Haunted: Houses: Haunted

Introduction

Home. It’s the place you go to feel safe. It’s where you relax, where you dream, where you sleep...it’s where you’re at your most vulnerable.

At the end of the day, however, there are only a few inches of wood, brick, drywall, and paint shielding us from the dangers of the outside world. So we do everything we can to protect our homes and our families.

We purchase insurance policies to safeguard us against accidents. We install security lights and expensive systems with complicated passwords. We build fences. We plant shrubs and trees for privacy. We buy childproof locks for our cabinets; little plastic covers keep small fingers from electrical outlets. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are diligently serviced annually to warn us of both visible and invisible dangers. Guns and ammo are locked in nearby cabinets, just in case.

We’ve prepared ourselves against any intrusion, be it natural or human.

But what happens when that intrusion isn’t natural or human, or even something you can see at all? How do you protect yourself, and your family, against the supernatural?

You won’t have to leave the house for the following twelve stories. In them, a dozen authors will take you on a journey through horror, madness, and even romance.

Home is a man’s castle. It’s where you hang your hat. It’s where your heart is.

And it’s where these ghosts terrorize those who step over the threshold.

Welcome home.

The Promise

A Haunting Lia Sequel

***

Shannon Eckrich

Mrs. Beasley set my small, purple bag on the porch and knocked on the door. I stepped behind her and glanced down at the floor. The white paint was chipped, revealing the warped boards underneath. Shuffling my foot, I knocked off a few more flakes.

Lia, come out from behind there. We don’t want to give them the wrong impression. The Stacks seem very nice. And they have two little girls of their own. I’m sure you will get along fine.

I don’t want to, I said with a whiny whisper. I don’t know these people.

Aww...Lia. You’ve met Mr. and Mrs. Stacks. Mrs. Beasley turned around and crouched down in front of me, placing her hands on my shoulders. I know it’s been very hard for you, Sweetie. But we have to keep trying. Before we know it, someone will come along and adopt you.

I folded my arms over my chest and pouted. I don’t want to be adopted. I just want to go home.

Lia, you know that’s not an option. She rubbed my shoulders.

The front door of the house swung open, and Mrs. Beasley quickly turned around. Stephanie, she said, reaching her hand out to a blond-haired woman with dark eyebrows. She looked funny.

Good afternoon, Mrs. Beasley, she answered, smiling. Her gaze shifted over to me. Hi, Lia. It’s so nice to see you again. Are you ready to meet the girls?

I glanced up at Mrs. Beasley, wanting nothing more than to shake my head, but I didn’t want her to be disappointed with me again. This was the third foster home this month. Maybe, she’s right. Maybe, this family will finally accept me. Sure, I finally said, causing a smile to light up on Mrs. Beasley’s face.

Okay, there’s her bag, Mrs. Beasley said, nodding to my small, purple bag. I have to get back to the office, but if you have any issues, don’t hesitate to call.

Mrs. Stacks walked over to me and took my hand. Her skin was cold and clammy. I’m sure she won’t be a problem. She’ll get along well with the girls. They’re excited to finally meet her. She led me toward the front of the house, scooping up my bag, and continuing in, closing the door behind us.

***

Her eyes are creepy, a little brunette girl said as she stood on the last stairstep holding onto the banister. She had to be a couple of years younger than me.

Janice, that isn’t nice, Mrs. Stacks scolded. Sorry, Lia, she turned to me, Janice is only nine years old. She’s still working on her manners.

I was right. Janice was two years younger. That’s okay, I whispered, but really, it made me feel even worse about being here. My tummy hurt.

Janice, please take Lia upstairs and show her to her room.

Fine. Janice rolled her eyes and then turned around. Follow me.

I swallowed hard, and then I trailed behind the girl up the dark brown stairs and into a large room. There were pink curtains on the windows, fluffy, white carpet over the floor, and two canopy beds, one on each side of the room. This was much better than any of the places I’d been. But I knew it wouldn’t change anything. They would still find me.

That’s yours over there, she said, pointing toward the bed in front of the window.

Next thing I knew, she spun around and headed back out the door, leaving me alone. I didn’t like to be alone.

I slowly made my way over to the bed and sat down on the mattress. Everything was pink. The blanket, pillows, and even the sheet. Even though this was the best bed I’d ever had, it still didn’t make me feel any better. I missed my daddy and my grandparents. But daddy was bad, as Mrs. Beasley put it. That was why he was put in jail. And my grandparents were dead. I turned to the window and gazed outside as hot tears welled in my eyes. I didn’t want to be here.

