Chapter 17: Haunting Friendships
''Can you believe it?! A REAL CAT! I told her they terrify me, and her solution is exactly CATS!'' Molly said to Ava, while they were walking on their way home from school.
Molly was still trying to process what happened earlier. Not only she embarrass herself, but the school shrink had to scare her more by saying they would use real cats in the future.
''Well, it's smart if you think about it! What's the best way to beat your fears? By facing them!''
''Uh, yeah, IF I WANNA HAVE A BREAKDOWN AGAIN!'' Molly said.
''Listen! Milly... I-I'm really sorry about what happened. There is no person who'd wanna remember something that horrific... I hope that psycho got what she deserved'' Ava said, as they slowed down a little.
''She... She got caught and sent for a lifetime in jail. But that didn't calm me, she... She was keeping me in a cage! IN A CAGE!''
''Hey, hey, calm down! Just focus on happy memories'' Ava said, as she hugged Molly. ''Focus on happy memorieeeees...''
Molly took a moment to breathe in and relax, and she hugged Ava back. Just for a moment, they were hugging in the middle of the sidewalk. A moment to forget about what happened back then in the Ghost World...
''Thanks, Ava... I needed that''
''I know... Listen, you're a strong person!'' Ava said, breaking away from the hug and putting her hands on Molly's shoulders. ''Strong, independent woman! You're not gonna let a little cute furry face like the one of a cat to let you down! You got this, and we're all gonna support you! Me, Jacob, Mia, we're not going anywhere'' Ava said, as she hugged her again.
Molly couldn't help but crack a smile. She was so happy to know she had real friends. Friends who weren't gonna laugh or mock her for being scared of something as stupid as a normal cat. No, they were sympathizing for her.
''You know what, why don't you pay me a visit at home? I'll show you my DVD K-pop collection, my stickers, and you'll see my sister! I swear, she's the chillest girl ever!'' Ava said with a huge smile.
''Oh, really? Mhhh... I don't know, I feel a bit ashamed when I disturb someone else's peace...'' Molly said, scratching her arm.
''What?! Don't be ridiculous! She LOVES when I invite friends! Heck, she mostly asks why I don't invite anyone to a sleepover, you gotta come!''
''Mhhh... Ehhh... If you say so...''
''GREAT!'' Ava said, as she hugged her again.
Molly smiled again and hugged her back. At least visiting a friend was one way for her to forget about her problems at school. The already many problems she had...
...
Scratch and Libby were walking around Brighton while Libby was buying groceries... And she also told her what happened between her and Tammy Myers.
''Her parents are gonna sue your mom?!'' Scratch asked.
''All because Buffy protected me! But Myers lied that I DID IT! Ugh, I knew she'd be awful, but... THAT'S TOO MUCH!'' Libby said, kicking a rock.
''I knew it! That weirdo is a real trouble, and she just proved it!''
''Hey! I told you, I probably was gonna be in a hospital if it wasn't for her!'' Libby said, offended.
''Well, apart from that, I don't see Myers backing up! If not physically, she's gonna bully you in CORT! All because of that creep! Like, seriously, you know what she was doing when you were gone?! NOTHING! She was just staring at me like the total moron she is!'' Scratch said.
''Ughhhhhhh, cut her some slack, Scratch! It's not like she-
''Mhh, what ya got there, Li-Bug?'' Buffy appeared right behind them, staring at Libby's bag with groceries.
Both Scratch and Libby jumped back and looked at Buffy with shocked faces. She really was following them everywhere they went...
''O-Oh, Buff... You know, just some things for dinner'' Libby said with a nervous smile.
''You don't just appear behind someone!'' Scratch said to Buffy, angry.
''Oh, like you're the one to say it...'' Libby said, rolling her eyes.
''I don't appear, I'm always behind my friend'' Buffy said, once again keeping her hands behind her.
''Aww, you're so cute'' Libby said, as she patter her head.
Scratch couldn't believe it. Not only she admit to being a stalker, but Libby was seeing absolutely no problems with it.
''L-Libs! She is STALKING US! That right here is not normal!'' Scratch tried to point out.
''Well, as far as I see, her following saved me!'' Libby said.
''Oh, come on! Did you not listen to what I was saying the whole time?! She only got you in more trouble, and she's weird! What do you think the other ghosts would imagine when they see her?!''
