1.3 } Amalia's Day Out

The next day, I tried to put the creepiness of the dream from the night before behind me. It lingered in the back of my mind, but I was determined to go out and have a nice day exploring Monte Vista. Uncle Castillo had once had a garage full of foreign cars, but all of them had been sold for charity except for one - his favorite. Once I got used to the controls, I set out on my way.

Monte Vista was as beautiful in person as it was in pictures, if not more so. I had to take a moment to breathe and really think wow I'm here. I guess it finally sank in. I just hated that a beloved family member had to die to make it happen. I thought about how I was sure Uncle Castillo would have been willing to fly me out to visit if he hadn't died, and it made me sad. But I was trying not to think sad thoughts. Or creepy thoughts. I just wanted to enjoy my day.

I went to the local museum and asked the curator to show me the pieces donated by Uncle Castillo. He explained that there were many many pieces, so many in fact that they hadn't been able to make room for them all in the time since Castillo's untimely demise. However, he showed me to the pieces that had been displayed and I spent most of the day admiring them.

My favorites were a painting simply called "Untitled" and a sculpture of the globe. Something about them really stuck with me. I almost wished that they had remained at La Creepsta, but I knew they were better off being displayed in a museum. Art was meant to be shared, not locked away.

I spent more time in the museum than I realized and by the time I left, I was starving. It was a little after lunch time, and I decided to grab a bite at a small bistro down the street. It was lovely outside, so I ate on the pavilion. The service was wonderful, and the food was amazing. I made a mental note to get a gym membership in town so I didn't end up gaining weight - I could tell I would be eating out a lot because the food was to die for.

After lunch, I visited the library, which was beautiful and homed so many beautiful books. I decided I would read up on cooking, so maybe I wouldn't be tempted to eat out every day. If all else failed, I could at least make myself a big bowl of salad to last every day. With a lot of ranch. And cheese. Ugh. I was so going to get fat, probably ... Oh well. There were worse things to be, that was for sure.

I ended up spending longer at the library than I intended. When I decided to head home, it was already dark. I drove carefully since I wasn't yet used to the streets or the vehicle. When I got home, I took a shower, ate a small snack, and then headed to bed, hoping for a good night's sleep.

I screamed as I opened my eyes and came face to face with the man from my dream.

Was this a dream?

"Please don't be afraid," He told me, pleadingly. I couldn't make out his features very well, but I could sense the sadness and fear in his voice. "I'm not going to hurt you."

I took a breath and looked around. I wasn't in Midnight Hollow this time, but Uncle Castillo's office. I had a million questions running through my head, but only one came to my voice. "Who are you?"

The man relaxed softly when he saw I was no longer freaking out. "My name is Ichabod. Ichabod Specter."

I nodded softly. "Well...it's nice to meet you, Ichabod."

"You too." He replied. "But...who are you?"

"My name is Amalia Quinn," I told him. "Last night you said something about Castillo..."

"Do you know him?" Ichabod asked eagerly.

I nodded. "He is...he was, my uncle."

Ichabod's face fell. "Was?" 

I nodded sadly. "He died a few weeks ago. He and his wife. I'm not sure how. I'm expecting some stuff in the mail about it..." I shook my head. I was getting off the subject. "Anyway, he left me this house and a lot more in his will. How do you know him?"

"I'm sorry to hear he's gone," Ichabod said. "For you and for me. As you can tell I'm ... Well, I'm no longer among the living. I was taken from the world far beyond my time. Your uncle, he was trying to bring me back."

I stared at him, dumbfounded. "Bring you back?" I asked, incredulous. "How?"

Ichabod shook his head. "I don't know the mechanics of it. But your uncle, he heard about my demise and contacted me using means unknown of to me. We've been in contact a lot. From what I could tell, he was very close to bringing me back."

I felt my heart jump into my throat. Uncle Castillo was in the business of helping the dead? So he was a mystical man - a believer. No wonder my mother, a devout Catholic, was opposed to his "lifestyle." 

"If he's gone, I suppose that means there's little hope for me." Ichabod murmured sadly. "I'm sorry if I've bothered you or scared you. I simply made contact the only way I knew how. I was trying to reach out to the owner of this estate. I guess that explains why I got you, seeing as how you're the new owner."

"Ichabod..." I said softly, my heart tugging in my chest. I wondered about his story, wondered why Uncle Castillo had felt the need to help him. I didn't know much about my uncle, but I knew he was a good man and if he was willing to help someone, then they must deserve it. "There's still hope for you. There's me. I'll help you. You just have to give me time. I'm new to this. I don't know what Uncle Castillo was doing, or why. But...I want to do something to honor his memory. Maybe helping you is a start."

I saw a hint of a smile appear on his ghostly lips. "Are you sure? I don't want to bother you. I'm...I'm tired. Maybe it would be best if I just crossed over."

"No," I said. "Let me try. Let me help you. Please."

He smiled again and nodded.

Then he faded away.

I woke up alone, but with a new sense of purpose.