Soul Keeper

Chapter 1

Lilly stood on the walkway that led to the old building. She examined every single detail of the large building. 'Why were people so afraid of this place?'  She wondered. She turned back and studied the large sign that said,

ROSEWOOD INN

She was more confused than worried. For as long as she could remember, she would always hear her classmates telling stories about the old place. One that she particularly remembered was an evil ghost that would lure children out into the woods to kill them. Although seeing so many happy children outside of the inn right now was making her have doubts about the evil spirit. She knew about the people that had disappeared and even the deaths. Although it all just happened. Just a coincidence. She knew ghost wasn't real. How could they be?

Lilly shook the irrational thoughts from her head and began walking up to the massive building. She suddenly felt excitement running through her veins with every step. Her fingers danced along the rails as she climbed the stone steps. Her first job, and it was at the inn that everybody in town feared. She was now walking right inside of the mystery inn.

Inside, everything seemed so unique. The old photos, the unique vases, and the furniture all looked so insanely creepy. Does the Jones family know the people from the pictures? Lilly realized how unclear her thoughts were. She knew needed to put an end to the crazy ideas, but her mind continued to wander off thinking about the people in the photos.

Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder causing her to jump and squeal. The sound of laughter erupted from behind her causing her cheeks to heat up with embarrassment. She twirled around and realized it was only her friend Jacob. She glared up at him and tucked her blonde hair behind her ear. He continued to chuckle.

"You scared me!" Lilly complained placing her shaky hands on her hips. She didn't realize how nervous she truly was until now. Jacobs laughter finally died down, and he smiled down at her.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. Why are you so worried Smith?" he asked observing her. She sighed loudly and rolled her eyes.

"It's my first day and my first job. Did you really expect me to come running inside this place without a care in the world?" She questioned. She watched his eyebrows rise, and his green eyes roll.

"Yeah, ok princess. You are probably just afraid of all of those ridiculous stories." He said walking to the front desk. Anger rushed through her, and she grabbed his arm accidentally scratching him with my fingernail.

"I'm not afraid of any of that. All of those stories are lies." She argued. Even though she said she didn't believe, a part of her wanted to. But it was deep down in her soul, the part of her soul that she wanted to be hidden forever.

"Ok sheesh. No need to be a party pooper, Smith." He said rubbing his arm. Lilly instantly felt horrible. Her anxiety was causing her so much anger today. She grabbed his arm softer than last time and examined it. There was a red streak that traveled up his arm.

"Sorry." She apologized. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm just really nervous Jacob." He let out a sigh and wrapped his muscular arms around her small body. Before he released her from the hug, he squeezed her tightly. She let out a groan, and he chuckled letting her go.

"Just relax! This job isn't so bad, none of the employees ever complain. Including me." He promised. Lilly enjoyed seeing Jacob smile. He was always just so happy. She never understood how anybody could be that happy in the town of Rosewood. She returned the smile and patted his arm.

"I don't know what I would do without you." She smiled. He rolled his eyes.

"Nothing. So cut out the cheesiness and let's go show you around." He joked pulling her away. He led her up the stairs, and the creaked beneath her feet on every step she would take. She examined the backyard, and her mouth dropped. It was beautiful. There was a stone patio with small tables and beautiful flowers surrounding the whole yard.

"You should see it at night," Jacob said standing beside her. Lilly didn't know that something as beautiful and elegant existed in Rosewood.

Jacob grabbed Lilly's wrist and pulled her up the remaining stairs. Once they were at the top, Lilly glanced down the hall. The first thing she noticed was a woman in a black party dress standing at the end of the hall staring right at them. Lilly smiled and poked Jacob. "Hey is that one of the workers?" She asked looking up at him. He searched the hall and let out a muffled groan.

"Funny." He replied and chuckled. Lilly shot him a questioning look then looked down the hallway once again. Except for this time, she didn't see anybody. Confused, she decided to ignore it and continue to follow Jacob. He led her into one of the rooms. The bed was free from any blankets or sheets and crumbled paper tossed around the room.

Jacob smiled over at Lilly. "Are you ready for your first job?" Lilly sighed.

"As ready as I'll ever be."