Careful What You Pray For Part II

Careful What You Pray For  Part II 

Sierra contemplated for almost a week before she made up her mind to pay Madame Bastille a visit. Sierra rolled over in bed to find Zeke laying next to her; still wearing the clothes he had on yesterday. What bothered Sierra more than Zeke not coming home, was him coming home drunk, smelling like another woman's perfume and lipstick smeared on his lips. It seem like Zeke didn't have a care in the world about how his actions was destroying Sierra.
Sierra layed in bed a bit longer. She felt her anger growing with each inhale of Zeke's night permeating from his body. Sierra made up her mind right then.

"That's it. I's had more than 'nuff. See if Madame Bastille can fix ya right." Sierra thought to herself.

Just then Zeke rolled over to put his arm around Sierra and pulled her close; as if she was the only woman in his world. The smell of last night's bourbon binge and cheap perfume radiating from Zeke was overwhelming. Sierra was starting to feel nauseated. As Sierra was wiggling to get from Zeke's embrace, she felt his hand move from around her waist to cup her breast. Zeke's strong hand began squeezing and massaging Sierra's chest. Sierra could feel Zeke inching closer, or perhaps he was pulling her closer. Sierra could also feel Zeke's manhood growing rigid. Zeke began kissing Sierra on her neck and grinding at her ample backside. Though Zeke was still hungover, he noticed Sierra wasn't responding to his touch. Actually it was the opposite reaction Sierra usually gave. Instead of relaxing into Zeke's embrace and arching her back. He felt Sierra tensing up and trying to get away from him. Zeke was terribly confused.

"What's wit chu? Cant cha see I's tryna git some luvin'?"

"Ya didn't git 'nuff last night?"

"Whatcha talkin' bout? I ain't messin' wit nobody. I done told ya, you's the only one I loves."

"She may be a nobody and you might not love her, but cha shonuff keepin' regular company wit that heffa." With that statement, Sierra got out of bed; leaving Zeke with a dumbfounded looked on his face.
Sierra stomped off to the kitchen to make coffee and to get breakfast started. Not long after Sierra's exit, Zeke appeared in the doorway. He slowly made his way to the kitchen table. Zeke sat silently with his head down, rubbing the back of his head; like he was soothing a pain in his neck. Sierra placed a cup of coffee in front of Zeke without saying a word. The tension was extremely thick and uncomfortable. The silence was deafening. Zeke couldn't handle it.

"Baby. I don't know where..."

"Stop, Zeke! Just stop." Sierra interrupted Zeke from delivering his sad excuses.
"I's don't know what ta do wit cha. Ain't I a gud woman? A gud wife to ya? I loves you best I know how... but chu keep on hurtin' me. Why Zeke? Why?"

Zeke couldn't believe his eyes or ears. This was a side of Sierra, Zeke had never seen or heard before. He was used to Sierra being quiet and understanding. Which was just the way Zeke liked it, cause it gave him the leeway to do as he pleased. This was a change in Sierra that Zeke was not going to put up with. What was next? Sierra coming down to the juke joint?

"Now listen here! You ain't gonna be talkin' to me like ya done gone crazy! I's the man of this here house and ain't no woman gone talk to me, like I's some chile! You una'stand me?!" Zeke shouting with his chest all puffed out.
Sierra simply turned her back on Zeke and walked out the kitchen; leaving the breakfast she was cooking on the stove.
Zeke still confused of the change in Sierra continued to shout behind her.
"Gal! Git cho self in here and fix my plate!"
With smoke rising from the skillet Zeke could start to smell the food burning.

"Sierra! Ya hear me talkin' to ya?!"
Zeke got up from his chair and grabbed the cast iron skillet, burning his hand and dropping the food onto the floor.

"Goddamit!!!"
"Sierra!!!"
Next thing Zeke heard was the slam of the front door. Zeke ran onto the front porch to find Sierra stomping down the road.

"Sierra!! Gal, git back here!!"
Sierra kept on stomping, without even a single glance back.

