A HAUNTED EXPERIENCE

A HAUNTED EXPERIENCE

Chapter One

         Jack and Lilly Ryan moved into the apartment to give them a fresh start. They had just lost their home, because the payments were just too much.  They thought of moving to another area however Whittier was close to the steel plant where jack worked as a machinist.  Jack expressed a desire to move to Montana, however Lilly liked the Southern California weather to much, and the thought of relocating to a very cold environment did not appeal to her at all.

“Jack” Lilly called, “have you seen the box with all the pictures, I can’t seem to find it?”
“I think it is in our bedroom, in the closet.” Jack said loudly.
Lilly sauntered to the bedroom; she knew it had to be somewhere. A house is not a home without any pictures hanging on the walls, she thought. They have been unpacking all day, and they were both getting hungry and tired.

         Lilly opened the closet door. She lurched backwards, it couldn’t be; she must be seeing things. A face came out of the closet, eyes fiery red staring at her, suddenly it was gone. She had screamed so loud that Jack came bolting in the room.
“Lilly what’s wrong”
“I am not sure” She could feel herself trembling uncontrollably. “I opened the closet door and I saw something. I must be tired because I am seeing things that aren’t there.” Lilly didn’t know what to think her heart still pounding, she felt as if the neck hairs were standing straight out.
“I think you are just stressed from the move and from unpacking all day.” Jack said in a comforting tone.
“I guess you’re right, you always seem to give me comfort and make me feel safe.”
“I tell you what, I don’t want you cooking tonight, how about if you call and order a pizza. We can open up a bottle of white wine and eat some pepperoni pizza, and just relax the rest of the evening.”

         Both Lilly and Jack had a pretty hard day and it felt wonderful to be able to relax and enjoy the evening. They sat together sipping a glass of wine discussing how wonderful it is to start fresh. They swore that they would be better stewards of their finances. Having their own house was a dream they had once lost, however they would gain it back soon enough.  Both of them would save whatever money they could so that they could buy there dream house, and start a family.

         Jack worked the graveyard shift so he packed up his lunch pail, grabbed his jacket and headed for the door, stopping long enough to plant a wet one on Lilly’s soft lips.
“Are you going to be OK now?” Jack said worriedly.
“Yes I will be fine. I am going to draw a hot bath and then curl up in our bed and read a good romance novel.  You have a great night at work; I can’t wait till I see you in the morning.” She really was worried but she couldn’t let Jack know. He has had enough on his mind lately, and she would not add to his worries. She just couldn’t get that face out of her head.
“Alright then I will see you in the morning; Bye angel.”

Chapter Two

         The apartment was just the right size for the two of them. The living room was big enough for their plasma TV, and the quant leather couch. The couch was just long enough so that Jack could stretch out completely. The antique oak coffee table, which was quite large, stood just in front of the couch. Lilly loved to acquire midget horses that were made from porcelain. She lived in the city however her heart has always been in the country. Her next home would be on a ranch; she would decorate the house with a western theme. Lilly would often picture herself grooming her own horse, in a barn which belonged to her. Oh someday it is going to happen, she thought.

         She had to find those pictures to hang on the wall; she knew that they had to be in the bedroom closet. Lilly reluctantly walked to the bedroom closet.  She neared it with hesitation, but she knew she must get over her fear of that closet. As she approached the closet door she cautiously put her hand on the door and slowly slid it open.

         OK she thought, nothing is happening, the closet is clear. The image she saw must have been just her tired eyes playing tricks on her however, the image was quite discernible. The outline of the face was dark, purple-green jagged lines etched its face. The eyes were narrow, and the color of those eyes, were bright fiery red that seemed to burn whatever they looked at. Oh this is crazy she mused as she lifted the box out of the closet, and placed it on the bed.  Lilly rifled through the box and found all the pictures that she would hang up the next day. She found the picture of the family reunion they had attended last summer. The whole family got together to take the picture. It was a surprise picture for Lilly’s mother. Lilly reached back into the closet and retrieved a large painting. It displayed a ranch house centered in a beautiful green meadow, with a large pond, and several trees that surrounded the house. This painting will fit nicely on the wall behind the couch.

