Teenage Ghost

    The sunlight poured in through the top windows at Studemont High. Josh Whitnick woke up on the cool tile of the silent building.
    He heard a girls mocking laugh, and he jolted upright.
    Vi smiled wickedly at him and slid some creme filled snack cakes across the floor to him. “I raided the vending machines.” She stood up and tilted her head to the side, blocking out the sun with it. “I thought you could use somethin’ to eat.”, she held out a soda which he gratefully took. “Your girlfriend sure took off.” Vi sat across the hall from him on the ground.
    “She’s not my girlfriend.” Josh became defensive.
    Vi smiled deviously.
    After Josh had finished eating he looked across the hall at Vi. “You don’t look like a ghost.” he accused.
    “Yeah?” Vi stood up. “What makes you think I was a ghost?”
    “The story.” Josh stood up and faced her. “About the goth who offed herself in the restroom..”
    “Restroom downstairs?” Vi finished the sentence for him. “Yeah, right. Well I started that rumor here last year, with three of my friends. To keep people out of my business, and out of the school.” Vi turned to walk towards the girls restroom.
    “Why?” Josh asked.
    Vi stopped and turned around, “Because I live here.” She widened her eyes and extended her hands. “And I don’t want anyone to find out.”
    “Why are you staying here?” Josh walked towards her.
    “Because,” Vi was becoming unamused with the intruder and his twenty questions. “My mother works day and night to support my alcoholic stepdad who stays home all day and drinks. Because I’m tired of being hit every time I walk in the room and I’m doing nothin’ wrong.”
    “I’m sorry, I just thought maybe you had friends.” Josh felt bad for this girl.
    “Yeah, we’re all in the same boat. I lucked out, my folx don’t call the cops when one of their’s goes missing.” Vi turned and walked back to the bathroom.
    “Hey, well can I come and see you sometime?” Josh called after her.
    Vi smiled wickedly to herself, then dropped the smile to one of apathy and turned to face him. “Sure if you want.” Then she added, “Bring somethin’ to eat.”
    Josh smiled at her, “I will.”
    She watched his youthful exuberance as he bounded down the hallway. The new school year was defiantly looking up, even if it was still months away.