Chapter 39: Cuddles
It was now morning. Molly was curled up on the couch in the living room. Her parents saw her last night how much she was crying and it took much time to calm her down. Once again, Molly bandaged her arms with her purple bandages... And refused to tell her parents what happened.
''Well, I got my first Gig-Pig job for today... Anything I can do for you before I go, sweetheart?'' Sharon asked with a smile.
''No, I'm good...'' Molly said, not even looking at her mom... She was just staring at the TV.
''Okay... Again, you can call me if there's any problem... Bye'' Sharon said, as she left.
No matter how much Pete and Sharon asked Molly what was the matter, she didn't tell them. There was just something stopping her from telling the truth. How a creepy pink cat and Jinx haunt her in every single nightmare...
Scratch wasn't home. Not only he spended the whole night in the Ghost World, but he didn't even have time to even see Molly because of the 6 AM shift. All Molly could do now is just sit and watch the TV.
''Hellooooo, americans! The morning show ''Early Fun'' starts with of course Me, Jason Stevens! My morning guests today are Nana Simons and Nic Walker!''
Even though Molly wasn't a big fan of those types of shows, she couldn't take her eyes off the TV for even a minute since she turned it on earlier in the morning.
Sharon knew her daughter could try to use her powers, so she took her keys. The windows were locked, the front and the back doors were also locked, and the shield was activated. It felt like Molly was a prisoner inside her own home, but it sure was better than being in the hospital.
''Now, for the first discussion, it has been a few days since that ''mysterious phantom'' has been seen. No one still knows who or what that thing is'' Jason said.
Now that got Molly's attention even more... She got the remote and increased the volume.
''Honestly, I don't think that's an answer we would want to know. Like, humanity has never experienced something like that before. A God like creature, flying around the globe and doing whatever it wants. That's not something me and many other people are comfortable with, if fact we should be concerned!'' Nana said.
''Well, the accident in Germany sure is an example on why we should ask if that phantom can be trusted. Just look at what it did to the poor fella'' Jason said, as a picture of the guy with a ''Phantom of Joy'' tattoo showed up.
''Now, let's just think it over. Yes, that sure looks like something painful, but the guy deserves it! Come on, imagine how the owner of the shop would feel if he gets robbed like that. What if it's a poor family that has it? Scumbags like this deserve a lesson! Besides, that phantom is probably one of the only good things we had the last 4 years'' Nic explained.
''What do you mean, Nic?'' Jason asked.
''I mean, we can't pretend the world didn't have a harsh time! The pandemic, the wars in Ukraine and Palestine, the global warming... That phantom is what we need! A hero that can make a change in a world that is falling apart! People are dying, people are struggling, those are tough times when we all lose hope. I believe that phantom is an angel sent from God to protect us!'' Nic explained.
''Ugh, at least someone gets me...'' Molly said, still watching the TV.
It was making Molly feel a little better knowing some people are thankful for her acts. She was sure she would never use her powers again, but at least someone understood she was doing it out of kindness.
Molly got the remote again and turned the TV off. She stayed in her curled up position and continued to think over what happened. Her traumas were still haunting her. Even when she tries to push that memory away, what Jinx did to her was still haunting her...
The way the sobgoblins were draining her joy... The way Jinx was smiling at the whole scene... It made Molly shiver from fear just thinking about it... She was alone, without even her ghost buddy to comfort her...
...
Scratch was with the Ghost Council. Now it was his chance because yesterday they were too busy, and now Lecter was allowing him to take 10 minute break every 3 hours.
''Please, there has to be a way! I need that mind curse!'' Scratch said.
''Scratch, there's no a way to do it without the robe! Every chairman gets its ghost powers a boost with the robe, but without it... You're just a regular ghost. That's why some curses aren't known to the others, only us and the chairman'' Sir Alister explained.
''Why do you need it so bad anyway?'' Grimbella asked.
''Ehhh... It's for a friend, okay!'' Scratch said.
''Well, there's nothing you can do about it. Only the chairman can do curses like that one, and for now we have no chairman... When the robe would choose one, nobody knows...'' Bartholomew said.
''By the way, what's up with the phantom? Did you find it and give it to the Reaper?'' Lucretia asked.
Scratch became nervous. This was getting ridiculous. Both the Council and the O.A.S were after Molly. He knew they would never spare her if they knew she was a phantom. Ghosts NEVER could trust a phantom...
''S-Still looking for it... But me and my buddies are getting closer! We'll find that sneaky bastard and make sure the Reaper slices her existence up!''
It was all a lie. He already knew who the phantom is, and there were no ''buddies'' because the Ghost Friends fell apart. It was obvious the mind curse it wasn't an option, which meant that he had to think of a new way to get inside Molly's mind.
The problem was... He had no idea how. He and Clara spent the entire day and night looking for information about mind curses, but they couldn't find anything. It was already bad he couldn't see Molly, but it was all for nothing...
...
