>Ghost town - Human<

I was standing in front of tall old house. In front of a very old but still alright looking house.

The building was towering over me with this mysterious mist flowing around it. The foundation was made of red bricks which contrasted with the bright white wind shutters. My eyes were being drawn to the heavy looking doors with iron knocker shimmering in the light.

I looked around, standing there, with few bits of luggage sitting on the ground next to me, while trying to find the courage to move.

I knew the house will be probably ancient, but I didn't expect anything like this. The thought that I don't have anyone crossed my mind again, as I tried to imagine my distant relatives living in that house.

Why did I have to come all the way here? Ah yes, because I was practically an orphan. My parents died when I was just 5 years old and just month ago I lost my grannie, who was my guardian after my parents' death. She supported me all those long years, she took over the role of my parents and raised me. I felt the sting of tears in my eyes, I shook my head to dismiss them. I loved my grandma, she was everything to me.

After she passed away I didn't have any other choice.

It was to go to the orphanage, or to move to my distant relatives.

Upon that I decided for the second option, because I was supposed to turn legal age very soon anyway. At least I could meet the part of my family I've never known before. I needed to get out of my town and change the surroundings. I kept telling myself, that I made the right decision, but that didn't change the fact I was frightened. So much. As I came from Michigan, from tiny town called Alpena, which was place around little lake, I realised how much I loved it there, the beautiful nature, peace and silence.

And now I was here, in Los Angeles, right in front of this fearsome house. Ah what a joke. I sighed, tired after my long journey, because I didn't have enough money for the flight ticket, so I had to take a bus and train to get here.

Eventually I gathered up all courage inside me, took my suitcases and began to climb up the stone stairs towards wooden front door. There I hesitated once more, thinking if I should knock or use the massive old-fashioned knocker in the middle of the door. I've never seen such thing, unless it was a movie.

Then I found a button of the doorbell. I placed a finger on it, listening to ringing coming from the inside. Nothing was happening for a long time and as I was about to ring the bell again, when I could hear footsteps resonating on the wooden floor. The door suddenly opened and there she was. Older, tall lady with elegance radiating from her, on first sight looking very strict. She had short blond hair, perfectly styled, looking like this perfect housewife from reality shows. Then I noticed the smiling blue eyes, which put me in ease.

She was staring at me for quite a bit, while she was probably considering if I'm not one of those house sellers or some sort of religious fanatic, visiting people's homes. The woman suddenly smiled, perhaps realizing that I'm neither of those, showing me white teeth in her perfect American smile, that made her look very amiable.

"You must be Chelsea," she exclaimed enthusiastically. She opened her arms, automatically welcoming me with bear hug. I was taken back by the warmth, after all I was seeing her for first time in my life.

"Ah, hello," I stammered, after she released me from her embrace.

"Come on, no need to be so shy. I'm your aunt after all, distant but still. My name is Ellen," she introduced herself. Ellen kept smiling at me, which was starting to be contagious, because little grin appeared on my lips as well.

"Come on in. We've been waiting for you. You must be tired after the long journey all the way from Michigan, right?" she grabbed my hand and pulled me inside. Right after I stepped across the threshold, chill surrounded me and weird feeling took over my body.

I almost gasped for the air, how unexpected it was. I looked around, as I found myself standing in the middle of opulent foyer. I saw candelabrums hanging on the walls, thinking that I might be stuck here with no electricity, when I noticed normal lights as well. What a relief!

I followed Ellen on the wooden floor to the room closest to the entrance of the house. When I walked in, it looked like a lounge was decorated in the style from the period when the house must have been built. On the sides of the windows were hanged red curtains, while chaise lounge, armchairs and footrests were made from the same coloured material as curtains. I even noticed fireplace with flaming fire.

Agh. Odd. Despite the the room being nice and warm, I found myself shivering from the cold.

I stopped on the threshold of lounge, from where I saw old man standing by the window. His back was slightly bent, his face was absently smiling. I turned to face Ellen.

"This is my father. He is senile and deaf, but he is sweet. Dad come here, this is Chelsea. Come and say hello," Ellen called her father and came to him with prepared wheelchair. When she took him all the way to me, the man was looking up at me with his glassy eyes and keeping the smile on his lips.

