The Haunted Mansion

by Heaven The Angel

A new caretaker has decided to take care of an old mansion rumored to have ghosts inside, hoping to get rid of his fears. Little does he know that he was unofficially chosen by one of the pesky ghosts in the mansion to be its 'protector'. But, when something actually does go wrong, the cowardly human has to team up with the ghosts in order for both the living and dead to survive.

1. Prologue

Have you ever seen a Haunted House?

You know the kind I mean: That old dark house that's usually at the end of a dimly lit street. The owners haven't been seen for years. No one really knows why. The windows are broken and boarded, and the shutters hang loose on their hinges. The trees have grown wild, their branches brush against the withering house, making strange noises in the night. There's a high vine-covered fence around the property. Is it there to keep somebody out? Or is it there to keep something inside? It's a house that people avoid walking past at night. Strange sounds come from within the halls. It is said that eerie lights have been seen both in the attic windows, and in the graveyard at the side of the house.

His story will revolve around this mysterious mansion.

Ricky McCaren was not like the other kids…or adults for that matter. The other kids in his class would either play with action figures or play fun children's games, like 'Hide and Go Seek'. In the summer, the children would also usually play pranks on other people, especially in the night.

But Ricky was…different.

Unlike all the other children in town, he actually listened to his teacher and read books, which ultimately lead him into being the laughing stock of the school. In recess, he was always the victim of those pranks that the kids do, which he never liked, mostly because they would ultimately lead to nightmares that same day. Ricky was more about…being safe. Strange thing is it didn't change until he graduated from high school.

Of course, Ricky needed money, so he needed to look into as many jobs as he could. He tried, cashier, janitor, pizza guy, technician, security guard…none of them lasted for at least 2 days. But soon enough…Ricky would eventually come across a job entitled 'caretaker'. Clueless, Ricky chose to accept the job as caretaker of an old, Victorian mansion in his home in New Orleans. Ricky thought this would be easy enough, and plus it would pay him a lot of money so he'll be able to take care of himself. Plus, this might be his chance to learn some bravery skills. 'How is he going to do that at some old mansion?' You ask.

Well, Ricky heard some…rumors.

People have been talking about Gracey Manor for decades now, claiming that it was haunted with ghoulish spirits of deceased people from centuries ago, including the owner of the mansion, Master Gracey. It is even rumored that the ghosts have a large party in the graveyard at night. That is why people always tried to avoid Gracey Manor as much as possible…And Ricky was about to WORK there.

It was alright though; this time, Ricky was ready. All he needed was a lantern and at least 1% of confidence. Sure, he was about to spend every night in a spooky mansion all by himself, but after a while, he's sure he will get used to it…sooner or later. And plus, if he hears some strange noises, he could always go into the mansion for protection.

…Protection?

…If only he had known.