Chapter 11

Several hours passed while Sherry tried to build up a dialogue with Jason, being careful not to annoy him. She knew that the theme about his mother was very sensitive for him so she tried to mention it as little as possible. Most of what she had seen in the horror films about him was true, but… There was one "but". Both film franchise and the rumors portrayed him as a retarded freak and a merciless killing machine that had zero feelings and no soul at all. And that was the point where they were wrong. If Jason was like that, Sherry would have been dead now. But he not just kept her alive, but even didn't leave unconscious in the forest and carried her into a cabin. What's more, he even caught a fish for her to eat. But the most important thing – he can be reasoned with. He's not like a great white shark, as someone once called him. If you treat him with respect, he will return the courtesy, although Sherry understood that she might be just an exception. Jason will not be so kind to everyone. She could only wonder what exactly made him decide that she deserved such attitude of his.

But there was something that scared and confused her. Sherry noticed his unnatural skin color already when she met him for the first time. She had never seen any human being with such pale, even greyish skin. Generally Jason looks like a large man in a mask, but… is he really human? She still could understand how he survived in the middle of a forest, but how many years does he live? And how could he live if he drowned? So he survived the drowning? Is that even possible? Then is he a living being or… it was a living dead sitting before her, in other words – a zombie? Zombies aren't known to be very intelligent, which can't be said about Jason. Beside which, these beings are something of science fiction creation. Or… not?

So many questions, and not a single answer. Sherry presumed that she might never find it out. But she was sure of one thing – Jason was definitely a unique being that keeps a lot of secrets within him. And he doesn't talk which makes things more difficult. At least Sherry succeeded in her attempts to "speak" with him, and that was already something for the beginning.

No matter what or who Jason was, Sherry felt surprisingly peaceful around him. He was just watching her in silence and emanated no threat. She could do her things without worries that Jason would attack her. In any case, if he doesn't like something, he will let her know, somehow.

Suddenly Jason tensed, like feeling something. At first Sherry couldn't understand what was wrong. He was just looking somewhere into the distance.

"What happened, Jason?" she asked. "What do you see there?"

Jason said nothing, but just jumped up abruptly and pulled out his machete. This could mean only one thing – he sensed intruders.

"Jason, wait! Is someone coming? Let's see first who it is!" Sherry jumped up after him and grabbed Jason's arm. "Aren't you forgetting something? My family could arrive here any moment. What if it's them?"

Of course, Jason hasn't forgotten about her family. It was just his usual reaction if he hears someone coming to the camp. He was just preparing to do his job, no more, no less. But he also understood that while this girl was here, he should control his instincts. Beside the unwanted guests there could be visitors that came to the camp for her. For Sherry.

After a few minutes the car engine could already be heard. And when the vehicle could already be visible among the trees, Sherry recognized it at once. It was her father's van that he used for transporting heavy things. So Richard was back with parents. He was the first one to step out, but in a second the driver's door opened, followed by the back door. A man and a woman stepped outside and they were no other than Sherry's parents.

"You see, Jason? These are just my parents and brother," Sherry said with a smile on her face. "So before you attack, first check who it is, okay? Now, wait here, I have to go and meet them."

Jason finally nodded and put his machete back into a holster attached to his belt. He knew that Sherry was right about instinct control. He was so used to giving himself freedom and attacking the unsuspecting victims so that they even don't manage to react, but in this particular situation he had to be careful.

Seeing her mother and father exiting the car, Sherry ran to them, reaching out her arms.

"Mom! Dad!" she screamed, falling into mother's embrace.

"Oh, Sherry, my baby!" Sharon Cooke exclaimed, hugging her daughter as tight as she could. "I'm so glad you're alive! We were so worried where you haven't returned home!"

"Are you alright, sweetie?" Harry asked, embracing Sherry when she let mother out of her arms. "Richard gave us to listen what he recorded. We couldn't believe our own ears! How could this happen?"

"I'm ok, Dad, really, I am," Sherry replied. "It's that bitch, Vanessa, it was all her idea to bring me here. I suggest that we all sit by the fire at the lake and I'll tell all the story in details?"

