I've been a huge fan of nyanyanya22's story, They Call Her Ruby,and decided to make my own spiritual sequel. I hope you enjoy it

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The sky over the town of Glamill was dreary and dim from being covered by a thick blanket of clouds. A fine mist had settled over the Skelton Funeral home, giving an eerie look to both the building and the graveyard that it stood in. A large and imposing two story building, with enough room to handle not only the Skelton's Family's business, but also to house the Skelton Family.

Simon, the son of the Skelton Family made his way from his room and made his way into the kitchen. The room was empty, as usual. He walked over to the kitchen table, on top of which was a folded note. He grabbed it and read it aloud to himself

"Simon, your mother and I are traveling to the next town over for business" he read "We'll be back home in time to make supper. Please work on Plot 927. 3 Ft wide by 8 Ft long by 6 Ft deep"

Simon tossed away the note and made himself breakfast. Two fried eggs and two sausages, buttered toast with peach preserves and and a hot cup of his favorite blackberry tea with sage. He crushed the cardboard box that held the tea bags and tossed it into the garbage.

"Last one" he muttered to himself "I'll have to remember to pick some up after work"

After stowing his dirty dishes in the sink, he got dressed. A grey jacket over a black shirt and grey work pants, a black scarf, a pair of black work gloves with the fingertips cut and a tan newsboy cap. It was a fairly simple outfit, save for the one bit of flash he added. A bright white, skull shaped buckle on his belt. Grabbing a shovel from the closet, he made his way to the front door. Stopping only to look at his reflection in the mirror

A sixteen-year-old boy stared back at him. Slightly sunken eyes and cheeks with pale skin and a thin, but deceptively strong, frame. He looked from the mirror to a nearby portrait of his grandfather. According to his parents, with the addition of a mustache, Simon would look just like him.

"Morning gramps" he said to the portrait before opening the front door and stepping through

He was met by a burst of frosty cold wind. He shivered under the brisk air for a moment before hoisting his shovel over his shoulder and setting off through the cemetery. Rows and rows of polished headstones, mausoleums, and statues of angels as far as the eye could see.

He hummed a tune to himself as he made his way to plot number 927. A beautiful section of bright green grass, with the exception of a few browning patches. Right near which there was an older man sitting on a headstone near a pile of dirt and a shovel, drinking from a flask.

"Good morning, Robert" Simon called out to him

Robert looked up and waved "Morning Simon" he said "What brings you out here?"

"My parents asked me to handle the next grave" Simon said "So you can go ahead and go home now if you want."

Robert raised an eyebrow "Are you sure?" he asked "I could do it if you want. I don't mind the extra work"

"It's fine" Simon said as he drove his shovel into the ground and started digging "I like being out here. It's nice."

Robert screwed the top back on his flask, hoisted his shovel over his shoulder and made his way through the graveyard, passing by Simon as he did. He turned back to look at him

"It's strange, you know" he said with a bit of a grin on his face "Most kids your age wouldn't spend their free time doing manual labor in a graveyard."

Simon shrugged "I guess I'm not like most kids my age" he said

Robert chuckled a bit "Like grandfather like grandson, I suppose" he said

He walked off and Simon went right back to work, humming a tune to himself as he drove the shovel in, scooped up the dirt, and tossed it behind him.

Drove the shovel in, scooped up the dirt, and tossed it behind him

Drove the shovel in, scooped up the dirt, and tossed it behind him

Drove the shovel in, scooped up the dirt, and tossed it behind him

Digging a grave, just like his grandfather before him. "There's nobility in hard work, Simon" That's what his grandfather always told him, right up until the day he died. Even after founding his own business, he still preferred to do the grunt work himself. Simon liked the work, but not for the same reasons.

He liked the peace and quiet of the cemetary and the beauty of the grass and trees, even moreso now in the season of autumn as the leaves changed color. A shower of reds, oranges and browns among the green. Sure, the work was satisfying in its own way, but for the most part, the solitude is what he liked the most.

CAAAW CAAAW

Simon looked up from his work to see a crow perched on a nearby crow stared at him for a few moments before taking flight. He watched the bird fly off, sailing through the sky in the direction of the Old McDonnell Mansion. Simon wiped the sweat off his brow as he looked up at the building in the distance.