Gale was looking out of her window and smiled slyly at the display she witnessed.
"Hmmf, she finally done left that no gud dog." Then Gale wondered.
"Why she ain't come over here? Where on earth could she be goin'?"

Not long after storming out of the house, Sierra found herself at an entrance into the bayou. Ignoring the doubt growing in the pit of her stomach, Sierra decided this was the only solution in getting what she wanted; a do right husband. Sierra went into the bayou, slowly treading on the rickety, rotting trail leading to an ominous looking shack. Sierra raised her hand to knock on the door. Just then a voice from inside, invited her to come in. Sierra opened the door and stood still for a moment. That's when Sierra noticed some markings carved along the door frame and a line of red dust at the foot of the door.

"Entre' mammzel."
Sierra still fingering the cravings along the door frame, failed to hear the old woman.

"Well, git on in here, 'less ya done changed ya mind bout why ya come rappin' at ma dough."

"Ya know why I's come to see ya?"

"Well I's know it ain't cause ya wanna say 'ello. I's don't git no visits of that kinda nature."
"Why don't cha cop a squat and tells me whatcha want from me."

"What's that red dust at cha doe?"

"It's ta keep me safe."

Sierra was starting to feel her nerves bounce around. She began to fidget in her seat, like a child fighting the need to use the bathroom.

"I ain't never did nothin' like tis before... so I don't know what ta..."

"Spit it out mammzel!!" Madame Bastille was growing impatient with Sierra.

"I needs my husband to do right!!"
Sierra gasped and covered her mouth. Shocked at how loud she managed to shout.

Madame Bastille just looked at Sierra, nodding her head.
"Gone mammzel, lay ya heartache on da table."

While Sierra spouted out her woes of her husband, Madame Bastille went moving about the room gathering supplies. Madame Bastille stopped Sierra's rantings of Zeke.

"Mammzel, whatcha lookin' fo is a love bindin'. Now, befoe I's give ya whatcha need... you best be sho he's meant fo ya. Cause if he ain't... well... it ain't gonna turn out gud. So is ya sure he da one fo ya?"

Sierra didn't hesitate to answer.
"I's sho! As I stand and breathe, I's sho!"

To be continued... 

Careful What You Pray For Part I

Careful What You Pray For  Part I 

"Mornin'! Whatcha know good?" Sierra's best friend and neighbor Gale cheerfully asked, as she walked into the kitchen.

Sierra could hardly hold her head up, for she was in a melancholic mood. Sierra was always glad to see Gale, but at the moment she wasn't ready for Gale's abundant energy. Gale immediately noticed Sierra's mood and knowing her best friend's situation, Gale had an extremely good hunch on what was bothering Sierra.

"Gurl, what's givin' you the blues?" Gale kneeled down in front of Sierra, taking her hands into her own.

"Zeke didn't come home last night, again." Sierra was trying her best to hold back the tears that welled in her eyes. To Sierra's dismay, the dam broke and huge crocodile tears flowed over her high cheekbones.

Gale was right. She knew it was Zeke, cause he was the only thing that ever seem to get Sierra down.

"I just can't understand why he don't wanna come home. I's a gud wife. I keeps a clean house, gud food on the table and I treats him like a king."

"I's been tryin' to tell ya, you should stop. Go out like he do! Stay out all night! See how he likes it!"

"Gale, I ain't cut from that cloth! I was raised to be a gud christian! To honor my mama and daddy! Then once I's got married, I's to honor my husband!"
Sierra prayed every single night that Ezekiel would see the light and start doing all the way right by her. Gale couldn't understand how such a good, strong woman like Sierra let a dog of man break her down to this pathetic shell.

"Gurl! Ain't no sense in honoring a no gud man, that ain't honoring you!" Gale almost felt bad for letting those words slip out of her mouth. Especially since Sierra was already down.

"Zeke got his wrongs. Ain't no denying that, but he's a gud provider. He makes sure there's a roof over our head and food on our table and I loves that man!" Sierra found herself defending the man who was breaking her heart, yet again.

