Everyday on my lunch hour, I drove around the corner to the graveyard that my grandparents were buried in. It beat the breakroom at work. After I ate my usual turkey on rye, I thumbed through my Bible.

The sun peered down brightly upon the pages. I could feel the heat on my fingertips as I ran them underneath the tiny words. I glanced up. The colossal, suspended ball of fire invited me to partake in a little vitamin D.

I slid across the seat to get out of my stale smelling jalopy. I caught my pant leg on a piece of metal that had broken through the decade’s old vinyl. I was living the good life. Ha!

I looked down at the concrete drive, deciding a walk would do me some good. The meticulously sculpted mausoleums in New Orleans were admirable, more like art than tombs.

I hadn’t made it very far when a swift wind blew through my hair carrying with it a strange sound of desperation, a man moaning in pain or sadness. But, I didn’t see a soul. I listened again, trying to pinpoint the location from which it came.

I noticed the door on one of the Mausoleum’s was broken. The steel snakes cascading around the frame were bent out of place having been used as a handle to gain entrance to the final resting place.

A tall man dressed in all black, stumbled from inside. I froze in fear. His face pale and body thin, yet he was more than handsome. He held to the door for balance and waved me in. “Let me make your life abundantly more satisfying.” His words were drawn out as they entered my ears. Another gust swept up a plastic cup that rested on the ground next to me. I couldn’t even turn to look.

This man, he had me in a trance. I moved towards him unable to stop. I did want him to change my life! He swept me up in his arms. I turned my head and exposed my neck, ready to be bitten and turned forever.

“Freeze, Teddy LaRue! I told you I would find you!”

As they drug Teddy through the grass in handcuffs, he turned to me and smiled. “If I ever get out, I’m gonna find ya.” He winked as he hit his head getting into the Patrol car.

I pouted walking back to my vehicle, dragging my keys that hung on a Snoopy lanyard across the ground.

Dang you Stephenie Meyer. You instilled in me hopeless dreams.

I struggled to get through the gate holding the last box filled with our belongings. The new apartment had a country feel to it, lots of shrubbery and outdoor space. I felt like I could possibly breathe here.

I heard a car come to a screeching halt behind me. I turned to see Brett with his arm resting on the roof of Sally’s red mustang. They were talking and laughing. I had done all of the packing, I shouldn’t have expected the moving part to be any different.

“Brett, can you come open the gate for me?” He held up his pointer finger, telling me to wait a minute. I found a way to do it myself when I realized he was getting in the car to leave with her, nothing new to me.

Once inside, I inhaled the fresh paint, and ran my bare feet across the new carpet. When the ice dumped from the maker in the freezer, it signified something to me. I was welcomed here.

I was tired but couldn’t wait to unpack. I did as much as I could physically do for the night. I showered and watched a little television.

A knock at the door woke me from a near sleep. Sluggishly, I made my way to the peephole. “Let me in Rebecca.” It was Brett. Of course, he came back as always.

I let him in, the first thing he asked for was his key. “Brett, you don’t live here. I only let you in to explain this to you.”

He referred to our lease agreement and how much he loved me. He begged for my forgiveness once more.

I pulled the lease from the junk drawer in the Dining room. “This lease agreement?” I asked.

“Exactly!” He leaned back in the wooden chair nearly flipping it over.

“Yeah, the agreement I had you sign was just a copy of our old paperwork from our old apartment. You never did pay attention to important details.” I handed it to him and insisted he leave. “Maybe Sally will have room for you in that Ford of hers.”

I was at peace with my decision. He didn’t want to leave but, my revolver encouraged him to do so. “And Brett, I’m trying to decide what to plant out back in the flower bed. Please don’t come back here because it just might be you.”

Even the untruths of our minds manifest into reality. . .

Amos called an unofficial employee meeting over by the bar. This was our first day back open. It had been nearly a year since his daughter, Amelie went missing from his home in the Bronx. They labeled her a juvenile delinquent, claimed she left the state with a man twice her age.

We squished in tightly together to hear what he had to say.

The Pinball machine startled us all as the lever pulled back and sent the ball flying up the incline. It rolled quickly down, hitting the contraptions in the center of the machine, causing multiple loud sounds in unison. The side buttons maneuvered in and out on their own so that the flippers would reverse the ball back into the maze. I tried to ignore it. But, no one was actually playing the game!

