Phantoms of the Past

Chapter One: Check-In

The warm sun bathed the town of  Wildermoor National Park in golden light as we strolled down the main street, laughter echoing off the quaint shops and cafes. My friends and I had decided to take a weekend trip to Wildermoor before summer slipped away, seeking a break from our busy lives and the looming stress of college. The mountains were a nice getaway before our senior year. It was just the six of us in our friend group, and we liked it that way.

"Look at that place!" Claire pointed to an old, grand building at the end of the street. Its once-vibrant green paint was now chipped and faded, but the charm was undeniable. "What do you think? Haunted?"

"Definitely," Will smirked, nudging Claire. Derek raised an eyebrow before glancing at me and back at Will. Thomas, Derek's brother, just grinned playfully as he watched the exchange. But I couldn't help but notice Derek's eyes lingered on me. He always had a soft spot for me, and I think I had one for him too, but I was too afraid to admit it or pursue it. 

"Ghosts aren't real," Derek insisted proudly. Will stuck his tongue out at Derek and the six of us kept walking, I was discussing possible university choices with Madelyn. As we continued walking, something caught my eye, a weathered job poster tacked to a nearby lamp post. The bold letters read: "Help Wanted: Blackwood Hotel. Summer Positions Available!"

I raised an eyebrow and pointed it out. "You know... if we're going to stay here for the summer, why not work here? We could make some money."

"No way, Lola," Madelyn said, her voice high-pitched with alarm. "I am not going near that place! I've seen enough horror movies to know how this goes."

Thomas smirked. "Come on, Maddie. It's probably just a rundown old building with a bad reputation. Besides, we could really use the cash for school."

Claire shrugged, grinning. "I think it could be fun, Madelyn."

Will looked over at Madelyn with a playful sparkle in his eye. "Don't worry, we'll protect you from the big, scary ghosts."

"Ha, ha," Madelyn replied with a sarcastic flip of her sandy blonde hair. "But seriously, if I see anything spooky, I'm so totally out."

Despite Madelyn's reluctance, the rest of us exchanged excited glances. "Okay, we're doing it," I said, feeling a rush of anticipation. "Let's make this summer unforgettable."

We started toward the hotel and Madelyn trailed behind, mumbling, "I just hope we don't end up, like, ghost-bait or something."

As we made our way up the winding, overgrown path toward the Blackwood Hotel, the building loomed ahead like a forgotten relic of the past. Its cracked windows reflected the golden sky, and the ivy creeping along the stone walls made the place seem alive, like it was watching us. Even the air felt heavier the closer we got.

"Yeah, no," Madelyn muttered under her breath as we reached the grand, arched doors. "This place is freaking me out."

The others laughed nervously, but I couldn't shake the feeling that she might be valid. The heavy, detailed wooden doors groaned as we stepped inside. The lobby was huge, its high ceilings adorned with dusty chandeliers that hadn't seen light in years. The dim lighting barely cut through the stale air, and the reception desk, though polished and well taken care of, looked like it hadn't been touched in decades. Mr. Hawthorne, a sharp-dressed man with slicked-back graying hair, stepped forward from behind the old oak reception desk. His presence was commanding, and something was unsettling in his eyes like he knew things we didn't, things we couldn't understand. He introduced himself as the manager of the Blackwood Hotel.