"Gurl, ain't no sense of cooking and cleaning for a dog who rather roam the streets. I know you loves him, but like my granmama told me. Lovin' the wrong man too long can make ya go crazy." Gale was done speaking on the issue. At least at this moment.

"C'mon Sierra. The Lord done gave us a beautiful day. Let's go to the seaside, get some fresh fish. Lord knows I's been wantin' some catfish. 'Side I's sure Cecil would luv to get a peek at cha." Gale giggling like a school girl, teasing Sierra about Cecil the fisherman having a crush on her.

"Naw. I don't wanna go. You gone without me." Sierra being stubborn. However Gale was more tenacious than Sierra's bad mood.

"Oh, you think you gots a choice? Naw! You's goin'! C'mon now git! Lets go!" Gale pulled the chair from under Sierra, forcing her to get up. Sierra couldn't help but to chuckle.

As Sierra and Gale got closer to the seaside, they could smell a variety of scents. Ranging from fruits, vegetables and spices to the smell of the sea from freshly caught seafood. Seems like everyone in town was at the seaside, either selling or buying goods. Sierra was beginning to adopt a better mood, till her eyes laid upon Ellie Mae.

Ellie Mae was as fast as they come and built with a body made for speed. Brazenly dressed for an occasion as mundane as shopping at the seaside. Her dress always appeared as if someone painted on her curvaceous body or simply two sizes too small. Her double D's always pushed up to hover just under her chin. Her waist snatched tight, leading down to her skirts tightly hugging her voluptuous backside and high heels that made her backside more pert than what it already was. On top of having a killer body, Ellie Mae's face was even more appealing. If the devil had a mold for his greatest temptress, Ellie Mae would surely fit the bill.
Sierra felt like everyone could see her insecurity cloaked over her. Sierra felt like she wanted to run, yet her feet was cemented where she stood. Gale just carried on talking, failing to notice that Sierra was no longer beside her.

"And that's when I..." Gale reached out to put a bunch of collards in the basket Sierra was carrying and that's when she noticed Sierra wasn't beside her. Looking around, Gale found Sierra behind her looking like she saw a ghost.

"Sierra. You okay? Is ya takin' ill?" Gale holding Sierra by her shoulders.
"Say something, gurl."

"Ellie Mae."

Although her back was turned, Ellie Mae was close enough to hear Sierra say her name; causing Ellie Mae to turn around.

"Yes. Oh. Hey. Sarah, right?" Ellie Mae smiled slyly.

"It's Sierra! Don't act like ya don't know who she is! Specially when ya keepin' company wit her husband!" Gale immediately interjected herself between the two women.

"Right! And who you be?" Ellie Mae posed the question towards Gale.

"I's her best frie..." Gale started with her chest swelled with pride. That's when Ellie Mae rudely interrupted.

"It don't make me no mind, who you is. You ain't payin' no bills of mine. 'Sides, I don't keep company wit no mens that don't wanna keep company wit me." Ellie Mae stated matter of factly. She continued with her verbal attack.

"If ya fix ya self up real nice, maybe ya husband would wanna carry his self home 'stead of to the juke joint lookin' fa me." Ellie Mae was enjoying throwing her verbal daggers at Sierra. Cutting at Sierra's already delicate self-esteem.

Gale was boiling with anger so hot, you could almost see steam blowing from her ears. Gale couldn't believe how Sierra just stood there, letting this wench speak to her like that.
Gale was about to raise her hand, to slap the taste out of Ellie Mae's disrespectful mouth, but Sierra stopped Gale before she seized the moment.
"C'mon Gale. We best finish shopping." Sierra still holding onto Gale's wrist, pulling her along. Sierra despised drama and that moment was brimming with it.

"Yeah, let's go 'fore I knock that heffa out!" Gale huffed and glared at Ellie Mae while Sierra lead them in the opposite direction.
Gale wasn't finished barking, by a long shot. Only she directed it towards Sierra.
"Gurl! Why ya let that Jezebel talk down on you like that?! Standin' there like ya ain't got a lick a sense God done gave ya! Ya shoulda told her where ta go and how ta get there!"

