The Haunted Clown Doll

I wanted to get something special for my little girl and time was running out. I was coming home after the weekend, after going to my Aunts' funeral. She had been ill but no one expected her to die so suddenly. I went to be with my family, and since Katie didn't know most of the relatives, I left her home with her father. Jake hadn't got to spend much time bonding with her and he did not know my Aunt Sandy either. We weren't been married that long and we hadn't gotten back to Vermont since we had been married. I hate to admit it was just too much hassle. I had been pregnant and it was a difficult pregnancy. We didn expect to start a family so soon, so things just moved too fast, and we moved to slow. Now I was sorry we hadn't gone back to visit and it was too late.

I already stopped and got Jake a book by one of his favorite authors, so now I needed to get something for Katie. She would soon be four and she loved dolls and clowns too. I don't know why I sure didn't! When I saw the little antique store with the little clown doll in the window, I knew that was what I wanted to get for her. Leaving the store I could not help thinking, what on earth possessed me to buy this? It was cute enough, as far as clowns go. But I figured that just because I didn't like clowns, there was no need to deprive my daughter.

I thought;Okay, I will bond with this thing. So on a whim I propped it up. I mean her. I propped her on the front seat in the passenger seat and put the seat belt on her.

Well, I guess you and I may as well learn to be friends for Katie;s sake," I said to her.

She sat mutely and unappreciatively next to me. I have to admit she was an easy passenger. No talking back, no passenger side driving. I laughed snidely to myself. She sat smugly staring out the front window. Okay, she was a little short, but if she looked up, she could look out the window. I said to myself, again. She had a mop of red hair, and looked similar to Raggedy Annie, although she had a white face. Her eyes were the kind that closed and shut. They were black. She had the traditional little apron and striped leggings on. I was thinking to myself. Why didn't I just buy her a little baby doll? A NEW one!! This thing was an antique, and there was something creepy about it. I felt bad for thinking that. It isn't Katie's fault that I don't like clowns. I didn't want to put my fears on her. Just because I had been terrified by a neighborhood clown when I was little,she shouldn't be afraid!

I cranked the radio up and listened to some good old rock and roll, singing to the music. I stopped at a red light and turned to see if the road was clear, and when I turned back around, I would have sworn that the doll had turned her head. I felt my skin prickle.

I looked at her and jokingly said,"Did you see something?"

I would have named her, but since she was to be Katie's doll, I didn't think that was fair. But I found myself calling her Maude! How is that for a lovely name? Then I thought, ewww that is the name of the old lady clown in the neighborhood that scared the bejesus out of me. It was unconcious I was sure, but it still didn't settle my nerves any.

I pulled into the driveway, feeling a rush of joy and relieve. I was excited to be with my little family again. Jake ran out and swooped me up in his arms, no easy feat, and kissed me soundly on the lips. After Jake put me down, little Katie threw her arms around my legs, I picked her up and held her close to me, breathing in her fresh little four year old smell. They must have anticipated my early arrival, and she was all bathed and freshly dressed. Her little curls glistened in the sunlight.

Look at what I got for you precious! I proudly picked up the doll, Maude, blah, for her, and deposited it in her arms. She kissed her and pronounced her Maude! I felt horror wash over me. I didn't call the doll Maude to her.

"Why do you want to call her Maude?" I asked her.

I don't know Mama, she just looks like a Maude to me she said with childlike dignity.
"Do you know anyone by that name, Honey," I asked her casually.

"No Mama, I just think she looks like a Maude." She seriously answered.

I looked over her head at Jake, and made a face, and he laughed, and made one back at me.

"Oh Honey that is a perfectly nice name!" Jake said with much gusto.

Just then the Pizza guy drove up with my favorite pizza! Antonio!

"Oh Jake, thank you so much, I am so tired, the last thing I wanted to think about was having to make dinner." I gushed thankfully.

" Anything for you sweetheart. I know this weekend must have been hard for you. I am sorry we didn't go with you." He smiled.