"Lia," a faint voice whispered.

My breath halted in my throat and I slowly turned my head to the closet door, the sound of my heart beating rapidly in my ears. No. I was just imagining it. There was no way they could find me. Not so soon.

You can’t escape us, it whispered again. The closet door began vibrating, and the doorknob made a series of clicking noises.

I scooted back on the bed until I could go no further. My breath came in short, shallow gasps as I stared at the door, waiting. Knowing they really had found me. My heart. Thumpthumpthumpthumpthump Moisture streaming down my cheeks. They were coming. I squeezed my eyes closed, not wanting to see them. No way was I looking at them again. They were scary. Mean. Bloody.

My father told me they have always been around me, even when I was a baby. When I lived with Grammy and Gramps, my father gave me a necklace to keep them away. But Grammy took it from me. It only made things worse. Daddy showed up at my grandparents’ house. Then the cops came. After that, I was sent from foster home to foster home. And the monsters always followed me.

A loud bang startled me. No, go away! I screamed and threw my hands up to cover my face. Go away! Go away!

Hey, kid chillax already, an unfamiliar voice said.

I opened my eyes, body still trembling, thinking they were playing some kind of trick on me. But they weren’t. A girl with blond hair stood in the doorway, eyebrows lifted and hand on her hip.

This place seriously isn’t that bad. Her face relaxed. By the way, she leaned against the doorframe, have you seen Janice? The little creep took my earphones again.

She’s—she’s downstairs. My voice trembled as I pointed toward the door.

The girl smiled. You know, I kind of like you. Janice likes to hide my stuff a lot. You might come in handy around here. What’s your name kid? Isn’t it Lilac or something?

Lia. I swallowed hard.

I’m Emily. She lifted her body away from the doorframe. I just have one rule. Stay out of my room.

Okay, I whispered, knowing I had no intentions of going into her room.

Emily turned and disappeared out into the hallway, screaming Janice’s name as she pounded down the steps.

I drew in a deep breath, knowing it wouldn’t be long before they returned.

***

Days went by, and then eventually weeks. Living with the Stacks was okay. Janice had started playing with me more and more, but she was kind of mean. Anytime she got into trouble, she blamed it on me, and I was the one who got punished. Emily barely came out of her room, and Mr. Stacks was never home. I’d only seen the man twice. Mrs. Stacks had seemed to become nervous, always looking over her shoulder and turning on every light as she walked through the house. It was probably because of the weird things that were happening in the house. Mysterious noises, missing things, and doors that would slam on their own.

Of course, I knew who was responsible for everything, but I dared not to tell anyone. All I wanted was to fit in somewhere. And if they knew, I’d be off to another foster home. Just like always.

***

Has anyone seen my keys? Mrs. Stacks asked one Saturday morning while we were all in the kitchen eating breakfast. She needed to run a few errands this morning, which meant Emily had to watch us again.

Emily’s idea of babysitting me and Janice was going into her room, shutting her door, and turning her music up loud enough to shake the house. We weren’t allowed to disturb her unless it was a true emergency. And she never actually explained what a true emergency was.

Nope, Emily said, shoving a spoonful of Fruit Loops in her mouth as she flipped through one of her weird magazines with a group of boys on the cover.

Janice and I shook our heads as we ate our own cereal.

I know I left them on the counter last night, she grumbled, scattering a pile of papers across the countertop in search of them. It’s like I’m going crazy. Everything keeps disappearing.

Maybe, they’re with my earphones. Emily glared at Janice.

I didn’t take your earphones! Janice slammed her spoon in the bowl, splattering milk onto the table.

Girls, please. Mrs. Stacks turned and gave them the look of death.

Just then, one of the bulbs in the chandelier above us popped, and then went out, causing everyone to jump.

It’s okay, Mrs. Stacks reassured us. It’s just a lightbulb. I’ll have to pick up some more at the store. If I ever find my keys.

Janice scooted out her chair and got up, making her way over to the sink. She drained her milk from her bowl and then took it over to the closet, where the trash can was kept. She opened the door and let out a horrifying scream, dropping her bowl onto the floor. She slammed the door shut.

Janice, what is wrong with you? Mrs. Stacks snapped.

