Hidden Evil

Attacked (Bradley)

I promised Braxy that I wouldn't return to that house, but the stuff I ordered arrived today. What else am I supposed to do with it? I know he wanted me to cancel the order, but I didn't. Obviously. I sigh as I stuff the spirit box and crucifix into my bag. I grabbed my skateboard and told mom I was going to the skate park. She believed me and told me to stay safe. I skateboarded to the local Catholic Church and found a priest. I asked him to bless my crucifix, and he did so without asking questions. Why would he? For all he knows, I just want this blessed simply because I want it. I thanked him before I skateboarded to the house.

"God Bless you," he said as I left the church.

As I approached the house, I kept telling myself that what I was doing was for Max. I'm not selfish about this, am I? I shook this thought from my head as I finally arrived at the house. I made my way up the walkway, went up the still creaky stairs, and opened the door.

As soon as I stepped foot into the house, I felt the uneasy presence of the spirits. I ignored them as I headed to the living room to set up. I looked at the spot where Max was after his neck was snapped. I blinked back tears as I kept going. This alone should've made me leave. My gut kept telling me to turn back, but I ignored it. I HAD to do this. I pulled the spirit box out of my bag and held it in my hands. I felt tears well up in my eyes. I felt the presence become stronger, as if it was standing right behind me.

"I know you're here with me," I said, holding back tears, trying my best not to make myself seem more vulnerable than I already was, "I want to ask you some questions. I promise I mean no harm."

As I say this, I felt the presence back off, as if it wanted to listen to me. I first turned on the spirit box and was surprised by how loud it was. Once I got it set up, I began asking the various questions I'd wondered since that night.

"Who are you?" I waited for a response.

James, a voice sounded on the spirit box.

My heart dropped, and I nearly jumped out of my skin. I didn't think I'd get a response, but then again, I'm in a haunted house. I swallowed the lump in my throat before I continued.

"What happened to you, James?"

....

Murdered

"How were you murdered?"

....

Stabbed

"s**t," I said under my breath, "I'm so sorry, James."

I asked him questions about his murder and the other murders. I looked up the murders James mentioned, and they were way more graphic than any of the other deaths within this house's walls. After I asked those, I paused briefly. I had to ask about that night.

"How many of you were present the night my friends and I were there?"

....

4

"Who killed Max?" I anxiously waited for James to respond.

....

Me

That's when the dam broke, and tears flowed freely down my cheeks.

"Why," I sobbed, "he didn't deserve that. Braxton and I didn't deserve to see him die like that. We didn't deserve any of this."

....

Braxton provoke

My crying stopped. What? What did this spirit mean? Provoked? I didn't want to ask this question but, I was already at the house, so.

"Braxton provoked you?" I asked.

....

Yes

"Why? For how long?"

....

Three weeks

Three weeks?! Braxton came to this house for three weeks and pissed off the spirits here. A million thoughts raced through my mind before my heart sank at the sudden realization; he had gotten Max killed. This is all his fault. Why provoke a place you know is haunted?

"Why did he provoke you?"

....

Non-believer

Braxton provoked the spirits because he didn't believe in them? Braxy, you're so stupid.

"Why kill Max, though?"

....

No response.

"Hello?"

....

Please answer me.

"James!"

....

Answer me, dammit!

"Answer me!" I screamed.

Just as I screamed, I was pulled out of the living room. I tried to stand up, but it felt as if someone, or something, was holding me down. I felt a sudden burning sensation on my cheek. I felt blood rolling down my face. Suddenly, I felt my airway being cut off. I was lifted into the air. I couldn't breathe. Black spots began clouding my vision. My heart raced. I clawed at the invisible hands on my neck, leaving marks on my neck that wouldn't be easy to hide.

Get out, a deep voice sounded on the spirit box, don't come back.

I was released, and I fell to the ground, gasping. Air refilled my lungs, and I swallowed, feeling my throat burn. Once I regained my energy, I ran out of the house, abandoning my bag and skateboard. I ran home, running through the door. I ran upstairs, ignoring my mother. I locked my door, dove under my sheets, and cried. All of this is Braxton's fault. If it weren't for him, Max would still be alive. My angered thoughts only made me cry harder. I don't know what I would say to him the next time I saw him. All I knew was that I had a LOT to say. My mind told me that he didn't mean for this to happen. While that may be true, this was still his fault. If he hadn't provoked the spirits, Max would still be alive. So many things raced through my mind; what was I going to say, how was Braxy going to react, and so many other questions. For hours I lay awake, wondering and wondering. It felt like forever when I was dragged into an exhausted sleep.