"And then what, Gale?! Tellin' Ellie off ain't gonna make Zeke come home like he 'posed too! Hell! Maybe she right!"

"Right bout what?! That heffa ain't been right since learnin' two plus two equal fo and dats only cause somebody done gave her da answer!" Gale couldn't help, but to giggle at her insult of Ellie Mae.

"Gurl! You's a gas!" Sierra laughed at Gale's insult of Ellie Mae too.
"I dunno Gale. Maybe I should take Ellie's talking and put it ta good use. Fix ma self up and get Zeke's attention."

"You's really gonna take advice from tha town's belly warmer and not me?! You done lost all the sense God done gave ya!" Gale couldn't believe her ears.
"Well look me up, when ya come to ya right mind." Gale started towards the door to leave and Sierra tried to stop her.

"Gale! C'mon now. I was just thankin' out loud. It don't mean nuthin'." Sierra was trying to smooth things out, for she didn't want Gale leaving upset. Plus Sierra didn't want to give the impression that she was quicker to act on the advice of her husband's side piece over her best friend.

"So whatcha gone do?"

"I dunno, but I's gotta do sumthin'."

"Ya know what'll do ya some good? Ya should get one of them dolls. Stick ya some pins in it. That'll get him to come home. Yup, that shonuff would." Gale was even laughing at her own suggestion. Then she noticed Sierra was quiet and looking like she was considering Gale's off the wall suggestion.

"Gurl, I was just foolin', being silly." Gale was trying to deter Sierra from considering a notion so crazy any further.

"Yeah, you right. It's silly." Sierra managed to display a genuine enough smile to convince Gale she knew it was a joke and not meant to be taken seriously, but the seed was planted in Sierra's mind and started to take root.


The next morning Gale came by, like she always does. Only this time Gale found Sierra wasn't alone. Zeke was sitting at the kitchen table eating the breakfast.

"Oohh looky here! Soo ya do know where ya live!" Gale didn't make any attempts in hiding her disdain of Zeke.
"Hey, Sierra. I sees ya in a better mood. Though I can't wonder why. Ain't like ya gots a man who appreciates ya." Gale continued with her verbal jabs.

Zeke sitting calmly, sipping his coffee and reading the paper ignored Gale initially.
"Strange fa a gal that ain't got no man, tryin' ta tell a gal that gots one what ta do."
"So tell me. Who tryna keep company wit you?" Zeke's retort administered a hurtful blow to Gale's ego.

"I's ratha be by ma'self than have some no gud, low down durty dog, who stay out in tha streets chasin' afta any heffa that toots her ass up ta him. Nah, I'll waits fa a real man who knows his gud lovin' is at home. Not wit them jezabels down at no juke joint." Gale snaking her head with her hands propped on her hips.

"Wit all that attitude, I's 'magine you be waitin' a looonng spell. God, help the man fool 'nuff to be wit cha!" Zeke slapping his knee, laughing like he having a good time.

"Don't chu dare take the Lord's name in vain wit me, if ya know what's gud for ya!" Gale's anger was getting the best of her and Sierra could see it. That's when Sierra interjected herself between the two.

"A'ight you two. That's 'nuff. Gale sit down a spell. Can I get cha some coffee?"

"Yeah, I'll take some. Cream and suga, please."

Zeke folding up his newspaper, chuckled as he approached Sierra to give her a kiss on the cheek.

"Please, don't forget the suga. Cause at this rate, that's bout all the suga she eva gone git."

"Yous gone already?"

"Yeah, baby. I's got a couple jobs to do down over on Sycamore and on Piedmont."

"Will ya be home fa lunch?"

"Nah. I won't have time."

"Will ya be home fa dinner?"

"You know, I plays poker wit Bucky and nem ta night."

"The real question is will he be comin' home at all." Gale couldn't restrain herself any longer.