Janice turned around, color drained from her face. There—there was somebody in the closet. They had blood all over them. And their eyes were black. All her words ran together as her body shook with terror.

Emily choked out a laugh as Mrs. Stacks tightened her jaw.

Don’t be silly. She walked hastily over to the door and opened it. The only thing inside was a shelf and a trash can. See. Nothing there, she said.

But...but, Janice stammered.

There are no buts. She closed the door. This is getting ridiculous. You’re screaming in the middle of the night, telling me you’re hearing voices, and now you’re seeing things. This has to stop.

Mommy, I swear, there was a ghost in the closet. It was right there a minute ago.

Listen to me, she said, crouching down to Janice’s height, there are no such thing as ghosts. End of story.

Janice’s bottom lip quivered, then she exploded into tears and ran out of the room. You don’t believe me!

Um...Mom, Emily said the words slowly.

Mrs. Stacks and I turned around. Emily was holding a set of keys in her hand.

They were on the table. She shook her head and drew in her eyebrows. They weren’t there a second ago. It’s like they just appeared out of thin air.

Ridiculous, Mrs. Stacks grumbled. Someone had to put them there. Her attention drifted over to me. I shook my head and shrugged my shoulders, denying it was me.

No, it wasn’t Lia. Emily spoke up. And it wasn’t you or Janice.

I don’t have time for this, she huffed and then walked over, snatching the keys out of Emily’s hand. I’ll be back shortly. She turned without another word and walked out of the kitchen.

Emily stood there staring at me. You know what’s going on, don’t you?

I shook my head, refusing to tell her anything.

First the bulb, then the keys and closet. You didn’t seem surprised about any of it. It’s like you’ve seen it before, Lia.

I couldn’t take any more. Leave me alone, I yelled, turning and running from the room. I had to get away from her.

But she wouldn’t have it. She raced after me, nearly catching the back of my shirt a few times, but I was too quick for her. You can’t get away from me!

I took the steps two at a time as I rushed up the stairs, my breath coming in short, shallow gasps. Turning the corner, she almost caught me again, but her fingers slipped. I darted into the bathroom, and the door slammed behind me even though I never touched it.

Let me in! Emily wiggled the knob on the door. What the heck is going on here? She hit the base of the door, causing it to vibrate. There’s no lock on this door.

I backed myself into a corner and sunk down, back against the wall. I pulled my knees up to my chest and covered my face. Go away! Go away! Go away, I said in a hushed whisper. Emily must have thought I was talking to her, because she stopped messing with the door and everything went silent. But I wasn’t. My words were meant for them, but I knew they’d never leave me alone. Ever. And for some reason, I had a feeling things were about to get worse.

***

Raindrops pattered against the windowpane. It was too wet to go outside, so I sat on my bed reading the new book Mrs. Beasley had brought me on her last visit. It was about a dog who had lost his family, and he had to wander through the wilderness in search of them. I definitely knew how sad the dog felt. I’d lost my family. But my problem was I had no idea where or how to find them.

Li—a, Janice sang my name as she skipped into the room. I’m bored. Mommy won’t let me go outside. Wanna play hide and go seek?

Sure, I said, placing my book on the mattress and jumping up. Janice rarely wanted to play games with me. Especially, fun games where we could run around.

Okay, count to fifty! She bounced back out the door, her feet pitter patting over the hardwood floor.

Fifty? Did she even know how to count to fifty?

Instead of closing my eyes and counting, I picked up my book again and began reading. The chapters were short. She’d never know I didn’t actually count.

After finishing up chapter thirteen, I folded the page and shut the book, setting it back on the mattress. I slipped out of bed and walked into the hallway. For some reason, the place was quiet. Too quiet.

I continued down the hallway, peering into every room except one. Emily’s. I had been avoiding her since the incident a couple of days ago. There was no way I’d check her room.

Janice was nowhere upstairs, so I took the stairs down to the first floor in search of her. There was no sign of her in the living room or the kitchen. There was only one place left to look. I stood in front of the door to the basement. Basements were dark and scary. And in the movies, that was where all the monsters hid. I didn’t want to go down there. But then, I heard a faint scream. My breathing became short and rapid, and my heart picked up its pace, pounding in my chest. Janice. That was Janice’s voice.

I glanced from the basement door to the living room. I needed to help her. But if I did, they would get me. They knew I’d come after her. And they were waiting for me.

The scream came again.

