As we walked, I thought about how I really didn’t have any romantic feelings for anyone in the group, which I was quite relieved about, I felt awkward enough as it was without throwing unrequited love into the mix. I’d leave that to Georgie and just focus on basketball for the rest of the year. I was sure there was less drama in that compared to trying to manage dating on top of everything else in my life.

At that thought, my heart panged. Who was I kidding? Of course I wanted a boyfriend, I would love to experience my first kiss before I was 80 years old or before I finished high school at least.

“You’ve been quiet for a wee while.” Georgie noted, turning her head to look at me. “Are you bored of me talking about Dylan?”

To be honest, I’d been so lost in my own thoughts that I hadn’t realised she’d still be speaking. I admonished myself for being such a bad listener and I turned to look back at her, shaking the residue thoughts of first kisses and boyfriends from my own mind.

“Of course not!” I said with a grin. “I could talk about Dylan all day if you wanted.”

She laughed.

“That’s a long time.” She smirked. “Are you sure you’d be up for that kind of verbal marathon?”

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“Give me some throat lozenges and some water and I’d cope fine.” I joked back. “Imagine if Dylan found out that we were planning on talking about him for that kind of duration!”

“I’m sure he wouldn’t know whether to be super proud of himself or to run and hide!” Georgie responded.

We both laughed so hard that tears ran down our cheeks.

Dylan was used to having plenty of girls talking about him, not only because of his good looks but also because his charm and wit always made him friendly and approachable. A real drawcard on the ‘secret crushes’ scene around school. I knew for a fact that Georgie wasn’t the only member of the Dylan fan club.

We finally stopped laughing as we reached the door to the basement and found it slightly ajar.

“That’s weird, someone else must be getting something too.” I said surprised.

I pushed the door open gently and peered down the staircase. The light was already on and lit up the darkness with a faint orangey glow that fought against the encroaching darkness. Mustiness and dust filled the air like a thick blanket, enveloping me in its damp embrace as I hung in the doorway, fighting the feeling of foreboding that was forming in my stomach.

Shadows danced along the walls in the pale light, creating an eerie atmosphere that conjured up goosebumps over my skin.

The wooden steps creaked softly under my weight as I took a tentative step forward.

“Hello? Is someone down there?” I called out, a shiver going up the back of my neck as I did so.

Rustling sounds came from the back corner of the room.

“Do you think it’s the ghost from the stories? Georgie asked me ashen faced.

“I guess we’re about to find out.” I replied.