Chapter One

Archie's Note

Evan

Remember when I said I hated Appleton? Well, there's one thing I enjoy that comes around once a year. Winter.

The snow falls at the perfect times, when it's twilight and the sun is almost done for the day. The first day of snow, I was at Patrice's watching Frosty the Snowman when a small snowflakes hit the window. She was excited, and she had that same look that she had when she met me. Well, in Appleton, the only thing you can look forward to is a new mall being built, which wasn't going to happen, or snow.

Sure, I'm used to snow, living in New York and all, but I've never seen snow like this. And as soon as there was enough, everyone in town went sledding.

But you're probably asking why I'm telling you this, but when winter rolls around, everything at school goes to hell.

On Monday morning, I burst through the door to keep myself from freezing out there. Everyone was decorated in Christmas colors, two weeks before winter beak.

I might not have to remind you, but I will anyways, I'm Jewish, and last Hanukkah was the usual. But my mom said that since I'm a man now (and have a girlfriend that's not Jewish) that I could celebrate Christmas with Patrice. But I still joined in the holiday fun, not that I would harm my Jewish ways.

And when I said hello to everyone, stuffed my crap in my locker (note to self: New Years Resolution is going to be not to make my locker look like a bear attacked it) and headed to homeroom.

I noticed everyone was here, except one. You know, the one that obsesses over Kendra.

"Where's Archie? He's been gone all week, and I haven't seen him look out the window." I asked to Patrice, who was putting down How To Kill A Hummingbird after placing a bookmark.

"I don't..." she replied, then told me to turn around.

"Excuse me, are Patrice Parker and Evan Goldman in this class?" Nurse Fisher asked.

"Right here." Lucy said, putting her lipstick on.

We just froze, looked at the class, and got up and walked with Fisher to the back room in the office. This is not good.

"You two know Archie Walker?" she asked and pushed her glasses up.

"Yes." I said, wondering what the heck this was about.

"Well, I have to inform you that he's in the hospital."

Why couldn't she have said that earlier?

"Oh." Patrice muttered, "But, why do you need us?"

Fisher looked up from her paper. "Because Archie recorded his will in case his surgery doesn't go well."

"He... he has to have surgery? Again?" I managed to mutter out of my mouth.

"Yes. And you two are on it. Here, read; smart children."

She slid the note to us, and Patrice read it out loud.

"'Dear loved ones and bestest of friends,

I have sad news to tell you. I have been in the hospital and was able to write this letter and send it to you. I just retrieved word that I am going to have to face surgery once again. In case I do not make it home, I have listed all of my valued possessions on this document. (Why does Archie always walk like he's grown?)

My money shall go to the cost of my funeral, and to people of my disease. My prized collections shall go to..."

And after that I zoned out. I couldn't stand this.

"And finally, Patrice and Evan, my dearest of friends; I wish that you take the recording I have left for you as a lucky charm and a remembrance to me. Follow the instructions that come with it. And most of all, I love you all.

Live long and prosper,

Archie Walker

"Happy now?" the nurse asked, wanting us to leave.

Patrice and I got up and opened the door before Fisher stopped us. "Oh, here's the recording."

I grabbed it and we walked out. The bell chimed, and homeroom was over. I wanted to know what was on this tape, badly. Only one way to find out.