"I am Kelly."
This realization dawned upon me like I was struck by thunder.
I then turned back to where the boy was.
Questions filled up my mind. How did he know?
Did he know me before?
But the boy wasn't there. I was about to go into the room and disregard his warning when he popped out again.
"I told you to don't come here!" He hissed.
I ignored his warning and directly asked.
"How do you know my name?" This was very important to me.
"It's in your damn uniform. Now, go away!" He waved me off and looked at me with a warning.
My uniform? I look down at my uniform.
There it was, embroider on the left side of my left pocket was my first name and last name.
'Kelly Young'
"Kelly Young?"
"Now go." He growled.
I dazedly followed his instruction. I walked back to my room.
My name kept repeating in my head over and over again.
'Kelly Young.'
Hmm..Why my name doesn't sound good? Or was it just me?
Then I patted my cheeks a few times.
Anyway! It was a good thing that now I know my name. Starting from this, I would slowly remember who I am! I promise I will!
So there I was, I continued to stare at my whole body who was sleeping like a dead pig in the whole afternoon.
But no memory resurfaced. As I was getting frustrated, I decided to finally..finally..ask that arrogant boy some questions that kept bugging me.
Maybe, just maybe, he could help.
I penetrated to my door, I looked around in the empty hallway and I inhaled deeply. Then I loudly shouted.
"Hey! I have some questions to ask! I won't bother you here on this floor! I just wanted to ask-"
"What is it?"
"Kyaah!" I shouted in shock as his voice suddenly sounded behind me.
"Don't just pop out so suddenly!"
The arrogant boy just raised his brow.
I coughed and arranged my bloody clothes.
"Well, I want to make clear of a few things. I won't wander here like what you asked me to, as long as you answer a few questions for me."
"Okay, as long as I can answer it."
I cheered up. Yey! He was willing to answer my interrogation.
"Alright."
Here's my first question.
"What is your name?"
"You went over the line."
"..."
He couldn't answer that?!
The boy smirked. He was probably laughing at my comical expression.
"Lucas. My name is Lucas."
I blinked. Lucas. What a cute name.
"That's all?" He asked back.
"Oh, uhm..you see my state is like this...umh..how could I, you know, continue living?" I asked in a roundabout way.
"...." Lucas gave me a look of 'are you kidding me'.
"Well, since you seemed like an experienced uhm..person. I am asking for your advice. What to look out for, what should I need to do, is there really nothing for me to eat? Would I be gone if I continue to stay like this? Or is there-"
"I get it, okay."
I shut my mouth and let him answer my questions.
"Well, the first thing you look out for is to not be a demon."
"..." Demon?! There is really a demon!
"Second-"
"Wait. I have so many questions at the number one on your list. How would I turn to be a demon? It's not that I would like to, just you know, to avoid being.." I tilted my head for him to know what I am talking about.
Lucas nodded with understanding with that mocking smirk on his face.
That irked me a bit.
I mean, he looked at me like I am an ignorant girl. But he was the only person available that I could ask! If there was another ghost, which I don't want to meet, I would prefer to ask them than this arrogant boy.
Agh!
But none of this inner monologue showed in my face as I smiled at him with my utmost effort and continued to listen.
"Well, in this world, there were the living and the dead. The living lives. The dead are technically dead." - Wow, what an explanation. "The dead either goes to the 'light' and depart from this world. Or stay here, and be a wandering ghost like us."
Oh. So it was like that. I nodded for him to continue.
"But once the dead stay here longer than necessary and refused to go to the 'light' for many times, they become demons."
Whatttt. My mouth opened. H-how many..how many days since I stayed in this form? I was not going to be a demon right?
Lucas could see the questions and panic all over my face.
"Don't worry, the 'time' I am talking about here is long. Probably years. Staying in this world for the dead can stain their soul. It makes us desire things we shouldn't and couldn't. Jealousy, envy, and greediness would start to sprout. Especially, if that soul has a strong resentment and grudge." His grey eyes lowered down when he said the last sentence.
He sounded a bit melancholic.
I blinked. I couldn't help but ask.
"How many days has it been since you died?"
Lucas looked at me. His grey eyes shimmered.
"One thousand and eight hundred twenty-seven days."
"...." Dang, I need a calculator for me to count how many years was that.
"Oh, you are so specific." While saying that, my mind began to calculate.
"Well, you have days to figure that out." He shrugged.
I nodded. "But, it's been long. Why didn't you go to the 'light'?"
"I don't want to."
"Aren't you afraid you will become a demon?"
"..." Lucas turned silent.
He then started to leave, "Anyway, it seems like the question you want to ask is all about me, do I need to remind you that I don't need to answer all of them? I'll be going now."
"Wait! You said there is Second."
I am sorry, okay, I am sorry. Lucas was like a woman under the visit of his great aunt.
(a/n: for those who don't know, great aunt was a slang to some novels = monthly period)
Lucas stayed. He was probably acting to leave earlier.
"Second, look out for grim reapers."
