Moody Goose Novels & Stories

“To make sure everyone stays safe, I’ve arranged for a few extra precautions. First, we’re installing upgraded security around the house. Cameras, alarms—the works.” “And,” Mason added, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket, “we’re giving each of you these.” He opened the box to reveal several sleek, silver necklaces, each adorned with a discreet pendant. “What are those?” Dave asked, leaning closer. “Tracking devices,” Mason explained. “They’re disguised as necklaces, but they’re equipped with GPS. If anything happens, we’ll be able to find you immediately.” Lisa raised an eyebrow, her skepticism evident. “Isn’t that a bit extreme?”

My heart quickened as she noticed me and made her way toward me, weaving through the sea of people with practiced ease. Mrs. Moore wore her typical fur coat over an extravagant white power suit and dark sunglasses, even though it wasn’t sunny outside. She styled her peppered golden brown hair in a high ponytail, which stretched her features and made her look younger. She really was a beautiful woman. No wonder Kat was a stunning beauty.

“Sure, Mr. Moody. I’d be happy to help.” Mr. Moody slams his hands down excitedly and rises from the desk with an enthusiastic grin. “Fantastic, Ms. Vega! I will set up an introduction with your tutor in the library this afternoon. He’ll be waiting for you there.” Feeling just as ecstatic by my choice, I rise from the chair. Mr. Moody is the most exuberant person I’ve ever met. He’s a portly guy with a balding head, rosy cheeks, and large dark eyes. He’s always wearing dark suits with funny ties that make us kids roll our eyes. The tie he’s wearing today is of Snoopy flying in the sky with Woodstock behind him.

"Do not tell her!" "Tell me this minute before I give both of you a beating with your father's belt." Knowing how their mother could be sometimes. The boys stared at her, fearful. "George...said...Mandyisavegetable." "I did not quite get that?" "George said Mandy is a vegetable... because she does nothing except eat and her tongue is always out... you said she is our big sister but she still has her baby teeth." They giggled yet again. Stella was shook, offended and angry.

But after days of texting back and forth, I’m starting to see a different side to him. Turns out, he’s not nearly as mysterious as everyone makes him out to be. The guy’s obsessed with Cheetos and watches local football games most evenings. Not a lot of mystery in that. It’s a little after 4:00 p.m. when I step into the small convenience store where Corey’s mom works, which is also the meetup spot for our outing. I make my way to the counter where she has her face buried between sheets of inventory notes. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Brown.”

The kittens were chaos wrapped in fur. Perfect, tiny chaos, but chaos nonetheless. Mochi, for example, already fancied herself a tiny menace. All black, sleek as midnight, with claws that always seemed sharper than nature intended. She squirmed and hissed at shadows in her sleep, a tiny dictator of darkness. Goose. Poor, delusional Goose thought he was a tiger. Bold orange stripes, puffed chest, constantly crawling over his siblings like he was conquering uncharted territory, never mind that his eyes hadn’t even opened yet.