There it stood, the largest building in town. Once a symbol of regality and social standing, home to the wealthiest family in Glamill. But it was now a crumbling ruin, soulless and empty, home to only the crows and ravens that would flock to the building

Or was it?

There were rumors of someone having moved in some time ago. Whispers spoken of a shadowy figure with bright red hair that could be seen dancing on the rooftop of the mansion. Or pedaling what appeared to be a tricycle. People who got close enough swore they heard a cello being played, or even circus music.

He, like most of the people in town, was curious. But that mansion was a deathtrap, unsafe for anyone to so much as step inside, let alone live inside. As curious as he was, Simon was content to get by with just wondering.

He drove his shovel into the dirt, taking a close look at a thick black line on the handle drawn in marker. It was his way of measuring how far he had dug, and it looked like 3 feet. He was already half way done. He checked his watch, it was a little over two hours since he had started working

"Time flies when you're working hard" Simon thought to himself

Simon pulled himself out of the half-finished grave and stuck his shovel into the pile of dirt "That should do for now' he thought "I'll head to the store now and finish it when I get back"

Simon walked out on the graveyard, and through the path into town. It started as a dirt path, before becoming a cobblestone path as he made his way into town. He looked around at the dingy buildings, most of which had thier windows frosted by the cold air. He made his way into the store, and was greeted by a wave of heat. He passed through the shelves trying to locate his favorite flavor of tea.

"Honey and Vanilla" he read "Chamomile. Peppermint, Red Raspberry, Caramel Apple...ah there we go"

He pulled a purple box from the shelf "Blackberry with sage" he read

He made his way through the shelves up to the counter, greeting the man who stood behind it

"Morning Scot" Simon said

"Morning Simon" Scot replied "You're out early"

"Just came to pick up some tea, if that's OK" he said holding up the box

"Fine by me, son" he said ringing up his purchase "Try and stay warm out there, Simon"

He paid Scot, took his purchase and made his way out the door. He tossed the box of tea up and down in the air as the bell tied to the front door rang.

"Hey, Skullboy" shouted a loud voice, making him drop his tea on the ground

Simon's turned to see a heavyset boy his age dressed in flannel standing up against the building. "Hello Nathan" he said cordially as he bent down to pick up the box "And my name is Simon"

"I know" Nathan said "But you're really thin and your last name is just one letter away from "skeleton" so I think Skullboy suits you better"

Simon rolled his eyes and gave a small sigh, he couldn't even argue because it was true

"It's so strange to see you out of the cemetery" Nathan said "What brings you here?"

"Just picking up some tea" Simon said as he tucked the box of tea into his jacket and straightened his scarf "I'll be on my way back there in just a minute"

"Well I'm glad I caught you then" Nathan said "Me and some of my friends are going to explore some abandoned buildings. Do you want to come?"

Simon raised an a eyebrow curiously. "You're inviting me?" he said in disbelief "Why?"

"Why not?" Nathan asked "I was on my way to meet up with my friends, then I saw you in the store window and thought I'd wait and ask. Simple as that"

Simon thought for a moment and shrugged "I don't know" he said "I have some work I need to finish"

Nathan rolled his eyes "Work?" he said "What kind of work? Digging a grave?"

"Yes" Simon said as Nathan stared at him blankly "No really"

"C'mon" he said "What's so fun about spending time in a graveyard"

"Peace and quiet" Simon said

"Sounds boring to me" Nathan said "You know, even in a tiny town like this you can still find something fun to do. Why don't you step out of the cemetery for a while and come spend some time among the living"

"It sounds like fun" Simon said as he turned to leave "But I really need to get back to work. Maybe some other time."

"What if I said we were going to explore the McDonnell mansion?" Nathan said

Simon stopped and turned around "Why would you want to go in there?" he asked "It's been abandoned for years."

"So are all the other buildings me and my friends have explored" Nathan said "And the McDonnell Mansion might actually be haunted. Don't tell me you aren't just a little curious about what's actually going on in there"

Simon furrowed his brow "Well..." he began "I guess I'm curious but..it seems dangerous, and I still have..."

"Don't tell me you're actually worried about missing work" Nathan said "It's a graveyard. All the dirt will still be there when you get back. And besides, you've already worked today, right?"

