Chapter 5 Part 5_Lost

Flashback off

"Since you don't have a name, I'll make you one. You're cold, you're handsome, and you're tall." The girl mumbled softly as she circled the handsome ghost.

"Caldwell. Your name is Caldwell, starting today. Do you like it?"

"You can't talk?"

"You don't understand what I mean?

"I haven't had the chance to learn ghost language, sorry."

"The red-dressed ghost really likes the mango tree. But today, it's replaced by you, the very handsome one. But unfortunately, you're dead, and I don't like you."

"It's okay; you can be my friend. Let me introduce myself, Ainsley."

"Too bad." The girl looked sad. "Don't eat mango leaves anymore, okay? The red-dressed ghost really likes to joke around."

"Do you want to know one truth?" Ainsley stumbled onto the bed that the girl had intentionally made. "You're handsome, I like handsome guys."

"You're beautiful."

"Oh my gosh!! You can talk, apparently?"

***

The short conversation at the beginning of their meeting was the reason for Caldwell to like Ainsley. She was an innocent and kind girl, a girl who happily gave him food, shelter, and wanted to be his friend.

Although it was undeniable that Caldwell expected more than just a friend from Ainsley, the big tree in the middle of the park became a place for Caldwell to take shelter. Not far from where he was sitting, the students of Science 1 were lining up neatly to be given instructions and to take attendance.

A large bus was ready, and the lab equipment had also been loaded into the bus. Just waiting for the time, one by one they started to get into the bus after the teacher finished his lecture.

"Aren't you coming?" Caldwell asked a woman beside him. After getting a no, Caldwell immediately left.

"See you," he said, then flew towards the bus that was already speeding, following Ainsley's school bus.

"Can Ainsley sit here?" Ainsley asked hesitantly, the earphones plugged in the man's ears were the reason why Ainsley didn't get an answer.

"Ainsley, just sit here." Right at the back bench, Amyne answered. It really meant nothing to Amyne to provide an empty seat beside her, especially for Ainsley. If Amyne could see two worlds, Caldwell would be occupying that place now.

Ainsley returned to her goal, which was to sit next to Alfred. Ainsley shouldn't need permission. As long as it's empty, it doesn't matter, right?

Indeed, today was the day Ainsley had been waiting for. However, before Ainsley had time to sit down, the black backpack had already taken over. "Find another place," Alfred said coldly.

It wasn't the backpack that spoke, but the owner of the backpack. "Alfred himself, right? It doesn't matter if Ainsley sits here," Ainsley said stubbornly.

"Who says it doesn't matter?" Alfred took off his earphones. "Problem!" Alfred snapped sharply.

"But Alf----"

Bruhhkkk....

Ainsley reflexively held Alfred's hand as a support for her body, which almost staggered. It wasn't intentional; it just happened. Ainsley fell on Alfred's lap when the bus hit something uneven in front.

Very annoyed, Alfred immediately pushed Ainsley. The girl sat beside him without the slightest guilt. Alfred's backpack was held by her, and until now she was really sitting beside Alfred.

Isn't this a dream?

One of the most beautiful gifts for Ainsley.

"Don't bother me." From the tone of his voice, Alfred had allowed Ainsley to sit beside him.

Ainsley nodded quickly. "Ainsley won't bother Alfred. Thank you for---"

"Shut up! Don't talk too much." Ainsley innocently nodded again. She adjusted her sitting position, then closed her eyes with a smile.

This time, she wasn't dreaming.

"Before 3:00 PM, we have to leave this place, so try to stay in the group ranks. We work in groups, not individually, sir, I hope that each group's research is finished today."

With that, all the students in class IPA 1 began to scatter. Each group had different tasks inevitably, they had to work harder for the best grades.

Practical grades are grades that are proud of by superior classes like IPA 1. For them, knowledge is nothing compared to experience.

Experience is the best teacher. Smart people can be defeated by experienced people, they said.

"Please, help me..."

The activity of inserting the solution into the wild-leaf fiber extract was delayed. Ainsley looked up just to look around her and started searching every corner of the big trees.

None of her friends were disturbed; they seemed increasingly focused on the time-pressured activity.

"Why Ainsley?" Galih reprimanded. The guy was in charge of checking each group, but I don't know if it was just Ainsley's feelings. Galih was taking too long with Ainsley's group.

Ainsley shook her head slowly. "It's okay," Ainsley said.

"If there's something you don't know, don't hesitate to ask me. Understand?"

"Yes," Ainsley answered shortly. Luckily, Galih immediately went to another group, so Ainsley could be more free to work.

Honestly, Ainsley was uncomfortable.

