Welcome Home

The sleepy, static atmosphere of 7th period was borderline suffocating. It had been the first day of the week, December 7th, to be exact, and we were due to be let out in a few minutes at 2:40 pm. Across the classroom, everyone looked about ready to throw in the towel.

“That will be all for today. Now, before the bell rings, please don’t forget to finish your assignment by Frida—”

Cutting off my teacher was the ringing of the last school bell. Soon enough, the class was as empty as a ghost town.

“Hey, Paige, do you think you could help me again?”

I turned to my right, and in front of me was the only other student left in the room.

“Sorry, Daniel, but I think I’m going to pass.”

“But we’ve known each other for the entire year. Besides, it’s almost winter break. If you help me, maybe the good karma will carry on into the new year, you feel me?”

“We’re only acquaintances because you happen to be the only person sitting next to me.”

“Pretty please?” whimpered Daniel like an abandoned puppy in an alleyway.

“Wha—what? Do you expect that to work every single time?”

“Yes?”

Strangely, the answer slipped out of my lips as if I were compelled by a magical spell. “Alright, but only if I have time after I finish mine by Wednesday.”

“Thanks, you’re a big help, Paige! God knows what I would do without you here. You know, you’re welcome anytime to stop by my house for some cookies. Believe it or not, I’m a pretty good baker. At least according to my family.”

“Cookies? No thanks, I’m good.” Daniel was a friendly, yet exhausting, classmate. I had no obligation to help him, but did so regardless. Not out of the kindness in my heart, but rather to get him off my back, if only for a little while.

Before I could give him a chance to reply, I left the classroom and went down the same route I always took to the student parking lot. Once outside, I headed for my mom’s car, letting the wind refresh me along the way. At last, the mundane Monday school day was over.

I would finally be able to resume my investigation into the paranormal.

* * *

Within the thick woodlands of Bridgelake was a figment of the past long forgotten by the neighborhood. Standing before me was a derelict American suburban home from no later than the 1990s, complete with a brick exterior, two-car garage, and white porch. On the second floor was an attic window overlooking the front yard, its window projecting a strange feeling that I couldn’t pinpoint as to why.

“I’m back… if that’s ok with whoever is here. I know that you may not understand my purpose being here, but don’t worry; I hope that after my investigations are done, you and I can have the answers we seek.”

There was no reply, other than the occasional creak or groan from the wood flooring inside.

“Alright, I’m coming inside now.”

As I did, my heart stopped on the first step. Lying on the kitchen counter were knives arranged in a perfect triangle, followed by a circle made of spoons, and a square made of forks. Was this a joke by some local prankster or genuine activity? Fortunately for me, the truth was waiting on the storage drive of a CCTV camera.

My hands shook while I waited for the camera’s program to load. In a handful of seconds, I may have had undeniable proof of the paranormal. Upon finishing, my eyes shot wide open, unable to comprehend what I saw.

“What!? Where is it!? Where did it go!?” Somehow, there was no footage. The only recording made was the one of me disconnecting the camera to retrieve the footage. I sat on a nearby kitchen stool, stewing in frustration.

How was this possible? This wasn’t any ordinary camera; it was a state-of-the-art CCTV camera, complete with infrared night vision. I had only purchased it recently after saving up several months’ worth of part-time job money. There were no signs of tampering or defectiveness, so without a doubt, it should have recorded everything.

The only explanation could have been another human being deleting the footage. However, there were no recent indications of entry into the house. Coupled with the fact that accessing the footage required a password, it was highly unlikely that some random from this neck of the woods was responsible. I continued to stare at the bizarre arrangement, lost in thought about what to do next, when the front door swung open.

Emerging from the outside was a fellow student of Clearbrook High School. “Hey, Paige! Whatcha up to?”

“Maple? What are you doing here!? Did you follow me?” My throat went dry as I struggled to comprehend her appearance.

“Uh, ya, of course I did. How else do you think I could have known where you were?”

“But I drove here! It’s like a thirty-minute drive from the school, so you couldn’t have caught up by walking. Unless…”

Jutting out from behind her shoulder was another car parked next to mine. “How did I not notice you following behind me?”

Maple could only shrug. “So, can I come inside or not?”

Despite sharing three classes, I knew little of her beyond a superficial level. Inviting her could ruin the investigation. On the other hand, if I didn’t, then she could alert the authorities about my “trespassing”.

“Why are you interested in knowing what I’m doing?” I asked.

“Because why not? Can’t a girl be a little curious? Don’t worry, I’m good at keeping secrets!”

It was clear that she wasn’t going to give a straight answer. As much as it pained me, I had no choice.

“If you promise not to tell anyone about this place, then yes, you may.”

“I promise.”

“You swear? I’m not joking around.”

“Yes, I swear.” As if to seal the deal, she put on a smile.

“Then, welcome aboard, I guess…”