"Yeah, I'd like to know why she decided to do something like that to you," Richard added, coming closer. "I knew you and her were in bad relationship, but that bad…"

"We have brought you everything you asked," Sharon said "although I don't really understand why you want to stay here. You could wait at home until 13th and come back here in the morning of that day."

"Mum, believe me, it's really necessary," Sherry replied, her eyes expressing pleading. "Jason is…" she suddenly fell silent.

"Jason? You mean Jason Voorhees?" Harry asked with caution. "Is he here?"

"Yes, I told him to wait for me, we were sitting by the fire while I ate fish," Sherry said. "I don't know if he's still there, but I'm sure he's watching us now." While her parents looked at each other in fear, she added: "And no need to be afraid. He won't harm any of us. Now, how about we bring all what you brought into my cabin and then go and sit by the fire? I hope you have a bit of time, don't you?"

"Sure. Let's get to work then."

Sherry wondered why they needed a van for bringing the stuff to her. Couldn't the trunk be enough? She just asked for some food, plastic dishes, some clothes and underwear, her laptop and materials for studies, plus the means of communication to the world, like new phone and wireless Internet. And, of course, bathroom and hygienic stuff. All of this wouldn't need a whole van to transport, this could fit into a car trunk. But when Harry opened the back doors of the van, she saw a small fridge among other packages and boxes.

"Oh… you brought a fridge, too?" she asked. That was indeed a pleasant surprise.

"Of course. Where are you going to keep the food if you're planning to stay here for a while?" Richard asked with a playful smile. "In such heat like now, even one day won't pass until everything gets spoiled."

"Yeah… you're right," Sherry agreed. "Come on then, I'll help you to carry things."

The Cooke family began to carry boxes and packages one after another into a cabin where Sherry slept. The first they brought in was the fridge that was placed near the door. As the electricity still worked in the camp, which was rather surprising for Sherry's family, they plugged in the fitter with five sockets so Sherry could use it for more than one thing that requires electricity. And while Sherry and her mother were busy with changing the bed sheets, Richard and Harry unpacked the food, placing part of it in the freezer which occupied the lower part of the fridge. Sherry put the SIM-card into a new phone and tried the wireless connection on her laptop. Lucky for her, there was a table in each cabin, so she had place to put her computer on. Although connection was a bit slower than usual, as the camp was located in the forest, it still worked, so Sherry could use the Internet and talk with her family via Skype. She even got a small portative electrical burner, as there is no more gas in the camp, so that she could use the pans to cook. After all, no one wanted Sherry to live here like a Neanderthal. All in all, now she had all the things necessary to stay in this camp without any problems with food, clothes and communication.

After they finished unpacking, Sherry's father took a barbeque set out of the van and a large pack of coal for it. All four of them went to the shore where Sherry made fire some time ago and began preparing the meat. She and her brother moved the table out of the cabin so they had place to put the dishes on and a chair that was with it. The other chairs were found in the kitchen. Sherry already knew where the main buildings were so she could show where to find things that could still be used.

Jason watched the Cooke family from behind the trees, hidden so well that they couldn't see him. On the one hand, a peaceful family scene made him happy, but on the other hand, he felt pain in his dead heart. The only thing that he truly wanted to have is a happy family, the thing that he lacked in his life. Of course, his mother cared for him and loved him more than anything, but he never had a complete family. At least he was glad that Sherry had a family that really loved her and cared for her.

While everyone ate, Richard then started asking his sister about the events that led to her arrival to the Camp Crystal Lake.

"So, sis, would you tell us what really happened? I mean, why Vanessa would want you to be here? What actually happened between you and her?"

Harry and Sharon Cooke lifted their eyes to Sherry, as they also were curious about the details. Sherry swallowed a little piece of beef steak that she was chewing and explained:

