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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Teens
- Theme: Family & Friends
- Subject: Ghost Stories / Paranormal
- Published: 08/23/2021
The Girl.
Born 1975, M, from Norfolk, United KingdomA new short story. Takes about 10 minutes to read.
The terrified boy took a step back from his father. He was a big man and angry as hell while he tried to grab the child. Luke hated it when he was like this. He tried to run out of the nearest door, but a massive hand grabbed his shoulder and dragged him back. He let out a scream, knowing he was in big trouble.
David picked his son up so his legs dangled in the air, then shook him violently, as he yelled, "You're a disappointment, boy."
"Please don't hurt me?" he pleaded.
"Why do you disappoint me so much?" He pushed the boy hard against the wall. The child stayed still. "Get up, Luke? Stop messing about."
David stumbled to his son while knocking over a small table, a bottle fell to the carpet. He crouched down. David placed a hand on the boy's head. "Get up, Luke. You're scaring me now."
His eyes opened. "Where am I?"
David was relieved. "You're in the living room at home. How do you feel?"
"I hurt all over," he replied, then realised what had happened.
He stared at his father, then at the bottle of whisky by his feet. "You did this to me."
The man cried as he shook his head in disbelief, "I'm so sorry for what I did."
Luke ran to the entrance of the house. Unlocking the front door he headed to the road not knowing what direction to go in. A huge forest at the end of the road would be a good place to hide. He looked back towards the house and his father was nowhere to be seen.
Five minutes later and the boy headed through a small opening to the forest, then followed a narrow pathway deeper in. Shadows covered the area. The sun was hidden by the growth from above. In his trouser pocket was a bag of sweets which he'd stolen earlier from the kitchen cupboard. Luke tore the small bag open and placed one of them in his mouth. The flavour was strawberry. It was nice.
After a few minutes trickling water was heard closeby. The boy wanted to explore. The ground was uneven, so he took his time. Pushing a few twigs away a little stream appeared. It made a nice soothing sound. Luke headed to the edge, then sat down on the damp grass. On the other side of the moving water a frog hopped happily along. The boy needed a closer look, and that is when he noticed the frog wore a red coloured hat.
How was that possible?
Luke laughed out loud. He wanted to take it home. The boy tried to reach for it, but the stream was too wide. He stood up, and being careful so he wouldn't fall into the cold water, Luke put one foot in, followed by the other. Once he'd reached the other side, the frog had hopped away through the longer grass. Luke was becoming frustrated at that point. Reluctantly he ventured further in. He kneeled on the ground and pulled some grass away so he could look closer to where it had gone. The forest was huge. It was like looking for a needle in a haystack. A sound in front caught his attention. Luke crawled along to where he'd heard it. Like before he moved the grass so he could search the ground. In a split second the back of the frog vanished from sight.
Luke stood up and shouted, "I just want to be your friend. Stop running away from me?"
Sniggering was heard as it echoed hauntingly through the trees. Instantly he felt a chill on his skin
Was there someone else in there with him?
He looked back and with horror noticed the small stream had widened so it was impossible to cross. The long grass he'd just walked through had shortened and withered away. Luke turned away from it, more interested in finding the frog.
Luke thought back to his father. Since his mother had left, his father had become more aggressive. Always drinking large bottles of what his dad called, Whisky. It was like he'd changed from a loving person into someone much nastier in just a few weeks. Luke hadn't seen his mother since. Deep down that made him very sad.
The grass was tall as he used both hands to push it away. After a few seconds the grass ended and an area of slime came into view, or a better way of describing it, lots of wet mud. Luke grimaced at the thought of walking through that. Then a shed appeared nearby.
Who lived there?
Luke walked across the mud until he stood close to the entrance. His footwear and the bottom of his trousers covered in brown.
The boy knocked on the wooden door.
After a while he grew impatient and decided to head back home. In two hours it would be dark. Back home his father would be waiting for him to return, but being stuck in here at night wasn't much of an improvement. Luke walked back across the mud disappointed.
Two loud knocks behind him made the boy turn back to the shed. A short distance from the door stood a girl of a similar age. She wore a school uniform and had the blackest eyes he'd ever seen which matched her hair.
She smiled at him, then said, "Hello. My name's Geraldine."
There was something about her which unnerved him, but replied, "My name's Luke. I'm lost and need to get back home. Can you help me please?"