Samantha, Ollie, and June were sitting on the couch, as Ollie and June were bandaged up. Ruben took them from the hospital. The most shocking part was that he used his car, but Samantha wasn't scared at all... Because she already realized the mistakes she made the last few days...
''What were you three knuckleheads even thinking?! Facing wild beasts alone?!'' Ruben said, mad.
''And not even leaving a note?! Just going in the woods without telling us ANYTHING?!'' Esther yelled.
This wasn't how it was supposed to go. Samantha was so sure they could stop the skinwalkers in time, that she didn't bother to even lie about where they could go... They just got their stuff and left without any explanation.
''I'm sorry... This is all my fault. I wanted so badly to prove myself and stop the skinwalker pack, but I dragged all of you into danger. They were spying the whole time on us...'' Samantha said, looking down at the ground. She was just too ashamed to face Ruben and Esther.
''It's not your fault, sweetie... Maybe it's ours for not even noticing what you guys were up to...'' Esther said.
''But that said, you're ALL grounded! No more skinwalker hunting, ghost hunting, or any kind of hunting in general!'' Ruben said.
''WHAT?! BUT DA- I MEAN RUBEN, THOSE SKINWALKERS WILL KILL PEOPLE! Molly is already in bad condition to stop them, you can't ground us!'' Samantha said.
''Relax, sweetie, we'll take care of them. This time adults take the wheel! You just stay here in safe and warm'' Esther said.
Yes, it wasn't a lie that the hunt was over for Ollie and June. They needed time from their injuries, but Samantha was annoyed she was also out with them.
''I know where they hide, I know their techniques, how they think-
''Sammy, it's final! You three stay here, while we go out! No more debating!'' Ruben said.
She was so mad, that Samantha just groaned, sat and started to pet her bird. Ruben and Esther would try their luck with the skinwalkers. They stopped a dangerous ghost like Jinx and Scratch when he was corrupted, so those skinwalkers weren't gonna be a serious challenge... They hoped so.
As their kids were resting, Ruben and Esther went to the basement. They needed to prepare for a serious battle, so they would need all the silver they could find.
''She... She almost called me ''Dad''...'' Ruben said with a smile.
''She's getting used to us...'' Esther said.
There was another reason they went to the basement. Samantha claimed the skinwalkers were spying... Which means they could know the Chens are coming. Ruben locked the basement, and they started to work. Thank Heavens it was soundproof.
...
It was now 12 AM. Molly was just laying on the couch and writing in her purple notebook. Even though she only needed it for the previous speech therapies, Molly decided to keep it as a diary.
I tried to break the windows... Didn't know my parents switched up to polycarbonate glass. I'm trapped here, wasting my powers while people around the world need help. Would it be moral if I kill them? Or... Hurt them very much? If they think to keep me here all summer, I sure will have to hurt them...
This wasn't even just a thought... Molly really wanted to hurt her parents until they let her out. It just didn't make sense to be locked like a prisoner in your own home.
She started to think about the cat... And Jinx... Especially Jinx. Something was terribly wrong with Jinx. Why was she so evil? Smiley had a reason, but... No one knew why Jinx was such a jerk.
The way she locked Molly in that cage... The way she made her sobgoblins drain the joy out of Molly... It was sickening. No one was there to save her, that day could've been the last day in Molly's life...
How can someone be so cruel? Using a helpless kid for their sick plans. What if Jinx decided to make her goblins drain everything... Absolutely everything out of Molly... Or what if she herself used her scythe to slice her?
Molly was trapped... Alone... While her friends were thinking what to do, Molly was fighting for her life... But it wasn't enough because she was in that cage...
''Molly?''
Molly almost jumped out of the couch. It was Libby who somehow opened the door...
''Libby?''
''Hey Molly! I heard you're okay again. I met your mom in her lunch break and she gave me the keys to see you'' Libby explained.
''Oh... Wait, does that mean-
''NO! I'm not letting you out!'' Libby said, as she immediately locked the door.
This made Molly go back down to the couch. She had a little hope to go outside, but even Libby wouldn't leave her...
''Ugh... Even you?'' Molly asked, annoyed.
''I'm sorry, but I know you'll use your phantom curse. I just came to see how you are'' Libby said, as she sat next to Molly.
''Miserable...''
Molly was sitting and didn't even look at Libby. She was annoyed her best friend wouldn't let her get away from that house.
''I know it's annoying to stay home, but it's for your own-
''Please... Just don't say it. I'm sick and tired of this phrase...''
''But... It's true! Only until we find a way to break the curse, then you'll be free to go out again''
''I don't want my curse to end...''
Libby was shocked when she heard this. They knew Molly could die if she doesn't break that curse, but... She now wanted it?
''Wh-What do you mean?!''
''Just... I used those powers to cure myself! I couldn't walk, couldn't even talk properly, but look at me now!''
''Molly, that's no guarantee it won't have a negative effect on you later! You forgot half of your life!'' Libby said.
