The Slinky Ghost (Underneath the sheets) (Multi Book Series)

 A smutty paranormal ghost book.

After I graduated from college I was heading back home to my parents home when I received a call from my Great Aunt. She knew that I did not want to stay at my parents home and offered me a job that I could work while I worked on the next chapter of my life. Her and my late Great Uncle owned a historic estate in northern main that consisted of the main house and numerous outer buildings. She wanted to move to where it was warm but wanted to have the property cleaned out, repaired and ready for sale if she decided to sell it. The problem was the main house and all of the out buildings were packed to the brim with items that needed to go. She told me I could live in the home as long as I did the work for her which included getting rid of the items. She would give me free room and board, a $200 a week salary and forty percent of all the sales. She knew this would take a long while would be a multi year project as she had spoken to others in the field, but as I majored in historical construction and rehabilitation it would get my foot in the door and I could even create a website to show the work I was doing.

I asked, "When do you want me up there?"

She laughed and said, "I will be at the circus of a graduation party your parents will be throwing you. Have everything packed you want to bring with you and we will fly back to my home together. I already have a building on the property to house the items you are selling along with a sales account for the funds. I will send you a list of all the buildings on the property to your email. They are packed Cami so you will have a lot of work ahead of you. I would suggest you set up the website as soon as possible so you can hit the ground running. I do not care which building you start with but be forewarned Uncle Milton was a collector and when I say every building is packed I mean it some you can barely get into the doors."

"Send me the list Aunt Kathy," I said. "I am going to be stopping at a hotel for the night in about an hour. I will look it over as I eat dinner. Will I also be responsible for maintaining the property?"

"No," She said. "I have a lawn crew that comes out every week to maintain the property. I hope you do not mind being alone as you will be."

Chuckling I said, "I remember your house. After losing Max I do not mind being alone for a while."

"Are you doing alright Cami," She asked. "I know losing Max was hard and even though its been a year the loss of losing someone does not go away that easy."

"I am dealing with it," I said.

"Enough said," She said.

When I got to my hotel room with my overnight bag and take out I pulled out my computer and opened the email from Aunt Kathy. It said at the top of the email in big letters EVERYTHING MUST GO. Then it listed all the buildings and rooms in each of them.

The Main House: Attic, basement, three master suites, 3 master closets, 3 master baths, 4 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms, laundry room, kitchen, breakfast nook, dining room, lounge, office, library, pantry, butlers pantry, formal sitting room, coat room, maids room a bathroom, butlers room w a bathroom, mudroom, entryway, 14 storage closets, 3 landings, 3 sets of stairs, music room, enclosed porch, glass garden.

Three greenhouses with storage room and bathrooms.

Working barn with 14 stalls, 2 storage rooms, bathroom and office.

Hunting cabin with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, living room, kitchen, pantry, dining room, enclosed porch and supply room.

Workers building- 14 bedrooms w bathroom and closet. Three kitchens with pantries, 3 lounges and 2 enclosed porches.

12 cabins with bedrooms, bathroom, kitchens, pantries, enclosed porches, living rooms.

Gaming building with bathroom, kitchen, three storage rooms and a pantry

Ballroom with kitchen, 2 pantries, six storage room, 3 covered porches, and 4 bathrooms.

Mens retreat with 4 bedrooms, bathrooms, closet, kitchen, pantry, lounge, and dining hall

Ladies retreat with 5 bedrooms, bathrooms, closet, kitchen, pantry, lounge, and dining hall storage room

Work shop with bathroom, enclosed porch, and small kitchen.

Seven outer storage buildings.

Decorative barn with office, kitchen, 18 stalls and 4 storage rooms

Music hall with kitchen, pantry, 4 storage rooms

Boat house with six storage rooms

Garage 1- 3 storage rooms, bathroom

Garage 2- 3 storage rooms, bathroom sitting area

6 sheds

6 Gate house with bathrooms

She added a picture of the sales building that she had added by the main gate house and notated she had the walls redone this past spring. She also added that there was a storage pod next to the store for over stock.

I sighed and thought at least I do not need to maintain the grounds. While I ate I created a website for my new job writing an introduction about myself and what I would be doing. When I was done I showered and laid in bed preparing myself to see my parents when I got home. They wanted me to be a teacher with my degree, but this opportunity was to good to be true and I am thankful to Aunt Kathy to be able to put my education to work.

Chapter 2

Waking up to my cell phone ringing I answered, "Hello?"

"Cami are you not on the road yet?" My mother demanded.

"Mother what time is it?" I asked sitting up.

"Seven in the morning," She said. "You should have been on the road so you can do some applications before your graduation party."

There it was. Then I dropped the bombshell. "Well mother I do not need to send applications out as I already have a job."

"You do?" She said shocked. "Which school will you be teaching at?"

Chuckling I said, "No school mother. I am going to working in restoration and I have a multi year contract."

"Multi-year?" she sputtered. "Where Cami?"

"In Maine," I said. "I am going to put the practical side of my degree to use. You should thank Aunt Kathy she actually found out about the job and I interviewed right away. I signed my contract and will be leaving with Aunt Kathy after the graduation party. Do not worry though, I will not even be unpacking."

"Maine," She said. "I was hoping you would stay here and start a family."

"Mom," I said. "I am not over Max yet, and I will not be for a long time. But now that you woke me when I stayed up late working I will shower and get breakfast downstairs. I will see you later today."

Hanging up the phone I called Aunt Kathy. "Cami did you change your mind?"

Laughing I said, "No but heads up Mom called me already and she wanted me to fill out job applications before my graduation party. I had to break it to her that my Aunt found a job that my degree qualified for and I signed a five year contract."

She burst out laughing and said, "So we are not telling your Mom that I am your employer."

"Exactly," She said. "Oh my Cami do not worry I will not say exactly what you will be paid but rest assured your Mother is calling me already. You would have thought she would have ran to my hotel. Oh tell me when your almost to the house I will meet you so I can help you with what needs to be packed for tomorrow. I got us a flight to Maine at 1pm on a private jet. That way we can get out there and away from your Mom and Dad."

"Bless you," I said. "Do I need to get more luggage?"

"No," She said. "I have some suitcases and boxes for you." 

"Thank you," I said. "Have fun with Mom."

Hanging up I headed to the shower and got ready for the day. When I was dressed I ran my suitcase to my car and took my carry bag to the restaurant to eat breakfast and work. I posted the link for my new job on my social media site as well as the college alumni page. Finishing that I got on my new website and created a new page for the store. Now you may ask why didn't my parents stay after graduation to drive home with me? That is because my brother did not want to come and their son who is four years older than me. So I graduated by myself, packed my dorm room myself and handled everything on my own. 

After eating I checked out of the hotel and headed to my parents home. When I pulled up Aunt Kathy came running our yelling, "All hail the conquering hero. I am so proud of you."

Pulling me into a hug she whispered into my ear saying, "Your Mom is so mad you have a job and are leaving with me tomorrow. Your Dad is excited for you."

Smiling I said, "Of course they are."

She looked in my car and said, "Wow you are way to organized. Your employer would be impressed. Lets put this all in my van so its already packed. Which bag has the items you need to get started?"

I took out my suitcase and said, "The important stuff is in here, and my carry bag." 

She grabbed the suitcase and put it in the passenger seat. We moved all the boxes and totes into the back of the van. She said, "When the party is over we will go back to my suite to get a good start for tomorrow. I left 3 suitcases and a four flight boxes in your room. We will ship those off from the airport."

