Chapter 13: Lives with Lies
The sun was shining and the birds were singing in what was coming up to be a great summer day. The ringing of the alarm made Todd groan in his sleep and he woke up to turn it off.
His hotel room was all clean and nice. He got up from the huge bed and checked what time it was... 9:35 AM.
''Oh shoot!''
There was a long way coming up, so he was supposed to be up early. Eh, he'd still make it in time if he's fast enough to change up from his pajama.
And so he did. Todd took the clothes he prepared on one of the chairs for himself and went to the bathroom. After a few minutes, he came out in a nice black suit, but without a tie. He couldn't stand wearing those things.
He looked at himself in the mirror and used a comb to fix a bit of his messy hair. After he made sure he looked perfect, he smiled and winked at his reflection.
''Alright, big guy! Today's the day!''
He grabbed the suitcase with the rest of his clothes and left the room. Walking with confidence up to the mountains, he went to the open elevator and pressed the button for the first floor.
As he arrived down, the doors slowly opened and was immediately greeted by one of the hotel's butlers.
''Good morning, Mr. Mortenson! Your Lamborghini is already waiting outside for you'' The butler said with a smile.
''Thanks a lot, Cal! Here, buy yourself a cup of coffee'' Todd said, pulling out a wad of money and giving it to him.
''Oh, we really appreciate it'' The butler said, walking away with the money.
Many people that were down at the hotel were all looking at Todd with amazed and happy looks like he was a famous celebrity they had the blessing to witness live.
''Mr. Mortenson, your ordered pretzel for today!'' A waitress said with a smile, holding a plate with a pretzel.
''Ah, thanks for that, Vic!'' Todd said, taking the pretzel and taking a bite. ''You know, I left my number as part of the tip yesterday. Just in case you need it'' Todd said with a grin.
''O-Oh... Heheh, I'd make sure to give you a call'' The waitress said, blushing and smiling.
''There's a smile!'' Todd said, winking at her and walking towards the exit.
As the other butlers opened the doors for him, there was a red Lamborghini whose engine was roaring with power. Many people outside were smiling and shouting in joy to see him. He also smiled and waved at all of them, as he got inside of his car.
''Thank you, thank you all! Don't forget to watch me tonight, we're getting what we deserve!'' Todd said, as he closed the door and drove away.
By picking up more speed, he already driven far away from the hotel building. It was so nice to see the sun shining while he was driving to his next big destination. The stage and awards were set and he was definitely gonna be there to get rewarded for his success.
It was a smart desision to pick up a hotel that was close to the town's barrier since now he was already driving on the huge empty road. He put on his sunglasses and activated the assistant he had installed.
''Hey, Carrie! Play my favorite song!'' Todd said.
''Which one, sir? By resent history, you've marked around fifty different songs as ''favorites''.''
''We're going in Mobile, Carry, play what fits the mood!''
''Now playing... ''Sweet Home Alabama'', by Lynyrd Skynyrd''
''Perfect! Hit me up!'' Todd said.
The song started playing, as Todd started picking up more and more speed. He was feeling like a free man to drive as fast as he wanted, doing whatever he wanted, when he wanted, how he wanted.
Nothing can stop him. No one can take away enjoying his life with his best friend Adia, or his success for doing the things he loved.
''Sweeeeeet Home Aaaaalabama! WHERE THE SKIES ARE SO BLUE! SWEEEEEET HOOOME AAAALABAMA!'' Todd was singing, while driving.
He was looking up the skies through the window, enjoying the good weather. He couldn't remember the last time he felt that much relief and pleasure in his life. It felt like true, pure joy. That there is, in fact, a good enough reason to live. The grateful fact that you are here and breathing.
''Mobile, HERE WE COME!'' Todd said, stepping up the pedal.
As the song continued to play, he was driving through 150 miles per hour. Not that he cared. As people say, if there is no police car around, a person can do whatever he wants.
And that's what Todd was doing. Whatever he wanted, with no one to tell him a thing...
...
''WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY'RE JUST GONE?!'' Sharon yelled, angry.
After what happened between Scratch Molly just half an hour ago, Clara and the rest had to come and tell the McGees what happened... And as expected, they did not take it well.
''Th-They got in a fight and next thing we know, they just vanished in the clouds!'' Clara tried to explain.
''Let me get this straight, you three knew there was a way to lure Molly out, AND YOU DIDN'T EVEN TRY TO DISCUSS IT WITH US FIRST?!'' Sharon yelled, angry.
''When you put it like that, it does sound kinda stupid...'' Jeff said, scratching his arm.
''What are we gonna do now?! Not only we lost Molly, BUT NOW SCRATCH?! CAN THIS FAMILY PLEASE STOP LOSING LOVED ONES?!'' Pete cried like a baby.
''Calm down everyone, we're gonna find a way to bring both of them back!'' Geoff said.
''Uh-huh, and how are we gonna do that again?'' Darryl asked.
All the ghosts looked at each other and went silent. They knew that was a lie. They couldn't think of anything to bring them back because they didn't even know what happened to them.
''W-Well... Uhhhhh... We can... Um... O-Okay, we're still working on that part...'' Geoff said.
''OH, WE'RE DOOMED! First, these weirdos outside brainwashed Adia into thinking she's a ghost hunter! Second, our daughter was gone for now MONTHS without getting even a little close to finding her! And now, you wanna tell me that we even lost Scratch?! WE CAN'T LET THIS KEEP HAPPENING!'' Pete cried.
''Ugh, Pete, you're not helping at all!'' Sharon said, annoyed and angry.
''I'm an emotional man, and I deserve to be right now! OUR FAMILY IS FALLING APART, AGAIN! We can't- I can't let it happen... Darryl, you're staying locked in your room until you're eighteen!'' Pete said.
''I'm sorry, what?!'' Darryl asked, shocked.
''It's clear we'd fall apart if we don't stay in this house together! So from now on, you're gonna stay locked and safe in your room, WHERE WE'D BE SURE TO NEVER LOSE YOU!'' Pete cried.
''D-Dad, that's just the stress talking... You don't actually think to do it, right?!'' Darryl asked with a scared smile.
''No, of course we won't... For now'' Sharon said.
Clara knew they had to find Scratch and Molly fast if they wanted to prevent the McGees from going wild. But how can they search for something if they don't even know where to start?
''Guys, we'd need to have a word with that shaman in town...'' Clara whispered to the other ghosts.
''Oh, you mean Axel? He was also Libby's therapist for a while'' Geoff said with a smile.
''Yeah, yeah, cool. If there's someone who may know what happened, it's gotta be him!'' Clara said.
''Then what are we waiting for?! Let's go, we have to find them FAST!'' Jeff said.
''Alright! No worries, McGees, we know what to do! Just keep it safe and... N-No need to lock your son or anything'' Clara said with a nervous chuckle.
They flew outside and went in the direction of Axel's office. One thing everyone was praying for was for Scratch and Molly to be okay... Wherever they were.
...
In another part of Brighton... Or at least somewhere close to Brighton, the cold winter weather was enough to make everything freeze on its way. The abandoned strawberry soda factory was lurking in the darkness of the night.
In one of the offices on the second floor, there was a giant map of Brighton and many drawn X's. A man in wolf clothing, with sharp teeth, and grey eyes was humming while writing something in a small notebook of his.
''Hope I'm not interrupting something...''
When he heard someone talking, he turned around and saw it was one of his pack... More specifically, the female skinwalker.
''What is it now?''
''Amarok, we can't keep going like this! The pack can't survive Winter on birds and rats, we haven't eaten anything in days!'' The woman said, angry.
''I know...''Amarok said, not even looking at her.
''If you know, then what are you gonna do about it?!''
When she asked that, he slowly got up and looked at her, holding his notebook. She was quite scared since she knew he didn't like his pack to protest, but... He wasn't mad. No... He grinned at her.