"Yeah" Simon said "I'm on break right now"

"All the more reason to come with me" Nathan said "It won't take long and you'll be able to get back with enough time to finish the job "

Simon scratched the back of his head nervously. "C'mon Skullboy" Nathan said with a grin "You know you want to..."

A thick foul smelling mist began to settled around them as their footsteps squelched into the ground. After a few more minutes of walking through the mist, the image of the dilapidated house began to become clear. As well as the image of a few boys, pacing in between the brush.

"Hey guys" Nathan said "Sorry we're late"

There were a few greetings and disinterested waves which Simon returned. Nathan led the group through the soft, smelly, soggy landscape until they arrived at their destination.

The Old McDonells Mansion

"Behold" Nathan said dramatically "The McDonell Estate. A final remnant of Glamill's heyday"

"Here we go" said one of the boys with a roll of his eyes

Nathan spoke at length about the mansion, about it's history, about how it was a long standing symbol of Glamill's past. Completely oblivious to the annoyed and uninterested looks on the faces of his audience.

"He sure likes to hear himself talk" Simon whispered to one boy

"You have no idea" the boy whispered back

"Some people say this place is haunted" Nathan went on "Haunted by the ghosts of the former occupants. While others say its' actually haunted by the ghosts of the workers who died during it's construction. And sometimes...people say they can see the ghost of a girl who died when she fell through the floor. A girl with skin whiter than milk with fiery red hair"

"You mean the Gloom Ghoul?" Simon piped up

"Exactly!" Nathan said "This house is full of mystery and darkness. Just imagine what's inside, waiting to be discovered"

He turned to the group "So" he said "Who wants to be the first to step inside?"

The group of boys said nothing as Nathan looked at them expectantly "Anyone?" he asked as the boys looked around at each other "Anyone at all?" He turned to a scrawny boy with messy hair "How about you, Jeremy?" he asked

He shook his head "Oh come on" Nathan said "You were brave enough to stand in front of the door last week"

"Brave" he said "Not stupid. Standing in front isn't the same as going inside. I'm telling you this place is haunted and I wouldn't be caught dead going in there...pun not intended"

Nathan set his eyes on Simon "So what about you, Skullboy" he asked "Are you brave enough to go inside the mansion?"

Simon crossed his arms, looking at the large and worn looking door through narrowed eyes. "Maybe" he said "But wait...I thought we were going to explore together"

"Oh we are" Nathan said "But don't you think it would make more sense for someone to go in first? Testing the water?"

Simon furrowed his brow as he thought about it "I guess" he said

Nathan put and arm around his shoulder "Just picture it, Skullboy" he said "This mansion has been abandoned for years. People rarely ever go near it, let alone go in. We're gonna be the first group to see the inside in who knows how long...and you...YOU get to be the first one out of the first group"

The other boys made sounds of affirmation, a few of them patted him on the back. Simon rubbed his chin, as far as he knew he wasn't the type to give in to peer pressure, but the prospect was intriguing to say the least. With a shrug of his shoulders, he walked up to the door. He placed his palm on it, as he looked back at the group. Nathan gave him a thumbs up

"Just give it five minutes" Nathan called out to him "After that, come outside and get us"

Simon tightened his scarf, pushed the door open with a loud SQQQQUUUUUNCH and went inside

Simon looked around the old mansion, through dark, dust and quiet creaky noises. Dim, almost gray, light creeping through the windows. He took a deep breath in through his nose, and exhaled. He smelled dust, stagnant water...and sadness. He looked around and the crumbling ruin

"Looks even more uninviting inside than it does outside" Simon thought

He made his way over to a staircase, a candle set on the end of the banister. Gingerly, he reached out and touched the candle with his fingertip. It sank into the waxy surface

"Soft" he thought" And still a bit warm"

Clearly the candle had been lit somewhat recently, so there had to be someone there to have lit it. Simon looked up to see the steps leading up into pitch darkness...

...except for a dim glow could be seen somewhere at the top of the stairs.

Before he knew what he was doing, he was walking up the stairs

CREAK CREAK CREAK CREAK

The weak and wet boards of the wooden staircase creaked loudly as he stepped on them. And the sound echoed in the dark of the house, making it seem even louder

CREAK CREAK CREAK CREAK

Each step seemed to creak louder than the last as he made his way up to the top. But even though he reached the top...