''Listen, she's not weird or creepy, she's... Well, yeah, maybe a bit creepy and different, but so are you or any other ghost! So how about you stop acting like a jerk and actually try to spend time with her while she's with us?!'' Libby said, annoyed and angry.
''Oh, I'd definitely want someone who stares like a... Where the heck did she go now?!''
Libby turned around and saw that Buffy was gone. She turned around just for a second to talk to Scratch, and now Buffy was gone... Or at least she thought she was, until Libby saw Andrea filming her...
''Wh- BUFFY!''
Libby left her groceries and immediately went to them while Andrea was still filming her and other kids were giving her a weird eye because of the mask.
''Oh, my, GOSH! That has to be the cutest mask I have ever seen, fan-dreas!'' Andrea said, still filming her.
''Why, thank you. But who's ''fan-dreas''?'' Buffy asked, keeping the same pose with her hands behind her back.
''Oh, my dear viewers, duh! You see, fan-dreas, that's what true fashion looks like! No boy or girl deserves to see the true prettiness of someone else's face, they can only dream about it!'' Andrea said, still streaming.
''Perhaps... That's some kind of a flat camera? Weird that Libby calls it a phone... It kinda looks like a metal chocolate bar''
''Pfhahahaha, you're funny! Looks like someone was sleepy the last decade!'' Andrea laughed.
''THERE YOU ARE!'' Libby said, as she grabbed Buffy's arm. ''S-Sorry, Andrea, just...''
''Oh, is she with you, Libby? I swear, your friend is so cute!''
''Th-Thanks, yeah, she's... New to town... Anyway, I have a lot of work to do, see ya later, bye!'' Libby said, as she dragged Buffy with her away.
While Scratch was waiting with both a disappointed and angry look, Libby and Buffy were finally back.
''What was that, Buff?!'' Libby asked.
''What? She was nice!'' Buffy said.
''GHOSTS DON'T JUST APPEAR AROUND PEOPLE, STUPID!'' Scratch said.
''Hey! No need to say it like that, Scratch!'' Libby said. ''Buff, people aren't exactly... Trusty with ghosts'' Libby said to Buffy, keeping her hand on her shoulder.
''Nonsense! You and that Andrea girl are nice''
''Andrea doesn't even know you're a ghost! While me...''
''Hohoho, she doesn't even know the basic rule that the dead stay out of the way of THE LIVING!'' Scratch said.
''Ughhhh, you're not helping!'' Libby said, annoyed.
''What?! That's something EVERYONE knows! Did she stay under a rock since she died or something?!''
''Ugh, don't pay attention to him, Bu- Buffy? Buffy?!'' Libby turned around, and saw Buffy was gone again.
Once again, she disappeared. Libby's eyes widened once again and she looked around... But this time, she was nowhere to be seen.
''I swear, she's doing this on purpose!'' Scratch said, angry.
''Ugh... Come on, let's find her...''
''What?! I'm not gonna search for that weirdo-
Before he could finish, Libby grabbed him by the hair and started to walk around in search of her friend.
''OW, OW, OW! NOT MY TRIM, NOT MY TRIM!'' Scratch was struggling to break free.
She knew Buffy must be new to humans... Which was odd, since they were sure she was dead for a while now. Still, they had to find her before she could get herself in more trouble...
...
Molly and Ava were at her house, as they already had their lunch. Molly also got to see Ava's sister, and she was right, she was a really cool girl.
Lisa, as her name was, was 19 years old and already graduated high school. Too bad, their family didn't have money for college, so she started to already work around town.
''Thanks a lot for the food!'' Molly said with a smile.
''You're welcome, Milly! Ava has told me a lot about you!'' Lisa said, washing the dishes after lunch.
''H-Heheh, I'm glad to know she had what good to say about me'' Molly said, awkwardly blushing.
''And... Also told me about what was happening in school...''
''Oh...''
''Yeah, sorry, it kinda slipped...'' Ava said.
''No worries...'' Molly said.
''Tell me, is the whole ladyboy joke real?'' Lisa asked, as she came back to the table again.
Molly felt even more embarrassed. The whole school repeating that joke was already bad, she didn't need total strangers from her friend's family to know about it too...
