One Step Forward, Two Steps Stumbled
"Y-you want me to what?!"
Reina trembled, surrounded by three other girls in the sunset.
"You heard me." The leader, Denise sneered. "You want us to leave you alone? You'll have to earn it."
Reina remained silent.
"You know where it is, right?" Caitlyn, the blonde smirked beside Denise.
"That abandoned mansion everyone is talking about. Go inside. Alone. We'll be watching; we'll know if you chicken out."
Reina swallowed, frame discreetly shaking.
The mansion which is rumoured to spirit a person away if they were to enter...
She opened her mouth. 'Forget it, I'm not going!'
...Was what she wanted to say. As always, her throat would tighten at the last second.
Jessica flipped her red hair callously. "No objections, I see." She pushed Reina roughly into the woods, taking away her school bag.
"Get going."
The brunette squeezed her eyes shut. 'I... I don't want to!'
Yet, her legs disobeyed; they shakily made her trudge on, her emerald eyes watering. The other girls followed smugly.
'Why can't I say it?' Her eyes watered, frustrated as she went.
'I had to run into them on the way home. They had to be there... sometimes, I wish they didn't exist.'
All was quiet except for the rustling of Autumn's leaves.
Soon, the dilapidated mansion's gates were in sight. The place was enormous, lined with stone with a fountain decorating its central courtyard.
'There's still time to turn back...' Her mind whispered. 'Say something.'
Her knees knocked. 'I... I...'
Denise scowled. "What are you waiting for? Are you retarded?"
Reina cringed, all previous thoughts forgotten.
She opened it carefully, peeking around with frightened eyes. No one seemed to be around...
She advanced up the stone steps, opening the front door.
So far, so good... the girl took in deep breaths before placing a trembling foot forward.
It creaked loudly, making her jump back with a squeak. She nervously stepped inside and called out, "H-hello...? Anyone there...?"
Her own trepid voice echoed back at her.
Reina mentally smacked herself. 'Of course not, it's abandoned, Stupid!'
At least, she hoped.
The door then slammed behind her, making her scream. Mean, high-pitched laughs came from the other side.
Reina hastily fumbled the knob; it was locked.
"So stupid! You really thought we would do that?" Denise's voice sneered.
"You're getting what you deserve, stupid."
"Have fun~" They laughed again, voices fading as they left.
"No, wait!" She banged against the door furiously, finally regaining her voice. "Stop! You can't...! Don't leave me here!"
Silence met her. She slumped against the large door, sliding to the floor. She gathered her knees up to her chest, shoulders shaking while crying. 'I'm scared... I'm scared... Someone...'
She whispered tearfully. "Help me...!"
'Finally, she says it!'
She jerked up, face awash in tears. "W-who's there...?"
'You know, if you want help, ask!' A childish voice chirped.
"Who..." Reina paled, "a-are you... a g-g-g-g-g... ghost?"
Sweet laughter echoed in the mansion. 'No, I'm not. Or at least, I don't think I am.'
What is that supposed to mean...?
'Play with me.' It stated.
"B-but I don't..." Reina choked. "S-see..."
'Psh, you don't need to see.' It replied offhandedly, confusing her. 'Come with me~'
The mansion began to spin. "W-what's happening...?!" Reina cried fearfully.
'It's going to be fun!' It giggled, completely ignoring her. 'So much fun, you'll scream!'
The floor disappeared, as well as the mansion, its giggling accompanying her own screams down into the darkness...