I was divided. I closed my eyes to reach for some kind of inner strength. Come on, Tetsuo. All you have to do is go up to the door and knock. Jaynee will do the rest. A sigh escaped me instead. This was what I get for offering to help when I didn't mean it. I’d rather be home reading through all the books I got on my shopping spree yesterday. Let me be lost in the pages of a romantic fantasy! Or be on an action adventure to lands I could never dream of. Instead, my obligations laid with one of my best friends and helping move her boyfriend into her place.

How could you do this to me, past Tetsuo?

I looked down to my clammy hands. Great. The couch will surely slip from my grip and onto Georgie's toes. He'll end up hating my guts, and I'll be uninvited from their lives. There went my chances of being the godfather to their possible future children. The impression of Vito Corleone I've worked so tirelessly on was wasted. I folded my arms. I’d look bad with a mustache anyway.

No. Jaynee wouldn't date someone like that. At least I hoped not. She doesn't introduce her boyfriends to me until, well, big events like this. In her defense, she did try to have a lunch meetup weeks ago, but with the Pumpkin Fest coming up, I had to work overtime at the café.

"Tetsuo!"

My heart nearly jumped out of my chest. I turned around to Jaynee. Her goth attire was light today, most likely in anticipation for the move. However, her eyeliner was perfect, as per usual, and a dark reddish shadow was dusted on her eyes. A similar shade was painted on her lips. 

"Let's go." Then she started off. Jaynee was relying on her cane more than usual. A frown weighed heavy on my face. Surely the move could wait until her bad leg wasn't bothering her.

Wait.

I looked back to the townhouse then back to Jaynee. "Where are you going?"

"We," she emphasized, "are going to get lunch."

I flung my arms dramatically to the location in which we needed to be in order to move things from one place to another. "But!"

However, I knew whatever I was going to say would be in vain. When Jaynee had her mind set on something, that was all she was going to do. I wish it was that simple for me.

Did I take my ADHD meds today?

"We should hurry on—"

I interrupted the unfamiliar voice with a screech. Instincts kicked in and a small, silver magical shield deployed as my hands went up in defense.

"Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare ya."

I peeked over to whom I assumed was Georgie. Jaynee mentioned he dyed his hair. Maybe he was in between colors right now, but oof, that bleach. Those poor curls were crying for help under all that frizz. He's not her usual type either, besides his big framed glasses. Georgie here was on the bigger side. Not that anything is wrong with that. It was a bit shocking considering she liked the tall, skinny type that wore all black. Georgie looked like he walked out of the 90s with his block-colored sweatshirt and cargo pants and… Are those crocs?

As quickly as I could, I waved my shield away, trying to make it look as if I was being dismissive. I was shocked that it appeared in the first place, as it usually took me some time before I could cast any spell.

I tried to salvage the situation with an apology, but all that came out was, "I... You... No…" I grimaced into my sigh at the struggle to simply speak.

"Same," Georgie replied. He offered a smile. It was difficult to return one when I have embarrassed myself to this extreme. "We should hurry on over before Jaynee leaves us behind."

My shoulders dropped. A glance over revealed she nearly had despite her limp. I didn't want my words to fail me again, so I gave a simple nod.

Georgie hurried to Jaynee's side and offered his arm. She gave a pout, as she always did when anyone attempted to help. Still, Jaynee took her boyfriend's arm with a soft, "Thank you."

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

We continued forward, carefully navigating the crowded sidewalk. There were more people out as everyone prepared for the yearly Pumpkin Fest. It was what Calabaza was best known for. Although, our town had more to offer. Take the Villa Family Restaurant, for instance. They got a lot of orders this time of the year when they mixed squash into local cuisine. Butternut squash biscuits and mushroom gravy was my favorite.

There's also Fernando's orchard. His sales on apple butter and cider did well in the Tri-state area. However, the apple picking did the best considering it was the only orchid around, unless you want to drive a few hours into Ohio. Ain't nobody wanting to do that.

The last big business here was Vaughan Glass. They had their fall-themed ornaments out in the gift shop, which people coming in from out of town for the festival took home as souvenirs. I heard their tours and classes were very entertaining too. However, I've never been inside myself.