''Um... Yeah... Ugh, I don't know what their problem is! I told them multiple times I'm BORN as a girl, yet they keep making fun of me!'' Molly explained.
''Ugh, high schoolers are the worst. Especially boys! You'd expect the more grow up, the more mature they'd become, but no! What was that meme, Ava?''
''It's evolving, just backwards!'' Ava laughed.
''Exactly. They do it for the giggles, no matter how stupid it is. Don't pay them any attention, sweetheart, they don't deserve your energy!'' Lisa said.
''But it's hard when the whole class turns you into a laughing stock!'' Molly said.
''I know. I was like that once when I was little... But do you know what made them stop? When you start acting more like a bad girl, they'll see their mocking isn't working!'' Lisa said and winked.
''Bad girl? Uhhh... You mean, I should listen only to depressed music, dye my hair black, and act like the whole world is against me?'' Molly asked, embarrassed.
''Hahahaha, nooooo! Not like that! I mean, more of a tough personality! Know your values, keep your head up, give your bullies the cold shoulder. You already have the look!'' Lisa said, pointing at Molly's clothes.
''Ehhh... I mean, that's pretty much what I wear since I arrived. I thought it rocked... Plus, the leather feels nice'' Molly said, looking at her skirt and jacket.
''It sure rocks! All we need now is for your mentality to also rock. Be more... Not caring! Act busy, like you have way too many important things to do than waste your time with idiots! Give a little more hot and attractive look, like you're way higher class than those jerkfaces'' Lisa said.
''O-Oh... H-Heh, I never really tried that...'' Molly said, awkwardly smiling. ''I'm more of... Give smiles and wave at people! I thought if I give joy, people would return joy to me...''
''There's absolutely nothing wrong with that, kiddo, but... When the world gets tough, you gotta toughen up too. You know, you two are working really hard at school. Especially with that play you signed up for, and Ava doing her homework when she was sick'' Lisa chuckled at her sister.
''Appendicitis over literature? Never in a million years!'' Ava said with a smile.
''Haha, right. So, Ava, why don't you two reward yourselves?'' Lisa said, as she pulled out a credit card.
''Wait... Is that?''
''Yep! I already paid the bills, and I have nothing interesting to use it for. Sooooo, why don't you treat your friend a little? Clothes, make-up, that kind of stuff'' Lisa said with a grin.
''H-Heh, I'm not actually good at all with make-up'' Molly said.
''But... But dad...''
''Don't worry, it's my money! Go ahead, get yourselves something nice! Oh, and Ava... Come please...''
Ava got up and went to her big sister, and she wrapped an arm around her and started to whisper so Molly wouldn't hear them.
''Please teach her how to put make-up...''
''Haha, I will, no worries'' Ava laughed, and kissed her sister on the cheek.
''What? What did she say?'' Molly asked, confused.
''Nothing! Come on, we gotta go!'' Ava said, as she grabbed Molly's hand.
As they walked away from the apartment, Ava said goodbye to her sister and they went down the stairs, then outside. It wasn't the best-looking apartment or place to live at all, but it was acceptable. After all, Ava's family wasn't rich... Not even close.
''Ahhhhhh, you know what that means, bestie!'' Ava said in a high-pitched voice.
''I sure know very well, bestie!'' Molly said in the same high-pitched voice.
As they both were jumping in excitement, Molly and Ava both screamed in the most joyful, annoyed, ridiculously adorable voice that scared almost everyone on the street around them.
''SHOPPIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!''
...
Scratch and Libby were searching around Brighton but couldn't figure out where Buffy went. It was also getting pretty cold and Libby's coat was losing its warmth, so she wanted to find her fast.
''Ugh, tell me a real friend would just vanish like that!'' Scratch said.
''Come oooon, she said she followed me everywhere... She can't just disappear!''
''Oh, and you wanna believe her?!''
''Oh, come on! Why are you like this?! I was probably the only one who saw her in like a decade or something, and now she just wants to have a real friend!'' Libby said, angry at Scratch.
''Ah, we may not know what ghost she is, but I now know what her type is! She's one of those when you show a bit of kindness, they stick with you, seeing you as a savior or a life-long friend! Like a stray kitty, you give one piece of bread, and now it won't stop following you anywhere you go!'' Scratch said with a mocking smile.