After getting the dinner out of the way, and putting Katie to bed with Maude, blah. We cuddled up in front of the fireplace, a glass of white wine for me and a beer for Jake. I told him about the funeral and how I wanted to go back at least once a year to spend more time with my mother. I realized more and more how short life is. Jake agreed and we even talked about going there for a beautiful Vermont Christmas. We made out as in days of old, and talked about how lucky we were to have our perfect little family.

I couldn't help but feel an ominous chill in the air. I couldn't put my finger on it, but when we went to bed, I found myself wishing I wouldn't have gotten that doll for Katie. Stupid, stupid, stupid, I thought to myself.

We always left the hall light on so if Katie woke up she wouldn't be afraid. But when we made love we would close the door, almost all the way, so we could hear her if she got up. We were in the middle of a rather heated, passionate love making session and I with eyes half closed I could see over Jake's shoulder. Just as we were fully into it, I saw the door move the hall light was glaring in my face. I thought it was Katie, and whispered to Jake.

He quickly jumped up and went to comfort Katie, but she wasn't there. The mood was interrupted and I went in to see if she had gotten back in bed, but she was sound asleep. Maude was sitting in her little rocker across the room, with a mocking look on her face. I swear to it.

I couldn;t sleep the rest of the night. But told myself that I must be dreaming. Jake was not a very happy camper after having our time interrupted. He got up and went to work, a little surly and disappointed. Katie bounded down the stairs,Maude in hand. She plumped her little body into the chair at the table. I made her a kitty shaped pancake, and she chattered away about nursery school.

"Can I take Maude with me today?" She asked excitedly.

"Sure Honey, you can take her with you." I replied.

I hate to confess I was glad she wasn't going to be staying home with me. Maude that is.

"Why did you take Maude out of my bed last night Mama?" Katie innocently asked.

"Honey I thought you did?" I cautiously asked back.

"No Mama you did! She sternly answered.

"Oh I am sorry I don't remember that." I slowly replied.

I didn't want to scare her, but I knew I hadn't taken that damn doll out of her bed. I knew that it wasn't Katie who opened our door either.

I dropped them off at the preschool and came home trying to reason with myself. What the hell was wrong with me? Was this some kind of morbid grieving thing going on? Was I grieving over Aunt Sandy? I knew I had an active imagination, but this was really creepy.

I took a long leisurely bath and read a book in the bathtub. This is one of my most relaxing, things I like to do. The sun streamed through the window, and I watched the birds in the backyard. We have a large backyard and a privacy fence, so I feel secure doing that. I was beginning to dose, and I heard a giggle. Actually it was more like a cackle. I felt the hair rise up on the back of my neck. There was no one in the house but me. I cocked my head, and listened. I heard it again. I froze. It stopped and I quietly got out of the tub, grabbing my terry cloth robe. I tip toed down to Katie's room and in horror. looked into the face of Maude. She was again sitting in the little rocking chair. I know I saw her eyes blink. Slowly I saw the rocking chair move, and she was rocking and grinning, malevolently at me! I backed out of the bedroom, clutching my robe close to me. I stepped backwards and felt myself lose balance. Oh, my God, who is going to get Katie from school! I felt myself falling down the stairs, and then I lost consciousness. The last thing I remember is that thing, backing me up to the stairs and it was laughing.

"Honey, oh my God!" I heard Jake calling me.

I was in the hospital, and they ran every test known to man, on me to see if I was okay. When I hadn'tn show up for Katie her teacher called for me. When she was unable to get me she called Jake. That's when they knew something was wrong. I told Jake we had to get the clown doll out of the house! I told him it was evil.

"Okay sweetheart, you are going to be fine." He soothed.

I felt better knowing that he was taking care of it. I told him to burn it or take it to the Landfill, anything, just get rid of it. It was evil. I told him what happened. Unfortunately he thought it was the head injury that was causing me to be delusional.

