I stared at him in shock, unable to believe that he is real and not just my imagination. The scars on his face were living proof, feeling the rough texture of the old wounds. A smirk made way to his face, danger written all over it as I began to stammer.

"I-I... I..."

"What's wrong baby? Only know one letter in the alphabet?"

No this couldn't be.

"Do you believe in me now?"

My hand fell to my side, taking a few steps away from the monster that stood in front of me who chuckled darkly. "No, no. That's not true, it's so impossible!" I exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger at him, that he was wrong.

The sound of something banging on the wall broke our staring contest. I looked at the door before it swung open, it was one of the workers. Turning around, the monster still stood in front of me, a small smirk gracing his lips. "Ma'am, are you alright?" He asked.

"Can't you see him?"

He furrowed his eyebrows. "Who Ma'am?" I gestured to the ghost, but the man just shrugged helplessly. "I don't know who you're talking about, Ma'am."

What? Seriously?

"You can't see him? Are you kidding me? He's like standing here!" I pointed to where the monster stood.

Shaking his head, he slowly backed away. "Can you just tell me if you have an extra bucket of paint? And where you placed it?" Sighing deeply, I massaged my temples. "It's in here, in there." I pointed at the cabinet below the sink.

"Thank you," He said, walking towards the cabinet and took the cans of paint. He closed it once again and walked away.

Facing the monster, I narrowed my eyes at him. "You're not real. You're just my imagination. Even that man can't see you!" He scoffs, stepping forward.

"He doesn't deserve my presence, but you do."

I grimaced when he grabbed both of my shoulders, pulling me towards his abnormally cold body.

The dead are as cold as ice, feeling nothing. Not happiness, not sadness, not even pain. Nothing.

"Get away from me." I whispered harshly when he leaned forward.

Cold puffs of breath hit my neck as he laughed at my pitiful struggle.

"I'll have so much fun scaring you Lucinda. So much fun." He licked a bold stripe on my cheek, I groaned, disgusted. Dirty bastard. Wiping his saliva away, he disappeared in a blink of an eye. I scanned the room for any sign of his presence but there was none.

I went towards the sink, turning the faucet on. Washing the remains of his saliva on my cheek, I went out of the kitchen. I climbed up the stairs and went directly to the room where the workers were busy painting. The smell of paint is strong and it irritates my nose, but I'd rather be here than risking another encounter with the monster.

The workers didn't seem to mind my presence, continuing their jobs as if I wasn't around. I stared at them as they pounded a hammer here and another painting the walls white. The image of blood staining it made my skin crawl as I remembered what just happened a few minutes ago.

There should be a way out of this place. We should get out of here.

The time slowly passed by, one of the men removed the old broken windows and replaced it with a new one. The smell of paint slowly subsided, which is good. By the time they were finished, Mom burst through the door with a smile.

"Wow, I can't believe it! It's all done!" Her eyes wandered around the room, admiring the neatly painted walls and new windows. "Everything looks so great! Thank you."

"Don't mention it, Ma'am." One of the workers said, wiping the sweat off of his forehead. "We were just doing our jobs and I'm glad you're happy with the result."

Mother pulled out cash and gave it to them with a smile. "Thank you and I enjoyed having your services."

The man nod and together with his crew, walked out of the room. I joined my mom downstairs as she bid them farewell. My gaze went to a few paper bags sitting at the kitchen counter. Hearing her sigh, I faced my mom once again as she closed the front door. She turn to me and slightly glared.

Great, what did I do now?

"I take it that you didn't try and make a fool out of yourself while I was gone?" I shook my head and she nod hers. "Good." Picking up one paper bag, she handed it to me, "These are toiletries for the bathroom upstairs and I want you to place it there."

I gulped and gave the stairs an uneasy glance. "C-can't it wait until morning?"

Mom cocked an eyebrow. "Why don't you do it now? Don't you prefer to finish a chore and laze around after?" When I didn't move, she snapped. "Now Lucinda!"

Groaning, I went straight up the stairs, slowly climbing up. The hallway was dark and I was tempted to run back downstairs, tell my mother that I don't give two damn things about toiletries. But then again, she'll just snap and bark more orders. I'd rather get this thing done before that monster appears once again or mother yells at me.

I turned on all the lights, flooding the second floor with bright lights, not taking any chances. Reaching the bathroom, I dumped the paper bag on the sink and start to place the toiletries in their designated place. I took the bottle of shampoo and put it beside the soap bar.

"You're such a coward Lucinda." I jumped, probably two feet in the air and clutched my heart in shock. There, the monster stood inside the bath tub, it was filled with dirty blood. He grinned wickedly. "And, I like that."

"Didn't I tell you to stay away from me?" I questioned angrily. Pissed off at the moment.

He smirks darkly. "I'm surprised that you are giving up so easily. Already tired?"

"I am not afraid of you."