Turning we went to go into the house and my brother Stan came out holding out his hand saying, "Give me your keys now that your graduated and have a job I get your car."

"What happened to yours?" I asked.

"Crashed it," He said. "Thanks for making me look bad. You came home with a job and Dad said I can have the car."

"Take it," I said. "Oh you will need to put gas in it as I did not stop."

He huffed and got in. We turned to the house and Dad stepped out onto the porch. He opened his arms and said, "Cami my doll welcome home. You made me so proud."

"So proud you could not come to my graduation," I asked.

"Sweetheart when you are married you learn to pick your battles," He said.

Aunt Kathy said, "You mean how you had to choose your son when your wife chooses him all the time? Come on Rog your not the big brother I used to know."

He sighed and said, "Changes are coming Kathy. Especially now that Cami has graduated. But doll your Aunt Kathy said you need to pack and I need to keep your mom out of your hair."

Hugging him I said, "Dad are you alright?"

Kissing the top of my head he whispered in my ear, "Yes, once you are settled I will be visiting and seeing you. Don't worry I know the truth about your job and your Mom will never know."

Turning me to the door he said, "Shake a leg girl you have to pack and we are gonna party."

When I walked in Mom came out of the kitchen. "Did you give your brother your keys since you will no longer need them," She said. "Pack your room whatever you leave will be tossed as I am giving the room to your brother as a game room."

Saluting I went up to my room and I heard Aunt Kathy say, "Why do that Sue? You should be proud of her for using her degree instead of living off of you with a useless degree like Stan is."

I went into my room and I started to pack everything in my room. After an hour my Aunt came in and asked me, "What can I help with?"

I nodded to the bookcase I said, "Can you pack that up for me?"

She grabbed a box and started to pack when my Dad came in and said, "Cami I am sorry your Mom is being so difficult. Trust me when I say you are doing the smart thing because shit will be hitting the fan very soon. If what you have left does not fit in the suitcases or boxes let me know I have luggage in the attic and I will be glad to pay for all the extra suitcases."

When I was finally finished packing I had three extra large suitcases and Dad transferred me money for the luggage. A few hours before the party Mom came in and said, "Well are you done?"

Chuckling I said, "I sure am mom. I am heading to the hotel with Aunt Kathy to go get ready and I will see you at the party."

She called out to my brother and said, "You can move the furniture around now that is all that is left."

Stan came in and said, "Get out of my game room."

Chuckling I said, "Have at it. I have to do some work before the party anyway. Besides, with my job, I will be buying my own home in a few years without having to come home."

Dad called out, "See you soon."

When I got in the van Aunt Kathy said, "So this afternoon I made sure the banking system attached to the stores tablet was set up. When we get home you will have a card to an account for repairs and supplies or paying people to do things that you may not be able to do. Basically, if you have cash you will call a number and a bank employee will come get all cash deposits. Your percentage will go to your account every few days and I will get a portion. That way we get everything taken care of every few days and if you need sick days we will handle that as well as vacation time."

"You had this set up for a while," I said. "How did you know I would say yes?"

"When your Dad told me he is seriously considering divorcing your mom," She said. "I could not let you be there with that shit show happening."

"Well I wish I could say I am shocked by that news but to be honest with you," I said. "When Mom babied Stan when he came home from college I think Dad was starting to consider it while I was in college."

"Well tonight is about you so let's go get ready and if people hand you gifts that is okay as we have a small duffle case in the hotel room that I can run everything up to. Cash we can drop off at the bank in the morning."

Laughing I said, "I am sure Stan will be jealous as this will not be about him."

We headed back to the hotel and I took out a dress pantsuit I bought for the occasion. I had a small purse to complete the outfit and we headed down to the party room my parents rented about twenty minutes after the party had started. When we arrived outside the doors Dad met us and said, "Your mom is in a mood so be prepared."

Taking my arm he led me into the room which was decorated and had congratulations graduate decorations. There was a small string quartet playing in the corner and there was long food tables on either side of the room. When my mom saw me she walked up to me and said, "Your late."

Dad said, "Sue stop let her enjoy the party."

I walked around greeting family and friends. I had guests hand me cards and small packages. Aunt Kathy had a larger bag she added them to and when it filled she took everything upstairs so I didn't need to carry everything around. By the end of the night she bought the items upstairs three times. When the party was winding down Mom came over and asked, "Where are the presents?"

Smiling I said, "They were brought up to the hotel room for me to open later as I wanted to make a list so I could send thank you cards."

Dad came up and handed me an envelope and said, "Well Cami there is one more gift for you. Open it later on when you make your lists and if you need addresses for your thank you cards send me a list and I will get them for you."

I hugged Dad and when I turned to thank Mom she had walked away. Aunt Kathy said, "Well Cami let us get some sleep we have an early day tomorrow."

Chapter 3

Aunt Kathy and I went up to the room and she asked, "Do you want to open your gifts?"

Sighing I said, "I should. Are you hungry the food mom had catered sucked. It was like she planned nothing but snacks."

Aunt Kathy said, "She did. I asked your Dad about it and he said that your Mom changed the menu last week from finger foods to desserts and snacks."

Pulling up the room service menu I said, "What should we get?"

She picked up her phone and placed us two orders of burgers, fries, milkshakes, onion rings and Chocolate cake. Picking up a note book she said, "Let us see what you got."

I placed all the envelopes and packages on the table and I started opening the envelopes. By the time the food came we had two full lists of gifts. A lot of gift cards and cash. We set our food in front of us and I continued to open and list everything. By the time I finished going through everything but Dads card I was up to 5000 in cash. Then I opened dads envelope.

I looked at the card and read it to Aunt Kathy.

Hey Kid,

Well Cami you made it and graduated from college. I am so proud of you. I know if Max was here he would be proud as well and we would be planning your wedding. I did not mention Max to make you sad. But when Max asked me for your hand I had moved the money for your wedding to a savings account your mom did not know about. I have not touched it in years. So take the first card that is black and keep it as a gift. There is a little over a hundred thousand on the card. The check is your money left from your college fund. Your mom wanted to give it to Stan but I told her you used the whole fund. Not exactly you still had fifty thousand left due to all your hard work. Also the second cashiers check was my gift to you. I know you do not want to live in the house especially after your mom Gave Stan your room. This is my Graduation gift to you. Place it in a savings account and by the time you finish working for Aunt Kathy you will have a small nest egg to buy a house, a car or even start your own company. Now for the nitty gritty. I am going to divorce your Mom Kid. She has become a person that I cannot stay with. Tomorrow morning I am going to file divorce and move out to the apartment I started renting last month. I have slowly moved my belongings there. I took your furniture to use in my guest room so you will have a place to come visit if you want or I can come out to you.

Good luck kiddo!

I love you,

Dad

Looking at Aunt Kathy I asked, "Did you know?"

She shook her head and said, "No I did not. But like he said you have a small fortune now. Do you want to place it in the bank in the morning."

Smiling, I said, "Yes the checks. The card I have plans for."

"What are you going to use the card for?" She asked.

"When we get there, I am going to buy an RV," I said. "I thought about it since you offered me the job. I am going to get an RV to store all my belongings and I am also going to buy a truck or a car to tow behind the RV."