         Direct from the bedroom was the only bathroom. It was a fairly big bathroom with a large country style tub. She really liked the tub, because it was plenty deep and long enough to sit in comfortably. The sink was inset into a long counter-top that housed several drawers. It had enough room in the drawers for all her crap, she thought with a grin.

         Lilly leaned over the tub and turned on both the hot and the cold, however she gave a bit more twist to the hot side, because she liked a really warm bath almost to the point of being to hot to touch. Crack! Rap! Boom! Lilly instantly jumped straight and turned, jerking her head to the left. What she saw made her freeze motionless. Every drawer opened on its own, suddenly the bathroom door slammed shut. Lilly screeched a blood curling scream as she tried to open the door, it would not open. She pulled as hard as possible trying to get out, but still the door remained shut. Behind her she heard voices; they were distant sounding voices that seemed to echo laughter. They resounded “get out you don’t belong here.”  Just as quick as the door slammed shut, the door sprang open causing Lilly to almost fall to the floor. She ran as fast as she could out the front door with only a bathrobe draped around her.  It was late, but she didn’t care, she would get the manager right away.

         After several attempts the door cracked open just enough to take-up the chain slack.
“Mrs. Ryan, are you alright dear?” Audrey said, concerned.
“No, no I am not alright. There is something going on in my apartment.”
“Why, you’re shivering like a leaf on a windy day; come inside.” Mrs. Phillips said while gently grabbing Lilly’s arm.
“I am sorry to bother you at this hour, are you sure it’s alright.”
“Don’t be silly of course it’s alright; I was just watching the boob tube. Not much else to do on a Monday evening.” Audrey said with a gentle smile.
Audrey Phillips was heavy-set, but she had a tender smile and a loving personality. She treated everyone like she was their mother.

         Audrey’s apartment had the same floor plan as Jack and Lilly’s place. There was a long white play-pen sofa along the back wall of the living room. Audrey’s home was immaculate however you could still feel warmth about the place. It made you feel at home and at ease.  Even though the apartment felt warm, Lilly sat nervously on the couch because she was still shaken up by the events that had taken place in her home.
“Can I get you some coffee or tea.” Audrey said, putting her hand on Lilly’s shoulder for comfort.
“Oh I d…, OK a cup of hot tea would be great. A little sugar please.”

         Lilly didn’t even want to sit on the couch by herself while Audrey went to pour the tea, but she reluctantly stayed right where she was, replaying everything that had just occurred, over and over again.  She had no explanation for the noise or the drawers that opened and closed.  Those voices, where did they come from? Did she hear the voices correctly? They told her to get out of the house, because she didn’t belong there!
“Here you go Mrs. Ryan.” Audrey said, handing the cup and saucer to Lilly.
“Just call me Lilly please. Thank you for the tea.”
“Alright then, you can call me Audrey.”
“Ok, thank you Audrey; you have been so kind.”
“Now tell me exactly what happened this evening, Lilly.”
Lilly told her everything even though Audrey probably thought afterwards that she was a kook. A bit off the rocker, you know, a few tools missing from the shed.  She sipped her tea trying to stall as long as possible before she would have to go back to her own apartment.  Audrey had a concerned look on her face.
“Lilly I am sure there must be a logical explanation for what happened.  I will have Arnie Bower, he’s the maintenance man, look at the door in the morning. Now drink up it will calm you.”
They both sat and chatted for what seemed a long time.  Lilly didn’t want to be any more of a bother. She decided it was time to go back to the apartment.
“If you have any further trouble just come over.  I will be her all night.” Audrey said, reassuringly.
Reluctantly, Lilly left Audrey’s apartment and started for her own place.  I am not going nuts she told herself, whatever is in my apartment is scaring the hell out of me.  What am I going to tell Jack?  What am I going to do?  Oh Jack, I wish you were with me right now, she thought.


Chapter Three

         Jack was sitting at his office desk which was cluttered with blueprints, shipping orders, and at least a weeks worth of partially eaten lunches. He was thinking about Lilly, remembering the petrified look on her face.  He wondered what in the world could cause her to become so scared.  He had never seen her act like that.  She was always in control of her emotions, whatever she thought that she saw in the closet, caused her to lose her composure.

