Chapter 3: Past lives
Scratch was sitting with all other sick ghosts, waiting for the doctor to call his name. It has been 2 hours and still it wasn't his turn. That was the most annoying part of the doctors. To have and wait for hours, it can sometimes make you lose your mind. But at least now he had some time to think about what's happening with him. He kept hearing voices in his head, he had terrible nightmares and visions and he was turning into a shadow. He has never seen anything like this before...
''Next!'' The doctor said.
It was finally Scratch's turn. He went inside the doctor's office and sat on the chair.
''Oh, It's you, Scratch. Having problems once again? What is it this time?'' The doctor asked.
''Well you see doc, I have... Nightmares, visions and sometimes I start to transform into something shadowy.'' Scratch explained.
The moment he said this, the doctor looked worried. A ghost can't just turn into a shadow, so there could be only one thing causing that...
''Oh no, that's not good... Turning into a shadow is called corruption...'' The doctor said.
''WHAT?" Scratch screamed.
A ghost corruption was something... Dangerous. It turned ghost into a horrifying creatures that were making people and ghost's lives miserable.
''Yeah it's very bad... Sorry can't help you with that one'' The doctor said as she grabbed Scratch and made him leave.
''WHAT? WOAH, WOAH, WOAH THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING I CAN DO!'' Scratch said.
''Well this is beyond my ways. I don't even know how corruption works. The only one who can help you is a shaman''
''Shaman? Is that still a thing?'' Scratch asked.
''It is. Only they understand how ghost corruption works. Anyways I have some work to do, bye'' The doctor said as she pushed Scratch from her office.
Once again this doctor didn't helped him at all...
...
Scratch was back in Molly's room as he was trying to realize what was happening with him. He himself couldn't belive he was corrupting. In the ghost world, corruption is taken as very serious and dangerous disease that really can transform any ghost into a monster...
''Scratch! Where were you the whole day?'' Molly asked.
Scratch didn't even saw Molly is behind him. He didn't wanted to leave Molly and Libby like that, but this was too serious to be ignored. But he didn't wanted to tell her...
''Uhhh I wasn't feeling well today, so I had to visit the doctor.'' Scratch said.
''Oh. So are you better now?'' Molly asked.
''Uhhhh yeah, 100 percent! But I don't know if I'm coming to the party tonigh''
''WHAT? Scratch you have to come! We promised Libby, we all will be there!'' Molly said.
Scratch was getting little annoyed by Molly. He said he doesn't want to and she still forces him to come...
''Ughhhhhh, should I? I mean most of the time, I will be invincible around her mom and Andrea, so what's the point anyway? I can just sit here and watch my favorte movie of all time Casper!''
Molly didn't liked what Scratch said. When he was alive, he wasted his entire life sitting in his house, refusing to go on adventures with Adia. And now he wants to spend his afterlive sitting and doing nothing? She is not gonna let that happen!
''Oh come on Scratch, it will be fun! There will be games, Ollie will be there and of course, there will be plenty of food!'' Molly said.
''As I said Moll, I don't know! If I'm too tired, I'm not going. GET OVER IT!''
This is when an idea hit Molly. She knew this will definitely work.
''Awwwww looks like someone is grumpier than usual. Wanna cuddle it out?'' Molly asked with a smile.
''No I don't want to... Well... Maybe, I don't know...'' Scratch said thinking about it.
''Awwwww of course you want! Come here buddy!'' Molly said as she embraiced him in a tight hug.
Cuddling aways relaxed Scratch. When he was having a bad day, or was little grumpier than usual, Molly cuddling him aways helped. It reminded him of the times when his mom used to cuddle him...
When Molly hugged him, she and him layed down on her bed, as she was hugging him calm and gently.
''This isn't gonna help me at all Molly...'' Scratch said.
''Aww it will. It aways does'' Molly said.
He knew this time this won't help him, but after few minutes he was starting to feel relaxed and even little sleepy. He never knew how, but this aways happened when Molly was cuddling him. It was like she was born to relax people.
''O-Ok... This... Feels nice'' Scratch said
Molly smiled at him when he said this.
''Of course buddy. Just let all your problems fly away. I'm aways here for you'' Molly said.
''How... How are you aways doing this to me...'' Scratch asked as he was struggling to keep his eyes open.
''It's my curse! When Darryl was 9, he used to have alot of nightmares and it was impossible to make him go to sleep. So I had to cuddle him, so he can go to sleep every night'' Molly said.
Scratch was now on the verge to fall asleep. The way they were laying and the way Molly was cuddling him gently was really relaxing.
''So what exatcly was the problem today, that you had to visit a doctor?'' Molly asked.
''D-Doesn't matter...'' Scratch said.
''Awww come on sleepy head, you can tell me'' Molly said jokingly.
She was finding it so cute how tired and sleepy he was. He was trying his best to keep his eyes open, but he couldn't. It was just looking so cute!