Wha..there is really grim reapers!
But how can I look out for them?
"What do they look like?"
"They looked like businessmen. Black suit, black tie, black shoes. In short, they are fond of the color black. What a weird thing is, all of them are holding a black umbrella."
"..that's really weird," I said picturing them out.
"Do they have the same look?"
"No, they are blending among the living people. But once you saw one, you would just feel it. They are different."
"Ohh. I see, I see. " I said taking everything I heard.
"But why do I need to look out for them?"
"Well, if they saw you. They would extinguish you."
"!!!!" Whatttttt?!!!!!!!
Dang, so I can be killed! Even I am a ghost!
Lucas saw the panic on my face. He chuckled at my antics.
"You are really easy to read, huh?"
I was stunned once more by his deep low laugh, his cute dimples were shown as he smiled a bit.
He was really pretty especially when he laughed.
Lucas saw that I looked at him in daze, he erased his smile quickly.
"And you are really stupid."
He then turned around and vanished.
I woke up form my staring. Dang! That was the second time I ogled at him like he was some kind of a model!
"Hey!" I shouted. But no voice answered me this time.
With the information I gathered from Lucas, I was now more careful whenever I leave the hospital.I looked from left to right, first checking out for any extinguishers that could erase my existence, the grim reapers.There was no one in sight wearing black or holding a black umbrella.
The old woman observed for a moment and then relaxed. She nodded."I don't feel negative aura from her. Is she new?"Lucas nodded. "Yes, just a few weeks old."
We enter the booth after paying for the entrance fee. There were couches for the customers. And in the middle was another small tent that was probably around five meters in diameter.We waited or a while before our turn came.As the curtain of the tent opened, I instantly backed aw
I shuddered.I looked up to where Lucas was staring at.Up above, five black umbrellas were opened. Dangling from it were three men in a black suit and two women wearing a black dress.I can't see their faces clearly bec
Lucas patted my hand. He smiled lightly."I won't be caught don't worry." His voice was low and soft. Like he was pacifying a child. This was the first time that Lucas was not rude to me.I watched him walk away. He cautiously peeked the on the curtain's tent.
We are standing in a huge haunted mansion that must have suffered from a great fire.It was supposed to be a creepy place with its spider webs, black ashes, dark, desolate, and spooky atmosphere.But that what it would look like if you were an alive being. But for the dead like me, it was an ent
I heard the 'baby' part. But they were still demons!I thought they were the first one in the' what -to -look -out -for ' list!Lucas stared at my face."Well, it seems to like you don't want to do it. Leave it then. Let's see how wil
I was stunned speechless. Demon Slayer?!I looked at Lucas from head to toe. This seemingly weak boy with a rude mouth was actually a Demon Slayer?!Lucas became irritated at the look of disbelief that I am giving him."There's no need to a
That weekend, I crashed at Jia's home and dragged her to my apartment. Colt was sad but since it was rare for me and Jia to have a girl's party night, Colt finally let go of his soon-to-be wife. Seeing them lovely-dovey and could not even be separated for one night, made me feel bitter. Tsk. With beers and snacks, I told Jia about Laurance's offer. "I told you! He liked you!" "I don't want to think that you are right. But...if Laurence really looks at me that way...it would be hard for me to reject him." "I saw that Laurence twice. I could say he is handsome, tall, and rich. What's not to like about him?" "If Colt heard you he would be heartbroken and jealous." "Colt is not here anyway. Why are you having difficulty rejecting him?" "Because he is my boss. If he confesses to me and I reject him, how would I face him afterward? Would he want to see me after that? I think my job is in danger." "Girl, why don't you just accept Laurence? Since the man like you, give him a chance."
