The next day at dinner - I mean lunch… with my new friends, I mentioned what had happened the night before.

“That will be Mr Cartwright.” The boy called Jared, said. He had a little spiky mohawk with black and blonde through it. “He’s not all there.” Jared sighed.

“Is the shop actually, open?” I asked

“Sure, from 6 to half 7” Michelle replied.

“Odd opening hours.” I said

“Odd man. His son went missing a few years ago and he hasn’t been normal since.” Michelle retorted. Ever so slightly matter-of-fact.

“Most people think he’s a total psycho but I don’t think anyone had the heart to put him in an asylum. He’s been such an important member of the community for so many years, helped lots of charities, poor women and children. Lovely man really.” Rebecca said.

Louis, who had never spoke to me before turned towards me. He was the only member of the group to still have a natural colour to his hair. His was soft blonde, he had small curls that seemed to bounce all over his head. His expression was severe.

“He believes in-” he glanced at Michelle “vampires.”
I laughed heartily.
“You guys don’t believe in vampires. Do you?” I asked curiously.
“No, of course not.” Kimberley laughed, awkwardly.
“Mr Cartwright believes that Vampires took his son away.” Louis said.
“What was his sons name?” I asked.
“James, James Cartwright.”

My thoughts suddenly turned back to what Mr Cartwright had said to those strange men in his shop.
“Where’s James?”
“He’s - sleeping.”

I kept my mouth shut. I didn’t want them to think I was crazy.

“I’ve seen him.” Michelle said suddenly, twirling her apple on the table.
“You’ve…seen him?” I asked.
“You were drunk Michelle.” Jared said angrily.
“Not that drunk! He was right in front of me, clear as day, about a month ago. He was there for a second and then he was gone. He looked right at me- I’d seen photos of him… he hadn’t aged a day.”
“Maybe it was his ghost.” Kimberley suggested, not really listening.
“Why would his ghost be up at the castle?” Michelle asked heatedly
“Maybe he died there.” Louis said bluntly.
“Is this the castle we are going to on Saturday?” I asked
“Yeah.” Michelle said.
“Maybe you’ll get a look at this mysterious ghost/vampire, Rebecca. You can give us your opinion.” Kimberley laughed.
Michelle looked furious. She didn’t like to be mocked.
“My cousin is into all that stuff.” I said sweetly, trying to lessen the tension.
“Really?” Kimberley asked.
“Yeah, she goes on full ghosthunts with her boyfriend. I should mention the castle to her, I’m sure she’d love to check out a place so rich in history-”
“No one else gets in.” Michelle said, without looking at me.
“Oh…ok” I said weakly. I was a little shocked at how harsh she’d responded to me.
“The last thing we need is some spook-freak, drawing attention to our secret spot. Before you know it, It‘d be swamped with tourists and paranormal junkies.”
I stared back at her in disbelief.
“That was a little insensitive Michelle.” Kimberley said, through gritted teeth.
“ I’m sorry,” she said unsympathetically “Do you want the parentals to know about this spot Kimberley?”
“Does…no one know about this spot?” I cut in.
“Of course not.” Michelle said, irritated.
“ Isn’t that a bit dangerous. What if someone got into real trouble?” I said with added concern in my voice.
“You think we’d put you in danger?” Michelle asked, smiling.
“No.” I said brusquely
“Not unless you asked for it.” Michelle said, a strange sort of tone to her voice.
“What’s that suppose to mean?” I asked, insulted.
“Nothing.” Michelle laughed. The others joined in.


The rest of the week before Saturday was pretty boring. My sister ended up setting the pasta on fire though--she’s never been good at anything that isn’t microwaveable or can be oven cooked. I kept wondering what Michelle meant though.
“Not unless you asked for it.”
This whole castle party thing was beginning to look like a really bad idea --for me at least. But, I was too proud to chicken out.