''Trust me Moll... You don't wanna know... You... don't wanna... know...'' Scratch said as he closed his eyes.
Molly was smiling at him when he finally fall asleep. She didn't knew what exatcly happened with him today, but she didn't want to force him to say it, if he doesn't want to. She just wanted to let him rest for now.
''You don't wanna know... You don't wanna kn-
''Shhhhhh... We have few hours before Libby's birthday party, so we can rest for now. Juuuust... Rest...'' Molly said.
She was also starting to feel sleepy and tired, so she closed her eyes, as they both fall asleep...
...
It was now 6PM and Libby was preparing everything for her small party. She didn't want to wear some special clothes, so she just kept her regular green sweater. And also the other reason was because, the sweater covers up her wound...
She tried everything to make it disappear. She secretly bought healing products and creams, but nothing worked. In fact, the pain became even worst. She had to force herself to be aways happy around her mom, or if she feels sad and anxius, the wound will start to hurt her...
While she was waiting for Molly and the others to come, Libby heared her mom being angry about something in the other room. Whatever it is, it can't be good, because she sounded really angry...
''What do you mean your trip to Brighton is canceled?'' Leah asked.
Libby was behind her and saw her mom arguing on the phone with someone...
''Matias, you can't be actually serious! Do you have any idea how excited Libby was? WHAT AM I SUPPPOSED TO TELL HER NOW? MATIAS I'M SICK AND TIRED OF YOU! AWAYS WHEN LIBBY THINK YOU WILL CHANGE, YOU AWAYS MANAGE TO HURT HER! YOU KNOW WHAT, WHY DON'T YOU JUST GO F-
Before Leah could finish, Matias closed the phone. Like every other yeat, he will once again not show up on Libby's birthday. Libby was heartbroken when she realized this... She knew her dad may never change, but she still belived that he will want to come back to the family again... But she realizedhe basically just isn't part of it anymore
Now she was sitting on the chair of the table, knowing she wasted entire week of hope for nothing... She was excited to celebrate her birthday, but now she just wanted to go in her room and cry herself to sleep. Just when she was thinking about this, her mom showed up, placing the other decorations.
''You know what, those yellow turtle decorations Molly made are actually really cute'' Leah said.
''Dad isn't coming, is he...'' Libby asked with sad look.
The moment Libby asked this, Leah realized she heared the whole conversation... She couldn't belive Matias can be so cold hearted towards Libby. However Leah couldn't let him ruin her daughter's birthday.
''I... I'm sorry turtledove, but... Yes... He isn't coming. Don't let that fool ruin your special day, you will have alot of fun with all your friends!'' Leah said.
Libby knew how fun it will be, but she couldn't belive her dad hated her that much... She aways thought her dad was just busy, but she realized he probably never loved her. This is when she started to tear up...
''I just... I just wanted him to visit me at least once... It's not fair! I don't know why he hates me so mu-
This is when she felt that agonizing and brutal pain in her chest... She knew what's gonna happen if she gets emotional, but it was just impossible to keep her sadness hiden... She collapsed on the ground as she started to cry and scream from the pain...
''LIBBY!'' Leah screamed as she rushed to her daughter's side.
Leah hugged her and tried to calm her down, but the pain was agonizing... Libby knew she have to calm down if she wants the pain to stop.
''I'm... I'm alright... It's just a broken heart...'' Libby said as she wiped her tears away.
''Don't worry Libby. Mommy is here... I will aways be here for you...'' Leah said.
...
It has been few hours and the party was in full swing. Molly and Ollie's parents were there and everyone was having fun... Except Libby. Since the begining she barerly talked and was so... Isolated.
''Hey fan-dreas! I'm here at the local ''Book Marks the spot'', home of my friends and birthday girl Libby Stein-Torres! Spoiler alert: my gift for her is a free vacation passes to Sunny Land and three additional tourist attractions of her choice! Also a beautiful dress colored in turtle's green, since she loves turtles!'' Andrea said while she was live straming from her phone.
Ollie, Molly and Scratch were laughing and talking to each other.
''And then Adia dropped her sandwich in the lions's cage and they had HUGE fight over it. At the end we got banned from the zoo'' Scratch said.
''Oh sweet baby corn that was probably very embarrasing. You really had alot of fun while you guys traveled'' Molly said.
''I'm enjoying the party, but are all Libby's parties turtle decorated?'' Ollie asked.
''Oh yes, all of them! She is a huge fan of turtles. You should have seen her Bat Mitzpha. Before Scratch added actual bats...'' Molly said.
Scratch was eating pretzels and again... Their taste wasn't right...
'''Hey as far as Libby knows, that was your doing. And seriusly who brings not salted pretzels to a party? Speaking of which, where is the birthday girl anyway?'' Scratch asked.
''Yeah, I haven't seen her since the begining of the party'' Ollie added.
Molly also realized how little she saw Libby the whole night. She looked around and saw Libby sitting quietly eating her piece of cake, all by herself.
