The Ghost and the McGee Twins

Friend-Off

Libby was still passed out on the ground minutes after Scratch revealed himself to her and Cleo. Cleo surprisingly took the news very well despite being able to scare so easily. "Cleo, allow me to introduce you to Scratch." I introduced. "So, you guys have been living with a ghost this whole time?" Cleo asked. "Well, only since we moved to Brighton." I replied. "Molly found him in the attic. Scratch cursed her and they became bound for all eternity." "Wow. This is a lot to take in." Cleo said, just as Libby was starting to wake up. "Boo." Scratch said sarcastically. "W-what?" Libby wondered. "Libby, this is Scratch." Molly introduced. "He loves tacos, napping, acting grouchy, but really, he's just a big squishy marshmallow, aren't you, bud?" "Come on! I'm not a toy!" Scratch complained. "And Scratch, this is Libby." Molly continued. "She..." "Yeah, obsessed with turtles, lousy at softball, way too deep in conspiracy theories." Scratch interrupted. "I'm familiar with the 'Lib'." "Supernatural theory number 37 confirmed. Ghosts do exist! And they're rude." Libby records herself with her mini tape recorder. "That we can agree on." I commented. "Finally! The truth is out!" Molly sighed with relief. "Now our BFFs can be BFFs together!" "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!" Scratch exclaimed. "I do not need or want to be friends with Libby and or Cleo." "Same." Libby scoffed. "I am very particular about who I let into my friend circle." "Not me." Cleo added. "I'm pretty open to new friends." "Not everyone has to like each other all the time, Moll." Scratch explains. "I still don't like Scratch." I added. "Um, yes, they do!" Molly exclaimed. "More friends equals more fun!" Scratch and Libby nodded in disagreement. "I don't think that's true." Cleo said. "At least in some circumstances. I guess it depends on who you hang out with." "Okay, fine. You know what? We'll just let this friendship flower bloom naturally. With no interference from me whatsoever." Molly whispered.

The next day, after school, I went on a walk with Cleo through town. She seemed to be adjusting well to her big reveal of Scratch. Better than I thought she would. "I still can't believe your family has been living with a ghost!" Cleo exclaimed. "Yeah. I'm sorry for not telling you sooner." I apologized. "Molly wanted to protect him." "Don't worry about it." Cleo said. "As long as there's no more secrets between us." "Of course." I replied. "So, you're really okay with Scratch?" "Amber, I have two younger siblings. I'm sure I can handle a cranky ghost." Cleo chuckled. "He destroyed your cello at the talent show." I recalled. "Nothing I haven't dealt with before." Cleo said. "Connie threw a tantrum once and smashed it." "Don't worry." I reassured her. "I'm going to make sure he helps to pay you back."

Walking by the softball field, Cleo and I noticed Libby and Scratch digging around the bases. At one of the bases was a flag that someone threw up on. Molly must be scheming again. "Dang it, Molly!" I groaned. "Whoa! What's going on here?" Cleo asked. "Molly set up a scavenger hunt for us." Libby complained as she and Scratch were blasted with confetti underneath first base. "Oh, come on! I'm gonna be picking this out for days." Scratch groaned. "I'll try to talk some sense into her, but I doubt it's gonna work." I sighed. "I have no idea where she is, but she can't be far." "I like scavenger hunts." Cleo said. "I can stay here and help you guys out! It'll be nice to get to know Scratch." "Sounds good to me. Catch you guys later! Byeeee!" I exclaimed, heading back home.

Cleo's POV

After Amber left to look for Molly, Libby, Scratch and I looked over at the Lemming mascot, who was looking pretty suspicious. "That's definitely Molly in the Lemming costume, right?" Scratch asked, looking at the dancing mascot. "For sure." I nodded. "Undoubtedly." Libby agreed. "So, if I know Molly... and I do." Scratch said. "So do I!" Libby argued. "We'll see." He grunted. "Then I know she'd put a ton of work into this." "Yeah. And she won't stop bugging us until we at least pretend to try." Libby added. "Fine. Let me see that clue." Scratch sighed, taking the clue from Libby. ""Strawberries are pink, chocolate is brown, ice cream is the best, and so is having friends around." Gee, I wonder where we're supposed to go." Are they going to fight like this the whole time? What did you get yourself into, Cleo? Before leaving the softball field, I did text Amber that Molly was here.