The Kiss Of A Spirit

Chapter 11

After their trip to the amusement park, Manny and Frida's relationship had become much better. There was no more awkwardness between them and they seemed to be getting along better than ever. Things seemed to be going very well at the house and shrine of the great South Spirit. That is until one day while Frida was out buying things that she needed such as food and toiletries she heard some of the locals talking about the shrine. Apparently a lot of them believed the place to be haunted by demons and evil spirits. It made her feel very upset because Manny worked very hard to keep the house and the shrine clean and looking well. She wanted everyone to see how wonderful he was.

"Is something wrong?" Manny asked after noticing the distressed look on Frida's face.

"Did you know that a lot of people in town think that this place is haunted?"

"No but I'm not surprised. No one's been praying to God to send the South Spirit to help them for quite some time."

"Doesn't that bother you?"

"No. If humans prefer not to come to God or the spirits for help who am I to object to their wishes?"

"But if no one needs help from the South Spirit what good are you and Nigel and Tia and Pablo? I have to fix this." She thought for a moment and then an idea came to her. "I got it!"

"Oh good lord."

"Let's have an Autumn Festival here!"

"No."

"Why not? It'll be fun."

"It'll be ridiculous especially with all those humans here. It's bad enough I have to be around them five days a week when I got to school with you, can't you grant me some peace from them?"

"You know what I don't need your permission to do this. I having a festival here and there's nothing you can do or say that will change my mind."

"Fine but don't expect me to help you. I will have nothing to do with this nonsense."

"Suit yourself! I don't need your help. I can do this all on my own."

"I seriously doubt that."

Nevertheless Frida quickly got started on cleaning up around the shrine and making it look more attractive. It was already clean to begin with due to Manny but she was taking no chances. She wanted everything to be perfect. She re cleaned everything and once that was done she got to work of decorating.

"I think a fresh new coat of paint is just what this place needs."

With a new bucket of paint in one hand and paint brush in the other she climbed on top of the roof and set to work on panting the house.

"I can't believe she's actually doing this." Manny said as he watched her with great irritation. "What is wrong with that girl? Is she insane? Look at her!"

"I was wondering the same thing about you." Nigel said as he read a human magazine. "You know you could help her if you're that worried."

"I am not worried I'm just annoyed that this woman continues to do frustrating things that give me a headache."

"So you say."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means that you care more about Frida than you let on."

"I am her familiar and therefore I cannot help but care a little about her."

"Ah yes the 'I only care about her because I'm a familiar' excuse. I was wondering when you were going to use that one."