I saw Katie's sweet little face above me. "Oh sweetheart I am so sorry I wasn't there to pick you up! Were you scared?" I soothed.

"Yes Mama, I was scared and I couldn't find Maude! Why did you take her home? I wanted to show her to my friends for show and tell and she wasn't in her seat! Then you didn't come to get me and I was mad!" she pouted.

I hid my shock over her doll, and told her that I was sorry that I had fallen down. I didn't forget her. I had gotten hurt, but I was okay now. She seemed to be content with that. I told her that I would get her a new doll though, that Maude had an accident, and I was very sorry but she wasn't able to be repaired. I hoped that she would be satisfied with my answer. How that possessed doll came home, I didn't know, but she, or it, would be gone permanently! What the hell was I thinking? I must have been out of my mind to bring that monster home! I could still picture that hideous little grinning face, malevolently leering at me. I shuddered instinctively.

I was so glad to get home, and again, we had my favorite pizza. I felt loved and cherished by my husband. He seemed to have a sense for what I needed. Hot chocolate by the fireplace, and an icepack for my head, what a combination, but it worked for me. I called for Katie and waited for her to come and cuddle with me, fresh from her bath. I was still wobbly and my head still ached from the fall on the hard steps. Luckily it was only a mild concussion.

Katie plunked down beside me on the couch, and laid her little curly head on my lap. I looked in horror as she laid Maude next to her on my knee! I jerked unable to control my terror.

Katie innocently said, "Mama look, Daddy found Maude, she was lying on your bed! I am so glad she is safe. I thought she was lost when you said that you didn't bring her home and that she had an accident! She is fine!"

I looked over at Jake, and he looked down sheepishly.

"I guess the Dr. was able to fix her up after all Honey."

The revulsion that I felt for that doll and for Jake and his betrayal was hard to hide. How could he do that? How could he not get rid of this thing? Katie giggled with delight over finding Maude, and looked over Maude at her hero father. She didn't see what I saw. Maude's eyes, rolled up at me and her mouth turned in an evil leering grin at me. I felt the air around me become frigid.

"Mama, it's cold over here! Poor Maude is cold too!" She got up and moved closer to the fireplace.

I wanted to throw that horror into the fireplace. I couldn't believe that Jake didn't destroy it! I cannot begin to describe the revulsion, fear and loathing that I felt in my own house. I thought it was over and now it was back.

"How could you? How could you not get rid of that thing? I spat under my breath in bed later that night. I told you it caused me to fall down the stairs! It is evil! I know that it is hard to believe but I know it is evil! You promised me!" I began to cry, trying not to lose control. We were in bed, and I could not bear to think of that thing waiting, in my baby's room. Waiting for what? Oh God! What was going to happen? How could I leave my baby sleeping in her room with that monster? I would have to take it away from her and get rid of it when she was sleeping.

" Honey, you are over reacting, it is only a doll!" Jake soothed.

"It is not only a doll! I tell you it is haunted!" I screamed.

I would have gotten rid of it, but I thought you were just affected by the fall. I am sorry for your sake that I didn't, but Katie loves that doll, and Honey I am sorry but I can't believe that a doll is haunted," he shook his head in disbelief. " I would have gotten rid of it, if I would have known it would upset you this much, but Honey I just don't believe that it is possible. I am sorry, I just can't."

I was fuming with indignation! " How can you not believe me? Even if you didn't believe me, why couldn't you do what I asked?"

"Well Katie loved that doll so much, I just couldn't justify it," Jake humbly replied.