Even Amos lost his focus when the old Wurlitzer jukebox lit up a pink and blue and then the arm retreated down to grab a forty five. The record, sent spinning, belting out Del Shannon’s – Runaway. A song I was too young to enjoy but, had heard many times.

Amos’ began to stutter his words, his brow covered in perspiration. I supposed he was reminiscing on all the time his daughter spent playing pinball and music here at the cafe’. I, myself wanted to cry.

The front windows were open, allowing for a gentle breeze to flow in. A line of customers began to build at the door. The electricity flickered on and off but, both machines continued to work.

Amos, frightened and anxiety ridden, put both of his hands tightly around his forehead. “Please just stop!” He yelled. Then came the words that stunned us all. He apologized to Amelie for his jealousy and for how he killed her in a fit of rage.

The front door flew open and what we believed to be customers was actually SWAT. They took him into custody. I will never forget the sergeant leaning in towards me and whispering “There’s nothing these technically savvy people can’t do these days.” I guess he was right. Amos is headed to prison and we are no longer open for business.

With a grunt and a heave, I slowly opened the tall, wooden door to see what I would find. After all, I was only seven and had been told not to go in the room numerous times. My Father’s passing left me to be cared for by my mother whom chose to stay sedated a majority of the time. She didn’t handle his death very well.

I squinted my eyes shut, scared to see what I was banned from. I ran my tiny hands across the walls but, they didn’t feel normal. I glanced quickly to see a million books. The musty smell made me gasp for air. Still, I was excited! I knew the bindings held knowledge, information I so longed for.

Two banged up metal doors were centered in the middle of the books. Curiosity led me through them.

A gust of wind shot past me, the area I entered was pitch black and my deaf ears were now able to hear “ahrbrijfjebdhdfuorknsbxjvirdj fjtnjesjhtkeshcjrecnr” I couldn’t understand what was happening. I turned quickly to run away.

My Mother stood behind me in a flowing white gown holding a book much larger than I had ever seen. She slammed it into my chest and sent me plummeting back into the dark abyss. I fell right into my Father’s arms.

“Shelby, wake up my dear. Old Saint Nick has left you something under the tree.”

I wiped my sleepy eyes and went downstairs. I opened my packages, one by one… Books! I don’t even like to read! I realized then what my dream meant – I wanted to remain trapped in the unknown – it’s my happy place.

MeRrY ChRiStMaS and Happy reading! ❤️

I pushed hard on the door to the coffee shop, it didn’t budge, probably because it was cardboard. The lady sitting on the bench: cardboard. The bench: cardboard. “These are all props!” I yelled to my husband, replacing his smile with a look of disgust.

We were on a couple’s retreat meant to produce a stronger marriage. The last year wreaked havoc on our relationship. We were both made to work from home.

“Thomas, you have to climb that pole and hit the white circle with a red line through it!” I couldn’t remember the proper name of that thing, but it was surely out of place. This had to be the last step in getting us to the finish line.

I pointed upwards with a hard thrust of the arm. “Goooo!” He shook his head and began his journey. I laughed to myself, he looked like a frog with his legs bent outwards moving one leg at a time. When he finally reached the top, he asked me was I sure. “Never been so sure about anything in my life.” He slammed his hand on the sign immediately after my approval.

The squealing sound of metal being pulled apart brought me to my knees. Thomas fell to the ground and just laid there. Once he realized he was okay, he lifted himself up onto his elbows and we watched as the top of the room opened. An alarm sounded then bright red delicious looking apples began to fall from the ceiling. We both covered our heads for protection. There was no where to hide from the abundance of fruit. We stood up and looked around for the way out, there seemingly wasn’t one.

“Testing, Testing.” We heard a tapping noise followed by the echo of someone’s voice.

“This is your instructor. Please note, the biggest mistake of all time was a man once listening to his wife. Please work together to complete the course. You must start again at the beginning. Go back the way you entered. A team member will instruct you from there.”

How on Earth would we survive this?

Johnny ran smack dab into me as he investigated the sky. I turned, grabbed him by the arm and scolded him. “Watch where you’re going son!” “Mom, he’s only three. You don’t have to be so harsh.” My eldest daughter, who was now in her teens, felt it her duty to give me directions.

