Chapter 1

Mystery of my life

"Help me."

"Please, help us."

In this world where I belong, I just ignore and pretend that I didn't see them. When I was a kid, they always bully me because of this.

I can see ghost.

For some reason, it all started when my parents died because of car accident. They were coming home from a business meeting when the car in which my mom and dad were riding lost its brake.

Because I was just seven years old back then, I rush out the house to go to the hospital. But, I was unlucky too because a big wheeler truck hit me. I was in coma for many months, then I recover. The doctor said it was a miracle. But, I also lost my memories.

Right now, I was just leaving with my grandparents. I also work to sustain our daily needs at home.

Our company?

My family is in debt, and the company is the exchange as compensation.

As what I said, I've been bullied. I don't have friends, I always eat alone in the school rooftop. I was very aloof and scared to entertain people.

Until when I was a freshman year when I met her. She stood up against all the bullying that I've been suffered. She accompanied me to eat lunch, to do my assignments.

She's always there for me all the time.

Starting that day, I didn't feel alone at all. She became my friend. She keep on doing things just to make me smile. Her family is very nice to me. But, not until she left me on my birthday and didn't say any single word.

And thought of that, I'm back with my old self again.

Carl Francis Santiago, first year engineering. And, this my story.

--

After class I went straight to a part-time job at a convenience store.

The convenience store is only one floor with eight sections. Snacks and food section, divided into two shelves. School supplies section, beverages section, toiletries and more.

Since I am a part-time worker, my work will start from six pm to ten pm. My schedule is different from my other colleagues because they are full-time workers.

There are only ten of us working in the store. Me and Nicky assigned to the cashier. Fred in the toiletries section. Joseph in the school supplies section. Mark and Tess assigned to the snacks and food section. Mira in the beverage section and also the three remaining part-time workers who I don't know where they assigned.

And lastly, our boss who's in his the office.

I rode on a bike to get there faster. Actually, I can only walk there. But, because I'm lazy to walk and I have a bike. So I just use it instead.

I put on earphones as I roam my eyes in the surroundings that were gradually enveloped by the darkness. Only the light from the lamp post illuminates my path. I still continue to ride the bike while feeling the sweetness of the breeze.

I closed my eyes for a moment and immediately opened my eyes, I immediately looked back at the road. The cold wind blew causing my hair in nape to stand.

Geez! It's cold!

When I got there, I parked my bike first. I even saw outside that many people lined up at the counter because it was time to go home.

I also see a lot of my schoolmates buying. I roam my eyes even more across the store.

I thought something silly so I smiled. But, I also quickly became frustrated.

Girls hunt huh! The hell, I don't even know how to flirt. I might even get slapped!

Just what the f*ck, Carl!

I was still rolling my eyes. But, only one girl grabbed my attention. The girl at the back with somehow catchy look.

Oh, she's not a chick either! The word 'creepy' is even more appropriate to call if you describe her.

I bent a little, I still couldn't see her face because it was covered with her hair. My forehead furrowed with her actions. It's weird!

"Carl! The boss called you, he said go to his office."

I immediately turned to Nicky when she suddenly spoke beside me. She was one of my co-worker here at the convenience store. And also, one of my close friends.

I just nod at her and decided to go to the office. But before I entered, I glance at the woman first. But, I was just shock that it was no longer there.

Wait, what?! Where is she?

Then I just realized what kind she is. I even covered my mouth as a reaction — just kidding! I just got gasp.

A d*mn ghost again! Argh, annoying!

I was just let out a breath and then pushed the door.

"Boss, you call me." I sat across from him and raised my elbow slightly on the table. Waiting him to say something.

He just didn't say a word and kept typing on his computer. Later on, he looked up at me and smiled.

He held out a hand.

I move from my seat and raised my eyebrows slightly.

Uh, what am I supposed to do?

I don't have five peso here either.

I scratched my neck and said, "Boss?"

He chuckled with my reaction. Like he was amused or something. "Congratulations Carl! You did a good job yesterday. So, I decided to raise your salary," he said in a happy voice. My eyes widened and I immediately accepted his hand and thanked him.

What a blessing! My luck.

When I got back to the counter I immediately told Nicky the good news.

That boss raised my salary.

She hugged me and congratulate me. She was still very happy for me. She even teased me that I should treat her.

I just laugh. Lmao, you wish!

I need to so save for household expenses and even my studies as well.

We just kept working. It's working hours and we should be focus. We are paid to work and also, I'm dead if I'll get fired. He may take back what he said earlier. I really can't agree with that.

When my shift was over, I said goodbye to them. I put away my uniform and put it in the bag. I also wiped off the sweat from my face because my sweat was dripping so bad. I put my bag slung over my shoulder and turned to them. I waved to them as a goodbye.

They just wave back.

As I was walking with my bike, I feel tired. I first thought of hanging out in the park for a while to chill. It was ten in the evening and it's very quiet and cold.

"Ah I'm tired," I said as I sat on the swing. I closed my eyes for s moment and felt the breeze. It's really good thing that I'm wearing a jacket. I may get colds if I didn't.