"Please, help me." Just to see Caldwell, Ainsley turned her head for a moment.

A soft voice with a tone of fear filled Ainsley's ears. Caldwell should have heard it too, but the handsome ghost looked normal, still busy with wild leaves and eating them. Again and again, Ainsley was really annoyed with Caldwell.

Being with Caldwell for a long time made Ainsley reprimanded by her group leader again. Ignoring the increasingly loud calling voices, Ainsley worked quickly.

An hour passed; Ainsley's group was the first to finish the practicum, followed by Alfred's group across there. While waiting for the other groups to finish, Ainsley walked around their place.

She was helping her friends who were having trouble in the practicum, helping Amyne's group, and even helping earthworms get out of the ground because Ainsley felt the worms were having difficulty breathing. It's all about giving help; let Ainsley develop with her tiny brain.

"Where is Caldwell going?" Ainsley paused, almost shouting the name of the invisible person flying with the other spirits. Caldwell disappeared from Ainsley's sight just like that.

"Help. Help me."

That voice again.

Ainsley held herself back from crying. Her hand was injured by her own actions, and worse, not only her hand, but also her leg. Far from where she stood when Caldwell disappeared, Ainsley saw someone behind a teak tree peeking, staring right at her.

Without warning and without thinking, Ainsley immediately ran after the person, without realizing the tree branches in front of her had hurt her leg. It would have dug deeper if Ainsley had not worn protection on her skin.

When she was trying to get up from the fifth fall, the person was already in front of her.

"You!!" Ainsley held her chest, even though she was used to spirits, Ainsley could still be surprised. "You surprised me," Ainsley said, focusing on her leg.

The spirit with white clothes and red spots, not forgetting the very pale face, widened in surprise. "You're not afraid?" he asked.

"Why should I be afraid?" Ainsley asked back. "You're good, so I'm not afraid." Ainsley smiled warmly. Cleaning her dirty butt.

"How do you know I'm good? All ghosts are evil; for example, me," said the ghost again. She smiled sadly, seeing the scratch on Ainsley's temple. The girl probably didn't realize that blood was starting to drip slowly.

"A good ghost pretending to be evil makes it look funny, you know!!" Ainsley laughed crisply, taking off her jacket to clean the blood on her temples and palms.

"I'm evil!!"

"You can't do that, you're good. I know." Ainsley's soft voice touched the ghost, and soon a smile was etched on her pale face.

"You must be scared, and you're pretending to be strong." The pale ghost with long messy hair started laughing, his laughter really made Ainsley even more dizzy.

"YOU'RE NOT THE FIRST DEVIL I'VE MET, SO STOP LAUGHING. I'M NOT AFRAID OF YOU!!" Ainsley screamed, annoyed.

***

While Ainsley desperately held herself back from facing the ghost, who was still laughing-the most terrifying laughter Ainsley had ever heard-on the other hand, the supervisor and her friends were busy looking for Ainsley.

The argument over Ainsley's sudden disappearance made neither of them able to breathe a sigh of relief.

"WE CAN'T GO HOME WITHOUT AINSLEY. USE THE NEXT HOUR TO FIND AINSLEY, AFTER THAT KI---"

"SORRY BROTHER, THIS PLACE CLEARLY GIVES A RULE THAT BEFORE 3:00 PM WIB EVERYONE MUST LEAVE. I don't care. I WANT TO GO HOME."

***

Traditional leaves are believed to be able to heal wounds. Ainsley diligently applied the leaves to her injured hands and temples. The wounds had started to dry up in the wind, but they felt sore.

If anyone asked where Ainsley knew the benefits of the leaves, the answer would be a wandering spirit named Sindy. After laughing at Ainsley's misfortune, Sindy kindly helped Ainsley.

Now the two of them looked closer. Sitting under a shady tree with roots hanging aimlessly.

"Next time, don't ask for help like before; who do you think can hear you other than me? You know, I'm really kind. If someone asks for help, I will definitely help them REGARDLESS OF GENDER, TRIBE, RELIGION, NATURE AND COUNTRY."

Sindy smiled sweetly, her eyes never leaving Ainsley's activities. "You're beautiful," said Sindy honestly.

"You could," replied Ainsley shyly. The girl finished treating her wound, and Ainsley instantly turned to Sindy just to ask.

"By the way, is it true that this forest is haunted? Ainsley heard that every year there are victims. But Ainsley doesn't really believe it. The proof is that every year the research site is here, which means the school feels safe, right?"

Before answering Ainsley's question, Sindy shook her head weakly. Her expression suddenly became sad. "It's not haunted here; it's just that there are many residents."

