Chapter 1

When I was growing up, my father told me that made-up things like ghosts, monsters, and demons, were just baloney they tell children so they would be more obedient or be less naughty. Therefore, I never believed in the supernatural, paranormal, or anything make-belief. I was persistently told they did not exist, they are not true. Now I wish my father had told me such baloney as a child. I imagine I would be more accepting of the truth now if I had grown up like the other kids.

My name is Lucas Madden. I’m seventeen years old. I’m a high school dropout. I’m not a bad kid I think. I loved school. I was really good at it. I just had to stop to take care of my father. He’s a good father in his way, he is just having a hard time maintaining a job and he drinks a lot. I’m mature enough to hold my own so I started work a few months ago at a food truck in Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Los Angeles. For years, I’ve lived a somewhat normal life. Nothing out of the ordinary. Until yesterday. Wednesday in November. The beginning of it all.

I woke up early in the morning that day, earlier than usual for some reason. My shift wasn’t until nine o’clock a.m and it was only a quarter to six. I couldn’t go back to sleep even though I wanted to sleep in more. There was just something peculiar about my surroundings. Nothing was out of place, everything was as it should be. I wasn’t feeling sick or off. It was just an odd feeling. So I decided to prepare myself for work to shake off this strange morning.

Right after I was ready to leave, I saw my father was still in bed and asleep when I passed by his room. Seemed like he didn’t set an alarm last night. Meaning he wasn’t planning to go to work. He was already late anyway. It was already half-past seven and I wasn’t in the mood to wake him up because of that I just let him sleep.

I walked out of our apartment. The neighborhood was quiet. Children probably already left for school and their parents for work. The streets were empty, only a few cars drove by. Same as every morning. I just sensed something off. It was peaceful for a while then I heard someone call my name. “Lucas,” I instantly stopped to look around expecting a neighbor or a friend but no one was there on the street. It sounded more like a whisper. Soft like the voice of a woman but also sounded like it came from far away. It gave me chills down my spine. I just continued walking. I brought out my earphones from my bag and plugged them into my phone. I cranked the volume up as loud as it could. I picked a heavy metal playlist. For a second, everything had been fine. I thought blasting my ears with loud music would make every sound in the background mellow with the song. Until I heard it a second time. “Lucas!” This time it was louder but still sounded distant. My body shivered again making the hairs on my neck stand up. I didn’t dare to look back or anywhere. I started running as if I was being chased and it felt like I was. So fast that everything blurred in my surroundings. I finally stopped in front of a bookshop to catch my breath. I slid back slowly at the glass window and sat. I yanked my earphones from my ears and shoved them back inside my bag. My heart was racing and I was sweating bullets. I quickly looked back and to my relief, no one was behind me. I breathe out a laugh. Maybe I’m going crazy, I thought.

“Hey!” A woman, a store clerk, at the door startled me. She clicked her tongue. “Don’t lean there," then gestured, pointing to go inside. "Come on in, sir.” Her 'sir' sounded a bit forced and quite rude.

I swiftly rose from my feet. I actually felt a bit dizzy. I took a deep breath and followed her inside. “Hi,” I coughed. I sounded hoarse and awkward. My heart was still pounding like I could see it through my shirt. The store clerk stood beside me. She looked me up and down while chewing her gum with a disdained look as I shook off the dust from my pants and fixed my shirt. I gave her a clumsy smile and scanned the place. The shop was tidy, unlike some bookshops that were dusty. But the shop still smelled like old books which I love. It was well lit too, with lots of large windows and space. Very different from usual bookshops that are often dim and cramped. Books were arranged according to the genre and some books were on display for best sellers. I was impressed. I'm not very much into books so I have no idea if this bookshop is up to par with bookworms. In fact, I passed by this bookshop all the time on the way to work and going back home and this was the first time I ever went inside.

