Chapter 10: Christmas Eve
Pete was in the kitchen, preparing dinner for the special night that was about to come. He had no idea how fast that one month could pass until it became the 24th of December.
Almost every little kid was already playing outside with the snow. Darryl couldn't wait to go to school only because it was the last day before the winter break.
''Make sure to not set any ice cream on fire this time'' Sharon joked from the living room.
''Ha, not gonna happen! Well, because there isn't ice cream in winter... Anyway, how's the list?'' Pete asked, embarrassed.
''That's what I wrote so far. Leah, Libby, the officer who mentioned keeps them in his home, my mom... Definitely not your parents, Geoff, Jeff, that ghost Clara Scratch was talking about, and last Scratch who's supposed to be done by seven. So far, that's all'' Sharon read from a piece of paper she was keeping.
''Do you think that Lecter guy would do any tricks to keep him for the holidays...'' Pete asked.
''Oh, if he even dares to try, I might force myself into the Ghost World to have a quick chat with him!'' Sharon said.
Pete laughed and continued with his cooking. He couldn't remember the last time they were expecting that many guests. But they were always prepared for special events like that. Even though they didn't have that many chairs, they were always keeping extra in the basement just in case.
There was only one person missing... Molly. This would be the first ever Christmas for them to spend without her. But they hoped at least she'd have something of a good holiday...
...
The past month was an absolute nightmare for Molly. It didn't take long for her to realize how hard street life was. Plus, the school was pure hell. Not only she totally sucked at every class but her classmates didn't stop bullying her with racist jokes about her being a ladyboy.
At least the upcoming winter break would be a nice escape from the cruelty of the other students. Molly was at her locker and was about to open it and get her books... And the moment she opened it, snowflakes came out right in her face.
''WHAT THE-'' Molly jumped backwards.
''HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Happy holidays, ladyboy!'' Tom laughed.
Molly was on the verge of finally punching that jerk in the face. For one month, that boy and the popular girls couldn't stop bothering her. It would be so easy to just turn into her phantom form and fry him out of existence...
But she knew it was wrong. So, Molly just rolled her eyes at the dumb joke and started to search her locker for the books she needed.
''Aw, someone's all quiet now? Come on, BRO, laugh it up with us!'' Tom joked again.
''For dear Poseidon's sake, I TOLD YOU I'M A GIRL!'' Molly yelled.
''You sure about that, Thai-thing? We might need proof for that'' One of the girls joked.
''I'D GIVE YOU PROVE, ALRIGHT! I'M BORN A GIRL, REGISTERED A GIRL, WITH FEMALE BODY PARTS, IS THIS ENOUGH?!'' Molly yelled again.
All that trolling and bullying was slowly starting to drive Molly insane. But it was total entertainment for everyone else, except Jacob and Mia.
''Mhhhh, how about you show us your parts, eh?'' Tom joked again.
''What?''
''You heard him! Pants down, ladyboy!'' Another girl joked.
''WHAT?!'' Molly asked, shocked.
'You claim you're a girl! Well, prove it! Show us your body!'' Tom said.
''WH-WHAT?! EW, NO! NO WAY, YOU PERV!'' Molly said in disgust and started to walk away with her books.
''Awww, someone got really scared!'' Tom joked again.
''Yeah, the boy in disguise is shivering! Come on, STRIP! STRIP, STRIP, STRIP-
Molly felt her heart beating like crazy and her eyes watering. From just one girl chanting, now everyone in the hallway started to giggle and join in the ''STRIP, STRIP, STRIP, STRIP'' chants.
The faster she started to walk, the louder the chants got. Her only hope was to get in the classroom and bury herself on the desk. It didn't come to that though, as a few students blocked her way to the door and continued to chant louder.
''STOP! I'M NOT DOING THAT, YOU CREEPS! LEAVE ME ALONE!'' Molly said, tearing up.
''You just can't handle the truth! If you really are a girl, prove it! If you're not, admit it! YOU'RE A BOY!'' Tom joked again.
''NO! NO, NO, NO, NO-
Before Molly could break down, Jacob appeared between her and Tom. Jacob always had that cheeky smile on his face, but this time he was watching Tom with a deadly serious expression.
''Hey, buddy, how about you stop?'' Jacob said.
''Pfff, you again? Told you, Jay, we're just having a bit of fun'' Tom said with a grin, crossing his arms.