I opened my eyes and looked up at the sky. I watch how the stars and moon shines above. The clouds that also match the beauty.

What a sight.

The sound of crickets around and the fireflies that makes the night even more beautiful.

Damn, I'm inlove!

I hugged myself as the cold wind blew and I felt strange around me. I just blinked and became a bit alert. A dreadful and cold wind blew again.

I was suddenly felt nervous.

The-wait? Why is it smell so bad?

My heart beats abnormally while I'm scanning the whole place. Trying to figure out my if I was correct. O-oh, not this time please!

I tried to persuade myself that it was just nothing. But, I just can't! I slowly turn around to see if anything is weird.

When I looked to the right I noticed nothing. I sighed, nothing happened. Maybe, I'm just too paranoid. I took a deep breath but I was still not comfortable.

My heart is still beating faster.

Then I turned to the left. I closed my eyes first and counted in my mind. Okay, here it is. Wait! Maybe it's just flatulence-okay, here it really is.

One.

Two.

Three.

By the time I turned around, my heart stopped beating for a second because of what I saw. I was looking at it with wide eyes. My throat went dry, and I was sweating cold because of the shock I had witnessed.

I'm dead.

Run.

"Aahh ghosstt!!!" I shouted hysterically. Suddenly, my strength returned and I start running for my life with my bike. I didn't bother riding it because of fear. When you're in my situation, I'm sure you'll do the same.

Why is it I'm always haunted by them. Ahhhhh!

I even fall many times. Son of a!

I look back to make sure it didn't follow me. I was bruised and injured for petes sake for that godd*mn ghost!

I heard the ghost follow me while moaning a strange sound. Terrible!

Aaahh! Someone save meee!!!

I don't think I can sleep later because of what I just saw.

When I reach our home, I thanked God. Jesus! That was close! I was panting heavily and trying to catch my breath. Geez!

I hope it didn't follow me, for sure I'll be dead if that ugly ghost will lay beside me when I'm asleep.

Think positive, Carl! The ghost can't follow you because your like 'the flash' because of your speed. You can even win the triathlon!

"It's just a ghost!" I convince myself as I catch my breath, I lean against the wall. The face of the ghost keeps flashing back in my mind.

Our faces were an inch apart. Her dreadful smile and her eyes-ahh!

Holly cr*p! It's super scary!

I close my eyes tightly to remove the image of that female ugly ghost, but, every time I close my eyes I remember it again and again. Godd*mn!

"You're saying something?"

I paled when I hear a whisper in my ear. I tightened my hold and lean on the wall to support my weight. I just feel like I turn into jelly!

I slowly turned to it and I cried. Oh, dear God! We're just inch apart and she's smiling at me. The ghost is smiling at me!

It's the same set up as earlier. I tried to move backwards while didn't break the eye contact.

I cried again.

Why I'm so unlucky!

Ahhhh!

I-I t-thought that she didn't follow me anymore?! Wahh! The ghost is slowly walking to my direction!

"Leave me alone!" I shouted at the top.of my lungs and enter our house locking the doors.

-

As I laid into my bed, I feel like I don't have soul anymore. I grab my phone beside the table and scroll down in social media. I was about to go to the log out button when I notice a girl being killed.

My blood boils.

Okay, inhale. Exhale.

Keep calm Carl, calm yourself-f*ck it!

That's the reason why there's so many ghost wandering and scaring the sh*t out of people because of these killings! What kind of country is this and the killings won't stop at all! I'll be the one whose been bothered all the times because I can see them!

They're just like Dora that loves to exploring anywhere! D*mn!

I frustratedly off my phone and close my eyes. I was very stressed out this week. Thank God I don't have activities to catch! I'm so stressed with those ghost! They didn't stop following me around.

I sigh with too much frustration.

I just close my eyes and try to sleep. I'll just going to sleep, yeah right. I'll just sleep.

***

"Hey Carl! Common let's eat together." I smiled at her and nod. We're in the middle of hallway in the third floor when I think something silly.

I walk towards her and spoke.

"Let's have a race. The one who'll gonna reach the rooftop first will have a reward," I said wickedly. I did try to suppress my evil grin.

Her brows knitted. But, there's a hint of excitement on her face. Aha!

"What reward?" She ask innocently while raising her perfect brows.

"Secret." I said and start to run fast as I could.

"Hey, you d*mn cheater!" She shout and start to run after me.

As what I've expected, I'm the one who won. We argue for almost an hour, she just pinch my nose because I cheated. I just pouted.

D*mn, she's acting like my girlfriend!

When she saw that I'm just staring at her, she stop talking and look away.

"So, what's the reward?" She ask and open her lunchbox. I smile sheepishly and whisper on her.

"What the h*ll! You d*mn id*ot!"

I start to run again as she chase me. I was holding my stomach because it's hard to laugh when you're running.

She really believe me huh! It was just a joke.

"Hey, hey stop it was a joke okay," she roll her eyes and cross her chest. She sat down and start to eat her lunch. I just also sat beside her.