''And that's why I suggested to just go back to the place where I cursed myself and re-do the ritual!''
''No! For the last time, the point is you NOT being a GHOST!''
''WHY?! It's not like you wouldn't see me anymore as a phantom!'' Molly said, as she started to get angry.
''You can't just throw your life away! I know you like this, and I know you're scared of growing up, but that's just not right!'' Libby tried to explain.
''But I wouldn't need life when I'm a ghost! I can cure ANY injury possible, I can stop diseases... Scientists spent years trying to find a cure for cancer, but I AM the cure!''
''Molly, you can't expect to solve every single world problem! You're just one person, not a-
''YES, I CAN! JUST GIVE ME A CHANCE TO SHOW IT!'' Molly yelled, as she started to tear up.
This caught Libby off guard. Molly tried to fight the tears, but it was too late, they already started to come out of her eyes like a fountain...
''Molly...''
''I've been doing this for YEARS! My dream is to change the world for the better, and you all JUST KEEP ME HERE LIKE A PRISONER!'' Molly yelled, as she threw her purple diary at the wall.
''Molly... P-Please calm down'' Libby said, feeling a little scared.
''I'M NOT GONNA CALM DOWN! IT'S NOT WRONG FOR THE WHOLE TOWN TO USE ME AS A TOOL, BUT IT'S WRONG FOR ME TO HAVE FUN! I'M SICK OF THS!''
Those last lines... Libby started to realize what was going on and why Molly did that to herself. Just so she could calm her a little, Libby got closer and placed her hand on Molly's shoulder.
''You... You have a point... Is that why you cursed yourself?''
''YES! I... I had enough... I had enough of this bullsh*t! I try to help everyone, b-but no one has shown any kindness to me! And no one even cares that I ALSO HAVE LIMITS! The more I grow up, the more and more they use me. Since I was a little kid, I have tried to bring j-joy to everyone in every town, WHILE I ALSO HAVE TO KEEP MY FAMILY OUT OF DEPRESSION! I c-can't take this anymore... I'm a human, I also have a breaking point... But... But not anymore! As a ghost, I can bring ultimate joy to everyone without the need to stop... Wh-Why can't you all see that...'' Molly cried.
It was now all making sense. Brighton was using Molly without thanking her in any way. Libby was feeling so bad for her and was so ashamed she never noticed this.
It was now very bad. Molly couldn't stop crying... She was sobbing and having a complete breakdown. Libby had to do something to calm her, so... She wrapped her arms around her.
''It's okay...''
This didn't help, Molly only continued to cry even harder. It was clear she needed as much comfort and love as possible, so Libby slowly layed herself and Molly on the couch and cuddled her.
''I...I-
''It's okay... You don't have to push yourself for anyone... We won't let this happen again... I won't let this happen...'' Libby said in a soft and very gentle voice.
Molly still couldn't stop crying, but she really needed that affection. Just to muffle a bit her sobbing, Molly wrapped her arms around Libby and buried her face in Libby's chest.
''Shhhhh, it's okay... It's okay, Molly... I'm here...'' Libby said, as she kissed Molly's top head.
That feeling of feeling Libby's comfy green sweater... And the fact her best friend was so gentle and supportive... It was making Molly finally calm down. She was still sobbing, but at least wasn't that bad anymore...
''I... I... I'm so tired... I'm so t-tired...''
This broke Libby's heart. She had no idea how emotionally hurt was Molly. She understood Molly wasn't tired physically, but mentally... She was tired of being used...
''Everything is gonna be okay... I know how it feels like...'' Libby said, as she kissed Molly's cheek.
Molly was still crying, but was a lot quieter now. She wanted to just stay here with Libby and cuddle her to the end. She felt so... Safe. That she finally had support when everyone was against her.
While they were still laying and cuddling, Libby started to place slow and soft kisses over Molly's cheeks. She really needed it... All her life, Molly had to calm those who are sad and broken... But this time, Libby knew how much Molly needs someone to calm her...
''Th-Thank you... Th-Th-Thank you...''
''Shhhhhh, it's okay... That's what besties are for. I would let you out...''
''W-Wait... Really?''
''Yes... But only on a walk with me, holding my hand the whole time. No flying around as a ghost, just us having a walk outside...'' Libby explained, as she kissed Molly's cheek again.
''Okay, o-okay... Thank you...'' Molly sobbed.
Even though that's not exactly what Molly wanted, it was still better. Having to walk with Libby and holding her gentle hand... It was like a heaven to Molly. Still, it was gonna be later... Molly was still not ready to let go of this comfy cuddle. She pressed herself even closer to Libby, buring her face in Libby's chest.
It was all Molly needed. After days of misery, pain, and sadness, Molly really needed someone to just cuddle her. Libby was happy, but also worried. How could Molly never tell her about all of this? that she was used? That people in town abused her kindness?
That was crossing the line... Brighton was always a miserable town, but it was unacceptable for its people to get a little girl to this rate...
