Young Writers Society

A/N Sorry it took me so long to post this! 

Charlotte POV

I was ecstatic that David and I had exchanged phone numbers. I couldn't sit still in class, or focus on my schoolwork at all. Suddenly, I realized that I had a big, goofy smile on my face. I blushed and did my best to stop quickly.

Then, I got a creeped out feeling. Like I was being watched. I knew that feeling, and I knew what it meant. It meant that I was either being stared at by a living person, or, more likely, a ghost was in the room.

I took a deep breath and tried to focus on what the teacher was saying. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Stella looking at me. I tried to look casual while really, I was having a panic attack. Cassie and John were looking at me, too. Their faces showed puzzlement and worry. 

Stella was whimpering in pain, her head wound gushing blood. I closed my eyes and tried not to think about it. I stayed like that the rest of class. "It's a good thing I sit in the back, or people would really notice." I thought.

As soon as school was over, I grabbed my bike and peddled hard. I just wanted to go home.

When I got there, though, I remembered that I was babysitting tonight.

Sighing, I went upstairs. Lucinda ran to greet me. I picked her up and buried my face in her fur. We stayed like that for a minute. Lucinda always made me feel better.

But I knew I had to move. I set her down and changed out of my school clothes. I then set my purse out so I'd be ready when it was time to go. Since I still had some time to kill, I turned on the TV.

It turned on to the news where they were talking about Stella's accident. Of course, I didn't want hear about it, so I turned it off, but not before hearing that the poor parents were going to sue the park's constructors. I felt bad for them. I can't say I know what it's like to lose a child, but I can imagine.

With this thought in my head, I set off to the Panarna's house to babysit. When I got there, the kids both kept into my arms and hugged me. Pretty normal. They hugged their parents good bye and asked to watch TV. Also normal.

About halfway through the show, Joseph got bored. "Come and play with me, Charlotte." He begged. I complied, and soon found myself surrounded by toys. "Um, Joseph, you this will take a really long time to clean up, right?" I said, seeing the mess around me.

"Don't worry about it." He reassured me. "Toby can help us!"

That really creeped me out. 

"Well, OK then." I said.

Joseph and I started playing with Joseph's dinosaurs. Needless to say, my heart wasn't exactly in it. I was glad when Josephine came in. "It's time to eat dinner!" she said.

I made the kids hot dogs, which they absolutely devoured. I just worked on homework while Joseph and Josephine began to play tag. They weren't actually supposed to do this in the house, but I let them play anyway. After all, it wasn't like the Panarnas  had anything breakable. You can't when you have to hyperactive six year olds in the house.

I looked over to check on the kids, and did a double take.

There was a third child with them.

One with blood covering his head.

I took several deep breaths and instinctively blessed myself. Now I knew that Joseph's "imaginary" friend being dead was not just a reliefdence.

"Joseph, Josephine, it's time to get read for bed now!" I said. May be Toby would go away if Joseph was sleeping.

Of course, the twins knew it wasn't time for bed yet, and wouldn't stop whining. They shut up though, after I gave them candy.

As soon as they had gone to the bathroom, brushed their teeth, and changed into their pajamas, I ushered them quickly into the bedroom they shared.

"Don't forget you have to read to us, Charlotte." Josephine reminded me. 

"I didn't forget." I assured her. "I promise you, you will get your bedtime story."

"Good." She said, snuggling down.

Long story short, I ended up reading five stories to Joseph and Josephine. Little JoJo really knew what she was doing! Why voice was hoarse by the time we had finished. And it didn't help that Toby was staring at me the whole time.

Finally, I got them to sleep.

Sighing in relief, I went back to the living room, finished my homework, and watched some TV. Mr. And Mrs. Panarna came home shortly after 10:00. I collected my pay and walked home.

My plan to get rid of Toby actually worked. He did not follow me home that night.

He did not, however, leave my thoughts.