"Bye, baby. You know I loves only you." Zeke said as he held Sierra in his arms, looking lovingly into her eyes. Zeke gently kissed Sierra's lips, causing her to remember the day he asked for her hand in marriage. Zeke said the same thing and kissed her the same way, three years ago. She believed him then, too.

Gale contorted her face at the display of affection playing out in front of her, as if she was smelling something rancid.

"Words don't mean nuthin'. Brangin' ya'self home, now that would be sumthin'." Gale huffed.

Zeke grabbed his toolbox and as he was walking out the door; Zeke nodded towards Gale, while speaking to Sierra.

"Ya should thank bout gittin' a betta friend."

"Humf! Gittin' a betta man, would be tha right medicine!"

All Sierra could do was let out a long breath and shake her head.

"So whatcha wanna do today, gurl?" Gale asked as if she and Zeke weren't just going at each other like a couple of rabid dogs.

"How bout we go inta town? Do some winda shoppin'."

"Sounds good, just lemme grab ma handbag. Meet cha outside."

Soon Sierra and Gale were strolling down Main St, looking at pretty dresses and fancy shoes. They even went in a few shops to try on a couple pieces.
Suddenly Sierra felt like someone was watching her. Sierra looked around, but didn't notice anyone looking her way. What did catch her eye was an old, white haired lady coming out of the General store. It was Madame Bastille.

Rumor around town was that Madame Bastille doled out unique remedies for various ailments. Sierra's mind immediately went to the suggestion Gale gave jokingly, yesterday. The more Sierra stared at Madame Bastille, the more she thought it was a great idea. Before Sierra realized it, she was following the old lady, like a moth to a flame. Gale looked up and saw Sierra walking slowly up the street. With hurried steps, Gale caught up to Sierra.

"Gurl, where ya runnin' off to?"

Sierra blinked as if she was coming out of a trance.

"Oh... um... nuthin'... I thought I saw somebody."

"You okay? Ya look like ya saw a ghost."

"I's just fine. Just fine, indeed." Sierra made up her mind and knew exactly what she was going to do. Sierra was positive the answer to her prayers lied with Madame Bastille.

To be continued...

Mommy's Little Girl

Mommy's Little Girl

"Happy birthday, dear Savannah! Happy birthday, to you!" A gathering of her mother Joann, her aunt Marie, twin cousins Benjamin and Andrew and her grandmother Rose. All were singing to Savannah, for her sixth birthday. Savannah's long, straight, dark brown hair swayed as she rocked side to side with excitement, for she only had one thing on her mind. The wish she was going to make, when she blew out her candle. Something Savannah had wanted desperately for a couple years now; a sister. 

"Make a wish, sweetie." Savannah's mother, Joann gleefully called out to her as she took dozens of pictures.

"Yeah, blow out the candles Vanny! We're ready for cake!" Benjamin, one of Savannah's annoying twin cousins barked at her.

"We want cake! We want cake! We want cake!" Andrew chanted and banged his fist upon the tabletop, like a barbarian in training.

"Ben! Drew! Cut it out right now! Or you won't get any cake!" Savannah's aunt Marie yelled at her boys, as she seemed to always do now. 

"Grandma!" Benjamin and Andrew called out to their usual rescuer, simultaneously. 

"Oh boys. How bout you be grandma's little angels and settle down for a spell. You'll get some cake." Savannah's grandmother seemed to have a special touch in handling Benjamin and Andrew. Far more effective than their mother, Marie. 

Savannah closed her light green eyes tightly, to drown out the calamity and concentrated on her wish. She took a deep breath and blew out the candles. A chill suddenly ran up Savannah's spine, causing her to shiver and sneeze.

"Awwweee nnnooooo! Vanny sneezed on the cake!" Andrew pointed and mocked Savannah.

"Eeewwwww! She sprayed her girly cooties all over the cake!" Benjamin chimed in.

"Drew! Ben! Stop it!" Marie muttered with a stern voice.

Savannah just sat in her chair and smiled, for when she opened her eyes she saw a little girl smiling at her, outside the dining room window. A lovely little girl with bright blue eyes and long, curly, golden blond hair. 