"Hello, grandpa," I returned his smile and stretched my hand towards him, after no response from him, I just patted him sheepishly on shoulder.

"Alright. Chelsea, just look around the house. I will take dad back to the home. I will be right back, make yourself comfortable. In the second floor there is one room with open door, which I choose for you," Ellen gave me instruction and then left. Without further waiting I took my stuff and went out of the lounge. I saw an entrance to the kitchen on the other side of the hallway. I didn't see much, but everything so far looked like from old times, but somewhat renovated. It seemed as if I'm going to live in museum from now on.

Slowly I made my way upstairs where I followed long corridor, but suddenly I had to stop. I sensed movement behind me. I froze on my spot, completely freaked out. I turn around, but there was no one to be seen in dimness of the hallway.

"Ellen?" I let out with caped voice. I didn't hear anything. So weird. I shrugged shoulders and continued walking. I'm probably too tired. Finally, I found my new bedroom. Which consisted of huge double bed with canopy. I couldn't take my eyes of that piece of furniture, as I already imagined myself laying in it. I had my big wardrobe, armchairs and little table. Desk where I could do my work and the floor was partly covered with this oriental red rug with tassels on it. The room overall looked nice and cosy.

After I was done unpacking my stuff I collapsed on one of the armchairs and relaxed.

The sudden breeze of cold came back and made me tremble. I heard my fitful breathing almost like coming from far away. What is going on? I asked myself in head. I was staring at the ceiling and listening to the silence, which echoed through the empty house. I was tense, waiting for something incredible to happen.

"Chelsea?" I heard someone calling my name. It was Ellen standing on the threshold of my room.

"Yes, aunt Ellen?" I got up on my feet, when I saw concern in her eyes.

"I'm back. The diner will be soon and here is the paperwork for school. It's not far from here, I will take you there in the morning," Ellen said. I let out sigh of relief that I'm not here alone anymore and followed my aunt to the kitchen to help her with setting the table.

During the meal I realize that Ellen is very talkative. She was asking me all sort of questions, about my life in Alpena. I could barely eat any of my food, because I had to answer all of it. But I didn't mind, her talking broke the ice, which was obviously hanging in the air. I felt a bit better and more relaxed. After the supper I made my way to the bathroom, which was attached to my room, where I experienced another wave of anxiety.

Just to be clear, I'm not some kind of cry baby, but thinking about tomorrow made me realize, that this is indeed new beginning. I had few friend back in my home town and I was sincerely hoping I will find myself few here as well. But I was still afraid, as I found myself in the new universe, instead of my little city. All I needed, was to become more familiar with my new surroundings.

I finished with my business in the bathroom and jumped into my welcoming bed. Ellen was already sleeping and I didn't have any other plans other than to do the same.

Surprisingly I woke up in the morning, without anything strange occurring during the night. I opened my eyes as I heard knock on the door.

"Chelsea, time to wake up. Let me take you to school," Ellen shouted, while already being on her way down the stairs.

I didn't wait too long to get out from the pile of pillows and sheets and quickly slipped into clothes. I dressed up simply as the weather here was completely different from the one in my hometown.

When I arrived in the kitchen, aunt was already all smiles and full of supportive words. I tried to return her convincing smiles as well, but I doubt I was any good. On the way to the school I had to memorize the journey, because I needed to get home after school on my own, as Ellen had to work in the reception of local Hospital, where she was part timer.

Before she left, she gave me keys from the house. The thought, I will be at home alone again, didn't make me very excited.

"Alright, see you later," I murmured while I was getting out of the car.

"Have fun sweetheart and don't be afraid, you will be just fine," She assured me, waved and drove off. The moment she was gone, I could finally let the forced relaxed expression disappear.

I turned around to face the building of my new school. I felt like I'm in the movies. Crowd of young people was swarming all around me, sun was shining, and I felt like in the High school musical. I urged my body to move towards the school stairs and ended up going through the main entrance. I tried to look as inconspicuous as it was possible and apparently, I was successful, no one paid attention to me.

I made my way straight to the office, to submit my information papers and ask for the instruction. They passed me the key from my locker and gave me the map of the school, so I could then easily find my first class.