Without thinking, I grabbed the knob and opened the door, peering down the dimly lit steps. A small bulb dangled from the ceiling above, but it did nothing to chase away the scary shadows. I swallowed hard and took a step forward. I swallowed again. A weird feeling came over my body. And my tummy hurt.

I took another step. Another scream. No. It was crying. Janice was crying. I squeezed my eyes shut. Please don’t be down here. Please don’t be down here. If only I had my necklace my daddy gave me. The stone always helped me. But it was gone. Grammy took the necklace away, and Daddy took Grammy and Gramps away. And men with guns took Daddy away. Everything was taken away. Everything except the monsters. They were the only things that came back. Why did they always come back? Why couldn’t they just leave me alone?

What the heck is going on?

The voice caused me to jump and lose my balance, but before I could fall, a hand grabbed me.

Lia! Lia! Emily looked at me. The whole world was shaking. No, Emily was shaking me. Where’s Janice? Her eyes were wide and her voice was loud. Too loud.

Tears fell from my eyes. I couldn’t speak.

The scream came again.

Emily froze, her gaze moving down the steps. Oh, crap! She pushed me aside and rushed down the stairs. If something happens to her, Mom will kill me!

I reached out and grabbed the rail, catching myself, before I managed to tumble down after her. I was safe. Emily would help Janice. They wouldn’t go after Janice. They never went after anyone except me.

Oh my god! Emily yelled. I couldn’t see her from where I was. Lia! Come here!

Maybe, I was wrong. Maybe, nobody was safe when they were around me. Moisture streamed down my face. No, I didn’t want to go down there. I couldn’t go down there. But, what if they hurt them? My body shook as I struggled to keep ahold of the railing. My legs were weak. My head hurt. My eyes burned. I wanted all of this to go away. I wanted to go away, wanted to disappear so they could never find me again.

Lia, now!

I descended the steps slowly, one at a time, until the shadows wrapped around me like a cold blanket. I swallowed again, attempting to push down the acid bubbling up inside. Finally, my foot hit the concrete floor of the basement. I could no longer feel my body. It was if I were floating over the floor. Turning the corner, I found Emily in front of a large wooden chest. It reminded me of a treasure chest.

Her cheeks were red as she clawed at the lid. Muffled screams coming from the chest. She looked at me. The rest her face pale and colorless. Help me!

Above her head was another bulb. It dangled back and forth from a long chain. My gaze shifted to the shadows in the corner of the basement. A large cabinet. A bike. And a few trash bags. They weren’t here. I was safe.

I quickly rushed over to her and grabbed the opposite end of the lid, pulling it up as hard as I could. It was stuck.

Pull harder, Emily commanded with a growl.

We pulled and pulled and pulled. And finally, the lid gave way. Emily threw the chest open, and Janice was lying in a ball. Her hair was drenched, her face as red as a tomato, and she was struggling to breath.

Emily reached in and scooped her out as I backed up. She held her in her arms. Shh... she whispered, cradling her in her arms. It’s okay. I’ve got you.

Suddenly, the bulb above us went out, leaving us in complete darkness.

***

Everyone screamed, including me. Panic hugged me tightly, and I couldn’t breathe. I didn’t like the dark. The dark was bad.

The light flickered twice, and when it finally came on, four figures stood in the shadows, glaring at me.

I stumbled backward, almost falling twice as my back hit the wall. I slunk down and pushed my knees to my chest, covering my eyes. No, no, no, no! I repeated over and over again as the bloody faces invaded my mind. Black eyes. Mangled faces. Blood dripping from wounds. Rain fell from my eyes as my body shook violently. They were here. They found me. They were going to get me.

Emily screamed so loud it caused my ears to ring. Out! Out! Out! She said hysterically. Suddenly, I was ripped away from the floor.

I opened my eyes, still crying and body shaking. I was breathing so hard I felt as if was going to pass out, and I found myself being dragged away from the center of the basement. Emily had me in one hand and Janice in the other as she raced for the stairs. The light flickered again, and when it came back on, the monsters were gone.

Emily flew up the steps, dropped me and Janice on the floor, and swung around, slamming the door. The house is haunted! The house is haunted! The house is haunted! She said over and over again as she paced in a circle. We need to get out of here!

Both Janice and I sat on the floor, frozen. Sobbing. We couldn’t move.