CREAK CREAK CREAK CREAK

...the creaking continued.

He looked around curiously "Where is that coming from?" he thought

CREAK CREAK CREAK CREAK

Simon turned to see a door opened just wide enough for light to peek through the crack. He crept door and gave a quiet gasp at what he saw

CREAK CREAK CREAK CREAK

A girl with skin the color of milk, and a shock of bright red hair. Thin and lithe, she wore a black skirt and top that left the white stripe of her belly exposed. Her slender legs were garbed in gaudy bright red and yellow striped stockings. The room was illuminated by several candles set around the area. The flames flickered and danced, adding only the slightest amount of cheer to the atmosphere. A lump gathered in Simon's throat

"It's her!" he thought "The Gloom Ghoul! She's real!"

CREAK CREAK CREAK CREAK

Simon leaned in closer to get a look at what she was doing, and his mouth moved into a smile. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. The girl was sitting on a rocking horse, rocking herself back and forth on the toy. His eyes flitted around the room, and he could see dolls and puppets in the dim candlelight.

CREAK CREAK CREAK-

The creaking stopped as she suddenly stopped rocking. Her thin, wispy fingers dipped down the front of her top and pulled out a delicate, black lace handkerchief. She lifted the cloth up to her face, and blew her nose with a great, yet oddly cute sounding, honk. She sniffled wetly a few times, before resuming her play on the rocking horse

Simon stared at the figure playing along in the dim light, fascinated if not mesmerized. He heard her give a small gasp. Her breathing quickened for a few seconds before she erupted in a loud and throaty sneeze that echoed in the empty mansion. The force of which snuffed out one of the candles in front of her

"Gesundheit" Simon said before he could catch himself

The girl stopped rocking on her horse and turned to the door "A visitor" she said in a cold and monotone voice "Please come in."

With a trembling hand, he slowly pushed the door open. It's worn hinges creaking loudly enough to echo though the hallway. He walked into the room, his workboots making heavy steps.

THUNK THUNK THUNK THUNK

"Tread lightly" she said "Many of the floors in my home are weak and unforgiving"

Simon gave a small laugh "If the floors are strong enough to support your heels, then my boots shouldn't be a problem" Simon said pointing at the floor near her

The girl stared at him blankly, before glancing down to look at the shoes she had set on the floor beside her rocking horse. They, like the majority of her clothes, were black, sleek and shiny, had long thin and sharp looking high heels. Maybe even sharp enough to pierce the weakening wooden floors.

"Perhaps" she said as she got off the rocking horse and slid her feet into her shoes "But...I am rather light on my feet"

Tip Tap Tip Tap

Her heels made barely audible clicks on the old floors as she walked. Simon's eyes widened just a bit as her thin and lithe figure made its way through the eerie candlelight with hardly a sound. She was flowy and graceful, moving like a leaf on the breeze

"Maybe she's really a ghost" Simon thought "She sure moves like one"

Once again, she made her way through the room quietly, grabbing the candle she had blown out, and walking up to another candle to light it again. She held the candle near her face, casting a thin glow over her face as her eyes went narrow. He trembled a bit as he could almost feel her gaze scrutinizing him. Before he knew his mouth was moving, he could hear himself ask...

"What's...your name?"

She tilted her head a bit and said "They call me Ruby. Ruby Gloom"

"They?" Simon repeated

She set the candle back down and did a slow sweeping motion with her hand "My dolls and puppets" she said before pointing out the window "The birds that perch on my windowsill. The strange things that follow me around my house...at least...I think those strange things are what speak to me."

She paused as Simon took a step back, a bit nervously "And the Scot the shopkeeper" she finished "And...what's your name?"

"M-my name is Simon. But my...friends...call me Skullboy"

She tilted her head curiously "Skullboy?" she repeated

He rolled up his sleeves revealing his bony arms "Because I'm really thin" he said "And my last name is Skelton and it sounds like Skeleton. So...Skullboy"

She stared at him for a few seconds, though the silence made it seem much longer. "A fitting name, I suppose" she said "You look...familiar. Are you one of those boys who stands outside my home every so often?"

