Chapter 2 - Tess

Do you know what my name is?

Well, yes, everybody calls me Tess, but that isn't my legal name.

My legal name is Theresa-May Appolonia Banks. Theresa-May.

Sounds like the main character of a YA novel, or maybe a romance. Except I'm not.

I'm asexual, not that it's anybody's business.

The family vacation was a surprise. I mean, we always go on vacation for a week during the summer, but this year's vacation is for the entire summer.

In Hemlock Harbor, New Jersey.

Supposedly, it's this cute little beach town that's kind of secluded. Meaning they won't have a whole lot to do other than...the beach. Not like Ocean City, where we usually go.

Josh, my little brother, isn't too happy with this development, either.

The house we're staying in is this old Victorian mansion place. Big enough for everyone to have their own room.

I claim the tower room fairly quickly (yes, the house has an ACTUAL TOWER...a really small one...) and put my stuff in there.

It looks like it used to be a child's room. The walls are painted a pink color, there's a vanity that matches the bed. A little girl's room, maybe.

I've only been in the room five minutes when I feel a cold hand on my shoulder. When I turn, there's nobody there.

Whatever. I'm determined not to turn this summer into a ghost-hunting tour.

Mom pops her head in. "Ready to head to the beach?"

I shrug. "Sure, why not?"