Oh my, I'm sitting here in the daylight with my 3 year old watching Stanley and scared to death.

Clara doesn't want to go back and I'm thinking that is going to cause some major problems.

Allison, I can't wait to see how you are going to unravel all of this. My heart is just pounding but at the same time I can hardly wait for more.

Ooooh! Very intriguing. Can't wait for this ghost story to unfold.

/flip sits ready for more

You said it, Tracie!!! Allison, if you come to stay, remind me to sleep with one eye open - you are seriously spooky girl!!!!

bigfan, can't help but sympathising with you here - 'It's the great big book of everything, with everything inside. See the world around you, this books the perfect guide!!!' Any of you with little people will know just how this little song gets in your head and stays there. Though, on reflection, I suppose that's better than having Clara in your head, determined to stay there.

Hmm, it is with great trepidation that I look forward to your next post Allison!!!

Sprogs, figured you'd understand the complexity of what I'm dealing with here...

Today in the bagel shop, Dawson, demanded that I name every noctural animal I knew. When I ran he, he promptly told me I didn't name them all and finished the list. Got the looks of a few too many people laughing at me. But that's what Stanley does for you. Would love to get our munchkins together...I'm thinking they would have a fabulous time.

Sidenote: Allison...we're waiting for more...Clara's getting me a little freaked out.

Pam and Trace

I have total Sympathy for you both...although as Skyar informed me she is 7 on Sunday and Stanley, bear, dora and out of the box are for little children so she needs to watch kim possibe and lizzie mcquire now as she is older.


i had to try so hard not to laugh as she informed me of all of this so seriously...but I bet she is watching them all again in a week!

but more on the story is coming very soon!

Chapter 17

Everyone brainstormed trying to work out what he could have meant, Clara was very quiet. Mostly it was but down to fear and shock at what she was going through but Myles had his doubts. It seemed there was something more to it than that.

After awhile Clara began to drift to sleep, she was exhausted, her eyes drifted shut and sleep claimed her.

or so she thought.

Caitlin sat on the rock throwing pebbles into the water, watching the ripples the stones made, like those of people on time. She knew where she was, the astral plain. It had many names, in many religions and beliefs but that is how she thought of it, and it was lonely.

The colours were vivid and it was beautiful, serene and calm but there was nothing living here other than the plants, no birds, or butterfly’s. No people.

She knew though that the time was coming, she would be here soon.

Caitlin had had one brief visitor, one who had surprised her. He had arrived here shortly after she had, an ethereal vision , but she could feel the effort it took for him to be there and to speak, his words had been brief as had his time there “call to her” was all he had said.

Caitlin had felt his anger but also his anguish, something she had not felt before. But the most startling had been his fear and regret. Then he had gone.

She had mulled on his words for a long time, not sure of his meaning, it wasn’t as if she had her mobile phone on her she had thought in disgust. Then it had dawned on her, call the one who had stolen her body, call her here.

And so she had sat quietly channelling her energies into making contact, and briefly she had. She had looked into the room, as if distorted by a joke mirror, the angle was also strange, as if she were high up on the wall. As she had looked into the room she had felt his presence with her there, his own strength helping her to channel her own. And then her human body had screamed and Caitlin had lost contact.

But she knew she would succeed soon. Very soon.

She threw one more pebble and then returned to her task.

She was going home.

I don't know how I missed this before...

Great Job! Really creepy...mostly because I have no idea if Clara/Caitlin is evil or not... You're going to post again soon right?

JoM

Ooooh, I like that Caitlin is getting ready to kick some ghostly butt - atta girl!

Allison and bigfan, I am listening to your tales and shaking my head in sadness, knowing what is to come. Thankfully, Eilidh is still more than happy with Bear, Stanley, Jo Jo and Dora and, more worryingly, The Wiggles and Balamory too! But I know my days are numbered ...... guess I should make the most of her singing 'Everybody, everyone, come inside and join the fun' before the really sinister stuff starts!!

I knew I should have avoided the Halloween stories. I don't handle scary very well. I can't even handle Scooby-Doo.

Very creepy story Allison but too good not to read!

Sidenote to the tv moms: It could be worse. You could have a child addicted to Animal Planet and Discovery. I get all kinds of questions like "What are those two animals doing to each other? Is she in pain? Do eggs get dirty when they come out of the poop hole?"

Chapter 18

Clara moved restlessly in her sleep, the team paused to watch her for a moment, her head tossing side to side, he lips forming silent words.