"Well then let me text a friend and see what we can arrange for you while we are in the city," She said. "I bet you will find something that you will love tomorrow and I have the perfect place for you to park it. Under the massive oak trees by the lake. Not close enough to freeze you, but still a pretty view."

I pulled out my laptop and looked at some RV's while she called her friend. By the time we had showered and laid down for bed I had found not only a RV that was winterized but a Jeep that I could tow behind the RV If I needed to. 

May 14, 2024

We woke up the next morning to the sound of pounding on the door. Aunt Kathy looked at me and said, "Is the gifts away?"

Nodding I said, "Its in my big suitcase. Cards and checks are in my purse."

Aunt Kathy walked over to the door and opened it. My Mom and Brother walked in. Looking at her face I asked, "What is going on?"

She gave me a look and said, "I want the money you got from your party."

Standing up I said, "No that has already been spent sorry."

My brother laughed and said, "Oh did you buy a business license with your fake job."

Smiling I said, "No I had my business license already. You can check out my website for that. No I bought a jeep to use while I am in Maine. Oh and put a down payment on an RV so I have my own house."

Aunt Kathy chuckled, "Did you get the upgraded one?"

With a big smile I said, "I did go for the more expensive one. Winterized, heated floors, fireplace and a hot tub in the bathroom."

"Damn I may have to buy myself one," She said. "I will check yours out first."

My mother looked at me and said, "We are not leaving until you give me money."

Shaking my head, I said, "No. I am sorry STan needs to actually get a job and not mooch off of you. Besides, you are not entitled to anything of mine. Now as much as we would like to visit we have to get dressed and head to the airport."

Stan looked at Mom and said, "Mom she can't say no. I am the one who is more important."

Dad walked in and handed me and aunt Kathy a coffee saying, "No stan you are the one that uses your mom and me. That is over with. It is time for you to get a job. Cami and Kathy I am so sorry I told your mom about the divorce and she thinks its your fault. I also told her that I will not be supporting stan anymore especially since you have a job a week after graduation."

Mom yelled, "Its because your having an affair."

Dad said, "No no I am not. However I am letting you keep the house for a fraction of the cost after you cheated on me more times than I can count. Now unless you want to pay  half the market value on the house instead of a quarter you and stan need to leave now so Cami and Kathy can make their flight."

Stan said, "Mom what about my money?"

Grabbing his arm she said, "Hush Stan."

They left and Dad said, "I am sorry Cami. When your mom woke up she started with me about the fact people were not happy with the food last night at the party. I told her if she had not changed the menu people would not have been saying stuff. I also said its on her now because the money she gave stan that was suppose to be used for the party was the last free money she is getting from me. She is gonna have to continue to work to support stan as I am done supporting him. That is when she came here to you."

I walked into the bathroom and changed as Dad and Aunt Kathy talked. When Aunt Kathy went into the bathroom Dad asked, "Did you really spend the money?"

Laughing I said, "I bought a jeep for daily driving and I did place a deposit down for the RV. I will pay it off when I get there but I wanted to see the RV first. There is something about staying in the house by myself that kinda bothers me."

He shrugged and said, "It will be alright and I can come visit you whenever you want."

When Aunt Kathy came out, we said goodbye to Dad and went to check out. When We got to the airport we shipped all of my boxes on the next three flights and went to the American express lounge. We sat eating good food until our flight was called. Sitting in our first-class pod I rested my eyes and before we knew it we were in the air. Aunt Kathy said, "I guess its rest time so we can hit the ground running. I did get a hotel room for the night so we can get your RV and jeep and not rush back to the estate. Are you going to have them deliver the RV?"

"I was thinking about it," I said. "I can practice driving around the property as I move it, depending on which building I am working in."

I ended up having my bed made up and slepted for a few hours. I woke up and the stewardess handed me a iced coffee. She handed me a menu and I ordered a few finger foods for lunch. I sat up and ate as they started to prepare the plane for landing.

After we landed the stewardess handed me a form. She smiled and said, "All but three of your boxes arrived already. I overheard you saying you are buying a jeep and a RV. You can have the RV place come pick up your boxes or we can hold them for you to pick up."

"Thank you, I will pick them up after I get my Jeep and RV," I said. 

She handed me the second form and said, "Your last three boxes will be here by seven tonight."

We picked up my luggage and headed to the hotel. Once we settled down we went to the RV center and I toured my new home. Looking at the sales person I asked, "Can this be delivered to my work location and can I put in my boxes in here that I have with me?"

He nodded and said, "We sure can and you can place everything in the RV as well."

I finished paying off the RV and loaded all my packages that I had into the RV.  They RV center arranged to drop off the RV after 2pm the following day. After we were done and I had only my carry bag and overnight case we headed over to pick up my jeep. When I finished signing papers we headed over to the airport to get the remaining boxes. Once we got back to the hotel we went to the restaurant and ordered dinner. Aunt Kathy said, "Your Mom is pissed. She texted me over ten times because she wanted the money your dad gave you."

Shaking my head I said, "She will be upset as she cannot give stan what he wants all the time."

We finished a nice meal and headed to bed. The next morning, we returned Aunt Kathy's rental car and I drove us to the estate in my jeep. When we arrived, I pulled up to the main house and dropped Aunt Kathy off at the house. I drove to the spot that she had chosen and parked my jeep out of the way. I grabbed my tablet and made a video.

"Hello, everyone, I just arrived at the job site. I am waiting for my RV to arrive. Today is the first day on site it is May fourteenth. We will start videos tomorrow as soon as I decide what the first building we will be cleaning will be," I said.

Looking at my phone I saw a text come through that the RV is another hour out. Walking back to the main house, I saw the store right outside the main gate. Using the key Aunt Kathy gave me I opened the store and looked around. I saw the tables and clothing racks. Looking, I saw the shelving units and then the register. Going outside, I saw the cart that can be used to move things. The wind started to blow and I could have sworn as the wind passed me it groped my boobs. CHuckling I thought I needed to have a one night stand to get it out of my system. Then I said, "Naw it will never replace max."

I heard honking and saw the RV pull up to the gate. I let them in and they followed me to the site we were placing the RV on. Once they got the RV set up they showed me how to hook up the water and electric from the shed near the RV. The even showed me how to hook up the black water to the  drain next to the shed. When everything was set up they said when It gets to be cooler weather they will come back and help me insulate the lines."

Getting everything out of my Jeep I went into the RV and started to unpack my belongings. After a few hours I had unpacked everything and called Aunt Kathy. She answered, "You all set up Cami?"

"I sure am," I said. "I am going to go to Walmart and go grocery shopping do you want or need anything?"

"No my love," SHe said. "I am heading to bed and then tomorrow I have all these suitcases to get ready for my trip to Key West. I finished renting a loft and will be soaking up the warm weather while you start to work here."

We hung up and I headed to the store. I bought everything I would need to get started for groceries and a few things for the RV. I grabbed window covers for the front of the RV and by the time I  got home the sun was just starting to set behind the treeline. I put everything away and took my first shower. Standing under the hot water as it ran over me I swear I felt fingers tweak my nipple. Looking around I said, "Man I am way to tired for this. I am imagining things."

Getting dressed, I made a sandwich and started to eat as I looked over the map of the property. Deciding that the first things I would restore and go through would be the gate houses with the bathrooms. Washing my plate, I climbed into my soft and cozy bed. Putting on the TV I watched some travel shows until I fell asleep.

chapter 5

May 15, 2024

The next morning I woke up and started a cup of coffee as I got dressed in work clothes. Eating a quick bowl of cereal, I made my ice coffee and headed to the store to pick up the cart. When I went to head to the Gate house, Aunt Kathy started to flag me down as she said, "Not telling you where to start but you may want to get the basement worked on before it gets to cold or hot."