This is when Luke observed faint bruising around her throat. The chill from earlier was felt again as she got closer.
"It's very nice to meet you, Luke. Yes I will help you but you need to do something for me first. Will you do it?" she asked.
Luke knew he didn't have any choice, the thought of being stuck here all night with this creepy girl. "What would you like me to do for you?"
The girl touched his shoulder, then answered, "I have got no friends, could you keep me company for a short while, I haven't had a conversation with anyone for as long as I can remember. Will you do this for me?"
Luke felt sorry for her. "Yes I don't mind. What would you like to talk about?"
Geraldine looked worried. "I'm not sure. Tell me about yourself."
Luke talked about the school he attended. His relationship with his father and how his mother had left. He also told her that some times he felt sad about things. How his dad treated him these days and how it scared him.
The girl seemed sad by this. "At least you have a father. Mine I haven't seen for a very long time. But he should treat you with love and respect, like my daddy did, until I lost him."
Luke was now interested in her story. "How long have you been here?" he asked.
Geraldine took his hand, and they walked to a dry patch of grass, then sat down under a huge tree with purple growth. "Before ending up here the last proper memory I have is running into this place scared as knowing someone was after me. I hid from this person until I fell asleep. The next thing I knew I was trapped in here, unable to escape. I've walked to the edge of the forest many times, but the shadows which haunt this place warn me to go back, saying bad things will happen if I don't."
The girl sobbed.
The boy hugged her. "Let's leave together," he said. "I want to help you."
She gazed into his eyes, and replied, "Do you mean that."
"Yes," was all he said.
It was getting darker in the forest while the two of them made their way to the stream that the boy had encountered earlier. Once through the long grass it came into view. The frog sat at the waters edge watching them with interest. It still wore its hat.
Geraldine laughed, placing a hand over her mouth.
"Why is it wearing a hat?" he asked.
The girl turned to him, then answered innocently enough, "I made the hat for him. In the shed I've made lots of hats for all the animals that live here. Do you think that's weird?"
Luke giggled to himself, before replying, "Yes, very weird."
Both laughed.
Suddenly the ground shook. The two of them crouched behind a tree.
"What's happening," asked Luke, petrified.
"It's the shadows of the forest," she said fearful. "We must be careful. If they find out you are here, they won't be happy."
"What shall we do?"
Geraldine stood up, taking his hand. "Follow me," she ordered.
The surrounding shadows grew darker in tone, as night was approaching. They walked to the stream which was now back to its normal size.
Luke needed to ask her a question. "When I was here earlier the stream grew in size, was this my imagination or did it really happen?"
"The forest is trying to manipulate you. It saw you enter and has been playing with you since, keeping a watchful eye. I sensed you a long time before we met, and for that I'm thankful."
She kissed him on the cheek. Luke felt embarrassed.
"It's time to go," Geraldine said, as she giggled.
Both crossed the water.
"Just up here is the path," he said.
The girl looked pleased. Up a slight hill they walked, darkness slowly creeping in, making it harder to see properly. Finally the path appeared. In the distance a black figure flew through the trees making ghastly sounds which were high pitched.
Geraldine ducked down behind the nearest tree and pulled the boy with her. "It's a shadow. Be aware, Luke."
"Okay," was all he answered, terrified.
Once both knew it was safe, they headed to the path. The trees either side of the narrow walkway helped with their journey, as it was so dark it was hard to make out much. They held each other's hands. The terrifying sound was heard again far in the forest. The two of them stayed calm.
"So what's the plan?" Geraldine asked.
Luke was unsure. "The best thing to do is make a run for it."
This didn't feel the girl with much confidence, but it was nice to have a friend again after so long. "Thank you again for your kindness," she said.
"Thats okay," he replied. The boy enjoyed her company.
A while later and the opening appeared at the end of the walkway. From somewhere in the area high-pitched shrieks echoed menacingly.
"We need to hurry," said Luke.
Car headlights came into view from the road outside. They crouched behind a bush.
Who was that?
Both waited as the vehicle stopped. A figure got out holding a torch. The beam of light shone quickly on the now recognised man's face. He stumbled to the entrance, then he shouted, "Where are you, Luke? I'm worried about you."
"Oh no, it's my dad," he said alarmed.
The man lost his balance and fell awkwardly to the ground, while yelling obscenities.
