Wicked Comfort

“Who wants to play?!" 
The sound of the TV filled the living room; it was adorned with colorful lights, expensive furniture and a bouquet of roses in the center. Little Hailey Weathers laid on her belly as she watches her favourite show;Buggles and friends. That has always been her fav ever since it aired when she was six. Her love for that show didn't change and she still watches it now she's nine years old.
“Mummy! Daddy! come watch Buggles with me". Her parents were usually busy most of the time, too busy to spend time with their daughter. Her father, Elliot Weathers was a real estate agent while her Mom had double job;a pharmacist by day and a nurse most of the night.

There was barely any time for them to spend with her but they made it up by buying her toys. All action figures of her best show character,Buggles. Buggles had a rabbit mask over his face and dressed in a yellow and blue lined overall.
“We're sorry, sweetie. We've
some works to get done. Why don't you go play outside with other kids?". Her Mom, Miranda once said. Hailey was a shy kid and wasn't able to make friends with other kids the neighborhood nor at school. Hailey pouted her mouth in disappointment and left in tears. She ran into her room,locked the door and jumped into her bed;her hands over her face.
“Way to go,Miranda!"Her Dad said while winking at her.

Miranda sighed as she got ready for work.
“She needs to make friends her age,Elliot!. She's gonna get bored".
Elliot gave her a look and said back:
“We've bought her toys and all,
what more could she possibly want?".
“A friend maybe our time and
support!".
“Yeah, you give her that, while I
work,how about that?". Elliott was being sarcastic; yes they appeared rich and fancy but Elliot's salary was barely enough to keep the family. He'd responsibility as well; his mother's medical bills, his younger brother's tuition fees and not to talk of the huge loan he'd acquired overtime. Miranda sighed again this time heavily. Elliot kissed her goodbye as he walked out the door but came back two minutes later.
“I forgot my suit". He winked and went on his way. Miranda applied some makeup on. She'd a worried expression on her face. Worried about Hailey and her health.

Meanwhile in Hailey's room,she sniffed and cried so much until an invisible arm patted her softly making her jump in fear.
“There,there,little one". Hailey looked up;she knows that voice.
“Buggles,is that really you?" She said while wiping her tears with a napkin. Buggles sat down beside her and asked in a rather raspy voice:
“So,what happened, little one". Hailey started crying again and let it all out:
“I hate not having anyone to
play with. My mommy and Daddy
doesn't have time for me either. I just wanna..."Buggles silenced her by placing a gloved finger on her lips.
“ Shhhhh! Your Mom and Dad don't love you  anymore,do they?
They're gonna kick you out
soon".
“What do you mean they don't love me anymore, Buggles?"
Buggles gave no reply and just waved her goodbye until he faded away into thin air leaving Hailey completely saddened.



hapter Two
Miranda made her to Hailey's room although she was exhausted after working late hours at the hospital. She knocked on the door but there was no answer from the other end.
"Hailey,Darling I know you're
upset but please would you let
Mommy in for a few minute". The door opened and Hailey stood outside her door cuddling a stuffed Buggles toy in her arms. Her Mom lifted her up,gave her a kiss on the cheek and put her down. Hailey pouted her lips and ran to her bed;blue in colour. She wasn't speaking to her Mom. Miranda sighed and walked in to take a seat next to her daughter's bed. She placed an arm on her shoulder.
"Hailey,we're sorry if we haven't
been the best parents for you. It's just
your Dad and I are always working an if we didn't work,there'll be no food on the table for us all ". Hailey turned to face her mother who sniffed then wiped some tears from her eyes.
"I just want you to love me, mummy!"
Miranda shifted to Hailey's side of the bed and hugged her warmly.
"What do you mean? Of course I love you that's why your Dad and I work.
Your now to make you happy".
"But I'm already happy, see.." Hailey widened her mouth into a smile.
"So,why don't you go out and
play with other kids,honey?".
"No,I've what I want right here". Hailey said pointing at an empty corner in the room. Her Mom made a look as if trying to see what she was pointing at.
"Who,I don't see anyone.
Are you sure there's someone here?".
Hailey went to the wall and hugged the air like she was hugging someone.
"Hailey, there's no one.
Why are you acting like a lunatic?". Miranda screamed at her. Hailey was surprised and sad. Miranda hadn't yelled at her that way before or even said anything to her other than "Food is ready" and "Goodnight". Hailey frowned and returned back to laying on her bed. Her Mom tried to apologize but it was no use anymore so she walked out the door,feeling exhausted,pissed at her daughter's weird reaction and how she'd yelled.
Meanwhile,Elliot was on the phone with someone. He was laughing hysterically at something said. Miranda entered and slowly shut the door. Elliot smiled at his wife who only gave him a thumbs up.
"I'll call you back,goodbye". The call ended and Elliot tried to comfort Miranda but none of it was working.
“Tell me what happened, honey.
What's got you all wired up?" Miranda began to cry.
“Do you think we're bad parents, Elliott?". Elliot was taken aback by this; he sat next to her on bed,placed an arm on her shoulder patting her gently.
“Of course not.
What made you say that?" Miranda sniffed and said trying to speak properly:
“Hailey's started to see things.
We've gotta take her to see a Doctor".
“What do you mean?"
“Earlier tonight, I heard her talking to
some one and now,she's startup to see things that ain't there". Elliot's eyes widened in shock. Could she be on some drugs they know nothing about?
Could her not having friends be the reason for this?



Chapter Three
We can't blame ourselves for
that. If the kid wants friends, then
let her go to normal school". Elliot replied back with a smile. Miranda accepted it but had a little twist to it.
“Why don't we send her off to
Grandma's place? My Mom would
be thrilled to see Hailey again,won't
she now?". Elliot's smile faded into a frown resembling that of Penny wise.
“Absolutely not,I'm not
sending my daughter over
to that foul mouthed hag". Miranda stood up abruptly.
“Excuse me that foul mouthed hag
is my mother and she's my daughter too and I've a say in this matter".  Not wanting to escalate the situation,he accepted reluctantly. Miranda shrieked with joy and hugged him. He managed to force a smile when she tinkled his belly but deep down, he doesn't like it one bit. Miranda picked up her android phone from the table next to her and dialed her mother's number. Ring! Ring!!!Ring!Rin..
“Hello, Patricia's residence.
How may I help you?". Miranda chuckled at the way her mother spoke in a secretary's accent.
“Mom,it's me,Miranda.
What's with the voice, Mum?".
“Well,I'm practicing for
a thing. How did I do, Miry".Miry was her nickname for Miranda ever since she was a little toddler years ago.
“You crushed it, Mom.
Anyways we're sending Hailey
to come live with you if that's OK?".
“Of course, it's OK.
You don't have to call me
to pop the fucking question.
She's welcome anytime". Miranda smiled at Elliot and gave him a thumbs up. Elliot rolled his eyes but returned back a thumbs up.
“Okay,thanks Mom.
See you soon". The line went off with a beep.
“BRB!" Miranda exclaimed and walked out. She was dancing with joy and couldn't wait to tell Hailey the good news. She knocked at Hailey's door. There was no reply but she could have swore she heard voices coming from in there. Without wasting anymore time, she pushed the door open. Hailey was too distracted talking to nothing that she didn't noticed her mother walk in. Only when Miranda cleared her throat did Hailey turned to face her.
“So,who were you talking
to,Hailey?". Hailey didn't make eye contact with her but just replied with a single word answer.
“Buggles!" Miranda got upset again.
  “Enough with this nonsense, Hailey.
     Try to be normal for a change. Jesus knows I mean well for you".
Hailey frowned:
     “He hates when you use that name". Miranda's patience was about to reach it's limit. Anger began bubbling within.
“What name and who hates
  when I use it?".
“Buggles and he hates when you say
the name you just said". Miranda finally got the message and dragged Hailey by the hair. Hailey cried in pain and pleaded for forgiveness but no more mercy.
“Mom,please this isn't my fault".
“Shut the hell up,you brat"Miranda dragged Hailey into hers and Elliot's room. Elliot was surprised at what he was seeing.
  “What's all this about?!"
“Elliot, I've had enough of this.
It's about time you told her the truth
or I will". Elliot was confused.
“What truth?!"
Miranda eyed him up and down and finally said those dreadful words:
    “Hailey isn't mine, is she?".
Elliot stood frozen in his place;how could this be possible. This is some kind of joke, isn't it?". He thought.
“What are you talking about, Miranda. She's our daughter". He attempted to touch her but she rudely pushed his hands off.
“I saw your messages, Elliot.
Messages from Katelyn. She said
she wants to see her daughter one
last time and she said Hailey's full
name. Care to explain that".Elliot raised both his arms up and explained how he had met with Miss Katelyn back then but nothing went on between them.
Chapter Four.
Miranda arrived at her mother's house in tears; Hailey following her. Seeing her crying, her Mom knew that something went wrong.
“Oh great heaven!
What happened, Miry?" Rosa wrapped her arms around her while also welcoming Hailey inside. She placed the luggage on the wall and sat down to talk with Miranda.
“Hailey, there are toys upstairs.
Why don't you go upstairs and go
play with them?".Hailey smiled and ran up the stairs. Miranda sniffed loudly and covered her face with both arms. Rosa patted her shoulder comfortingly:
“So,tell me what happened?". Miranda rested her head on her mom's shoulder as tears rolled down  her cheeks. She struggled to get the words out
“I just found out that Elliot had an
affair with some Katelyn and Hailey" she cried louder “isn't even mine".Her Mom frowned revealing wrinkles over her forehead. She always had a feeling Elliot wasn't the right man for her but said nothing not wanting to ruin that happy moment for her daughter.
“Well,I wouldn't say I told you
so but you should let him tell
his side of the matter before
you end up doing something you
might regret".
“I already regretted marrying
that scumbag, Mom. You don't
have to remind me about that". She replied bowing her head in sadness and staring at the ground; nothing in particular. Rosa got up abruptly and came back minutes later with two glass cups and vodka.
“Probably you wanna drink
some before  you...". Miranda declined and immediately got up to leave without saying anything else slamming the door hard as she exited.
Rosa shrugged and poured a little into hers and takes a sip of it. She called out for Hailey who immediately comes out of her hiding. She might have heard them discussing because she approached Rosa in tears. Rosa lifted up and placed her on her laps.
“Why are you crying,honey?!".
“I heard you and Mommy talking
bad about Daddy. What was that about?". Rosa assured her that it was just some misunderstanding and that they would sort their way out of this.
“Don't worry your pretty head,dear.
I'm sure they just need some time to
know how much they need each other". Rosa gave her her most assuring smile but she still doubted whether or not they would reunite.
“So,your mother told me something
about you and invisible people,how true is that?" Rosa asked clearing the used dishes. “That's totally normal for young folks". Hailey frowned a bit and mumbled .
“They are real, Granny". Rosa sighed heavily and sat down next to her.
“Listen,Hailey.
Here in Bradsville,you need real friends to get around here not
imaginary ones. Believe me when I say this but some people who had
these “friends" are usually the ones you see in the asylum". Hailey nodded in reply to Rosa.
“Very good, dear.
So,tomorrow I'm gonna introduce
you to some people,sound good?!"Hailey gave a thumbs up in agreement.

Chapter Five
Meanwhile Hailey's dad couldn't bear the thought of his daughter going crazy so he went to a child psychiatrist. He'd already placed an appointment and now was the day. He casually waved to the secretary who waved him back.  He knocked at the door three times consecutively before he was allowed in.
“Welcome,Mister Weathers
Please take a seat!" Elliot quickly drags out a seat nearby and sat. He'd a worried expression on his face.
“Mr Douglas,I think my daughter
is starting to see things that ain't
there. Why is this happening. You
gotta help me,doc". Elliott tried not to let his emotions get the better of him. Mr Douglas sighed deeply and replied that it's totally normal for kids to feel that say especially when they don't have people to talk with.
“So,you're saying this is totally
normal, hmm?" Mr Douglas nodded in response. Elliot frowned a little before getting up to leave but the doctor halted him.
“Our session isn't over yet, Mr Weathers!" Elliot gave him a look of annoyance before forcefully closing the door. He'd come all this way for answers and how he could help his daughter not to be told this was normal.
He slammed his fists against his car with anger. Passerby looked at him with pity while some looked at him with disdain. He entered his car after about three minute and drove off.
Rosa and Hailey were now outside a green coloured house; adorned with sparkling lights flickering different colours. Rosa knocked while smiling at Hailey.
“It's about time you made friends, dear. Can't have you cooked up inside". The door opened and a cheerful smile welcomed them in.
“Nice to see you again, Rosa.
So, who's this cute princess?!" She greeted as she lovingly patted Hailey's hair. Her name was Emily and she'd been Rosa's friend for about two years. She was younger apparently. She'd one child,Wendy. Wendy was about the same age as Hailey. Emily called out for Emily to come say hi to their guests. Wendy pirouetted gracefully before she took an halt and bowed. Emily, Rosa and Hailey clapped for her. Seeing Rosa and Hailey, Wendy took a bow again.
“You've raised a really nice lady,Emily". Emily blushed before signaling Wendy to take Hailey upstairs and mouthed the word
“Show Hailey your toys!" Wendy nodded and Hailey followed more like ran up the stairs. While in the room,Wendy displayed her collections of toys and ballerina dolls all arranged on the top of the drawers.
“Wow,you've lots of toys". Hailey's mouth was opened in surprise. She's never seen this many toys in one room. Well she'd toys but not the ones that young girls her age would want. Who would want a stuffed figure of Buggles.
“Don't you have toys. What type of toys do you have?!" Wendy asked while dressing for a doll she'd cherished. Hailey smiled and said:
“I'd toys but not anymore, I don't
need those toys. I'm a big girl now". Wendy handed her one of her toys which brought a smile on Hailey's face. Wendy was her first friend.
“Wendy, there's something I want to
ask but I don't want to disturb you or
anything". Wendy placed the ballerina doll down and walked towards Hailey placing her arms on her shoulder.
“You can ask for anything you
want, Hailey. I like you". Hailey smiled sheepishly then mouthed I like you too as they both hugged.
Chapter Six
“Have you ever had a friend and
people said they can't see them?!" Hailey asked while her voice was shaking. She was afraid that this might cost the first friendship she'd ever had but Wendy just chuckled and said;her arms still on Hailey's shoulder moving left and right.
“Do you mean imaginary friends.
Maybe but I don't anymore". Hailey sighed calmly. That somehow freed her a little. Rosa called for Hailey saying that they'd to go. Hailey pouted her lips which Wendy found weirdly funny. Wendy escorted her new friend as they talked and talked as if they had been friends since forever. Rosa smiled within herself. She was happy Hailey had finally found someone to play with, someone to keep her mind away from Buggles or whatever the last name was. Emily shook hands with Rosa as they both exchanged goodbyes. Wendy waved at Hailey who waved back with a left arm, her right arm clenching the new doll Wendy had given.
“So,you liked her too, hmmm!" Rosa said to her with a smile. Hailey nodded and smiled back at her revealing cute dimples. Seeing the toy,Rosa's heart melted. She couldn't wait to relate this good news to Miranda. It took them five minutes to finally arrive to their destination.
“Race you to the couch, Granny! " Hailey quickly ran to the couch jumping with joy. Rosa chucked. This was what she'd always wanted for her grand daughter. Wendy seemed like that kind of friend one could keep forever till old age. She was gentle, nice and above all had caring soul.
Nothing else could make her happy.
“It's past your bedtime, princessa!"Rosa said seeing her tired look. Hailey yawned and in a sleepy voice, said:
     “I don't wanna go to bed!"
Rosa carried the little one into the bedroom, got her into her starred pajamas and tucked a blanket over her, kissed her goodnight and slowly leaves the room. Hooting of owls, and the sound of crickets soothe the atmosphere. Those sound were nature's lullaby. Rosa yawned while she walked into her room. She quickly changed into her purple night gown and drifted into bed.

Chapter Six
The next day came almost hours later, it was another day for Hailey to socialise. Rosa knocked at Hailey's room exactly seven in the morning. Hailey tossed and turned before finally waking up to hear the knocking. She hurriedly went and opened the door and there was her grandmother already dressed and eagerly ready to start the day.
"Hurry up and get dressed, Hailey.
Day two of operation friendship". Rosa said with a wink. Hailey smiled at her.
Again, they were at Emily's house but this time they were waiting for Wendy. Wendy had said there was someone she knows Hailey would love to meet. They knocked and the door immediately opened. Wendy was wearing a white hat with a blue gown. Hailey's heart began to bounce in happiness and expectations.
“You kids have fun, bye now.
Hailey, I'll be back at 5. Don't
make me wait up". Rosa waves a goodbye as she drives away.
“Thanks for the doll,Wendy". Hailey said hugging Wendy tightly. Wendy mouthed a welcome. Then,they both walked dive minute until they stopped at a yellow painted mansion.
“Wow! Have only seen houses
like this in films". Wendy grinned excitedly at her. The door jabbed and
was opened. A young boy around the same age as Hailey was at the door but he looked younger.
“Hi,ladies". He greeted them with a flirting smile. “Please come in!" The inside was like heaven; golden chandeliers, yellow couches and many yellow fancies. Hailey couldn't hide her amazement neither Wendy. They both shrieked excitedly.
The boy, Matthew signaled them to follow him to their garden where “magic"happen. They all raced through the wide corridor, playing tag as they approached. Matthew opened a giant door with a clap which amazed them. The garden was like another realm of Paradise; gauzes,a pool and some colorful flowers; daisies, daffodils, roses, anything flowers. Hailey began sniffing them one by one stroking some with her little fingers until a tiny scream could be heard from Hailey's direction. She'd prickled a finger on a thorn. Wendy blows air on the injury but it hurt more. Then another boy run towards the group grabbed Haley's injured thumb and stuck it down his throat sucking it out. Finally it was gone and Hailey began to pant.
“You saved me from that evil
thorn,thanks..." The boy smiled shyly and shook Hailey. Hailey suddenly felt sparks within her. Now it was her turn to smile nervously.
“I'm Michael Millers, what's yours?"
Hailey stammered:
“Hai...Hai"Wendy tapped her hard on the back to bring her back from  her trance. “Hailey Weathers!" She managed to say. Michael smiled at her. In the other corner, Matthew is seen fallen over a tray of snacks and drinks. Michael sighed, pointing at Matthew.
“That there is my little brother.
He's a bit messy but he's great once
you get to know him". Michael looked at Hailey with those angel eyes. Wendy grinned at her friend who was mesmerized by his young charm. Wendy broke the awkward silence.
“Let's have some fun!"
Michael was three years older than Hailey but love knows no bounds. Hailey kept watching Michael. What was this she was feeling? What was this tinkling feeling in her heart? One she hasn't felt before not even for Buggles.