I turned to the outer door of the basement and opened the hatch. As soon as I opened it I sighed and said, "Wow this is full. Okay well we will do this the easy way." 

I walked up to Aunt Kathy on the porch, and she handed me the basket that held everything for pricing. She said, "Under the register, there is a ton of pricing supplies. Do you have a game plan?"

"Yes," I said. "I am going to pull a bunch of crates from the basement and bring it to the store to price and set things up. Once I make some room in the basement to stand there, I will price and move things from there, but not until I get the room cleared a bit."

I set up my tablet and started to sort crates, talk to an audience on my blog. As I sorted and priced, I had a running commentary to pass the time. After a few hours of sorting and pricing I finally made enough room in the basement to price and crate things. Looking around the basement, I said, "This is going to take forever."

When my alarm went off at 430 that evening, I took the items that were priced and headed to the store. Unpacking all the crates that were priced and pricing the empty crates for sale. As I headed back to the RV, Aunt Kathy asked, "How did it go today?"

"Come look," I said. I showed her the open space and pointed to the crates waiting to be filled and brought to the store. I took her to the store and said, "Did you ever find someone to work in here a few hours a day?"

She looked around, shocked and said, "Yes, I did. She is going to be here on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to work in the store. I cannot believe you got all of this done already." 

Laughing, I said, "Aunt Kath,y you realize this is all from a five by five foot section of the 200 by 100 foot basement."

She sighed and said, "Well how are you going to do repairs in the basement?"

"I will repair as we go. The stairs are solid. I will probably empty more of the basement and may dig out and install a retaining wall inside the basement. Then install a tile floor because the dirt may get to damp if it has nothing on it. I have to clear the area first and see what we have." I said.

"Well I am behind you 100 percent I know you have this." She said. "How expensive will the retaining wall and tile will be?" 

"Not expensive. I have noticed there used to be rooms down here and a hallway. I may rebuild those as well and it will bring the price of the house up more. You never know you may be able to make this place a resort."

We spoke for a while more and I headed back to the RV. Uploading the videos of the day to YouTube, I was glad I did not have to edit. Making a nice dinner, I sat at my table watching the sun set behind the trees. Taking a quick shower, I climbed into bed and put on a cooking show. Dozing off, I could have sworn I felt a hand slide up and over my hip. 

May 16, 2024

When I woke up the next morning I saw that a storm was forming outside. After changing into work clothes I made a small breakfast and decided that I would get to work before the rain stopped everything. As I pulled up to the store to get the pricing basket the first drops of rain started. I pulled up to the house and Aunt Kathy was on the porch. She looked at the sky and said, "Day off?"

"No," I laughed. "Change of venue. Did you have anything in the library you want?"

She looked like she was thinking and said, "Let us look."

We headed to the library and when we entered it I said, "Worry about everything on the walls and furniture, I am going to start with the crates."

I worked hard, and by the time my alarm went off for lunch, I had sorted some crates and headed to the store to set the merchandise. After I had a quick lunch, I gave up on the basement until the weather changed and worked hard in the library. 

When I cleared an area that Aunt Kathy could look over, she said, "You know what, if you find something you think I would need to decide on, let me know. Otherwise, sell it all."

"Well I know you will be coming back and forth, and I want to be in a building so I am itching to get into the hunting cabin," I said. "The porch is covered and thankfully I can get into the door. It looks like the rain is going to be something for the next week. So your sales girl may have real slow business."

Aunt Kathy laughed and said, "That is okay she is working on school work, so I have no problem paying hourly if all she is doing is studying or placing things on the shelves." 

"What is her name?" I asked.

Aunt Kathy said, "Her name is Gabby. She is a history major in college. Since covid she has been taking her classes online so she can work to help pay for the classes. If things go well you will be meeting her in the morning."

"Oh good," I said. "Well now that there is some things done in the main house I think I am going to start the hunting cabin. Or at least check it out."

Aunt Kathy gave a sad smile and said, "Well your Uncle Milton loved the hunting cabin. If you run into him when you are working there let me know."

May 17, 2024

Getting my supplies together I headed to the hunting cabin. Opening the door to the enclosed porch I said, "Hey Uncle Milton if you are here I am sure you know that Aunt Kathy hired me to refurbish the buildings. It is hard for her to be here when you are not. I finished my degree like you wanted me to. I have been doing interships during my senior year and I hope I do you proud."

Grabbing my pricing basket I set myself up and worked my way through boxes, totes and crates. When my alarm went off to end my day I went to the store and put all the items out. Getting everything ready for the next day I finished and headed to my RV. When I got inside I took time to upload all my pictures and what I had been doing. Making a light dinner I ate and headed to bed after a quick shower. 

Tht night I dreamt of Max. I dreamt of the time we had spent together visiting Aunt Kathy. I woke up at three in the morning when I thought I felt him curled up against me. Looking around the RV I didn't see anything and it took me a moment to realize my face was wet with tears. Wiping my face I laid back down on my pillows and fell asleep until my alarm went off a few hours later.

May 18, 2024

Basement---Cami, Max, Aunt Kathy, Uncle Milton, Stan-Bro, Rog-dad, Sue-Mom 

Gabby-Salesgirl

40%- May 18th

The Main House: Attic, basement, three master suites, 3 master closets, 3 master baths, 4 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms, laundry room, kitchen, breakfast nook, dining room, lounge, office, library, pantry, butlers pantry, formal sitting room, coat room, maids room a bathroom, butlers room w a bathroom, mudroom, entryway, 14 storage closets, 3 landings, 3 sets of stairs, music room, enclosed porch, glass garden.

Three greenhouses with a storage room and bathrooms.

Working barn with 14 stalls, 2 storage rooms, bathroom and office.

**Hunting cabin with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, living room, kitchen, pantry, dining room, enclosed porch and supply room.

Workers building- 14 bedrooms w bathroom and closet. Three kitchens with pantries, 3 lounges and 2 enclosed porches.

12 cabins with bedrooms, bathroom, kitchens, pantries, enclosed porches, living rooms.

Gaming building with bathroom, kitchen, three storage rooms and a pantry

Ballroom with kitchen, 2 pantries, six storage room, 3 covered porches, and 4 bathrooms.

Mens retreat with 4 bedrooms, bathrooms, closet, kitchen, pantry, lounge, and dining hall

Ladies retreat with 5 bedrooms, bathrooms, closet, kitchen, pantry, lounge, and dining hall storage room

Work shop with bathroom, enclosed porch, and small kitchen.

Seven outer storage buildings.

Decorative barn with office, kitchen, 18 stalls and 4 storage rooms

Music hall with kitchen, pantry, 4 storage rooms

Boat house with six storage rooms

Garage 1- 3 storage rooms, bathroom

Garage 2- 3 storage rooms, bathroom sitting area

6 sheds

6 Gate house with bathrooms

🎄The Graveyard (stand alone)

The Graveyard

Ghost Stories for the Chicken at Heart. This story, The Graveyard. Additional information was added about the young woman from the story and her own journey to become a better person.

