The last day of school was over. It wasn't the last day before summer vacation, but my last day. I was moving. Moving to the last place on earth I wanted to be, my aunt Gretchen's. Due to very unfortunate events, I had to leave the place that I grew up in, all my friends, my school,  my favorite teacher Ms. Mackey, but most of all, the house that I shared with my beloved mother. I will never forget that day, but I tried to put it in the back of mind for I had no more tears to shed. The story is tragic. My mother was just in a hurry that day.

My aunt Gretchen lived in a small town. Too far away and very different from all the things I loved and knew. The sun was bright and stung my eyes, and the weather humid and sticky. I just kept my face in the window. My aunt Gretchen's face had no expression, which was how she always looked. My aunt was a very lonely woman, but by choice. She had no children, and never married. She liked to keep to herself, keeping busy with sewing, cooking, gardening, and painting. My mother had many of her paintings. Landscapes,  and sometimes portraits. I was never sure if they were any good since I never knew the people that posed for her, if they were even real.

The ride was tense. We both didn't say that much. After a couple of hours on the road, we finally made it. Not that I was eager or anxious to be there, I was kind of tired of being in that car. When we pulled into town, she made a pit stop at a super market. "Beth, I have to grab a few things. If you would like anything specific, let me know and I will get it for you." she said. "No thanks." I replied. "Ok. Give me ten minutes." When she walked into the store, I decided to get out and stretch my legs a little.

My body was stiff, and my bottom was soar. I looked around. It looked like alot of boring to me. So far, there was the super market, a gas station, and post office, and an ice cream shoppe. There were tons of people at the ice cream shoppe. Probably trying to find a way to cool off from this dreadful heat wave. Alot of them were teenagers, no one my age. Most of them were standing under a tree smoking a cigarette, some were hanging out at a picnic table. Not too much going on in this town, I suppose. I decided there wasn't too much to look at, so I made my way back to the car. As I turned around, something caught my eye. Standing next to the dumpster at the ice cream shoppe, was a young girl. She seemed to be staring at me. What is she staring at? I thought. I kept walking, but I could still feel her looking at me, so I turned back around. Sure enough, she had her eyes on me. She looked about my age, maybe a little older, with long brown hair, and was wearing a purple dress with lace at the neck and cuffs with no shoes on. She waved at me. I didn't want to be rude, so I waved back. She put her arm down, but still kept her gaze directly at me. "Beth!" my aunt screamed. I quickly turned around, startled by her calling me out. "We're leaving. You ready?" she asked. "Yea." I replied. I turned back around to see the girl, but she was gone. I made my way back to the car. "I was just stretching my legs." I said. "We are almost home." She said.

When we finally arrived at my aunt Gretchen's house, it was almost dark. It was still very hot. "Well, here we are. I'll help grab your stuff." Gretchen said. Slowly, I grabbed my bag, and got out of the car. This is what I dreaded, a new beginning. The house was two stories with white paint, a wrap around deck, and a huge garden out back. Not too bad, I thought. There were woods all around the house. I could hear water, which meant there must have been a creek or pond nearby. Well, at least there is shade and water to keep myself from melting away under the hot sun.

When we entered the house, I sat my stuff down and looked around. On the left side was the living room, and the right side the kitchen. The stairs was in the main hallway, which was dark and a little eerie. "Your bedroom is upstairs, and mine is down this hallway. If you are hungry, help yourself to the kitchen. Go on and check out your room, first door on the left." said Gretchen. A little hesistant, I started up the stairs. Once I reached the last step, I stopped. I felt like I was being watched. I looked around. Nothing there. Maybe just this old house, I thought. I went into my new room. Everthing looked brand new. There was a full size bed with a beautiful  bed spread, matching curtains, a desk with my own computer, a cute vanity, a nightstand, and a pink chair that sat beside the window along with a bookcase full of books. How did she know I loved to read? I was amazed. She did this all for me. For the first time in weeks, a smile stretched across my face. I started to unpack. I put away all my clothes, collectibles, a few books, and my humming bird wind chime that my mother gave me last year on my birthday. I loved hummingbirds. Maybe I might catch a glimpse of one around here. The sound reminded me of my mother. She had dozens of wind chimes. The sounds they made were pretty. I found the perfect spot for it, right next to the window. The last thing to go up was a picture of my mother, which I set right next to my bed on the nightstand. She would always watch over me, and here, I will be safe. I sat on the bed and looked around. Home sweet home.

