11 Samuel Pt.1

amuel stood before Adan and motioned out his left hand. Their surroundings changed until they were in what looked like a small village. The houses were made of wood and stones; the people wore colonial-style clothing. Adan was amazed. “Wh-Where are we?”

“We are still in New York; when I was alive, I lived in a small village close to the ocean waters. My family and I believed that living by the waters would bring us good fortune and opportunities.”

Adan saw another version of Samuel walking within the village with logs on hand. “Life was hard in my time, but my family and I were grateful for what we had. We had enough to help us get by. However, when I was twelve, my mother died of illness; my father and I were devastated. My father became a changed man.”

Adan noticed the sadness in Samuel’s eyes.

“My father became a drunkard, and we were slowly getting by. My family had a farm, and I had to keep it afloat. However, it was difficult since I had my father to watch over. When I turned eighteen, my father was killed in a bar fight. He died a destroyed man.”

“Oh man, sorry you had to go through that. I can’t imagine losing your parents like that, especially in a time like these.”

Samuel nodded. “Yes, however, I was in the process of losing the lands because of the debt my father left me. That’s when I decided to buy slaves.”

Adan quickly eyed Samuel.

“You must understand times were different in my time than yours. I didn’t want to rely on slaves, but I was desperate to have no choice. It was either that or live in the streets.” Samuel waved his hand, and the environment changed where Samuel was working the fields with four slaves; two men and two women. “I used most of the money I had left to buy a family. I have witnessed many cries and the misery of slaves being separated throughout my years. You can say I know how it feels to have your family taken away from you.”

Adan watched the image of Samuel working with the enslaved family. He noticed that the family didn’t look very miserable. “You seem to have treated them well.”

“Well, of course. They may be slaves, but they also assisted me in getting out of debt. With their work, I was able to do the harvest. I could buy more slaves, but I didn’t want to have more responsibility of caring for many. Yet, I saw them as my own family—the two men, twins Issachar and Judah. The two women are a mother and daughter; Rachel and Delilah are also related to the twins.”

Adan watched as Samuel and the family worked and talked to one another; they all seemed to be at peace and happy. “Well, you seemed to get along with them. Why didn’t you give them their freedom?”

Samuel sighed. “It was not so simple in my time. Unfortunately, the family didn’t have an education, and it was expensive in those days. I wasn’t fully educated since I had to work on the farm. Also, I wasn’t ready to let them go.” The young man cleared his throat. “I-I was also in love with Delilah.”

“Woah, you were in love with a slave. I bet Crystal would have loved to listen to this story.”

“Ah, your female friend. If I may say, you have feelings for her, do you not?”

Adan tried to hide a blush, but it was futile.

“There is no shame; that young lady seems to have a good heart and ambition. Although, you seem to question that ambition and now look where we are.”

“Anyway, what happened? Did Delilah know you had feelings for her?”

“She did and felt the same sentiment. However, we couldn’t let out feelings known in society; it was looked down upon and could have been dangerous.” Samuel was silent for a bit. “However, now I regret falling in love with the wrong woman.”

This caught Adan’s attention. “Why do you say that?”

“I taught her as many things as I could, and she taught me certain things that would have gotten us hanged.”

“Are you saying?”

“Delilah showed me voodoo and dark magic, which was my downfall.”

12 Samuel Pt.2

Adan was still. “You were taught voodoo and black magic? Oh man, that’s not good. That’s what I keep telling Crystal, not to mess with the paranormal crap. So you took the risk?”

Samuel nodded. “I did, and even now, I regret doing so. However, my curiosity got the best of me, and I learned the religion and spells.” He moved his hand and showed Adan how Samuel and Delilah were practicing voodoo and other forms of black magic. Adan would occasionally look away when there were some sexual activities involved.

“Okay, so what happened next?”

Samuel was silent for a moment. “As I mentioned, Delilah and I developed feelings for one another. She wanted me to give her and her family freedom. Even though I loved her dearly, it would have been a risk since I needed them to work the lands. Also, I would lose the townspeople’s respect, and I could lose business. However, one day, a landowner was interested in becoming partners. I was also interested for it could help my conditions, but there was something I had to do.”

“Which is?”

“The landowner suggested an arranged marriage between his daughter and me.”

Adan was intrigued. “What did you do?”

“I accepted; it was an opportunity that I couldn’t miss. I accepted, but Delilah didn’t take it well. I knew I hurt her, and she threatened to tell everyone about the voodoo activities. So I-I threatened to sell all her family apart or accuse them of witchcraft if she dared say something.”

“Dude, not cool.”

Samuel looked down, ashamed. “I know. It was terrible to threaten such a thing, but I was desperate for a better life than my forefathers. Anyway, then this happened.”

Both men were inside the house; it was dark outside and snowing. Delilah’s family was in their shack, resting. Samuel was in his room writing some paperwork when a knock on the door. Delilah entered without permission. She wore a long pale white dress; her short curly black hair was disarray. Her eyes looked tear-stricken; her face had some small scars due to the pox. “Samuel.”

“Delilah, you should be asleep.”

The young slave woman entered. “I can’t sleep. Please, don’t marry that woman. She won’t make you happy.”

“Not this again, please, Delilah.” Samuel stood, and he walked to Delilah, hugging her. “You know our union can never be. Our lives will not be the same. This is my one chance to make a better life.”

“You expect me to be your mistress? If you marry that woman, she gonna find out, anyway!”

The young man was silent as he turned away from Delilah. “No, she won’t. I decided to sell you all to another landowner that needs more slaves.”

Delilah stilled. “Wh-What did you just say?”

“You heard me. I realized that keeping you all here is too risky. Don’t worry; this landowner is known to treat his slaves well.”

“No, you lie! You lie!”

Samuel eyed her, emotionless. “As serious as can be.”

Tears formed in Delilah’s eyes. “All that happened between us meant nothin’ to you!”

He didn’t respond as he turned his back to her. “You all will leave first thing tomorrow morning. Now sleep. You will need all your energy. I’m sorry. Truly I am.”