"Well, you know that she always couldn't stand me because of Jordan, and because I'm just… not like her. But it still wasn't that bad. Things were bearable, more or less. But the crucial moment was when I took Lindsay from school last time. We walked in the center of the city and ate ice cream until we accidentally stumbled on Vanessa. She began mocking and taunting me, that I'm a grey mouse and no guy will ever want me, that I should wear a hijab, etc. And I said that I'd prefer to dress in a hijab and stay alone for all life than to be like her, and that a brothel is the real place for her. Of course, she was so enraged and tried to slap me, but thanks to Richie and his training, her attempt failed. After she called me an ugly toad, Lindsay suddenly decided to interfere and told her to stop insulting me, she called Vanessa "bad"." Sherry then grinned playfully and continued: "I think something clicked in Vanessa's brain as she began attacking the girl, at first just verbally. And then… oh boy, that was so funny! As her face was close to Lindsay, she used it and smeared her ice cream all over that bitch's face. Vanessa then tried to hit Lindsay, but I didn't allow. We nearly began to fight right there, in the middle of the street, but the cop intervened, and Vanessa was forced to leave. But before she left, she threatened me that it's not the end. Later I took Lindsay home, had tea with her mother and went back. Then suddenly somebody pressed a rag to my face, and that cloth was soaked with some chemical that had such strong and pungent smell that my vision started to blur until I finally blacked out. I woke up and found myself here, in this camp. To be precise – in that cabin." She pointed to the cabin that she slept in. "As I found out later, it was no other that Jason Voorhees that brought me inside."

"Jason Voorhees? The serial killer?" Harry asked, widening his eyes. "Isn't it the one that appeared in a bunch of horror movies?"

"Yes, dad, it's him," Sherry nodded. "But movies are fiction. And here we are dealing with the real Jason Voorhees."

"And what the real Jason Voorhees is like?" Sharon wanted to know. "Is there a difference in how he looks and behaves in the movies?"

"Hmm… I'd say – yes and no," Sherry replied.

"What do you mean?" Sharon asked.

"The similarities are the hockey mask and the large physique," Sherry explained. "Plus that he's indeed a killer and lives in the territory of Camp Crystal Lake, and that's where we are now. But that's it."

"I remember seeing some of the movies when I was younger," Harry said "I think it was in the early eighties when all of this horror movie era started, with some psycho chopping people to pieces. I think they were all practically the same, just with different characters. I don't know… to me, these movies were shallow, to be honest."

"Yeah, I've also watched some with Sherry, although it was pretty recently," Richard added. "Although sometimes it was fun to watch Jason chasing the screaming teens, such type of movies aren't really my cup of tea."

"Yeah, they aren't of the best quality, couldn't agree more," Sherry said. "Nonetheless, they became very popular, and I think it was only because of Jason."

And while the Cooke family discussed the movies, Jason listened in confusion. Someone has made movies about him? Now that's a surprise. But why? All his life people called him an ugly freak or even worse, so why would someone want to make movies about him? And as Sherry and her family say that they aren't even good, then what's the point? It makes no sense at all. Nevertheless, he was interested to hear more of their conversation, so he just stood where he was and continued listening.

"So, if Jason Voorhees exists, then why they even created a whole series of horror movies about him? As if reality is not terrifying enough," Sharon said thoughtfully.

"I don't know," Sherry answered. "Maybe they meant it as a warning of the real danger through fiction? I've read one article, don't remember where though, that sometimes such fiction like horror movies, books or even video games are used to warn people, just so they have an idea that something like that might exist in real life. I assume that it's the same situation with Friday the 13th movies."

"Maybe, who knows," Harry agreed "but you said that the similarities are just the mask, physique and being a killer. So what is the difference then?"

Sherry coughed and explained:

"Oh, the difference is big and, what's more, very important. I don't know whether they made it on purpose or not, but in the movies Jason is shown as a retarded psychopath that knows nothing else except killing and has no feelings at all. And that's where they made a huge mistake. Yes, Jason was born hydrocephalic, I noticed it at once when I saw him. His head is larger in size than the average human skull. But he's far from being retarded. Those are lies and slander. If Jason was like that, I wouldn't have lived even for five minutes. But he helped me. He found me in a pit, unconscious and wrapped in a sheet and brought me into a cabin. Later, while I walked a bit around and collected some blueberries, he caught a fish for me from the lake. Although you have to be careful when walking into the forest, as he has a lot of traps set around the perimeter."

Sharon and Harry listened in silence, not knowing how to react. Is it really Jason Voorhees she was talking about? Could it be that he had at least a little bit of feelings? That was becoming interesting. Richard, on the other hand, didn't look surprised, as he'd heard this part of the story already and even met Jason personally.