As a child, I was raised in the Roman Catholic religion. We would walk to a local Roman Catholic Church at the top of the hill for Sunday and holiday services. Being a child, I had to go along with what my parents had decided for me. However, as I grew up and had a child of my own, I decided that I was not going to raise my children in the Catholic religion. Part of this was because of its views on women. Another part of this was that I feel the Catholic church likes to pick and choose scripture to suit their needs. One example of this was that a Priest told me my oldest child would burn in hell because I had her outside of marriage. I argued with him and said to him, "Apparently, you do not know the bible. God would never punish a child for a parent's choices."

The Priest told me, "If you think the child is safe in God's eyes, you are a fool. The child will be punished because you are a woman of questionable morals."

 Let's just say I spoke my opinion and was politely asked not to return to the Catholic church. That incident with the Catholic Church in Florida had me decide to leave the Catholic religion. But that incident was the final nail in the coffin as I had put a lot of thought into leaving the catholic church since I was a child. Please do not get me wrong I am not bashing the Catholic Church. The Nun's and Priest's who ran this church when I was a child were wonderful people who had a large impact in my life. Their community outreach program's were inspiring and I was glad to have known them in my younger life.

To get to the church from the lower level in town where we lived, we had to go up a larger hill to the second level of town where the church was located. About halfway up the hill was a small graveyard built into the side of the hill. I can say after traveling around and seeing many different graveyards growing up it was a rather beautiful place. The graveyard was neat and tidy with small headstones. The only thing out of place was a large marble tomb with family graves surrounding it. The graveyard was only about a acre and when we did a history walk in girl scouts, we asked about the marble tomb in the graveyard. Especially since their was a much larger graveyard right up the road. That was when we were told about the story of the graveyard and how it came to be. The story teller sat s on the benches in front of the graveyard's fence and told us the story.

The story starts with there was once a wealthy Sea Captain who was blessed to marry a woman he came to love. Together they were able to have only one child, a Daughter. Everyone in town said that she was the most beautiful woman in town, however with her Father's occupation she became very spoiled. As she was an only child her parents, family and a line of suitors doted on her with gifts and compliments.

When she was older with most of her friends married and having children, her father had decided to put his foot down and told her she needed to settle down and get married. When the town heard that her father had stated she must marry, every single man in town came to court the young woman. Time and time again she would reject the suitors and stopped going on outing with all but two young men. One a son of a rich land owner outside of town, the other a man who worked in the local school. After months of going on outings with both men she could not decide and this made for two very upset suitors and a very angry Father. Her Father decided that she would have to decide on which suitor would be her future husband and he had a plan to make her choose between the two men.

After another two weeks had passed and he spoke to the two men. Meeting them at his offices he explained that he was unhappy with his Daughter and was going to make her choose between the two. 

The man who came from the wealthier family exclaimed, "It is about time."

The teacher said to the Father, "Sir, I want her to be happy and do not mind waiting."

"That is because you know that she would not choose a poor teacher such as yourself," The wealthier man said. Turning to the father he said, "Sir, please let us stop the childish games and have her marry me. You know she will be given everything she wants and needs. Let this chap go back to his school and books."

As the two men argued and became heated he said, "Gentleman we will let my Daughter decide who she wants to marry. Until then I ask you both for peace and patience."

He put his plan into action the following night. While the cold crept in and the rain hot the windows the Daughter did not know what was about to happen.

The Daughter was preparing for dinner when one of the house servant came to the door. When the Daughter called her in the maid said, "Miss, your father has requested that you join in in the sitting room."

She looked up from the mirror and said, "Let him know when I am ready I will be down."

She finished getting ready and went to join her parents in the Father sat her down and said, "My Daughter, from the time I told you it was time for you to find a husband, you have dated these two men, not making a commitment to either of them. It is time you stop stringing them along and decide who you are going to marry."

She stood up and said, "Father, please do not make me choose."

 He looked at her and said, "That is enough. Your selfish ways are coming to an end and either you make your choice or I will choose for you. You have two choices either choose a man and marry him before the end of the evening or take vows and go to the convent. This nonsense ends tonight."

As she looked at her suitors and her Father, she knew he was serious. Looking at her Father she asked, "Father, May I walk the bottom floor to think about what you are presenting me?"

He nodded and said, "We will wait here for your answer."

She walked the hallway and then sat on a chair at the end of the hall. She thought about both suitors and what she loved about both of them. The suitor from the old family treated her like a object but he did live a lifestyle she was used to. However, the teacher treated her as a person and she loved how much he listens to her and they have outings that do not require money. She knew if they married she would live a lifestyle she is not used to. 

She waved her maid over and asked, "Any thoughts?"

Her maid smiled and said, "Think about how you want to be treated for the rest of your life. What would you decide if you were looking at your last day on earth miss? Who would you want to be with?"

The maid went to her place near the doorway and what the maid said gave her an idea. She walked back to the room and her Father asked, "Have you decided?"

"Not yet," She said. "I need to ask them a question first."

She looked at them and said, "If today was my last day on earth, what would you do?"

The young man from the old family said, "I would throw you the most lavish funeral and would spare no expense."

Her teacher said, "I would fight death itself, so we could grow old and spend our lives together. If you were to pass, I would join you in the afterlife to spend our eternity together."

The young man from the old family said, "What a waste, you could marry someone else."

Her teacher turned to him and said, "She is irreplaceable and holds my heart in her hand. I would not want anyone else."

********************************************************************************* 

When she heard the answers, she decided to marry the second gentleman. By midnight that night, they were married just as her father had promised. Her new husband did everything that he had promised and more. For a brief time, she even became less selfish, and soon after, she gave birth to a little girl. She thrived as a mother devoted to her daughter and blessed with her husband's love and patience. As the years passed, her selfish ways disappeared, and she was happy with her life.

 

One day her husband came home and announced they were heading west because of his job. She begged for him to hold off until after the holidays. He made a deal that they would stay for the holidays then he would leave ahead of his wife and daughter to prepare their new home. So after the holidays had passed, her husband took his leave and promised her she would continue to be happy in their new home. That was the last time she or her daughter ever saw him. They had received a telegram that he had made it to their new home, and the house had readied for their arrival. A week later, she received another telegram, and that there was an accident, and her husband had passed away.

 

Her father brought his daughter and granddaughter back to his home. The father loved his daughter and was proud of the woman she had become and knew his daughter was devastated by the loss of her husband. As his daughter took to her bed, saddened by the loss of her husband, her father, and staff took to caring for her young daughter. Many visitors came to bring happiness to the young woman, but she was inconsolable. The following winter, an influenza epidemic swept through the town, and his daughter passed on the dreaded disease.

 

Before his daughter passed, she had told her father of her plans to plant a garden when they moved west. Knowing she was passing, her father came up with a plan. Her father had bought the plot of land and donated it to the church with only one stipulation, and that was his daughter's grave was to be at the center of the Graveyard as she was the center of his world, and she would get the attention just like she deserved. After his daughter passed away, he hired a gardener to make a beautiful garden in the Graveyard that anyone who buried a loved one there could enjoy in honor of his daughter.

 

Her father retired from being a captain and raised his Granddaughter in honor of his daughter. He did everything he could to bring light and laughter back to her life. He swore he would not make the same mistakes he did with his daughter. Keeping his promise, he raised her daughter to be a kind and loving woman. With the opportunities he gave her, she led a life of compassion and went to school to become a teacher. 