Delilah felt her heartache in agony; she couldn’t think straight. Anger, betrayal, and hurt overcame her. She began to speak another language while taking a knife out under her dress. Samuel turned, but then Delilah ran to him, stabbing him in the chest. Samuel felt pain and shock over the sudden action. “D-DELILAH!?”

She continued to stab him while speaking another language; his blood spilled on the floor. Samuel tried to get her off of him, but he was too weak. Samuel could no longer fight back or make any movement. He was dead.

Delilah stopped stabbing him and speaking; she was breathing heavily. She heard footsteps entering the house and looked behind her; it was her family. Her family was in shock. “Delilah, what did you do!?” screamed Rachel.

“H-He was going to leave me, sell us. I-I lost control.”

“You damn child! You killed him, a white man! They can hang us for this!” cried Rachel.

Judah and Issachar eyed one another. “We gotta bury his body! No one will know what happened to him!” said Judah.

The twins got a white sheet, covered Samuel’s lifeless body, and carried him outside. It was snowing, but the ground wasn’t fully covered in snow yet. The twins dug a grave and put Samuel in it, burying him. Delilah and her family looked through the house, found a gold coins bag, and left the house.

Samuel moved his hand, and they were in a dark environment. “Delilah killed me in my own home. Before I died, Delilah laid a curse upon me that my body and soul will never rest, that I am to spend on the Earth for eternity. However, that’s not all; it seemed that all the spells and rituals we have done released an evil in my home.”

Adan was shocked by what he had seen; he didn’t know what to feel or think. “Wait, Delilah killed you in your house. D-Does that mean?”

“That house that you are in was mine. My body was never found, but my disappearance didn’t go unnoticed. Everyone immediately suspected Delilah and her family. I didn’t know what happened afterward. After my death, my soul was entrapped in the house. I am unable to be at rest. I am to spend on the Earth for eternity. Yet, that’s not all.”

“Wh-What?”

Samuel sighed. “The evil in the house that Delilah and I unknowingly unleashed is also trapped within the house and is trying to escape. Many occupants who lived in my home had felt its wrath, but many escaped. However, one family was not so fortunate.”

Adan gulped. “Y-You mean the DeFeo Family?”

“Indeed. That young man, Ronald DeFeo, was a troubled soul, for his father hurt him, and his mother did nothing to stop the violence. Ronald took an interest in the occult, and I was able to communicate with him; we both had some similarities. Unfortunately, he was able to communicate with the evil, which I have come to find out is a demon.”

“Oh hell.”

“I did my best to protect and teach Ronald what I knew to defend himself, but the demon was too strong and possessed him. The possessed Ronald killed his family, but I was able to free him with my little power, but it was too late. His family was killed, and was blamed for a crime he didn’t commit of his own will.”

Adan was silent for a bit. “Wait, if you and this demon are in the same house, can it hurt you?”

“I wondered that myself, but I come to find out that since Delilah and I were the ones that let it out from the pits of hell, it couldn’t hurt us. Our essence alone keeps it on Earth and away from hell, but it seems it wants to possess a body to get out of the house.”

“That makes a bit more sense. I thought demons and spirits could follow its victims.”

“It would depend on the spirit or demon and if a spell or ritual was used. The demon is close to me, and my soul is entrapped in the house. However, I found a possible answer by I could not leave. My body.”

Adan cringed. “Your body? Oh yeah, it was buried.”

Samuel nodded. Though bone, my body still carries some of my essences and the curse, which could be why I am still trapped in the house.”

“Oh, so what do you need to do with your own body? It’s bones now.”

“I need to reverse the curse to be in peace finally. Once the curse and essence are gone, the demon can return to hell; the house can finally be free from the evil.”

The two men looked at one another, but Adan noticed a look on Samuel’s face. “Wait, please don’t tell me.”

“Adan, I need your help to get my body out of the Earth where I can lift this curse once and for all. I will not lie, it will not be easy, and it can have risks.”

“Look, man, I’m sorry what happened to you, but I don’t want to mess with this stuff. I-”

“The evil already put its essence on you and your friend, it can make you go mad, and your only solution is for you both to go into the house. You both are already in a mess. As I said, I would like to help you, so I need to do something that might sound frightening and insane.”

Adan gulped. “Which is?”

“I might need you to lend me your body.”

13 One

Adan stood in shock. “Wait a minute. You want to what?”

Samuel sighed. “I need to possess your body to find my remains and undo the curse. I can finally be in peace and put the evil back to hell.”

“There is no way in hell! I can’t let a ghost possess me! It’s like the movies; something always happens.”

“What is a movie?”

Adan let out an annoyed groan. “Look, it doesn’t matter! What I want to say is no. I don’t fully trust you!”

“It is understandable, Adan. You were the wise one, but unfortunately, your female friend has attracted the evil. The evil is after you.”

“Me!? You said it’s after Crystal! She was the one who created this whole mess.”

Samuel stood there stunned. He shook his head. “I cannot believe my hearing. When I first saw you both, I could tell you held such feelings for the young lady. Now, you go back on those feelings and make her face the evil alone. I never met such a coward.”

Adan glared at Samuel. “Well, I told her not to investigate the house! She has more of the blame.”

“Even if it so, why did you decide to go with her, even if it went against your better judgment? If I had to guess, she knew of your cowardice, but you wanted to prove her wrong. You decided to go with her to prove the bravery you never had.” Samuel shook his head. “It seems the young lady could still see through the facade. You will never win her heart or the heart of any young lady. They will realize who you are.”

Suddenly, Adan got a hold of Samuel’s shirt; rage was apparent on Adan’s face. “Who the hell do you think you are!? It’s your fault that you practiced things you shouldn’t have! You also led Delilah into believing that you would be with her! Everything happened because of you!”

Samuel looked unfazed. “Indeed, I have admitted my sins and accept responsibility. However, unlike yourself, I want nothing more than to face my sins and put a stop to it once and for all.” The young man eyed Adan. “As much as you want to coward away, it is now impossible. You are much involved, and the evil will stop at nothing to get to you, like how he got that poor Ronald.”