I made up my mind as soon as Katie was asleep, Maude's ass was in the fireplace! I lay there waiting for the soft snoring sounds of Jake. When I was sure he was asleep, I crept into Katie's room, and gently went to pry Maude from Katie's arms. She moaned softy in her sleep, Katie not Maude. Maude's hideous black eyes flew open in obvious rage. I recoiled in horror, but picked the vile thing up by her arm. I carried her out of Katie's room like it was a poisonous snake! Rushing out of her room, I hurried down the stairs as fast as I could and turned the gas fireplace on. When the flames shot up, I tossed the hissing vile thing in the flames. I swear she screamed in rage, and when she whooshed up in flames, I saw her writhe and toss in incensed madness! The smell was the most atrocious sulphurous, stench, of decomposed, rank abomination that one can imagine. It was like the odor of decaying burnt flesh.

I opened the front door, allowing the fresh air to wash out the acrid stench. The sense of relief I felt is undescribable. I went to bed, woodenly, and prayed, asking God to help us all. I tossed and turned all night, but was ready to face the wrath of my little Katie and Jake about the missing witch.

Nothing prepared me for what came in the morning. Katie bounded into bed with Jake and I ready for a day of cartoons and fun. She plopped her little sleep -warmed body between Jake and I and snuggled up next to us. I smiled in half sleep, throwing my arm over the two of them, and then I felt it, the cold rigid evil in Katie's arms. I opened my eyes in horror, and grinning into my face, was the malevolent eyes of Maude! I jumped up and out of bed, shuddering and quaking in revulsion! I couldn't scream or voice my shock, because Katie and Jake didn't know what I had done!

Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, it just kept running through my head. Oh my God, what am I gonna do? The terror and confusion were indescribeable.

"Come back to bed, sweetheart," Jake cajoled.

"I have to go to the bathroom," I replied.

"Oh come on it is Sunday morning, let's skip church and just lay around today," He coaxed.

"No I want to make a big breakfast, then you guys can come down when I get it ready," I was buying time.

I hurried up, heart pounding and raced downstairs. I could still smell the awful odor in the livingroom. I felt nauseous. Was I losing my mind? How could Maude come back? I burned her, and I could still smell the hellish odor in the air. She was upstairs in bed with my husband and daughter. How was that possible. My God how was that possible?

I started whipping up batter for waffles, at least I could keep my mind working, while I prepared breakfast. I really needed to talk to our priest. But I didn't know how to approach him. Would he think I was crazy too? The sun shone beautifully through the bay window, and I wanted so badly to believe that this was not real. Maybe this was like before. Maybe I was hallucinating? How else could you explain it?

Jake nuzzled my neck, and I jumped a mile. "God Jake, you scared the crap out of me! Don't sneak up on me like that!" I cried.

"Sorry Honey, you used to like that. What the hell is that rank smell? Something die in here? Jesus it stinks!" He wrinkled his nose up.

"I burned Maude last night," I spat out.

"Ha ha, sure, that is why she is up in bed with Katie," Jake replied.

"I am serious, I burned her up, and that is the smell from her possessed, evil body!" I exclaimed woodenly.

Jake laughed nervously. "Come on Melissa, you can't be serious?"

"I am serious Jake. I don't know how she came back, but I burned her in the fireplace after you and Katie went to sleep. She was hissing, and spitting, and writhing, and pure evil. I tossed the little bitch in the fireplace and watched her burn in hell!" I cried.

"Melissa, I am sorry but I can't believe that. I am afraid that you need to see Dr. Matthews again. She was able to help you before, and I believe you need to see her again. I believe that you believe this, but Honey it can't be true. I haven't witnessed anything, and neither has Katie, and she loves that doll. Frankly I am surprised that you bought that doll. The way you hate clowns? Why? After what happened to you? Why would you buy a clown doll for Katie?" Jake shook his head worriedly.

"I don't know Jake, I really don't know. The instant I put her in the car, I felt like I was making a mistake. But it was like I was compelled to do it. Maybe I should see Dr. Matthews. Would you call her for an emergency appointment for me tomorrow? I want to get rid of this thing as soon as possible. Either I am crazy or that thing is possessed," I whispered.

Katie came bounding down the stairs, Maude in tow. She plopped in her chair, and put Maude in the chair next to her. I shuddered and stole a glance at Maude. She looked like she always did. Just a stuffed harmless doll. I must be losing it. I was determined to solve this tomorrow.