 

On cold, windy nights, when the sea fog hangs low, you might see her walking her final steps grieving for her husband and looking for her daughter. At the same time, you might see the Captain in the fog visiting her grave, but that's a story for another time.

 

**An update! The Graveyard no longer exists. Due to construction, the church moved the graves to another cemetery. Now there is nothing but a wall.**

The Haulover House and the Reaper (Stand Alone)

This story is from my book Ghost Stories for the Chicken at Heart. In the book I wrote the kid friendly version, but I believe that this story needed to be updated in its full glory. Please enjoy and see a glimpse of what I saw in this home that I grew up in. Also be aware this house is still a rental as far as I know and I do know that other tenants who lived there after us have experienced things in the home as well. 

The Haulover House and The Reaper

When I was around, my parents moved quite a bit. Why you may ask? That is easy because my Dad would quit job after job or get fired for being a know-it-all. We went from Florida to New Jersey, then back to Florida again. When we returned to Florida for the final time, around the time I was ten, my Aunt and Uncle found us a rental before we arrived at a home in Spring Hill, Florida, about ten minutes from where they lived.   My parents were not keen on moving to a home with a lease due to my Dad's work history but listened to my Aunt and Uncle about the area and decided to sign the lease agreement on the home sight unseen. I think this was because it was either this or we would have to rent a home in the country which my parents would not have liked as they had to get the attention.

When we pulled up to the house for the first time, I hated it. I asked my Mom, "Do we have to live here?"

My Mom grabbed my face and pulled me to her as she said, "Do not fuck this up we have no choice to live here. Your father was the reason we had to leave New Jersey and come back to this shit hole of a state."

When she heard my Aunt and Uncle pull up she let go. Walking up to them she said, "Dee and Mart we love the house." 

I looked at the house and felt like something was watching me from the shadows and woods that surrounded the house. The house backed up to the woods when we first moved in, and at night I always felt multiple sets of eyes on me. Silently watching and waiting to get at me. Even now thirty years later I still dream about the woods and going through the tree line to a alternate reality. I know that the community is still there and the roads have not changed. However now when I dream of it I go through the woods and have seen military compounds, aliens ships and graveyards.

A few years had passed since we moved in and roads were added to the woods behind us with thick strips of trees and a chain link fence separating the community built behind us and us normal people. After the roads were added then the homes came.

We made friends with the kids and people who lived in the new community and they even said the same thing. They felt like they were being watched from the tree lines. My parents never wanted to believe that there could be something in the woods. They would always tell me its my imagination and to ignore it. I couldn't ignore what I was seeing, and I was promptly punished by my parents for scaring my sister and brother.

A few years later, when my Grandparents came to stay with us for a while, my Grandmother thought the same thing I did about the home and property. My Grandparents would sit on the back porch off the TV room until dark set in, and both would get creeped out as soon as it got pitch black out. No matter how many lights were on outside, they would come in and sit at the kitchen table or in the living room. Before anyone asks, my Grandfather was tough as nails and had worked for the New Jersey Parks and Recreation Department for years. He would tell us he has seen some messed-up stuff over the years. One day when I was much older, we were talking about the old house, and my Grandmother told me there were times when she swore that she had seen red eyes amongst the trees and heard someone call her name. She would never let me or my siblings into the backyard alone, the whole time she stayed with us.

There was also a problem with the way the house felt. It always seemed like the house had an energy to it and that energy felt off. Not like the power would flicker or go off, although it did daily when you would least expect it. When someone would check the breaker box everything would be alright. Even when everything in the house was calm it would feel like the house had constant fighting going on. The longer we lived there, the worse the energy would be. In the backyard, along the outside of the home, the TV room and the bathroom formed a corner outside. In this corner, there was a ten-foot by ten-foot spot where not even grass would grow. When I say my Dad tried and failed to grow plants no matter how hard he tried or the money he spent on things to help him. Have you ever heard of the devil's stomping ground? That's what this corner on our property reminded me of. The temperature always felt fifteen to twenty degrees cooler, and even during the hottest Florida temps, this spot gave me the chills. As I grew up the feeling of being uneasy in the house never went away. I have been past the house a few times since I moved out when I was seventeen, but I have not set foot in this house in over 25 years. To this day, I still have nightmares about this house and the things I experienced there. Sometimes it's the memories that pop up out of nowhere. Sometimes it's like the house is beckoning, calling me back, like a siren song to lure me back as if it has unfinished business.

Growing up this home caused me many sleepless nights and until this day I still suffer from bouts of insomnia when I hear a noise or get a weird feeling. While she was staying with us, my Grandmother had insisted that my parents take me to the Doctor because of my insomnia. She made a fuss to my Parents telling them its not healthy for a child my age to not have a good nights sleep. My Mother finally relented and took me to see a sleep specialist. The Doctor thought my Grandmother was overreacting and told her and my Mother I was being a kid and had an overactive imagination. 

He also explained that back in the day, people would wake up in the middle of the night, work, and then go back to sleep and wake up in the morning. Then they would take a nap during the day. Stating that this was my body's natural sleep cycle. When Grandma argued that I did not nap even after little sleep and a full day at school, he said some people do not need that much sleep. My Grandmother was not pleased with his explanation, but relented and bought some crafting supplies, journals, and art supplies to use when I would be woken up and could not sleep. She even bought me a small light so I would not wake my sister, who shared a room with me. 

Although my Grandmother bought me stuff to keep me active when I would always wake up and not go back to sleep until the early hours of the morning if at all. As I was going through the supplies quickly, my Grandma was still quite upset with the Doctor's crap diagnosis, she believed the Doctor was trying to brush everything off due to my Mother trying to brush everything off and trying to make it sound like I was staying up for attention.

A few weeks later, my Grandma and my Grandpa went to the VFW. One of the women asked, "Are you alright you seem like something is on your mind?"

Grandma sighed and said, "I am worried about my Granddaughter she has had insomnia for over a year, and when I took her to the Doctor with her Mom, he basically said I am overreacting to pacify her Mother, saying it was a normal sleep pattern. She barely gets four to five hours of sleep a night. I am worried because none of my kids ever had any of these issues growing up, and her parents do not care at all. She gets in trouble when she wakes up because she might wake her sister."

Her friend said, "You know my niece is a psychologist, and I could talk to her about what is happening with your Granddaughter and see what she thinks." 

Not realizing how true this statement was, Grandma said, "Yes! Thank you, her parents are not taking this seriously, and I am worried this will affect her long term."

About three weeks after she had spoken with her friend, she called my Grandmother and said that if my Grandmother wanted to bring me to her house, we could meet her niece and discuss what was happening with me. A week later, we told my Mom we were going for tea and headed to my Grandmother's friend's house. My Mother wanted to come with us, and Grandma told her that her friend was very shy and did not want to have people she did not know in her home. My Mother went to argue, and Grandma said, "If you were invited, that would be something different, but she has never met you, and it would be rude to bring you with us. She has met Angie and invited her to have tea at her home."

When we arrived at her friend's house, we went into a comfy room, and her niece was a young woman who seemed very interested in helping me. I was comfortable meeting her which was not a normal thing for me, as I have always been uncomfortable with strangers. Once we were settled, she started to ask me questions.

She asked, "So Angie, can I ask you about your living arrangements?"

I said, "I live with my parents, sister, brother, and my Grandparents are staying with us right now."

"How do you feel life is going for you?" She asked. "I heard you are having trouble sleeping."

