Probably had something to do with cheerleaders... That was the response on his tongue, but instead he shrugged and responded with, "He never would say specifically, and the only way we could get him to believe that he was actually screaming in his sleep was to set up a camera in his room at night."
Elliot didn't mention the fact neither David nor their parents had had any knowledge of the hidden camera at the time. Days later, he'd teased his brother mercilessly over the scene caught on camera of David beginning his screaming session and Elliot barging into the room and beating David with his pillow, yelling, "shut up! Shut up!" That particular incident had gotten him grounded for a week, but it was worth it. At least David had the evidence that his sleep-screaming was disruptive.
By the time Elliot was old enough and knowledgeable enough to consider the possibility that the sleep-screaming might have been due to something more serious, David was over the phase, and the screaming had become a much quieter and more entertaining mumbling, such was his conversation about clowns needing orange ash.
Pulled from his brief reverie, Elliot felt himself smiling at Rae's preference for his company over a book. It shouldn't have pleased him as much as it did, because he generally preferred live conversation over reading, but he supposed that was the appropriate reaction when a girl he liked said she wanted his company. "And I always enjoy yours, so really, it's a win/win situation, if you ask me."
Unaware of her fearful concerns about him wandering around in the dark alone, Elliot laughed quietly at her comment about stalking him out the door. "My own personal stalker who's willing to help me fill in the blanks for what the clowns need orange ash for? Sign me up." He grinned.
Kicking the sleeping bag free from his feet, Elliot accepted the offered hand more out of politeness than any real need of assistance. He took a moment to slip his shoes and jacket on and, out of habit, grabbed a flashlight out of his bag. "Lead the way," he said.