Simon rubbed the back of his neck nervously "No" he said "I don't usually come out this far, but some of the other neighborhood boys convinced me to come with them today"

Ruby silently made her way over to a the dim candlelight, he could just barely see the shape of a strange device. It was an antique brass telescope. She bent down to look through it "Strange" she said "I don't see anyone else outside"

Ruby stepped away from the telescope and held her hand out to Simon, motioning for him to come closer. There was something enthralling about the way she moved. He walked over to the telescope and looked through it. It was positioned to look right outside into the front yard. But it was completely empty...the boys had left.

Simon pulled away from the device and shrugged his shoulders "Well I was supposed to tell them to come in after five minutes" he said "But I guess they were too scared to come in after me"

He turned back to Ruby, once again flinching under how intense her stare was "A shame" she said "I don't get many visitors"

"Can't say I'm surprised though" Simon said "I mean this mansion is far from the safest place in Glamill"

"We all have places where were feel comfortable" Ruby said "For me, its the darkness of my...of my..."

Ruby sneezed again. She gripped her sides, shivering for a few seconds before standing up straight. In the dim candlelight of the room, Simon thought he could see her white button nose turn pink. Simon furrowed his brow as he looked at her. The red and yellow stockings she wore were one thing, but the thin black dress she was wearing couldn't possibly have kept her very warm in such a drafty house on a cold day.

"You don't seem very comfortable" Simon said "You seem like you could use a hot cup of tea and a blanket"

Ruby stared at him, making him flinch a bit. There was something oddly intense about the inky black pools that were her eyes. You could get lost in them, as they seemed to go on forever.

"I suppose I could" she said with a soft sniffle

"Well I can't help you with the blanket" Simon said as he reached into the pocket of his jacket and pulling out the box "But I just got tea some at the store before coming here. Would you...like me to make you a cup?"

Ruby tilted her head a bit "A cup of tea by the fireplace sounds...lovely" she said "Just let me put out the candles"

She made her way back across the room, over to a window and slowly opened it. A gust of frosty air rushed into the room, snuffing out every candle and plunging the room into near total darkness. Simon blinked in confusion

"How did you just do that?" he asked

Ruby shut the window and looked back at him "I opened the window" she said "Would you like me to demonstrate again?"

Simon suppressed a laugh "Never mind" he said

Ruby took his hand, making him twitch a bit "If she's not a ghost" Simon thought "Then she's bound to become one soon! Her hand is freezing!"

Ruby led Simon back down the stairs, over to the kitchen and pointed at the cabinets "The kettle is up there" she said "And the teacups and utensils are above the sink. Please get them while I prepare the fireplace"

Simon headed into the kitchen, up to the cabinet and took out a copper tea kettle. Then moved over to the sink and filled the kettle with water. Once he reached up to open the cabinet above the sink, a small, misshapen lump of black felt out and hit the floor. Curious, Simon picked it up and examined it

"It looks like one of the dolls she had in her room" Simon thought "Sorta looks like a rabbit"

He grabbed two teacups from the cabinet, the now filled kettle from the sink, and held the doll under his arm as he made his way out of the kitchen, across the hall, and into the living room. He looked over to see Ruby kneeling by the fireplace.

She held a poker in one hand, and placed a small iron grate in the fireplace with the other. She stoked the flames until they grew just enough to fill the space beneath the grate and cast a warm glow over the area

"Hand me the kettle, please" Ruby said without turning around "You can put the cups on the table by the chairs"

Simon glanced behind him to see two high backed, Victorian era chairs and a small table nearby facing the fireplace. Simon held the kettle out so Ruby, still facing the fireplace, could take it by the handle and place it on the grate. She turned to look at Simon as he set the cups and spoons on the table, the flames setting an eerie glare over her face. Her eyes widened a bit at the sight of the black lump Simon was holding

"What do you have there?" she asked

"I don't really know" Simon said placing the teacups on the table "It fell out of the cabinet when I went to get the teacups"

Simon held out the lump of felt so that Ruby could look at it. She gave a small gasp, walked over to him, took the lump and cuddled it to her chest

"Mr. Buns" she said "So that's where you've been hiding. I've been so worried. What have I told you about playing Hide and Seek without telling me?"

