𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐸𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝐿𝑖𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑟𝑦

~𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑁𝑖𝑛𝑒~

“What do you mean?”

“That other man, who is that?”

“That’s my friend. Is there something wrong with that?”

Isabel shook her head and more of her body came out of the mirror. “You can’t just let anyone in here. It isn’t safe.”

“But you let me in why not him?”

“Because we trust you. We don’t know him I want him to leave right now.” Isabel ordered sternly.

Aaron’s voice spoke from one of the rooms, “Hey, Madelyn? Where are you?’

“Over here, I’ll be there in a minute, I’m just… cleaning something!” She called back but then lowered her voice when talking to Isabel. “He isn’t here to harm anyone. And I want you all to leave me be today. I decide what I do not you.”

Madelyn turned to her right and began speed walking. Iden appeared from the floor in front of her, stopping her.

She sighed in annoyance and kept walking. “Not now Iden.”

He floated behind her and asked questions after questions, too fast for Madelyn to answer. “Who is he? Why is he here? Will he leave? Make him go away, I don’t like him. Why aren’t you alone like always? Is he going to-”

“Iden, I said not now just leave us alone.” She snapped, pushing Iden away.

He didn’t take that nicely and took solid form in front of Madelyn, stopping her. He tried to look angry but with his height it's impossible to take him seriously. “As a matter of fact, we could make you leave instead. You’re not the boss of this place we technically own it.”

Madelyn crossed her arms impatiently. “You can’t do that. Without me you would all be completely dead. No more being pale spirits. It’s simple and since I’ve never heard of a rule that I can’t bring friends here and I don’t know why you all are freaking out. He’s a great guy, I’m telling you. Just stay in the shadows or, however, you freaks hide and it’ll be okay. Now, he’s waiting so excuse me.” She slipped past Iden and entered the next room where Aaron was looking out the window.

After a pause Iden did what Madelyn said. He dissolved into air and remained hidden for the rest of the afternoon while the other ghosts discussed the situation om the first floor of the library.

Meanwhile, Madelyn and Aaron were exploring and opening every door on the second floor. They searched the boxes and found multiple photo albums, framed portraits, dresses, suits, wigs, and other interesting old items.

They later found the door leading to the third floor, which was somewhat of an attic. The two sneezed repeatedly as they parted in the attic and explored it as well. Same stuff. Photos, books, accessories and even more.

Soon the sky became orange and the clouds pink, and the sun met the horizon in what felt like seconds.

The two returned to the first floor and enjoyed the sandwiches Madelyn brought with her and afterwards reorganized the library. Occasionally, Madelyn would catch a ghost or two eyeballing her from a distance. She tried her best to ignore them, but their cold fixed stare made them impossible to ignore.

Streetlights came on so Aaron and Madelyn got onto their bikes and rode in silence, tired. They exchanged goodbyes and went to their homes.

~~~

When Madelyn tried to talk to the ghosts at the library, they all avoided her. They hadn't cleaned the library either. Isabel was nowhere to be seen, and so was Iden, which was odd since he’s quite clingy.

She managed to convince a tall crying ghost to give her some information. It claimed Isabel told them to keep to themselves.

“The anniversary is in two weeks shouldn’t we continue the pastway thing so I can keep writing?” Madelyn asked.

“Madam said to skip today. She’s quite upset.” said the ghosts before turning around and bursting into tears again.

Madelyn tried to mind her own business but occasionally would question more spirits and they gave the same answer.

“She said no for today.”

“We’re not supposed to.”
“She looked disappointed. And said no.”

With nothing else to do, Madelyn began walking toward the door. ‘Isabel can be angry all she wants, but I can bring whoever I want in here. She's not alive she can't own it.” she thought.

Before she reached the door, a young female ghost with very long hair up to her ankles in a collared dress with small flowers scattered on it went up to her.

In a quiet painful voice, she whimpered, “You can help me if you want. I don’t mind.”

“Don't you have to listen to Isabel?”
“Not always. She may be the leader but at the end of the day I can make my own decisions.”

“True. So, you said I can help you?”
“Yes, follow me.” She said and flew up to the second floor and disappeared over the rail.

Being unable to fly, Madelyn jogged up the stairs and found the long-haired ghost staring at herself in the hallway mirror. When Madelyn walked up to her, she continued floating deeper into the hallway.

“You haven't told me your name, what is it?” asked Madelyn, following her.

She stopped walking and turned around to face Madelyn. “Daniella Dorn, You’re Madelyn, correct?’

She nodded.

“I doubt my past will be useful for your project I've heard about, but I would appreciate it if you wrote it down anyway.” Daniella said, combing her hair with her fingers.

“That’s why I'm here right? To write down everyone stories. My project is something I do in the meantime.”

“Great! Let’s do it right away.” Daniella took Madelyn’s hands and started spinning.

Like before, the library turned white, and she felt light-headed. In a flash she found herself outside surrounded by blurry tall grass, flowers, and a tall strong tree nearby.
_______________________________________

I'm sorry it took over a week to write eeeee I had writers block.

Stoopid writers block

Aaaand I got to include my friends character in the book :)