''My precious... I preferred to keep that as a little secret until the celebrations passed, but I see times are desperate. It's time...''Amarok said, coming even closer.
''T-Time for what?''
He opened the notebook and gave it to her. It was enough for her to read the first line of the first page to widen her eyes in surprise...
''The time has come... The plan for the skinwalkers dominance shall begin. Everything I wrote in six steps... Six steps for our kind to come out on top...''
...
It was now nighttime in a small summer ceremony in Mobile. There was a little restaurant area with many famous celebrities and writers.
Todd was one of them with Adia and many of their friends. Since the start of the night, they were always laughing, telling jokes, and waiting for the moment to come...
''Don't forget to pop the champagne when you win!'' Adia laughed, looking at Todd.
''What do you think I prepared it for? Decoration? Nope, I just KNOW tonight we're celebrating!'' Todd said.
''Oh, very hard to guess he ain't winning. Come on, who's even close to pulling Todd's numbers? Ronny with his sci-fi literature?'' Michael joked.
As everyone laughed at his joke, a young man came out on stage with a piece of paper in hand and a microphone, grabbing the whole restaurant's attention.
''Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! A lovely night to see so many creative minds and artists in one place, it's unbelievable! Now, I can go through many more of these cliches, but I know what you're all here for, heheh. The award for the Best Written Fiction of 2024!''
The whole place went quiet. Todd was sure he'd be the winner but he definitely was a bit nervous. That moment when a winner would be announced was giving everyone goosebumps...
''So... The winner... One of the best authors for this year is...'' The man said, opening the envelope. ''Todd Mortenson, for ''The Ghost and Molly McGees''!''
Everyone started to clap and cheer. Todd sighed in relief and stood up with a smile to go get his reward. After going to the stage, he shook the man's hand, as he gave him the award. A little golden statuette of a book and the winner's name written on it.
''Thank you! Thank all of you, it's very sweet, honestly! You know, even I'm surprised a little story I wrote about a ghost and a tween being friends would get so popular, but I proved people prefer simple things'' Todd said.
''Gotta say, Mr. Mortenson, it's so much than just a simple story. Many people see it as a beautiful way to show someone's friendship! And your characters Scratch and Molly definitely became a trend of the year!''
''Heh, what can I say? I write what I learn from life! Speaking of which, Scratch is an actual nickname that a friend of mine came up with! Applause for Adia Williams, applause please!'' Todd said, pointing at Adia.
Everyone started to applaud at their table, as Michael laughed and Adia blushed. Todd loved every second of this night, and the celebrations haven't even started yet.
''Just asking, what exactly inspired you for Molly?'' The man asked with a smile.
''In all honestly, I don't know! One day I just woke up and had that name stuck with me, boom!'' Todd joked.
Everyone in the audience laughed... But it was true, he didn't really had an explanation about where it came from. It just appeared in his head a year ago...
''Well, would you be happy to let kids and tweens believe that ghosts exist?'' The man asked.
''Ghosts? Existing? PFHAHAHAHAHA! Sorry kids, but ehhhh... There's a differnce between reality and fiction. Don't get me wrong, the message in the book is definitely real, but... The way to serve it to people is just a way of entertainment'' Todd explained.
''Woah, that right here is new! So, a man who doesn't believe in the supernatural writes... About a girl and a ghost being besties?''
''You see, the most important lesson I wanna present is... Live your life. It doesn't matter if you're a lonely ghost, a man who lost it all, or someone feeling down... Those should be motivating points for you to know things will be okay! They should never let you live your best life! Go out there, touch the grass, smell the fresh air... Look at the clouds. Every part of life is beautiful'' Todd said.
That speech was enough to make a grown man tear up. People started to applaud again, loving the great speech. Todd was enjoying the moment, but... He then noticed something dark in the corner of the restaurant. Someone was sitting at the last table... It looked like a small lady, but it looked like... The background behind her was dark and purple.
''Beautiful, Mr. Mortenson! So, if you had a chance to tell your character, Molly McGee, something... What would it be?''