"What's wrong with him?" Geraldine asked, a little concerned.
Luke couldn't believe it. His father was drunk. What should they do now?
The worst thing then happened as his father yelled, "Where are you, boy? Can you hear me, Luke, please answer me if you can?"
Suddenly a shadow flew through the trees towards them. The man stood up and observed the flying demon. He chucked the torch at it. The shadow attacked him. David screamed in utter terror.
"It's now or never, Luke," said Geraldine, realising he had to choose between his father and her.
They ran quickly passed the commotion and through the entrance. Once on the road both children ran to Luke's house. At the front door the boy entered, the girl stayed in the doorway.
Luke noticed this, then asked, "Why aren't you coming in, Geraldine? I promise you it's safe."
The girl smiled at him and answered, " I can feel him now, Luke. He's coming for me. Now I've escaped that cage my father knows where to find me."
Luke felt upset. "I don't want you to leave. You're the best friend I've ever had."
Geraldine wiped a tear away. "Thank you for what you did. I'll never forget you."
In the front garden a figure emerged from the darkness, then it said, "Is that really you, Geraldine?"
The girl turned to her father. "I love you, daddy."
"I've searched for you everywhere," he replied while very emotional. "Come to me, my beautiful daughter."
She ran to him with a smile on her face. A second later they'd vanished.
The boy stood in the hallway, sad that she had gone. After a while, he headed upstairs to bed.
.................................
Luke awoke the next morning and thought of his dad. He cried.
How could it get any worse?
Once the boy had dressed, he left the bedroom and walked down the stairs. With shock Luke saw his father sitting in the living room, his face in his hands.
Luke ran to him. "Daddy. I thought you was dead."
David hugged his boy tightly. "I promise you, son, I'll never drink again. I can't believe the things I've done to you, I feel so ashamed."
"I forgive you, dad. How did you escape the forest?" Luke asked, relieved he was okay.
David wiped the tears away, then replied, "Whatever that thing was it gave me a second chance, it let me go. An experience like that changes you. For a second there I thought I'd never see you again. I swear I will make it up to you, son. I've thrown all the bottles in the bin. Your mother left and there's nothing I can do about it, but I can be a better father to you."
For the first time in ages Luke felt happy again. "I love you, dad."
"And I love you too, son."
The End
The Girl.(Stephen Pearmine)
A new short story. Takes about 10 minutes to read.
The terrified boy took a step back from his father. He was a big man and angry as hell while he tried to grab the child. Luke hated it when he was like this. He tried to run out of the nearest door, but a massive hand grabbed his shoulder and dragged him back. He let out a scream, knowing he was in big trouble.
David picked his son up so his legs dangled in the air, then shook him violently, as he yelled, "You're a disappointment, boy."
"Please don't hurt me?" he pleaded.
"Why do you disappoint me so much?" He pushed the boy hard against the wall. The child stayed still. "Get up, Luke? Stop messing about."
David stumbled to his son while knocking over a small table, a bottle fell to the carpet. He crouched down. David placed a hand on the boy's head. "Get up, Luke. You're scaring me now."
His eyes opened. "Where am I?"
David was relieved. "You're in the living room at home. How do you feel?"
"I hurt all over," he replied, then realised what had happened.
He stared at his father, then at the bottle of whisky by his feet. "You did this to me."
The man cried as he shook his head in disbelief, "I'm so sorry for what I did."
Luke ran to the entrance of the house. Unlocking the front door he headed to the road not knowing what direction to go in. A huge forest at the end of the road would be a good place to hide. He looked back towards the house and his father was nowhere to be seen.
Five minutes later and the boy headed through a small opening to the forest, then followed a narrow pathway deeper in. Shadows covered the area. The sun was hidden by the growth from above. In his trouser pocket was a bag of sweets which he'd stolen earlier from the kitchen cupboard. Luke tore the small bag open and placed one of them in his mouth. The flavour was strawberry. It was nice.
After a few minutes trickling water was heard closeby. The boy wanted to explore. The ground was uneven, so he took his time. Pushing a few twigs away a little stream appeared. It made a nice soothing sound. Luke headed to the edge, then sat down on the damp grass. On the other side of the moving water a frog hopped happily along. The boy needed a closer look, and that is when he noticed the frog wore a red coloured hat.
How was that possible?