The rest of the day was uneventful, as far as Maude goes. We went to the park and ate at McDonald's. Katie and Maude played in the outdoor playground, and I was hoping Katie would forget her, or some little heathen would stomp her to death on the playground. No such luck. The hideous thing sat in the back seat with Katie on the way home. She was mute, and grotesque, but at least she was not alive, or should I say she wasn't real.

Putting Katie to bed that night, was terrifying. How could I let that thing sleep with her? How could I leave her unprotected? I took out my crucifix, and slipped it over Katie's head, before I went to bed. At least I felt a little better about leaving her in there with Maude.

When we were in bed Jake told me I had an appointment with Dr. Matthews in the morning at 10:00. I felt a wave of fear and relief at the same time. Dr. Matthews could help me one way or another, she did before. I believed she could again. She wouldn't pull any punches with me either. I slept fitfully, but was relieved in the morning to see that Katie was okay and Maude was still her old dumb self.

"Mama, why is that cross laying on the floor?" Katie asked me innocently.

"What do yo mean on the floor honey?" I asked quietly.

"When I got up and put my dirty clothes in the clothes hamper, your cross was on the floor, under my dirty clothes." Katie explained quizzically.

What the hell was she talking about? If I told her I put it on her in the night. She would question that. I didn't know what to say, except, I was horrified at the thought that some how that crucifix, was removed from my daughter during the night. I didn't do it, and she probably didn't do it, so what happened? Jake had already left for work and I doubted that he did it, but then I didn't know for sure. Maybe he was afraid that Katie would get twisted in it somehow. Well it was too late to ask him and one way or another that bitch, Maude was going to die! I would see Dr. Matthews and she would have to help me, that was all there was to it. She had to help me or I would loose my mind, or my daughter.

Katie skipped out to the car with Maude by the arm. She carefully buckled her in a seat belt, and I helped her into her booster seat. I avoided Maude. Come one this is ridiculous I thought. But I felt the hair on the back of my neck prickle. When I dropped them off at the door and waved goodbye to Katie and Mrs. Wilson, I breathed a sigh of relief. Now how in the hell would I explain this to Dr. Matthews?

I appreciated it that Dr. Matthews would always meet me at the door. She stood about five foot, but was very confident, warm and friendly. She had honey blonde hair, which she wore in a classic page boy style. She had a light weight sage green sweater that complimented her beautiful dark fringed hazel eyes. She was small but built perfectly. I always felt rather dowdy around her. She was very professional, but within minutes of being with her I felt comfortable and cared for. She always showed remarkable concern, warmth and kindness. I always felt funny calling her by her first name, but she always reminded me that she preferred to have me call her Amanda. She was like an older sister. She probably was old enough to be my mother, but didn't look a day over forty.

Head down, I told her the story. I was afraid to look up, but when I finished, I looked up out of the corner of my eye. I had to see her reaction. Would she think I was crazy? Tell me it was my imagination or what? I wasn't prepared for her expression. I know that she would work hard at remaining nuetral, even when some of the experiences I shared with her were pretty horrific but nothing prepared me for her response.

Her large expressive eyes registered horror and shock. "Oh my Melissa, I don't know quite what to say. This is really quite a shocking thing to deal with. I know that you are not delusional. I know that you have had experiences in the past, that if I didn't know your history, I would have a hard time accepting, but this is something I will have to absorb a little slowly. I do believe in the possibility of supernatural occurances. I have not experienced any myself, but I don't discredit others' experiences. Melissa, the shocking thing is that you would buy a clown doll, considering your past experience. Would you like to explain why you would do that?"

"I don't know Amanda. I can't explain it. It was like a compulsion. Maybe I was trying to work out the past? At first I didn't even think of it. I just wanted to get something for Katie that she likes. I don't want to put my fears onto her. But once I got that thing in the car, I didn't know what to do. So I just tried to pooh pooh it. But when Katie said that her name was Maude, it was like I had been hit in the stomach with a bowling ball!" I said.

