almost all of these are science related and cover specific subject areas. There was one book at the lower part. It looks crooked and it doesn't have any label or text on the fore-side. Instinctively, that's the first thing I pick up. On the front it says, "Monograph on Speleology".

"26 August 1910

A special lady told me she loved to study about caves. I shall study each and every cave for her."

That's what was written on the very first page. That's dramatic.

On the next page, there was a hand-drawn image of the outside of Malinda's cave. It's pretty good and I observe it for a second. On the next few pages, it only talks about caves and bats and all sorts. I skip through most of it but occasionally I see a few words about Malinda that would write: "She truly is a beauty, even more than the wonders of the world." or some cheesy shit like that.

That wasn't helpful.

I return the book to where it originally was, and I just noticed a book that was similar to it on the side. The moment I pick it up, my hands were all dusty. Unlike the last one, there was nothing written on the cover page. It was completely blank.

On the second page, there was an old picture glued to it. It was a group picture of a tall man holding a trophy and is surrounded by other old businessmen. The guy beside him was wearing casual clothes and was smaller compared to everyone, but his face was scribbled by a marker. Could that be Jacob? Why was his face blocked?

Getting curiouser, I flip to the next page and there it is: The Cave's Voice Phenomenon: Book One.

My eyes widen when I knew I already hit jackpot.

I was about to start my research until a growling echoed all over the room. That was my stomach. I realized that it's probably the middle of the afternoon right now and I still haven't eaten lunch. I went to Chai Café earlier, but I only got some coffee.

Knowing I cannot do anything with no appetite, I close the book and decide to leave for now. Before I do, I suddenly remembered the words 'Book One'. I scavenge around the room to see if there was a second part to this book anywhere, but there was nothing. The place sort of looked too empty so I also couldn't figure out if there were any secret spots to search. My stomach growled again, telling me it really is time to go. I'll just have to check again next time.

I asked permission from Yuki if I could borrow the book. He told me that he could prepare a meal for me, but I refused having to burden him some more. He did strongly request me to go get a meal from his shop at least and I do. Again. Ugh, I really can't escape this anymore, can I?

-

Rose doesn't go home until later, but I also buy her something from Ichiraku Ramen after eating there. Aunt Maine is what concerns me. I never actually figured out her work schedule because she goes home at different times almost every day. All I know is that she does marketing or something like that.

Before entering the house, I take a good look at the house from our yard to see if she was home. Running away from my responsibilities is not the best thing, I know, but I couldn't deal with right now when I have a lot in my hands. Literally. Plus, figuring this whole cave mess also helps me find out the truth of my family. Maybe that can help me know what to do with my dad. The thought of him distracts me for a second until a hear a branch break near me.

I jump, "Ahh! Who's there?!"

"Calm down, bro, it's just us."

"What are you, a girl?"

"Oh," I breathe in, "What are you dunces doing here?"

Theo says, "No, what are you doing not giving me my dirt bike back. Where is it, dude?"

"And why do you look like crap that an American Senator would shit right now?" added Cyrus.

"I'm gonna ignore that. Didn't I say I was giving it back tomorrow? But uh, look, I'm in the middle of something really important. Can you just lend it for me for a bit?"

"Okay, but uh…" Theo gives a look at Cyrus before asking, "is it because you're going back to that cliff?"

I raise a brow, "Maybe. That doesn't matter." Even if they're my friends and I know the truth by now, I can't risk telling them anything. It's all for Malinda's sake as well.

Cyrus pushes in, "Come on, you can tell us anything. Did something happen? You ditched school."

"What, you and Jess argued or something?"

Oh, right, Jess. I find it strange that my friends visited me to check up on me, but she still hasn't texted me. She's probably busy right now still hanging out with Piera. Or she's at her cheer leading practice after classes.

"No, it's really nothing. We're both okay, I'm okay. I'm just tired." I was already scooching towards my house, "Thanks for seeing how I am but I should—"

"Hey, if there's something wrong, you could tell us."

I look at the both of them for a second. Part of me says keeping the cave a secret is the correct choice, but a part of me is guilty not telling them. I guess I could just spill a little, right?

"Okay, fine. There is one thing. I, uh… found a small cave under the cliff we went. There's nothing special in there but I find it a little interesting."

They just look at me for a while, waiting for more until Cyrus goes, "Seriously? That's it?"

"I thought you're going to tell us something insane."

I groan, "There may be more! I mean… I'll tell you when I can. I just really have to go right now. Thanks, guys."

Without looking back or hearing more of their bickering, I go inside. For some reason, I check out the small window door to check up if my friends would already leave but they seemed to be whispering something to each other suspiciously before slowly going away. Another stupid food request soon, I'm guessing. I suddenly remember that Aunt Maine might be in the house and I grow wary. I hear another noise and I jump again, "Who's there?!"