''I'll get her. Be right back!'' Molly said.
Molly walked right up to Libby and sat by her side. This is when she noticed the sad look in Libby's eyes... She didn't know what was going on, since Libby was so excited about her party...
''Hey Libby... So how is your cake?'' Molly asked with a smile.
''Well... Sweet... I guess...'' Libby said.
The way how sad Libby was talking really was making Molly to feel bad for her. She couldn't let her be sad! Especially on her birthday! She placed her hand on Libby's shoulder.
''That's good to hear... Libby what's wrong? Everyone is here and it's a small party, just as you'd like it. Why are you missing your special day?'' Molly asked.
Libby was on the verge to tear up again, but she knew what's gonna happen if she did... She putted her cake down...
''My dad... He said he will come to my birthday, but once again he lied...'' Libby said.
Now Molly realized why Libby was so sad. She remembered the time when Libby visited her dad and he told her, he will make his book into trilogy. The whole week, Libby was sad, but Molly reminded her how much she and her mom loved her...
''Ohhh... I'm so sorry Libby... But you still have us! Come on Libby, you can't waste that special moment, just becauase of him.'' Molly said.
''All I wanted was just my dad to visit me once... But I guess he never loved me... I'm not in the mood to celebrate, I'm going to bed'' Libby said.
''What? Libby come on, you were so happy today... I'm sure he is just busy, of course he loves you!''
''He never showed it... At all...'' Libby said as she walked away to her room.
Molly was feeling very bad for Libby. Becuase of her father, Libby was now missing her own birthday... Molly wanted to help her somehow, but even she didn't know how to fix this. Should she talk with Libby's mom about this? This is when Scratch appeared right next to her.
''Hey Moll did you know... Wait a minute where is Libby?''
''Her dad was supposed to come, but he didn't... She was so sad about that, she went to her room... I don't know what to do Scratch... I aways manage to cheer her up, but this time I really don't know how to help her... There has to be some way...'' Molly said.
''Really? Ugh dear God, you've got to be kidding me. Wait here, I'll go talk with her''
''What? Scratch this isn't a g-
Scratch placed his hand on Molly's mouth before she can say anything else.
''Trust me. I know what I'm doing'' Scratch said.
...
Libby was ready to go to sleep. She was still thinking if she should go back and celebrate, but she really didn't have the energy... All she wanted was to see her dad, but once again he didn't come...
'''What ya doing Libster?'' Scratch asked.
Libby jumped back when she heared Scratch behind her.
''Scratch? Why are you here?''
''Well Molly told me what happened. Feeling down about you dad, huh?'' Scratch asked.
''Terrible... Everytime when I think he will come he never shows up...'' Libby said sad.
This is when Scratch decided to try something... Normally he will never talk about that, but he knew that was the only way to make Libby feel better. He sat on her bed right next to her.
''Yeah... Trust me I know how it feels like'' Scratch said.
This is when Libby looked at him confused.
''You do?''
''Yeah my dad... Wasn't the best dad too... For him the most importand thing was his work... Nothing was more importand, only work, work AND WORK! The only good thing about my life was... My mom... She was the only real parent I had... So what I know is that some people are just not born to be parents. And the best thing you can do about it is to just forget about them. Seriosly, just focus on the people who actually love and care about you and don't waste your energy on deadbeats''
Libby was touched by Scratch's words. She never knew that Scratch will actually make her feel better one day, but he did. She embraiced him in a tight hug.
''Thanks Scratch! I will focus on the people who care about me...''
Scratch hugged her back.
''Yeah, yeah. Now come on, you have a birthday to celebrate''
Libby freed him and she got up, with more energy than ever.
''Oh also Libs... Can you please not say to Molly, what we talked about?'' Scratch asked.
''Don't worry. I won't'' Libby said with smile.
...
While Molly, Andrea and Ollie were talking, Libby finally showed up with a big smile on her face.
''Hey guys. Sorry that I disappeared like that...''
''Uhhhh no problem. Are you feeling better?'' Molly asked worried.
''Yep. Much better! Wanna play pin a shell on the turtle?'' Libby asked.
''Oh yes! This will be fun!'' Ollie said.
As Libby, Andrea and Ollie walked away, Molly was standing there more confused than ever... This is when Scratch appered next to her...
''Wha... Scratch... How?'' Molly asked.
''Sometimes Moll, enhappifying doesn't work. You have to understand peop-
This is when he felt the pain and rage coming out... This was bad... REALLY, REALLY BAD! He knew he had to get out of here fast...
''Uhhhhh sorry Moll, but I am on the verge to fall asleep... I gotta go back home, have a great time, bye...''
Before Molly could say anything, Scratch flew away as fast as he could...
...
He was outside turning into a shadow and feeling that rage...
No... No, no, no... Come on Scratch! Relax! Just relax! Everything will be alright!
He turned normall again... This was even worse... He knew this will be very hard, but he knew he have to find a shaman very soon... Before he becomes corrupted...