That night Joann tucked Savannah into bed. 

"Did you have fun today, sweetie?"

"Yes! My wish came true!"

"It did?! Well that's great, sweetie. Okay. Time to get some rest. Daddy should be home, tomorrow. And I'll bet he has an awesome gift for you." Joann kissed Savannah goodnight and went downstairs to clean up the rest of the party. 

As she finished loading the dishwasher and wiping down the countertops, Joann thought she heard the pitter-patter of little feet and giggles of a little girl. 

"Savannah, it's way past your bedtime." Joann ventured into the living room where the sound was coming from, but no one was there.

"Hmm. I must be really tired."

Just then, Joann's phone rang startling her. She clutched at her chest, as if she was preventing her heart from jumping out.

"Hello. Hi, sweetheart. Oh, no she's in bed sleeping now. Yes, I took lots of pictures. Oh, just my mom, sister and the boys. Yes, she loved the doll. It looks just like her. What did you get her? What?! Don't you think we should've discussed it, first? But Daniel! A puppy?! I know it's for her birthday, but a puppy is a lot of responsibility. I don't know, Daniel. I just don't know. Okay. See you, tomorrow. I love you, too."

Joann felt a heaviness waft over her. It wasn't that she didn't think Savannah deserved a puppy. It was that Joann knew she'd be the one taking care of the dog. 

The next day, Savannah woke up. She rolled over, rubbed her eyes and looked right into the bright blue eyes of the little girl she saw outside the window yesterday. Scaring Savannah, she yelped. Savannah immediately covered her mouth, hoping her mother didn't hear her. The little girl smiled, covered her mouth and giggled as little girls do. 

"Hey. I saw you, yesterday. How'd you get in here?"

The little girl began to skip around Savannah's room, while humming a special tune.

"You wished for me, silly." The little girl informed Savannah. 

Savannah was so excited, she could barely contain herself.

"Oh! My! God! Mmmmoo!" Savannah started to call out, but the little girl covered her mouth to stop her.

"No! You can't tell her. At least not yet." The little girl was quite insistent. 

"So do you have a name? I mean what should I call you?"

"My name is, Emma."

"Emma. That's a pretty name. I'm Savannah. So how old are you? I just turned six."

"I know. I'm six, too."

"Savannah! Breakfast is ready!" Savannah heard Joann call out from the kitchen.

"Okay!" Savannah grabbed her robe to don over her favorite princess pajamas.

"Aren't you coming, Emma?" Savannah looked back, but Emma wasn't there. 

When Savannah entered the kitchen, she found her mom placing a plate of blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs and green grapes where Savannah usually sat. She also found Emma sitting in the chair next to hers.

"There you are!" Savannah exclaimed. 

"And there you are, sleepy head." Joann answered while pouring herself a cup of coffee.

"I wasn't talking to you, mommy."

"Well who were you talking too, sweetie?"

"I was talking to Emma. My new sister."

Joann looked as if someone drained all the life out of her. All that was heard was the shattering of Joann's coffee mug crashing onto the floor.

"Mommy, what's wrong?"

Joann looked deep into Savannah's eyes trying to mask her terror.

"Where did you hear that name?"

"She told me her name is Emma."
After Joann cleaned up the mess, she rushed to her room and shut the door. Savannah didn't understand what happened. She just looked at Emma, shrugged her shoulders and continued to eat her breakfast.

"Emma, do you want my grapes?"

Emma just sat there, quietly with a grin on her face.

Later that evening Daniel came home towing his suitcase and carrying an extra special package.

"Daddy's home! Where are my best girls?!"

"Daddy!" Savannah squealed with joy as she ran and jumped into her father's arms.

"Hey, there's my birthday girl! How old are you, now? What are you 21, 30?" Daniel teased Savannah. 

"No silly head! I'm six!" Savannah giggled and nuzzled at Daniel's neck.

"I have something special for you."

"Really?! What'd you get me?" Savannah couldn't contain her excitement. She bounced and jumped around with pure joy.