''Oh... Hmmm, that's a hard one. Well, imagine how desperate someone's gotta be to actually try to befriend a ghost, am I right?'' Todd joked, making everyone laugh.
Just for a moment, he noticed some people's eyes were... Glitching? From normal, to black and purple, then back to normal. Maybe he was just seeing things, but... That definitely didn't seem right at first.
From the young lady he saw earlier, to now thing... There was a feeling that was kept telling Todd that something was off...
...
In the same dark underground base in the desert, the man with the scar on one of his eyes was waiting for his guests to arrive... Not that he trusted them.
''Ugh, where is he?! The Nightmare was supposed to be here an hour ago!'' The man said.
''As far as we know, he and Mr. Lewy arrived yesterday from England'' One of the guards said.
Just when they were speaking, the door behind them opened and there he was... The Nightmare with his dark smiling mask, and Lewy in clothes they bought on their way to switch with the prisoner uniform.
''So, is that plan of your plan, huh? Some wannabe mad scientist?!'' The man asked.
''Not just a mad scientist...'' Lewy muttered.
''Doctor Lewy is perfect for troubling the phantom. Once we remove her pawn from the board, nothing will stop us from collecting the king!'' The Nightmare said.
''Really? And how are you gonna do that, huh?! Make your little friend lift a few rocks in the air, huh?!''
''Perhaps, pfheheheheheh'' The Nightmare giggled.
He couldn't believe it. It felt like... He was taking it as a joke. As a way to play with the Skull Syndicate...
''ENOUGH!'' The man yelled. ''Listen, we had a deal! ONE MONTH! You had one month to capture the phantom, or else! Well, why is she still around?! Why are you still planning?! WHEN WILL YOU TAKE ACTION?!''
''Patience, boss. Let me tell you, making all of New York shiver in fear is not an easy task. But... We now had exactly what we need to achieve that'' The Nightmare said, pulling a bag out and opening it.
Out of the bag, he pulled... A mask. A strange robotic mouth mask with only three letters on it... O.A.S.
''What's that supposed to be?'' The man asked.
''Something our dear friends were preparing. I have a guy who was kind enough to ship it to me. Think of that little mask as a... How do I say it? Our own phantom!'' The Nightmare explained.
''What?''
''This mask is supposed to cause supernatural beings to drain as much energy as they can. The problem is, they don't have much professionals that could handle that much power... But combined with his gravity powers and super suit, it would be a child play for Doctor Lewy to use it!''
''Whatever it takes to make her pay! I wanna see that phantom in BlOOD!'' Lewy said.
He didn't know if they could trust them. Something that copies Joy's powers? Sounded a bit surprising, but... He did want to see them try it. After all, what other choice did they have? It looked like the Nightmare did know what he was doing...
...
Todd was spending the rest of the night celebrating with Adia and his friends. A few hours after the ceremony, they were now drinking and laughing.
''You wanna tell me you had to isolate yourself for decades to come out with this? Really?'' Adia laughed.
''Eh, it was mostly because of the scaredycat I was, but yeah, that also played a role'' Todd said with a smile.
''What's next, you're gonna stop eating to come out with a story of... I don't know, a vampire who's scared to drink blood?'' Michael joked.
''Don't give me ideas!''
They all laughed again and Todd looked around. To think that he spent years in Brighton was ridiculous. He was never gonna forgive himself for wasting so many years of his life in that small little town.
But none of that matters... Now he was with his best friend. And a weird idea he came up with was enough to make him famous across the country.
''So, what's actually next for you, Todd?'' Michael asked.
''Honestly? I'd just leave that story dominate the market for the next few years and that will do the trick! I'd have enough money to go literally wherever I want!''
''With us'' Adia said with a smile.
''Haha, of course! I'm not going anywhere without my pals and gals!'' Todd said, smiling at Adia.
For a moment, the people around them seemed to... Stop. Todd didn't pay much attention to them, but it definitely was getting a bit quiet around them...
''Todd... I'm proud of you'' Adia said.