Chapter Seven
“I know that look, child.
Come on spit it out. Who's
the lucky guy?" Rosa asked Hailey once they'd arrived home. Hailey blushed but said nothing. She pouted her lips together and shook her head.
Rosa wasn't the type to give up over that kinda thing, love. She'd also found her husband about four decades ago,40 years to be exact back when she was twelve or so but that plane crash had really caused him his life. He had died while on a business trip about a year ago. Rosa tried to tinkle the answer out of Hailey who giggled, laughed until she finally cracked.
“Michael Miller, Granny!"
Rosa smiled happily at Hailey who blushed and looked away shyly. Her dimples were redder than usual. Rosa pulled her cheeks playfully.
“Wow,he's a catch, ain't he?!" Hailey bowed her head into her laps. Rosa patted her shoulder lovingly and assured her that what she's feeling is totally right and normal.
“You know Hailey. It seems you
and Michael are made for each other".
Hailey looked up at her; her eyes sparking with Cupid's arrows. Rosa checked the time on the clock.
“Crap,it's almost past your bedtime.
Come on, let's go, Hailey or do I have to carry you". Hailey yawned loudly.
This was going to be the best night of her life.
“Good night,Granny.
Thank you!" Hailey's sleepy voice said holding Rosa's arms. Rosa chuckled and gently brushed her palms through Hailey's dark silky hair and then kissed her on her cheeks before turning off the lights and leaving.
Rosa walked sluggishly into her room;
she was about to open the door when she noticed something unusual. She saw a masked figure wearing a suit standing outside the window opposite to her room. Then, all of a sudden, the figure disappeared into thin air and rain began to fall. That was strange, she said within herself. But however she shrugged it off as too much whiskey and jumped into bed.
She sighed deeply once on bed. She looked at a photo nearest to her and drops of tear began falling in their own will; it was Jarret her sweet Jarret. She couldn't control the tears from falling no matter how she'd wiped. The most amazing years of her life was with Jarret. He always found ways to make her laugh even when he himself isn't feeling happy. Oh how life could be cruel!

    Hi🌠 how's everyone doing.💖💙😘

Chapter Eight
Rosa couldn't sleep properly for some reason. She kept tossing and turning. The sound of the raindrops on the roof doesn't help the matter. She suddenly had feeling of being watched but the darkness made it impossible to find out for sure. She was about to drift away into dreamland when she heard a  creepy whisper beside ears.
“I see you!" Followed by thunderous lightning revealing two bloodshot eyes and yellow stained sharp teeth. She screamed and abruptly got up trying to find her phone in the dark but found nothing. Then,the same voice said the same thing again but this time, it sounded even closer. Rosa ran and ended up bumping hard on the wall. The thud and screaming woke Hailey up. She called out for her grandmother in the darkness but no response. She tried to find the door in the darkness. Luckily, the lightning aided in her search as she sluggishly opened the door. She called out for Rosa but still there was no response. Hailey began to worry; she quickly found her way to Rosa's  room aided by the lightning. She quietly opened the door so not to wake Rosa.  She somehow managed to find a light switch and gasped at what she saw.
Rosa was bleeding from her mouth. The impact from the wall was really severe. Hailey approached the unconscious body and knelt down next to it. She started to cry loudly but no one could hear her the rain had intensified. Hailey shook her grandmother's body hard as if trying to wake her.
“Grandma,please wake up.
I need you. Don't go!" She laid her head on her grandmother's chest to maybe feel her heart beat but it was cold and lifeless. Hailey covered her mouth with her arms in shock. Who could have done this act of wickedness? It can't be Buggles, she thought, she left him back in Bradsville. Hailey cried and cried but the damage was already done. The knock at the door startled her. She couldn't leave her grandmother at this state she was in. The door was kicked open by some cops fully loaded; four in number. Some scanned the living room,the kitchen,and finally the rooms. They pointed their torches at Hailey who was now laying down on her grandmother.
“Holy Christ,what happened in here?!". An officer asked with terror in his voice signalling the others to come and have a look. Hailey was scared to see the cops and tightened her grip on her grandmother's cold arm. One of the policemen shook his head pitifully while two tried to take Hailey off the body. Hailey's eyes got red from crying too much. Her grandmother meant the world to her and now that she's gone,what's the point in living at all. They took her outside holding an umbrella over their heads. The rain had reduced at this time. Hailey shivered while in the police car. Shaken from the intense cold and from having to lose her grandmother, the one person who took her and accepted her. Behind the police car was an ambulance prepared to carry the body for immediate burial.
Chapter Nine
They arrived at a psychiatric where Hailey's parents were waiting. Both had came on different vehicles. Miranda crossed her arms and staring at moving cars while Elliot just sat there lost in thoughts. Seeing Hailey for the first time in a longtime, he got up and ran to hug her but the police officer stopped him. He frowned but walked back to his seat feeling defeated. He could have asked what she was doing at a psychiatric hospital but he obviously knew why.
Miranda kept staring at Hailey disgustingly. Hailey was then led into a cell with her name on it boldly written in black: HAILEY WEATHERS.
Hailey sniffed loudly and obliged when told to enter. She said nothing but just sat down on a bench close by.
"Poor kid,it's gonna hurt
losing someone you love". Said a female cop as she shook her head pitifully and pouting her lips. A fellow officer snarled at her with an hiss:
"She said some masked figure
broke in and killed her, likely
story. Does she think we were
born yesterday". The female officer eyed him.
"Well,what if it's true.
What if some intruder
killed her grandmother" Miranda entered and approached the officer at the desk. He appeared to be in his late fifties; probably fifty six. The officer wore his glasses to get a better view.
"What can I do for you, Mrs..."
Miranda frowned a little.
"I would like to report an
home wreck!" She said while pounding her fists on the desk. This annoyed the officer. He gave her a weird look and continued what he was doing.
"Sir,I'm talking to you!".
"I hear you, but this is a psychiatric
ward not a police station. Go to a
court or somewhere". Miranda scoffed disgustingly and left. Not looking at her daughter not even for a second. Hailey called Miranda's attention but Miranda couldn't hear her or doesn't wanna see her. After all she's thought to be the culprit.
Wendy entered the building holding a
purple bag. She covered her mouth in shock to see Hailey how she was. She rushed over to Hailey but was dragged back by some securities.
"Exactly what do you think
you're doing, Missy?!"Wendy managed to free herself from their grasp after struggling. She walked over to Hailey who was still drenched.
Hailey approached the bars to see Wendy. Wendy gently stroked her hairs and felt her cheeks which were now covered with boils.
"I hate seeing you like this, Hailey!" Wendy wiped off some tears from her eyes. She'd been heartbroken once she heard about what happened from her mother. Hailey assured her friend that she would be out in few years. Wendy cried even more. The thought of being without her friend saddened her. Hailey wasn't the crazy one,the crazy ones were her parents to have left her there all alone. Wendy handed the bag to Hailey who grinned a smile. Inside were hamburgers,Hailey's favorite muffins and some juice. Wendy was about to feel Hailey one last time but was carried away amidst her screaming to be let down. Hailey once again pouted her mouth sadly.
Meanwhile, Michael had been forcefully taken to go and study in Paris. He thought of Hailey and how much pain she might be in. He worries so much but wasn't allowed to go anywhere near that psychiatric hospital. He would explain everything to her once they meet again. He stared at his old house one last time while the vehicle was in motion. Sad tears began falling down his chin.
"Come on, Michael.
Gear up. This is for your
own good". His uncle, George said as he drove into the busy streets to start a new life in a new country.


Leave a comment guys.💙😘

Chapter Ten


“Hailey would be home soon!
Get the decorations.
Lucas, get the confetti
Hurry up, people" Lady Melinda ordered. It's been thirteen years since Hailey was locked up and now she was coming back. They were all too excited to have her. Wendy shrieked when the blue car finally pulled over into the garage. Uncle Sebastian got out of the car and opened the door for Hailey who was now a twenty two year old lady dressed in a tight blue gown adorned with a Gucci bag which was given to her by one of her friend back at college as a gift. Yeah, college. Hailey spent four years in the mental facility and nine additional at a community college trying to gather her past screwup together and forgetting all about what'd happened the last thirteen years. Wendy ran to hug her best friend just like when they were kids. Wendy looked like a totally different person;dyed her hair purple, wore purple shirt,black ripped jeans and sneakers. It took Hailey seconds to realize it was Wendy. She gasped in shock to see her friend again.
“Wow,Wendy. Is this really you?
  You look rad,gal. How have you been?!" Wendy sighed heavily, patted Hailey's shoulder lovingly.
“Life's been tough,Hail
but what cha gonna do.
Just had to blend in".
“Sorry to hear that,Wen!
I've tried calling you but
there was no reply". Wendy grunted shamefully and smiled.
“Shoot,sorry. I changed that
number. Was trying to get over
some stalker boyfriend ". Hailey noticed a guy just standing there watching them. Wendy saw this and grinned a little.
“You still remember that guy,uh?
Hailey shook her head, Wendy coughed to clear her throat.
“That's Matthew Miller!" Hailey gasped in surprise. Mathew had really let himself go over the years. Like she knew what Hailey had thought, Wendy nodded in agreement.
“Yeah,really let himself go!"while drinking from her cup of wine.
“You ladies gonna stand all day
and talk or are we gonna party".Mathew said raising his wine glass to the air. Hailey placed her arm over Wendy's shoulder as they entered. Uncle Sebastian giving them dirty looks. They could at least help me unload the stuffs but that was his job was it not?He thought.
While inside, everyone cheered as both Hailey and Wendy entered. Lady Melinda was among them and kinda the oldest in their quad;she was in her late twenties,the others were in their early twenties.
“Welcome back, Hailey.
I've heard so much about you.
Really sorry about your grandma!" Lady Melinda got up and walked to the front of the group hitting a stainless spoon on her glass to get their attention.
“Thank you for honoring
my invitation for a reunion.
It really means a lot, so thank
you especially to our friend more or less a sister, give it up for Hailey Weathers!" The group applauded as Hailey rose from her seat with a blush. She walked over to Lady Melinda and hugged her tightly.
“Thank you, Melinda.
I really needed that.
I've really seen so much". Wendy's eyes started to water. She sniffed loudly trying to hide a tear. She was happy that all of them were united together again. There was silence for about ten seconds before someone finally yelled for them to get the party started.
Chapter Eleven
Music erupted throughout the whole room as most of them got up to dance. Couples holding hands, others dancing alone. Hailey politely refused to dance when Wendy offered. Matthew shifted closer to Hailey who awkwardly stroked a hair covering her left eyes. Wendy clicked her fingers and continued dancing away.
“So,what happened to you?!" Hailey asked while staring at Matthew's fat belly. Matthew looked down in shame. He couldn't make eye contact with her. Hailey gently patted him on the shoulder which jolted him back. He smiled awkwardly and started to tell Hailey all about how he'd been bunked since Michael left for Paris all those years ago and his girlfriend broke up with him just because he'd lost some money while gambling.
Hailey felt bad for him. She placed her arms on him like an hug and consoled him. Matthew blushed a little and thanked her.
“I see why Michael fell head over
heels with you!". Hailey blushed but tried to hide it with a smile. Speaking of Michael, Matthew said he would be back from Paris the next day. For some reason, Hailey's heart started beating faster than usual and she began talking gibberish. Matthew grinned knowingly;  he know she'd feelings for his brother but was jealous. He'd the perfect lady while his own “perfect lady" dumped him like last week garbage. He attempted to kiss Hailey but she restrained him shaking her head. Matthew smiled awkwardly again. Damn it, he'd to mess this opportunity again. Hailey pecked him on the cheeks which did the trick of making him come back to his senses. Hailey was about to leave to have a drink when Michael held her hands.
“So,do you remember that
imaginary friend you'd?
What was his name, first name last
name?". Hailey froze in shock when all those memories came flooding back. She pulled away from Michael and ran trying not to trip over her high heels. She ran to Wendy who was flirting with some guy.
“Sorry,but can I borrow
you for a minute?!" Hailey asked while looking at the guy Wendy was talking to. Wendy excused herself and stood up to follow Hailey.
“What's up,Hailey?
Can't just keep doing that..."
“I'm sorry. It's just really urgent".
Wendy felt impatient but gave Hailey a curious look.
“Wendy,do you remember the
name of that guy from the TV show
we watched as kids?" Wendy gave her a confused look; what TV show? What guy? Have you gone nuts?. Then, it hit her. Of course,that kids show, Buggles and friends. Hailey snapped her fingers and then blurted out the name “Bradley Buggles, isn't it?". Hailey felt numb like someone had placed a boulder on her.
“Can't believe you still remember that
show after all this time,Hailey!"
Hailey began pacing around back and forth much to Wendy's annoyance.
“Why are you going on about?
I've a date in there". Just then, the guy Wendy was talking to came out angrily mumbling something to himself. Wendy frowned but forced a smile anyway; the guy was way past her league, she wouldn't be caught dead talking shit with that kind of guy. She mouthed a thank you to a worried looking Hailey whose arms were folded as she sighed deeply.

Chapter Twelve
Hailey couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched by some invisible person or something while she waited at the airport for Michael. She'd worn a raincoat over her dress. She made a weird face when she remembered that it's been over decades and she doesn't know how Michael looked like. She immediately called Matthew to send Michael's current photo.
“Hello,Matthew. Sorry about
last night. I panicked and
left. Anyways could you
please send Michael's photo?" She asked.
“Why sure,Hailey.
On its way!" Hailey thanked Matthew and ended the call. Her phone vibrated; Matthew had sent it. Hailey melted into a smile while looking at the photo. She didn't even notice Michael hovering over her until she looked up abruptly angrily almost muttering a swear. She widened her mouth in surprise and happiness as she got up and hugged him.
“Wow,Michael Miller!
It's really you. How have you been?!"Michael had really changed overtime. He'd a beard,a blonde hair and his eye colour seemed to be different from those in photos.
“I've been fine. Listen I've wanted
to meet you when you were locked up
but they wouldn't let me. I'm sorry". Hailey sighed and have him another hug.
    “All in the past,Michael.
     Always forgiven!" Michael smiled.
They were about to leave the airport with their luggage when a voice called him making him turn to see who it was. That name was odd,Hailey thought. She saw him sign an autograph. She was happy for him but still had to ask tho.
“So,what was that about, Lil Mik".Michael awkwardly smiled and explained how he'd dropped out of college to learn music and he's well known around Paris and Bradsville.
“Wow,I'm really impressed, Michael".
“Really, wow Thank you".
Hailey and Michael chatted while they strolled that same night. Michael had taken her to her favorite dinner joint for a bite.
“Thanks for dinner and the walk,Michael" Hailey said as she placed an arm over Michael's folded arms. Michael smiled in response.
Hailey thought she heard footsteps following them. She turned back abruptly but saw no one. It was 8pm so barely many people were there.
“What's wrong?!" Michael patted her shoulder calming her.
“I thought I saw something". Hailey managed to say. There was fear in her voice. Michael sighed heavily.
“There's no one out to get you,Hailey.
Look around,it's only us out here, relax". Hailey took three breaths to calm herself down.
“Okay,it's my stop. Thanks again Michael". Hailey said and kissed him on the lips. Michael blushed a lot. Hailey could see it. She winked at him as she unlocked her door to call it a night. Michael waved good night still blushing from the kiss. Wow,that's epic, he said to himself jumping for joy as he hummed  one of his happy songs. Hailey looked at him through her window and smiled again but her smile changed into pure fear when she manages to see a figure in the darkness. It was obviously looking at her, she thought. She jumped out of bed to close the window.

Chapter Thirteen
Buggles smiled maniacally and then poof.... disappeared into thin air. Hailey hid under the covers of an old blanket she used as a kid. She peeped through the window for any sign of that rabbit head demon. She sighed in relief when she saw he wasn't there. Her heart felt like they would almost jumped out of her chest. She began to laugh like some kind of psycho. She'd scared herself good,she thought. Of course, her minds were playing tricks on her. That thing she saw wasn't there, it was a figment of her imagination. She yawned stretching out her arms. She was exhausted from the day's bustle and had to get some shut eye. She flipped her bedstand light off and drifted to sleep. Minutes later,she woke up covered with cold sweat and breathing heavily. She flipped the lights back on. She had just had a terrible dream that gave her quite a scare. In the dream, Hailey and Wendy were being chased by Buggles and some other imaginary friends of some kids. They were holding different weapons;axes,knives and daggers. They were all furious having been abandoned by their friends and just when they thought they were saved, Buggles appeared out of nowhere and raised his axe over Hailey and that was when she abruptly woke up.
“Oh men!what kind of a dream was that?". She said panting heavily like someone who had ran a marathon. Sure it felt like she'd ran a marathon in her dream but it felt all too real; the fear was real, the adrenaline coursing through her was real; everything goddamn thing felt real. She took deep breaths and assured herself it was all just a nightmare, just one ordinary nightmare. She flipped the lights off again and tried to go back to sleep. It took her ten minute to finally get over the dream and dozed off.
Meanwhile Michael couldn't  stop drooling over Hailey's photo and about that kiss they had. That kiss was magical, amazing, breathtakingly wonderful and he dreamt of getting more of it. He sighed gently and turned his head to the side facing his window. He gazed at the stars shining in the night sky. To him, everything had become beautiful. He owed it all to Hailey.
“You asleep yet,boy?!" His mother called out from outside his door. Michael hurriedly adjusted his pillow and laid his head on it. He grunted pretending to be angry he'd been awaken. He yawned stretching out his arms.
“What's it,Mom.
I'm sleeping..." He said back with a pretentious sleepy voice.
“I'm sorry,honey. Good night".His mother, Julia said as she slowly closed the door. Michael opened one of his eyes to confirm if she'd actually left and sat up on his bed. He stared at the stars again for another minute until he slept off not realizing he'd fallen into the power of sleepiness. The sounds of crickets and wind made the night seem perfect. Nature's lullaby.