I started to push through the crowd in order to find my locker, but when I eventually did, I found more than I was planning to. Black haired girl was leaning against my locker, not acknowledging me in a slightest. I cleared my throat to let her know about my presence, but she just idly looked at me from head to toe, but didn't move.

"I'm sorry but can I ask you to move aside so I can get into my locker?" I asked, holding my anger on leash. I hated this kind of girls – beautiful queens who thought that the whole world is theirs.

"Piss off!" she snapped and continued eyeing the red nail polish on her fingers. I was already on the edge where I was deciding whether to burst in rage or keep calm, when she made a move. She peeled herself from the locker, gave me devilish smirk and then pushed me aside harshly, that I fell on the floor in a blink of an eye. By the time I got over the shock, she was long gone.

I was shaking with an uncontrollable anger. That little...!

"Do you need help?" I heard someone asking, which cut off my thoughts of revenge and I lifted my head. There was a boy towering over me, with wavy light brown hair, reaching out his hand. After a little hesitation I accepted his help and let him pull me back on my feet.

"Thanks. Really nice people you have here at the school," I stated with a bit of sarcasm in my voice, while the boy shook his head.

"That was Melanie. Don't let it get to you. She is just like this. But I'm Christopher or Chris if you like. I'm the example of absolutely normal guy." he gave me encouraging grin, which I returned with same enthusiasm.

"I'm Chelsea. The example of absolutely furious, new student," I introduced myself, as I was trying to get into my exempted locker.

"I was thinking, I knew I haven't seen you here before. Then you will be in my class," he exclaimed, still smiling, making me think if his mouth doesn't hurt yet. He looked like a nice guy. I noticed now that he was wearing black reading glasses, that made him look nerdy, but cute.

"Christopher Andersen! You sure have a death wish!" I heard girl's shouting, I noticed her over Chris' shoulder. When boy heard that, his expression changed into the most terrified one. He quickly jumped behind me and hid himself, with just top of his head peeking over my shoulder.

"Liz, Lizzie..., just listen to me alright?" Chris murmured into my back, while clutching my shoulders. I was amazed.

"You coward! I'm so sorry, but that person hiding behind you, is my victim," Liz smiled at me sweetly. And then threw murderous look behind my shoulder. I guessed the said apology was directed to me. I stretched my hand towards her, leaving the cowardly behaving boy behind me out of the game.

"I'm Chelsea. I hope whatever he's done it's not that bad, judging from your stare I'd say he at least killed someone," I smiled, amused.

"I'm going to kill him and that is gonna be illegal. By the way, I'm Liz. I'm really sorry that I'm this rude," she shook my hand and I nodded in understanding. Chris must have done something bad and the girl was probably reading my thoughts, because She decided to tell me the whole story.

"He is coward little bastard, who doesn't finish what he starts. Solve the problem? No, rather run away it's the right solution. You know what? He kissed me yesterday on this one party we went to and then he just disappeared. Without any word of explanation. What manners are those?" I had to laugh in my mind, after Liz finished with her little story. I think I like this girl. Liz folded her arms on chest and tapped with foot on the floor.

Chris finally left spot behind my back and faced his friend. Good timing mate!

"Forgive me. Blame the alcohol, please. I ran away, because I didn't want to ruin our friendship," he gazed at her with innocent expression in his face and I felt like he must have learnt this from book or movie. And apparently it worked. Liz narrowed her eyes, thinking and then shrugged her shoulders.

"Alright. You are forgiven," she waved her hand, like nothing really happened, turning to face me and asking me to join her on the way to our classroom.

I couldn't believe that it happened this fast. I found them. I  already liked the idea for both to be my friends and I strongly believed that that they felt the same way. They took me under their wings and explained how it works on this school. They told me the nicknames students created for all professors, while adding a little bit of gossips on the top.

In the class I sat next to the Liz and Chris made himself comfortable behind us. I don't know how it worked between them two before my arrival, but they kept bickering the whole time. They looked like a couple, but it wasn't like that, as I understood from their fight before. Chris was most likely scared of commitments, but I didn't look into it deeper for now.

First day at school wasn't that bad as I was afraid. It came out nicely.