"What?" She glared at me. I scratch my neck. "Close your eyes," I said.

"What?!"

"I said close your eyes."

She looks hesitant but she did. She close her eyes, I stare at her. I really like her, no doubt.

Without any words I kiss her on cheeks. I didn't explain or what. I just did, I did that because I like her.

"W-what did you. . . "

***

I almost fall from my bed when my alarms rings. Oh, it's already four in the morning already.

Hurriedly, I go downstairs to cook breakfast. I was still smiling when I got there. I may look like an id*ot, but I just can't help. This is what happens to me when I dream about her.

Ah, I'm really still into her huh!

I just cook a light meal for us three. When I'm done preparing, I go back to my room and start to prepare for school. I look at the wall clock, it's just five in the morning.

I sigh.

Maybe I'll just be early for school. Then, I'll go to music room to play instruments. Right! That's what I will do later. As I go downstairs, my grandparents already awake.

I bless and told them that I'll get going. I will just have my breakfast in the music room then. They just remind me to take care as I close the door. Suddenly, my memory flew back to the past.

I smile a little.

Eversince my parents died form a car accident, my grandparents took care of me. I'm really thankful that they found me that time. Because if they not? Maybe I'll just living in the streets.

I owe them a lot. And that's why I will do everything for them. I don't care if I will work hard as long as I can sustain us three. I don't want them to work either.

I put my earphones and ride my bike. I play my favorite song.

[AN: All of the songs that I put in my story is my own composition. Be reminded.]

'You are just a fictional character in the book that I always read'

I'm just whistling as I embrace and feel the coldness of the morning.

'But you instantly got my heart that easily'

'They say I'm crazy'

' Fall inlove with the person who doesn't exist'

'They didn't know that it's more worth it love a character like you'

I saw some of my classmate and schoolmates walking. But, I don't care about them either. I just continue to ride my bike.

'They didn't know that you're more worth to love'

'Oh...'

'Ohh...'

'Ohhh...'

When I reach the school gate, there are just few students. I put my earphones in my bag and park the bike. I also make sure that it has a lock.

Hm, I was still earlier than I thought huh.

Well yeah, it's okay though. I'll just go to music room.

As I walk in the quite hallway, I remember on how I started to love music. It all started after my parents death. When I became aloof to people, I just listen to music. But, I didn't expect that music will bring a big impact in my life.

I don't know but music is one of my comfort zone.

Before, when I'm not in the mood to eat my snacks I'll just go to the music room. Ever since in my first year college, when I don't have something to do, I'll just leave our classroom and stay there. Or, in the rooftop.

It doesn't have many people here or students because there's no music club back then. Unlike now, that there's a music club so there are many students.

I slowly open the door knob and get inside. I also open the lights because it's too dark. But, I didn't expect that when I open the lights I'll gonna see her here.

She's here again, the girl with the hoodie and mask. Wayback when I was first year I also notice her here.

We barely cross our paths, but we never talk though. I only smile at her when I see her. She's good at musical instruments and I also hear her sing once. And, I can say that it's really beautiful.

Maybe just like her.

She started to strum the guitar and sing.

'The day I laid my eyes on you'

'My hearts went crazy and I don't know what to do'

'What to do ohh'

'And then when our eyes met'

'It feels like it electrifies my body when we touch'

'Yeah it's crazy yeah, yeah, yeah'

'I feel the world stop turning'

'When you look at me then smilin'

I was just staring at her intently as she sing the song. Well, I can't barely saw her face but I can tell that her eyes is shining and shows something. Is she inlove? She's like dedicating the song to someone special.

I suddenly got curious. Who's that lucky guy? D*mn.

I sit properly and get the beat box. Well, I'm not that good. . .just the basics.

I start to tap and create a sound with her. She just turn to me and smile while she's still singing.

'I think I'm fallen for you ohh..'

' I think there's something in you and I can't figure it out tho'

'And I don't know what to do'

'Ohh'

'Yeah, I'm crazy inlove with you'

'But I'm scared to tell you and it's hard too'

'Please tell me what to do, ohh'

'This stupid and dumb heart of mine'

'Can't teach it who it falls for '

'It only beats for you'

'Can you be mine?'

'Or can you love me back please?'

'Everyone knows that, I-I love you'

'And only, and always be you'

'It'll never replace by anyone else though'

'I think it's stupid but I fall in love with you'

After she sang the bell suddenly rings, means that the class is about to start. I place the beat box to its place.

I stared back at her.

She put the guitar in it's case and put it beside the piano. We still didn't talk to each other. I must admit that it's awkward though. She tied her hair and put her bag in her shoulder. She's about to leave but I didn't still saw her face.

"Wait," I said. She stop midway and look at me.

"Yes?" She ask.

I scratch my neck and spoke, "You're voice and song is really beautiful. I think that guy will love it." I said and smile shyly.

I saw how her eyes twinkle.

"It's good to hear that you like the song. By the way, that song is for you." Then, she leave the room. Leaving me speechless.

What?!

I-it's for me?