''You know what my dad told me? The more you repeat a joke, the less funny it gets. How about you stop, huh?'' Jacob said again.
''Your dad told you this? Oh sorry, I completely forgot you had a daddy'' Tom said in the same grin.
Molly knew what he was trying to do. He wanted to take a reaction out of Jacob and her... And it was working. Jacob's eye started to twitch and clenched his fist.
''Wow, how funny... Except, that I forgot to laugh...''
''You can't, because it's the truth'' Tom said, as everyone else laughed.
Jacob was about to lose his nerve. He looked nothing like the usual funny guy he was...
''Hold up, hold up... You two are lovery-doveys, right? If you're dating a ladyboy, does that mean you're gay?'' Tom joked again.
''I warn you, you don't wanna do this...'' Jacob said.
''Oh, man, all the times you touched her and flirted... Gee, does that mean you enjoy touching guys? Oh, should I worry about you falling in love with me now?'' Tom joked.
That's it. That was the final straw for Jacob. There was no way to let someone crush him and Molly like that in front of everyone.
''Call her a ladyboy... I dare you, call her a ladyboy right in front of me...'' Jacob said.
''Laaaaaaaaadyb-
Right in the middle of the word... Jacob punched him in the mouth. Everyone, including Molly, gasped. Tom was now on the ground and was in total shock. After a few seconds laying there, he already spit a tooth out.
''WANNA HAVE FUN, HUH?! WELL, HERE'S ONE THING I FIND FUNNY!'' Jacob yelled, as he grabbed him by the collar, pulled him up and delivered another punch.
Tom fell on the floor again and couldn't defend himself. All the girls started to yell and scream at Jacob and Molly grabbed him by the arm.
''JACOB, NO! DON'T DO IT!'' Molly said.
''OH PLEASE, HE DESERVES IT! IS THAT FUNNY, JOKER?!'' Jacob yelled at Tom who was still on the floor.
''IT'S NOT WORTH IT! Please...''
Seeing Molly's pleading look made all his anger disappear. He looked down back at Tom. He knew that bully deserved to get punched, but he knew Molly wouldn't let anything revolve into violence.
Two teachers came and saw the scene. Seeing Tom bleeding on the ground and Jacob with clenched fists was enough to tell them what happened...
''JACOB, MILLY! BOTH OF YOU, TO THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE!'' The teacher yelled.
Molly sighed as she and Jacob looked at each other. They knew they couldn't deny what they did was wrong. Both turned around and headed to the office... What a way to end school before winter break...
...
The sun was slowly going down in Brighton. The mayor was holding a speech about turning the Christmas lights on, with many Brightonians watching it live... And many O.A.S. agents around the ceremony, with loaded guns.
The McGees didn't arrive there this year. Of course, because they had a huge dinner to prepare. Sharon made sure every bit of decoration was in its place, then she helped Pete to prepare the table.
While doing that, a ghost portal opened and Scratch came through it with a list in his hand.
''Alright! I vacuumed his whole house, washed his dishes, had to fight his crazy grandma cuz' she forgot her ghost medicine, got him lunch, and killed all the bugs under the bed! That's a day done! SEE YA'!'' Scratch said with a smile, as he threw the list into the portal and it closed.
''You sure have it busy with that guy, huh?'' Sharon said.
''You have no idea...''
The bell rang and all the eyes were turned on the door. Sharon gave a quick last check of everything being in order. All the food and plates were on the table, all the lights were on, and the decorations she spent 50 dollars on were perfect. She went to open the door and there were Leah and Libby, while John was searching for something in the car.
''Hi, Sharon! Merry Christmas!'' Leah said, as she hugged her.
''Aw, Merry Christmas, you two! We appreciate it very much for you being here, since... We know Christmas isn't very traditional for the Jewish community'' Sharon said.
''Eh, we can close our eyes this year. You got to celebrate Hannuka with us, it's time we respect other's traditions! It's all about spending time with close ones, eh?'' Leah said.
''Of course! Come in!''
Leah and Libby went inside and were amazed by the amazing lights and decorations. Yeah, they knew what Christmas looked like, but it felt so magical to experience something new.
''Aye, you don't plan to tie me up on a chair again?'' Scratch appeared in front of Leah.
''Haha, not this time, Todd'' Leah said.
''Up-up, correction! It's Scratch as a ghost...''
''Ops, sorry about that, uh... Scratch...'' Leah said.