"And where do you live, Chelsea?" Liz asked me, while I was walking with her and Chris from school. "Not that I want to stalk you or something," she added quickly, which made me laugh.

"Not far from here. It is this old, big, odd house. It looks like it came straight out from the horror movie," I described place I call my home now. I told them my story in short, so they knew why I'm here now and not in my home town.

"Oh. I think I know which one it is. It's horrifying," Liz yelped out. I was thinking, what am I supposed to say... I live there!

"You think everything is horrifying, Liz," Chris teased his friend, who wasn't very amused by it and attacked him.

"It's not that bad. I can give you a tour one day," I suggested and wickedly raised my eyebrows. Before our journeys parted, we changed the topic of our chattering few times. I walked the rest to my house alone and as slow as possible. It felt good to be with those two. I think it won't be that bad here. I will survive.

Or maybe not.

I mentally sighed when I stopped in front of the house's front stairs. I started to tremble, and all the good vibes were exchanged by dull thoughts and odd feeling, similar to one I had last night in my room.

I frowned and courageously walked into the empty house. I heard just ticking of the clock, which was followed by loud ding – dong. I didn't even notice there was this sort of clock somewhere in the house. I shook my head in confusion.

Then I stopped thinking for a split of second, because I heard steps from the second floor. Ellen said she will be at home in the evening, that only meant I was still too tired.

I've decided to ignore it and went to the kitchen, trying to convince my stomach to accept some food. It didn't help me to not hear the loud clatter upstairs. Ah, I'm no coward! I took rest of my courage and went upstairs. When I was almost on the top, it didn't look terrifying at all, like it did last night, when I could see all those shadows everywhere. There was plenty of sunlight coming in through the window at the end of the hallway. I couldn't hear any noise anymore.

I let my eyes wander around, whilst trying not to make any sound of my own and finished climbing up those last two steps. I stopped in the middle of the hallway with wildly beating heart. I was afraid to move, because I felt a stir of the air behind me. What if it is a thief. Suddenly chill went through me, making me shiver. I was scared to turn around, but curiosity didn't let go of me, so I slowly turned around to face whatever is there awaiting for me.

What I saw left me stand there frozen to the spot, with a wave of awe and astonishment washing over me. I heard my heartbeat resonating in the ears as I was staring in front of me.

A man was standing there.

That wouldn't be that weird if he wasn't all shiny and there wasn't the fact that I could see right through him. His whole body was oddly washed-out, but the right word to describe him was, translucent.

Stiffly I stood on my spot and gaped at the creature.

Even he wasn't moving at all, looking at me with the same startled expression like me. Then he turned his head around, glancing behind him... it seemed like he was trying to make sure that I'm not looking at anyone else, but him. But even if there was someone else, I wouldn't be able to peel my eyes of him. I must be going crazy.

Damn it. I am crazy, after all. I closed my eyes, hoping that when I open them again, he won't be there. I must lay down. I still must be tired from all the changes I had to go through. I must be delusional. I'm not one of the bravest people out there and when I'm scared to this point, my mind is probably making up things. Yes, that's it. Yet I remained motionless.

I opened one eye, but he was still there. How long I was standing there? I had no idea. But then he suddenly decided to make a move, which convinced me that it's alive or whatever.

Oh, dear god! What is this? I automatically lifted my hand up. I don't even know why... to stop him from getting closer? Or because I wanted to touch him? At any rate I realized my thoughts and quickly retreated my hand, pressing it on my chest like I burnt myself. My knees felt weak, when he made one step towards me, that was when I lost my vision, darkness surrounded me, and I lost my consciousness.

A/N

This chapter is revised and edited(to a certain point)

Hello you all, who have decided get lost on WP and ended up here by a mistake :D

I feel like this one should be the first one to be translated from all of my books as this one was and still is quite success amongst my Czech speaking readers.

As I'm translating it on my own, there will be possible errors, so please bear with me. I can speak English well, but my grammar sux! If you happen to find mistakes, please tell me about them. I'm planning to improve :P

I sincerely hope that you will like my story, I know the first chapter doesn't say much and sounds like a cliche, but I can assure you the story will take your hearts and maybe surprise you despite the all the cliche I dumped into it.:D

Enjoy!