Adan’s lips began to tremble.

“Listen to me, Adan. I understand that you are afraid; I am too. Even though I have been dead for what seems like an eternity, I still feel fear. I am tired of living on Earth in this house that is a bitter reminder of my failures and sins. If I have to go to the bottom pits of hell, then so be it.” Samuel grabbed Adan’s hand, squeezing it while glaring at him. “No matter how both we try to escape, we never will. To stop one’s suffering, one has to face it. We both need each other’s help.”

The two men were silent for a while. Adan let Samuel go. “If-If I let you do this, how will it work?”

“Well, I can only take possession for a certain number of hours, and then my soul will be released. We only have a limited amount of time. However, while I am in your body, I can transfer parts of my powers to your body. You will still be a part of your body; we can switch. So worry not. You can still be in control.”

Adan was about to respond, but the men heard a voice from afar. “Adan! Adan! Wake up! Wake up!”

“It seems your friend has found you. What is your decision, Adan?”

……………………………..

Crystal and Bobby entered the house. Crystal woke up and was going to ask Adan if he wanted to get breakfast, but he was nowhere to be found. All his belongings were still in his room. Even though Crystal didn’t have her phone, she used the house’s phone to call Bobby about the situation. It was unlike Adan to leave and more strange that he didn’t take his stuff with him.

Bobby arrived at Crystal’s location. The one place she could think of was the house. What other place could he have gone? Bobby was silent and worried. He told her that there could be something in the house after all. It made Crystal wonder, too, and it made her feel guilty. The two arrived at the house, Bobby opened the door, and they entered.

The two looked everywhere in the house until Crystal noticed a door slightly opened. She slowly opened it and went downstairs. That’s when she saw Adan and went to him. She began to shake him. “Adan! Adan! Wake up! Wake up!”

Bobby heard her screams and went to the room.

Crystal felt worried and scared that Adan wasn’t responding. She was about to call out to him, but then Adan opened his eyes. His eyes were wide; he let out a deep breath. Crystal let out a loud squeal of relief. Tears were forming in her eyes. “Adan, thank goodness you’re okay! I was worried sick!” She put her head on his chest, hearing his heart breathing.

The young man slowly put his hand on Crystal’s head. “I am well, Crystal. All will be well soon enough.”

14 New World

Adan slowly sat up as he looked around; he massaged his head as he was in pain. Crystal stood and helped him stand. “Adan, you scared me shitless! I thought something bad happened to you!”

Bobby sighed. “Come on, let’s get out of here. We can’t be in the house for long.” All three slowly got out of the house. Adan was quiet as he motioned to the car. During the car ride, Crystal noticed Adan was looking out the window while being quiet.

“Adan, please say something. I know I yelled at you, and I’m sorry, but you made me very worried.”

The young man didn’t say anything as he looked out the window. Crystal was about to speak, but Bobby cleared his throat. “Crystal, don’t pressure him. He will talk when he wants to. Eventually, he will tell you what happened.” Crystal glanced at Adan but agreed not to pressure him to speak. The car ride to the bed and breakfast was quiet. They arrived at their destination. “Crystal, are ya sure ya wanna go back to the house?”

“I will wait for you at 9 pm.”

Bobby nodded, and he went on his way.

Crystal motioned Adan to follow her, which he did. Once inside, Crystal motioned him to his room. “Adan, now, will you please tell me what happened?”

Adan looked around the room and then sat on the bed. “I’m hungry.”

Crystal nodded. “Okay, I will pick up some food for you. Will you be okay by yourself?”

“Yes.”

The young woman went out to buy breakfast for the both of them. Adan was left alone. Once he realized that he was alone, the young man let out a long sigh. “That was close. It has been so long since I was flesh. I am still trying to get used to this. I have to make Crystal think I’m Adan.” Samuel, in Adan’s body, stood and looked around the room. My goodness, such extravagance, much more so than in my lifetime.”

Samuel then lay on the bed, stretching his body. It’s wonderful to be human once again, but it is temporary for the moment. Samuel concentrated deep in his mind. “Adan, are you there?”

“What the hell happened? Where am I?” asked Adan.

“You are in your subconscious, but you will still be able to control your body. How are you feeling?”

“Tired and weak.”

“That tends to happen, but you shall get used to it. Adan, I haven’t spoken to your friend, and I am at a loss of your era. I do not know much about your trinkets and form of transportation. You must teach me.”

Adan was silent for a moment. “Geez, I forgot to take that into account. So what now? I want to get everything over with.”

Samuel bit his lower lip. “Well, we cannot tell your friend about this; she will think we are mad. Also, I don’t wish her to be harmed. However, we need some supplies to put the evil back into hell. Once we have the materials, we can try to find my remains.”

“Cool, what materials do you need?”

“Herbs, crystals, and more. Do you have them in this house?”

“No, this is a bed and breakfast place, like an inn. If you need that kind of material, you’ll have to go to a store that sells those things. Go to my laptop.”

Samuel looked around and saw it. “This is a laptop, swell. What do I need to do?” Adan instructed him what to do step by step. Samuel was amazed at how the technology worked. He slowly typed what Adan told him; he was getting impatient. Eventually, they were at google and found many places that sold voodoo or wiccan materials. “Extradonory, this ‘laptop’ tells you where you can go. Well, this voodoo shop looks near and has the needed materials.”

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Samuel immediately closed the laptop. “Enter.”

Crystal entered with a bag. “I went to Ihop and got us some food.”

“Ah, yes, thank you.” Samuel cleared his throat. He felt a little nervous, fearing that she would suspect something.

Crystal set the food down and gave him his. “Are you feeling better?”

Samuel opened the tray of food; he began to salivate at the smell and sight of it. “Ah, yes. Much better.” Suddenly, Samuel felt Crystal’s hand on his forehead. Her hand was soft and warm; he didn’t know why, but he blushed.

“You’re cold, Adan. Well, you were in that house for a while. Are you ready to talk about it?”

Samuel cleared his throat. “N-Not at the moment; I need some rest if you don’t mind. I need to clear my head.”