Their conversation ended after John finally came inside. He finally found his phone after he accidentally dropped it between the seats. Scratch's eyes widened at his site and he immediately turned invisible.
''Sorry about being late. Merry Christmas, McGees!'' John said, as he shook Pete's hand.
''Merry Christmas! We heard a lot about you, officer. Thank you for helping our friends, and keeping Brighton safe'' Pete said.
''Eh, just doing the right thing. And no worries, tonight I'm not an officer, just John'' John said, making everyone laugh.
Scratch was the only one with an angry face while being invisible. John was the only one who didn't know about his existence and Scratch preferred for things to stay that way. WAY TOO MANY people already knew about ghosts.
''Ugh, why did you have to invite that guy?!'' Scratch whispered to Sharon, while the others continued to talk.
''Oh, come on! He's allowing the poor woman and her daughter to live with him while their home is repaired, It would be rude to brush him off!'' Sharon whispered back.
''Anyway, I bet you're all hungry!'' Pete said.
''You have no idea! Someone's stomach growls were louder than a lion's roar'' John said, grinning at Leah.
''Oh, shut up!'' Leah laughed, lightly smacking his shoulder.
They all laughed and headed to the table. At almost every event, Nin was being a bit late, but Sharon didn't judge her. She was pretty old, it's normal for someone to take longer than usual to prepare.
''Sorry about not being around you in school these days. How is it going?'' Scratch whispered next to Libby.
''I... I'd explain to you later... You're not gonna believe it...''
...
The whole high school in New York was quiet. Everyone was already gone home, enjoying the holidays... Except for Molly and Jacob. They were supposed to get a lecture by the principal, maybe a suspension, then be let go... But they weren't.
All because they had to write down their parents' numbers for contact on their behavior. However, because Molly was both homeless and without parents, she had to explain she was alone without any legal guardians... That made the teachers MAD!
The only number she could give is Ms. Langley's. Thank God, she arrived at school, since Molly barely explained what was going on... And oh boy, did she get lectured right now...
''Hey... I'm sorry...'' Jacob said, sitting nervously next to her.
''N-No, I'm sorry... You didn't deserve to get screwed because of my problems...'' Molly said.
''I just wanted to protect you...''
''I-I know...''
Molly started to listen closely to what they were talking about inside. Even they two didn't get as much yelled as Ms. Langley was right now.
''I don't care if this sounds cliche or not, but in my 20 years of teaching, I have NEVER heard of something more ridiculous than that! So, you knew for months she has no one, no other family members, no guardian, NO ONE, and you DIDN'T DO ANYTHING?!'' The teacher yelled inside.
''I... I-I...''
''And just to let you know, my husband is working at the security system around the neighborhoods. ANY EXPLANATION WHY MILLY IS SEEN WITH THE HOMELESS?!'' The principal yelled.
''L-Listen, I didn't know about my gallery being filled with rats! If I knew it had a pest problem, I would never let anyone stay there!'' Ms. Langley tried to explain.
''That's not the main problem, Ms! Right now, you're responsible for a minor not having a roof over her head, or anything close to family! I'd let you with a warning this time, but... If I see this girl on the streets again, I'M CONTACTING AUTHORITIES! UNDERSTAND?!'' The principal yelled again.
''Y-Yes... I understand...''
''Good. One thing is not knowing what to do, but totally different seeing someone struggling and doing nothing about it! DISGUSTING!''
Molly's heart was about to break. Not because she was in trouble, but because another person was taking all the blame for her...
Ms. Langley came out of the office and looked at Jacob and Milly. Both of them were looking at the ground, ashamed.
''Come on, you two are with me...''
''I-I'd just call my mom...'' Jacob said.
''No, there's no need to. I'd drive you home, while Milly... You're coming with me''
''Y-Yes, m'am...''
The three of them started to walk, both Jacob and Milly being behind Ms. Langley. Jacob was ashamed of letting a bully get under his skin, while Molly was ashamed of her actions reflecting another person.
It was a disaster... Since September, everything has become a total disaster. Brighton was bad, but this?! This was nowhere near close to her dream life.
...
At night time, everyone was eating and laughing. First time being part of Christmas and Leah and Libby definitely didn't have a problem with it. They were all telling funny holiday stories, sharing secrets, and just having a good time.
''You think I'm joking, but I'm not! My husband was a stubborn to the grave!'' Nin laughed.
''Oh, definitely can confirm. Once dad tells something, not even a bull can tell him otherwise'' Sharon laughed.