“I am in charge with your Daddy gone.” I told her. She scooped Junior up and followed me towards the fence that outlined the treacherous waters.“Hurry up!” They were so slow. Sissy was thirteen, Sherry was nine and Sara was eight. Junior was a surprise that I could have done without.

I rummaged through my purse as we stood at the gate with the rest of the spectators. No binoculars, we weren’t going to be able to see a thing. “I wish you girls were helpful!” They were lazy and good for nothing. I was nervous most of the time without Big John and medication didn’t help.

“I have an idea.” I pushed back and forth on the wooden part of the railing. It seemed sturdy.“Climb over!” I told them. They whined in disapproval but fearing repercussion, did as I said. We walked through the grassy area and carefully stepped down each giant stone. The waves crashing against the shoreline took my focus until I heard the roar of the Rocket’s engine. “Kids, Daddy’s home!” I pointed to the Contender as it entered back into the Earth’s atmosphere. Big John named the spacecraft himself.

“Ma’am, you can’t be over there!” Security raced our way when they realized our position, clearly not knowing who we were. “Hold hands.” We moved quickly; I felt my foot slip. “Sissy!” I screamed as I fell, hitting my head on a rock. I rolled into the water; face down, unable to move, I gurgled trying to get air I could barely make out my littlest girl’s voice as I drifted out of consciousness. “I told you she would do something stupid if we hid the binoculars.” They wanted me dead.

I reminded the girls; I was not okay with alcohol being served. Sure, it was just a brunch celebrating my upcoming wedding. I couldn’t even manage the light stuff. The sparkling pink champagne begged me to take a sip. I ran my fingertips in a circular motion across the top of the crystal glass. I caught myself and gasped at the realization I was lusting after the drink.

Raquel smacked Tabitha’s forearm. “The girl told you no alcohol, now look at her caressing it.” All my guests laughed at me as they often did. I stood up from the table, slammed my fists on the wood and grabbed the butter knife from atop a pancake. In my above the knee, red dress and heals, I walked behind them. I stopped to down each cup of bubbly that sat before the ladies. I drank so quickly, I belched. “Pardon me.” I put my hand over my mouth, covering the smell. The tip of my acrylic fingernail scratched my nose. I almost cursed.

“What do you think you’re going to accomplish with a butter knife?” asked the loud mouth of the group; Raquel. “Why did I ever consider any of you my friends?” I stumbled, catching myself on the window seal. Everything outside was now a blur. Except for Samuel; my husband to be. I could see him standing underneath the weeping willow tree. The hanging green vines covered him. I smiled, then took a moment to admire my five-carat diamond engagement ring.

The girls; angry, got up to leave. “Not so fast.”Samuel maneuvered inside as quick as lightning. He was now standing beside me. “Ladies.” He held out his hand – In a trance they took it and were escorted to a waiting chariot drawn by eight stallions. The keeper held the reins.

Samuel came back for me, whisked me down the front corridor to a Ferrari parked on the circular driveway.

“See, that wasn’t such a large price to pay to keep me here?” His eyes still glistened from the light waves of time travel. He and his brother stumbled upon a portal while fighting in the Bourbon war of Britain. The keeper of the tunnel required four futuristic women to close the gap forever and allow him to stay. After falling in love, I agreed to sacrifice my own friends. “Montrare, Moonfrare.” Drunkenly, I made up my own French words as I ripped my panty hose on the door of the sports car. You can’t find such a gentleman as he, not in this century – that was most definitely the meaning of my new saying. “Montrare, Moonfrare.” I said once more with my arms still wrapped around his neck. We all sacrifice for love.

I kept my head down and my hands in my pockets as I boarded the train, the cold was brutal against my skin.

I sat in the first maroon colored, polyester seat I came upon. The others remained empty.

The Conductor turned from his position at the door and walked briskly towards me. His tiny steps didn’t match the length of his long legs. I didn’t recognize him.

Shyly, I lifted my head and then spoke in a whisper “I don’t need a ticket to ride this train.” My Grandfather won a bet many years ago, my family traveled for free.

“I am not hear to collect a ticket, my dear.” He pulled out a deck of playing cards from his waistline and removed them from the box. He placed his thumb on top of the stack and fanned through them. One by one they fell and scattered across the floor. Suddenly, a violent wind swept through the car. All but one of the cards disappeared.

