Cardigan
Cedric and Cho were able to carry the last heavy boxes that are needed to move into my very own apartment. I scanned the apartment in awe. I can't believe this is happening! My own apartment. I mean, the furniture is modest. Just a small dining table, a small couch, a box-like tv, and a small single-sized bed that my mom was able to build me yesterday. But I was living a dream! Finally, I get to move out from my dad. His girlfriend was getting on my nerves.
"Congratulations Sable! If you need us, we're right across you." Cho and Cedric waved goodbye as I get along to unpacking.
This will take a while
--
So I looked into the attic and found a tightly packed shoebox. The attic was littered with a bunch of antiques so I brought the smallest item into the light. I gingerly set it on the dining table and went about opening it with a sharpened knife. The plastic crinkled as I gave precise slices to open the shoebox.
In the dusty converse shoebox, I found an old gray cassette tape player with a snake emblem on the back. The brand was called, "Malfoy" and it was small and compact. I can carry it by a strap. It was in good condition, but, well, from what I could tell, it needs a good polishing and I need to change out the batteries with the rechargeable ones that I picked up at Stop N Smart. I got out my rag with a cleaning solution and set out to restore this retro tech.
It took me a good 30 minutes to restore the Cassette tape player. It looked good as new. The metal reflected the dim lights from my living room. I sort through the cassette tapes that it came with. 8-10 cassette tapes varying in certain colors were in a separate box inside the larger shoebox. A lot of dated but good music was in this box. I dusted off a Cassette tape that was created by the Cardigans. It had a picture of their performance on the cover, with a manilla color as the background. I think its a single since it only lists one name. "Lovefool." Shrugging, I slipped it into the Cassette tape and pressed play.
The instrumentals sounded from the player as I got to work. I started by mopping the floor. Since it looked the dirtiest.
Dear, I fear we're facing a problem. You love me no longer
I know and maybe there is nothing that I can do, to make you do.
I bopped my head to the song as I mopped the wooden tiled floor. I don't use chemical-based cleaning supplies. I actually like making my own solutions based on what my mother tells me. Borax is my savior. But suddenly, a man's voice replaced the main lead. He started singing as I stood there. Trying to comprehend how this is possible and whether or not someone recorded themselves over the tape. His voice was low but soothing. Rough but inviting. It was a blatant contradiction and honestly, I wanted to know the singer behind the voice.
A girl that surely deserves me.
But I think you do
Holy shit I can feel him behind me, whispering in my ear melodically, the words of the song.
Love me, Love me
Say that you love me,
Fool me, fool me
go on and fool me,
Love me
Love me
Pretend that you Love me
It was like he was trying to bewitch me with his song. His voice was smooth and melodic. And sincere. Like he wanted me to love me. Like he was begging for my affections. I was fucking terrified. Did someone break into my house? What do they want from me?
Don't leave me leave me
Just say that you need me.
His voice became deeper and distorted. Like the radio was obscuring it. That isn't the words to the song. It's almost like he wanted me. No, needed me. This, this isn't ok. I don't feel safe. He took my wrist, a searing cold shot up my arm, and started telling me things. Things that scared the living hell out of me. Things that made me want to throw up in fear and terror. He stopped me from running with a tight grip. I can feel a handprint forming on my wrist.
"Love, it's nice to meet you. Please don't run away. Shhh." He moved my hair to the side, fiddling with it.
"It's only me. Don't worry, you're home now."
"Welcome home Mer-" I rushed and turned the Cassette tape player off. Panting, I removed the batteries from the player and slid the tapes off of the tapedeck. I just left it standing upright on the round oak desk. How did he know my name? And why did it seem like he was in love with me? He doesn't even know me.
I think I spent an hour trying to justify this, logically. I think I'm just delirious. I have a slight fever and maybe I need to head to bed early. I ate my leftovers and promptly went to sleep on my small but comfy bed. Snuggling against the pillow as I drifted off to a peaceful slumber.
---
I woke up with a thump to see the Cassette tape player on the nightstand. Playing the same damn song. But a guy. A guy with standing by my side, playing with my hair. I looked into his soulless blue eyes. He was pale, lanky, and had platinum- blonde hair. His jawline was defined and he had a long and cylinder face. His eyes were rough and tired. But he smiled, a weird attempt at being nice and warm. He only looked crazed and creepy.I couldn't move or speak and god I tried to push him away. He seems worried that I'm not saying something but sighed, thinking I was scared, he starts calming me down,
"You know, it's ok to talk, darling. I won't hurt you" I tried desperately to move or even scream. His smile turned into a frown. He probably wanted to hear me. TO talk to me. "Shame, you probably have sleep paralysis. Which actually makes this easier." He drags his index finger down my cheek as I stared at him with wild eyes. His finger was so cold like he stuck them in a freezer and left it there for an hour. "Everything about you is so intoxicating. So- so ethereal. Where were you all of my waking days?" He smoothed my hair out. Purring warmly at how soft it felt around his fingers. He curls the end of my hair around his middle and index finger. It made my scalp prick up in goosebumps.
"Your eyes are rubies. Clear Rubies. Your figure is small but doll-like. I can smell you now." He sniffed at my neck. I grimaced inside. Disgusted at how he was obsessing over me.
"Hm, your fingers." He intertwined his fingers with mine. "Your fingers are small, soft, and long." The hand- holy shit his hand passes through mine.
It dawned on me. I'm getting haunted. By a ghost. I was able to find the strength to speak, but I only whimpered.
"Oh shh, it's ok love, I won't hurt you. I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Draco Malfoy. And welcome to my home! Don't worry, princess, you'll be treated with the absolute respect and care you deserve-"
"Who- who are you and what do you want from me? If I help you will you let me go?" He shot a displeased look at me. I cower in fear. Sighing, he started explaining his motives, "Love, I want you to stay here. Forever. You'll die here, preferrable by old age, and then you'll be with me forever." I stilled at that notion. No way in hell will I stay with this creep.
"I-" I need to play this cool. How about I just go with it until the time's right. "Ok." He blinked at me. Studying my neutral expression.
"Just ok?" He asked me. "Yeah, I get lonely and you know what, at least I won't die alone. Plus being a ghost seems cool so yeah. What? are you having second thoughts? Do I make you repulsed? I bet I do-"
"N-no love!" He takes my hand in his cold hands, smoothing my skin with his thumbs. Looking at me with those pleading, puppy-like eyes. "I- I love you!" He confessed. What the fuck. We've only known each other for less than 24 hours. But I smiled. "I don't know you so much but I like you-"
"Then you'll get to know me and I'll make you fall for me!" He said in a determined tone. Fuck. That's not how I wanted this to go.
---
"Love." He lay next to me on my small bed. I regained control of my body but was forced to lay my head against his cold, lanky, torso. He hummed in contentment before saying; "Love, it's 6 am. What do you want for breakfast?" I looked at him.
"I'd go for pancakes. Do you need help?" He stood up, taking my hand and leading me to the dining room.
What did I get myself into?