"Yes, I have trouble sleeping," I said. "I feel like I am having a dream, and when I wake up, I do not remember why. Sometimes I feel like I should remember, but part of me is scared to. My parents do not like me and think I am faking it. I would rather sleep until morning so I do not wake up anymore. When Grandma and Grandpa move out, I will be in so much trouble."

"Why do you say that?" She asked.

Grandma said, "Her parents are very hard on her, and we keep them away. We are trying to figure out something to help her. They do not believe she is unable control this."

"The house is bad, and no matter what I tell them, they think that I am faking it," I said. "I never liked the house, but it has gotten so much worse. I wish we could move, but Mom and Dad said it is not an option. I hate living there. Even when it's quiet, it feels like that house is fighting itself."

"What do you mean by the house is fighting itself?" She asked.

"It is like your parents are arguing quietly so you cannot hear them in the next room," I said. "But as soon as you walk into the room they stop. But in the house it is the house that is fighting with someone, and you cannot hear or see them but you feel the energy. Ever since we moved in the house as always felt weird. Not dangerous but definitely not safe."

She looked at my Grandma and asked, "Do you know if she has ever seen a psychologist and has she ever been hypnotized?"

Before my Grandma could answer I said, "The last two shrinks my parents sent me to because there has to be something wrong with me were not able to. The Shrink said to my mom that I am not cooperative and I am being defiant."

"Excuse me," Grandma said. "You Mom said she never sent you to a Shrink."

I giggled and said, "Mom would not tell you the truth because I question the Shrink and told them that if they do not say I am a bad child that they will leave a bad review or contact the authorities stating incompetence."

Grandma groaned and said, "That tracks for your parents."

The young therapist asked, "Would you allow me to try to hypnotize you? I promise you are safe and we will be here the whole time."

I nodded and she said, "Ok let us get started, go ahead and lie back flat on your back."

I laid back on the couch and started counting back from twenty and felt as if I fell asleep. When I came back from what I though was a well-deserved nap I looked around and my Grandma, her friend and her neice all looked pale. Chuckling I said, "What is wrong? Was I snoring?"

The niece said, "You have a very active imagination."

Looking at each of them I knew they were lying to me. My grandma's friend got up and went to the kitchen and came back with cookies and a soda for me. They sat me in the back porch  to eat and watch TV while they talked about what happened. After I turned twenty-one one Grandma finally told me what had happened that day.

We were sitting at my grandma's kitchen table, and she said, "You spoke about a man in a top hat who would sit next to you and watch you sleep. You said when you would wake up he would step back and watch you from the shadows."

Sighing, I said, "I still see people lurking in the shadows. Like they are watching or observing me.  But I do not remember a shadow man with a top hat."

After she took that in, she said, "You said you could hear the screams of the dead outside your bedroom window. You could smell something burning. Then the curtains would open, followed by the blinds, and you would see a battle of monsters and demons in the backyard. If a monster noticed you, they would run towards your window to get you, and the demons would fight them to protect you. You described the demons fighting the monsters with swords and an archer who sat next to your window with a bow and arrow."

Chuckling, I said, "I still smell something burning once in a while, and I hear the screams most nights, but the windows and blinds do not open anymore."

She said, "But the thing that bothered us the most was when you mentioned the Reaper. Not a Halloween reaper. But the actual angel of death."

Until this day, I have no explanation for the man in the top hat, although I do have my suspicions about why he showed up at my house. I was never scared by him, just a little creeped out as I could sense him before he would appear. When I saw my Great Grandfather's spirit, he had been wearing a bowler's cap, although I have seen him in his military uniform as well. Normally, when I see him in his military uniform, I am going through something, so maybe he was watching over me. When it comes to the screams of the dead? That still creeps me out because I do not remember this at all. Same with the monsters having a battle outside my bedroom window. Not being able to remember any of this bothers me to this day. As an adult, sometimes at night, I hear the screams no sleeping needed. When I go to look outside or peak out the window I see nothing but the land around me. However, I will never go under hypnosis again for my memories. I am afraid of what I would find out.

The Reaper is the one thing that made sense throughout the whole meeting. See, Mom was never a healthy person. When she was a toddler, a local city official had his son sitting on his lap while driving the car, and they hopped the curb and hit my Mom head-on. After being hit by a car, Mom suffered massive head trauma and had to have medical care for a long time. While in the hospital, her Doctor also discovered that she had a growth on her brain, but could not operate because it was too dangerous. No surgeon wanted to risk surgery, even though my Mom was already in a bad situation. But after a few months of being in the hospital, my Mom came home and grew up, although she still had many problems with seizures and her Doctors still watch the growth monitoring it.

The first time I saw the Reaper, my Grandma and Grandpa went to visit my Uncle, who lives in the panhandle. I hated it when they left because I felt like I was alone. As usual, I had another night of insomnia. I had been reading a book from my newest library haul and heard movement in the hall. I looked up from my book and saw our cat, Tiger, running into my room and jumping into the closet to hide. I looked up again and had to blink a few times. I saw him, or her, or it, The Reaper. The omen of death, and I knew he was here for my Mom. I heard my Dad scream for my Mom to wake up. He was screaming for help and for someone to call 911. I jumped up and ran to the phone in the living room. But when I ran to call 911, I pushed through the Reaper. The chill I felt was horrible, but I managed to retrieve the phone and call 911. The ambulance was on its way. I unlocked the door and turned around to see the Reaper in the kitchen. I had never touched an unworldly being before that day. I walked into the kitchen, where I could see him or it, and stood my ground. The ambulance arrived shortly after, and the silent stand-off went on while they loaded my Mom up into the ambulance, and my Dad followed the ambulance to the hospital. The Reaper would return more when I was a kid, but I stood my ground and kept watch over the home. When I saw Tiger run in and hide in the closet, I knew it had returned to try again. I would get up and stand in the hall. It wouldn't pass me. I told them it would not get my Mom, not while I was here guarding the house. When I grew up, my Mom's health improved, and I felt safe enough to leave home.  

Finally, one night, I somehow knew he was coming. I stayed in the hall after I had shut the door to my parents' room. He tried to get past me. I said, "No more, it's not the time."

He pointed to the bruises on me. I said, "Let me handle all this, but it's not her time yet." 

He backed up, and I smelled death and destruction. I heard a voice that told me I should yield. I shook my head and said, "No." 

He bowed and backed away. The voice said, "You can't always stop me."

I told him, "I know, but not her, not yet." 

He whispered to me, "We shall see."

 

I started to get dizzy and swung around by my Father. He started screaming at me, What are you doing sitting in the hallway? He grabbed me by my shoulder and slammed me into the wall screaming at me it was 3 am. Who the fuck are you talking to. My Grandfather pulled him off of me, yelling What's wrong with you? Can't you see she is sleepwalking? He refused to back down from the fight, changing the subject and raising his voice, questioning Why does the kitchen smell like someone set it on fire? My Grandfather laughed it off. I just had a smoke in the garage since it's raining. You probably smell the cigarette I was smoking. He then took hold of me and moved me behind him, saying Can't you see she is sleepwalking? Don't you know how dangerous it is to wake a sleepwalker? He walked me back to my room and tucked me in. He then leaned down and said I guess we had a visitor. I nodded. He pushed my hair back and said it's okay. I got you to get some sleep. 