''Aw, really? Eh, I didn't do something that special'' Todd laughed.
''No, you did! I know as kids we went through... Much stuff. Especially with your father passing and all... But I'm proud you pulled yourself back up!''
''Thanks, Adia... And I'm grateful you didn't forget me'' Todd said.
''I'd NEVER forget you, do you hear me? I wanna travel anywhere with you... Together. Me and you, nothing else. Promise you'd accept her offer...''
''Heheh... H-Hold up, what?''
''You said you're not going anywhere without me. And I should know because I'm also not going anywhere without you! So... Accept her conditions,Todd'' Adia said, giving an evil smile.
''Um... Adia, what are you-
That was when everything went on pause. The people around them, Michael, Adia... Everything just stopped. The flies in the air, the glass of wine someone dropped, everything just stopped.
''Wh-What the?!''
Todd stood up, scared of what was happening. The whole world was just put on pause for a moment but he was the only one still moving... Or at least he thought so.
Someone behind him was clapping slowly. He turned around and saw a girl grinning at him. She had a dark leather jacket, leather pants, a leather skirt, and a white shirt... He immediately recognized her.
''Good job, Scratch! Woooo, I'm very proud...'' Molly said.
''M-Molly?!''
''Ugh, the irony, am I right?'' Molly asked, as she got up. ''It was all there set up for you... The plans, the adventures, the tales to give your grandkids one day. But... It ended in less than a what? A year? Pff...'' She said, walking around the tables.
Scratch looked at his hands and... He froze. All of this, all that has happened today was just an illusion. A fake world both he and Molly ended up in after their fight...
''Molly, what have you done?!'' Todd asked, shocked.
''Oh, me? Just giving you a look! Just... Watching how happy you could've been if you didn't have to die. But of course, all of this is just one big ''What If''. Or... It doesn't have to be'' Molly said, stopping right in front of Todd.
''Wh-What do you mean?''
She grinned even wider, her eye color changing for a second to a bright golden one...
''I can revive people, Scratch. I did with Libby when Death met us, heck, I revived Samantha after she got killed right in front of me! So... What if we make a deal, eh? I'd give you your life back, but...''
''But?!''
Scratch didn't like where this was going at all. Yeah, it was... Kinda tempting to hear that he could return back to the living, but it was wrong to do so after he officially died! He still let Molly finish herself...
''I want you to forget about me... Forget about Brighton, the McGees, Libby, ANYTHING! I told you, I don't need you or them. I have a new life, a new identity I prefer way more than what I used to have! So... If you just pretend we never happened, I'd be more than ready to revive you'' Molly explained.
''WHAT?! N-No! That's not right, that's...''
''Hey, hey, think about it! What am I to you, huh? Oh, I remember... A girl you accidentally cursed. Is it fair to throw ALL of that away? For a nobody like me?!'' Molly asked, walking around the huge restaurant.
''M-Molly-
''Scratch... You know you want it. It's a win-win! I get to live my new life as the Phantom of Joy, you get to enjoy your life with Adia! Of course, I'd suggest for you to be more careful where you step, hehehe'' Molly chuckled.
He wanted to say something, he wanted to yell, he wanted to try to do something, but... He stopped. He didn't stay anything. Scratch was staring at the ground... Thinking about the idea.
''Come on, Scratch... Come on, Todd. Just say yes...'' Molly said with an evil grin, as she held out her hand for him.
All it took was to shake her hand and be a human again. To be with Adia, to live the dream, to get out of the drama of his life and existence. For a moment, Todd was about to shake it, but...
''NO!''
He slapped her hand away, leaving Molly with a confused and shocked look.
''I'M NOT DOING THAT! NO! M-Molly, don't you realize how insane this is?!''
''Wh-What? Insane?!'' Molly asked, angry.
''YES! You're trying to push me out of your life, just so you get to live in a lie! You abandoned your own family so you could live in a lie! THIS IS NOT YOU! This curse is eating you inside, and you're willing to kick the closest people out of your group when we just want to help you!'' Todd explained.