Crystal sighed. “Okay, I will leave you alone if you want. Just make sure to eat and gain your strength back. I will be in my room if you need anything.” She walked out of the room with her tray of food. She made it inside her room and sat on her bed. Crystal felt that something was wrong with Adan, and there was something that he was keeping from her. It was strange that Adan was in the house since he was always fearful of the paranormal. It made her wonder if Adan saw or knew something. Crystal didn’t know why, but she had a gut feeling that there were more things to come.

15 Store

It was night, and Crystal was getting ready to go to the house to investigate more. She went to Adan’s door and knocked. “Enter.”

“Hey Adan, how are you feeling?”

“Better. Are you going to the house?”

Crystal nodded. “I think you should stay here, Adan. I’m worried about you enough as it is.”

“Yes, I think so. I wouldn’t want to interfere with your work.”

The young woman entered the room. She noticed Adan sitting on the bed, looking forward. She sat next to him. “Adan, what happened in that house. You’re a scaredy-cat most of the time. It’s not like you to go alone.”

Samuel mentally chuckled while Adan let out an embarrassed groan. “Yes, but things changed.”

“You seemed to have changed. Adan, please tell me what happened?”

Samuel, in Adan’s body, looked at Crystal. He had to admit that Crystal had a beautiful face. It had been a long time since he was close to a woman. Samuel cleared his throat. “You shouldn’t go in that house, Crystal. It is too dangerous.”

“Is it because of the ghost in the house? Adan, I’m getting close to finding out the truth! This could be our one chance to prove that Ronald DeFeo was innocent.”

“Crystal, even if you find the truth, many people won’t care or believe you. You will only put yourself at risk.”

Crystal raised her eyebrows. “Adan, I told you this before. Even if many people don’t believe me, some people will know that Ronald DeFeo was innocent. If you were in his shoes, wouldn’t you want someone to prove your innocence?”

“I would, but you don’t know what danger you have put us in.”

The young woman was silent. “Tell me what happened.”

Samuel was contemplating for a moment. “I know it will be hard to believe, but I felt something was calling me. It was as if something was controlling my body.”

“Woah, are you saying that something possessed you?”

“Yes, I felt I was aware that my body was moving, but I had no control over it. I can’t explain it.” Samuel was silent for a moment. “I fear for you, Crystal. You are messing with something evil.”

The two were silent until they heard a horn honking. “That must be Bobby; I need to go.”

“So you’re still going? Then it will be up to you. All I can say is be careful.”

The two looked at one another until Crystal went on her way, leaving Samuel alone. Samuel stood up from bed and looked out the window, watching Crystal and Bobby driving away. Samuel let out a sigh. “I never imagined that your friend is very persistent and stubborn.”

“Tell me about it. I told you!” said Adan. “Now that she’s gone, we can go to the store. I’ll instruct you how to use the Lyft app.”

Samuel let out a sigh. “More use of such contraception.”

For an hour, Adan instructed Samuel to use the cellphone and app. Samuel was amazed at the technology that people in the modern time had to use. Eventually, Samuel was able to get the hang of it. He waited for their ride. When it did, Samuel was being taken to his destination. He was quiet during the ride and looked more at the city. He never felt so free being back in the living world. So much has changed in the last hundreds of years. Samuel would have never imagined that he would see how his homeland changed.

Suddenly, the car stopped. “Yo, we’re here,” said the driver.

“Ah, thank you, sir.” Samuel got out of the car, and the driver drove off. He looked ahead and saw the store he was looking for. “Botanica Voodoo, let us see what it is inside.” He entered, and a scent of sage hit his nose. “Reminds me of those times.”

“Okay, dude, let’s focus here. Let’s get what we need and get out of here. This place gives me the creeps,” said Adan.

Samuel walked inside and looked around. There was a young woman who was of African descent. The young woman was in her early twenties; her black hair was short and curly, tied in a bun. She had a slim figure and wore a black tank top, blue jeans, and black sandals. She had a couple of tattoos on both her arms. “Welcome. Would you like some assistance?”

“Ah, not at the moment. I will look around but call you if I need it.” Samuel got a small cart while looking for things he needed. He felt the young woman looking at him but tried to ignore her as he began to get specific materials.

“I’ll be honest; we don’t get a lot of white customers here in my shop. Not many of them practice voodoo; it scares them. The name is Abeni.”

Samuel looked at her. “The name is Adan. It is nice to meet you; I’m sure that my appearance must have surprised you. Voodoo can sound terrifying, but if one takes the time to learn and understand it, there is nothing to fear.”

Abeni smiled as she watched him shop. “Are you trying to do a ritual?”

“You know by looking what I am interested in? You truly are impressive, Abeni. Forgive me, by the sound of your accent, you are not from here, are you?” asked Samuel.

“Wow, you are sharp. To answer your question, my family and I are from Ghana. I came here with my grandparents, and they made this shop. I now run it with the help of my grandmother.” Abeni put her head on her hand. “So, what kind of ritual are you going to do?”

Samuel smiled. “It’s something soothing. I have gone through so much in my life; I need some stability.” He finished getting what he needed and went to pay. The two kept speaking to one another; Abeni was fascinated with Samuel. She liked how calm, relaxed and wise he was.

Samuel finished paying. “Well, thank you for your time, Abeni.”

“Hey, do you live nearby?”

“Well, I have taken some transportation to arrive here. It didn’t seem long.”

“Can I have your phone number?” she asked.

Samuel and Adan were shocked. “Dude, what the hell!? You were able to get her interest! Give her my phone number!” Adan told Samuel the number which Samuel gave to her.

Abeni then sent a small text to Adan’s phone, which was received. “Maybe we can go get a drink sometime.”

“Sounds lovely.”

Suddenly, they heard footsteps coming their way. They looked to their left and saw an older woman wearing a traditional Ghana dress and jewelry; her face was filled with wrinkles. The older woman looked to be in her late sixties and was a bit hunchbacked. The older woman stilled as she looked at Samuel.

“Hey Adan, this is my grandmother Erzulie. Grandmother, this is Adan.”