All of them were owned or previously owned by retired witches of the Archive, the most powerful organization of witches in all known dimensions. (Say that ten times fast.) I always joked with Papa that they put some sort of spell on the town to attract customers. He laughed and said there's no such thing.

I didn't believe him until recently. I turned to look down Main Street. There stood Twin Star Café and Salon. Mama and I opened them together, going through with the plan despite Papa's passing. It helped us focus on anything but the grief. To my surprise, we've been well received. I never would have believed the amount of people that needed an iced coffee while getting their hair done. Of course, the businesses are separated. Wouldn't want any hair products getting into anything. Uhg! Coffee sounds so good right now.

"Tetsuo!"

Hearing that tone of voice coming from Jaynee was never a good omen. How long have I been dazed out?

I was suddenly pulled from my thoughts as my waist was grabbed. I stumbled back into whoever had me. Where I previously stood was a ghostly figure left behind. It was slouched over pretty severely, but I guessed that its height would be about equal to the pedestrian crosswalk light at full height. Its movements were like a robot whose batteries were dying. Even the body of the creature didn't seem to know where to stay in place, as what I believed was its skeleton would fade in and out.

"Finally," it said.

It quickly turned its gaze at me with its hollowed out eyes. A grin dripping with something like ink. The drool hit the concrete with a sizzle, burning a hole into the newly paved sidewalk. I regret wanting to go on an adventure today. Take it back, Universe. Take it back!

The shadow lunged at me. I let out a scream and started flinging around in panic. My arms went in any which way to protect myself.

"Together," it whispered. A gust of wind rushed loudly past my ears.

Then, there was silence.

I looked around frantically. It was gone. I glared at my hands with disgust. Where was my shield then, huh? When I was in actual danger! Some witch I am. Who was I kidding? I've always been half of one.

I finally took in my surroundings. We were on the corner of 60 and Main. I turned to where the shadow appeared. The sounds of the walking sign rapidly clicking made me jump, but in spite of this, there was no creature. I glanced down to the acid burnt holes. Surely they would be there. But no. There was no trace of the shade anywhere.

"Remington! Are you okay?" Jaynee called out.

Is Remington okay? What about the guy that got attacked by some weird shadow thing?

Wait…

Remiwhomst?

"I'm alright," the mistaken Georgie replied.

They sat behind me on the ground. I must have accidentally pushed them back. I attempted to give an apologetic smile, but I started thinking too hard about it. I don't know what my face twisted into.

"You're Remington?" I asked.

They stood with a grunt. "That's me. I’m Georgie’s roommate, or, well, not no more."

"Ah, I see. Now that that's cleared up…" I gestured toward the corner. "What in the tom foolery was that?!"

Their expression dropped so suddenly. I took a step back to prepare for whatever was coming next. What I wasn't expecting was Jaynee appearing to smack my arm. "Ow!"

"What in the hell is wrong with you? Remington goes to save you from going head first into traffic, and you start yelling at them?"

"Did you not see the creepy..." I stopped for a moment, grunting while searching for the correct word for the weird, mystic looking shadow ghost. Yet, words have failed me once again. "...THING!"

Now both Jaynee and Remington shared the same, unimpressed look.

"I haven't the faintest idea what you're goin' on about," Remington said in monotone voice.

Jaynee shook her head. "Don't take offense to him. This happens more than you think."

"What do you mean?! No it doesn't!" I exclaimed.

Jaynee ignored me and once again started walking away. She reminded me of a cup of London fog with a lipstick stain on the rim. Sure, it was an artistic view, but the drink took forever to make perfectly. By then, the customer became impatient while I'm already anxious from trying to make the drink have just enough vanilla... It was a real pain in the ass.

"You good?" Remington asked.

I crossed my arms as I refocused my attention. "You really didn't see anything?"

They shook their head, “Nope, I only saw ya flingin’ around like you had a spider on ya or somethin'.”

"Great..." I rubbed my temples. "I'm losing it. Good to know."

Remington let out a small, "Uhh." I knew the feeling, unsure what was needed to be said to give someone comfort in their time of need.

"It's alright. I mean, it's not, but..." I sighed. I raised my hand in Jaynee's direction. "Let's catch up to her, shall we?"

Remington nodded. They hurried to catch up with Jaynee. I couldn’t help but hesitate. I took one last glance around for monsters. Once I knew the coast was clear, I followed behind.