Not My Body

Valencia

We were taught to forgive and forget, but I never said I could forgive. That one time where she, my best friend, stole my dream and my life, I had sworn on my mother's grave that I would take revenge on her. I swore for my mother and me. About 65 years ago, my mother's dream was stolen by her best friend, which so happens to be my best friend's mother, Lucy Hattle. Then, about 30 years later, my dream was also stolen by my best friend, Ellie Hattle. It was like a tradition. Happens right when a Hattle turns 13. The dream stolen, the life taken. And so, it is now we come to this day. The last day of summer and Sophia Hattle's 13th Birthday. 

I quickly morphed into the girl, Cathy Johnson. It was an easy thing for a poltergeist to do. I glanced at Sophia and felt like retching. She was the splitting image of her mother, Ellie. Shiny, blonde hair, perfect, white teeth, slender legs and all! Then I turned my gaze to Katherine and smiled. I never got to see her before I went away and she was just like me. Pink glasses, red hair, braces and all. Then, the lights dimmed and the music started. Everyone ran up to the dance floor and started dancing. It was time.

I did the first trick a poltergeist learns, to stop time and space. I walked up to Sophia. "My, my. I'm going to enjoy this, Sophia Hattle," I whispered in her ear. Then, I took the little zipper at the top of her spine and pulled. Suddenly, I heard a gasp. I turned to see Katherine staring at me. Could she see me? No, that can't be. That hasn't happened in years. I thought as I stepped into Sophia's body and smiled at Katherine. "You're welcome," I whispered to her and vanished into Sophia's body.

My revenge has started.