"I'm disappointed in you. Giving up when the battle has only yet to begun?" He mischievously laughed, walking towards me in small steps.

"Who said I am giving up?" I shot back, taking cautious steps backwards.

"Really?" He asks, a suspicious glint in his black eyes.

"Yes, I'm not giving up that easily." I hissed, my back hitting the pristine cold walls of the bathroom. He loomed over me, a smirk on his lips. He held out a hand for me to shake, I stared at his hand for awhile.

Should I?

"What's the matter? Backing out now? Why not put it this way. If you win, I'll leave you alone. If I win, I get to torment you forever. Deal?"

I bit my lip in frustration and shook his hand. A huge smile spread across his face, it was scary to look at. That is when he twisted my arm painfully, I let out a gasp as my back is being pressed against his chest.

"Stupid girl, you don't know what you just did." He chuckled, bringing his lips closer to my ear. I cringed. "I'll have so much fun scaring you Lucinda Mackenzie."

He disappeared in a blink of an eye, leaving me with my frustration and pain. My eyes widen as I searched the bathroom for his presence, but there was none. What have I done? I screamed mentally at the decision I just made a few seconds ago.

I just made a deal with the devil himself.

Horrified, I went back down the stairs, feeling no emotion other than fear and shock. Mother didn't questioned me about my silent behavior. She is seems happy about it. After eating dinner, I washed the dishes along with my mother. When she told me we were to sleep here in the living room since the paint upstairs was still wet, I was absolutely relieved.

But I knew I won't be able to sleep soundlessly tonight. Especially when the thought of the monster creeping out on me is constantly in my mind.

"Here's your pillow and blanket," Mom said, handing it over to me. "I'll sleep in the couch. You can sleep on the armchair."

I silently watch the movie playing on the television as mother painted her nails. But when she turned the television off after and fell asleep, sleeping on the armchair seems more like a challenge than it appeared to be. I can't sleep and I am too afraid to go and wake my mother up.

Without another choice, I dropped down to the floor and wrapped the blanket around me protectively. The floor cold and it was dark. Nothing was helping. I closed my eyes tightly and wished that I could fall asleep right away.

I was absolutely happy when I did.

That is when I was suddenly awaken by the sound of the door closing. I removed the blankets around me and sat up, squinting at the sunlight streaming into the windows. I stared at the couch to find it neatly fixed and empty.

Where is mom?

I went straight to the kitchen in hopes of finding her there. Unfortunately, she isn't. Where is she? Catching a piece of paper on the counter, I took it and read the scribbled words on it.

Sighing, I toss the note in the trash bin and proceed to make my breakfast. I took out a slice of bread and peanut butter. I placed the bread into the toaster and waited for it to pop out in a few seconds.

Taking the box of milk out from the new refrigerator, I place it on the counter and took the toasted bread. Spreading peanut butter on top of it, I put it on a plate and got a glass to pour milk into. I was about to eat when I heard something loudly drop just outside the kitchen.

It must be him!

I anxiously waited for him to jump out of nowhere, but he didn't.

I walk out of the kitchen and search for him but there was no sign of him. I went upstairs and washed my face before changing into casual clothes. Walking down the stairs, I went back to eat my breakfast and my eyes widen as I screamed in surprise. Huge hissing roaches crawled over my sand which and a crow's head is floating above my now red milk.

"Like your breakfast? Made it specially for you."

I look up to see him on the ceiling, smirking down at me. "Even my breakfast?" I exclaimed in irritation and he chuckles devilishly before turning into nothing but smoke. He disappeared, again.

Ignoring my ruined breakfast, I decided I needed to stroll around the neighborhood.

He won't be able to go near me in broad daylight, it's a good thing.

I was about to leave, the front door open when I was spun around, my from hitting the door as my back is pressed on something hard and cold.

"And where do you think you're going?" I shivered at the feeling of his cold lips on my neck.

"I-I'm going out." I stammered, he held my hips and tightly squeezed it.

"Why? Be specific darling."

"F-for a stroll. I just w-want to go out for a stroll!" I exclaimed and he pushed me away from him.

"Fine but just remember sweetheart, don't try to escape. I will always find you, hunt you down. It's not only the house. Do you understand?"

His words alone made my body tremble in fear. I nod multiple times before he disappeared and I hurriedly left through the door. The sun immediately touched my skin as I went out, opening the gates and run to the street.

I didn't even bother to lock the gate as I strolled down the sidewalk. Replying his words in my head, I can't help but ponder.

What does he mean by 'it's not only the house'?

I suddenly stopped in my tracks when I heard someone calling out my name. Was it just my imagination? Could it be?

"Lucinda!"

No, I'm not imagining things. I turn to see a red Audi car, the car door opened and a brown haired girl waving at me. I immediately recognize her, heck, I can recognize her from anywhere.

"Ruby! It's you!" I exclaimed in happiness as I ran towards her, smiling like an idiot.