“Just let me know if you need help. I’ll be at the counter.” The clerk chewed her gum and was already on her phone, paying no attention to me anymore. I managed an embarrassed smile and nodded. I went on around the place. Not particularly looking for books but just being inside the bookshop calmed me. I felt safe.

I started walking through the rows of bookshelves. I noticed the place was bigger than I already thought and there were more books. At the end of the aisle, I saw a row of tables for reading so I paced along to get there. I grabbed the chair back and sat down. At the corner of my eye, I saw someone in a black coat to my left, five tables down. Here I thought it was just me and the clerk.

From where the person was sitting, I couldn't figure out if he or she was a man or a woman. I also didn’t bother to know. I just sat at my table and grabbed the nearest book from the bookshelf behind me. I got whatever book I could grab then I pulled out my phone from my bag and when I opened it, I saw seven messages from my boss. I forgot I have a job!

I immediately stood up, pushing my chair back. It hit something. When I turned to look, it was a woman. She had a serious glare look at me.

“Sorry I hit you. I didn’t notice you standing there.” I said with a confused tone. I assumed she was the same person sitting to my left. She was still sitting there the last that I looked over. So I wondered how she could have walked here that fast and so quietly.

I saw her clutching some kind of pendant necklace when I examined her. It looked old like her. She’s maybe in her mid-forties or fifties. Her clothes had a lot of scorched holes on them. That’s probably her style or she’s some hobo who got her clothes burned. That would explain her smell too. She gave off an awful smell like earthy and torched wood.

There was no response from her. She was still glaring at me for just hitting her. I said I was sorry. Jeez, people are pissy in the morning. “Okay, excuse me. I’m in a hurry. So sorry.” I said apologetically this time.

She was still glaring and even blocked the aisle. I took a step back and tried standing tall. “Look, I’m sorry I hit you. I didn’t know you were behind me. So let me through because I’m already late for work.” I said with a deep, firm voice.

I think I frightened her a bit because she lost her attitude and gave way. I rolled my eyes at her and passed through. “Alright. Thank you!” I said with a bitter tone.

I hurried down the aisle and saw the clerk at the counter. I slowed down. She looked up from her phone. Then looked at me with a sour face while chewing her gum slowly. I hesitantly passed by.

As I was going out of the bookshop. I examined the streets first. There were more people already. No one looked suspicious to me. So I pressed on.

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“Glad you could make it.” My boss mocked me. He tossed me my hat and apron. “Get up here and start. We’re opening soon.”

“Yeah, boss. I just got held up. Passed by a bookshop on the way.” I said as I was entering the truck.

The food truck I work at is called P's Mini's. I don't exactly know who came up with it. The name makes me think of something else. My dad and I had a laugh about it when I got the job. We really came up with inappropriate jokes that I won't ever mention to my boss. We sell mini donuts and waffles. The truck is parked near the beach. It’s the perfect spot for eating by the sunset. We usually have a lot of people lining up, mainly for the beach view.

I love working here some days. Especially because I get to eat the imperfect ones. I even have a variety of toppings to choose from. Like mini Reese’s cups to crushed Oreos to fruits. We even have seasonal fruits here. I love summer, around August because of the peaches. Drizzle some brown sugar syrup and a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top of some waffles or donuts. Whichever I was in the mood for, tastes like summertime in heaven.

My boss Philip, is not much of a sweet tooth so I get this all to myself. He’s fine with it rather than letting them go to waste. I even get to bring some home if we have some left that day. He can be nice when he wants to or if he’s having a good day. Depends really. Sometimes he’d come in very angry. He’d complain about his wife to me. How she nags him nonstop from the moment they wake up to when he gets home. I suppose that’s married life but I understand how Philip feels even though no one really nags me. Overall, he’s an okay boss.

“You bought a book?.” My boss asked on his way to his seat by the door outside the food truck. “Didn’t know you like to read.”

“No, sir. I just looked around.” He did not reply. I just assumed he did not care. We don’t talk much. Usually just a few small talks and rants about his wife, that’s it.  It’s fine with me. I like the quiet. He seems to like it too anyway.