         He sat back reflecting on how much he loves Lilly, and how gorgeous she is.  Oh how her beautiful long blond hair lay curled on her shoulders, and how her blue eyes would seem to sparkle.  She always had an infectious smile that would radiate joy to everyone that was near.
Startled; Jack grabbed the phone.
“Oh hey Lil”
“Jack, oh my God, you have to come home I can’t believe…”
“Hold on and calm down!  Tell me what is going on.” Jack said, frightened by her tone.
“I was drawing a bath, and the drawers opened and shut several times by themselves, and when I tried to leave, well, the door just slammed shut, and I could not reopen it. Then the door flew open forcefully, almost knocking me down.  I heard voices tell me to get out of the house, and that I didn’t belong there.” Lilly could hardly speak; retelling the events made her shake all over again.
“Calm down” Jack said, reassuring her that everything was alright, even though he knew it wasn’t really OK at all.
“Please Jack, can you come home now.  I don’t want to be here alone tonight.” Lilly pleaded.
“I will come right away.” Jack replied.

         Jack didn’t know what in the hell was wrong with Lilly.  First it was the eyes, and now the bathroom doing strange things.  There has to be some simple explanation for this.  He couldn’t imagine what it all meant.  Lilly had said that the voices told her to get out of the house.  What voices?  What things?

         Lilly sat huddled in a ball on the couch.  She turned all the lights on figuring that would give her some comfort until Jack came home.  Jack would know what do for she felt a real sense of security when he would hold her in his big strong arms.  Jack wasn’t very tall however he had the body of a weight lifter.  His cropped brown hair made him look even bigger.
         She sprang off the couch, running into Jacks arms, as he entered the doorway.
“Jack just hold me and don’t ever let go” Lilly cried loudly. Jack was really concerned, because she lost all control.  He stood holding her tightly, reassuring her, letting her know that everything was fine now.  He could feel her trembling uncontrollably.
“Jack, we have to get rid of whatever is in our apartment.  I believe our apartment is…well, haunted.” She said more calmly.
“What do you mean haunted?” He said.
“There is no explanation for what is happening.  I am not crazy; I saw a ghost or demon in our closet, and I certainly didn’t imagine drawers slamming open and shut.  I remember the bathroom became extremely cold.  I could see steam vapors rolling out of my mouth when I was screaming to get out of there.” Lilly stated emphatically.  Jack did not believe in the supernatural, but he must give support to Lilly no matter what.  This has been a very traumatic experience, and he would do whatever was necessary, to help her cope with whatever she thought she saw.
“What do you suggest we do”, Jack stated, calmly.
“Oh Jack, I don’t know, maybe I am being silly about this whole thing, maybe I’m going nuts after all. I just don’t know what to think anymore.
“No Lilly you are not being silly. Whatever you thought you saw really happened; we just need to find the logical explanation for it. How about we get a good night sleep and we will figure out what to do in the morning, when we can think more clearly.”



Chapter Four


Lilly lied in bed on her back, her eyes would not shut, they wanted to shut but just couldn’t. Her mind kept drawing disturbing images of what happened to her these past hours.  She turned her head to glance at the alarm clock, it glared back one o’clock AM.  She thought, if I just take slow deep breaths in and let it out slowly and completely she would be able to drift off.  She looked the other way and noticed that Jack was on his left side sound asleep. She wanted to wake him up and talk however she didn’t have the heart to disturb him after all, he needed his rest. 

  Suddenly, there was laughter directly above their bed.  The laughter wasn’t a joyous laughter rather an evil maniacal laugh.  Lilly lay frozen, she wanted to scream, but couldn’t. Her lungs were also paralyzed.  Jack couldn’t hear the noise. “The bed, what is happening to the bed, is it moving?” She finally screamed.  “Oh no, Jack!  Jack! Wake up Jack”
“Jesus”, jack said panicking.  He tried to reach out and turn on the light, but the bed was tossing him the other way.
“Lets go” Jack bellowed, but they couldn’t; the bed would not let them leave; it was tilting side to side, and too and fro. The laughter was becoming more intense; the evil face hovering over their bed, its eyes piercing intently at them.  The windows throughout the whole apartment rattled violently. The face no longer laughed; the bed crashed to the floor, suddenly the apartment was silent except for the screaming that emanated from Lilly and Jack. They looked at each other, and jumped out of bed.  Lilly flung her robe on, while Jack grabbed his pants, he stumbled while trying to put them on.  “What in the hell just happened” Jack said trembling.  He didn’t know what to think or for that matter what to do.
“You see Jack I told you this apartment is haunted. I don’t know what is in there, but we have to get rid of it.”
“Your right Lilly I can’t believe that we have become victims of a nightmare, while awake.”  Jack said, pacing and scratching his head.  “OK, let’s get out of here for the night. We can go to the best-Western down on the boulevard; I need time to think.”