Chapter Fourteen
That same night, Buggles and some other friends from the show met at an abandoned building that looked like it had never been used. Many creatures with unique features were present; purple hairy monsters, a wolf with a knife for a hand and many others. Buggles looked up into the sky as if awaiting for something or someone to come down;no one was coming anyways. Buggles had just gotten drunk.
"That never stops, Buggles?" asked the purple hairy creepy monster with a frown. In fact, all of them wore frowns on their faces;they were angry at their so called friends for leaving them.
" Look what they have done to us.
Look at us. We're monsters now because of them. We've done nothing more than being their friend but now
they just leave us like this". Cuddle Buns blows some sands out of his hands. "That's enough,Cuddles.
We must get our revenge on them". The monsters cheered as Buggles continued
"We won't let them live after
what they have done to us".
"Yeah!".
"Who's with me,let's end this". Buggles yelled as he raised his axe up in the air and the others did the same raising their knives, whips and spears.
They all walked out of the building still shouting and singing war songs.
The whole street was dark but not for them. They live the dark; it was light to them. It was 3am at this point. 3am the devil's hour,their hour. One by one they knock at neighbouring doors with another voice of a needy and then killed them.
Hailey,Michael and Matthew lived far away from those areas luckily. Hailey received a call on her phone. She grunted in annoyance and picked her phone from her bedstand without opening her eyes.
"Who's this!" Hailey said tiredly.
"What?!" Hailey's hand shook in fear as the phone dropped on the covers. Hailey was awestruck; how,why, who did this. She cried the whole hour until it was 7am. She got up and washed her face. She would stop at The hospital. Wendy had just been attacked at night. She couldn't believe something like this could happen to Wendy who was always jovial and nice. She got dressed in a baggy black short and a white shirt. Tears still pouring from her eyes.
She drove as fast as she could to the hospital almost crashing into the other drivers. It took Hailey four minutes to get to the hospital.
Hailey covered her mouth in shock to see Wendy's bandaged left leg raised up by a rope over a dripper. Wendy smiled when she saw Hailey. Hailey rushed to hug her friend with tears.
"Hailey, don't cry.
I'm gonna be fine. Please don't
make me feel bad". Hailey smiled back while patting her friend's cheek lovingly.
"Who did this to you?". Hailey said. There was anger in the way she spoke. Wendy gave Hailey a funny look.
"Tell me who did this and they are gonna pay..." Matthew walked in.
"Hey,how're you doing!
I brought you something". Wendy smiled as she ransacked the McDonald Mathew had brought.
"Awn,thank you Matt!" Wendy said smiling and gesturing to him closer. Matthew moved and sat next to Wendy.
"Hey?!" Hailey said softly when Matthew sat next to Wendy. She smirked at Wendy knowingly to which Wendy shook her head. Wendy kissed Matthew on the cheeks and he blushed.
"What was that about?!" Hailey said with a smiling face. Wendy pouted her mouth and Matthew pointed at Hailey while laughing until a nurse comes in.
"This is an hospital,behave yourselves". They apologized and the nurse leaves the room. Mathew excused himself and left leaving Hailey and Wendy.
"So,Tell me who did this to you.
I want a name,Wendy and I won't
leave until you say it". Wendy sighed and said the name that would definitely scare Hailey.
"Bradley...Buggles". Hailey was shocked and angry;is that fucking trash back and why the hell would he do this to Wendy?
Wendy's doctor entered the room and Hailey leaves after waving Wendy goodbyes. Hailey paced around the hospital hallway. Where's that fucking coward. Can't he show up and fight like a man. He must be scared.

Chapter Fifteen
Hailey kept pacing around outside Wendy's hospital room then a doctor tapped her on the shoulder startling her.
“Excuse me,are you Hailey Weathers?" The doctor asked.
“Yeah,what seems to be the problem,doc?" The doctor sighed deeply and signalled Hailey to her office. Hailey reluctantly followed the doctor. Different patients were seated on the bench awaiting for their turn to see the doctor. Hailey took a seat opposite the Doctor. The doctor wore a blue gown with a doctor's coat and wore a framed glasses over her eyes.
“It's about your friend, Wendy.
I'm afraid that  she's been taking
too many shots and if such doesn't
stop,she might never be able to conceive again". Hailey covered her mouth in shock; she'd always warned Wendy against smoking and drinking but Wendy wouldn't hear any of it.
“Isn't there a way to stop
her from hurting herself even more".Hailey asked with concerned look on her face. The doctor shook her head and escorted her out of the office. Hailey took a glimpse at Wendy's hospital room. Wendy was asleep. Hailey's heart melted into sadness. Where was that carefree Wendy she had always adored?. Tears streamed down Hailey's face as she entered the car. She wiped her tears and vowed to always protect Wendy at the cost of her own life then drove out there.
Hailey was exhausted and decided to have a quick relaxing bath. She undressed only clad in undies and threw her towel over her shoulder. She turned on the showers and started lathering soap on her arms, chest,and knees. She breathe calmly as the cold water flows down. A childish laughter startled her. She narrowed her eyes into a frown.
“Snap out of it!" Hailey called out in anger. She'd a feeling it was her twelve year old neighbour. She closed her eyes and felt calm until an eerie wind enters the bathroom. Hailey didn't give it much attention until she started feeling a cold air on her chest.
“Nice tits,mother!" A scary voice said followed by laughter. Hailey screamed and hurriedly ran out of the bathroom grabbing her towel on the way out. She bumped into someone; shivering in fear and wrapped in a towel.
“Please don't kill me..."
A familiar voice made her open her eyes surprised and shocked; it was Michael cuddling her in his arms. Hailey sighed in deep relief and coiled her arms around him gasping for air.
“I'm not gonna kill you, Hailey.
Why would I do that?". Hailey who suddenly realized she still had her towel on quickly jumped out of the hug.
“What are you doing here?!" She managed to ask despite the shakiness in her voice. Michael gave her a weird look.
“We've a date, remember?". Michael said as he scanned the whole room.
“Shit,I almost didn't realize it".
Michael's eyes widened seeing Hailey in the towel, he covered his eyes with his arms. It was then that Hailey noticed that she still had her towel on. She hurriedly held it tightly and rushed back into her dressing room which was always from Michael. Michael opened his eyes slowly.
“So,what's got you all spooked out?" He managed to ask. Hailey responded from the other room.
“Some asshole just scared the heck
out of me".Michael sat on the bed.
“Come on,Hailey. Don't play with me".
Hailey comes out now dressed in a pink loose evening gown. Michael's  jaw dropped in awe and admiration.
Hailey blushed and bowed gracefully.
“You look exquisite, Hailey".
“Why thank you,Michael.
You don't look bad yourself too". Michael smiled and abruptly got up. He walked straight to Hailey. His heart beating heavily. Hailey stroked her hair awkwardly and Michael carried her off the ground. Hailey gave a light yelp as Michael carried her over to the car and returned back to lock the doors and windows. Hailey sighed lightly as she daydreamed about her and Michael's future together. Michael returned with a bouquet of roses. Hailey blushed bright red as she accepted it.
“You don't have to bring me anything". Hailey said as Michael took his place in the driver's seat.
“Yeah,I shouldn't have but I wanted to. For the most prettiest lady in the world". Hailey smiled revealing dimples. Michael started the engine and off they went for the best evening of their lives together.

Chapter Sixteen
Michael and Hailey blasted some love music as they went for the dinner. Michael parked his car at the car park in front of the restaurant. He politely opened the door for Hailey and took her hands. The restaurant looked fancy and occupied. They were about to enter when Hailey suddenly stopped in surprise. Michael was surprised  by Hailey's reaction. He gave her a questioning look to which Hailey didn't respond.
“Come on,let's go in!".Michael said as he led her to the counter. Hailey's eyes was facing another direction. She was acting weird much to Michael's surprise. Worried, Michael gently squeezed her arm. She smiled nervously. They were about to take their seat when two couples walked up to them. Hailey averted her eyes but the boyfriend had already seen her.
“Wow,what a wonderful surprise, Ann!" Hailey gave a fake smile. Michael's eyes widened;
“Did you just call her Ann?
That isn't her name and anyway
she's already taken" The guy grinned at Hailey and the lady just rolled her eyes at Hailey.
“So,you haven't told your
boyfriend here about us,have you?" The fellow asked while staring at Hailey, his arms wrapped around his partner. Hailey frowned.
“What haven't you told me, Hailey.
No secrets from each other". Hailey sighed in annoyance but obliged anyway. The guy's name was Greg who was Hailey's boyfriend in college. The lady's name was Tania who'd always hated Hailey. Hailey got heartbroken when she arrived one evening at Greg's apartment and found him making out with no other than Tania, Hailey's greatest enemy.
“You could have said something" Michael said softly as he stroked her hair much to Greg and Tania's disgust. Tania scoffed at them and gave Hailey death stares.
“Still glad you're still the same whore you were". Tania said, Greg laughed hysterically. Hailey abruptly got up and walked towards Tania.
“Oh yeah,glad to see you're still
the same bitch you were". Tania narrowed her eyes into a frown. Hailey wanted to attack Tania there. Michael patted her arms calmly as a way of containing those anger.
Greg gently patted Hailey across the face and left immediately before they broke out into a fight. Hailey mumbled something under her breath. Michael felt uncomfortable at that moment. He wasn't in the mood anymore. He stared weirdly at Hailey.
“What happened between you two?"
He asked curious. Hailey said nothing just looking outside staring at nowhere in particular.
“Hey,Hailey I'm over here.
Talk to me,come on". Michael's concerned voice made her tear up as she began telling him. Michael listened. He gasped.
        “You don't need him,you've
          got me and I'm not gonna
        leave you". Michael smiled while holding both her arms. Hailey wiped her tears with paper towel and smiled back at Michael.
“Thank you, Michael". Hailey said and her eyes glittered when she saw the waiter bringing their orders. Michael almost laughed seeing Hailey drooling over the Chinese and jammed hamburgers.
A scream from the kitchen made them shake in fear. Hailey wanted to go and investigate but Michael shook his head. Hailey reluctantly sat back. Everyone were terrified about a really terrifying sight they'd seen. Moments later, the paramedics arrived and returned wheeling a badly burnt employee. Hailey covered her mouth so as not to cry or probably scream.
“He's back, Michael.
That scoundrel is back". Her heart started beating rapidly. Michael sighed deeply and faced Hailey. His mouth filled with chips as he managed to speak.
“Who's back?!"
“My imaginary friend!" Michael laughed much to Hailey's dislike.
“Come on, Hailey.
That's never gonna happen".
“Then how do you explain what just
happened". Michael bowed his head on the table exhausted.
“See,that's the kind of craziness
I'm taking about. What just happened
is not our cup of coffee". Hailey looked outside and screamed at something she'd seen. She crawled under the table to hide. Michael tried calming her down but she was already shaking with fear. He looked outside but found nothing around the busy roads and free alleyway. He shook his head trying to not say anything to worsen Hailey's state. He pulled her out from under the table and escorted her back into the car. An homeless guy watched through the glass window admiring their abandoned orders. He frowned and started barking like a dog when a waitress comes and took the dishes. The waitress rolled her eyes. She hated this. She hated working in this dump. She eyed the homeless guy with disgust as she went around collecting the dirty dishes.
Michael kept staring glances at Hailey as he drove. He was undoubtedly worried about her. He wouldn't want to leave her again. Hailey kept whimpering as Michael pulled over by her apartment.
“Well,we're here. Let's do this again tomorrow". Hailey smiled weakly at Michael and alighted from the car.
“Love you!" Michael said as he air kissed Hailey who smiled and waved as the car drove out of sight.
Hailey tiredly unlocked the door and slammed it. She sluggishly went upstairs trying not to bump into stuffs. She laid on her bed and drifted off to sleep immediately. Michael had stopped at the gas station to fill up the tank. While there, he spotted a familiar face and gave a flirting smile. Michael approached the figure.
“Fiona,is that really you?"
“Who's asking?" A feminine voice replied back. Michael wrapped his arms around her waist making her jump into his arms. Michael stroked his finger across her blonde hair.
“Michael,we're in public.
We can't do it right here". Fiona smiled devilishly which for some reason, Michael loved. She dragged him into an hotel closest to the gas station and that night, they got high and later did some tricks in the bedroom.

         

Chapter Seventeen
Michael yawned as he stretched his arms into the air. He was alone in bed. He abruptly got up from the bed and hurriedly got dressed.
“Morning,sleeping Prince". Fiona called out from the rooftop staring down at Michael. He smiled and raced up to meet her. Fiona was Michael's best friend in college. Is anyone gonna buy it? Best friends? Yeah,right,more less couples but not really meant for each other and they both knew it. It didn't stop them from being together most of the time.
“You're up early". Michael said as he was dazzled by the amazing view. Fiona blushed. She changed her mood when Michael suddenly lost in daydreams.

She cleared her throat to get his attention. Michael jolted back to reality and smiled apologetically.
“It's a nice view,uh?" Fiona asked looking at Michael's brown eyes. Michael nodded in response. He thought about Hailey and how he'd just betrayed her. He'd broken the “let's wait until after marriage" promise they made. Fiona frowned.
“You know I'm way better
than that Hailey". She rubbed her arms gently around his cheeks. Michael quickly stopped her by holding her arm and shook his head.
“I'm sorry, Fiona but Hailey
is only woman in my heart". Fiona forced a smile. She wasn't happy Michael was taken.
“Why don't you introduce me to
this Hailey!". There was jealously in the voice but Michael didn't care. He nudged her gently, ran down to grab his keys with Fiona at the side. Hailey was at their usual spot sipping a glass of juice. She scanned the whole diner.
She smiled when Michael's blue car pulled over. Her smile changed into a pouted lips when she saw that Michael wasn't alone. Michael waved at Hailey as he entered with Fiona.
The air was cold but not too cold. Hailey smiled awkwardly and waved back sipping her juice loudly as if to show jealousy. Michael approached her table and took a seat beside her. Fiona sat opposite them.
“So,this is the chosen one, isn't she?"
Michael nodded and placed his arms around Hailey. Hailey's phone rung almost making her jump. It was Wendy. Hailey excused herself and left them. Michael turned to Fiona with a smile much to her displeasure.
“Isn't she amazing?
She's truly amazing".

Fiona rolled her eyes.
“I feel like I've seen her
somewhere before". Michael gave her a weird look. Of course, he didn't believe that they had actually met before now. Fiona sighed and brought out a photo. Michael's eyes widened as he looked at the photo. There was Hailey and Fiona; their arms around each other. They looked young in it.
“See,I told you. But
she said her name was Ann". Hailey returned about three minutes.
“What did I miss?"
Fiona eyed Hailey as she took a seat. Hailey smiled trying not to reveal anger. Michael patted Hailey's arm from under the table. He was able to calm Hailey down for some minute but Fiona won't keep quiet.
“So,you're the weird kid back then
who saw ghosts". Hailey clenched her fists while forcing a smile. “By smiling, you hide the darkies within".