Gretchen had wandered into the backyard, picking out some vegetables from her garden. I joined her outside. "Aunt Gretchen, I can't thank you enough for my room. It's really nice. By the way, how did you know I loved to read?" I asked. "Your mother loved to read, ever since we were younger. You are her child, so I figured the passion was passed on." she replied. "What is your favorite genre?" she asked. "Oh, I like anything." I replied. "Even romance?" she asked with a puzzled look on her face." Oh no, a little to mushy for me." I said. I helped Gretchen with the basket of vegetables, and we went inside.

Her kitchen smelled wonderful. A mixture of pastries, cakes, soups, and freshly baked bread. We sat at the bar for a while, silent, peeling potatoes and chopping carrots. "This is for my roast tomorrow. I hope you do like roast." she said. "Oh, I love it. One of my favorites." I replied. She smiled. I was stunned. Gretchen smiling. I never have known her to smile. I smiled back. It felt good.

After we emptied everything into the pot, and cleaned up the peelings, we both walked into the living room. There were two victorian style couches facing each other, a marble coffee table seperated them, and a huge fireplace. Her paintings covered the walls. I was admiring the paintings, each one different. She had a million portraits. Some people were old, some were young. I wondered who they were. They were very detailed. She was very talented. In the corner of the room was an old record player. "Wanna hear some music?" "Sure." I said. She slipped off her shoes and walked over. She was rummaging through an old box that sat next to the record player. She pulled out a record, and put it on. We sat in silence and listened to the music. A little while later, I started to get sleepy. Aunt Gretchen sat crotcheting what appeared to be a blanket, so I decided to head off to bed. "Well, it's been a long day. I think I will go to bed now. Have a good night." I said. "Sleep tight." she replied.

The stairs were dark. Nothing to be afraid of, I told myself. After a long breath, I started up the stairs. Each step seemed to get colder and colder. When I reached the second floor, there was a cold draft blowing from somewhere. That somewhere was my room. Did it really get chilly that fast? I thought. I didn't open my window, did I?  What could it be? Slowly I walked towards my room. The door was cracked open, although I clearly remember shutting it. I pushed open the door, and walked inside. Everything seemed to be in order. Maybe just a draft coming from somewhere, I thought. This house is pretty old.

I stripped off my clothes and threw them in the basket that lay next to the closet, threw on my pj's, and hopped into bed. I lay there. I wasn't as sleepy as I was before. I turned over to face my mother. The picture of her was gorgeous. She was smiling. She always smiled. She was always happy. I hoped to become that happy. I know she would want me to be. It would take time to get used to things. I knew that no matter what, my mother would not have left me in the care of her sister if she knew that I would not be happy. "Goodnight, mother. " I said, and kissed the picture. I turned over and tried to close my eyes, but suddenly I felt that I was being watched again. Just my imagination.

The next morning, I woke up to the smell of breakfast. It smelled heavenly. My belly growled. "Well, good morning. " I told myself. I sat up and stretched. This was going to be a good day, I hoped. I started to walk to the door when I had that feeling of being watched again. This was a reoccurring feeling that I didn't quite like too well. I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I turned around to face the window. The feeling was still there. I walked over to the window, and peered down. Nothing. What is going on with me? I thought. As I started to walk away, something caught the corner of my eye. I glanced over, and there beside the shed, was a girl. In fact, it happened to be the same girl I saw yesterday at the ice cream shoppe, wearing the same purple dress and no shoes. Is she following me? Nonsense, I told myself. She looked lost. Maybe I will go see what she wants. I slipped on a pair of jeans and an old t-shirt, grabbed my flip flops, kissed my mother good morning, and headed outside.

