Other Side of Home

Tuesday

First of all, my name is Ellie. I’m a sophomore in Simmons High. I’m the kind of person who doesn’t believe in ghosts or whatever. It all seems like a hoax, those paranormal sightings. Just a joke or prank. Life is simply life. You die, you’re dead. End of discussion. There’s no such thing as zombies or demons or ghosts.

Anyway, my friend who does believe in that came to me. She told me that there was away to travel to another dimension. On this weird paranormal site.

“Whatever,” I said callously, “But I don’t believe it.”

She rolled her eyes and told me the procedure. I listened, but didn’t believe a word. As I said, ghosts. Don’t. Exist. But she babbled on. Eventually she gave me a written list of steps if I wanted to try. I didn’t, but whatever.

We waved goodbye as we walked home. My mother greeted me warmly.

“How was school, hon?”

I shrugged and told her it was ok. I didn’t mention the whole dimension thing, as it didn’t matter.

We had dinner in our perfect kitchen. Well, almost perfect. There was this pink stain on the wall. But that’s ok.

Wednesday

My friend came back to ask if I tried the steps out. I said no. I’m no liar.

She looked dissapointed, but said she understood.

”Too scary, eh?” She joked, nudging my arm.

“Yeah,” I replied, rolling my eyes, “Too scary.”

We didn’t talk about the list for the rest of the day. Good. I didn’t like that conversation anyway.

Thursday

I was bored. It was a snow day, so no school. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I wanted to go to another dimension. I took out the list.

Step 1: Go into a bathroom. Ok.

Step 2: Turn off all lights. Oh, a cliche sleepover game. Wonderful.

Step 3: Chant something in an otherworldly tone. What?

That one didn’t make sense. Chant in an other worldly tone? There were suggestions to chant, but I was still confused. But it’s not like I have anything better to do.

I follwed the vague steps. I walked out. Everything was normal. My mother came in.

“What are you doing dear?”

I smiled.

“Nothing. What’s for lunch?”

_____

Holly Haskins waited for her best friend. She waited and waited. Ellie had to come to school on fish stick day. It was her favorite. Maybe the cold yesterday got her sick?

But Holly would be waiting for a long time. There was no pink stain in the kitchen.