"Oh Melissa, I believe that you believe it. What does Jake say?" she cautiously asked.

"Ha ha, Jake sent me to see you to see what you thought," I sarcastically snorted. I think he just wants you to fix me again like you did before."

"Melissa, I didn't "fix" you. I helped you to work through your past abuse. What you experienced was horrible. Don't make light of it. It is no wonder that you are having a hard time with this. I don't know what to make of it, but I believe that you believe it. I don't think that you are crazy. It has to be coincidence, or maybe Katie heard you mention that name and it just stuck, without her knowing how that name was associated to you. We will work this out though Melissa. I will help you. I never experienced anything to the degree that you did, but I don't think I would want a doll around that looks the way you described that one. I am concerned though that it is around you with the way you feel about it. It will be hard for you to explain to Katie though about her disappearance. I would not usually recommend this, but I think that you need to have Jake dispose of the doll, with you, without Katie of course. You will have to tell her something that will satisfy her. I am really perplexed about how to tell you to do this. But for your sake you need to see it disposed of with someone you trust. You need to know that it is gone. I think with the absolutely horrific abuse that you suffered by that evil woman, Maude, maybe it triggered some kind of abreaction. I know you are sane Melissa. You just need to know that too. Then maybe we need to have some more sessions to deal with the abuse. Maybe there is more that you need to have resolved. You are doing so well and should be proud of your accomplishments. I don't want your past to come back to haunt you." Amanda worriedly explained.

She had Jake come in after work and told him what the plan was. He wasn't thrilled about the idea, but was willing to go along with it. We had to decide what to tell Katie. I called our friends, Bill and Sharon and asked if it was okay for Katie to spend the night with Carrie that I was still recovering from my fall and needed to see the Dr. early in the morning. Sharon said she would be glad to and that she could take both the girls to school in the morning.

Now we had to put our plan in action. I looked at Jake with terror in my eyes. Was this the right thing to do? We were lying to our daughter, but how could we tell her the truth? Even though Jake may not believe me, he was willing to do what Amanda suggested, but I could tell he had misgivings about it. Not me! I was ready to do anything to get rid of that evil thing. I still couldn't believe that I had hallucinated burning her. But what other possible explanation was there? Or should I say " rational" explanation?

We rushed Katie, getting her ready to go to the Martins' house, hoping that she would forget Maude. We packed her overnight bag together, and listened to her chatter about going to her little friends' house. I kept diverting her from Maude. I felt less guilt than hope that I could keep her distracted with conversation.
"No! I forgot Maude!" Katie wailed.

"Oh sweetheart I am sorry, we can't be late, Martin's are taking you to Pizza Hut, we can't go back, or it will be too late. I guiltily soothed. How could I ever forgive myself, and how would I explain Maude's absence? I would deal with that later.

Katie was crying softly when we left her at the Martins. I felt bad but relieved that she didn't put up to much of a fuss. She was side-tracked by their cocker spaniel and Carrie. We made our arrangements, and said our good-byes.

Jake sullenly got in the driver's seat. I felt defensive and stupid. "Honey, I know it sounds stupid, but please just do this for me. You heard what Amanda said. Even though it may not be real to you it is to me, and I am afraid for Katie too." I explained.

"I am worried about you Melissa. Jake stated bluntly. I don't know what to think and I really, really, hate lying to Katie!"

"I do too, Honey, I really do, but I can not stress to you how important this is to me! Please try to understand. I have never asked you to do anything for me have I?" I pleaded.

"So how do we explain this to Katie? Jake shot back. How do we tell her that we took care of her doll and then it disappeared? Poof, gee Katie, we don't know what happened to your doll. Yeah we told you we would take care of her, sorreeey!"

"I got your point Jake! I will figure out something, just please do this for me," I woodenly replied.