Clara fought the voice in her mine, she would not return, she would never return. But the voice grew stronger and more insistent. Her eyes flew open and she knew she had lost the battle, she was back in the place where no one existed.

“hello and welcome” a voice called out to Clara, she spun around and recognised the woman, it was Caitlin. How had she managed to summon her back here?.

“can I have my body back now?” Caitlin asked calmly, a hint of steel in her voice. Her stance seemingly calm but in fact gently tensed ready to strike.

“no” came Clara’s angry reply, “it will serve my purpose well” she drawled mockingly at the weak woman before her, it must have been a fluke that she managed to summon her back here, but Clara knew she was stronger, she would succeed.

“I had it all wrong didn’t I?” Caitlin asked sadly, “I felt your fear and his anger, but I assumed to much” she said, shaking her head. “Who are you?” she asked her voice raw

“Who am I? I am Clara, a sweet maid from 1944!” she laughed, “Of course that wasn’t all I was!” Her eyes narrowed and her face twisted.

She looked at Caitlin and smirked, “ but I don’t feel like telling you, it will be so much better to leave you here for eternity, wondering just who I really am!” she crowed.

“you think you are so clever, calling me here, but what are you going to do now?” Clara laughed mockingly, “you don’t have any idea at all” she mocked viciously. “Your friends all think I am the helpless victim, and I will make sure they continue in that belief. Your body is mine now”

Caitlin looked beyond Clara and smiled, no she didn’t know what to do next, but she would bet he did.

Clara watched her face and then spun around, sensing his presence. “NOOOOOO” she screamed at the spectre of Parker-Williams. He looked stronger than when Caitlin last saw him, but she could still sense the pain and struggle this took.

“I….WILL….NOT…FAIL….AGAIN” he rasped at Clara, his eyes sparking. He looked at Caitlin “Go home” he managed to whisper “Want it” he finished,

Caitlin looked on in shock, it couldn’t be that simple, could it? Clara spun around to face her, her face a mask of viciousness. “No!” she shouted, as Caitlin closed her eyes and pictured her own body, she felt Lurch’s presence and knew she could do this. But she also felt Clara trying to stop her.

Everyone looked in shock at Clara/Caitlin as she screamed in her sleep, her body twitched as if fighting a battle. Lurch scratched and whined from the other room, jumping at the handle trying to break free.

ROFLOL!!!!!!!!!!

Oh Michelle, too funny!!

Chapter 19

Then all heck broke loose,

A wind whistled thorough the room, the sound as loud as a freight train. Caitlin’s body twitched and shook, and objects began to fly around the room, circling Caitlin on the chair. Books and ornaments all flew as if caught in a whirl wind. The lights flickered and the room chilled.

Everyone ducked the flying items, trying to take cover. Myles tried to reach Caitlin but couldn’t, every time he came close to her an object would strike him, His heart pounded in fear, not just for Caitlin but for everyone. Bobby and Jack fared no better. Lucy screamed as a brass figure struck her, she slumped to the floor unconscious blood pooling around her quickly.

“Lucy!“ Sue screamed seeing what had happened and rushing to her fallen friend, pushing her hand to the wound on Lucy’s head trying to stem the bleeding. Praying not just for her friend but for them all.

Suddenly Lurch broke free from the other room and charged at Caitlin. He leapt whining onto the chair, heedless of the objects hitting him. “LURCH” Caitlin screamed.

Caitlin opened her eyes and screamed seeing what was happening around her ,

“Myles” she shouted, struggling to be heard over the noise of the wind and breaking objects, then she caught sight of the mirror, and the tableaux unfolding there.

Clara and Parker-Williams were fighting in what was now Lucy’s bedroom but was obviously the study in 1944.

The room continued to be battered, the wind still whistled but no one saw that now, all eyes were fixed on the mirror, as if watching a scene from a movie. The truth of what had occurred that night was something that none of them would ever forget.

Caitlin clung on to Lurch as if her life depended on it, and perhaps it did. She could still feel Clara within her. Fighting her for possession of her own body. But Caitlin also felt him there, pulling Clara back, making her weaker. She knew that without his help she would lose and Clara would succeed in stealing her body forever. Caitlin prayed and clung to Lurch like she had never before. Her eyes locked onto Myles and she knew she had to win. She fought as hard as she could and she felt him stand united with her.

The scene in the mirror changed, Caitlin recognised where they were, and the truth of what was happening, but the others didn’t.

Suddenly and without warning the mirror exploded and the room fell eerily quiet and still.

No one moved.

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!

I missed the second last post - you must have posted just seconds before me Allison.

That was waaaaaaaaaaay scary - am really needing you to explain what just happened and to make it right!