With that, Ainsley immediately looked far away, and it was true that there were many spirits like Sindy. Luckily, Ainsley didn't feel disturbed by that.

"Sindy?" Ainsley called hesitantly. Sindy didn't answer or turn around, she looked even more gloomy. "What's wrong with you? Tell Ainsley, maybe Ainsley can help you."

Sindy spontaneously cried, inviting the attention of other creatures. Ainsley immediately got goosebumps, and a row of invisible creatures began to approach her.

"Two years ago, I committed suicide. I knew the rumors about this forest, so that's what I used to kill myself. My father died and my mother remarried. I was tired of living alone. I was bullied at school; I just wanted to die, and now I regret it."

Sindy looked up at Ainsley. Suddenly, her face turned very scary. Ainsley was made uncomfortable for a moment, but Ainsley tried her best to hide it so that Sindy wouldn't feel sad.

"Sorry, Ainsley, sorry I bothered you. The school already knows everything, but the rumors have defeated the truth until they choose to remain silent. This forest is safe; there are no victims of supernatural things; there are only people who want to die and use this place as a manipulation of their deaths."

"Many people use this place as their last breath, including me. Every year someone goes missing, and people think this place is haunted when it's not at all."

"So you used to go to school?"

"Yes," Sindy answered quickly. "I'm happy every time there's a visit, but I'm also sad that they can't see me. I want to be like before, but it's impossible. I just want to have friends."

Ainsley held out her little finger. "We can't turn back time, but we can be friends," Ainsley said quickly.

Sindy's face turned back to normal; she put her little fingers together even though they didn't touch. "Thank you, Ainsley."

Lightning flashed above after the two of them released their linked hands. The bright sky suddenly became dark. "Where is your body? Ainsley can help."

"No need, Ainsley, I've been swept away in the river. Go home, it's going to rain soon, and the ground here is very slippery."

Ainsley nodded in understanding. "I don't know the way home, especially since my friends have disappeared. Who knows where? Sindy, take Ainsley, okay?"

A creature like Sindy immediately giggled, even though she still nodded, and took Ainsley to her place of origin.

***

The sky is getting dark; no matter what, the search for Ainsley must continue." The Science 1 students gathered again, their faces looking sour and unenthusiastic.

"Galih, make sure everyone gets home safely. I have contacted the school and Ainsley's family, we will continue the search. You go home."

Of course, many of them were happy, but because of Amyne's crying, none of them dared to get on the bus first.

"Amyne is home, son. Ainsley will definitely be found." Just like the others, as a responsible teacher, the man felt sad.

Ainsley's disappearance had never occurred to him before; again and again, his position was in the anxiety zone. It didn't matter as long as Ainsley was safe. Ainsley's life was the most important thing. He wouldn't be able to sleep soundly if Ainsley wasn't found.

If it weren't for Alfred as the predecessor among them, maybe the bus wouldn't have left. Look, when the man got up, the others got up too.

Now all that was left was waiting for Amyne; fortunately, it didn't take long for Galih to persuade Amyne. They really came home without Ainsley.

***

The rumor spread so quickly. Getting the news that Ainsley was missing had made Cleyrin lose consciousness twice now.

The results of the long argument between Cleyrin and Carel really paid off. The result was Ainsley, who really became the victim of Cleyrin's fear all this time.

Their extended family had gathered. Rose, Carlos, Rehan, Sofia, Clayrin, Irvan, Garel, Fael, and Faul-no one could breathe easy, especially Cleyrin, the mother.

Carel kept on calling someone from the other side; he didn't cry like Cleyrin, but believe me, Carel also feels devastated now. Besides Carel, Fael was also starting to get busy. How could he support Ainsley in the research? Fael never believed in mystical things, but now Fael was really wavering.

"Calm down, son. Papa has also contacted the authorities about the location," said Rehan, but it meant nothing to Carel. Carel wanted to fly to the scene, but Cleyrin's condition did not allow it.

"Papa's orders have also left," Carlos said again.

"Uncle, let's go there, okay? Fael's friends have also---"

"Fael, sit down!!" Clayrin ordered. Her mother's sharp gaze made Fael have to obey.

"IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO MY DAUGHTER, YOU---""

"Calm down, son..." Rose stroked Cleyrin's shoulder; her daughter was crying silently, even though her hands were clenched tightly. Cleyrin was already emotional with Carel.

"I KNOW WHAT'S BEST FOR AINSLEY, AND YOU JUST DO WHAT YOU WANT. THAT PLACE IS HAUNTED, Carl! I HAVE CONSIDERED EVERYTHING, AND YOU RUINED IT."