''Ughhhhhhh, you-
Before Libby could finish, she noticed a large group of kids in the corner, laughing at something. She was pretty surprised they hadn't noticed them before since there were many. She started to walk towards them with Scratch behind her, and... Well, of course, Buffy was there...
''Hahahaha! Nah, that girl is HILARIOUS!'' A boy said.
''Come on, say something else! What do you think of... Horror movies!'' A girl asked.
''Horror movies? Mhhh, I don't need them, I'm the horror myself...''
''Ohhhhh, cheeky giiiiirl!'' Everyone said with a mocking grin.
''Oh well, perhaps there is a wonderful future for horror. Like that upcoming movie Nightmare on Elm Street... OH! I remember, me and my family were supposed to watch it in the cinema! We got tickets and everything!'' Buffy said.
''PFHAHAHAHAHAH! It came out 30 years ago!'' Another boy laughed.
''We got a real dinasaurs, folks!'' Another girl laughed.
''Dinasour? Mhh, I don't remember seeing dinasaurs around. Oh, or maybe with those modern ''phones'' you have, perhaps now people can create dinasaurs?''
Everyone burst out laughing while Buffy was genially confused, yet happy to know people were joyful. Especially with that weird mask she had, they were seeing her as a total joker.
''Oh my gosh, I'm sorry, everyone!'' Libby said, as she wrapped her arms around Buffy. ''F-Forgive her, she's... Uh... Ummmm... MY SISTER! Y-Yeah, my sister who has... Down Syndrome, and can get carried away in crowds!'' Libby lied, as she was slowly dragging her away.
''Oh, she's such a silly thing!'' A boy giggled.
''You never told us you have a sister, though'' One of the girls said, who was in Libby's class.
''Y-Yeah, she lives in another town, but now is here for a while, b-but she's very shy, that's why she has a mask and all- and I gotta go, see ya!''
Embarrassed all the way to Hell, Libby dragged Buffy away in a corner, while Scratch was waiting with crossed arms.
''O-Okay... Whooh...'' Libby said, catching her breath. ''Buff, NEVER EVER do that again! Okay?!''
''Mhhhh...''
''Don't 'mhhhh' me! You're gonna stay right next to me, got it?!'' Libby said, once again keeping her hands on Buffy's shoulders.
''If you talk to a tree like that, I'm sure it would understand you better than her...'' Scratch said.
Libby rolled her eyes again at his comments and was ready to hug Buffy again, just to make sure she understood that she couldn't appear like that to others again... But she stopped when she saw a familiar face behind Buffy.
''Hey, Libby...'' Charlotte said with a suspicious look, crossing her arms.
''Ch-Char?'' Libby said, shocked.
''So, now we're keeping secrets?!'' Charlotte asked, also shocked.
''U-Uhh...''
''Sister? Sister?! You had a sister and you never told me?! Just because she has Down Syndrome?! That's cruel!''
''Oh! N-No-No, it's not like that! You see, m-my mom actually told me not to say since Buffy is very shy, th-that's why she wears a mask, a-and... Uhhh...''
Libby couldn't even make a better lie because of how fast she got caught up in her own words. And the silliest thing, all that time Buffy was waving at Charlotte like a little kid.
''Uh-Huh... So, Buffy, right? I'm Charlotte''
''Nice to see you. Li-Bug, is that the girl you keep hundreds of photos in your weird device?'' Buffy asked.
''WH-WHAT?! H-HOW DO YOU EVEN KNOW?! Libby asked, both shocked and blushing.
''Well, there goes her relationship, creep...'' Scratch muttered to himself while invisible.
Charlotte couldn't help but chuckle at how hilarious Libby looked with what she thought was her sister... Funny how neither she nor anyone else noticed Buffy had no eyes...
''Well, nice to see you, Buffy. I'm sure your sister missed me for a while now to have... That much of me in her phone?'' Charlotte asked with a chuckle.
''Uhh, h-heheh... You have no idea...'' Libby laughed, looking red like a tomato.
They were about to hug, but... A horn was heard in the distance. For Charlotte's nightmare, it was her parents... And they both were staring with the most hateful and dreadful looks towards Libby...
''S-Sorry... Ugh, the witches are calling. See ya, Libby!'' Charlotte said as she walked away.