''Ah, reminds me a lot about my mom. Back in Liverpool, that was her way of keeping me and my brother under control! Once she says something, it's final!'' John said.
''Eh, my parents weren't like that at all. Yeah, they had rules, but weren't too harsh. Especially in my teen years, they basically let me do whatever I wanted'' Leah said. ''But I definitely keep an eye on my turtledove over here, I don't want her to do anything stupid like I did as younger'' Leah grinned at Libby, pinching her cheek.
''S-Stahp, mom...'' Libby said, blushing.
Everyone laughed again, while Scratch was eating his dinner in the living room. Pete decided to check the many notifications he had on his phone and saw one from ClickClock.
While the others continued to talk, he clicked on it and watched the short video while drinking his soda... But almost burst out with joy after he watched the full video.
''NO! WAY! SHARON, HONEY, LOOK AT THIS!'' Pete said, showing his phone to Sharon.
''Hm? What it is?''
He played the video again and Sharon was watching carefully. It was... A video from Adia's profile. And there was a black man smiling next to her... It was Michael.
''Hey, adventurers! Me and my buddy Michael have some special holiday plans this year! So, I've been working around the area of Brighton and Perfektborg that Spring, and just wanted to say there's nothing beating the peaceful nature and positive community! So... Instead of a loud and crowded place, we're celebrating Christmas in a small and peaceful town like Brighton!'' Adia explained in her video.
Sharon's mind stopped for a moment. She was in total shock and didn't know how to react, but was quickly snapped to her instincts and smiled widely.
''NO WAY! MICHAEL IS GONNA COME IN BRIGHTON?!'' Sharon asked.
''OH, YES, HE IS!''
''LOOK AT HIM! FOUR YEARS, HE HASN'T CHANGED EVEN ONE BIT!'' Sharon said in joy.
While Pete and Sharon were having joy attacks, Nin scoffed and rolled her eyes, while everyone else was looking at them confused.
''E-Eh... Who's Michael?'' Leah asked.
''Ugh, a friend of theirs. Honestly, I forgot he existed...'' Nin said.
''Leah, John, you guys totally have to meet him! He's probably the most awesome guy ever!'' Pete said.
''Agh, dang, the pandemic ruined our plans! We were supposed to have that big party and all before we moved away, but because of the virus, we decided to move away faster! We couldn't even say a proper goodbye... But we can finally meet! Leah, you're gonna love him!'' Sharon said.
''Ohhhh, sounds like a nice person!'' Leah said.
''Is he a family man?'' John asked.
''Oh yeah, he has two kids and a wife, but um... Things are a bit complicated'' Pete tried to explain.
''Yikes! Yeah, yeah, I get what you mean'' John said.
Libby looked back at Scratch. He was still eating and didn't hear a single word they said since he wasn't paying attention. Because she already ate her dinner, Libby got up and went to the couch.
''So, how's the chicken?'' She asked with a grin.
At the sudden appearance, Scratch gasped and jumped from his seat.
''HEY! Agh, I totally deserve it, I pull that trick always on you...''
''So, you didn't hear the news?''
''What news?'' Scratch asked, confused.
''Adia is gonna come, silly!'' Libby said with a smile.
That sentence... Was enough to send Scratch into a cold and quiet world in his own head. He couldn't believe what Libby just told him... He didn't know if she was serious or was pulling some sick prank on him...
''WH-WHAT?!''
''Yeah, see?'' Libby asked, as she opened her ClickClock and found Adia's account.
She played him the video. To add salt to the wound, even Michael is gonna be with her. The guy he met for one day before he died. After it was over, Scratch was just staring at Libby's screen. Not that he wasn't happy, but... He didn't know how to process this...
''S-Scratch? Is everything okay?'' Libby asked, worried.
''Y-Yeah, I... I'm fine, Libs...''
He kept silent and was staring at the black screen of the TV, seeing his reflection. To think that his childhood friend would come here was... Wild. Even more wild since she watched him die...
Libby understood why he was now so cold. She knew his death was eating him inside, even if it had been almost a year since it happened. With a sigh, she wrapped an arm around him and smiled again.
''Hey, there's no need to be around her if it's making you feel weird. You can just... Watch'' Libby said.
''Yeah, yeah, I know, Libs... It's just... Meh, whatever. I'm not gonna think much about it...'' Scratch said.
''Merry Christmas, Scratch!''
''Merry Christmas, Libs...''