It's been nine years since that incident. It was said that a momentary earthquake around the area caused the club to have cracks in the wall and its ceiling to give out. Nevertheless, the people were injured that night and the club has been investigated. That was when the dead body count increased. There were actually people who died in the club because of an unknown incident. But because they were no proof that they were murdered or any motives behind their deaths, it was only branded as an accident. But there was one thing in common, they died while they were in the club. They were only declared dead when they arrived at the hospital. The club was suspended for not reporting this strange anomaly but they were back in business after a month. After all, it was not the fault of the club owner. Some people said it might be related to the accident eight years ago. But after that, there was no incident that happened again in that building. When I mentioned it to Jia, she just shrugge
Seeing him, I felt my heart tightly squeezed. My body shook. As if I was struck by lightning, I remained dazed and rooted in the ground.It was a strange face that I haven't seen before. But...why...why the sight of him affected me so much?I felt like crying, yelling, rampaging, and crying all over again. As if a pandora's box was opened and all my crazy emotions that I have kept were released. It was an emotion that I could not define.However, what I knew was that the feeling of loss I have suddenly found its meaning- longing.I have never felt such longing before. As if the empty hole in my heart found its piece. It was as if I finally found a light in the darkness where I have been wandering for so long.My nose went sour and my sight blurred. I held back my tears.I don't understand why these overwhelming emotions suddenly came out. But I know it was all related to this man.The man crouched down and checked my ankle.Our surrounding was chaotic. There were people screaming, ob
Jia then told everyone in the group. "I think you guys already have fun. How about we call it a day? Let's all go home."I looked strangely at Jia. Was she hinting at everyone to leave?Is something about to happen?"The night is just starting. When things heated up we will go to the dance floor. Don't leave yet." The group was hot-blooded and wanted to dance all night until dawn.Jia tried to convince them but they were determined to get wild this night.Jia turned silent, she was a bit frustrated.I pulled at her sleeves, "Why are you hinting them to leave?""Well, based on the story of this place I am now sure that there is a demon here. A vengeful one. It has been hiding for eight years after it killed the students. Now, it must have been hungry and looking for victims. What is strange though is that there is no news of accidents that happened here even though this place is running for a year."I don't doubt Jia. So I made a guess. "Could it be the owner is covering it up?""Perha
I asked the group which university they were from, what course they were in and etcetera.My social skills were okay. I could answer and ask questions effortlessly. However, it was just that I don't make deep connections with other people aside from Jia. So oftentimes, after making friends, I won't contact them afterward."It is the first time we saw you two here. Don't you go clubbing in this area?" One of them asked."Honestly, it is the first time we went to the club. We are still adapting to college life." I replied. Some of the people here were seniors. They were kind and gave me advice on what to look out for in the club. Such as not accepting drinks from strangers.We got lucky that we met such a nice group. Even Jia seemed to open up too.They were talkative and kept us interested. At least with them, we don't have to be bored and dance on the dance floor.One of them even opened a spooky topic."Hey. Do you guys know that before this became a club it is a dormitory eight yea
Jia sighed, "That's right. I can see some things that other people don't."I expected it. But I am still surprised."...Can you see ghosts and spirits?""You can say that."I clenched my fist. "...Then can you see if I am haunted?"Jia was surprised. "...Haunted?""I have always felt it. It is always in my dreams, at the bottom of my heart, in the depth of my consciousness. I am haunted. But the problem is I don't know what is haunting me."Jia turned silent."...Is it a person?" I asked.Jia did not answer."Is it my mom?"Jia looked away. "There's no one behind you. You are not haunted by some ghosts.""Then what I am haunted with? What is it? What is making me restless?"Jia shut her mouth tightly. But I could see her struggling.Her hesitation and strange reaction made me think of something ridiculous.Could it be that...Jia was hiding something from me? Could she know about it?However, Jia just looked me in the eyes with pained and complicated emotions."I can't tell you, Kelly.
Another year had passed since then. Although I can't explain this feeling of loss and this emptiness in my heart, as if a deep hole appeared and was never filled, I continued my daily life. I figured that when I wasn't busy with something I end up dazing and thinking about what I lost. It was confusing and all the thinking made my chest hurt. To distract myself, I studied hard at college and work part-time in my free time. My busy schedule kept me going. My thoughts and my unexplainable emotions were put aside. Jia was worried for me ever since I broke down at my graduation. She tried to cheer me up by visiting some other places and letting me meet some new friends. However, even Jia was not good at making friends. She sometimes end up screwing it up or my awkward silence and blank stares made the people we met looked strangely at us. In the end, only our friendship remained. "I am not really interested in meeting other people. I am already busy at school and at my part-time
One year later.... I watched our Principal make an emotional speech for the graduates. The teachers were all proud and smiling. While the students were bored and wanted to finish the speech soon. When the Principal finally congratulated us and ended the speech, the graduates cheered up. The whole venue was filled with loud cheers. I just stood there in a daze, feeling everything was unreal. Today is my graduation from senior high. After I woke up from the coma, I have undergone treatment for two months before I got discharged. When I tried to go back to school, I learned that the entire school got banned and the Miguel family who tortured me so much had been punished severely. Alejandro and Claire were in jail while the recent news about Ella was that she had killed her husband and she was facing a trial. The old man's relatives won't let her go and will make her life worst. She won't be able to bother me anymore. Many things changed after I woke up. The things I wanted to b
A/n: This chapter is fixed. *** Sir Benjamin also looked sad. "Lucas has included this in our deal. I have to make sure you return even if I have to force you. Please accept our last goodwill for you." My tears fall. I understand Sir Benjamin and Lucas' concerns and sacrifice. They were only thinking about me. But my heart and soul were really unwilling. And how could I turn back on Sir Benjamin and Lucas' great effort? Sir Benjamin wanted to use his last remaining energy for me while Lucas was willing to endure a long journey mainly because of me. I looked down at Lucas. He was still unconscious and the black veins in his face reduced a lot. He was not frowning in pain anymore, he looked peaceful as if he was asleep. Would it be the last time that I would see him? Wouldn't I be able to even say goodbye? "You bad man...We can't even say goodbye to each other..." I hugged him tightly as my tears fell on him. Sir Benjamin stood up and turned his back on us. He looked at the