Luke laughed out loud. He wanted to take it home. The boy tried to reach for it, but the stream was too wide. He stood up, and being careful so he wouldn't fall into the cold water, Luke put one foot in, followed by the other. Once he'd reached the other side, the frog had hopped away through the longer grass. Luke was becoming frustrated at that point. Reluctantly he ventured further in. He kneeled on the ground and pulled some grass away so he could look closer to where it had gone. The forest was huge. It was like looking for a needle in a haystack. A sound in front caught his attention. Luke crawled along to where he'd heard it. Like before he moved the grass so he could search the ground. In a split second the back of the frog vanished from sight.
Luke stood up and shouted, "I just want to be your friend. Stop running away from me?"
Sniggering was heard as it echoed hauntingly through the trees. Instantly he felt a chill on his skin
Was there someone else in there with him?
He looked back and with horror noticed the small stream had widened so it was impossible to cross. The long grass he'd just walked through had shortened and withered away. Luke turned away from it, more interested in finding the frog.
Luke thought back to his father. Since his mother had left, his father had become more aggressive. Always drinking large bottles of what his dad called, Whisky. It was like he'd changed from a loving person into someone much nastier in just a few weeks. Luke hadn't seen his mother since. Deep down that made him very sad.
The grass was tall as he used both hands to push it away. After a few seconds the grass ended and an area of slime came into view, or a better way of describing it, lots of wet mud. Luke grimaced at the thought of walking through that. Then a shed appeared nearby.
Who lived there?
Luke walked across the mud until he stood close to the entrance. His footwear and the bottom of his trousers covered in brown.
The boy knocked on the wooden door.
After a while he grew impatient and decided to head back home. In two hours it would be dark. Back home his father would be waiting for him to return, but being stuck in here at night wasn't much of an improvement. Luke walked back across the mud disappointed.
Two loud knocks behind him made the boy turn back to the shed. A short distance from the door stood a girl of a similar age. She wore a school uniform and had the blackest eyes he'd ever seen which matched her hair.
She smiled at him, then said, "Hello. My name's Geraldine."
There was something about her which unnerved him, but replied, "My name's Luke. I'm lost and need to get back home. Can you help me please?"
This is when Luke observed faint bruising around her throat. The chill from earlier was felt again as she got closer.
"It's very nice to meet you, Luke. Yes I will help you but you need to do something for me first. Will you do it?" she asked.
Luke knew he didn't have any choice, the thought of being stuck here all night with this creepy girl. "What would you like me to do for you?"
The girl touched his shoulder, then answered, "I have got no friends, could you keep me company for a short while, I haven't had a conversation with anyone for as long as I can remember. Will you do this for me?"
Luke felt sorry for her. "Yes I don't mind. What would you like to talk about?"
Geraldine looked worried. "I'm not sure. Tell me about yourself."
Luke talked about the school he attended. His relationship with his father and how his mother had left. He also told her that some times he felt sad about things. How his dad treated him these days and how it scared him.
The girl seemed sad by this. "At least you have a father. Mine I haven't seen for a very long time. But he should treat you with love and respect, like my daddy did, until I lost him."
Luke was now interested in her story. "How long have you been here?" he asked.
Geraldine took his hand, and they walked to a dry patch of grass, then sat down under a huge tree with purple growth. "Before ending up here the last proper memory I have is running into this place scared as knowing someone was after me. I hid from this person until I fell asleep. The next thing I knew I was trapped in here, unable to escape. I've walked to the edge of the forest many times, but the shadows which haunt this place warn me to go back, saying bad things will happen if I don't."
The girl sobbed.
The boy hugged her. "Let's leave together," he said. "I want to help you."
She gazed into his eyes, and replied, "Do you mean that."
"Yes," was all he said.
It was getting darker in the forest while the two of them made their way to the stream that the boy had encountered earlier. Once through the long grass it came into view. The frog sat at the waters edge watching them with interest. It still wore its hat.
Geraldine laughed, placing a hand over her mouth.
"Why is it wearing a hat?" he asked.
The girl turned to him, then answered innocently enough, "I made the hat for him. In the shed I've made lots of hats for all the animals that live here. Do you think that's weird?"
Luke giggled to himself, before replying, "Yes, very weird."
Both laughed.
Suddenly the ground shook. The two of them crouched behind a tree.
"What's happening," asked Luke, petrified.
"It's the shadows of the forest," she said fearful. "We must be careful. If they find out you are here, they won't be happy."