Upon entering the house, I instantly felt the cold. I shuddered, and furtively looked around. Where was the little bitch hiding? I know I sound like I was paranoid. Well maybe I was, but I felt like I had cause to be. I quickly turned on the living room light, making me feel a little less fearful. There the little bitch sat. Staring at me from the couch, she sat woodenly, expressionless. Her black eyes never blinked. Jake angrily lit the fire in the fireplace and when the flames shot up, he took Maude and held her in his hands, and said, "Sorry Maude, this one's for Melissa."

Maude did not reply. I really expected her to, but she lay just like a dumb rag doll. He tossed her in the fire, and she burned up without any fight. I felt stupid and relieved. There was no foul odor, which Jake quickly reminded me of.

"I hope now Melissa, that you can put the past behind you! I know what happened with you and that witch Maude was horrible. No child should have to go through that, the stalking and molestation is hideous and evil, but that was in the past. She is no longer real, and this was just a doll! So let's please put this foolishness behind us, and let the dead rest! Now let's try to think of a way to explain Maude's absence to Katie," Jake sighed.

Even though I felt relieved, I also felt ashamed, and sad. I thought that Jake was my protector, and when he talked to me that way, I felt so humiliated. I called Amanda that night and she reassured me. We talked about maybe getting a kitten or puppy for Katie to try to salve her wounds.

The best lie we could come up with is that Maude accidently got mixed in with the dry cleaning when the cleaners came to pick up Jake's dress shirts. She would accidently get ruined at the cleaners, and we would replace her with a live, kitten or puppy of her choice. Small price to pay for freedom from evil!

Katie pranced in the house, happy as a little spring lamb. She quickly ran to find Maude. When I told her what happened she was crestfallen. "You said you would take care of her!" she wailed heartbrokenly.

"Honey I am so sorry, the cleaners picked her up by accident." I tried to say sympathetically.

Now the hard part would be for her, when Maude did not come back. I bet she would never trust me or the dry cleaners again! Small price I say.

I felt more relieved and light hearted than I had in weeks. I called Amanda and told her how it had transpired. We could sleep in and no worry about Katie or her safety or mine.

We went out to eat, and had a quiet night. We took a walk through the neighborhood, and saw the puppy in the neighbor's yard. Just the seed to sow Katie's desire for a pet, instead of a hideous clown doll. When we put her to bed that night, she cried for Maude, and I felt twinges of guilt. We tucked Tommy into bed with her. He was her rejected teddy bear, and told her that he would feel better too. That calmed her down and she went to sleep whimpering softly.

Jake turned his back on me before going to sleep. Although I felt safer from Maude, I felt far from safe and protected by Jake. I felt sad and rejected, and worst of all, more than a little crazy.

Early morning sunlight spilled on my face, and I pulled the comforter down a little, warmed by the sun. I stretched and rolled over to look at my still dozing husband. He had taken a vacation day, and this was not a school day for Katie. We were going to have to face the last leg of Maude's disappearance today, but at least the dirty deed was nearly done.

"Do you forgive me Honey?" I asked Jake softly.

"Yeah, I do, I am sorry, I can't imagine what you went through. I just hate seeing Katie so upset, and I really hate lying to her," He said sincerely.

He spooned me and I felt loved and safe. It was beginning to look like a good day. I could feel him, against me, warm and hard, and I felt myself smile. " Feeling good today Honey?" I cooed.

"You feel real good!" He growled.

Just then I heard the patter of excited little feet. Katie bounded happily into our room and threw herself up on the bed. She excitedly screamed,"Look at what the cleaner man remembered! Maude is home and she is cleaner than ever!" She threw her self on top of us, and Maude was right with her.

I suppressed a scream of horror and revulsion. My eyes were wide with terror. I looked into Jake's face and he too looked like a rattlesnake had been tossed between us. Katie cooed and kissed Maude. I quickly slithered backwards off the bed.

