Larkspur Hollow: Haunting at the Lighthouse

Chapter 1 -Emmeline

The bell above the shop's door softly chimes as someone pushes it open, notifying me that a customer has entered. The soft twinkle reminds me of raindrops falling into a puddle or pond. The more it rains, the more chiming fills the air. It is too bad that not everyone can hear the music it creates; some don't even know how to dance to it, either. The weatherman said on the television last night that it might rain today. That would be lovely.

I look up from the box on the counter, smiling at the woman who entered and glancing out the windows. It has been cloudy since I left the house this morning. The light grey clouds look heavy as they roll around the sky, pushed by the ocean's slight breeze. I feel that when it starts to rain, it won't stop for at least a few days. It might even bring a storm. Larkspur Hollow is well known for its stormy weather. There is a day dedicated specifically to it. It just so happens that Storm Watch Day is a week away. It is spectacular to see when the storm rolls in from the sea, the thunder and lightning illuminating the sky and sending vibrations to those sitting on the sand and watching.

"Excuse me?"

I look up into brown eyes resembling the mahogany counter before me.

"Hmmm?" I reply, wondering where my voice went. The bell chimes again. I am going to be busy today. The perks of Storm Day are approaching. Many tourists will flock to Larkspur Hollow to witness it.

"I am looking for books on astronomy. " The woman asks, "I heard that this bookstore is the best place to look."

With a smile, I step out behind the counter, "Right over here,"

We walk over one of the red Persian carpets stacked down the aisles on the dark wooden floor. Each step creaks on the floorboards, reminding me that I chose this place specifically for how old and rustic it is. As I showed the customer the shelf, I couldn't help but notice that something about the shop didn't look right. I tap my chin and purse my lips as I look around the place, counting three other people amongst the shelves.

"I need more plants," I say out loud and hurriedly return to the counter to get my phone. Plants will light this place up, especially if we receive many new tourists this week.

As I wait for the dialling tone to start, I rub my finger across the shelf behind me against the wall. My finger comes back slightly dusty, and it feels like I might faint. This place needs a good cleaning. I will have to give the new guy a stern talking-to. Speaking of, where is he?

"Larkspur Florist," the voice filters into my ear as I start looking for my employee, "How may I assist you today?"

The voice is so friendly and chirpy, like summer birds on a Spring day.

"Hi, Angela, it's me." I greet, "I have an emergency,"

"Morning, Emmeline. I had a feeling you might be calling today."

I wave a hand in the air, "It must be this lovely weather. The stormy season always brings out the strange in everyone."

Angela chuckles, "You need plants? I can have Greg drop them off at the bookstore within the hour,"

I sigh in relief, "That would be wonderful. The bookstore is looking much too gloomy lately,"

A fire. After this call, I need to light a fire in the hearth. It will make people feel a bit more welcome when they step inside. Maybe I can also brew some tea, keeping a pot ready for anyone who wants some.