I looked towards his name tag. Scribbled on the silver plating was the inscription “Dealer”

“That card is yours.” He pointed at the single card laying unluckily on the dust covered floor. His nails long and brittle.

I glanced up at his face, there was nothing, only a void. I’d seen his type before.

He reached towards his leather boot and took from it a scroll. As he unrolled the paper, he read:“Forty years from this day, the first relative of said Gambler to board the train must retrieve an Ace from the dealer in a scatter game. This will allow them to maintain free traveling status. Winnings will be null and void for all of said Gamblers descendants should another card be picked up.” Your Grandfather signed this agreement. He held it closer to me. I suppose my families trips were becoming costly.

I got up slowly from my seat. I was nearly his same height. I looked again at his face. His eyes blue, his lips a bright red, his nose was long and pointed at the tip. I could see all of him now.

I bent down near the card I was dealt. I hovered my hand above it and then returned quickly to my upright position, leaving the card in it’s place.

“There is nothing on your scroll!” I snatched the blank sheet from his hands and tossed it on the floor next to what I knew to be the three of diamonds.

“My grandfather made a living by reading people’s faces. Did you not think I knew you were bluffing?”

I was awaken by the piercing sound of the alarm. We had been breached. Without getting up, I could see the red lights flashing and spinning through the atmosphere. My white chiffon curtains turned a mahogany from the glow.

I not only needed to follow protocol and get out to the street but I wanted to. The blare was uprooting my sanity.

I slipped on my black leather boots and overalls, grabbed my bomber jacket off the hook and ran down all twelve steps. Twelve was like a magical number around here.

I entered the crowd of residents politely saying “excuse me” as I walked straight up to Kris. “What’s going on Captain?”

“Send the ladies back inside. I only need twelve good men. Round them up and meet me in building twelve.” He instructed.

At that point I knew we must’ve had some of our transportation stolen. I enlisted Lieutenant Frost to help get the men. “Move quickly! I have already put out a SR alert.”

As a group, we marched in a single file line and entered the shelter one by one. Kris stood with his mouth gaped open in amazement. The breaker box wiring and been gnawed away, wood chips and hay were strewn all over the ground.

“What do you think has caused this Sir?” Two of the men asked in sync. He pointed up to the loft and laughed so hard, he held onto his stomach.

“Rudolph! Get down from there and bring the rest of the crew! You naughty reindeer. Your love of hay and feed almost got you electrocuted. Watch where you chew next time.” A jolly feeling came upon us all.

Kris patted me on the back and thanked us for our help. “They flew up the steps thinking they were in trouble. We all overeat sometimes.” We chuckled again, knowing that was the truth.

The crews finally repaired the dangerous section of Hwy. 9 at Warlock’s curve. The pavement uprooted causing a small bulge and cracks in the road. Every time a resident of Crafton disregarded those yellow, sharp curve signs and hit that bump, it would send them careening over the guardrails down the rugged drop off that was covered in trees – Yet they never slowed down. That spot kept our emergency workers busy.

I lived in a little wood cabin a few hundred yards from the place. When I heard action on my police scanner, I would go down there and watch.

I hoped things would get better after the mend. Well, cars stopped going over the embankment. 

But seven out of ten of them were popping a tire. The Highway Department finally came out there to investigate.

I drove down to the road to see what on earth they would find. 

“It’s this thing.” I heard Bob Marlin yell out to the rest of the guys.  “It looks like a silver ring stuck here in the road.” He made note of the pointed edges that could very well flatten a tire. 

He pulled and pulled, grunting with each motion. It just wouldn’t budge. 

He grabbed the Jack Hammer off the Big fluorescent green utility truck and dug in around that piece of shiny metal. He was shaking all over the place trying to control his tool.

Once he made a complete circle, the ground shot up into the air like a missile. I jumped behind the rusted bed of my old pickup truck and peeped around the side to see what was going on.

Gray smoke and the cackling from three horrible looking witches filled the air. Bob’s eyes remained fixated on their fingers as they waved him in, caressing his face with their long nails. One by one the entire crew disappeared. The beasts drug them down into their lair.

I realized that ring was the doorknob to hell. No one ever found out what happened to the road workers. I didn’t tell a soul what I witnessed that day. They wouldn’t believe me anyways or they would just say I was crazy because I take paxil.