I met Emily Williams

“I met Emily Williams walking in the graveyard on my way home.” I said to the police. 

“What was she wearing?” The first policemen asked.

“A yellow raincoat, boots, and she held an umbrella.” I said.

“What did you two talk about?” The Second one asked and sipped another drop of his coffee.

I shuffled my feet under the table and glanced around the dark, cemented room. There was a large mirror behind the policemen that I was sure people stood behind. There was only one light in the room and it hung right above the table glaring into my eyes. I looked back up to the police men.

“She said that she was being taken-” I began.

“Did she say by whom?” The first one asked, pulling out a note pad.

“No, but I let her finish speaking.” I glanced away, surprised by  my change in attitude.

“I am sorry, please; tell me the story from the beginning of the day to now.” 

 

I woke up startled by a sudden noise. I glanced around my room and saw that the cat was jumping against the glass, attacking the rain that fell down. I groaned and fell back down onto the bed. A few minutes later I stumbled my way to my closet. I changed into a pair of jeans and long sleeve. I picked up the cat, Boots, and carried him into the kitchen with me. I propped him up on my shoulder while I shuffled through the cabinets in search of my cereal. It wasn't there so I grabbed a pen and scribbled cereal onto the grocery list. I spun around and glanced down at the note on the table that my dad wrote to me. 

  “Hannah, don't forget to take out the trash today. Also I need you to pick up a package at the Post Office. Remember they close at 5:00 so don't forget! -Mom”

Snatching the trash bag, I tied it in a knot and put on my mud boots and coat. I slipped out the front door and took a couple steps before I decided I would get coffee from Jazz's work. I dropped the trash and I dragged myself back inside and grabbed a couple bucks. 

Once I finally reached the Cafe the morning rush had stopped. The cafe was always warm and every time I walked through the doors it smelt of coffee spices. The room had a couple couch’s and chairs with little tables to go with them. 

Jazz stood by the cash register talking to one of her friends that stopped by. When she spotted me she finished her conversation and called me over.

“What are you doing here, Squirt?” She said and leaned further over the cash register.

I am not sure if she even remembers that I am fifteen, not seven. 

  “Dad forgot to buy cereal.” I said.

“ We don't sell cereal.” She looked confused.

“Yeah but you do sell coffee.” 

“Well what are you gonna do today?” She turned from me and grabbed a small cup and poured the coffee to the brim.

“I haven't quite decided.”

“It's spring break. Go out with one of your friends or something. At least you don't have a job you have to be at.” She handed me the coffee and gave me a stare.

“I can't they are all away in some exotic place, ignoring the rain.” I spoke between sips.

She laughed at that one, but I had to leave right after because a customer came in.  I kicked the door open, turned around and waved. She smiled back. I turned and walked.  I stopped by the old music store just to listen to old records and cassettes. The time went faster than I thought and by the time I got out of there it was 3:30.  So I turned down to Main Street and began toward to the postage office. I stopped to kick rocks and look in windows, just to waste my time. A gust of wind blew by me, making me shiver in my boots. I pushed through the wind and reached my hand to the door. The bell jingled when I walked in and one of the ladies looked up from her work. She smiled and adjusted her glasses. 

“Hello, getting chilly out there, huh?” She said.

“Yes-” I began.

“I hoped this April would be a warm one; However I guess it wasn't my luck.” She grinned real wide.

“The weather man said that-” 

“Did you hear the guy on the radio is taking a vacation to the Caribbean! Apparently a lot of people are going away.” She said dancing her fingers on the counter top.

“Yeah, some of my friends were-”

“I wish I could, but this job doesn't have a good enough pay for-” 

“A package arrived for my mother and I need it now before you close.” I demanded. 

“Well, dear, what’s your name?” She asked completely ignoring my attitude.

“Skeeter, Hannah Skeeter. My fathers name is Karren Skeeter.” I said proud that we kept my father’s name.

“Oh, I should have known. You have your fathers eyes,” Her voice trailed off. “I’m sorry, dear.”

“It's alright.” I sucked in my first tear and forced a smile.

“Good! Let me go grab that for you.”

 

"I wandered down the street and the wind still pounded on my face. I decided that I should go home so I was there before Mom was. I took a left turn down a street I had never heard of, never even seen before. "

“Why did you go down that street? Weren't you going straight home?” The police man asked.

“I almost felt like I had to or I was being forced to.” I said and glanced in the other direction.

“Okay, go on.” The second police men said.

 

 

I walked down the broken up sidewalk. Every building was empty, and everyone I walked by made me feel colder. I moved farther down, about 100 yards, and the buildings stopped. There was just this large gray, graveyard. By now the sky was a creamy black and, out in the distance, I noticed an ostentatious yellow umbrella with matching yellow boots. Underneath it was a little girl and she splashed around in puddles.  Her hair hung in braids, and they swished up and down with her jumps. I heard thunder rumble and then a shock of lighting, igniting the whole sky. With that shock, she looked up. Her eyes glowed with a bright blue. The girl was such an enigma to me. I wanted to run back but instead I was walking forward. I tried to turn around and walk back, but my body kept moving. I was steps away from her when she looked up with those big blue eyes.

 

 

“Hello,” A flash of lighting lite the sky when she spoke. “My name is Emily Williams what is your’s? Where is your umbrella?”

“Hannah Skeeter, M-m-my umbrella,” I stuttered. “I didn't think I would need it.”

“I love umbrellas there almost as homey as warm cookies.” She smiled and a flash of lighting.

“I like umbrellas too.” I had no idea what to say, but I knew I had to say something.

“Can you help me? Over there,” She pointed and a flash of lighting revealed a man in a black cloak. “He says he needs to take me away, but I don't want to go.”

“Who is he? W-w-when did he get here.” I stuttered again.

“Are you scared, Hannah? So am I. Why don't we just go and leave this place.” She said with a laugh and another flash of lightning.

“I need to go actually, but I can't take you with me.” I said and stumbled backwards.

She began to cry. She now seemed more like a specter as she glided away. I turned and ran I didn't stop. Once I left the grave yard I head a loud scream with a flash of lighting. I turned and she was gone. All that was left was a umbrella lying where she once stood.

 

I stared up at the police men. They were both speechless. 

“I knew I should have helped her, but I couldn't.” I said as I shivered at the recollection.

“We understand Hannah.”