As I walked out the back door, I noticed the girl had walked over the to the edge of the woods. She was watching every move I made. I marched over to her, her eyes not moving away from mine. About halfway, I stopped. "Hi," I said. "Are you lost?" I asked. She continued to stare. Could she not speak? Did she even hear me? "I'm Beth, my aunt Gretchen lives here. Can I help you with something?" She said nothing. We stood there staring at each other. Her eyes were the prettiest blue I had ever seen. Almost a sea blue. Her clothes looked old and worn, but her hair was shiny and blew in the summer breeze. After a few seconds, I started to turn around and walk back to the house. "Well, I'm leaving now." I said. I started pacing. A few seconds later, she spoke. "Hello." she said. I turned around. "Hi...." I replied. "I'm sorry I didn't respond, I was just reading you. I am Samantha." she said. "Hello..Samantha." I said. "Did you follow me here?" I asked. "Oh no. I knew where you were going. I have lived here my whole life, I know every nook and cranny in this town. I saw you. I noticed you saw me. I felt a connection. Does this sound strange to you?" she asked. "Um...honestly..yes it does." "I'm sorry, I don't mean to confuse you. I just knew the minute I saw you, that we were going to be close friends. I live about 3 miles from here. I play here in the creek alot. My favorite swimming hole! Do you swim?" "Yes, but not in a long time." I answered. "Wanna go swim?" she asked. She was so nice. For some reason, I felt drawn to her. I knew what she was talking about, the connection. I knew too that we were going to be good friends. "Yea sure! Let me go tell my aunt." I started to take off toward the house,  looking back at the girl, Samantha.

As I walked in, the smell of sausage overwhelmed the kitchen. "Hey, Gretchen..um...I just met this girl.." "Girl? What do you mean? Where?" "Well, she was standing out by the shed, I saw her yesterday at the ice cream store. She is real nice. She asked me to go swimming in the creek. Would it be alright?" Gretchen seemed puzzled. She was silent for a minute. "Yea, sure, but first invite her in for breakfast. I would like to meet her." Great! A friend, and not even my second day! I left the kitchen and made my way back towards the woods. I hoped aunt Gretchen liked her, but when I arrived, she was gone. "Samantha?" I yelled out. No answer. I walked further down, hoping to see her swimming in the creek, but no one was there. Where did she go?

As I entered back in the kitchen, Aunt Gretchen was staring out the window towards the woods. "I guess she went home. I don't know what happened." I said. I was a little disappointed. Gretchen continued to stare out the window. "Maybe so. Well, when and if she does come back, bring her in." I nodded, made me a plate of eggs, sausage and toast, and wondered what happened to my new found friend.

Later that afternoon, I was in my room reading a book my aunt had left for me, when I heard something tap the window. I jumped, and turned to face the window. Suddenly, something hit the window, another tap. I got up, and peered out. Standing there, was Samantha. I pulled up the window, and poked my head out. "Hey." I said. "What happened to you today?" "Wanna go swimming?" she replied. "This late?" I questioned her. "Yea, why not?" she asked. After a minute of consideration, I decided to go. "Let me change." I replied. I grabbed a pair of shorts, flip flops and a towel, and started to walk down the stairs. What aboout Gretchen? I thought. I slowly tip toed down the stairs.

When I reached the living room, I peered around the corner, and Gretchen was staring out the window towards the backyard. "Hey, Gretchen." I said. She continued to stare for a moment, then turned around to face me. "Where are you going?" She asked. I hesistated for a moment. Just tell her the truth, it's not that big of a deal. "Well, I am just hot and bored, so I was wondering if I could go swimming with Samantha at the creek. Would you mind? I will be very careful." She stared at me for a moment, then replied "Is that her name, Samantha?" "Yes." I answered. Her expression changed, like she had seen a ghost, and turned to face the window again. "Is it alright?" I asked again. "Not tonight." she said. What was her deal? Did she not trust me? When I thought that I wasn't going to fit in, I meet someone and now I can't even go play with them.