“Hello, madam,” Erzulie said nothing. Her hard eyes looked at Samuel. “Well then, I must be off. Thank you, and good day Abeni.”

Abeni bit her lower lip. “He’s mysterious, grandmother.”

“Stay away from that man.”

The young woman looked at her grandmother. “What? Why?”

“I sense something in him. There is more to him that can lead him to be dangerous. Do not speak with that man again.”

Abeni was silent but didn’t seem fazed by her grandmother’s words. “We’ll see if that’s true.”

16 Uncertainty

Samuel returned to the bed and breakfast with a bag of food he picked up before Uber went to pick him up. Adan had a craving for Chinese food, and with his instructions, Samuel got the food. Once back in his room, he was amazed at the smell. “My goodness, such a tantalizing smell; I have never smelled something so delicious, even from my own time.”

“Try it out, and then I can regain control of my body.”

Samuel opened the case as she saw the food: green bean chicken, orange chicken, fried rice, and chow mein. He felt his mouth salivate at sight; using the plastic fork, he got a piece of orange chicken. Samuel felt as if he was in heaven. He never tasted delicious food. “This is heavenly! I never thought that something this delicious would exist!”

Adan was stunned. “This food is considered common in our standards, but glad you like it. Try a couple more pieces, and then you can let me have control of my body.”

Samuel ate a couple more pieces of food until he gave Adan control of his body. Adan let out a deep breath. “Man, it’s so good to have control of my body! It felt weird being trapped in my mind.”

“Indeed, one needs to get used to it. I thank you for your cooperation and for letting me experience some parts of your world.”

Adan began to eat his food. “You bet, so what are we going to do now? You got these creepy materials for this ritual.”

“Well, we need to go back to the house to find the remains of my body. However, I just remembered something else.”

“Which is?”

Samuel sighed. “I’m going to need assistance from another person with voodoo experience. We can ask Abeni from the shop.”

This made Adan choke on a piece of his food. “Dude, are you serious? You didn’t tell me this before.”

“When I took control of your body, my memories faded for a moment. However, this ritual can be dangerous. Since I am no longer in my body, I don’t have the same power as I used to. However, Abeni may have voodoo experience, which can be very useful.”

“I don’t know, man; that Abeni chick is hot, but she’ll think we’re crazy. Besides, she won’t even want to participate.”

“She seemed intrigued with us and has an interest in voodoo. As she mentioned, she has never seen a man of our color interested in the art of voodoo. Also, judging by her expression, Abeni seems open to exploring new things.”

Adan drank a can of Pepsi. “You seem very confident that she will agree to it.”

Samuel chuckled. “Indeed, I have lived for many years; many things don’t change regarding the female mind and heart. Besides, you seem to have terrible luck with women.”

This made the young man blush. “I-I had my fair share of dates!”

“So you say. You like your friend but cannot seem to earn her heart. Call Abeni; it can do you good to have experience with females. Who knows, maybe there can be something new for you both.”

“Well, this state isn’t my actual home. Crystal and I will eventually go back home.”

It was silent between the men. “I see. Well, many things can change. Perhaps Crystal may not be the woman for you. It may not work out if you have been friends for years; it happens. Anyway, it is best you rest. Tonight we need to go to the house.”

“Crystal will be there.”

“We will wait until she returns and rests. I will take control when we go to the house. The evil entity will try anything to stop us.”

Adan didn’t respond and was beginning to lose his appetite. He dreaded going back to the house and trying to find a dead body. So many thoughts and feelings were going through him. However, he thought about what Samuel said about the opportunity to meet other women. Yet, it was Samuel that picked up Abeni, not him. Adan didn’t want to feel or think about it but was jealous. Even though he has been dead and trapped in the house for hundreds of years, he was smooth enough to get a woman’s phone number.

The young man couldn’t believe a man from a different time had the confidence and skill he had always wanted. Samuel didn’t say anything, but he could feel Adan’s feelings. It was something natural for humans. However, Samuel was planning for their next moves; his main concern was Adan himself. Samuel didn’t want to hurt Adan’s feelings, but the young man was quite the coward.

However, he would take control when finding his body. Yet, Samuel thought it would do Adan good to spend time with Abeni while he was on the sidelines for support.

…………………………………

Crystal and Bobby made it to the house. Bobby was intrigued and asked Crystal if he could stay to see if there was anything paranormal. Crystal agreed since Bobby has done so much for her and Adan. They entered the house; a chill went through them. “I will be in the parents’ room to see if I can get anything. You can explore around for a bit.”

“Ya, no problem. I’ll see if anything happens.”

The two went their separate ways. Crystal made it to Ronald Sr and Louise DeFeo’s room. The young woman wanted to see if there was any activity in any of the rooms, not just Ronald Jr’s room. She made it inside and closed the door behind her. Crystal began to light up candles and prepared to communicate with the other side. She was ready; she said her chants, and everything was silent.

“Is there anyone here?”

There was no response. “Ronald Sr, Louise, are you both in this room?”

Nothing.

“Is the evil spirit here?”

Suddenly, the planchette moved. “Hello, Crystal.”

This made the young woman still for a moment. “Hello, whoever you are. I’ve returned. Are you happy?”

“Yes.”

“I’ve come here to see if any of the DeFeo family are in this house. Tell me, are any of them still trapped here?”

“No.”

Crystal couldn’t bring herself to trust in the spirit. She felt as if it was playing games with her. Crystal read that evil spirits will trick anyone who contacts them. However, she wanted to know the spirit’s motive and what it was. “My friend Adan was here. Did you have something to do with it?”

“Almost.”

This confused Crystal. “What do you mean?”

The planchette moved. “Memories.”

This confused her even more. “Memories? What are you talking about?”

The planchette began to scurry all over the board. Crystal was confused, but then she felt a painful headache; her heart was beating rapidly. She felt as if losing control of her body; she became weak. To her shock, Crystal was floating mid-air, above the board. The young woman wanted to scream for Bobby but felt she had no voice within her. Her eyes turned to the back of her head. She lost consciousness.

