Jake Taylor POV
I've lived across the street from this old abandoned house for as long as I could remember. Its one of those typical haunted spooky lookin places. The ones with vines sprouting through the roof and paneling drooping to the ground. Twisting sycamore trees stretching their limbs through the second floor windows and stray rocking chairs swaying in the wind. My sister always tells campfire stories of the family that used to live there.
They were a happy little family. Mom and dad just got in from another country. A yappy dog running freely through the yard barking at near by birds. And a little girl, about your age, used sit on the porch for hours. Just sit in that very rocking chair reading the same book over and over again, 'The Boy in the Striped Pajamas' . Every year fireworks could be heard on New Years coming from the backyard. No matter how many times we checked, there was no one there.
I had never been to the house myself. I've always been too scared to actually step on the lawn. So today I took an extra step to get over my fear. Well that's kinda a lie, my sister bet I wouldn't last 10 minutes over there and I need the money.
So here I am, on the front step of the most haunted house in the state. I took one step closer and flew backward in fright as the porch step creaked under my weight. I looked over my shoulder to see my siblings laughing their asses off at my fear. I take one last breath as I slowly approach the front door.
The wooden door splintered and chipped with only brass handle keeping it together. My head turned to the right to stare at the legendary rocking chair. It seemed to still sway in the non- existent breeze of the afternoon. On the seat, lay the copy of 'The Boy in the Striped Pajamas', the cherished book of the dead child from this house. I once more continue my journey through into the house.
I step into the foyer which on-looks to the living room. Hesitantly I weaved my way through the main floor. I had reached the kitchen when I heard the sound of glass drop. I spin my head around with speed of a cheetah to see a girl my age standing there in shock. The glass jar lay shattered on the marble floor. I stare back frozen in fear of the scene in front of me. The girl turns to run when I feel my voice return.
"wait, don't go!" She looks back at me skeptically before bending over to pick up the glass shards on the ground. I'm quick to pick up the pieces until I realize I can't. My hand continuously passed through the glass as I tried to grab it. I stare at the pieces in horror and awe until I am pulled from my thoughts by the blonde haired girl.
"Who are you?" she asked hesitantly
"My name's Jake. What's yours"
"Veronika. What are you doing here?" She ask gaining some confidence
"My sister dared me to walk through here and not get scared."
"Why would she dare you to walk through my house?" she asked. My eyes widened at the realization.
"Wait, so this is your house?"
"Yeah I've lived here my whole life."
"How old are you?"
"13. What about you?"
"I'm 13. Veronika...........what year do you think it is?"
"2006. Its Sunday December 31. My parents are at work and my dog Peeta is at the vet. Why are you asking me all these questions?"
"look Veronika, I'm not sure how to say this but.......you've been dead for 11 years."
"What are you talking about? I'm talking to you and you're talking to me. I think you've had one too many wonder balls."
"Roni, you have to believe me, this is 2017. We have smartphones and......other things that I cannot think of."
"Why would I believe some random boy who bursts in my house and tells me that I've dead for 11 years?"
"Well...um.......I don't really have a good answer. Wait, are you planning on setting up fireworks tonight?"
"Yeah. How did you know?"
"I told you. You've been dead for years and we still hear the fireworks go off at midnight every new years eve. I bet that's when you die!"
"okay, this is crazy! you just show up in my kitchen and tell me I'm gonna die in a few hours." she responded starting to panic
"No, don't worry I could be totally wrong."
"I hope so"
"Well I should be getting back soon." I say trying to leave sensing the stall in the conversation
"oh, okay. Will I see you again?"
"I hope so" I reply
That night just like every other year the haunted house erupted with invisible fireworks. Just like every other year Veronika blew up with the fire but her ghost remain in the walls of the house. Jake visited Veronika every week despite the protests of his sisters to 'leave that spooky place alone'. The two had many adventures through their childhood years. They grew to love each other but ultimately ended in heartbreak. Jake grew old while Roni's soul remained trapped in the walls of her home. Not one day went by that Jake didn't think of the girl from the haunted house across the street.
I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter. Message or comment with requests for Vertaylor one shots.
~Vertaylor Shipper