  The only sound on the boulevard at one-thirty in the morning was the occasional car that would whiz bye.  The street was illuminated by the vast lighting that lined both sides of the street. 
“Lilly, I am sorry for doubting you” Jack uttered sheepishly.  “It’s just that I didn’t think ghosts and those things were real.  What happened just now changed my mind.”
“Jack, how about if we just leave, I mean we can find another place to live.” 
“You know that we don’t have the money to move, hell everything we had was used up for the deposit and the rent.  We have to think of a way to deal with whatever is in our apartment.  I mean Shit that is our place and no damn ghost or whatever is going to kick us out.” Jack stated emphatically, even though deep down he was scared shitless.”
“Jack the hotel is up ahead and to the left. We can discuss this after we get our room, but I am going with you to get the key.”
“Yes dear, I wouldn’t have it any other way” Jack teasingly responded.
Chapter Five

  The room was typical of most other hotel rooms Lilly mused.  It was equipped with a king-size bed, a TV with cable, a bathroom, and a small closet to the right of the door.  The entrance area to the bathroom had a counter-top that housed a coffee maker, glasses, and a plastic ice bucket.  “Jack I have heard that there are professional ghost societies that help people who are in our situation.”
“Where are we going to find a ghost-buster” Jack replied sarcastically.
“Jack your not amusing; I am serious, there are paranormal specialists who can remove ghosts and demons from houses. We can look on the internet, I am sure we can find someone who can help us out.” Lilly pleaded. Jack booted up the laptop and searched Yahoo for “Paranormal in Los Angeles County”. “Look Lilly, there are three listings, here it is, “The Paranormal Society, we can call them first thing in the morning ok?”
“Jack, I am just so frightened still, just hold me tight.”  Lilly said. Jack turned off all the lights, except for the bathroom light.  Lilly did not want to sleep in complete darkness, for that matter Jack didn’t either.

  Lilly opened her eyes, she couldn’t believe that she finally fell asleep, but she was so exhausted from the previous night that nothing would have stopped her from crashing.  She looked at the clock it was ten in the morning. 
“Jack honey, time to get up” She said, as she swung her arm around him, squeezing tightly.
“Is it time?”  He groaned.  Jack stretched and looked up at the clock and fell back down.  He still felt drained, however the thought of the haunted experience played back in his mind. 
“Here Jack, I made you some coffee” she said, handing him the cup.
“Thanks sweetie.” Jack said, smiling, as he flung his legs over the side of the bed. “I think we should call that number right away.” He said urgently.

  Lilly hung up the phone after talking to Pamela Shultz.  Jack excitedly bellowed “Well Lilly what did they say, can they do anything”
“Yes Jack, I spoke to Pamela Shultz and she is meeting us at the apartment in one hour.  She wants to investigate our apartment.” Lilly replied excitedly, she grabbed Jack with both arms hugging him tightly. 
“Jack tell me everything is going to work out”
“It will, Lilly, I promise, it will”

Chapter Six

      Pamela Shultz entered the apartment. She wasn’t at all like Jack expected.  She had jet black hair that draped down below her shoulders and clung around her oval face.  She had high cheek bones that lifted higher when she smiled.  Jack thought she would be this gypsy chick with a tie-dye shirt and a long parka-like green skirt.  He was pleasantly surprised by her elegant charm and radiant beauty.
“Hello Mr. and Mrs. Ryan” Pamela said, extending her hand with a smile.
“We are so thankful that you came to help us out. This is my husband Jack” Lilly said.
“Yes thank you for coming” Jack replied.
“I want to go around the apartment by myself, too see what I can find.” Pamela said.  She didn’t want to alarm them, however she felt a demonic presence the moment she entered their apartment.  She felt as if she was suffocating and the air was thick and it had a stale odor.  She went to the bedroom and instantly she felt a presence touch her on the back. “Who are you and what do you want? Pamela asked.  She was trying not to show fear however she was not very successful.  “Get out now” the spirit said, as it shoved Pamela backwards toward the door. 