"Believe me, Jason is not as bad as you might think," Sherry continued. "He has feelings, I understood it already from the first day. People call him a monster, but they should look at themselves first. Why do you think Jason is now what he is? Because people were cruel to him. It's true that because of his appearance he was bullied every day, and he suffered a lot. It's not his fault that he became a killer, it's the fault of those assholes alone. Now he kills such people who come to his territory. I don't support killing as such, but I must admit that Jason does some sort of cleaning job by eliminating those whose life is worthless. People like Vanessa and Jordan, for example. He sees and feels who might deserve the chance to live. As for the others, like they said in the movies, they are all doomed."

Sherry spoke the last words with a playful laugh, remembering the character known as Crazy Ralph. He was a funny old man, although he was smarter than everyone else. He tried to keep others away from the cursed camp, but no one listened to his babbling. And this is what's called human stupidity.

While his daughter spoke, Harry frowned, although still kept his mouth shut. If Jason Voorhees was indeed different, it's ok, but Sherry…

"Alright, if he really is like you say, I'm fine with that. But if someone comes here and he starts killing, don't you dare to participate in that. I won't let my daughter to become a killer!"

Sherry rolled her eyes in response.

"Oh, come on, dad. Who told you that I'm going to kill someone? Obviously I won't do that. It's Jason's work, and let's leave it at that. But I'm not going to stop him either. He's consumed by rage while killing, and standing in his way means suicide. I will do my things and he will do his, we won't disturb each other without any particular need. I just want to say that we're developing friendship, and Jason is more than happy about that. He never had friends, and now, here I am. I treated him with respect, and he did the same to me. I just wonder what exactly made him decide that it's worth to let me live, but in the result, it was a right decision. And he will never harm any of us, so it's completely safe for you to come here and visit me."

Sherry's parents looked at each other, lost in thoughts. If Sherry says it's safe here for them, that's good, but leaving their daughter near a killer made them nervous. Richard was keeping quiet, knowing that this conversation wasn't focused on him. Then Sharon finally spoke:

"I believe you, honey, Richard also told us about his own experience with Jason. It seems that it's really possible to reason with him, which is very good. If I understand your idea right, you want Vanessa and her company to see you here with Jason, so she sees that her plan failed?"

"Yes, mum, you're absolutely right," Sherry nodded. "I want to see the shock on that schmuck's face. She wanted to dump me into a killer's hand, and now she will be the one that falls instead. She's going to pay dearly for what she did to me."

"I offered to take the recording to the police as a proof against them," Richard finally inserted a word "but Sherry told me to wait for some time."

"I told Richie that it's better to wait with that, because if they get arrested, they stay in prison for some time and then come out to freedom and continue with their lives, while I'll never get rid of this psychological trauma that they caused. It's just… not fair," Sherry explained. "They deserve a more severe punishment than jail."

"I see," Harry said, intertwining his fingers. He was obviously nervous. "So, they are coming here on Friday the 13th, am I right?"

Sherry and Richard nodded simultaneously.

"But why not to wait at home till that day? You could come to the camp early morning. I'm sure they will come later than that."

"You can never know it," Sherry shook her head. "It's better that I stay here. You know well that the rumors in our town spread with the speed of light, and I don't want that Vanessa or any of her friends know that I'm alive until their arrival. Besides, I'd like to spend more time with Jason. We have built a good relationship, and I see that's he's pleased with my presence here. And I want to thank him. Considering all the things he did for my sake, it's the least that he deserves."

Sharon Cooke nodded understandingly. She knew that Sherry was saying the right things, although it was so unbelievable that Jason Voorhees, who is known as a merciless killing machine, is in fact much more human than some people are. At this point Harry also couldn't agree more. Although he didn't really like the perspective of Sherry living in Jason's territory, he had to admit that in this case his daughter might be right.

"All right, Sherry, so be it then," father said. "If you wish to stay here with Jason, you may do it. Just promise us that you will be in contact via Skype or phone, so we do not worry so much."

"Oh God, thank you, daddy! I love you!" Sherry practically jumped from her chair and ran around the table to hug her father. Richard watched this scene with a smirk on his face. It seemed so cute to him. "And thank you, too, mommy! You can't imagine how happy I am that you support me in my decision."

"Of course, honey," Sharon replied, hugging her daughter. "Just be careful, okay? I know you're able to turn things to the good, it has always been your gift. We know you're our clever girl."