Suddenly, Crystal woke up. Her heart was beating rapidly. “Wh-What the hell was that!? Bobby!?” She looked around but realized that she was still in the room, but something was off. The room looked occupied. The young woman stood and realized that the ouija board was no longer on the floor. Crystal left the room; it was day, and the house looked lively. The house was quiet, but she kept on calling for Bobby. She got down the stair. Then, she heard the door knob move; the door opened.

Crystal’s eyes were wide open; it was Ronald DeFeo Jr.

17 Ronald DeFeo Jr. Pt.1

Crystal was beyond confused. One moment she was in the DeFeo house trying to communicate with spirits, and now she is in the house, seeing the actual supposed killer. Ronald entered the house. As he looked forward, he walked toward Crystal.

Crystal walked backward. “Hey, don’t get closer!” Ronald didn’t seem to listen as he continued to walk. The young woman tripped and was about to yell again, but to her surprise, Ronald walked through her. “What the!?” She stood up on her own two feet and went to a table to touch it; her hand went through the table.

This confused the young woman, but she saw Ronald putting some bags on the kitchen table. “Mom, I brought groceries as you wanted me to!” The young man held onto one bag and looked like he was trying to hide it.

The young man went towards his room but stopped as a young boy ran to him. “Hey Ronny, you’re home! Did you bring candy this time!?”

Ronald smiled. “Sorry, John. You know ma won’t allow candy unless there is a party.”

Crystal raised an eyebrow. “John? Wait, that was the youngest member of the DeFeo family. What the heck is going on?”

John rolled his eyes as he looked through the grocery bags. Suddenly, Ronald’s other young siblings, Allison and Marc, arrived in the kitchen to see if Ronald had brought anything good. Ronald made sure to keep the bag he was holding a secret. As he walked toward his room, his mother, Louise, caught him. “Thanks for bringing the groceries, Ronny. You made sure not to buy candy for the kids this time, right?”

“Don’t worry, ma. I got what you wrote on the list. I also didn’t buy candy this time.”

Louise then noticed the bag. “What did you get, Ronny?”

“I was itching something for myself, ma. I got some books I found in the bookstore.”

“You? Read books?”

Ronald sighed. “Yeah, ma. I need something to make me feel better after what happened yesterday.” He then walked past his mom, who stood silently. The young man made it to his room; Crystal followed him as he closed and locked the door behind him. Ronald sighed as he began to unbag what he had in his bag. Crystal’s eyes widened when she saw that Ronald had taken out an ouija board. “No way. He got an ouija board.”

The young man smiled as he opened the box. “Finally, I can finally connect with the spirit.”

This caught Crystal’s attention. “Spirit? Wait, is it the same spirit that was communicating with me?” That was when Crystal realized what was going on. “Are these memories of what happened that day?”

Ronald was about to open the box until there was a knock on the door. He immediately hid the box under his bed and went to open the door. His sister, Dawn, was the second eldest of the family. Out of all his siblings, Ronald felt closer to Dawn since they grew up together and understood one another. Dawn smiled. “Hey Ronny, can I come in? I need your advice on something.”

Ronald nodded as he left his sister to enter; Dawn sat on a wooden chair. As she sat down, she noticed a box under his bed. Dawn was able to make sense of some words but said nothing. “What did you want to talk about?”

“Well, school is almost done, and college decisions have come out. I got a letter that I got accepted to UCLA in California.”

“Wow, congratulations! Wasn’t that your dream school?” The young man was happy for his sister but saddened that his sister might leave for California. He did love his siblings, but Dawn was his favorite sibling since they were close to age, and she would listen to him whenever he had no one else to speak to. However, he didn’t want to be selfish and not let his sister follow her dreams.

“Yeah, and I’m nervous to tell mom and dad. You know how mom gets emotional when talking about moving out of state. I was also worried about, you know, dad.”

Ronald’s face became solemn. He knew their father would be the biggest problem since he had a temper. Their father always confused them; he would be nice for one moment, and then for the other, he would push them or hit them. “Don’t worry about pa. If worst comes to worst, then I’ll handle them. Are you going to tell them the news during dinner?”

Dawn nodded. “I’m kind of scared.”

“Hey, you worked hard to get where you are. I didn’t take the opportunities when I had the chance. Don’t make the same mistakes as I did.”

The young woman nodded as she stood and walked toward the door. “Thanks, Ronny. By the way, I wouldn’t play with that toy under your bed. I heard they’re dangerous.” With that, Dawn got out of the room.

Ronald chuckled. “I guess we’ll see about that.”

Crystal watched everything unfold and couldn’t help but feel a nervous sensation in her gut.

18 Ronald DeFeo Jr. Pt.2

Ronald decided to play the ouija board after everyone went to sleep. He didn’t want to risk anyone catching him trying the board. His sister, Dawn, knew what he had, but she wouldn’t tell a soul; the two were close. They would defend one another. It was time for dinner; everyone heard the door open; it was the patriarch, Ronald DeFeo Sr.

Ronald Jr had a love and hate relationship with his father. His father was loving and caring, but sometimes he would go into a blind rage. When Ronald Sr. came home, no one knew if he would be in a good or bad mood. It was like tossing a coin; they never knew what side of their father they would get. Louise went to her husband to greet him. “Hello, honey. How was your day at work?”

The patriarch glared at his wife as he gave her his lunch bag. “Is dinner ready?”

“Yes, I will get everything ready. Everyone, sit down for dinner.”

Meanwhile, Crystal was watching everything going down. She noticed how tense everyone was when Ronald Sr arrived. “I guess they’re afraid of him.”

When everyone sat in their seat, Louise and Dawn served plates with dinner and everyone’s drinks. Everyone was having steak with rice and asparagus. As Ronald Sr began to eat, everyone did too. No one said a word until the patriarch broke the silence. “So, Butch, do anything productive today?”

Crystal raised an eyebrow. “Butch? Is that another nickname of his?” She then remembered Ronny’s crimes and had a dreadful feeling in the pit of her stomach.

The young man eyed his father while eating a piece of steak. “I helped around the house and some other things. I was thinking of volunteering in the police force to see if I would like to pursue a career in the field.”