“So,how are your ghosts pals?
Seen anyone recently". Fiona said while looking at Michael. Hailey lost it and punched Fiona on the nose. Fiona yelped in pain as blood began dripping. Michael rushed to help Fiona. He hadn't seen this side of Hailey and he was shocked. He took one look at Hailey, shook his head and walked Fiona into a clinic nearby.
Chapter Eighteen
"Why the fuck would you punch
someone like that?!" Michael asked as he entered the restaurant. Hailey shrugged her shoulder and smiled at Michael. He paid no notice and took a seat opposite Hailey.
"You really gonna take that bitch's
side in this. You're my fucking boyfriend you suppose to be on my
side not hers. So,now I'm the bad guy?".
Michael sighed,took Hailey's arms and kissed it lovingly. Hailey blushed.
"I'm sorry. I'm on your side, Hailey.
I just don't want you to get into any
shenanigan". Shenanigan was Hailey's middle name. She grinned mischievously at Michael. Fiona comes out of the hospital with a bandaged nose and glanced through the glass window. She glared her eyes.
Jealously shown all over. She won't let them be together not in this lifetime. Michael was hers alone and the only person in the way was Hailey.
“Well,she asked for it".
“She didn't exactly ask".
“You really gonna support that bitch?".
Michael sighed and placed an arm on his forehead in exhaustion. He look up at the wall clock. It was six pm on dot.
“Shoot,I'm gonna have to leave now".
“At least,pay for my drinks, pretty please". Michael smiled and winked at her which made Hailey melt in the moment. Michael walked over to the counter and paid the bartender. He gave Hailey a thumbs up and left. Michael was really the guy for Hailey.
Fiona cornered Michael when he had reached faraway from Hailey making him jump.
“Hi,Michael. Never thought
I'd see you here". Michael gave her a weird look. Of course she knew he would be there since he had come there with her to meet Hailey.
“Really?!". Fiona nodded and wrapped her arms around him. He looked at Fiona's nose. Surprisingly, the bandage were no more there.
“Why do you have to bring up
that,Fiona?. She never wanted to
talk about it. How would you feel
if someone does that to you?"
“Well,lucky for me,I'm not crazy.
Come on, Michael. I see the way
you look at me. You still love me,don't you?" Fiona said as they both entered the car. Michael wanted to laugh but he knew that wouldn't be necessary.
He started the engine and drove.
“You know I love Hailey, Fiona.
And I wouldn't do anything to
spoil it". Fiona lowered her head in shame until a grin plastered on her face. Blackmail? That was what she would use.
“So,what if I tell her you and I
made out yesterday?" Michael laughed hysterically while driving still focused on the road.
“Come on,don't play with me.
She can't possibly believe you.
Besides who would, you can't even
give birth considering you've five
abortions already so quiet playing
around". Fiona's eyes saw fire. Why did she fall in love with this heartless idiot in the first place? Why haven't she gone with Lincoln? Lincoln had it way better than Michael but she foolishly chose to be with Michael.
“Can't believe you would use
me like this, Mike. I thought
you were better than them but
I was stupid wrong". Fiona cried as she continuously hit Michael's shoulder. Michael stopped the car and pushed her out. He'd had enough of her troubling him. He increased the volume on his car track so not to hear her cries. What a typical spoilt rich brat he turned out to be, a typical spoilt brat?!
Chapter Nineteen
Fiona and Hailey were once best friends back in their college days. They met at the school gym and quickly bonded. They finished each other's sentences, ate on the same dish and even loving the same action hero,Bad Patty. They kinda shared everything together but one thing they couldn't share was boyfriends and that would be the cause of their friendship crashing down. Hailey and Fiona were on their usual run when they saw an handsome guy staring at them. That guy was Greg (the one Hailey saw at the restaurant). He was an athletic, “charming" and in a volleyball team. He looked like the complete package. Both of them drooled over him. Fiona caught Hailey stealing glances at him one afternoon. He was at the cafeteria munching on an hamburger when Hailey watch him and daydreamed of having a family with him. Fiona scared her with a little roar. She noticed Greg and immediately knew what Hailey wanted.
“You're not gonna steal him away
from me,are you. He's the one,Hailey.
The one I wanna..." Hailey grunted loudly getting her to shut up.
“You haven't even said a word
to him and anyway,how are you
sure he feels the same way for either of us?".

Fiona narrowed her eyes into a frown. She couldn't believe Hailey could be so jealous.
“Oh,so you can have him,uh.
Is that it?.I'm not gonna leave
the guy I love for anyone not even you". Greg heard the commotion. He grinned. He'd overheard their whole talk. Hailey rolled her eyes,folded her arms.
“You can have him, I don't give a shit".
Fiona stormed out of there angrily. Hailey scoffed. She was about to leave when Greg blocked her way. She tried getting away from him but he just wouldn't bulge.
“I don't have time for this right now, Greg". Greg smiled his most flirting smile but Hailey wasn't having it. She pushed past him and walked away. Greg screaming at her to come back.
Hailey enters her room and laid  her bed. She was about to doze off when Fiona and some group barged in waking her up.
“What are you doing here so
late?. Get them out of our room, Fiona?". Holly,Fiona and few others approached Hailey smiling and laughing as they held ropes. Hailey sensed something and tried to escape but was too tired to resist. She was tied down; arms and feet were tied on the edges of the bed.
“That's gonna tell you
never to mess with my man, ever again,let's go team".
They all exited the room leaving Hailey struggling to get unstuck. Angry tears began pouring from her eyes. How could Fiona do this to her? They were like sisters yet she betrayed their bond. It took Hailey minutes to finally break free. She was too exhausted to go and complain. She laid on her pillow and crowd herself to sleep. Meanwhile Fiona and her group of arrogant bitches sat at the cafeteria. Fiona kept staring at Greg.
“Go talk to him,Fiona.
He's checking you out too".
“Is he really looking this way?". Asked Fiona. Becca nudged her to look and when she did, Greg was beside her. She smiled shyly at him. Greg stroked Fiona's hair gently as her friends awned and wowed. Fiona signaled with her eyes at them to go sit at the other table. They nodded as they left one by one. Greg took Fiona's arms and just like that,both of them became the newest couples.

Chapter Twenty
“Welcome to our humble abode,Hailey,that's your name right? "
A middle aged woman said as both her and Hailey walked into the mansion. Hailey wanted a part-time job and what better job than babysitting.Hailey nodded in reply.
“Yeah,that's my name, ma'am". The woman, Abigail had two kids and her husband had gone out to drink like every other week. Abigail gave Hailey some instructions and some does and don't. Abigail showed Hailey the rooms she could enter. As they continued on their tour,they could hear the kids giggling and laughing. Hailey took a peep in through the door hole after Abigail had gone. Hailey knocked the door gently. The giggling stilled and a twelve year old boy opened the door. The whole room was littered with toys. Hailey's eyes got the attention of one in particular. It was a stuffed doll. A stuffed Buggles doll.
      “So,you're a fan of Buggles,uh?" Hailey asked as she picked it up. The nine year old girl nodded in reply.
“That show's trash!" The boy replied much to the annoyance of his sister.
“Whoever said it's trash hasn't
watched it" The boy rolled his eyes and continued playing with his toy airplane making flying noises as he runs around with it.
“Your Mom's away now. So
I don't see why we shouldn't
watch it". Hailey's gut feelings began to turn like she shouldn't have said that, on the first day as well. The little girl shrieked in excitement as she ran downstairs to find the cassette.

“Come on,let's go watch it,hmm?"
The boy sighed,shrugged his shoulder.
What could go wrong, he said as he gently dropped his airplane. Hailey patted him on the back proudly.
“That's the spirit, uh?

“If you're gonna stay here,at least
know our names. I'm Daniel and that
one over there is Evelyn, she's a real
pain in the..." Hailey covered his mouth as if knowing what he was going to say.

Evelyn was already waiting for them to start the show. She'd inserted the disk into the tape. Hailey smiled excitedly. That excitement she'd felt almost sixteen years ago. She was eager to check out if there was a new episode.

“We gonna watch this or not?" Evelyn called out. Hailey gave her a thumbs up to continue which she obediently did. Hailey was surprised at the intro.
It wasn't blue like the sky but it was red like blood. Then,a sinister laugh made her jump back almost tripping over the couch.

Evelyn laughed.
“It's just a show. Nothing is coming at you". Daniel yawned in boredom and placed his arms on the couch edge and rested his head on it. Evelyn looked at him weirdly.

The song too was strange. Instead of a catchy tone,sad music and death song filled the atmosphere. Hailey wanted to stop but curiosity got the better of her. Daniel was already shaking at this point.

“Stop being a scaredy cat,man.
Be a man,man" Evelyn said laughing nudging him to watch the show. Daniel reluctantly sat up straight.

Buggles' bloodstained face glued to the TV screen making even Evelyn yelp in fear. Michael seemed to enjoy it. Hailey took a handful of popcorn into her mouth munching away. It look as if Buggles was staring right into her very soul.

“I don't wanna watch it anymore".
Evelyn said with a pouting lips. Michael laughed at her calling her a scaredy cat. Hailey elbowed him slightly stopping him. He stuck out his tongues at Evelyn who rolled her eyes.

“Come on,there's nothing to be scared of. It's just a show. Sit down, Evelyn". Daniel assured his little sister but deep down, he was scared. Buggles moved away from the screen and the sight was horrifying.

The purple monster and the other creatures were piled up covered in blood with their bodies almost decomposed. Hailey wanted to see what happened next but the kids kept trying to collect the remote. Hailey held on to it like a magnet  and wouldn't let go off it.

Evelyn started crying and begging for Hailey to change the channel but Hailey was like possessed into finishing that damned show. Cuddle Bun was tied up on a wooden chair shirtless. He'd marks around his arms and chest.

The kids cried shaking Hailey back into normalcy but it wasn't of any use. It was as if Buggles wanted Hailey to watch it personally but the kids were drawn into it.

Buggles roughly lifted Cuddle Bun from the chair after loosing him. He had both his arms in handcuffs. Buggles turned Cuddle's back to reveal a horrifying satanic symbol drawn,used by a sharp object. It was dripping blood.

It was then Hailey snapped out of it.
She was covered in cold sweat. It'd been over two hours. Hailey gasped in horror when she saw Evelyn passed out on the ground and Daniel foaming from the mouth.

She panicked; it was all her fault. Although she'd no idea what happened she shook Evelyn trying to wake her up but it wasn't helping. She felt Daniel's arms for pulse but felt nothing.

The kid's Mom arrived moments later and was shocked,worried and enraged. She screamed at Hailey.

“How could you let this happen?
Can't believe I thought you were
responsible. Get out of my house this minute". Angry tears began pouring from her eyes. This was the first time she'd been so wrong about someone.

Someone aside from her regularly drunkard husband. She knelt over her children's lifeless bodies crying. How would she explain this to their grandparents? That some psycho lady killed them. Who would believe a forty seven year old woman without laughing?
Chapter Twenty one
Hailey sighed deeply as she thought back to that incident. What came over her that day? She couldn't say but what scared her the most was the way the Abigail screamed at her.

None of it was her fault. So,why should she apologize to her? Wendy snapped her out of her trance with a click of her finger.

"Wendy to Hailey!" Hailey opened her eyes abruptly. Wendy splashing her with water. Hailey frowned a look at Wendy.
"I'm up! I'm up!"
Wendy grinned seeing Hailey's messed up hair and helped her clear it to the side.

"So,what was it this time?
Was it him again?". Wendy asked with a worried look in her face. Enough of this overgrown rabbit head maniac messing up with her best friend's head. Hailey nodded slowly.

"I'm worried about you, gal.
Stop stressing yourself about this
motherfucker. He isn't real. It's just
your imagination". Hailey wanted to believe Wendy's word but all the signs tells her something different.

It's been a year since Hailey had seen the altered Buggles show but that image still haunts her dream. It was like she was the one who was feeling the tortures.

"Well,if he isn't real,why is
he ruining my life then?" Hailey said almost screaming. Wendy patted her shoulder gently.
"I'm sorry,Hail.
I'm just worried about you".

Hailey smiled. Wendy had always been there for her and she has never left her side. Hailey mouthed a thank you to Wendy who blushed. Her pink dimples shown. Both of them hugged each other.

Hailey sniffed like due she'd smelt something and then she coughed. Wendy was smoking much to Hailey's surprise and shock. Wendy looked at Hailey's surprised face.

"What?„She said huffing a gust of smoke out of her mouth "Why are you looking at me like that?". Hailey eyed the cigar which caught Wendy's eyes.
"You gotta stop at some point,Wendy".

Wendy shook her head violently.
"Don't be such a party pooper". Hailey frowned. She hated being called that not now when she's still bothered about Buggles.
"I'm trying to help you, silly goose". She sighed handing Wendy an envelope. Wendy gave her a questioning look. Hailey replied with an eye raiser.

Wendy's face turned white when she saw the content of the envelope. She was motionless. Could this be a kind of prank? The envelope looked authentic enough so it's possibly real.

"Dr Abigail gave it to me last week
when you were in the hospital". Hailey said with a worried expression. Wendy sniffed loudly.
"So,I might never ever be a mother". Tears began pouring down from Wendy's face.

Hailey pouted her mouth in sadness. She wrapped her arms around Wendy's shoulder and laid on her.
"That's if you don't stop drinking and smoking".

Wendy sighed heavily. Drinking was her own way of dealing with life. Giving it up was like asking a cat give up drinking milk.
"It's not gonna be easy to give it
up but I'm gonna do it for you,Hailey". She said smiling at Hailey who smiled back. A young man seated almost close to them heard the whole conversation. He grinned. Giving up drinking would be easier said than done. He continued staring at both friends as they left the parlour;staring at Wendy in particular.

Chapter Twenty two
Both ladies exited the parlour after Wendy had paid the bartender. They didn't even notice the mysterious man staring. He grinned as he takes a sip from his drink.

“Didn't you notice that weird guy
staring at you back there?" Hailey asked. Wendy shook her head.
“No,I didn't. What was he like?".
Hailey gave her a confused look as they entered Wendy's rundown car.

“Looks like he was checking YOU
out!" Hailey said with a smile. Wendy laughed that kind of not my league laugh.

“So,I heard you and Michael are
officially in a relationship now". Wendy said. Her eyes on the road.

Hailey blushed. She always loved that attention, that attachment and that moment her and Michael spent together.
“Well,yeah,How about you and
Matthew". Wendy scoffed much to Hailey's surprise.
“Well,we dated for like two weeks
before that accident and all of a sudden, he just left me. Scree that
piece of shit".

Hailey said nothing else until a figure jumped out from out of nowhere to the room. That gave them the chills as Wendy quickly hit the brakes panting.

Hailey recognized that figure. That kinda looks like Buggles, she thought.
Wendy looked at Hailey almost worriedly. This was driving her nuts.

“You don't have to worry about me all
the time, Wendy!" Hailey told Wendy still trying to breathe properly after they had avoided the crazy psycho.

“Yeah,I don't have to but I want to.
I know you can take care of yourself ".
Hailey smiled widely. She was really damn lucky to have a friend like Wendy aside from the drinking problem.

“We've arrived at your destination!"
Wendy said like a train conductor. She pecked Hailey on the cheeks as they said their goodbyes.

Hailey yawned as soon as she got into her bedroom. It was like the quiet and peaceful environment made her feel sleepy.

She quickly sent a message to Michael as she had promised telling him that she'd arrived home safely. She laid her phone down next to the mini drawer beside her bed.

Then, a message notification popped up on her screen. She grunted tiredly.
The time was 6pm. Who would message her at this hour? It definitely couldn't be Michael,could it?

She tiredly takes her phone and sighed deeply seeing who it was.
It was Greg. What the hell does he want from me? She said.

The message was for Hailey to get back together with him. Hailey texted back with just a message
“It's over,Greg!". Then, quickly drifted off to dreamland with her phone at hand.

The next morning, Hailey was awaken by the sound of crows cawing outside her window. That was strange,she thought.

Normally, it was a chicken's sound that wakes her. Hailey thought about the superstition on crows and she laughed.

“No one believes that crap!". She said as she stretched her arms up in the air. Michael hadn't called to say his usual good morning, princess.

She hurriedly got ready and went to their usual spot but was surprised he wasn't there. She looked around expecting him to jump out of hiding or something but no sign of him.

She was starting to lose patience. She called him but it went straight to voicemail. That was strange, Michael never misses her calls no matter what.

“If he isn't here then he's
probably still at home".
She halted a taxi and went to Michael's apartment. Strangely enough, Michael's car was still there.

She knocked at the door several times; six times consecutively until Michael opened it. She smiled at him but he didn't smile back.

“What's gotten into you, Michael.
I thought you were gonna be at
our spot!". Michael frowned at her.
“So,you say it's over and now,
you wanna get back together again?".

Hailey was surprised and shocked. What was he talking about?
“Michael, is this some kind of
joke cos it isn't funny. Come on,
let's get out of here". She said trying to drag him outside but Michael freed her arms off his and shut the door leaving Hailey perplexed. She sighed sadly and left. Is Michael breaking up with her?

     Chapter Twenty Three
Hailey was heartbroken. What has she done? Michael hadn't said what made him treat her that way. They seemed like the perfect couples. What could have ended that forever happy ever after?.

Hailey had no clue but she wasn't going to give up on their relationship.
She grabbed her car keys and drove to Michael's apartment.

Despite the drizzling of rain, Hailey was able to see the road. She arrived at Michael's house. She felt eerily wary for some reason but she'd to get it together.

She knocked at the door but there was no reply. She knocked again more aggressively but still no reply. Why was he doing this? Hailey decided to look through the windows and somehow find a way in. But Michael had locked all the windows.

She pouted her lips in a frown and it came to her to give him a call. She dialed Michael's number. Ring! Ring!
... Ring! Ring!
“Hello!" Hailey was surprised at who had picked up. She cleared her throat by coughing.
“Who's this and what are you
doing with Michael's cell phone?". The voice at the other line started to laugh which annoyed Hailey.
“Give the damn phone back, dumb ass!" The laughing continued even loudly. She scoffed and ended the line.

What game was Michael trying to play on Hailey? Whatever it's, it is really driving her nuts. I shouldn't have come here,she said to herself trying to hold a tear.

There was one place that he might actually be,that place was where he ventilates all his anger and frustration. She tossed her keys into the air and caught it with one arm.

She got into her car,reversed and was on the road again. She began to hear one of Michael's songs. She found it good enough. If only he was right there with her vibing to the music. Michael's car was parked right in the parking lot.

Michael was having some shots with his friends who were not the friends you would want your partner to associate with. Hailey's mouth widened in shock seeing Michael with the likes of this alcoholics and smokers.

One appeared to be homeless dressed in tattered singlet and ripped jean. He looked like he'd never shaved for decades. Michael pretended like he hadn't noticed Hailey. She approached them with a half smile. The guys looked at Hailey admirably much to Michael's irritation.

“Get your eyes off those bitches, man!" Michael said hitting one of his friends. Hailey couldn't believe what he'd just said.
“Really,Michael. So this is
how you live". Michael frowned and looked away. He wasn't having it.

“I'm talking to you, Michael!" Hailey's angry voice said as she moved towards him. Michael drank a bottle and smiled at Hailey who gave a disgusted look.