I turned around, and headed towards the kitchen to the back door. When I walked outside, Samantha was standing next to the garden. I walked over to her, dreading to disappoint my new friend. "My aunt says not tonight." Samantha stood there, silent. She looked up at the sky, then towards the ground, then back at me. I wondered what she was thinking. Was she mad? Sad? Did she still want to be my friend? Finally she spoke, "Aww, that's ok. Maybe tomorrow. Do you wanna lay down and watch the stars? We may even see a couple of bats!" "Yea, sure! Should I go grab a blanket?" I asked. Before I could turn around, Samantha had already laid down, with her arms and legs spread out, like she was making a snow angel. I laid down next to her. The sky was crystal clear. The stars glowed so bright. There were big bright ones and tiny ones that looked a million years away. They twinkled, like all the angels in heaven were winking at us. We laid there for a few minutes. Not one of us spoke a word. "Do you think those are angels?" I asked. "Could be." she said. "My mother is an angel." I told her. "I think that one is her, the biggest brightest one. She was always so happy, she glowed. Yea, that has to be her." " Do you have many friends?" She asked. " I used to," I said. "Where I used to live. I won't see them anymore." I said with a low tone. I missed my friends. They were so nice when mother died. "I don't." she said. "People are mean to me." "Why?" I asked. "Because Joshua Stone thinks I'm pretty. And I am poor. They talk about my clothes, whatever they feel like." "I'm sorry." I replied. She fell silent. I felt sorry for her. I seen bullies. I didn't like them. I guess when we started school here I would be her only friend. That probably meant that no one would like me either. Mother always said that one friend was good enough, especially if they were your true friend. Even though I only met her today, something about her told me she was a good person. In a way, she looked sad. I looked back up at the sky. I could see a plane passing by, high in the sky. "Do you see that plane?" I asked Samantha. She said nothing. I turned over, and she was gone. What? I didn't hear her get up. I sat up and looked around. She was no where. Where could she have gone? Disappointed, I grabbed my stuff and headed back in the house.

Gretchen wasn't in the living room. She must have went to bed. When I got up to my room, I crawled back under the covers. I was so confused. Why did she just disappear like that? How could I have not noticed that she sneaked away? I pondered every possibility in my head. Maybe she was embarrassed when she told me about the people who were mean to her. Maybe she thought that I would be mean too. I had to let her know. If she doesn't return tomorrow, I will go find her. She said she lives about 3 miles from here. Shouldn't be hard to find since Gretchen doesn't have many neighbors. There is nothing else to do.

The next morning, after I finished my breakfast, I told Gretchen that I wanted to explore the woods some, to get to know things around here, so she sent me off with some water, and a cell phone in case I got lost. "The house number is listed in there, just call if you need me." I took off. I went in the direction of the creek, just in case. She wasn't there.

It was a hot day. My water didn't last long, and 3 miles was a long way. But I had to tell her that I was her friend no matter what, that those things didn't matter to me. I never had that much, but I had lots of love, and that with friendship is our best treasures. There were a lot of corn fields around, and trees galore. You could really smell the corn. Every tree I passed seemed taller than any building where I used to live. There must be a least a million animals living here. As I was walking along the road, up ahead I noticed a gravel road that was lined with dead bushes and another corn field. I must have done walked at least 3 miles, so this must have been the driveway. I couldn't see if there was a house at the end or not because where the corn field ended trees took the rest. There was an old mailbox, but no name. I started down the gravel driveway.

When I reached the woods, a deer popped out and startled me. It must have been eating the corn because it looked like it had some stuck on it's nose. The deer stood there and stared. I stared back, not moving even an inch. I wondered if I could reach out and touch it. As soon as I began to move my right arm, it jumped and took off the way it came. Dang. I started the journey once again.

It felt good in the shade.  I could hear something walking along the limbs, but they were so high I couldn't make out exactly what it was. In the distance, I could see what looked like a garage, with no door. This must be the place, I thought. When I could see the house, it looked abandoned. It was a old log cabin, with rotted wood, and one window was busted. The porch looked like it was about to cave in, and there were no cars. I wasn't sure if it was abanonded, or if she was really that poor. I walked around back to see if there was a back door I could use. I was too scared to walk up on the front porch. When I made it around to the back of the house, there was alot of  debris, and I couldn't tell if there was a back door. No one lives here. There could be no way someone could live like this. I began to feel more sorry for Samantha. On the other hand, where did she live? Behind the house were more woods, and off to the left side of the house was a trail leading in further to the woods. Well, since I'm here I thought. The trail was clean at least. I walked a little up hill till the land was flat again. I noticed a fence a little ways up. I moved on to see what it was. In front of me was a root that had been sticking out of the ground, and I didn't notice it until I was flat on my face. The taste of dirt was awful. After the initial shock, I started to pull myself up. Suddenly, I felt a hand grab my arm and pull. I started to scream till I realized who was pulling me. Samantha. "You ok?" She asked. "Yes, just clumsy." I replied. "What happened to you yesterday? You just vanished! I mean, I didn't even hear you leave." "Sorry." She said. "I should have said goodbye. I was just...well..." "Don't be embarassed." I butted in. "I don't care if you are poor, and you are pretty but you are nice. I don't care where you live. I am your friend. I would never hurt you. I am here for you. Who cares what other people say! Let them talk. There are going to be bullies everywhere you go so you just need to..." "They are dangerous! They hurt me!" she shouted. Shocked, I replied "They hurt you? How?" "We were by the creek.." she began. "The one next to my house? When?" I asked. "Maybe some other time." she said. I was stunned. How could people be so cruel? But if they followed her to the creek, why wasn't she scared enough to go back? Maybe she is more brave than I thought. Never underestimate anyone. "Let's go swim!" She yelled, and took off running. "Wait for me!" I shouted, and took off after her.