Louise smiled. “I think that’s a wonderful idea, Ronny. At least you have an interest in having a career.”

Ronald Sr. gulped his beer bottle. Junior wanted to leave the dinner table. The young man hated when his father drank. His father became more of a bully when he drank. “The police force? You’re not even athletic; you’re soft as a twig. You’ll be the laugh of the city.”

“Honey, Ronny at least has something he would like to do. It would be wonderful to have a police officer in the family.”

Ronald Sr let out a loud scoff. “He’ll never be a police officer. Look at him; he’s not even intimidating.”

Crystal was getting angry. “What a bully! So it seems the rumors were true; Ronald Sr was abusive towards his family.”

Ronald Jr was having enough of his father’s behavior. He had enough of his drinking and everything he did towards him and the family. “I thought you would say that. The reason you don’t want me to become a police officer is, so everyone in the won’t know what you do to us. Maybe you’re scared you won’t have power anymore.”

Everyone was silent. Dawn shook her head toward her brother; Louise was worried. “H-Honey. Ronny’s not himself. Eat and relax. You had a hard-” She was interrupted.

“You think you’re a hotshot, eh? Why would I be afraid of a runt?”

“A runt? Sure, whatever. A runt that holds your blood. If anyone is to blame me for being a runt, it’s you. I am your son, after all.” Suddenly, Ronald Sr threw his beer bottle toward his son. Ronny barely dodged the bottle as he stood up from his seat. The patriarch also stood, pushing the table, almost knocking down everyone’s dinner. The younger children were taken to their rooms by Dawn.

“The hell you said, you son of a bitch!?”

Louise stood in front of her husband. “Honey, please! You both had a bad day! I want you to rest! You know how Ronny can be! Please, you’re scaring the kids!” Ronald Sr pushed his wife away and went toward his son as he pushed the table away. He got ahold of his neck and began to strangle him.

Crystal’s eyes were wide with horror, and she ran toward them, but she only went through. “Stop! You’re hurting him!” Her screams were never heard.

Ronald Jr was motioned to the wall as his father strangled him. He was losing air; his father was killing him. In the corner of his eye, he saw a wine bottle, grabbed it, and hit his father in the head with it so hard this he was let go. The young man was breathing heavily. “You old pathetic bastard! Look at you! You’re frickin miserable that you want to make us like you! To hell with that! If you do that again, I’ll call the police!”

Louise stood up. “R-Ronny, please stop!”

He glared at his mother. “Why do you defend him so much? He hits us and you! That’s not love! That’s psychotic! You both are! To hell with you both!” Ronald Jr returned to his room, locked it, and barricaded it with his small sofa. He was breathing heavily as he sat on his bed; Crystal followed him and was silent. Ronald then sat on the floor and took out the ouija board. “To hell with them; I need to blow off some steam.” The young man began to follow the instructions on how to work with the ouija board. He turned off the lights and lit his only lamp.

“Is there anyone here?”

There was no answer. He kept asking questions or trying to summon something, but there was still no response. “Come on! Please, anything! I need something to talk to!” Suddenly, Ronald and Crystal saw a reply.

“Hello, Ronny.”

19 Ronald DeFeo Jr. Pt.3

Ronald and Crystal were in shock when the planchette moved. Ronny began to tremble but regained his composure as he put his hand over the planchette. “I-I’m glad you answered. What’s your name?”

The planchette didn’t move for a moment, but when it did, it spelled “N-O N-A-M-E.”

“No name, huh? Well, you know my name. Does that mean you have been watching me?”

The object moved again. “Yes. S-O-R-R-Y.”

This confused Crystal and Ronny. “Sorry for what?” asked Ronny.

“Y-O-U H-U-R-T.”

Ronny couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Whatever was talking to him saw everything between him and his father. This confused the young man, but the ghost felt sorry for him. For the first time, he was moved.

Crystal kept on watching what was happening. Ronny and the ghost were speaking to one another. She noticed how the ghost expressed affection, respect, and care for Ronald. She saw how his father treated him, and his mother was not much help. His siblings loved him but couldn’t protect him; he was their protector. Crystal couldn’t imagine the pain and pressure Ronald was in. However, Ronald did kill his family. Her heart was beating nervously.

Was this ghost the cause of the tragedy?

Crystal went to Ronald and tried to get his attention in any way. However, her hands would go through. Suddenly, the environment changed, and it quickly went by. She saw how time went by, and Ronald looked to have changed. He used the ouija board more in his room, and his father became more abusive. Then, the environment stopped to where Ronald was in his room; his hair was longer, and he grew a beard. His appearance looked gaunt, as if he was living dead.

Ronald’s eyes looked tired as he was looking at the ouija board. “I’m tired, my friend. My dad is getting worse, and my mom is not helping. My siblings are scared, and I don’t know what else to do. The police won’t believe me since dad has made friends with many of them. I want to end all of this.”

“Ronald, please don’t feel that way,” said Crystal. However, she knew it was pointless; he couldn’t hear her.

The planchette moved. “I H-E-L-P.”

“You can?”

“Y-O-U-R B-O-D-Y. T-A-K-E O-V-E-R.”

Crystal and Ronald were stunned. “The ghost wants to possess his body?” Her eyes widened. “No, that can’t be!”

Ronald was thoughtful. He wasn’t sure if he should let a ghost possess him. He then looked at his reflection in the mirror and noticed how miserable he looked. Ronald was taking the abuse and suffering from his mother and siblings. The young man tried to be strong but couldn’t take it anymore. He was tired. “What will you do if I let you possess me?”

“H-E-L-P Y-O-U.”

From the corner of her eye, Crystal noticed a dark figure sitting in front of the ouija board. The figure was dark, tall, and slim; she saw the figure smiling. Her eyes became wide open. “No! Ronald, don’t do it!”

“Okay, please help me.”

The figure’s smile became a sadistic smirk, and its form dissolved and went into Ronald’s body. Ronald’s body began to tremble as a dark fog surrounded him. Suddenly, everything was still; Ronald was not moving. Crystal watched as he slowly moved. He looked at his hands and then in the mirror. “Ah, I finally have control over a body. Though, he’s very skinny.”

