Billy turned towards Cottingley Forest and stepped over the battered ‘No Entry’ sign that covered the littered alleyway. He wouldn’t normally go this way home- some people said the old forest was haunted - but he knew if his Dad got home before him he’d be in big trouble. Whatever lurked in the forest would be far less frightening than his dad on the rampage! He plunged his hands in his trouser pockets and whistled bravely, as if the noise would scare away any creatures in the forest. Crunching his way through the autumn leaves, he made his way through the forest, hoping that the evening light would last until he reached the comfort of home.
But the deeper into the forest he went, the darker it became. The branches grew thick and the sky was beginning to darken with storm clouds. Billy tried to quicken his steps before the sudden rain grew even heavier but the mud beneath his feet clung to his trainers, making it difficult to walk never mind run. Billy made his way cautiously to the edge of the meandering path and discovered a row of old cobbles that went alongside the mud. He heaved a sigh of relief, he’d soon be home in time and with a bit of luck the rain would wash the mud from his trainers. Billy continued on his way, treading carefully along the cobbles, trying to see his way by the faint light of distant street lamps. Bushes grew next to the cobbles and their prickly leaves clawed at his face. Billy began to think that this short cut wasn’t such a good idea after all. Yet it was too late, he had to keep going, as it was too dark to try and find the entrance again. Not even the noise of the traffic could guide Billy back for the falling rain and rolls of thunder drowned out all other sounds. Hoping to find the way easier he knelt down and crawled his way under the bushes and towards the direction that Billy thought his street lay in. The cobbles were wet and slippery but he tried to keep going. One more step, one more step…
CLATTER! An almighty sound filled the air, louder than the thunder, louder than the rain. Billy froze, fear charging through his body. CLATTER! There it was again. Billy didn’t know what to do – what could make such a noise as that? He lay down on the floor, hoping that whatever it was would by-pass him. CLATTER! CLATTER! It kept going, louder and louder and… stopped. Silence. No rain, no thunder, no strange noises. Silence. Billy’s eyes were clamped shut through terror but he could sense something near him, something cold, something dangerous…
Minutes passed. They seemed like hours. Billy’s heart was thumping inside of him; his mind was blank. He knew he had to do something but he didn’t know what. Then, in his ear he heard a cold, haunting whisper, “Ye have entered on to my land now boy, be ye afraid, be ye very afraid…”
Slowly, very slowly, Billy opened his eyes. Before him was a sight that froze his blood. A fierce looking man stood over his trembling body. Scars lined his face and his mouth, crowded with decayed and yellow teeth, was set in an evil grin. The man’s clothes were ragged and torn and, to Billy, looked like they were from a History text book. At the man’s side was a shining dagger and his hand hovered over it, as if ready to lunge at any moment. Billy felt dizzy with fear and a sob reached his throat, “Please, please sir, don’t kill me! Please, let me go – I won’t ever come back. I promise!” His words came out stuttered and panicked but seemed to have some affect on the man. He stopped grinning wickedly and his steely eyes flamed with a sudden anger. “PROMISE?!” He roared, spittle flying from his mouth, “PROMISE? THEY’VE BEEN PROMISING FOR NIGH ON TWO HUNDRED YEARS AND THEY STILL BE COMING BACK. IT’S NO PROMISES I’LL BE HAVING FROM YE LAD.” The man grabbed his dagger and sprung forward, plunging its shining blade into Billy’s chest. Billy gasped, but felt nothing. The blade went right through him! He clutched his hand to where the dagger had stabbed him but no wound was there. Billy looked at the man, the ghost man before him. Billy laughed. The man couldn’t harm him! His dagger was nothing but air. He sprang to his feet with renewed vigour and sprinted past the phantom, which stood silent and still with the dagger still in his hand. Strangely, the man was smiling; not the evil grin from before, but a content and serene smile. Billy didn’t look at the man long however, but rushed through the dark forest and empty streets to the safety of home.
Once at home he barged through the unlocked front door, desperate to see his Dad. There he was, at the window, looking out for Billy. “Dad!” Billy cried, “Dad, I’m here!” His Dad turned round and looked towards where Billy stood. His face was motionless. He said nothing, but walked towards the door picking up his coat on the way. “I’m going to have a hunt for Billy.” His Dad called up the stairs, “I’ll be back soon love.” Billy stood still, confused. “I’m here Dad – didn’t you hear me come in?” His Dad didn’t turn round but walked out the house. Billy rushed to the door, calling his Dad’s name, but his Dad walked on towards the forest, as if he heard nothing. Billy closed the door, wondering what was going on. He stood facing the shut door, looking through the glass forlornly at the rain. Suddenly, Billy noticed something unusual: he couldn’t see anything else but rain in the window. He couldn’t see his own reflection. Clarity dawned on him. He knew why his Dad couldn’t see him. He knew why the ghost was smiling. Billy took a deep breath, straightened his shoulders and walked straight through the closed door, ready to face his new future…as a ghost!
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