"Well, I saw this lil guy and thought he'd make a great friend for my lil princess." Daniel pulled out of a carrier crate, a tiny golden cocker spaniel puppy. 

"Oh! He's soooo cute! Thank you, daddy! What's his name?"

"Well, that's for you to decide, princess."

Daniel was in awe of Savannah's joy. Then he realized someone was missing.

"Hey, Savannah. Where's mom?"

"I think she's in her room."

"Oh yeah? Well I'm gonna go find her. How bout you stay here and think of a name, for this little guy."
Daniel ventured to his and Joann's bedroom.
"Where's that beautiful wife of mine?" Daniel found the bedroom door was locked. The jiggling of the doorknob startled Joann.
"Hun, why's the door locked?"
Immediately Joann rushed to the door and pulled Daniel inside, locking the door behind him. Joann hugged Daniel tightly and he noticed she was trembling.
"Hun, what's going on? You're shaking like a leaf." Daniel was terribly confused.
"It's Savannah." Joann whispered.
"What's wrong with Savannah? Jo, tell me what the hell is going on." Daniel was growing frustrated as well as scared.
Joann sitting on the side of the bed with tears welling in her eyes took a deep breath.
"Savannah informed me that she has a new sister."
"Ooookkaayy."
"Daniel! She said her name was Emma!"
"Okay, so what. She created an imaginary friend, named Emma. Big deal." Daniel shrugged it off as nothing.
"Daniel! Don't you think it's strange for Savannah to all of the sudden create an imaginary sister, not a friend, but a sister?! Why now?! And why Emma?! Of all the names in the world, why that one?! Why not Sarah or Megan?! Why Emma, Daniel?! Why?!!" Joann was hysterical. All Daniel could think to do was hold her.
"Hun, calm down. It's just a coincidence. Emma's gone and Savannah doesn't know about her."
Little did Daniel and Joann know was that Savannah was listening outside the door.
Savannah picked up her new puppy and quietly scampered to her room. Closing the door behind her, Savannah found Emma sitting in her pink rocking chair.
"My mom and dad know you?"
"They did."
"When?"
"It was a long time ago."
"So what should we name our puppy?"
"I dunno."
"How bout Duck?"
"Duck? But it's a dog."
"I know. That's what makes it funny."
Savannah and Emma just giggled and Duck released lil barks and yelps as if he was trying to laugh with the girls.

Soon it was time for bed and Daniel went to Savannah's room to tuck her in. Just before Daniel entered the room, he could hear Savannah humming a familiar tune.
"Hey princess. You all ready for bed?"
"Yes, daddy. Could you read us a story, first?"
"Sure. I could read you and Duck a bedtime story. Which will it be?"
"Cinderella! Cinderella!"
"Okay. Cinderella it is."
After Daniel finished reading and turned off the bedside lamp. He leaned over and placed a loving kiss onto Savannah's temple. Just as Daniel reached the door, he heard Savannah's sleepy little voice call out to him.
"Daddy. You forgot to kiss Emma goodnight too."
Daniel immediately felt an icy chill flow up his spine. Daniel slowly turned around, praying that his eyes weren't conveying the terror he felt inside.
"Who's Emma, princess?"
"Emma's my sister. She's lying right next to me and you forgot to give her a kiss too."
Daniel remembered what he told Joann earlier. It's just a coincidence. As Daniel went to the other side of the bed, he prayed he was right. That it was all Savannah's imagination and a terrible coincidence. Daniel leaned over and kissed the pillow as if there was indeed a little girl lying there. The strange thing was, Daniel could've sworn he heard light breathing and the pillow held a slight metallic scent. Daniel just shook his head, like he was trying to shake the silly notion out of his head. Daniel went to leave the room and behind him he heard a little girl say.
"Lucky daddy. Now he has two lil princesses."
Daniel quickly turned around, but only to find Savannah fast asleep. Daniel decided against telling Joann, for the sake of not making things worse.