"I AM HER MOTHER; I KNOW WHAT'S BEST FOR MY DAUGHTER. You don't know anything about it; you're too busy with your own world!!!"

"GO LOOK FOR AINSLEY UNTIL YOU FIND HER, AND DON'T COME BACK UNTIL MY DAUGHTER IS NOT WITH YOU."

Cleyrin fainted again.

"Carel, go to the scene first. Please take care of Cleyrin," Carel said, feeling very guilty. He really didn't know anything about the mystical thing, not even a little bit. Ainsley had tricked him.

Before taking a step, Rehan's words made Carel's steps suddenly heavy. The man's body went limp instantly; this incident was the most careless action in Carel's life.

"That place is closed; no one can enter there."

***

No entry, MISSING PERSONS SEARCH will be conducted the next day AFTER THE PERSON'S DISAPPEARANCE.

FOR SAFETY. 18:00-00:00 PROHIBITED HOURS.

A man clicked his tongue in annoyance, the gate was really locked. The paper containing the rules was written with a permanent marker, displayed even though it was wet from the rain.

Previously there was no writing and now it was stuck everywhere. Explaining that a new victim was in there.

Isn't it very embarrassing?

In his heart he muttered "FAKE!! SOMEONE'S LIFE HAS NO MEANING TO THEM. JUST A FORMALITY, VERY DISGUSTING."

"NO WORTH IT, MANY DIE IN THIS PLACE."

Alfred, who really hated Ainsley. The man was here now. His goal was only one, to find Ainsley.

With bold steps, he broke in, climbing the large gate. His motorbike was parked in front of the large gate, openly admitting that he was in the forest if someone came to that place.

Who would be angry?

They didn't dare to go there. Just because it was mystical. In a corner not too far from where they had gathered, Ainsley endured the cold rain and the night wind.

The night had already shown its darkness, even though it was raining heavily like now, the moon shone above. Lighting the way for Ainsley, the girl who was left behind by her group. If only Ainsley had brought her cellphone with her, she would have told them that she was fine now. Her Mommy and Daddy must have been very worried, at worst they could have fought.

Covering the tears that were falling, Ainsley collapsed weakly. Ainsley was not afraid of the dark, Ainsley was not afraid of spirits, Ainsley was not afraid of getting hurt like she was now. Ainsley was only afraid of her parents' fight. However, Mommy Cleyrin did not know that she was participating in the research and Daddy Carel was lied to about this research.

"They left an hour ago. I looked for you in the middle of the trip and I realized that you were not on the bus. Sorry Ainsley," said Caldwell. He crouched in front of Ainsley. The girl was getting weaker, her face very pale.

Ainsley smiled thinly. "I'm hungry. Did they take my bag?" Ainsley asked heavily.

One of the invisible creatures nodded, "The short-haired brother took it earlier," he said.

"Ainsley just eats mango leaves. There's no rice here." Caldwell's good intentions got a small chuckle from Ainsley. Caldwell was still talking about mango leaves.

"Then just tell the rain to stop, Ainsley is cold. It's okay for Ainsley not to eat rather than eating mango leaves."

Caldwell looked confused, he looked up and then lightning struck. The rain was getting heavier.

"Caldwell can't speak rain," Caldwell whispered, the handsome creature was really sad. "Sorry Ainsley, if we hadn't committed suicide maybe they would still be looking for you now."

"Sorry Ainsley, if we hadn't ruined the image of this place, maybe they wouldn't have left you."

"Sorry Ainsley, if I hadn't called you, maybe you would have been sleeping soundly in your room."

Ainsley looked at the faces of the creatures one by one. They looked regretful and sad. Ainsley could feel the sincerity of their hearts that was considered scary by many people.

For Ainsley, they were friends. Ainsley never regretted why she had to be born indigo, because if it weren't for this uniqueness, Ainsley wouldn't have found sincere people, people who deserved to be called friends.

"You guys are here to accompany Ainsley. Ainsley is very happy. Thank you guys." The girl leaned against a tree, her gaze stopped at Caldwell, who was silent. "El, can you help Ainsley, right?"

Finding Caldwell with a fake smile, Ainsley became sad too. "Tell that ugly Kuntilanak to be quiet, Ainsley doesn't like the sound of her laughter."

With that, Caldwell acted. Not long after Ainsley's wish came true, Ainsley fell asleep peacefully. The girl really fainted.

In the rain, the moon, the wind and those who were from different realms. Ainsley closed her eyes. She hoped Caldwell could tell her parents, so there would be nothing to worry about.

Falling asleep with a genuine smile, Ainsley knew that what she was thinking was impossible.

"I'm sorry Ainsley," Caldwell whispered softly.