She was... Speechless. After all that effort, her offer, the simple promise he had to become alive again... He rejected her.
''Please... Please, Molly. I-I don't care about adventures, fancy cars, money, fame, OR WHATEVER MY LIFE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE! I just want you to get back home... Please...'' Todd said, tearing up.
He expected her to realize it was wrong. By that point, Molly would've realized her mistake and tried to fix it... But she didn't. She looked at him with an angry expression that was screaming he messed up...
''Alright... I tried to be nice...''
Suddenly, the roof of the restaurant broke and flew away, revealing a dark cloud that formed out of nowhere. The ground under Todd's feet started to shake, and thunderbolts started to strike left and right...
...
''AGH!''
Scratch fell into the soft sand. He slowly got up and opened his eyes only to see... He was human again. That wasn't a dream anymore, he was still in his human body.
''Wh-What?! N-No!''
He turned around and gasped in horror when he saw a deep cleft... Then he realized where he was. He could never forget that place... That was the Grand Canyon.
Molly appeared out of nowhere in her phantom form and grabbed him by the throat. A rain started and the thunders could be heard once again in the sky.
''WH-WAIT-WAIT, MOLLY, MOLLY-
''I gave you a chance... AND YOU REJECTED IT!''
They were now above the hundreds of meters until the ground. Looking down, Scratch was having a panic attack while Molly was choking him right above that place.
''MOLLY, NO, PLEASE, PLEASE-
''Oh, does it look familiar?! Huh?!''
Todd was kicking and struggling to free himself, as Molly continued to choke him above the Canyon. The painful memory of his last moments was replaying in his head, as he was desperately crying for her mercy. From trying to get her back to her family, he was now choked and tortured by his own best friend.
''PLEASE! MOLLY, NOOOOOO!''
''If you really wanna be a useless ghost blob, fine... HAVE A NICE DEATH DAY, BUDDY!''
That was when she released him... And he started falling all the way to the ground. Once again, it felt like time went in a slow motion as he was about to experience death... For the second time...
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH-''
Then he started falling down at full speed, about to get smashed on the cold rocks as the rain was falling. In the last seconds, he tried to protect his face with his hands, but... It was too late. He was about to reach the ground and it all went dark, feeling a huge pain... Once again, Scratch was dead.
...
Scratch was now in a void. He remembered being in a place like that the first time he died. He looked at himself and saw his light blue ghost hands, and that he was levitating above the ground... He was a ghost again.
In front of him, there was Molly in her usual clothes she used to wear all the time in Brighton. This time, she didn't look at him... Instead, she started to tear up without making a sound.
''M-Molly... Molly!''
Scratch tried to fly to her, but he couldn't move at all. It was like there were invisible walls around him. She then suddenly changed into a dark Molly, with the dark clothes she was wearing now. Once again, she had tears going down her cheeks... But this time, she turned around and started to walk away.
''No... N-No, no, NO! MOLLY! MOLLY, COME BACK! PLEASE!'' Scratch started to cry.
She didn't make any noise... She just continued to walk away into the darkness while crying. Scratch was forced to watch his best friend leave and there was nothing he could do.
He realized what was happening... Molly was gone. Whatever it used to be left of her, it was now a long time gone. He and the McGees are... Supposed to let her old self die...
''NO! MOLLYYYYYYYYYYY!''
...
''M-Molly!''
A thunder finally woke Scratch up. He was shivering down in the Canyon, looking at the rain. Molly was already gone, probably flying back to New York. He saw that the body that just died was turning into dust... Just dust since it wasn't real, only made by Molly's phantom powers.
He had no idea what to do. He was forced to die in the same place again, getting killed by... His friend. What was SUPPOSED to be his best friend, was now taken away... By a curse.
He started to tear up, curling into a ball. Scratch didn't even have the courage to open a portal and go back to Brighton. He wanted just for a moment to think everything through.
She was gone... Yes, she was alive, but Molly was gone. There was no Molly McGee...