  Pamela rushed outside where Lilly and Jack were waiting. “You definitely have a spirit in your apartment; tell me, did anything bad happen in your apartment, before you moved in.  Human spirits sometimes get lost when they die; what I mean is, something holds them back from crossing over.  If it is a demon then something could have opened a channel, or a portal, that gave access for it to enter your apartment.
“We don’t know anything about the apartment from before; I suppose we could ask the manager about it. Lilly responded.
“In the meantime, I know a priest, his name is Father Casey and he specializes in this type of thing.  He can bless your home and hopefully that will force the spirit to leave.” Pamela said.
“How soon could he come? Lilly urgently stated.
“I will call him and let you know when.” Pamela said, as she anxiously left. I didn’t want to sound too urgent about it but that demon wasn’t messing around, if it was getting physical with me, then it could inflict bodily harm.  I probably should have told them to stay out of the apartment, she thought.

  “Jack, I hope this priest contacts us real soon. Did you see the look that Pam had on her face?” Lilly said.
“I know one thing for sure. She wanted out of that apartment fast.”  Jack replied.
“Well what are we going to do now; we don’t have the money to spend on another night in a hotel” she said.
“We are going back in our home and we are going to stay there until Father Casey comes.” Jack replied.

  “I’ll get it.” Jack said, as he ran to get the door.
“Hi; I’m Andy the handyman.  Mrs. Phillips sent me over here to check on a bathroom door and some drawers that appear to be lose.”
“Oh of course come inside, the bathroom is that way.” Jack said, pointing towards the bedroom.
“Ill only be a minute.” Andy replied, as he walked in holding his toolbox in one hand, and paperwork in the other.
“Sorry, I forgot to tell you that I went over to Audrey Phillips apartment.  I told her what had happened and she said it must be a faulty door or something.  I think, she thinks I’m nuts. She really is a nice lady. We sat and chatted for quite awhile last night.” Lilly said to Jack.
  “Well there don’t seem to be anything wrong with that door or the drawers. I sprayed some WD40 on the hinges, but that’s about all I can do. Andy said.
“That’s ok, thanks for checking it out” Jack replied, escorting him to the door.

  “I knew that, before he even looked at it.” Lilly said.
“Yep; there’s only one thing wrong, we have someone or something in our house haunting us.” Jack replied angrily. He wasn’t going to tolerate this thing having control in his own house.  If this priest didn’t get rid of it, then he would, somehow and someway he would. Jack stood up and started yelling at the demon thing. “Show your face you son- of-a-bitch. This is my house now leave” Jack yelled emphatically.
“Jack what are you doing? Don’t make it angry, oh please Jack don’t” Lilly pleaded.
“Just stay out of it Lilly; A man has to protect his own and I intend to do it”
“Go on and get out, you don’t have any right to be here. Jack continued, as he went from room to room.
One of the porcelain horses flew off the coffee table heading right for Jacks head. He ducked just in time as the horse shattered against the wall. The windows shook violently, evil laughter emanated throughout the apartment. Lilly pleaded for Jack to stop. She grabbed onto his shirt. Jack pushed her off throwing her on the couch. “You bastard get out of here now, I’m not afraid of you, so leave.” Jack screamed. Lilly grabbed Jack again and this time Jack just stared at her. Lilly had never seen him act his way, and he never would push her. She could feel him trembling all over. She wrapped her arms around him and pleaded for him to stop.  Jack embraced her. “I’m sorry Lilly I don’t know what came over me.  It’s just that I feel helpless and I don’t feel like I have control anymore.”
“Jack it will be alright; we will just wait until the priest calls, OK darling. Promise me you won’t do that again.”  Jack reluctantly promised, however he wasn’t going to stand for this much longer. He didn’t really know what came over him. My God I shoved Lilly that is something I told myself I would never do. 