Crystal gasped as she watched everything unfold. To her surprise, she heard a voice that sounded like Ronald’s.

“Wow, where am I?”

“You are still part of your body’s subconscious. Although, not for long.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I needed to get a body out of this wretched place, and you helped me.”

Ronald was in shock. “Y-You tricked me!?”

“You let yourself be tricked, human. Although, I will keep my word to you and help you.” Then, the ghost went to Ronald’s closet and got a rifle.

Crystal gasped in horror. “No! No! Ronald, you have to stop him!” Suddenly, the ghost stilled and slowly turned around, looked in her direction, and smiled. “Y-You can see me?” There was no response. He began to walk out of the room with the rifle in hand. “No! Stop! You can’t! Ronald, stop him!”

Ronald was horrified by what he was seeing. The ghost wanted to kill his family, and it was his fault. “No! No! I won’t let you!” With so many emotions, Ronald was trying to get control over his body. To the ghost’s surprise, it was losing control. “Damn it. I’m not strong enough.” It was filled with fury. With all the control and strength it had, he went to the first room; Ronald’s parents. With Ronald’s body, he began to shoot.

Crystal screamed in horror as she watched the ghost shooting every single one of the DeFeo family. She could hear Ronald scream in pain and horror as the ghost was using his body to kill his family! “No! No! My family! My family!”

Suddenly, Crystal screamed as she woke up. However, she wasn’t alone; Bobby was with her. He gently patted her face. “Crystal, thank go yer okay! You were screaming in your sleep!” The young woman sat up and looked at her environment. She was still in the house but was in her present time. Crystal was breathing heavily and had sweat throughout her body. “What happened to ya? You didn’t answer my calls, and it’s almost morning.”

Crystal was silent for a moment. “Ronald was innocent.”

Bobby looked confused.

“I now know the truth. What Ronald said was true; he was possessed.”

20 Acceptance

Bobby assisted Crystal to the car since she felt weak and had difficulties walking. When Bobby entered the house, he felt it cold, so cold that a cold mist could be seen. He found Crystal unconscious with an ouija board. When the young woman woke up, she stated that Ronald DeFeo Jr was innocent. He was confused but wanted to get himself and Crystal out of the house. While trying to get out, Bobby couldn’t help but feel a force of wanting to keep them inside the house.

Bobby was used to going into the house often regarding tourism. This was the first time he felt something like that; it scared him. The older man drove off while Crystal looked out the window; she was emotionless. However, Bobby noticed her trembling a bit. “Are you cold?” Crystal didn’t respond or even blink her eyes; she looked like a motionless doll. “What in the hell were ya doin’? I saw that board of yers. Those things are dangerous. Also…” He paused for a moment. “Ya said something about Ronny being innocent. Ya also said that he was possessed. What in the hell happened?”

Crystal was still silent but slowly closed her eyes. I…I saw what happened in the house. It was as if I had traveled back to the past.”

“How would that even be possible?”

“I was using the ouija board and contacted a spirit. I don’t even know if it’s a spirit. This thing I communicated with showed me everything. This thing possessed Ronald.”

Bobby was stunned. He didn’t know what to think or feel. He remembered when he first saw Ronald after the murders. “He made me do it.” Bobby also knew that Ronald didn’t have a good relationship and thought that Ronald had had enough and did what he did. However, Ronald was in a state of shock and disbelief. He held remorse. Bobby had heard many conspiracy theories about ghosts or spirits in the house. He heard them all. At first, Bobby thought it was ridiculous, but he slowly changed his mind. “If what ya say is true, then why did the possessed Ronald kill the family?”

Crystal massaged her head. “I-I’m not entirely sure. I remember that the spirit tricked Ronald and convinced him to let it control his body. This thing wanted a body to possess, but Ronald fought it off. Yet, he was too late to save his family.”

The older man listened intently. He was still having a hard time believing what Crystal was telling him, but certain parts would make sense. Memories came back to him when he arrested Ronald.

…………..

Bobby was in his twenties and couldn’t forget the gruesome sight of the murdered DeFeo Family. Bobby was driving the police car with Rodney handcuffed. The ride was silent. The young police officer would look at Ronald, whose lips were apart. He looked dead. “Ronny, what the hell were ya thinkin’? Ya killed yer own family. What did they do to ya?”

Ronald was silent as his face lay on the window.

“I know that ya and yer pa weren’t on the best of terms but ya didn’t have to do this. Ya could’ve come to us.”

“He…He made me do it.”

“Who? Yer pa?”

“He made me do it.:

“Ronny, what are ya talkin’ about? Was it yer pa? If yer pa attacked ya, then it’s self-defense.” Bobby made a left turn to the police station where Ronald was going to be locked up. When Bobby looked at his rear-view mirror and saw that Ronald was crying, he parked his patrol car. “Ronny…”

“Don’t go to that house.”

This confused the police officer. “Huh?”

“He’s in there. He wants to get out. Don’t go back. Don’t go back.” Ronald closed his eyes and wept.

………………………

The experience felt as if it was just yesterday. He would never forget Ronald’s tears. Everyone, him included, that Ronald suffered something mental and the possibility of him being abused by his father. However, Ronald looked distraught. Was there a possibility of something paranormal?

Moments later, they both made it to the bed and breakfast building. Bobby assisted Crystal into the building. Once inside, they saw Adan drinking a water bottle in the kitchen. When he saw her, he knew something was wrong. “Crystal, you look like hell. What happened?”

Crystal looked at Adan. “I found out the truth.”

Adan looked confused and a bit nervous. “What truth?”

“Ronald was innocent; he was possessed.”

“How do you know this?”

“I was shown a vision. I finally have my answer.” Suddenly, Crystal lost her strength. Bobby was able to get a hold of her. “I will take her to her room.” Bobby went to put Crystal to her bed, and Adan stayed behind.

“It is worst than I have imagined. This evil spirit is getting restless. We must take action as soon as we can.”