I returned home from the malt shop to find the house was empty. I pulled out my house key and unlocked the door before stepping inside and shutting out the slightly chilly air. I dropped my coat and bag by the door and continued my walk through the empty house with the yearbook tucked under my arm. There was a note on the kitchen table explaining where my dad and Teresa had gone. On a date for the night no surprise there. I walked over to the fridge tossing a glance over my shoulder as I did so. Of course, no one was there except maybe Shaggy who'd yet to make an appearance. I opened the freezer compartment and pulled out the mint chocolate chip ice cream. I scooped my delicious snack into a fancy glass bowl and sat down ready to dig in.

It was as I was eating that Shaggy made his appearance. I took a moment to compare the ghost in front of me to the picture in the yearbook beside me. Same dusty blonde hair, same brown eyes, same smile. Heck, even the outfit was the same the only difference was that he was transparent with a slight glow around him. He spoke before I could say anything.

"Hello, Diana how was school?"

"Boring as always," I chuckled.

"I remember being bored in school too but I'd love to go back now," Shaggy responded wistfully.

"Why is that?"

"Um, Hello? You're talking to the ghost of a sixteen-year-old,"

"Oh, my bad,"

Shaggy laughed before replying I found I quite enjoy his laugh.

"It's okay,"

"So what was life like before the incident?"

"Wonderful"

…...

Several years earlier.

Ten-year-old Shaggy was snuggled under his blue Commander Cool themed covers dreaming of a valley full of gingerbread when he was woken up by a few licks to the face. Opening one eye he could only see a mass of brown fur that proved to be Scooby-Doo. Shaggy groaned as he turned away from the eager dog. He closed his eyes again in an attempt to return to the glorious gingerbread dream he'd been enjoying. Scooby, however, had other plans for him. The young great dane launched himself on to his master's bed with an excited bark.

"Like, get off before Mom has a cow," Shaggy grumbled pulling the covers over his head.

"But it's Christmas Shaggy!" Scooby protested.

The young boy sat up at the mention of his favorite holiday. A quick glance at his calendar confirmed that it was indeed Christmas day. Excitedly Shaggy threw his covers to the side as he leaped from the bed and headed downstairs. He slid into the den on sock-clad feet and glazed up at the tree. White lights twinkled throughout its branches. At the very top rested the golden star in all its glory. However, that was nothing compared to the giant mound of presents beneath the tree. Shaggy tore his gaze away from the tree to look at the now full stockings that hung from the fireplace. The cookies on the table had been eaten by Santa and in their pace rested a thank you letter. With a sigh, Shaggy fell onto the couch to await his family.

…...

Present.

"Christmas was always my favorite holiday. Scooby and I would both get up and stare at the presents while we waited for everyone else,"

"That does sound wonderful," I agreed with a nod.

"What's your favorite holiday?"

"I like Christmas too"

"My sister and I used to walk through the neighborhood and point out all the best light displays"

"I take it you and your sister were close?"

"Very close, I miss her,"

"I'm sure she misses you as well,"

"Nah, she's probably forgotten about me," Shaggy replied looking at the floor.

"Oh, don't be ridiculous I'm sure she remembers you I know I would,"

"You think so?"

"Yes"

"I wish I knew for sure,"

"Me too Shaggy,"

Shaggy then took notice of the yearbook beside me. He blew the pages open with wide eyes. Shaggy neared the book with caution like he was scared of its presence.

"Where did you find this?"

"In the school library,"

"May I look at it?"

"Be my guest I've got chores to do," I replied rising from the table with my now empty bowl.

As I started my extensive to-do list I was deep in thought. Maybe I could find his sister? I wondered where she was now. Would she talk to me if I found her? Would she believe me if I told her that Shaggy missed her? What was I going to do?