  Lilly ran to the phone and talked for just a few minutes. “Jack, that was Father Casey and he is on his way over here right now.”
“That’s great, maybe we can get rid of this thing once and for all.” Jack said as he sat on the couch just staring at the broken horse that lay in pieces all over the floor. When this is all over he will save enough money to take Lilly on a vacation far away from here.

Chapter Seven

  Lilly opened the door and escorted Father Casey into the apartment. “Father Casey it is so good to meet you.  We want to thank you for coming; Jack and I have been so scared and confused by this demonic entity that has invaded our home.” Jim Casey looked around the apartment and immediately he felt the presence of one or more evil spirits. He had seen other victims of evil spirits and Lilly and Jack were no different. 

 
    Jack did a once over on Father Casey.  It seemed as if the priest was somewhat nervous because he was gripping a black bible the same way a soldier held a grenade; if it dropped he would die. Most of the priests he saw were rather short and fat however this one was slim and tall. He was well groomed with short black hair that he parted perfectly from left too right.  Father Casey brought out a vial containing Holy water. He blessed the house, as he walked from room to room, chanting prayers and sprinkling the water. He shouted in a constant tone “Satan and your demons leave now in the name of Jesus. You have no authority here.”  The house shook as if it was a seven on the Richter scale.  Sounds of shrieking filled the apartment.  The walls were oozing a red substance that looked just like blood; the blood-like substance was streaking down the walls and onto the white carpet. Father Casey jerked backwards; the face appeared right in front of his face, snarling.  “In the name of Jesus, I command you to depart.” Casey repeated this over and over again. Jack and Lilly stood frozen with shock as the face hovered over them.  Shattered pieces of Lilly’s ceramic horses lie in bits, on the blood soaked floor. The demon headed directly for Lilly it threw her backwards like a rag-doll, Jack could take no more, he grabbed Lilly “Let her go now and take me instead, you bastard.” Jack said horrified.  The demon leaped from Lilly and went into Jack.  Jack’s pupils disappeared the only thing showing was the whites of his eyes; he screamed at Lilly and Father Casey. “I have Jack and you two are next”. The demon said in a deep low voice.  Jack’s body flopped on the ground, convulsing violently. A foul smelling liquid vomited out of Jack’s mouth, spraying Father Casey in the face.  “Father please, do something quick.”  Lilly shrieked; horrified.  Father Casey took his crucifix, and laid it on Jack, shouting “by the blood of Jesus Christ, I demand that you depart now!”  He took the vial of Holy water and poured it on Jack.  The demon screamed “Its burning; stop it’s burning.”  Jack’s body flew across the room and slumped down the bloody wall; his eyes turned a bright fiery red.  Lilly ran and grabbed the body.  “Jack come back, please darling come back” She said pleadingly.  “Get away from him now.”  Father Casey demanded.  Lilly backed away, and Father Casey laid the crucifix directly on Jack’s chest.  I command you to leave, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”

  Jack’s body jerked for a final time.  The demon left Jack, and immediately, the blood like substance retreated back into the walls.  The foul smell in the air had disappeared, and Jack lay motionless on the floor with his head leaning against the wall.  “Father, Jack is not breathing, is he dead?” Lilly said, sobbing uncontrollably.  Father Casey got down on his knees and wiped the vomit away from Jack’s lips.  He placed his mouth on Jack’s lips and began CPR.  Jack’s chest began to rise and fall normally.  “Is he alright father?” Lilly cried. “Yes I think he will be fine.  Jack’s eyes opened, and he looked around the room. He fixed his eyes on Lilly.  “Is it gone” Jack said.
“Yes everything is ok now.” She assured jack, as she ran into his arms. “Oh Jack, I love you so much. Don’t ever let me go.”
“I won’t ever let you go; no not ever.”




  Father Casey gathered his things and headed for the door. “I don’t think you will be bothered again.
“Thank you for everything you have done for us.” Jack stated gratefully. 
“You saved our lives” Lilly replied.
“No I didn’t save your life, it was Jesus who did.” Father Casey retorted back, shutting the door behind him.
“Jack, I want us to ask Jesus to forgive us for all our sins, and we should thank Jesus for saving our life.”
“You know Lilly, as usual you are right” Jack agreed.  “I also want to thank the Lord for bringing you into my life.”


  Jack and Lilly Ryan lived at the apartment two more years without any further demonic disturbances.


                                                        ***The End***