“Why are you doing this, Michael?!".
Hailey said as she caressed his face but Michael rudely pushed away.
Drops of tears began pouring from her eyes.
“Michael,please tell me what I did?
Her voice trembling as she spoke.
“Wow,are you really
gonna play dumb with me!
You said it was over so stop
seeing me". Michael's voice stank of alcohol. Hailey was surprised. Wait did he say it was over. She hadn't sent such messages to him other than Greg or could someone have hacked that message to split them up.

“I never said it was over, Michael". Hailey replied wiping some tears  from her eyes. Michael shoved his phone against her. There, she saw the clear message sent about thirteen hours ago.

It dawned on Hailey. She'd sent that message to Greg not Michael. What happened?

“So now you see it and you're still gonna lie about this?". Hailey began to cry. She would never have sent him that not even in her sleep.
“Leave now, Hailey.
You're not welcomed". Hailey wiped her face and stormed out of there. What happened to the guy she fell in love with? What happened to that happily ever after?
Chapter Twenty Four
Hailey couldn't stop herself from crying. What could have possibly made him act this way? She sniffed into a napkin.

She sighed and laid on the couch. Then,the door bell rung. She grunted and went to see who it was. Looking through the peephole, it was Wendy but she appeared drunk.

Hailey opened the door, surprised to see her in that state. She tried to speak normally although she was heartbroken.

“Wow,Wendy. What a wonderful surp..." Wendy invited herself in dragging herself sluggishly as she abruptly laid on the couch. Hailey frowned her face and shut the door.

Wendy reeked of alcohol and perfume. Hailey tried not to gag.
“Really,Wendy. After all the doctor
said". Hailey said lifting Wendy's shoulder up making her situp straight.

Wendy smiled at Hailey who covered her mouth in disgust. She was angry about Michael for breaking up with her and now,Wendy for disobeying her and the doctor's word.

“Can't believe you would actually
go back to drinking again!" Hailey said. Her voice sounded stressed. Wendy kept saying gibberish much to Hailey's annoyance.

“If you're gonna say something, say it now,Wendy. I'm not in the mood for your games". Wendy laid her arms on Hailey's shoulder with an half smile.

“I met a guy at the bar". Wendy blushed as she recalled the whole night. Hailey gave a disgusted look when Wendy wasn't looking and faked a smile.

She has had it with love. Love only makes you heartbroken. Love is stupid, Hailey said. However, she loved to hear Wendy.

“What was he like,Wendy?".
Hailey asked trying to hide a tear dropping from her eyes.

Wendy cleared her throat by coughing violently. Hailey patted her gently. Michael might have been a douche but Wendy wasn't although she had her own faults.

“Like a god!"
Wendy sighed happily as she recalled the event that had happened. Hailey was happy for Wendy. She wasn't gonna be the jealous type.

“Wendy,tell me you didn't sleep with him? " Hailey asked. Concern in her voice. Wendy gave a nervous smile at Hailey.

Mouth wide opened in surprise, Hailey shook Wendy violently. Wendy kept laughing like a crazed maniac.

“Why would you do this, Wendy?" Hailey asked as tears poured down her eyes. She really cared about Wendy but it seemed Wendy doesn't care about her own wellbeing.

“He was cute and hot.
So,I took my shot. It was epic". Wendy replied drunkenly. Her voice deepened. Hailey shook her head while staring at Wendy.

Why was all this happening to her?
Why were her friends being so naughty?
It wasn't them? Was it? Someone or something might be behind this but she was too stressed out to find out who it was.
She laid on Wendy's shoulder exhaustedly. Wendy had drifted off to sleep. She snored like a warthog whenever she's drunk. Despite the snoring,Hailey slept good that night.

Chapter Twenty Five
Wendy was an early bird and got up before Hailey.
*She felt woozy from the alcohol the previous night. She couldn't get up from the couch as Hailey was rested on her shoulder. She smiled at how peaceful Hailey looked.

Hailey slowly opened her eyes to see Wendy staring at her. She smiled and winked at Wendy who quickly sat back down on the couch.

“What was that about, Wendy?" Hailey asked yawning. Wendy blushed from embarrassment. Hailey looked at the clock. It was 6am.

Michael had gifted her that clock. She had wanted to throw it away after the breakup or sell it at some cheap price.

Wendy placed an arm on her forehead which was aching. Probably the alcohol or the excitement of that night with Mr perfect.

Hailey smiled at Wendy who gave a confused look.  Hailey laughed hysterically.

“Today's your birthday, silly". Of course, Wendy had drunk that she couldn't remember her own birthday.
She gave an half smile revealing some sets of her teeth yellow and some white.

“Happy birthday, Wendy.
Maybe this would stop you from
drinking". Both started laughing. Hailey was interrupted by a ring on her phone.

She excused herself and went somewhere private leaving Wendy alone. Wendy smiled. How could she have forgotten her own birthday? She was twenty three now and still living like a kid in what she called living life to the fullest.

A knock at the door made her jump. She searched for Hailey everywhere to come open the door but she was still busy on the phone. She grunted and reluctantly got up to open it.

Her eyes widened when she saw who it was; it was Mr perfect. The guy she'd lost her v card to. She smiled at him but was greeted back with a rather sinister grin which almost made her trip as she tried to run.

The mysterious guy began laughing manically as he shifted into a creature with a giant rabbit head and a shabby old fashioned overall. Wendy recognized that face. That was Buggles.

Wendy tried to gather up some courage. Despite her shaking voice,she hurriedly grabbed a knife nearby and used it to defend herself from that thing.

Buggles continued laughing as he approached her.
“Stay back, I've got a weapon
and I'm not afraid to use it". Wendy screamed back while also backing away from him.

Buggles frowned and smiled again.
“Come on,honey. That's no way
to treat your baby daddy!". That word shook Wendy to the core.

“This can't be. You liar.
Begone you beast". Buggles grinned and spoke in a voice Wendy recognized. It was the voice of her crush at the bar that night,last night.

Wendy gasped covering her mouth in shock as tears poured down her face. Why did this happen? Why had she not abide to Hailey's and the doctor's word?

Buggles disappeared into the wind laughing. Wendy fell down,her arms over her face. Hailey heard the commotion and quickly rushed to see what was going on.

When she saw Wendy in tears,she ran towards her and embraced her.
“Hailey,I've done some real messed up". Wendy said as tears continued dripping.
“Who was at the door earlier?
Tell me,Wendy". Hailey asked while still hugging Wendy and gently patting her. Wendy sniffed and managed to say the name Hailey had wished she hadn't.
“Buggles! He was the one I spent
the night with,Hailey". Hailey's eyes changed into pure fear and worry.

“Were you blind, Wendy.
How could you let this happen?". Wendy sniffed again.
“I'd a little too much last night
and then, this guy came up to me.
Then,things escalated and we ended up in his bedroom". Hailey also teared up. Why would he be after Wendy? It was she that he wanted then why after Wendy?

Chapter Twenty Six
Music blasted throughout the whole casino as Wendy walked in majestically. The place was busting with both young and olds having fun.The chandelier glowed with colours.

“Hey,Philip, how's it going?"
Wendy smiled as she approached him. Philip was her friend back in college but they weren't always this close.

Both of them were like cats and dogs before they later bounded as friends. Philip smiled widely at Wendy as he kissed her hand.

“Still as ravishing as always!"
Philip was always cool with flirting and he'd always gotten who he wanted with his charming smile and winks.

“Thank you,Philip!
You look good too.
Didn't expect to see you tonight but not that I'm not glad you're". Philip laughed a little before leading her to the bartender who appeared to be in his early thirties.

“Pour a drink for the lady,please.
Señor". The bartender gave him an annoyed look but poured it anyway.
Wendy mouthed him a thank you as he leaves.

Wendy was sipping the drink when she noticed some guy in the corner just sitting there. She hasn't seen him before. Why haven't I seen this beautiful being until now? Wendy mumbled to herself. Her conscience told her that wasn't the right time or place for this but Wendy shrugged it and approached the mysterious and handsome stranger.

“Hi,why are you just sitting
there looking bored?" Wendy asked. Her voice drunk. The mysterious guy took down his hoodie and Wendy's eyes glittered. What is this angel doing here at this time and hour?

The stranger grinned seeing Wendy fuzzing over him. It was obvious he'd seen it. Her eyes looked at him in a way; that look you would give to someone you wanted.

“What's your name,señorita?" The mysterious guy asked. Wendy's heart began beating when he shifted closer to her. She gulped up the drink in her mouth.

“Wendy... Wendy Smiths". She managed to say. “And you, what may I call you" as she stroked his brown hair. The guy smiled.

“I don't really say my name to anybody". The guy replied as he abruptly stood and stretched an arm to Wendy who accepted without much consideration.

Some women in the parlour eyed Wendy strangely. They couldn't see her with anyone but they heard her laughing and giggling. Maybe the liquor or whatever she had taken was making her see imaginary people?

“That bitch is craaazy". Said another from the crowd as they sipped their drinks. Meanwhile,Wendy and her mysterious date continued chatting even as they entered in the hotel room. Then, the mysterious guy shut the door but not before glancing to see that no one was in sight.

He grinned satisfied. Wendy now laid on the bed breathing like an athlete who ran a marathon. Wendy smiled at the guy as he laid on top of her holding both her arms in his.

Wendy moaned as he unzipped her button down to her waist. The guy took off his shirt revealing some kind of tattoo but Wendy seemed to love it.

The atmosphere in the room was quiet except for the music coming from the parlor and crickets noises.
Wendy moaned as the guy went straight inside her. That was her first time having it and it felt cool. Wendy was too tired at this moment to see the guy laughing maniacally as he went on the rest of the night.
Chapter Twenty Seven
Wendy continued crying as Hailey tried to comfort her. Why does she have to be so stupid? Trouble sat on its own and she'd awoken it. Hailey tightly hugged Wendy rubbing her shoulder dearly.

“You're not the bad guy,Wendy.
Buggles could have fooled anyone
else,come on that's not the end of the world". Wendy sniffed and for the first time in minutes, looked at Hailey's smiley face. Despite Hailey's problem, she still stood by Wendy.

“It is the end of the world, Hailey".
Hailey gave Wendy a “please don't" look. Wendy got up and went to the couch. Hailey trailing after as she clenched her shoulder from behind lovingly.

Hailey held both Wendy's arms and gave her another calming smile. Wendy forced a smile for Hailey's sake but deep down, she was crying.
She blamed it to having had too much to drink and should have been more watchful.

“If I give birth to this monster,Buggles
would become stronger and ever. And he'll end the world forever". Hailey tried to assure her that that wasn't gonna happen but Hailey couldn't tell herself that. Her heart kept pounding in her chest. The end of the world? She hadn't seen her own parents for decades and now this?

She thought about Michael. He'd been a jerk this while but she still loved him and wouldn't want anything to happen to him. Wendy shook Hailey back to reality seeing her lost in thoughts.

“So,what are we gonna do now!"
Wendy asked snuffing loudly. Her eyes red with anger,regret and sadness. How could she have allowed herself get used by that scumbag?

“Right now, nothing but I know
that we'll get that son of a bitch
sooner than you expect it". Hailey replied trying to sound courageous
“Also,he must pay for ruining my
best friend's birthday". While looking at Wendy lovingly.

“Thanks, Hailey. I'm really lucky
to have you". Hailey awed as they hugged. The oven jiggled and brought the hug. Hailey had something in the oven.

“Is that smell what I think it is?" Wendy asked in a excited smile. Hailey smiled and gave her a wink as she took Wendy into the kitchen. The kitchen had an ordinary layout;one window, a sink,a microwave oven.

Wendy's eyes glittered with pleasure seeing her favorite desert in the oven, raisin bread muffins. She looked at Hailey and melt into happy tears. She needed that surprise. She needed some comforts and Hailey was there to give that to her.

Hailey wore the mittens and took out the muffins which were steaming. Wendy kept licking her lips as the scent penetrated her nostrils. Hailey chuckled and gave one to Wendy with an affirming nod. Wendy smiled like a seven year old after seeing her Mom.
She began munching on the snack.
They heard another munching sound coming from inside the apartment. It was Wendy's gut. Apparently that demon wanted more. It was starting to have an appetite. Wendy writhed in pain and put down an half eaten muffin. Hailey hurriedly rushed to help her but she panicked when she couldn't help.
Wendy threw up and that stopped the aching. Hailey sighed in relief that Wendy was good. She offered her a glass of water but she declined.
That monster inside Wendy is gradually starting to embrace its inner demon and its mother wasn't enjoying it one bit.


Chapter Twenty Eight
Not all creepy creatures were always like that. Some had a life, a family and an ordinary life but a bit  greed,pride or want makes  them do crazy things.

Buggles Bradley was a father of three kids. He appeared to be perfect at first but could that all be some kind of trick up his sleeves. He did had every cost to do what he did. For starters, his wife was a pain in the rear. She always nagged him a lot which often irritated him as he was always quick tempered.

He,in a fit of rage,sold his soul to the devil with a price of his wife's,two sons and his daughter's soul. He wanted power,he wanted to be above it all by all means even if it meant deforming his humanity.

Thunders and storms crackled as he screamed out in agony. He was no longer a pathetic human. He'd become an overall dressed rabbit masked creature who could change outfits with a snap.

“This is much better!" He said admiring himself in the mirror. He smiled creepily ear to ear. In his hand held a butcher's knife covered with the blood of his former victims. He licked it. The taste of blood was incredible. He grinned sinisterly when an idea crept into his being.

He was gonna pretend to be a circus bunny creature so he would get what he calls his blood buffet.
“This stupid humans won't
see what bites them..." He laughed loudly Ashe exited.

Bradley was no more now he was Buggles Bradley,the killer rabbit. Leaving along trails of blood after every victims.

Inspector Donald was handling the  case of a recent death. That of a young couple and their eight year old son,Roger. The family were the quiet ones,never had yard sales, never went for any neighboring events but had a rather smooth relationship with their neighbours which was why their deaths came as a shock to the entire neighborhood. Who would want to kill such innocent couples? “Maybe some neighbours were jealous or something?". Donald had once said.
“Jealous, ha I don't believe they had anything of worth beside their bratty eight year old". A fellow coworker of his had interrupted him. His name was Ted Rivalton. He always acted like he was the boss or was above them all when he never as much as caught a single criminal or bursted a crime whatever. He was kinda the “sleeper captain". The commander chief entered. And everyone abruptly got up to salute. He was a man in his early fifties. No nonsense and strict. “Donald,why ain't you on it, I won't tolerate insolence".

“I'm sorry,Sir. It won't happen again!" Donald said smiling nervously. “It better not or you're off this case, got that?".

“Yes,boss!". Donald replied back saluting him as he walked into his chamber. His other coworkers began whispering but Donald wouldn't care less about what they say. He grunted angrily at them and left.

Chapter Twenty Nine
Michael was more broken by the breakup than Hailey. He drinks his misery but he can't seem to get rid of it. He banged his fists angrily on the counter.

The bartender poured him his tenth shot of the night. He really missed Hailey but was too proud,too egocentric to apologize. She ended it not him so why should he apologize, she would come back when she was really sorry.

“This isn't helping you,monsieur!"
The bartender said with a concerned look. Michael gave him a dirty look.
It was none of your business, you puny fuck,he mumbled within.

He was about to take another shot of his glass when he felt cold air around him. The glass door was widely open so that could explain that. But for some reason,Michael hunched that it was something else,something evil.

The bartender was busy on his cell to notice Michael's reaction. He was clenching his ears as if not to hear something. An unknown voice spoke to him.

“See,what she has done to you.
Finish this already and be free,Michael". Michael screamed trying to fight the voice away.

“Don't fight it, Michael.
You want this. Don't ya?!" Michael rushed out of there and into his car. He got in and quickly shot the doors.

He gasped for air as he scanned the whole environment. He breathe a sigh of relief. What was that about? He thought. He'd to find out who or what that was.

Meanwhile Hailey stayed at Wendy's place helping with some chores and errands. The little demon inside Wendy was becoming worse by the minute and Wendy had gotten a little grumpy but Hailey stood by her every step of the way.

Wendy wasn't having this shit and so, she talked to Hailey about having an abortion. Hailey widened her eyes in shock. She had heard from people who's close contacts had abortions but they didn't live to tell it.

“C'mon reconsider!" Hailey tried to talk her out of it but Wendy wouldn't bulge. Hailey reluctantly accepted and drove her to the hospital. Hailey kept trying to talk sense to Wendy about it but Wendy wasn't hearing anything.

Hailey sighed and continued driving. She smiled seeing a free spot and quickly parked. Wendy hurriedly exited as due in a hurry to have that demon taken out.

“This is insane,Wendy.
There's no guarantee this would
help!" Hailey said as she wiped a tear from Wendy's eyes. Wendy sniffed and stroked Hailey's hair then gently patted her cheeks with a smile.

“You've always been there for me,Hailey and I'm sure you and
Michael would get back together". With that,she approached the entrance leaving Hailey trying to hold back tears.

Those tears were emotional as what Wendy had said really touched her but she was never leaving Wendy alone. She accompanied Wendy into the doctor's office. The doctor appeared to be in his late twenties. Hailey frowned in disappointment. She was expecting a more experienced doc but now, this.

Despite her doubts, she managed to smile. She wasn't gonna be seen as a stereotypical. Both took a seat opposite the doctor.

“I'm doctor Marvis. What can I
help you with?". The hospital smelt of drugs and air freshener almost giving Hailey nostalgia.

“I want this thing out of me as soon as
possible, get rid of it!" The doctor looked at Wendy's enlarging belly intensively. He placed a pen into his mouth.

“How long has it been,miss?".  The doctor asked while still staring at Wendy. Wendy felt uncomfortable. Hailey noticed this and gave him the eyes. The doctor cleared his throat and took out the pen he'd almost chewed up.