 

All these years later, I still justify why I stopped the Reaper from taking my Mom. Honestly, I think I knew if my Mom died before my siblings grew up, they would have been in a rough spot. My parents were still mentally and verbally abusive to me all the years I lived with them. The last thing my Mom said to me was not very nice. As of now, I have not spoken to my Dad in over four years. He had told me, I hope you die in a whole, and no one finds you. When I saw him at my granddaughter's birthday party, he was fake and made comments under his breath. My sister and brother probably do not remember what happened in that house or never experienced it because I shielded them. But I felt it was my job to protect everyone when all they did was hurt me. My grandparents did their best to protect me growing up. I moved out of the Haulover house when I was 17, and Grams and Gramps passed away years later. 

 

I have seen the Reaper a few times over the years. The last time I saw him for my Mom was when she was in ICU. The night before, my parents called and said my Mom had cancer. We were going to the hospital to discuss the next steps with the Doctor in the morning. The following morning my Dad flew into the driveway to pick me up. The hospital had called, and we needed to get there fast. My Mom woke up at about three am saying she didn't feel right. She was having a hard time breathing, and then she coded. A blood clot had gone to her brain, and that was it, and she was on borrowed time. I remember walking into ICU. It was there waiting at the window's looking at my Mom. He was waiting. The whole day was a battle with my Dad. My Dad wanted to do everything in the hospital's power to save my Mom. The hospital told my Dad that it was not just up to him. The Doctor told us we had to decide what to do, and I asked the Doctor what her survival rate was. The Doctor said if she survives, she will be a vegetable. How long? With assistance another day or so. However, if her heart stops again and they do CPR, she could get a punctured lung. I advised the Doctor to please, do what they can to keep her alive as I had calls to make so the family could come to say goodbye. My Dad was not happy as he didn't want to have her siblings called. I didn't care. I started to make calls. People scrambled for planes as well as making their way to the hospital. Before long, her room was full of family. I gave them closer.

 

The family came and visited, and everyone got to say their goodbyes. That night after everyone went home, I stayed in the hospital. I dozed in the recliner. My Dad went to get coffee, and the Nurse came in. I walked over to my Mom and said, "After the lies and everything that happened between us. I hope I did right by you today. I know you hated me. I know I was a mistake. But I still did my duty. I will leave you with Dad, and I am going home." I told my Dad when he came back from getting coffee, I needed to rest in the ICU lobby. He looked at me and said, "No one wanted you here anyway, leave." At this point, I would like to point out that my sister and brother left 4 hours ago. 

 

I headed to the ICU lobby, and the Nurse caught up to me and said, "You didn't have to put up with that, you know."

 

I smiled and told her, "I knew. It's okay. I have lived this my whole life."

 

She asked if I was going to leave, and I told her in a few, death was waiting to take her now. I looked down the hall, and I could see the Reaper was now in the room again and next to my Mom. My Dad was sitting there holding her hand. The Nurse looked at me as I said to it, "She is yours now. Do what you must." My Mom coded. No one came running. No one tried to save her. The Reaper finally got to take her away.

 

I pretended for years that I was not there when my Mom passed away. I acted hurt and surprised no one called me when my Mom died. If they had, they would have heard my cell phone ringing in the hallway in the ICU. I went through the motions that day because I knew my parents never wanted me, and I had always believed I was keeping up with the Jones' baby. Now that I discovered the truth and the truth makes more sense. Funny how things happen.

 

Could I have stopped the Reaper that day? Should I have ever stopped the Reaper? I felt I always did the right thing because if Mom had died the first time I saw the Reaper, our lives would have been hell. My Father was never a provider, and if it had not been for my Mom, they would never have had what they needed. I am glad I do not have to fight the Reaper for my Dad. I hope when the time comes, I will be informed.

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

Ghost Stories (4 book series)

 Who doesn't like a good ghost story? Sitting around a campfire or in front of a fireplace while its raining outside. What if your life is one big ghost story and you were punished when you tried to tell your parents or family about what you saw? That was what happened to me growing up. I was made to feel like I was a freak by my own parents and family. This is the stories of what happened.

Growing up my parents were very jealous people and were very much keeping up with the jones type. I was also the child they did not want. Before you say anything I was told by my own mother that I was her curse and they were forced to keep me. There is a reason why she said that but I do not want to share why at this time. My parents doted on my sister and brother but they had me stay with my Grandparents as often as they could. Now I was okay with that as I loved my Grandparents dearly and would do anything to stay with them. My Grandparents also tried to get custody of me multiple times but my parents always refused and when DCF was called my parents were amazing actors.

The day of this story I was in the kitchen drawing at the table and I kept hearing old music. Now this was not unnormal as the local VFW was a few yards away from the apartment we were living in at the time. But when I went to use the bathroom next to the kitchen the music would be louder and you could feel the music through the floor. Below us was the apartment basement which held the laundry, 1 studio apartment, and apartment storage areas.

My parents got sick of me mentioning the music and told me that if I was so worried about the music go and see where it was coming from. When I said no I was not going down there I was told to shut up and not mention it. A hour later my Grandfather arrived and said I was having a sleepover with them at their house. When we got back to Grandma's house my uncle was there and we sat down to have dinner. He asked, "What did you do to piss your Mom and Dad off this time kiddo?"

Rolling my eyes I said, "I kept hearing music coming from the basement and it sounded like the music Grandma and Grandpa like. Sitting in the kitchen it kept getting louder and louder. When I would mention it Dad told me to go to the basement to check it out. I hate the basement the bad people live there."

He looked up, "Bad people?"

Nodding I said, "Yeah the people who used to visit the basement when it was a bar. That and the bad people who lived in the building before it became apartments."

Grandma asked, "Did you get punished?"

"No," I said. "Grandpa got me before that happened."

My Uncle asked, "Why would you be punished?" 

"Because I am Mom's curse," I said. "She tells me all the time she never wanted me."

Grandpa said, "Your parents are fools, do not listen to them."

My uncle looked at me and then to my Grandma. He asked, "Why haven't you done anything yet?"

Grandpa said quietly, "We have tried unless we get physical proof we can't get her out yet. We have even tried bribery and that has not worked."

He said, "I guess I will have to visit more often. What the hell is wrong with her?"

I was oblivious to what they were talking about. Reading the book Grandma got me I did not see the looks they were giving each other. Later that night after I got ready for bed we went into my Grandparents spare room and while I went to sleep in this huge canopy bed that belonged to the apartments original owner, my Grandma crafted. 

I awoke to the sound of someone shuffling in the dark room. Looking towards the corner of the room where the sound was coming from I saw a shadow next to the window. I thought Grandpa came in to check on me and I said, "Hello."

The figure turned towards me and it had red eyes. I screamed and my uncle came running in, "What is it, What is going on kid?"

As he lifted me out of bed I said, "I woke up to someone walking in my room. Next to the window I thought it was Grandpa. When I said hello who or whatever it was turned to me and it had glowing red eyes."

Carrying me to the kitchen he asked, "Are you sure it was not a bad dream?"

"I woke up when I heard someone walking around," I said. "Where is Grandma and Grandpa?"

Pouring me some juice he said, "They walked to the club across the road since I am here. How about you go to sleep on the couch and I will sleep in the bedroom?"

I nodded and laid down on the couch. I was almost asleep when Grandma and Grandpa came home. They asked why I was out here and my uncle told them what happened. He told them he was going to sleep in the spare room to see if he sees anything. Falling asleep listening to the adults talk I woke up a while later to hearing my uncle yell.