I sat down, waiting for a customer. I heard my boss already entertaining people and showing them the menu. He was recommending some best sellers and asking what their preferences were. He’s good with customers. We often have loyal ones come by three or more days a week. He would sometimes offer them an off-the-menu item that he’d experimented over in his free time. They absolutely love each one. I see his passion and it’s one of the reasons I like working here other than the food, of course.

I heard him tap on the window. I stood up and he handed me the ticket with the order. “Five-piece mini waffles with condensed milk drizzle and powdered sugar!” I read the order out loud to confirm. He grunted and I started off.

As I was putting the batter onto the waffle iron, I glanced at the window and saw the woman from the bookshop behind three customers. She was surveying the area. Almost looked like she was sniffing too. She’s a very weird woman. I stared at her, puzzled. Was she here for me? Is she that mad that I hit her with the chair?

“Hey, Lucas! Three more orders. Here!” I snapped out of it and focused back on my job. I have customers and there’s more lining up.

I grabbed the order ticket and read it. “Three orders of apple cinnamon mini donuts with caramel drizzle!” I shouted.

I got the batter for the donuts and put them in our frying donut machine. It squirts out perfect little mini donuts with holes in the middle. I let them fry up and I flip them to cook the other side. Then I drained them and sprinkled powdered sugar and cinnamon on top. I added thin apple slices and drizzled caramel all over. Then served to the window.

I looked over to check for the lady again and she was there in line. She was talking to my boss. I leaned into the window to make out what she was saying. I heard my name and I looked up and we made eye contact. Afterward, I started getting that off sensation again from this morning. I was sweating. My breathing was fast. My vision was fogging up. I held on to the fridge beside me because I was afraid I might faint.

I heard a*ding*. Everything was okay again. I felt like was pulled right back into reality so then I opened the waffle iron and got the mini waffles. Drizzled them with condensed milk very fast and sprinkled powdered sugar. I served them to the window and I saw my boss’ face pop up.

I gasped and my boss gave me a weird look. “Lucas, there’s someone over there asking for you.” I popped my head out to look in the direction he was pointing at.

“I don’t know her though, sir.”

“Well, she’s asking for you. Come down here already. And quickly.”

“Okay, sir.” At this point, my sweat was cold. I don’t understand what she wants from me. She’s beginning to creep me out. Did she follow me here?

I removed my apron and hung it by the door. “She’s over there.” My boss pointed at her. “Hurry back! There’s a lot of customers lining up.” He immediately got up to the cooking station to take over as I went down.

 I heard my boss fade in the background as I walked up in her direction. I tried buffing my chest up to look tough. I mean, who would mess with a seemingly tough guy, right? My physique is not that bad. I’m not scrawny. In fact, for my age, I’m quite bulky. I just wear loose shirts. Not to mention, my height. I’m pretty tall, six feet to be exact. I could pass for an adult already. I doubt she would mess with me.

I reached her spot and she gestured to me to sit down on the bench. She sat down the same time I sat. I waited for her to speak. She was not looking at me which made me less nervous. She was constantly shifting her gaze around us, almost with a worried look on her face. I just waited patiently. I have no idea what we are doing here just sitting so I summoned up the courage to speak.

“Ma’am?”

“You look like him, you know.” She muttered. I didn’t understand what she meant. “You look like him.” She repeated a little louder now. I waited for more information, maybe she would say more. She did not. I gave her a minute and nothing. Still looked around but not at me.

“I look like who?” I responded. She turned her head to me so fast it scared me. She stared at me with wide eyes open. I put my hands in front of me, palms faced her just in case she assaults me.

“Your Brother! The devil! He’s the Devil” She started shouting. “He’s the Devil!” I stood up and took a step back. I looked around and everybody by the food truck was looking at us. I felt embarrassed. And also scared. She surprised me that I peed myself a little.