She ran the whole way. She was really fast. It seemed like everytime I blinked my eyes, she was further ahead. We finally made it to the creek. "Jump in!" she screamed. I felt like my body would just melt and my fluids would just run down this hill and drip into the water. I didn't bring any swim clothes, but neither did Samantha, so I just jumped in, shoes and all! We swam all day. The water felt so good. We laughed, splashed around, had races to see who could swim the fastest. It was so nice to have a friend.

At the end of the day, we lay on a rock that stuck over the water on one side of the hill. "My aunt Gretchen wants to meet you." I told her. "Would you like to come in for supper?" She made no sound. I wasn't even sure she heard me. She just sat there smiling. So I asked again. This time she looked at me. " I know her. Your aunt. We used to be friends." she said. "Really?" I asked. I was a little amazed. I thought she didn't talk to anyone around here.  The day I told her about Samantha, she had looked shocked. But if she knew her, then why didn't she say so? Did something happen? That could be why she didn't want me to go swimming with her that night. Something must have happened. I had to find out. "Listen, there is something I have to tell you." she said. If I was going to find out anything about what happened, I wanted to hear it from my aunt. I really liked Samantha, but I barely knew her. I would get the truth from Gretchen. There would be no reason why she would lie. "I'm not feeling really good, I think I need to go. The heat must have got to me or something." I said. I grabbed my shoes, and started up the hill. "Wanna meet here tomorrow?" she asked. "Sure, same time? "I'll be waiting." she said. She watched me go.

When I got to the top of the hill to where I didn't think she would see me, I took off running. A million thoughts ran through my head. When I reached the house, Gretchen was standing at the kitchen window. "Why were you running?" she asked. I had to stop a minute to catch my breath. "Aunt Gretchen, that girl, Samantha, did something happen?" Once again, she made that face. She looked like had seen a ghost. I knew it. "What did she say to you?" "Well, she said she knew you and the other day you acted strange when I told you about her. Is there a reason why?" I asked. She turned back toward the window. "Tell me what she said to you." Gretchen replied. I hesitated. The last thing I wanted was to lose the first real friend I made, but then again, I had to know what was going on. Things were starting to seem weird. "Just that she was bullied and some people hurt her." For a few minutes, there was silence. I wasn't sure what to do, or what to think. What is it? What happened? Finally, Gretchen moved away from the window, grabbed the car keys off the keyholder, and opened the door. " I want to show you something." She said. I followed her outside, more confused than ever! We got in the car, and made our way down the road. I looked back at the creek to see if Samantha was there, but she wasn't.

At first we rode in silence. Aunt Gretchen seemed anxious, like something was bothering her. About 3 miles we made a turn onto a gravel driveway. This was where Samantha lived! What is going on? When we made it to the house, she parked next to the woods, where the trail began. She turned the car off and glanced towards the woods. "This is where she lived." she began. Lived? So she doesn't live here. But, at the trail..I decided to quit thinking so much and listen to what she had to say. "Do you see that trail? There is something at the end I want to show you." We got out of the car, and headed up the trail.