"What shall we do?"
Geraldine stood up, taking his hand. "Follow me," she ordered.
The surrounding shadows grew darker in tone, as night was approaching. They walked to the stream which was now back to its normal size.
Luke needed to ask her a question. "When I was here earlier the stream grew in size, was this my imagination or did it really happen?"
"The forest is trying to manipulate you. It saw you enter and has been playing with you since, keeping a watchful eye. I sensed you a long time before we met, and for that I'm thankful."
She kissed him on the cheek. Luke felt embarrassed.
"It's time to go," Geraldine said, as she giggled.
Both crossed the water.
"Just up here is the path," he said.
The girl looked pleased. Up a slight hill they walked, darkness slowly creeping in, making it harder to see properly. Finally the path appeared. In the distance a black figure flew through the trees making ghastly sounds which were high pitched.
Geraldine ducked down behind the nearest tree and pulled the boy with her. "It's a shadow. Be aware, Luke."
"Okay," was all he answered, terrified.
Once both knew it was safe, they headed to the path. The trees either side of the narrow walkway helped with their journey, as it was so dark it was hard to make out much. They held each other's hands. The terrifying sound was heard again far in the forest. The two of them stayed calm.
"So what's the plan?" Geraldine asked.
Luke was unsure. "The best thing to do is make a run for it."
This didn't feel the girl with much confidence, but it was nice to have a friend again after so long. "Thank you again for your kindness," she said.
"Thats okay," he replied. The boy enjoyed her company.
A while later and the opening appeared at the end of the walkway. From somewhere in the area high-pitched shrieks echoed menacingly.
"We need to hurry," said Luke.
Car headlights came into view from the road outside. They crouched behind a bush.
Who was that?
Both waited as the vehicle stopped. A figure got out holding a torch. The beam of light shone quickly on the now recognised man's face. He stumbled to the entrance, then he shouted, "Where are you, Luke? I'm worried about you."
"Oh no, it's my dad," he said alarmed.
The man lost his balance and fell awkwardly to the ground, while yelling obscenities.
"What's wrong with him?" Geraldine asked, a little concerned.
Luke couldn't believe it. His father was drunk. What should they do now?
The worst thing then happened as his father yelled, "Where are you, boy? Can you hear me, Luke, please answer me if you can?"
Suddenly a shadow flew through the trees towards them. The man stood up and observed the flying demon. He chucked the torch at it. The shadow attacked him. David screamed in utter terror.
"It's now or never, Luke," said Geraldine, realising he had to choose between his father and her.
They ran quickly passed the commotion and through the entrance. Once on the road both children ran to Luke's house. At the front door the boy entered, the girl stayed in the doorway.
Luke noticed this, then asked, "Why aren't you coming in, Geraldine? I promise you it's safe."
The girl smiled at him and answered, " I can feel him now, Luke. He's coming for me. Now I've escaped that cage my father knows where to find me."
Luke felt upset. "I don't want you to leave. You're the best friend I've ever had."
Geraldine wiped a tear away. "Thank you for what you did. I'll never forget you."
In the front garden a figure emerged from the darkness, then it said, "Is that really you, Geraldine?"
The girl turned to her father. "I love you, daddy."
"I've searched for you everywhere," he replied while very emotional. "Come to me, my beautiful daughter."
She ran to him with a smile on her face. A second later they'd vanished.
The boy stood in the hallway, sad that she had gone. After a while, he headed upstairs to bed.
.................................
Luke awoke the next morning and thought of his dad. He cried.
How could it get any worse?
Once the boy had dressed, he left the bedroom and walked down the stairs. With shock Luke saw his father sitting in the living room, his face in his hands.
Luke ran to him. "Daddy. I thought you was dead."
David hugged his boy tightly. "I promise you, son, I'll never drink again. I can't believe the things I've done to you, I feel so ashamed."
"I forgive you, dad. How did you escape the forest?" Luke asked, relieved he was okay.
David wiped the tears away, then replied, "Whatever that thing was it gave me a second chance, it let me go. An experience like that changes you. For a second there I thought I'd never see you again. I swear I will make it up to you, son. I've thrown all the bottles in the bin. Your mother left and there's nothing I can do about it, but I can be a better father to you."
For the first time in ages Luke felt happy again. "I love you, dad."
"And I love you too, son."
The End
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