“Sorry about that,ma'am". He said smiling at Hailey who scoffed. Wendy sighed deeply trying to hold back anger but her voice spoke differently

“Can you at least get this fucking
thing off me" The doctor frowned at Wendy's burst of anger. Geez,some people just have no manners,he mouthed to himself before giving a  nod.

“But don't mind my asking.
Why do you want to do this?". That infuriated Wendy that she began gnashing angrily. Hailey calmed her down with a gentle tap on the shoulder. Wendy sniffed into the napkin Hailey handed to her and breath tiredly.

“Please just help me get it out". Wendy said. Her voice weak and tired. Hailey almost bursted into tears the way Wendy spoke like there was no life anymore. Her eyes were blogging as due she hadn't had any sleep. The doctor excused himself to go and get everything in place then leaves.

Chapter Thirty
Wendy sluggishly stood up. Her whole body shivered in fear and coldness. Hailey tried supporting her but Wendy mouthed a “don't worry". Hailey held back a tear. She hated seeing her friend in this condition.

“Okay,all set. Why don't you go get
changed,miss!" Wendy stared at Hailey. Her eyes dropping with tears.
Hailey nodded affirmatively and directed Wendy into the hospital's changing room. Hailey unzipped Wendy's dress and folded it neatly on the mirror stand.

Hailey's eyes filled with fear when she saw the marks around Wendy's upper body as tho she'd been whipped with a sharp object. Wendy groaned softly in pain when Hailey caresses her injured bared back.

“I'm sorry, Wendy. What happened?"
Hailey asked taking her arms off Wendy. But Wendy said nothing just stood there staring at herself in the mirror. Hailey wiped the tears from her eyes and that of Wendy. She sniffed. Hailey carefully dressed Wendy so as not to worsen the pain.

Hailey held Wendy by her shoulder and led her into the operating room where the doctor awaited them. Apart from the doctor, there were two nurses;around Hailey's age. The nurses rushed to grab Wendy and took her to the bed.

“Miss,could you excuse us,please". The doctor said as he puts on the gloves. Hailey gave an half smile and leaves. Whatever is happening to Wendy was all her fault, she thought. None of this would have happened if she wasn't a suck up all those years ago.

She sat by the bench and silently cried herself to sleep. She dreamt about Michael. How she missed him so much. How she'd longed for his touch.
How she would be the best life partner to him and the best mother for their kids. Michael did really loved kids. He'd always visited orphanage together with Hailey, given to pregnant women and played with the babies. He would have made a wonderful father.

Screams from the operating room woke Hailey from her dream. She cursed quietly. Just when she was in the middle of a nice dream. Hailey rubbed her eyes and glanced at the glass window separating her and the hospital room Wendy was.

What Hailey saw made her scream. Tentacles stretched out of Wendy's belly and began flinging the doctor and the nurses one by one. All ended up with a broken neck and bloody faces. The hospital walls were stained with blood. Wendy screamed the loudest. What was inside her doesn't want out!

Hailey rushed in to see what was wrong and found the doctor and the nurses piled up covered in pool of their own blood. Wendy panted violently like a runner in a marathon.
Hailey hugged Wendy tightly as she cried on Hailey's shoulder.

“Would be better if I just
died!" Wendy said in between tears and sniffing. Hailey almost gagged in disgust from the sight of what just happened. She quickly grabbed Wendy's arms and both ran out of there. Wendy still dressed in hospital dress. Once out of there,both took heavy breathes.

“The world would be better off
if I wasn't in it. As long as I remain breathing,the more earth is at risk". Hailey shook her head. Not again she wasn't losing another one. Like her grandmother often says “You risk everything for the ones you love dearly". Back then it meant nothing but now,it meant everything.

“I won't let you harm yourself,
Wendy. You deserve better". Hailey said trying to comfort her. Wendy smiled and placed both her arms on Hailey's cheeks. “You're really something, Hailey. Michael is really lucky to have you and so am I". Saying that, she kissed Hailey on the lips nothing romantic just as friends would do. Hailey blushed stroking hairs awkwardly.

“So,seems like I can't get rid of this
now, can I?" Wendy asked disappointed. Her living life to the fullest had really caused her her dignity but not her respect. Hailey sighed and nodded.

Both walked towards the car hand in hand but didn't notice a figure from inside the building staring at them with a deranged grin.

Chapter Thirty-One
Hailey and Wendy had being running from doctors to doctors but all ended up dead like the others. "Maybe I'll never get this thing out". Wendy said. Her eyes dripping tears. Hailey suddenly thought of someone. One Hailey have had some connections with about decades ago.

"Why are you smiling like that, Hailey?" Wendy asked clenching her protruding belly tightly looking at Hailey confusedly. "There might be someone who can help". Wendy sighed deeply. She was on the verge of giving up. This demon baby thing was a part of her now and she just had to accept it.

"How's this "someone" different from
all the others. Listen, Hailey..." She takes her arm and placed hers on it "...I know you only wanna help but I'm OK with whatever this is". Hailey shook her head. Wendy sighed again. There was no use in convincing her anyway so Wendy smiled reluctantly as they both went into the shabby looking mobile which apparently was Wendy's.

Strollers being pushed and mothers with their normal babies made Wendy's eyes tearing up a bit. Why did she had to approach that guy in the hood?You never approached a mysterious looking man in the beer club at night.

"C'mon,cheer up a bit. It'll all
be fine in the end, no worries". Hailey gave Wendy a wink and then back on the road. Hailey wasn't sure about that but she felt it would be alright.

They parked in front of an old parlor. Hailey sniffed loudly and sighed happily. "The sweet smell of memories". Wendy was surprised but she said nothing. As they pushed the big glass door which made a bell jingle,Hailey scanned the place for someone and her eyes glittered when she saw someone in the corner munching on a pizza and sipping a drink.

Wendy felt uncomfortable as she squeezed herself into a tight hug. The place was cold. The figure looked up to see Hailey and Wendy. "Well if it isn't my crazy bitchy ex, how have you been? That got Wendy curious. Crazy bitchy ex. Wendy gave Hailey a look which the lady wasn't a fan.

"Nice to see you too,Tania". Tania and Hailey went back a long time. When Hailey was out of the psychiatric, some unlikely couples would move into the neighbourhood. These couples were Leslie and Maybelle; and yes, they were lesbians. Hailey was drawn by their fancy outfits. Leslie wore a pink shirt written "We live our own" in yellow and a jacket with a ripped jeans while Maybelle wore a purple sweater with a black miniskirt. Adorned on her necks was a Gucci gold chain.

"Hello,kid. What's your name?".Leslie said patting Hailey on the shoulder. Hailey smiled shyly and smiled. "I'm Hailey Weathers and you are?". "Well,we're gonna be your new Mommy and Daddy". Hailey gave a confused look. Leslie sighed and smiled. "Okay,how about two Moms. How does that sound?" She said looking at Maybelle for her approval.
Leslie was the "boyfriend" because of a muscular biceps and her outspoken nature while Maybelle was shy,caring and doting.

Maybelle gave her a thumbs up to which Leslie smiled and turned back to face Hailey. "Hear that, you're gonna have the best times ever but first let's get you some new kits. Sounds fun?". Hailey nodded. For a thirteen year old, Hailey kinda acts like a kid back then but she still was a kid,wasn't she?

Leslie held both Maybelle's and Hailey's arms as they approached the car. The vehicle was fascinating even for Hailey. Her eyes glittering to the magnificent yellow vehicle. You're about to live your best life, Maybelle whispered into her ears and kissed her on the cheeks playfully pinching her dimples.

To cut the whole encounter, Hailey had a new life,a weird family but still she got a new family now. After six months of living with them, Leslie and Maybelle invited another,Tania.
Tania's parents fought a lot and little Tania was always dragged into it. She often got hit,bruised and harassed by her own parents especially her father who was a strong drunkard. Tania became a mixture between street smarts and kindness.

"Hailey!Hailey!! Would you
come down here, please". Maybelle's gentle voice called out. "Coming!" Hailey rushed downstairs to see the most beautiful fourteen year old she'd seen. She thought about Wendy, her old friend four years ago.

"I believe you know what this
means,Hailey?! Leslie asked while her arms wrapped around Maybelle's shoulder with Maybelle lying on her shoulder. Well,Hailey nodded while deep down,she knew Wendy wouldn't like this but what could she do. This weird couples had taken her as their own and it felt she owed them.
Hailey rushed over to Tania whose arms were outstretched and they embraced in front of Leslie and Maybelle. "That's the sweetest pair I've ever seen". Maybelle said sniffing. "My baby girl!" Maybelle looked at Hailey lovingly "Don't be late, honey!"
Leslie air kissed Hailey who blushed as Tania followed her up the stairs to play with a few of the new dolls she had. Hailey told Tania everything; about Buggles,about her parent's sudden change in attitude, locked up in the psychiatric for four years and how Leslie and Maybelle had helped her. In turn, Tania told Hailey everything. How she turned into a little adult and how she had had to pickpocket, steal without anyone noticing and selling them but always had some homeless jerks taking it away. Both got their own problems but they stood together throughout their college days and they were inseparable couples. Others teased them about it but they didn't care. Who gives a fuck about that those guppies say. Not them..not them at all.
Chapter Thirty two (Wendy's Operation)
“So,now that you know can you
help us for old time sake?" Hailey asked while maintaining her gaze at Tania. Tania sighed,put down her cup and said “Normally I wouldn't get involved in any of this. Know why? It's weekend and I'm off duty on weekends, got that?". Hailey nodded patting Wendy on the shoulder and gave her a wink.

Wendy smiled. Finally,she was gonna be free from this vermin. Finally,she would probably change her ways and probably she would change her whole messed up life for the better. Tania kept staring at Hailey as she took sips from her drink.

“So,when are we supposed to get done with this?" Wendy asked. Tania rolled her eyes and got up immediately. “How about now?". She quickly grabbed her keys and went the back way where she'd parked her bike. It was black and had a thunderbolt beside it.

“Wow,so you actually bought it?". Tania gave Hailey a stare. Hailey smiled apologetically. Wendy was uncomfortable with the whole atmosphere. It stank of musty cheeses and rats scrambling around there.

“We've better get going,looks
like your friend is a scared fuck". Tania said trying not to let Wendy hear it but Hailey did and gave her a frown. Tania smirked when Hailey turned to face Wendy.

“Come on, get in!" Hailey said gently to a shaking Wendy holding out a hand. Wendy gathered up courage and mounted unto the bike.

Tania hit the gas immediately. Cold air flowed around them. Hailey held Tania tightly while Wendy held Hailey like a kid would hug a teddy bear. Tania drove like a maniac, a crazed rider but Hailey seemed to enjoy the cold breeze. It felt oddly comforting and she needed that.

Tania came to a halt in front of an hospital. “Saving lives clinic" was boldly written in yellow. Wendy smiled at Hailey much to Tania's dislike.

“You both better stop this staring or
I might reconsider helping you". Both kept quiet as they followed Tania from behind into room 8. There was only one window curtained with a white fabric. Hailey looked around the room with curiosity. She was about to pick up a file beside the bed when Tania came up and held her hand back.

“This is where you leave if you
want me to help your friend". Tania said rather coldly. She gave Hailey a weird smile and led her out of the room. Wendy was already on the bed;both her tights widely opened. She smiled at Hailey who gave her a be careful wink.

Tania shut the door immediately. She walked towards the desk,picked up the gloves and wore it. She then takes a knife from a drawer. Wendy looked up at the ceiling. At last, she was gonna be free.

“Oh,you're not supposed to be
awake during this operation". Wendy pleaded that she wouldn't be any trouble. Tania reluctantly agreed.
“This might hurt a lot!". Saying that, Tania began to cut open Wendy's belly. Wendy's scream of pain echoed throughout the hospital. Blood splashed on Tania's surgery masked face.

Out came a goblin looking creature screeching loudly and aggressively. Seeing that, Wendy screamed louder. Tania was ready. She was able to stab the creature. Five stabs exactly on different sides.
Stab.

Stab.

Stab

Stab.

Stab.
Wendy kept on screaming from what she'd just seen and the excruciating pain. Tania flapped her hands to get rid of some bloodstain on her gloves.
Tania stitched Wendy's gut back together. That too was painful but Wendy managed to stop herself from screaming.
        _Ten minutes later_
Tania exited the room in her clean regular outfit. Hailey had passed out on the bench asleep. Typical! Tania mumbled as she shook Hailey awake.
“Ah!" Hailey gave a yelp.
“It's just me,asshole". Tania said back.
“Oh,sorry. So how's she? “The operation is done and you're free to take her home once she's
awake". Hailey smiled happily and was about to hug Tania when she dodged it and shook her head. Whatever happened between them was now in the past and there was no way of going back to it again.

Chapter Thirty three
Hailey peeped through the glass window. Wendy looked so peaceful in her sleep almost as if there was nothing to be worried about. Hailey's heart melted as she began to cry tears of joy.

She was happy Wendy was free from the curse of that damn rabbit. Tania comes out of a room which seemed to be the restroom. She'd a little red stain on her lips which she tried to lick off but appears to have dried.

Tania coughed to get Hailey's attention. Hailey jumped in fright surprised to see her. "Um,I was just leaving..." Hailey said smiling nervously. She was about to leave when Tania held her arms. "Tania, what's happening?".

"Well,I'm gonna give you what you wanted. Come on, obviously you still
want me, don't you?". She moved her face close to Hailey's. Her heart beating violently. Hailey struggled to break free from her grasp but Tania was freakishly strong for a lady.

"Let me go,Tania. You don't
want to do this". Hailey's struggling voice spoke but Tania paid no attention. "Oh,but I can't... See,you asked for it and I'm giving you that which you asked". She was now close to Hailey's face. She could feel Hailey's heart pounding. "Ah!Let go off me, you psycho". Then, wham!Tania was knocked out by an heavy object giving Hailey time to run out of there.

"Are you okay?" Hailey looked up to see Wendy smiling cheerfully at her. "Yeah,I'm fine now thanks". Wendy took Hailey's arm and helped her up.
"Let's get the fuck out of here before she wakes up again". Hand in hand,they both rushed out of there. Once out,they took a minute to catch their breath.

"What was that about?". Wendy asked. Hailey smiled embarrassingly. That was something she didn't want to talk about even with her best friend. "You know, it's OK if you don't wanna Tell me". Hailey sighed and started talking.

"Wow,did that really happen?
I'm just glad you're safe from them". Hailey smiled and so did Wendy. She would never approach any unknown figure ever again. "That's music to my ears". Hailey said.

As both friends happily walked along, Tania got up and wiped the bloodstain on her cheek and then grinned sinisterly. "Playing hard to get now,are we, Hailey!" She wasn't going down without a fight and if it's a fight she wants, a fight she's gonna get.

Meanwhile Michael sulked alone in his room. His mother noticed something was wrong after seeing Michael depressed for days. She wanted to be sure of that. She knocked on his door several times before Michael unlocked the door.

Seeing him in that state, his mother's face turned to concern. "I know you're troubled, son but is it something you can talk about?". Michael said nothing just staring at the void wall. His mother shifted closer to him and placed both arms on his shoulder massaging him gently. "That always calm you down when you were little".
Michael gave an half smile. No one gets him better than his mother and maybe Hailey. "I haven't been myself lately". Michael managed to say. "I could tell,I'm your mother, Michael and you're my son. Tell me exactly what's bothering you". Michael turned to face her. Her smiling face was enough to make him melt. The wrinkles on his mother's face became more and more stretchy. "I've just lost my second heart!". His mother immediately knew who he was talking about.

"Michael, what could possibly have broken you two apart?". Michael breath deeply. He doesn't want to talk about it with anyone but definitely not his mother who would pester him until he talks. "Last week,she broke up with me with a text. After all we've been through together. I thought she was gonna be the one but guess I was blinded by that fantasy". He abruptly stood up and walked towards the window. He sighed soberly. "Hailey would have loved this". His mother hugs him from behind. "Things aren't always what they seem to be, my child. Perhaps it was all a misunderstanding". Michael smiled. "Why don't you hear her out,OK. She really loves you, you know". She said with a smile. Her voice like that of a sixty something; yes,she was sixty.
Michael nodded his head. "Okay,thanks for the talk, Mom". He said kissing his Mom on the cheeks and dashed out of there. His mother smiling cheerfully as he leaves. Looking at his messed up bedsheets, she chuckled and helped him to smoothen it.
Chapter thirty four
Hailey spent most of the weeks at Wendy's place. Wendy loved the company. Then,a knock at the door almost startled them. Hailey turned to Wendy who gave a nudge that she should open the door. It was as if Wendy was in on something but what could it be, Hailey thought.

“Come on, the door?"Wendy winked. Hailey rolled her eyes and looked through the door's peephole. Her eyes widened in surprise upon the sight of Michael waving childishly and smiling like an excited kid wanting to open a wrapped up gift.

Hailey glanced at Wendy who smiled. Hailey sighed and opened the door to let him in. Seeing Hailey after a week, he immediately gave her a hug. Hailey tried to break free but it seems the power of love was impossible to escape from.

“What do you want, Michael?
Why are you here?". She kept asking him over and over. Michael loosened his arms and walked towards the living room. Hailey slammed the door and took a seat far far opposite Michael.

“You might be surprised and angry but I just wanted to bring you two back together. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about it, Hailey. Could you forgive me". The room was silent for a moment as they wait for Hailey's reply.

Michael gave a funny sad look at Hailey. That look made her melt. It made her smile but she wouldn't let him have her that easy. She frowned again. He sighed deeply and turned to Wendy who gave him a nod.

“Hailey,I shouldn't have broken up
with you over some dumb text. You deserve someone better than me. I'm really truly sorry,Hailey. Please take me back if not as your boyfriend but as a friend. You mean so much to me,  Hailey...so much". Tears began streaming down his cheeks. He'd never cried that way since until now.