Get up! Emily screamed, yanking us to our feet. Get outside! She grabbed us again and headed through the house until we reached the front door. She threw the door open and pushed us outside on the step. This is not happening! She walked in circles on the front porch.

Mrs. Stacks’ blue sedan pulled into the driveway, tires splashing through the puddles. Emily flashed off the step and pulled her car door open before she had a chance to shut off the engine. Her lips moved fast, her hands frantically swaying back and forth, as she talked to Mrs. Stacks. Mrs. Stacks shook her head and laughed, causing Emily to blow up even more.

She got out of her car, grabbed a couple of bags from the back seat, and started toward the porch, Emily shadowing behind her.

Mom, I swear, she said, there was something in the basement. The light went out, and when it came back on, there were four people standing there, except, they weren’t people. They were dead. They had blood all over them."

Emily, please. She walked up the steps and continued over the porch. There is nothing in our house. How many times do I have to tell you this? We’ve lived here for sixteen years.

You know there’s something here, she shouted back as she followed her into the house. I’ve heard you talking to Dad on the phone. You told him you’ve been hearing noises and stuff is missing or it’s been moved. The keys...the bulb in the kitchen. And Janice. How can you keep denying it to us?

Janice and I slowly made our way into the house. This is your fault. She glared at me. You brought them here.

A lump formed in my throat. She was right, but I didn’t dare say a word. I just continued into the kitchen with everyone else.

Emily, don’t be silly. Mrs. Stacks chuckled nervously. There’s nothing here. There’s no such thing as ghosts, she had repeated the same words as before.

Just as she finished the sentence, the light in the kitchen began swinging back and forth. The lights flickered twice. And all the cabinet doors opened. Every. Single. One.

***

The bags dropped from Mrs. Stacks’ hand. The sound of glass shattering rippled across the room as they hit the floor. Everyone drew in a deep breath. Mrs. Stacks backed up to the table, Emily froze, and Janice and I became one with the wall.

All the bulbs on the light shattered. Get down! Mrs. Stacks screamed, covering her face.

Then all the cabinet doors slammed shut. They opened again, and then slammed shut again. The motion picked up until they were banging and banging and banging. Janice sank to the floor, sobbing hysterically, and Mrs. Stacks and Emily began screaming. Chairs flew away from the table. The kitchen table shook violently. Drawers were tossed out of their rollers, crashing onto the floor.

Then, they appeared. Six of them this time. All different from the others. Some were missing limbs. Arms or legs. One didn’t have a jaw. Flesh bubbled up on their faces, blood oozed from their eyes and noses. Lia, they called out in ghastly sick voices.

I covered my face, gasping for air. I couldn’t breathe. Go away! Go away! Go away! I cried out in frantic sobs.

Grab, Janice! Mrs. Stacks yelled.

Next thing I knew, I was in Mrs. Stacks arms as she ran for the front door. We continued down the porch until she opened the back door to her sedan and shoved me inside. Emily opened the opposite door and pushed Janice in, and then she jumped in the front seat as Mrs. Stacks sat in front of the steering wheel, her hands shaking as she griped the wheel. The house is haunted, she stammered.

No, Mom, Emily spoke up, her voice trembling. It’s not the house. It’s her. It’s Lia.

What? She glanced at Emily.

Mom, it’s Lia. Whatever is in our house, she brought it. They keep calling her name. It’s her they want. Not us.

Mrs. Stacks looked at me through the mirror, her eyes wet with moisture. Lia, what are those things?

I shrugged my shoulders as I continued to cry. I wasn’t going to tell her. If I told her, she’d send me away."

It’s true, Mommy, Janice finally spoke. I heard her talking to them before.

Mom, seriously, Emily said, The girl is possessed or haunted or something. She’s a freak. We need to send her back.

No, please! I cried out. I don’t want to go. Please don’t send me away. Please!

My words went nowhere. Mrs. Stacks was already on the phone. I need you to come get her. Something is wrong with her. I’m sorry. But she can’t stay.

My world came crashing down. I cried big, chest heaving sobs as she hung up the phone.  Nobody wanted me. I’d always be sent away. It wasn’t fair. Why couldn’t they leave me alone? I wanted Grammy or Gramps or Daddy. But I couldn’t have any of them. I’d always be alone. I’d never have a home. A friend or anyone who would like me.

Mrs. Beasley is on her way, Mrs. Stacks said the words without any emotion.

That was when I knew, no matter how hard I tried to be liked or loved, it would never happen.