Spooks and Shadows

1) Phantom

The dreaded day was getting nearer. I knew that the moment I climbed out of the car and followed my family unwillingly in the plaza. I should have stayed cooped up in my blankets if this will be the invitation I get—though I doubt it will do anything to delay what was already approaching.

The fact that the department stores started displaying decorations meant that the season of Halloween is just around the corner. Little kids were swarming on the various costumes, talking amongst each other animatedly, excited about the upcoming event where they get free candies. Up until now, I failed to understand why people celebrate such events. Halloween is filled with horror and freaky stuff; channels are showing scary movies that no one likes and people spend extra money buying useless decorations that won't be relevant for the rest of the year.

"Emily, at least try to pretend you're excited." I tore my gaze away from the kids and the disturbing costumes they seemed to like and turned to my mom who was frowning at me. My feelings must've shown in my expression.

"Why do I need to?" I demanded.

"Your sisters are excited about it." she reasoned. "Don't make such a sour face, honey."

I tried to smile but my mom grimaced when I did. I was always horrible at faking smiles. I looked at my mom's basket and saw those same decorations I loathed yet somehow appealed to the other kids: jack-o'-lanterns, bats, spiders, cobwebs...

"Mom!" I cringed when I heard the high shrill of my sister's voice. I turned around to see her bouncing, carrying more Halloween decorations. I glared at her. "I want to put this in my room!" she stated happily as she proceeded to toss it in the basket. I wrinkled my nose in disgust.

Unfortunately, my mom saw that and raised a brow. I lived with her enough to know that it was a warning. I looked away so they can't at least see my 'sour face' as she put it.

An ugly mannequin witch scowled at me an aisle away and again, I tried to comprehend what part of it appealed to the majority of people. I surveyed all the other aisles and it was the same: foul, scary freaks inhabited each of the shelves.

I closed my eyes briefly when I felt it.

A cold sensation washed over me and the hairs at the back of my neck stood. I felt a presence, and I knew that other than my mom and sister, there was no one else. I didn't run away like before, this was familiar to me after all.

"Emily..." I flinched when I heard the soft whisper caressing my ear.

I cursed under my breath.

"It's finally starting." I muttered bitterly.

I guess I have to schedule another session with Melanie.

When you hear strange voices that only you can hear, the normal reaction would be freaking the hell out or at least being spooked. But when you experience the same thing for eight years straight, you should be pretty used to it. It didn't mean I welcomed it or was okay with it. No. Far from it. I've been itching to get rid of this 'thing' for years and that was why I visited Melanie every time the season of Halloween comes.