Wow, you are good at this!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, Allison, that was intense. I'm not sure I totally understand all that has transpired but I think that Clara killed Parker and it was being replayed in the mirror. What was Catlain figuring out that no one else knows about.

I hope Lucy will be okay and that her and Sue will still be okay living there. I wonder what Myles will think about all this and where J/S will end up.

So many exciting threads justing waiting to be tied together. I'm just sitting here my friend, anxious for another post.

Woohoo Allison! You sure know how to write a scary story! Can't wait for the explanation of that last scene.

its just a short one i am afraid!

it was SKylars birthday today, so have had the family around all day...then had a powercut tonight!

but the rest will follow tomorrow!

Chapter 20

The team sat subdued in the waiting room of the hospital, Lucy would be fine, she had a mild concussion and would be kept in over night for observation. They should all have been relieved, Lucy was ok and Caitlin was back. But no one felt like celebrating. No one felt like anything.

Jack looked up at everyone “we should go home, there is nothing more we can do here, Lucy is asleep.” he said quietly. Everyone nodded but no one moved

“What happened in their mate?” asked Bobby in bewilderment, looking around the room for answers, everyone just shrugged. And then turned their eyes to Caitlin.

“Perhaps you could enlighten us Caitlin?” Myles asked, looking at her not sure what to think anymore. Hiding behind his façade.

Caitlin sighed “I can try, but I am not sure I understand it all myself” she said sadly, “can we go back to Sue’s though? I want to make sure it is really over” she said carefully.

Everyone moved at that, terrified that there was more to come.

I sure hope Sue isn't staying by herself overnight!!!!

Oh Shoot!

Here I thought I'd start the story from the beginning and get all the plot unfolded already. Darn it, I have to wait for enlightenment...

You better get cracking on it Allie cause that story has me hooked!

Chapter 21

Everyone had gathered back at Sue’s apartment, it was a subdued group that entered her home, eyes darting around the room. Wondering what object might fly first.

Lurch lumbered over, whining softly at Caitlin “Home“, he asked in his unique way. She bent down and hugged the dog close, Yes I’m home now” she told him quietly.

Sue conscious of the nights events made coffee for everyone and grabbed some snacks, no one really felt hungry but everyone was drained emotionally and sometimes comfort food was needed. They all settled down slowly and became more comfortable. This was Sue’s and Lucy’s home, everywhere you looked you could see them here. In the soft and gentle furnishings. In the photos of their family and in the art upon the walls. Including Lucy’s favourite, the one Sue disliked but endured because she loved her friend.

Once everyone was settled eyes slowly drifted to Caitlin. She sat on the floor, in front of the chair Myles sat in, her head rested gently on his knees, her arms wrapped around Lurch who in turn had his head in her lap. The picture they presented escaped no one in the room. They were comfortable around each other, but more importantly in terms of Caitlin, she willingly allowed herself to touch him, in the most intimate of ways.

Caitlin felt the eyes upon her and made to move away from Myles, she could feel the uneasiness in him rising, but as she raised her head and started to move, his hand came down and touched the top of her hair, not heavily but gently, an invitation to stay. She paused tuning into his emotions through that hand, and she slowly rested back against his legs, a small smile breaking free.

Once she had settled herself again and was ready to she turned to the group before her. “Its over, I think” she said quietly “ I cant feel them anymore”

A collective and subconscious breath was released by everyone in the room. Sue was the first to speak “What happened?” was all she asked, the simplicity of the statement carrying everything that was needed to be asked at the moment.

“I assumed to much and was wrong” Caitlin said sadly, “I felt her fear and his anger and assumed that he had killed her, and that he was evil or cruel but I was wrong, so very wrong. He DID kill her and he was angry, angry that she still had the power to stay here, and to keep him with her for all of this time,. Her fear was that she had lost the power to hurt, and that they would remain in limbo forever.

This Halloween for whatever reason she finally gathered the strength to make contact, and take my body. Which had always been her aim, since the time she died, to return to the living and start her work again.” she paused and looked around the room, expecting to see disbelief and ridicule, but instead she saw if not belief then at least acceptance of what she was saying.

“ She was a….. a witch I suppose, she practised the ancient arts, but on the dark side” Sensing the confusion in the room from her words she paused, and tried to explain

“there are things in this world that we cannot explain, there are people in this world that can tap into these things and make them work for themselves. People who can see things or such as me, feel things. But there are also people who through knowledge and power can change and control things. It is an ancient art often called witchcraft today, but it isn’t, that was a phrase coined many years ago to ridicule those who had these gifts, a phrase to demonise the practise. But in fact it is just a gift combined with knowledge.