Seeing him in tears, Hailey covered her face trying to conceal the tears. She sniffed, made her way towards Michael and knelt down before him. He'd always been there for her even in her battle with Buggles. She lovingly takes both his hand into hers.

Michael looked up to her hazel eyes. Those were the prettiest eyes he'd ever seen. He smiled amidst his tear soaked face. Hailey brushed her finger over his cheeks. She sniffed again and gave a smile.

Wendy smiled happily at herself. Great job,Wendy. She mumbled softly to herself. Seeing the two of them cuddling made her happy and her heart relaxed.

“I forgive you, Michael!
I love you!" She said wiping the tears from his face while he wiped the tears on hers. “I love you..." The sound of glass shattering made them jump. And there stood Tania holding a large chainsaw vibrating violently.

“Sorry to ruin the parade but I'm gonna have to borrow Hailey here". With that, she grabbed Hailey with one arm. Michael tried to remain calm. “Give her back, please. Do you want money. I've  money please let her go". Tania began laughing like a maniac And Hailey immediately recognized that maniacal laughter. Her eyes widened in shock. “Don't come any closer, Michael. She isn't who she appears to be". Tania smiled revealing large razor sharp teeth with bloodstains on every one of them.

“Guess the jig's up now,uh?". Tania said in a sinister voice followed by another loud laughter as she jumps out holding Hailey by her neck. Michael screamed for Hailey but she was already out of sight. Wendy broke down into tears. If that wasn't the real Tania then that meant she still wasn't out of harm's way. “We need to find her. I don't wanna lose her not again".
Wendy managed to gather herself together. Michael hurriedly grabs his keys on the couch and accompanied by Wendy rushed into his vehicle;green to be precise.

“I'm coming,Hailey!" Michael said softly. He wasn't letting go off Hailey not again not anymore. He'd seen what's like without her and he wouldn't want to face that again.

Chapter Thirty Five
Michael hurriedly drove like a mad man over the hill,down the slope and circled through the roundabout. “Slow down,Michael. There's a speed limit after all!". Michael gave Wendy a dirty look.

No one was gonna tell him how to drive when it comes to the one he loved and might die for. “I don't wanna lose Hailey again. Not again!".

Wendy could sense the love in his tone. She smiled. “Well if you're that worried, let's call the cops already. I'm  just as worried as you are so how about we..." Michael interrupted her mid sentence. “And tell them what... Uh...that some crazy psycho kidnapped my girlfriend. Yeah, they'll never believe us".

Who would have believed? They didn't even believe themselves of what had just happened.

“At least let's get them involved.
We might find out where she's faster that way".Wendy said. Worry and fatigue in her voice. Michael sighed and took a turn into a nearby station.

The station looked like it'd been over decades despite the paintings on the walls,it couldn't conceal the fading sides. With a feeling of disgust and reluctance,Michael entered the station, Wendy following beside him.

The officers appeared to be on their break as some were seated on the tables. Michael grunted to get the attention of one of them.

“What can we do for ya?"asked the officer on the seat. He was black appeared to be in his thirties. “We want to file a missing person report, officer". Wendy cut in right when Michael was about to talk.

“How many days have she gone
missing?!"Another officer asked while huffing a gust of smoke to Michael's face. Michael frowned but tried to control his temper.

“Just today, officer. Please hurry it up!" Wendy said covering her nose. The smell of the cigar nearly made her cough. For some reason, the officer began laughing like bunch of hyenas. “Told you this was a mistake!" Michael whispered angrily to Wendy.

“If it isn't close to or over 24hrs,
we can't file a report". Michael scoffed and he would have scattered the whole station if Wendy hadn't dragged  him out of there. While outside, Wendy sighed while Michael paced around and around. “This isn't helping us, Mike". Michael banged his fists against the car. Where should he look now? Who would he call? Just then, his phone rings. It was his Mom.

He bowed his head in exhaustion and picked up the receiver. “How'd it go?!"She asked. Michael kept silent for about a minute. “You there, Michael?".
“Hey,Mom. She's been taken".
“Taken? How exactly do you mean?!"
“Hailey's been kidnapped". His voice teary. “Well,find her. Do not lose her this time". Wendy was now seated in the passenger seat. And then, the line went off.
Michael cursed under his breath and entered into the car. “Where do we look now?". Wendy asked while sniffing hard into a napkin. “I've no clue". Michael said exhaustedly as he fired up the engine.
Chapter Thirty Six
Michael noticed someone from the mirror chasing after them. He immediately recognized the man as one of the officers he'd seen earlier.

“Hit the gas,Michael. He might
be some kinda creep or even worse". Wendy said while giving the man a deadly stare. The man was still chasing them as Michael slowly drives. “Look,this might be our last chance to find her,you coming or not". Michael asked as the car came to a screeching halt.

“Thank...goodness,you stopped!" The man said as he began panting and gasping for air. Wendy was skeptical in trusting a stranger but Michael was surprisingly chatty. “I might be able to help you find his hideaway". The man appeared to be in his late forties. “We don't need your assistance, Mister besides why should we trust you?". Wendy asked. She smiled nervously at Michael who frowned.

He couldn't argue with that. They couldn't be sure they could trust him or not. The man was Donald. He sighed and coughed loudly as if trying to clear his throat much to Wendy's disgust. She whispered something to Michael. Feeling unwanted, Donald was about to leave when Michael called him back. “If you could really help us then I'd suppose you come in".

Donald wiped some sweat off his face. “I think we should talk about it in my office,come on!". Wendy tried holding Michael's arm back but Michael wouldn't give up any opportunity to find Hailey. Sure, Wendy wanted Hailey to be found but not from some stranger whom they know nothing of.

“This might be our last hope to
end this nightmare once and for all!". Wendy sighed and reluctantly followed along. Donald's office wasn't large,it had the width of a storeroom.

“Take a seat!". Donald said.
Both sat opposite Donald. Wendy kept scanning the whole room like some inspector. “His hideout is around Madison Street... In some abandoned building". Michael tried to hide his angry feeling. The same street they have checked. “You lying snake, there are no abandoned building at Madison". Donald remained calm.
“If you'd let me talk now..." Michael scoffed and folded his arms. “You're right about that there are no abandoned building on Madison BUT
if you could be there around say 3am,there it stands, the abandoned building". Not wanting to create any more disturbance, Michael asked:
  “So,if what you're saying  is true.
  3am being the devil's hour,the building will magically appear".

Donald clicked his fingers affirmatively. “ Precisely... 3:30am!"
Wendy's eyes filled with surprise. How would  she get her beauty sleep but when it came to Hailey, she was willing to sacrifice it.

“Thanks for your help, Mr..." Donald chuckled softly as he escorted them out. “Donald...Donald Stevenson". Both men shook hands. Wendy smiled at Donald. “Guess I've been wrong to judge you, Donald. Thanks for your help". Donald winked at her, took her hands and kissed it. Wendy smiled.

The honk from the car interrupted her chat. Michael was already inside and couldn't waste any more minute. Wendy mouthed a goodbye and got in.
Donald waved them goodbyes and was about to go back into his office when he suddenly screamed “Get out of my head, you pesky demon". Sinister laughter only heard by him. Passers by gave him a disgusted look.
“What do you want with me?" Donald's voice pleaded. “Oh,you know what I want, Donald".A creepy voice spoke back. Donald quickly ran into his van and took off in fear back home.
Chapter Thirty Seven
Michael couldn't sleep that night. He tossed and turned on the bed unable to get Hailey off his mind. The time was 8pm. Just seven hours left to stop that psycho. Surprisingly, he managed to drift into his dreamland

Hours later, he was awaken from his slumber covered in cold sweat. It was unexplainable but he knew it was because of that dream he'd just had.
He quickly got up from the bed and went into the bathroom to wash his face. That dream kept coming back to him. He looked up at the mirror.

His eyes widened in terror when he saw a deformed face on the mirror. That of his brother,Matthew. He stepped back from the sink nearly trembling on a mop beside him.

"Save me, brother!". The face called out stretching out its arms coming out of the mirror. Michael screamed and then suddenly woke up. Damn it, a dream in a dream. Sweat ran down his face. He sighed as he sat up straight on his bed staring into the wall.

His eyes met the clock dangling by the wall making a ticking sound. Michael yawned and hurriedly got dressed. He picked up his cellphone from beside his bed and phoned Wendy. This time, Wendy was stressed from not sleeping that night. She quickly answered the phone.

“You ready?!" Michael asked with a confident and bold way. He was sure he was going to bring Hailey back safe and sound. Wendy covered her mouth as she yawned and in a tired voice, says “Yes!".
“We'll get her back alright, don't worry ".
“Yeah!" The line went off within minutes of talking.

Michael suddenly thought about Donald. Would he meet them there or he would come for them. The ringing of the phone snapped him back to reality. It was Donald. He picked it up.

“Where are you guys.
You're suppose to be here by now?"
“On my way,sir".
“Time isn't waiting,son".Saying that,he hung up. Michael hurriedly grabbed his keys on top of his bedstand.

The ride to Wendy's apartment was quiet and cold air blew around the dark streets. Michael parked in front of a single apartment building fit for one. Wendy came out dressed in a sweater and a white baggy shorts. Her eyes red from crying and lack of sleep.
She opened the car and got in without saying a word.

Aside from the crickets and hooting owl,the streets was eerily quiet and darkness was upon the face of the street. Ten minutes later, they found someone in front of the abandoned building. Wendy shivered from cold and from what lurks inside.

“Would it kill you to turn off the
lights?". Donald's warm voice called out almost like a gentle scream. Michael obediently compiled and with Wendy, exited the mobile.

“Never thought I'd  be out
here this late but you're not
the only ones who that psycho
bunny guy has haunted". Donald told them as he pointed his flashlight directly into the building.

The squeaking of rats made Wendy jump. “It's just rats,Wendy. Don't be jumpy" Michael tried to comfort her as he himself tried to hide his fear. Donald gave both of them a stern look as he halted abruptly peeping through some open cracks. “He's here, you two be quiet". He whispered.

Hailey had both arms and legs tied down on a chair with mouth covered in duct tape. Buggles kept on sharpening a blade while taking glances at Hailey every second. He gave her a creepy  grin exposing his rotting teeth. “So,when do we get in there?", Wendy asked trying to be quiet as she could. “In a minute now..." They were immediately surrounded by some deformed creatures. They tried to fight them off but they were way more stronger.

“Looks like we've some guests". Buggles said giggling sinisterly. “Let's play a game,shall we hmm?".

“Let us go,you motherfucker". Wendy cussed struggling to break free from those monsters. Michael spat into one's grossed face but that didn't help in the slightest.
“Who wants to play my favorite game?" Said Buggles laughing manically and  hysterically much to their annoyance. “You're not gonna get away with this!". Donald said as he loaded his rifle. “I wouldn't do that if I were you, Donald Stevenson Jr."

Donald's eyes widened. Buggles had never called him by his name since the past twenty six years he'd worked for Buggles. (Hold on, Michael, he works for Buggles?). Yes, he did. Back when Donald was a fourteen year old kid,he was always the family's punching bag, servant boy and usually teased by his family. This went on and on for months until one day,he “snapped". He picked up his father's AK47 and fired five clean shots on each of their necks making loud thuds as their decapitated heads hit the ground. Buggles was there. He was the one who possessed the little one and took control of him. When he realized what he had done, Donald dropped the gun on the couch. His hands and feet trembling in fear as he heard the sirens. It turned out that the well-known tattletale had called the men in blue to come over. Little Donald hid in the closet. He'd always lived with that guilt for decades. Buggles blackmailed him into doing his bidding or else this long hidden secrets would come to public eyes.
Chapter Thirty Eight
Both Wendy and Michael couldn't believe what they were hearing. So,this seemingly goody two shoes was actually the one doing his bidding.

"Go ahead, Donny boy shoot the shot!"
Buggles said smiling ear to ear. "You better hurry it up". He looked at Hailey who gave him an angry look. He playfully stroked her chin. "I'm gonna take my time with this one".

He turned towards Michael and Wendy. His arms shaking. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he sniffed.

"Resist him,Donald" Wendy said. Her voice fearful and weak. Suddenly her belly growled. She gnashed her teeth in pain as she tightly held it. Bad timing. Real bad. Just when they were at the verge of death.

Buggles face turned into wide grin. "Do it now, Donny!". Donald couldn't bring himself to do it. He was the one bringing dead bodies for his master but not usually the killer.

"I'm sorry..." Bang! Bang! Bang! He fell down to the ground with a loud thud. He'd killed himself. Apparently to him, that would have been the best thing to do.

Wendy gasped in terror and screamed terrifyingly. The monsters around them roared in pleasure as they feasted on the lifeless body of the officer. Blood splattered everywhere.

Wendy tried not to gag but it seemed impossible not to. She threw up right there on the ground.

Hailey cried loudly as she witnessed the whole drama unfolding. The smile on Buggles face felt like ten thousand daggers stabbed into them.

The monsters belched in unison after their bloody meal. Michael suddenly spotted a shiny object next to Wendy's side. It was a crucifix. “Mind if I borrowed this!" He whispered as he takes it from her sweater's pocket.

“I didn't say you can have it, thief". Wendy quietly said. “This might help!" He spoke back. Buggles smirked devilishly at Wendy. “You'll make a perfect mother!" Wendy frowned and reluctantly let Michael have the crucifix. That crucifix was a gift from Hailey.

Buggles fellow monsters were the first to get swallowed up into the crucifix. They gave an unpleasant screech as they were being sucked into the crucifix all at once. Wendy's eyes shine in delight. “It actually works, you're finished,Bunny man". She said.

As if Buggles was expecting this, he ran towards Wendy with surprising speed and knocked her down to the ground with a push. Wendy suddenly felt like something crawled into her skin. She screamed loudly like an opera. She tried to escape but couldn't. Buggles was on top of her trying to force some musty looking morsel into her mouth. Hailey cried loudly but couldn't speak. The duct tape slowly began to peel off and when it did, she screamed “Noooooo!"

Buggles was distracted giving Michael time to point the crucifix directly at his eyes. He started laughing loudly as he was being sucked into it. Wendy breathed a sigh of relief but she'd already digested that disgusting mould Buggles gave her. She tried to cough it out but only a tiny drop of blood came out.

Michael hurriedly ran to Hailey. “Are you OK?, “Did he hurt you?",“Are you injured?" He kept asking her as he untied the ropes. Wendy tried not to cry but just couldn't help it. She burst into happy tears as both ladies hugged themselves. “I think I might need a change of underwear".

Michael came in between them and held Hailey's arms gently. “I didn't get to apologize properly. So,here it goes". He knelt down on one knee and opened a small black chest. Inside it was a ruby ring. Hailey stroked her hair awkwardly as usual. Michael handed the crucifix over to Wendy whose black eyes glistered in anticipation. “Hailey Weathers,will you marry me and make me the happiest guy in the world". Hailey nodded as Michael placed the ring in her finger. The sight of the ring made Wendy's eyes dazzle. “ OMG,Hailey... You've got a big shot". Wendy cheered and clapped loudly as they kissed right there in the bloody and dirty abandonment.

Chapter Thirty Nine
Although they had got rid of Buggles,Hailey still felt like it wasn't over yet. It's now been two days since she had been taken. She had always told Michael about her worries but he usually calmed her down.

Meanwhile, Wendy was sulking once again. If this Tania wasn't the real Tania then that meant that she wasn't rid of the little baby vermin. Hailey decided to pay a visit to Tania's family to pay her last respect. Michael volunteered to accompany her. It took a lot of persuasion before Hailey finally gave in.

Wendy declined the offer of leaving. Hailey bade her byes as they left for Tania's. It took them about five minute to get there. Hailey knocked three times until the door clinked open and in stood an old lady apparently Tania's mother. Seeing Hailey, the old lady scoffed and was about to close the door on them when Hailey spoke.

“Mrs Blazer,this seem like a bad time
but is it OK if we come in". The old lady, Kristen eyed Hailey and reluctantly let them in. “You've got six minutes".
“We're really sorry about what
happened to Tania. I shouldn't have
left that night. It was my fault and..." Michael gently squeezed her arms.
Kristen noticed this and coughed as if to tell Hailey “You go bringing another one,uh?". Hailey was taken aback by what Kristen said next.

“Because of your crazy,my Tania
is no more and yet you want me to
just forgive you..." She laughed hysterically “...that's not gonna happen,murderer". Michael clenched his fists in rage. “You can't talk to her like that without proof". Kristen scoffed once more before walking towards the door and opening it to let them out. “Get out!". She commanded.

“Thanks for nothing!" Hailey said carrying her bag. “Come on, Michael!" She said as she took his hands. When they were gone,Kristen's eyes began to melt into tears as she gazed at the portrait of her daughter. She picked it up and placed it on her chest as due hugging someone. Then, with a thud she dropped dead to the ground. It turned out that she'd been taking some odd medications to cope with the loss. Foam began pouring out of her mouth as she groan to death.

“Can't believe that hag would
talk to you like that!". Michael said as he stared deep into her eyes. Hailey sighed and gently placed her arms on his shoulder. “Oh,Michael, please  just forget this ever happened and let's start our life together". Michael smiled and kissed her in the lips. “Yeah,I like that!". Hand in hand,they strolled back to Wendy's apartment.

Chapter Forty
Tania had been dead for weeks. The day Hailey met her after their years of separation. Tania was pissed that Hailey would want to start up a conversation with her after what they had gone through.

Hailey frowned and suddenly stopped on a spot. “Fine,you don't want me back, your loss". She scoffed and turned back to leave that dark street. Something inside told her not to leave but Tania obviously doesn't need her help.

She took one last look at Tania who was now five feet away. Her shiny black hair shone in the darkness.

Matthew was on his evening stroll when he saw a dark figure. He licked his tongues seductively as he noticed it was a lady. Tania gave a disgusted look as she eyed him. He'd grease on his shirt and some black stain on his trousers. His breathe stank of alcohol and cigarettes.