She looked down at the doll, as if expecting it to speak "That's right" she said "It's not Hide and Seek if you're hiding but no one is seeking. So don't scare me like that again"

Simon suppressed a smile as he saw the girl kiss her doll on top of its head. The both sat down in their chairs, watching the flames and listening to them crackle and burn as they waited for the water to come to a boil. Simon glanced over at Ruby, who was now cradling her stuffed animal in her arms, rocking it back and forth like a newborn. He smiled to himself at the sight as a shrill sound began to fill the air

FWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEE

The high pitched whistle of the tea kettle filled the air, echoing throughout the empty mansion. Ruby flinched, covering her ears with her hands as Simon got up to grab the kettle from the fireplace

"Well that didn't take very long" Simon thought

He sat back down, placed the kettle on the table by the cups, then pulled the box of tea from inside his jacket. Placing a tea bag in each cup, he poured the hot water into them, dashing the tea bags up and down in the water until the tea had been made. Ruby picked up her cup with trembling hands

"So warm" she said as wisps of steam rose from the cup

Simon held out his teacup and tapped it against Ruby's, making a pleasant CLINK sound

"Cheers" Simon said as he lifted the teacup to his lips

The hot liquid rolled down his throat like lava down the side of a mountain. He looked over the rim of his cup to see Ruby lift her cup up to her face and deeply inhale the tea's aroma. She took a sip of tea and, even in the dim light from the fireplace, he could see her body shuddering as the hot liquid filled her belly with warmth.

"Tart yet sweet" she said "And it has a sort of...minty flavor at the end"

"Blackberry with sage" Simon said "Do you like it?"

"It's delicious" she said taking another sip

They sat there sipping their tea for a few minutes, the only other sound in the room was the crackling of the fireplace. Simon didn't talk to people very often, but something made the silence here a bit uncomfortable. He glanced over at Ruby, who had her eyes fixed on the fire in front of them.

"Most people wouldn't like to live in an old place like this" Simon said

"I am not like most people" Ruby said flatly before taking another sip of her tea "And as I understand it...neither are you. Being a gravedigger at your age."

Simon nearly dropped his cup. He stared at her, looking surprised "How...how did you know I'm a gravedigger?"

"I just remembered why you seem so familiar" she said before taking another sip of tea "In the daytime I like to watch the birds with my telescope. Rooks, crows, ravens gathering in the trees or taking flight. But I also like to watch other things. Storm clouds gathering over the horizon, the setting sun as night begins to fall..."

She set her cup down "...and sometimes I like to watch you" she said "Digging graves working amongst the headstones and statues. There's something so...admirable about it. When I watch the graveyard I see many people digging graves, but you're the only one of your age that I've ever seen."

Simon shrugged "Well I come from a long line of morticians" he said "It's practically a family tradition. And besides, I like it down in the graveyard. With nothing but headstones and dead people around, it's really peaceful and quiet"

CAAAW CAAAW

Simon twitched a bit as a crow fluttered down from the rafters and settled down on the back of Ruby's chair. She looked up at the bird as it twittered and hopped in place.

"Yes it does sound relaxing" she said to the bird "But I suppose you would know, wouldn't you Edgar? I see you down there all the time too."

The crow fluttered over to the back of Simon's chair, staring at him for a few moments before taking off into the rafters. As Simon watched the crow take flight, he looked up and around at the room. With the fire going, there was a warm glow filling the area. And it made the room seem far less...dismal and uninviting. There was a sort of calm to the room now. Simon sank back into the chair, making it creak a bit.

"Y'know I'm starting to see what you mean" Simon said "About feeling comfortable here. I mean it's dark and cold...but it's...it's..."

"Solitary?" Ruby said before taking another sip of tea "One is a lonely number, but some people are happier on their own. People like me...and you. But I suppose there's nothing wrong with having companionship every so often."

"I guess Misery loves company" Simon said with a small laugh

Ruby turned to him, eyes looking as deep and intense as before. Simon laughed nervously. "I guess all that time in the graveyard hasn't helped my sense of humor"

"To the contrary" Ruby said "I found that remark very amusing." She motioned to her pale face, on it was a frown. But there seemed to be a...brightness in her eyes didn't match the frown "This is my smile" she said

Simon suppressed a laugh "And this is mine" he said smiling before draining the last of the tea in his cup and placing it on the table "The graveyard has a serene charm all it's own, you know. If you like it up here, then you may like it down there too."