I walked back to the food truck, continually looking back at her. She was still shouting and shifting her head at her surroundings as a crazy person would. People that passed by her aimed their phones at her taking videos like she was some circus act in the middle of the boardwalk. I felt bad for her. For sure that video would get viral within the day. She doesn’t deserve that kind of ridicule. But there is nothing I can do. I felt like she harassed me. She followed me here and shouted at me.

I wore my apron back. My boss looked at me confused. I just shrugged. I had no idea what happened either. All I know, this day, not one of my best days for sure. Brother? I’m an only child. I don’t have a brother. My mother died when I was born. That’s what my father told me. That woman was probably sick in the head. I just laughed it off.

I continued working. My boss didn’t switch places with me. He cooked and I took the orders. I could still see her there every time I glanced in her direction. She hasn’t moved. Still was shouting ‘The Devil’. She got a lot of side-eyes from more people passing by, all avoided her. Until a couple of hours later, two police officers detained her for disturbing the peace. They held both her arms as they walked her away. Then she looked back at me. She mouthed ‘Devil’.

❇ ❇ ❇ 

It was already late and we were sold out. It was time to end work. I cleaned up the cooking station and my boss started counting the tips from the tips’ jar.

“Crazy woman, am I right?” My boss chuckled. “I'm even gonna go home to one." His face straightened and his demeanor changed.

The woman creeped me out a bit. What she said stuck with me all day. I know she’s probably some homeless whack job, maybe high on crack but I could not shake the awful feeling of today. First; just the off feeling from this morning. Second; some weird voice called my name. Then the crazy woman. I don’t know what to make off of all of it. Just happy I can go home and sleep. I’m exhausted. This day sucks.

“Alright, boss. I’m done here.”

“Here are today’s tips. Better be on time tomorrow, you hear?” he handed me my money. I counted them and shoved them down my pocket. Not bad for today. Almost a hundred dollars.

I nodded “Thanks, boss. See you tomorrow.” I hung up my hat and apron. Before leaving I made sure to scan the area for the crazy, creepy woman. Gladly, there was no sign of her. Just a couple of people by the boardwalk and the pier. The place was already sparkling with twinkling lights and street lamps. Seemed safe.

On the way home, I passed by the bookshop again. I glanced at it. Instantly remembered that's where I first met that woman. But everything was back to normal. She's gone. I wouldn't see her again. That thought gave me comfort.

I rummaged through my bag to get my earphones. It was in knots when I took it out. I stood by a light post for a bit to unknot them. While I was standing there, I felt a nudge behind me. I turned around and it was her again, the crazy woman. I intuitively pushed her away out of shock.

“Okay, stop! I had it with you today! What’s your deal, lady?” I yelled. She looked so frightened. Her wrinkles creased between her eyebrows.

“You look like him!” she bellowed.

I’m not even scared anymore. I am just angry because she wouldn't leave me alone. I just want some peace. I'm tired. I'm sweaty and I feel sticky. It's hard enough to get through the day and then there's this woman.

“Who? My devil brother?”

“Yes! The Devil!” she roared.

I took a step back to look at her. I decided to play along with her craziness. Maybe if I do, she would leave me alone. So I can go home to rest.

“Okay, He’s the Devil. Who is he? Because I don’t have a brother. I’m an only child, no siblings.”

“No, you're wrong. Your mother gave birth to twins that night. She died giving birth to your brother. There was a lot of blood! There was nothing I could do. He killed your mother!” she cried out.

I was lost for words. I never knew much about the story of my birth. My father never told me anything else. All I knew was she bled out giving birth to me. He never once mentioned I had a twin brother. So I don’t know whether to believe this woman. It doesn't add up but it seemed too coincidental.

I felt queasy. I turned around and walked away. On occasion, I ran. I didn’t look back, I couldn't. I wasn’t okay with the information dumped on me. Whether it was true or not. I had to know. I had to ask my father.