"Sure, mum, I'll do my best to keep myself safe and maintain good relationship with Jason," Sherry smiled, returning to her spot.

"I bet if he's watching and listening us now, he sure is happy to hear all of this," Richard added with a smirk.

And he was right. If Jason was able to smile, he would have done it for sure. So her parents agreed to let her stay here, with him. It rejoiced him. She sure has an understanding family, and that is good. So yes, Jason wouldn't mind at all if they visit Sherry now and then. Just… if they only could keep silent about all this business…

"Mum, dad… may I ask you something?" Sherry began, hesitating.

"Sure, what is it?"

"I only beg you not to tell anyone about what you know. I mean, no one must know that I'm alive and that you know about Jason. At least, for now. The reason is the same why I prefer not to return home until Friday the 13th. That's what worries Jason, too," she put her index finger to her mouth. "He made this gesture several times. I bet the locals know about him, but they keep distance. So please, not a word, neither to the police, nor to anyone else. If I decide that someone else must know, I'll let you know. Can we make a deal?"

"Sure, sweetie, we won't tell anyone," Sharon nodded.

"No, really, mum, it's better for us to pretend that we know nothing," Richard began "and Sherry is right. If the rumors start to spread, they will definitely reach Jordan or Vanessa. They must get what they deserve."

"Agreed. But… I still can't believe how could she even come up with such a terrible idea. It's just astonishing how cruel some people can be," Sharon sighed.

"Yeah, and to be honest… if I could, I would break her neck with my own hands," Harry admitted, clenching his teeth in fury. "My God… how sick can she be, if she decided to dump Sherry here like a bag of garbage and give her into the hands of a killer. I've heard many shocking things during my life, but this… Damn it!" He banged his fist against the table surface. "You never pay much attention to the crime until it happens to you, is it?" Everyone nodded in response. "So, you know what? Let it be like Sherry planned, I support it fully. That bitch Vanessa must be punished for attempting to kill my daughter."

"Wow, dad, you're really getting into the spirit," Richard laughed "but it's cool. Let's just follow Sherry's plan and it will be alright."

"I just never expected that someone would hate my daughter so much," Harry sighed.

"Thank you so much," Sherry's lips stretched into a thankful smile. "I really appreciate it. I was afraid you'll refuse to cooperate, and then it would be more difficult."

"No problem. But please, dear, don't kill anyone. Don't get your hands dirty, okay?" Sharon begged.

"Don't worry, I won't," Sherry said "but when Vanessa and her company arrive, I'll be near Jason to enjoy her punishment. Her own narcissism will become her demise."

"Haha, you got it!" Richard noticed and everyone burst into laughing.

The family spent some more time having lunch, laughing and joking. If this camp wasn't known as a cursed place, it would seem like any other safe camping spot. But, as the Cooke family wasn't under the threat, they could allow themselves to forget about it. A few more hours passed until they finished and began cleaning the table and moved it back into the cabin together with chairs, not forgetting to extinguish the fire. Sherry preferred to rinse the plastic dishes, so her relatives wouldn't have to buy them a hundred times, although they haven't forgotten to buy rubbish bags. Finally it was time to depart, and before Sherry's family got into the van, Mrs. Cooke told Sherry to pack up the dirty clothes, underwear or sheets, when the time comes, and let mother know by phone or Skype, so she can bring the new ones instead and take the old ones home to wash. The same was with food – if Sherry needs something, it's up to her to inform them about it.

"Alright, dear, now it's time for us to go. Just contact us more often, so we don't worry too much, okay? See you then, and good luck." All four of them hugged each other before Sherry's brother and parents got into the vehicle and drove away. She watched the van disappear in the distance and then turned to go back towards the cabin. She only wondered where Jason was now.

And he wasn't far away. Once Jason was sure her family left the camp, he decided it was time to come out. He heard each word of their conversation which surprised him on the one hand, but on the other hand, it made him happy. Jason was very glad that her parents understood their daughter's wishes and didn't mind her to stay with him. And although they forbade her to kill, Jason thought it would be interesting and exciting if Sherry could join him someday and share this fun of killing teens. But if she doesn't want, he won't force her into it. After all, he just has to wait and see what happens next, right?