Mischiefmakers: Dark Macabre by Maasi Smith Page B

as they
fight through the thick exhaust that pours from the bus’ engine.
The streets at Newark Penn Station are littered with yellow cabs
competing for fares. The morning rush hour is typical as cars rush
to and fro. The Greyhound buses line up, taking on passengers,
then disappearing into the steady flow of vehicles. Sissy sits in the
back window, waving at Melissa and Sarah as her bus revs up and
slowly creeps into the oncoming traffic.
“I’m gonna miss that little girl,” says Sarah.
“Yeah, me too,” Melissa whispers.
“Well, what are we going to get for the party?”
“I don’t know, let’s get some Kentucky Fried, chips, and stuff. I
still got some money.” Melissa checks her pocket and pulls a few
wrinkled bills from it as they walk from the bus station.
6
T
    he two women casually stroll down the street, enjoying each
other’s company while carrying their bags of groceries. The
day is slightly cloudy with the threat of rain; the damp air
    is thick with each deep breath. The clouds hover high above and
seem to trace the women’s every step. The sun peeks through
every few blocks as if it too is keeping an eye on them.
    Melissa and Sarah walk up the stairs to the apartment and
notice a strange odor, slightly different from the spicy aroma
they are used to. The hallway is warm as if someone has recently
turned up the heat. They walk closer and are surprised when
they realize the odor is originating from their apartment. They
look at each other with confusion, then try to open the door.
When they see it is locked, Melissa nervously pulls out the key,
and with a quick turn to the right, the lock unlatches. They cautiously enter, and the aroma overwhelms them. Upon opening
the door, they are shocked to see why their apartment smells so
strange.
    “Who lit up all these scented candles and cleaned up?” wonders
Sarah. The scented candles have an ominous beauty and a smell so
thick it can be tasted. Like a drug, it penetrates their skin, placing
them in a state of euphoria.
    “I told you Mr. Nicholas would keep an eye on us. You’re right,
though. He really cleaned this place up. He probably has a maid or
somethin’ that comes in to do this.” They place their bags in the
kitchen, then cautiously roam the rooms. The women are amazed
as they notice all the rooms are cleaned to perfection. The furniture is polished to an immaculate splendor. The refrigerator is
stocked with more food than before.
“Blow out some of those candles, they’re too strong.” Melissa
heads to the bathroom.
    Sarah blows out a few of the spicy candles. Cupping her hand
around each flame, she breathes the ancient spice. Suddenly she
is terribly frightened. Standing in the doorway is a young black
child. She stands four feet high and seems very young. She is well
groomed, wearing a dismal gray dress, and it looks like she has just
attended a funeral. Her hair is jet black and partially covers her
face. With a demonic grin, she stares at Sarah.
“Hello there, are you lost? Can I help you?” Sarah says.
    The little girl does not respond. She holds the fiendish expres
-
sion, shifting her head, mimicking a lost puppy.
“Do you live here?” Sarah asks.
The child slowly opens her mouth and speaks.
“My father thinks you should leave. The doves will not protect
you,” the child says as if reading from a script.
“Who?” Sarah asks.
“Sarah, who are you talking to?”
Sarah quickly turns to Melissa.
“I’m talking to...” Turning back around, she sees the little girl is
gone. “Did you see that girl?”
“What girl?” Melissa questions, while looking over at the door.
“The little girl that was standing in the doorway!” Melissa walks
over to the door and tries to open it.
“Not only is the door closed, but it’s locked. I think you’ve been
drinkin’ a little too much lately,” Melissa says jokingly. “Standing in
the middle of a room, talkin’ to a door ain’t exactly