The Ghost Helper

1.2: First Encounter

After class, I went straight to a part-time job at a convenience store where I am working.

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 who is assigned in 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 whom I don’t know where they're 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 a lazy ass, I prefer to ride my bike to arrive faster.

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 open it again. I immediately look back on the road, keeping my focus. Suddenly, the cold wind blew, it gives me chills causing my hair at the back of my nape to stand.

Geez! It so cold! I should get there as soon as possible.

When I arrived in my work, I parked my bike first. I even saw outside the store that many people was lining up.

Well, it's rush hour. This is already expected.

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

Wow. Pretty girls.

I thought something silly so, I smiled. But, I quickly became frustrated with my thoughts—stupid thoughts, perhaps.

Girls hunt, huh? The hell, I don't even know how to flirt.

‘I am reminding you Carl Francis that you have a work, stop being and idiot.’ My brain reminded.

Alright.

I blew a breath and rolled my eyes.

I walk towards the door, but, there's a girl who grabbed my attention. The girl at the back with somehow wierd appearance.

Oh, she's not a chick either! Yes, she's attractive from afar—maybe. But there's this aura in her—the word ‘creepy’ is even more appropriate to call if you will describe her.

I bent a little, trying to look at her face closely. But I can't still see clearly.

My forehead furrowed with confusion. Is she a robot or something? Is she on period? Cramps? Why she's not moving? She's like a statue there—

"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 friends.

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

Wait, what?! Where is she?

Then I just realized what kind girl she is.

A ghost again! Argh, annoying!

I let out a breath and then pushed the door, entering the office.

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

But instead, he didn't say a word and kept typing on his computer, like he never heard me at all.

Later on, he looked up and smiled.

He held out a hand.

Uhm, okay? What to do? Is he asking for a five peso?

I move from my seat and wiggle my eyebrows slightly. My face went sour.

Uh, what am I supposed to do?

I scratched my neck and said, "Boss?"

He chuckled with my reaction. Like he was amused or something. He shake his before he spoke, "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 to thanked him.

What a blessing!

I immediately went out from office and announce the good news with my friends.

“Oh, really? Good job! You should treat me later," said by Nicky who's wiggling her brows.

I just laugh. Haha! Lmao, you wish!

I need to save for our household expenses and even for my studies as well. As you all know, my family needs me the most.

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. Boss may take back what he said earlier. I really can’t agree with that.

Money is my life.

When my shift was over, I said goodbye to them. I take off my uniform and put them in my bag. I also wiped off the sweat from my face, it's dripping so bad. I put my bag slung over my shoulder and turned to them. I waved to them once more, they just wave back.

Finally.

As I am walking with my bike, I felt tired. I first thought of hanging out in the park for a while to chill and rest. 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 a moment and embrace the breeze. It's really a 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.

Enchanting.

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 suddenly felt nervous.

The—wait? Why is it smell so bad?

My heart beats erratically while I'm scanning the whole place. Trying to figure out 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 and stressed. I took a deep breath again, but still, I'm 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.

I started 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 witness. Jesus!

When I reached our home, I thanked God for saving my life.

Phew! 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 you ran so fast. You can even win the triathlon!

Right. Don't be scared. It didn't follow you.

"It's just a ghost!" I convinced myself as I was catching 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 closed my eyes tightly to remove the image of that female ugly ghost. But, every time I tried, I remember it again and again. D*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 in total despair.

Why I'm so unlucky!

Ahhhh!

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

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

-

As I laid into my bed, I feel like I don't have soul anymore. I grabbed 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.

Keep calm—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 who's been pestered all the time because I can see them!

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

I frustratedly off my phone and closed my eyes. This week is a hell for me. Good thing I finished my tasks beforehand so I don't have activities to catch! I'm so stressed with those ghost! They didn't stop following me around.

I sighed with too much frustration.

Huh! They just don't know how annoying it is—

Shhh. Enough, Carl. Alright.