Clara had the gift and the knowledge but chose to use it for the wrong reasons, greed, power and self gain, she practised the dark arts. And she used that ability to bind herself and Parker-Williams here, until she could find a way to return. I think she kept him here as a form of punishment to him for killing her.” she paused to formulate the words in her mind

“what we saw in the mirror was her death at his hands” at her words all of their minds replayed what they had seen unfold in the mirror

My good, you unraveled that brilliantly...all our questions answered as the team sat in fascination, absorbing the answers as well.

Now what happens????

Also liked how Myles encouraged Catlain to say by him...I do like them as a couple.

Chapter 22

“both in this realm and in the next” she continued quietly, reading the looks of remembrance on all of their faces, they had all seen the death in 1944 played out in the mirror, her explanation had made it clearer what had happened, yes Parker Williams had killed her but only after she had tried to use her skills to make him do her bidding. She had failed and had paid with her life, but she had also cost him his. Her last words had been that he would join her. And for 60 years he had, joined her in a timeless limbo, caught on a plain where nothing existed, except their lost souls.

But they had also seen her final defeat, on the astral plain. The place that Clara and Parker-Williams had inhabited for so long. He had finally learnt how to channel his own energies and had defeated her spirit just as he had her mortal body so long ago.

“the final scene we all watched was played out on the astral plain, a place that exists between this and the next life. Parker-Williams had had 60 years to formulate how to end his torment, and had finally gained the strength to do it. What we saw in the mirror was the death of Clara’s spirit. He finally banished her to the after life. She will never be able to return now, her plans are over”

As she spoke the last words piano music filled the air,

seeing everyone’s expressions Sue turned to Jack who signed what they all were hearing. All eyes turned to the piano in the corner, and the keys moving on it.

Fear creped into the room, it wasn’t over.

All of them missed Caitlin’s gentle smile

“its ok” she said, pausing till Sue turned to look at her, thanks to Jacks nudge, “he is saying goodbye and thank you” at her words the music slowly faded away. And a serene feeling of calm filled the air

It truly was over.

Slowly the team all dispersed, Jack refusing to leave Sue on her own in the flat, worried she would be afraid after what had transpired here.

Everyone had left, Caitlin and Myles leaving last. As they left the building Myles turned to Caitlin and pulled her into his arms. Their embrace had been long and tender. Smiling into his eyes Caitlin’s humour returned, “how do I know its me you want and not the delectable Clara?” she laughed. Myles looked down into her eyes and drawled in his rich baritone

“Because you are the one that I want” he replied and with that his lips closed over hers to prove his point.

The end

and have a happy halloween

Oh, Allison, very nice...you tied it up brilliantly...

Sue was not left alone...thank you
Myles had a nice ending with Catlain...thank you
We were all blessed with an excellent story...thank you

Sidenote: Looking forward to you rekindling the "Family" series.

Excellent story!!!! Just brilliant Taz!

My only problem.. not enough Bobby in it!

That was a great ending Allison. You write a good spooky story for Halloween. Thank you.

Lynne

xx

Allison, that was superb!!! Always knew it would be, of course, but got to give you a big pat on the back for being so sensational!

Yang, you are right my friend! I can't believe that in all the excitement I almost forgot about the last message Caitlin shared with us!!!! Yippeeeeeeeeeee, we get to hear that story soon! Yin is one happy bunny!!

bigfan



really? I never knew you liked that dog!

sprog



What message :whistle:

Jacynthe



what other way is there to take lots

Allison...what a WONDERFULLY creepy Halloween story! I'm so glad that Caitlin finally explained what the heck happened back there...and am looking forward to more stories from you!

WOW! You sure had me fooled! Here I was thinking that Clara was this nice, sweet, helpless little ghost. ((Shivers))

Good story, Taz...and I have to thank you for the Myles romance! Of course we all know I'm rather fond of Myles/Tara, but Myles with almost any lady works for me...I just substitute myself! (No comments please, GA fan!)

rerio



i understand completly!!!

(just not with Myles)

*whines* Aw, c'mon, rerio, why not? :whistle:

This was a perfect Halloween story. I am totally freaked out and scared of every dark corner in my house AND I LOVE IT!

Well...I picked the perfect day to catch up on this wonderfully spooky Halloween story! I just loved how you tricked everyone (including your readers!) into thinking that Clara was an innocent spirit trapped in a century where she didn't belong...wonderful twist! This was a real treat to read!