I was starting to get anxious. I had no idea what she was about to show me. I never made it this far. Up the hill a little ways, there stood the fence that I had seen. I looked down to make sure I didn't trip on that root again, and kept up with Gretchen. When we reached the fence, she stopped. There in the middle covered with tall grass and dead leaves, was a headstone. We walked up closer. Gretchen began to speak. "Samantha was a beautiful girl, fun to be around, full of life. She lived here, down in that house. What you see now isn't much different than before. She was poor. People teased her, called her names, hit her. Some of them stalked her. She was my best friend." Best friend? I was stunned. I couldn't believe what she was telling me.  "There was these group of girls that hated her, and for no reason. They had money. They would follow us home, throw rocks at us. One day they circled us right outside the school. Threatened us. Samantha took off. I walked home by myself that day. The next morning, I waited for her. She never showed. She never showed up at school that day either. The next day, they found her in the creek. I was devastated. People at school laughed, said she deserved it. But for what? No one knew her. Never even took the time. For weeks, I cried. Then one day, she appeared out by the creek. I seen her when I was walking to school one day. I thought to myself, they were wrong. She wasn't dead! I ran over towards her, and grabbed her and hugged her so tight. We talked for hours, went swimming, just hung out. That happened the next day, and the next. One day, she told me. She told me what happened. Those girls. They found her down by the creek. They taunted her, pushed her around. She fell in the water. They held her down. She drowned. She was dead. She really was gone. I didn't know what to think at first. I mean, I'm talking to her, but she isn't real.  She wanted me to tell people. I didn't know how. I mean, some kid just walk up and say 'Hey, they killed my friend! I was scared. She begged me. I couldn't find the courage to do it. So I started to ignore her. Years later, she finally stopped approaching me. But, that didn't stop other people. Spirits I mean. Ever since then, spirits find me, and wanna talk to me. All the portraits I paint, are the spirits that visit me. I can't help them, but I never forget them. I can't face this..gift...or whatever you call it. If I couldn't do it for my friend, then no one else. Beth, I think you have that gift. I never believed mama when she told us about it. But she was right. Not a curse. A gift. Skipping every generation. Your mother knew. The only person I told. I have never told another soul until now." I felt faint. I could not put this together and make sense of it. "Beth, she wants you to tell. She is going to ask you. She can't rest in peace until they know." Then she fell silent. I started to cry. This was unbelievable. After I pulled myself together, I kneeled down beside the headstone, pushed away the dead leaves, and there right in front of me, was Samantha Moore's headstone. We sat there for a while. Me, Beth Hutchinson, could talk to spirits. A medium. What does this really mean? My mind raced, and my heart was broke. After all these years, Samantha could not move on. She had been violated, and things had to be right for her to go. I stood up, wiped my tears, and said "Gretchen, I can't do it." "What?" she shrieked. "Gretchen, this was your friend. Is your friend. She reached out to you. She never really left. Let go of the pain. Do this..for you and for her." A tear rolled down her face. With her head down, she looked over at the headstone. She stood up, placed her hands on my shoulder, and said "Beth..." but stopped. She was looking at something past me. I turned around. Standing there, was Samantha.

A few weeks later, things got better. I was happier now. Me and Gretchen seemed close. We did gardening together, I have took up painting, and we both have been sneaking out in the middle of the night to take a dip in the creek. It has been awhile since we have seen Samantha. We feel she is at peace now. Even though a long time had passed, we knew there wasn't anything anyone could do. Samantha must have decided that letting it out was enough, and that her only friend, my aunt Gretchen, found peace as well. What happened to her was a tragedy. Because of her, I decided to do some anti-bullying to make sure that this or anything else doesn't happen to anyone.

I haven't had any visitors...yet. I have looked into people with this power that I have. I have learned to accept my gift. We all have one. I will be ready when someone needs me. This is what I am supposed to do.

It was a chilly night. This was the first night that I left my window closed. I finished reading a chapter of the current novel I was reading, laid my book down on the nightstand, told my mother goodnight, and swithced off the light. Gretchen poked her head in the door "Goodnight." "Goodnight." I replied. I rolled over and shut my eyes. School started tomorrow. I will be ready. A few seconds later, I heard "Goodnight." At first, I thought I must have dozed off, so I just ignored it. Then I heard someone call my name. "Beth..." The voice was familiar. I sat up and switched on the light. My first visitor. Someone needed to see me. Now this was the biggest smile I have worn in a long time. My first visitor, the brightest star in the sky, the one who always smiled and made my life so wonderful, my mother.