The boys prepared to get dressed for their first day of work. Johnny grabbed his backpack with the strange book hidden inside it. The hardware shop is only one mile away, away, and the boys decided to walk there. Chris and Johnny didn't say anything to each other and just walked until they got there. 

The shop didn't look very busy when they entered. Mr. Samson saw the boys and approached them. Everyone was in an awkward silence until Johnny started to speak to break the silence. 

"Good afternoon, Mr. Samson. How are you?"

"Good. Johnny." Answered Mr. Samson

Everyone remained quiet for a few more seconds, and then Mr. Samson decided to show how to stock items on shelves, throwing out trash in the back, and use the cash register. Chris decided to stock small paint cans on the shelves and still remain quiet.

Two hours passed, and Mr. Samson gave the keys to Johnny to close up shop at 9 p.m. and left. 

When it was 7 p.m., the boys had had done everything Mr. Samson had instructed, and they had nothing else to do. Chris sat down and was flipping through magazines. Johnny pulled out the book out of his bag and started flipping the pages. 

"Yuck! You brought that creepy book here? Asked Chris. 

"I want to know why Grandma and Grandpa have this weird book," replied Johnny.

"Woah, Sherlock Holmes, some things should just stay as a mystery." Chris grabbed the book.

"You know if anyone sees this book, they will have the wrong idea."

"People would think you are a freak. You don't want anyone to see you with this, especially in your first year of high school." Chris said, and he grabbed the book and threw it in the trash. 

"It's all for the best"

Johnny pretends to agree with Chris and grabs a random magazine to read instead.

Suddenly, they heard the door opening. It was Derrick.

"Hey guys, you look adorable in your little aprons." Teased Derrick.

"What do you want, Derrick? It's your fault that I'm here." Said Chris annoyed 

"Hey, I just came here to buy some tools." Derrick was still teased.

"Haha." Chris answered sarcastically.

"Anyway, Stacy is having a pool party right now. I think you should ditch this place, and we can get some beer and chicks." Said Derrick.

"And how am I supposed to go since I'm at work?" Answered Chris.

Derrick pointed at Johnny. 

"Just ask for your little brother for a favor to cover you for a few hours."

Johnny was still flipping his magazine. "

Hey bro, can you please just cover for me? I promise I will do a favor back." Begged Chris. 

"Alright." Said Johnny.

"Thanks, Johnny, I own you one!" Chris said it excitedly.

The boys snuck in the back so no one would see them.

An hour passed; the boy's parents called the store to check up on them, and Johnny covered for Chris by saying he was in the bathroom. Johnny helped a few customers. 

At 8:30 pm, Johnny leaned at the counter until he started to stare at the book in the trash again. He looked all over the store, grabbed the book and started reading it again.

He has gotten invested and started reading the weird spells.

Then there was a loose-written page that didn’t seem to be attached to the book. 

“My Dearest Daughters Anne and Mary,

If you read this letter, it means that I have passed away. I haven’t been truthful about my life. My own mother wanted to sacrifice me and your aunt when we were children. I sold my soul to the Horned King  to protect my sister from bigger evil forces. This magic book was handwritten by the Horned King himself. Do not use this book, but hide it. I’m afraid that the Horned King  will never help or forgive us ever again for my sister’s betrayal by marrying his enemy. This book is now cursed, and if any of our family bloodline will use it, they are destined to be permanently cursed by the Horned King. Burning this book won't damage it, but it might give you burn marks instead. There are many things I wish I could tell you, but my sweet darling girls, you have many questions, and I’m afraid I must leave them here. Live out your normal life as a Pendragon and don’t repeat the mistakes that my sister and I made. And my father and his father before.”

Sincerely, your father,

Francis Pendragon  

Johnny flipped the page and saw the scary image of a deer skull with a snake body, and the eyes seemed to glow. 

Johnny slammed the book and was creeped out. When time is almost to close. Johnny went to the bathroom with the book and decided to hide it above the ceiling. When he came back to the bathroom, the lights suddenly flickered. Johnny got creeped out and closed the book. 

"Hello? Is anyone here?" Asked Johnny. 

Suddenly, the lights turned off, and the shelves started to shake. Johnny screamed like a little girl and tripped. Then suddenly, Chris and Derrick came out from the darkness and started bawling.  

"Haha, what was this screaming?" still laughed, Derrick. 

"Shut up, you assholes." Shouted Johnny 

"Haha, okay, okay, we are done." Said Chris. 

The guys were still laughing and started to put the items back on the shelf.  

Johnny got up from the floor, rolling his eyes.

When the boys finished cleaning the mess, they were heading to the door to close the shop. 

“I will see you guys later! "Said Derrick while waving at them and walking away.

Chris and Johnny started to walk back home as well