“Get away from me,you asshole".
Tania angrily bellowed at him but Matthew turned deaf ears. He also didn't notice Tania's smirky grin. He continued to follow her until they entered into an abandoned building. From the look of the atmospheres, it was 3am.

The eerie wind didn't bother Matthew from pursing Tania. He had no clue that something sinister was afoot. “Come on,no one would want you but me". A smirk formed on Tania's face as she turned to face him. She whistled and some monsters each came out of the darkness with evil grins on their horrible faces.

It was too late for Matthew to run out. Even if he'd wanted to run,he was surrounded on every side. He screamed of pain and agony as he is being chewed up alive. Tania laughed hysterically as Matthew's scream slowly died down.

“You can't blame yourself, Hailey!" Michael comforted Hailey gently patting her shoulder. She gave an half smile and hugged him. “Thanks!". Wendy coughed to get their attention and they separated.

“So,I thought you two were going
shopping". Wendy said as they walked towards the sofa. Michael turned to Hailey. “Well actually we didn't but we'll soon". Hailey spoke smiling at Michael.

The crucifix suddenly flashed into Michael. “Where's the crucifix?". He asked Wendy. “There are monsters inside. We can't just..." Wendy coughed again this time to keep him quiet. “Relax,I kept it somewhere safe".  Hailey yawned exhaustedly. “Want me to walk you to bed?". Michael Miller asked Hailey. She blushed before smiling affirmatively.

Michael lifted her up from the sofa and pecked her on the lips as he took her upstairs. “Goodnight!" Wendy said waving at them. She was now rested on the sofa. The bedroom was pink in color.
Michael laid Hailey gently on the bed and laid next to her. He placed an arm on her chest. “Thanks,Michael". Hailey's sleepy voice spoke which brought a smile plastered on his face. He kissed her again as he drifted off to sleep.  The quietness and  sound of crickets and owls hooting made the nights seem restful.

Chapter Forty one
Whistling of birds the next morning woke Hailey. She looked at her side and saw Michael sleeping peacefully. He was shirtless probably from the heat that night. She stretched out her arms with a light yawn.

She laid her shoulder on Michael's chest, sniffling his scent with a smile. She didn't see Michael's sneaky arms coming up behind her and tingles her side. She blushed. “Morning,Michael!" As she snuggled close to him. The past days had really made them closer than ever.

“Morning,my sweet bride,and how are you?'
He said landing a soft kiss on her cheeks. “I'm fine,and how are you as well". Michael smiled in response. “So,it's about time we...hmmm....buy some stuffs for our..." Michael knew what she was asking. He winked affirmatively. “In the meantime, I'll run us a hot bath, hmm?". She kissed him on the lips twice consecutively before leaving. She'd on a black panties and black brassieres. Hmm,what went on that night between them?😋

Michael rubbed his eyes to wipe the morning dust. Hailey was already getting ready the bath. To make it more romantic, she added some rose petals to the sparkling bubble water. Hailey smiled when she felt an arm unstrap her bra. She knew immediately who it was. She blushed as he caressed her little breasts.

She took off her panties and turned to Michael who undressed down to bareness. Both got into the bath;Hailey entering first and then Michael. The sensual music Hailey played also further sweetened the mood. Michael smiled and kissed her on the cheeks. He obviously sang it years back.

Meanwhile, Wendy was still asleep on the couch. Her belly kept on getting larger and larger. She gnashed her teeth in pain;eyes still sleeping. She wanted to shout for help but her voice only turned into a tiny shriek. Then, her eyes opened.
Her normal brown eyes were no longer brown,but green.

Something was definitely wrong,why would her eyes change colour all of a sudden unless it'd something to do with that musty stuff Buggles had given her.
She slowly got up trying not to bump into anything fragile. She tried to climb the stairs to where Hailey and Michael were but her legs wiggled on every steps.

When she finally there, she gently tapped the door. Hailey opened the door seconds later surprised to see Wendy limping when she had no scratch or injury. By this time, Hailey was dressed in her purple robe and Michael had on his white long robe. “What happen?".Hailey asked. Concern in her voice. Wendy walked sluggishly to the bed and fell down face first on it.
Hailey turned to look at Michael who gave a sigh of sympathy. Hailey sat next to Wendy on the bed. “Did you have a bad dream?" She asked as she lovingly stroked Wendy's hair. “It's coming!" The surprise on both Michael's and Hailey's face told them their fears were just starting.

Chapter Forty Two
"Stop,Hailey...you don't have to
keep doing that!" Wendy said as she turns upright. "What do you mean? You're my best friend,Wendy and..."
Wendy abruptly sat up straight and turned to face Michael and then to Hailey again:
"You've everything I always wanted.
A life, a perfect boyfriend what more could you want? I can't do this anymore".

Wendy sniffed and was about to leave when Hailey grabbed her arms. "Where's this coming from,Wendy? You can't do that. I need you". Michael came and wrapped his arms on Wendy trying to comfort her. "See that's what I'm taking about. You...You need me? Have you ever thought about how I felt..." Hailey couldn't believe what Wendy was saying.

Wendy broke free from Michael's embrace and dashed out through the door. While outside, she felt as if something was creeping into both her arms,her veins were clearly visible.

Hailey broke down in tears after Wendy had gone. What could she have done to make Wendy talk to her like that? Her wedding was in few days from now and she needed Wendy to be her bridesmaids. Michael sat next to Hailey on the bed and held her arms on his. "It wasn't your fault...maybe she's just upset about something else and let it out in on you. Come on,you guys fight almost all the time when we were kids,it isn't anything different from that,is it?

Hailey smiled and wiped off the tears on her eyes. "You're probably right..." She kissed him on the lips. "Thanks!". Michael lovingly stroked her hair while she laid her head on his laps. "Shouldn't we get dressed or something?" She sweetly said as she gently rubbed her palms on his arms.

"Yeah,maybe after you!" . He said as he gestured into the half opened dressing room. The hotel they rented had virtually everything a normal house did. Maybe that's why the fees was expensive but Michael paid on installments.

Hailey hurriedly got up. "Race you there?". Michael chuckled as he kissed her hands. "Nah,I don't wanna lose to you. You're so damn fast. Hurry up now,OK?" Hailey blushed as she entered into the room.

Michael sighed happily as he rested back onto the bed. He couldn't believe he was getting married to the love of his life,he smiled as he recalled how they had met all those years ago. How love could be so predictable at times?

He was about to doze off when he felt a
familiar lovely scent. His eyes marvelled in admiration as he beholds Hailey in her pink evening gown with silver shoes like that Cinderella wore on the ball. "How do I look, be honest?!. Michael blew her a kiss. "Like a princess in a Disney series".
Hailey blushed as she pirouetted gracefully. She slowly but majestically walked up to him offering him an hand.

Michael took it and sighed satisfactorily. That scent really meant something to him. "I love the smell of you". She blushed and giggled shyly as Michael pulled her gently into bed. "Come on, Michael. Ain't you gonna..."

"Don't go anywhere, princess". Michael said as he speedily went in to the dressing room. Hailey couldn't imagine her life without him. She really cherished the day they met when he'd pulled out a thorn from her finger and ever since both had fallen into a love story.

Chapter Forty Three
The entrance to the store was decorated with several decors. Workers unloading new goods from trucks and stacking them together. “Yay,watch it!" Grumbled a fat coworker when someone accidentally hit him with some wrapped metal tool.

Michael entered with Hailey's arms wrapped around his as they scanned for whatever they needed. “Oh,how about that one?". Hailey said excitedly pointing at a cream wedding gown with price tag of $5. “Well,if that's what you'd like, then take it". He said with a smile. Hailey pecked him on the cheeks as she placed the gown into the shopping cart.

“Next up, the tux or suit!". Michael scanned the opposite side of where they'd picked the gown. There were suits and tuxes of different sizes and colors. “Which would you like, Michael?" Hailey asked staring at him questioningly.

“I'll go with the black tuxedo and the bowtie would be nice".As he took them from the rank and placed it into their shopping cart. “Would that be all?"Asked a young lady who had been standing beside them. She'd on a workers uniform. “Certainly, thank you!".

They then walked towards the counter to pay for their stuffs. While they were doing that,an elderly couple appeared next to the counter beside them. The man had his arms wrapped around his wife's waist. The woman looked chubby with a pink blouse and a baggy jeans while the man wore a typical white shirt with a brown shorts. The woman stared at Hailey with her eye lashed eyes. She smiled seeing both Hailey and Michael together kinda brought her back to when she'd met the love of her life.

Hailey shyly smiled as response to the woman. Michael noticed this and quickly paid for their stuffs and took Hailey with him out of there. “You okay?!". Michael asked as he swung the door open with a jingle of the bell.

“Something about that woman's eyes!". Michael sighed deeply and cuddled her in his right arm, the left was already carrying their goods. “Relax, I'm pretty sure it's nothing, you're okay?". Hailey smiled calmly and kissed him as he opened the car for her. Michael then went to the drivers seat and off they went blasting a rap.

Meanwhile Wendy kept having this weird but sever aches on her belly as if something or someone wanted out of there. It was like thousands daggers pressed in her. She'd often wanted to call Hailey at times but didn't want to bring herself to do that.

She'd no one to look after her like Hailey had Michael. The guy she thought was the one stabbed her in the heart when she caught him one day naked on the bed with her so-called friend. She was heartbroken that she cried for days and didn't come out of her apartment.

She sniffed loudly as she stated at a photo of Hailey and Michael together. Pained and angry tears began pouring from her eyes and she let it flow. She was jealous of Hailey's relationship and her angry gnashing teeth was evident.

If only she could just bring back Buggles to get rid of Hailey and then Michael would feel heartbroken like she did. Then,she would swoop in like an angel to comfort him and possibly have him but the crucifix is been kept in a small glass box and tight shut with a lock surrounded by a force allowing nothing out of the entrapment.

“Ugh..Ugh..." Goes Wendy's stomach. She was hungry:not hungry for burgers,sushi or whatever hungry for human meat,more so human blood. What's with her sudden urge for that?
She struggled to fight it but her mouth started to water when she saw through her curtains a young boy probably eight or nine just playing and giggling as he ran around the pole holding a toy kite.

Wendy licked her lips in anticipation. She scanned the whole environment. Weirdly, there was no one there. Maybe  his mother or whoever might have been watching him have accidentally let loose of their grip on him or he probably wandered off away from them.

Anyways,Wendy couldn't care less,she was starving and wasn't gonna let this delicious young blood go to waste. She slowly opened her door, and quietly tiptoed towards the kid who was now facing away crouched down as he tied his shoe lace.

Then,the sound of screams and blood splattered on the window. It was as if Wendy had silenced the boy's screams or something because no one heard him screaming or probably saw him not even a guy who was obviously pissed off about something as he barged out of a grocery store. Poor kid, been devoured by a human looking beast.

Yet again why did the crucifix suddenly began to make slurping sound as due drinking something invisible or is Buggles still pretty much kinda free or could it be his seed on Wendy rubbing off into the world?
Chapter Forty four
The wedding was attended by friends and some families of the bride and groom. The whole  arena was adorned with colorful ribbons,balloons of variant colors and guests dressed in their most fancy attires.

Soft music played as guests were ushered into the main auditorium where the party was at. Hailey was surprised and delighted when she saw Wendy from afar dressed in a sky blue gown that shone with tiny little diamond stones.

She sniffed as she tried not to cry. She'd really missed Wendy but the same couldn't be said about Wendy who despite having swallowed a whole live deer with its antlers. There was no blood trance not even a smear on her clothes.

“I never thought you'd come..." Happy tears poured down her eyes as she embraced her into a bear hug. Wendy forced a smile and went to have a seat faraway from those present. She was trying to control her urges for human flesh and it seems she was doing a good job. Wendy's eyes scanned the whole scene;decorated with ribbons and smelled of lavender and cornflower.
That scent penetrated Wendy's nostril like a sting. She coughed aggressively trying to clear her throat.

Hours later, the ceremony was in session, the priest took three summons,offered blessings to the couples and pronounced them man and wife. Cheers erupted in the air as loud music blasted off and everyone hurried over to the dance floor to merry. Meanwhile, Wendy stood there staring as she took little sip off her red wine.

Hailey approached Wendy, holding her wedding gown stylishly like a princess does in a Royal gathering. “I'm really glad you showed up. I thought you weren't gonna come". She smiled widely revealing set of white teeth. Wendy returned her smile with an affirmative sigh.

Michael showed up bouncing with excitement. “What's got you so jumpy?". Hailey asked as she takes a glass of champagne from a waiter passing by. Michael took deep breaths. “There's someone here I'm very sure you'd love to meet!". Hailey stared at him questioningly. “Just tell me who it's... you know I hate surprises". She said blushing. Surprises were her favorite kind of presents.

Hailey narrowed her eyes trying to see who it was that could be the surprise. Her face changed into a frown when she finally saw who it was. Her mother, Miranda was standing there chatting with an old friend of hers,with him was a young lady who apparently was his daughter.  Hailey dragged her out of there with one arm. “What are you doing here?!" She demanded. Her eyes raging.
Miranda gave her a smile but Hailey paid no attention to that.
“I just want to talk, Hailey".
“I've nothing to say to you, please leave".

Hailey replied back not making eye contact. “Your anger is justified. I shouldn't have abandoned you when you needed a mother ". She sniffed trying hard to hold back tears. “I'm really sorry if you could find it in your heart to forgive me. I'm sure there's still room in there..." Miranda wiped the tears from her eyes and sniffed loudly. The sound of plates and the chattery of the guests could make one's ear drum ring.

Hailey gradually let go off her resentment. But that was just the first news,the next one really shook her. “Elliot's dead...!" Hailey suddenly stopped in her tracks as she attempted to leave. “Strangled to death...by a Bunny man thing". Miranda's voice shaky as she struggled to say it.
Her father was her favorite person in the world aside from her husband, Michael and Wendy. “He handed me his piece of paper". Hailey took the paper from her hand and tears began pouring down her cheeks as she reads the content.
                                                         __
                              _*Area 5,Stones Street
      My dear daughter, Hailey
If you're reading this then I'm probably dead by now. Your mother and I recently found out about Buggles when we were going through your stuffs. By the way, sorry about that. I found this strange wooden box locked shut. Curious, I decided to pry it open and what I found was this old dusty doll. I recognized it as Buggles. I tossed the doll into the bin without knowing that was my bad.  Moments later, I felt a cold hand grab my neck. I didn't have time to fight back. My bones were tired and weak so I couldn't do anything to stop him. The last thing I saw before I took my last breath was your mother frozen in spot. I'm really sorry about abandoning you.
                             Yours forever, Dad.*___

Hailey cried on her mother's shoulder. She never even got the chance of say her last goodbyes. The last time they'd met was at the psychiatric ward all those decades ago. “He's in a better place,he was a good man!". She said as calming as she could sound.  Hailey hugged Miranda for what seemed like eternity.
I'm so proud of you, Hailey.
My daughter, married!". Miranda smiled widely.

Commotion ensued when in the midst of dining,winning, and chattering, a portal appeared out of nowhere and out of it came a young woman who appeared to be in her early thirties. Miranda was too frightened to interfere that she left after giving Hailey a kiss on her forehead. Wendy stared at the strange mysterious woman with intent curiosity. For some reason, Hailey was calm. The woman approached Hailey. “I know you might get shocked or surprised but I'm you... more importantly you in the future".

Wendy butted in. “Well if you're her,then I'm Beyonce". The woman gave Wendy a look and then back at Hailey. “The future is in danger, Hailey. Buggles is coming back ". Throughout this commotion, Michael was too busy chatting away with his Mom and few other friends.
“That can't happen. He's locked up
in a church trapped in a crucifix". Hailey replied trying to sound confident but deep down,she was fearful.
“Think about it, how would a powerful
creature allow himself to be caught in a
cross... He's coming and your friend right there..." Points at Wendy who feigned surprise. “...would be the one to bring him back".

Wendy growled silently in order not to raise any suspicion. “Hailey, will you possibly believe this crazy lady over your best friend?!". Hailey turned to Wendy sternly. “Excuse me,so I'm crazy is that what you think?!".
“Does it matter besides you're the one
who brought him to life so,yeah you're the crazy one". Older Hailey sighed knowing that she'd caused a feud between them but all she was doing was warn her past self before it gets too late.

Now,Wendy knows that her time would soon be up. She grew jealous of Hailey even more. Her head began spinning. She'd drunk too much of that bloody reddish drink. She aggressively staggered her way out of the damn wedding. By that time, future Hailey had already gone back to her world.

Wendy tried hard not to bump into anything. Her vision became blurry until she blacked out. Few minutes later, she found herself chained unto a bed and legs spread out chained on the edges of the bed. Her eyes met with a doctor. She seemed to be in her late forties dressed in a doctor's white coat. “Oh,great you're awake..." Wendy struggled to break free demanding to be released or else the doctor was going to see the real face of death.

“Relax,I've just taken a sample of your blood and what I saw really surprised me. In all my years of surgery, I haven't seen anything quite like..." The chains snapped loose with a thud. A creepy sinister grin formed on Wendy's face which half of it was covered by her brown wet hair.

She gave a beastly roar as she lounged unto the doctor and plunged her now sharp claws into the doctor's chest dragging out organs and blood splattered everywhere. Wendy chewed down the raw intestines and flesh and belched satisfied.

She snapped her fingers and now dressed in a doctor's coat similar to the bloody one on the ground. She exited the hospital room as due nothing happened. A nurse called out: “Doctor Veenz!Doctor Veenz! another patient at room 587". Wendy replied in the doctor's voice: “On my way!". She smiled in delight. More bodies to feast on. It's gonna be one huge banquet.