The next morning as Savannah was taking a bath and playing with her dolls in the tub, Joann could hear Savannah humming a familiar tune. A tune she hadn't heard for quite a long time. A tune that neither Daniel or herself taught Savannah. Joann also heard Savannah talking as if someone else was in the room with her. Duck was in Savannah's room playing with his chew toy; so who was she talking too?
"Okay, let's pretend they're beautiful mermaids and they're diving to find pearls."
Joann's feeling of dread came rushing back and overtaking her. Joann needed to get to the bottom of this.
"Ready to get out, sweetie? You don't want to get all pruney, do you?"
"Awe, mommy. Just five more minutes. Me and Emma are still playing mermaid. Pleeaasssee!"
"Sweetie? Umm, what made you choose to call your imaginary friend Emma?"
"She's not just my friend, mommy. She's my sister."
"Okay, your imaginary sister."
"What does imaginary mean?"
"It means something is not real. That it's made up."
"But mommy. Emma is real. She's right there."
Joann saw Savannah point opposite of herself, but there was nothing there.
"Mommy, she even taught me a song. Wanna hear it?"
Joann turned her back to get some aspirin from the medicine cabinet, for she felt a horrible headache coming on.
Savannah began humming that same tune. Joann's heart began racing.
"Sweetie, please stop humming that song."
Savannah continued humming.
"Savannah. Please stop that, sweetie."
Savannah's humming persisted and seemed to get louder.
"Stop it! Stop it! STOP HUMMING THAT DAMN SONG!!!" Joann slammed the mirrored medicine cabinet shut so forcefully, that it cracked the glass. In the reflection of the mirror, Joann no longer saw the long, dark hair of her daughter Savannah. Who she saw had long, soft curly, golden blond hair, matted with blood at the back of her head.
Joann couldn't believe her eyes.
"Nnnoooo!!! It can't be you!" Joann grabbed Savannah by the shoulder and shook her while screaming in her face.
"What's wrong, mommy? What'd I do?" Savannah began sobbing uncontrollably. Suddenly Joann was looking into the face of her daughter, Savannah. Joann scooping Savannah up into her arms frantically ran out of the bathroom and into her bedroom, locking the door behind them. Savannah completely confused and crying. Joann called Daniel.
"Daniel! You need to come home! Now!"
"Jo! What's going on?!"
"It's Emma! She's here, Daniel! She's really here! I saw her!!"
"Jo, calm down! She's gone!"
"Daniel she's here! Come home now!!!"
Joann slams down the phone.
Savannah wrapped in a towel, her wet hair dripping down her back, began to feel cold.
"Mommy I'm cold."
Joann began feeling frigid herself. The room grew colder and colder. Causing Joann and Savannah to see each breath they exhaled. Joann went to unlock the door, but it wouldn't open. Savannah sitting on Joann's and Daniel's bed looked in the dresser mirror and saw the grotesque reflection of Emma. Only Savannah never saw Emma like this before. Emma looked greyish and her long, soft curly, golden blond hair was dirty and bloody. Savannah gasped.
"Emma! You have a boo boo! Mommy, Emma has a big boo boo on her head. Look!"
Joann turned to see the same grotesque reflection in the mirror.
"Leave us alone!!!" Joann screamed at the reflection.
Emma simply pointed accusingly at Joann. Joann dropped to her knees, sobbing hysterically.
"I'm sorry, Emma! I'm so sorry!"
Savannah slowly slid off the bed and stood over her mother. Looking into the eyes of Emma, Savannah simply nodded her head in agreement. That's when Savannah grabbed a snow globe that sat upon the dresser.

Daniel came home to find Duck scratching and whimpering at the locked bedroom door. Daniel rushed into the bedroom to find Savannah splattered with the warm blood of Joann all over her face. A bloodied snow globe still in Savannah's hand and a blank expression in her eyes. Daniel fell to the floor, convulsing with fear at the horrific display in front of him.
"Emma told me how mommy did a bad thing and she needed to be punished."
Savannah walked towards Daniel raising the snow globe high over her head.
"It's your turn, daddy."