''Yeah... Hope so...'' Libby said with a sad look.
They looked both so angry and terrifying... Like, in a way they were telling Libby ''sleep with one eye open''. When Charlotte went in their car and they drove away, Libby was just standing and staring...
''Looks like your ''sister'' caused enough trouble for today...'' Scratch said.
''Ever knew what's like to be hated by two different families...'' Libby asked, still staring at the distance.
''Eh, I killed a man when I was a teen, so I'd say I know what's like the whole town to hate you''
''Sorry, I... Wait, Buffy?'' Libby said, as she turned around... And saw she was gone again. ''OH, COME ON!''
''Uhhh, I'M PRETTY SURE SHE REALLY WANTS TO GET IN A REAL TROUBLE!'' Scratch said terrified, pointing at something.
Libby saw where he was pointing and her blood turned cold when she saw where Buffy was. She was talking... With two of the O.A.S. agents.
''BUFFY, NO!'' Libby yelled, as she ran towards her.
''Huh, isn't it a bit early for Comic Con, fellas?'' Buffy asked.
''We're here on a government mission, kid. Don't you know? Our team is this town since the summer...'' One of the soldiers said.
''Not really. When you haunt the school till' winter, you miss quite a lot'' Buffy said, so calmy while keeping her hands behind her back.
''... What the hell did you just say?!''
Before she could say something even more stupid, Libby launched behind her and hugged her, starting to walk away.
''SORRY, SORRY, REALLY SORRY! DON'T PAY US ATTENTION, WE'RE LEAVING!'' Libby said to the soldiers, dragging her away once again.
The soldiers kept looking at them while Libby and Buffy were disappearing in the next corner. Then they looked at each other with both confused, yet suspicious looks they could feel behind their helmets.
After dragging in that corner, Libby and Scratch were all alone with Buffy and made sure there were no people around them.
''Phew, that was intense... Alright, Buffy, we need to set some very clear rules from now on!'' Libby said, angry.
''First, NEVER IN YOUR DEAR AFTERLIFE THINK TO TALK TO THOSE GUYS EVER AGAIN!'' Scratch yelled.
''Second, except for me, DON'T APPEAR TO ANYONE! NO CHILD, MAN, WOMAN, NO ONE BUT ME!'' Libby said.
''But-
''NO BUTS! If you want to be my friend, you're gonna follow my rules! Got it?!''
From that moment, Libby could feel how... Sad Buffy now was. She didn't understand what she did was bad. That smiling mask couldn't hide the awkwardness the ghost was feeling...
''I just wanted to make a few more friends...'' Buffy said, quietly.
Libby's angry expression disappeared and she was now looking at her with sadness and sympathy. Even though Buffy was causing so much trouble today, Libby was feeling sorry for her. After all, she probably never got in touch with another life since her death...
''I... I understand, Buff... But you can't appear like that! If people realize you're a real ghost, they'd be terrified!'' Libby tried to explain.
''You're not terrified...''
''That's because I already have a connection to the supernatural! Heck, that's probably why I saw you in the first place! But even I fainted the first time I saw a ghost! That's why ghosts hide... Because people are afraid!''
''And those ''fellas'' there? THEY ARE NO FELLAS, THEY'RE GHOST HUNTERS! If they realize you're a ghost, you'll be done for!'' Scratch said.
Buffy didn't say anything... Instead, she was looking down. Libby knew that coping mechanism all too well, she was probably ashamed. Yet, Libby wasn't mad. She just wanted to protect her, just like how Buffy protected her from Tammy Myers.
''Aww... Don't worry, everything will be fine'' Libby said, as she hugged her.
Buffy slowly hugged her back and they stayed like that for a while. Scratch rolled his eyes of this lovey-dovey sweetness he hated. And still... He didn't trust her one bit, which was also why he didn't like it. Who in their right mind would decide to chat with the O.A.S.?! Let alone a ghost?!
After a few minutes, Libby came out of a corner with her groceries, all alone... At least she looked alone, but made Buffy disappear, and Scratch was invisible right next to her.
The O.A.S. agents were staring at her, holding their guns. They noticed the weird girl from earlier wasn't with her... Which made their suspicion grow even more. One of them turned on the radio station in his helmet...
''Team Odd... Keep an eye on the long hair with green sweater girl...''