"Perhaps I'll pay you a visit next" Ruby said

"I wouldn't mind that" Simon said "But for now, I should probably head back there. I have a grave to finish digging."

He made his way out of the room, only to stop and turn back around "But before I forget..." he said

He untied his scarf from around his neck and walked up to Ruby "What are you..." Ruby began to ask

With a sweeping motion of his arms, he draped his scarf around her neck and tied it in a firm, but loose enough to be comfortable, slipknot "You probably need this more than I do" he said "Stay warm now, Ruby"

And with that, Simon left the McDonell Mansion

xxx

A few hours later Simon was finishing up work on the grave. He stuck his shovel in the pile of dirt, and propped himself up against the headstone. Looking in the direction of The McDonell mansion. As a frosty wind blew by, he shivered as he rubbed his bare neck with his palm.

"What a day it turned out to be" Simon thought to himself "Who'd have guessed I'd have tea with the Gloom Ghoul of Glamill. No one would ever believe it"

Staring off into the distance, he didn't notice the group of teenaged boys just outside the graveyard staring at him

"See" Nathan said "What did I tell you. He's just fine"

The boys made their way down the town's cobblestone pathway, chatting amongst themselves

"I still think it was kind of a mean prank, Nathan" Jeremy said

"Aw c'mon " he said "Skullboy only had to go inside for five minutes. And besides, you thought it was funny when we did it to Adam last week "

"But that was the old school building" Jeremy went on "It's only been closed down for a year. The McDonnell mansion has been falling apart for decades. What if he had gotten hurt?"

"All I said was that he had to stay inside for five minutes." Nathan said "Not to explore. Besides, you saw for yourself that he was fine. What's there to be afraid of...heh...you didn't think the Gloom Ghoul got him, did you?"

The other boys kept quiet as they made their way past the town store " Don't tell me you guys actually believe that dumb story" Nathan said "A ghost girl who haunts the McDonnell mansion. The mysterious figure with bright red hair and skin paler than moonlight playing a cello or riding a tricycle. I can't believe you guys actually believe all that...guys..."

Nathan looked back to see his group of friends, standing in front of the town store's window "Hey guys" he said as he came over to "What's going on? What are you all looking..."

Nathan looked through the window. His voice caught in his throat, and his jaw dropped. He rubbed his eyes so hard his vision blurred for a few seconds, but they weren't deceiving him. In the store was a slender, red haired girl in a trim black dress, wearing bright red and yellow striped stockings.

She drifted through the shelves placing a few things in her basket. Soup. Crackers. Garlic Powder. Matches. Tea. Pausing only for a moment or two in order to sneeze or blow her nose. Soon she was at the front counter where Scot could ring up her groceries. Scot looked her up and down

"You're looking a bit pale" he said "Well...paler than usual. Feeling under the weather, Ruby?"

"A bit" she said dabbing at her nose with her handkerchief

Scot looked at the box of tea curiously "Blackberry with sage?" he said "Not many people buy this flavor"

"Perhaps it's an acquired taste" Ruby said "But I find it...enjoyable"

She paid for her groceries and made her way out of the store. She stopped when she got outside, her large soulful eyes fixed on the group of boys at the window. Specifically on Nathan. He stared at her, slack jawed and wide eyed. She opened her mouth to speak, but her lips only quivered for a moment before letting out a loud sneeze with such force the entire group of boys jumped backwards.

She blew her nose gently and sniffled "It's rude to stare at a girl " she said coldly "Especially one who's not feeling well"

The group of boys huddled together, hiding behind Nathan "We're sorry" Jeremy said "We...we've just never seen you before..."

Ruby looked at the group of boys, tilting her head "I've seen you before though" she said in the same chilling tone "You're the group of boys who I see standing outside my home every so often"

The boys took a few steps back, and few of them gulped nervously. They stood in silence under the girls gaze until a frosty wind blew past them all. She clutched at her scarf, catching Nathan's attention for a moment

"That..." he thought "That looks like..."

"So cold" she said as she dabbed at her now running nose

She turned to leave and had gotten just a few steps away before Nathan spoke "Wait" he said "That scarf...where...where did you get it?

The girl slowly turned back around, her eyes locked onto his as she said two words

"From Skullboy"

The blood drained from Nathan's face, and he fell backwards onto his rear end, watching the girl walk away

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