"Katie, how do you know the cleaner's man brought Maude back? Where did you find her?" I cautiously asked.

"He left her on my bed Mama! Wasn't that nice of him?" He knew I missed her.

"Yes, Honey that was real nice of him," I replied more steadily than Jake looked.

"Let's get dressed and go out for breakfast, why don't we?"Jake shakily asked.

"My God, Melissa, what is going on?" Jake was whitefaced and shaky.

"I don't know Honey, I honestly don't know. She said in court that she would pay me back, and that she was a witch. That she would come back to haunt me for telling on her. Maybe she posessed the doll, that is all I can say. But worst yet, how the hell do we get rid of her?" I whispered behind the bathroom door.

We quickly dressed and shouted for Katie to get ready too. When we went down to her room, we didn't want to leave her alone with Maude. Katie looked troubled. She had laid back down on the bed and Maude was laying next to her. She was kissing Katie's neck. Katie was trying to push her away. Jake quickly grabbed Maude, and held her away from him at arms length. Katie was whimpering as she wiped her neck with a look of childlike disgust, like she was riding herself of a spider. I told her I would be right back that she should finish dressing. I closed the bedroom door. Jake was holding the writhing thing out away from his body. It was hissing and spitting. He ran downstairs with it, and I ran into the kitchen for a plastic garbage bag. He tossed it in the fireplace and was just ready to light it, and I screamed at him, "No!!! Let's take it to Father Calahan!"

He slammed the door on the fireplace and it fought, growled spat and hurled itself at the glass doors. It's eyes were wide open andm the fires of hell burned in them. God what could we do?

I grabbed the crucifix off of the wall and held it up to the fireplace. Maude hissed and growled, but cowered in the back of the fireplace.

I went up and got Katie, and told her that there was an emergency and that I was going to take her to the Jackson's next door and we would come and get her soon. I hurried her through the dining room, Jake was blocking her view. I could see the terror in his eyes as he held the crucifix up to the doors. I could hear her low growls.

Katie was white faced but unquestioning. I told Laura Jackson we had an emergency and asked if she could watch Katie. She said it would be a pleasure and asked no questions. I quickly ran back home.

"Father Calahan, please we need your help, can you please come to our house immediately?"I begged.

"I was just leaving, but I can come if it is an emergency," He formally answered.

" Please Father it is an emergency," I stated.

"I will be there in ten minutes, " He answered.

"Father, Wait! I need you to perform an excorcism," I stated bluntly. I hung up before he could question me.

I ran in the back door, and Jake was still standing there. He held out the crucifix and was repeating the Lord's Prayer. I grabbed my rosary and started reciting it with him. The thing, continued to growl, lowly and would hurl itself toward the doors and hiss. Then she would retreat back and come back for more.

Father Calahan came in the front door and saw us standing in front of the fireplace, looking idiotic. In the fireplace lay a harmless doll. He looked at us in total confusion. "What is the problem here guys?"

Jake would not look away from the fireplace, nor would he drop the crucifix. He explained everything to Father Calahan, shaking, with his hands gripping the crucifix.

"Father, I know you may think we are crazy, I didn't believe it could be true either. I even doubted Melissa when she told me she burned the bitch and it came back, but I saw it with my own eyes. She was laying there just like she is now to make me think that Melissa was crazy. But I saw her hissing and writhing earlier, and she came back! You have got to send it to hell Father please!" Jake cried.

"Father, I whispered, you remember what happened to me and the neighborhood kids twenty years ago? Please you have got to help us, whether it is real to you or not, please exorcise this thing,"I begged.

"Listen, I believe you, Maude McLane, vowed that she would get even with you somehow, someday, and she admitted that she was a black witch and that we would come face to face one day. I don't talk openly about these things unless need be, but I believe you. She may not speak now, she is trying to make you look crazy, but I know better," Father explained.

Father took out is Holy water and his crucifix and Bible. He started praying and as he began to pray, Maude, started screaming, like a banshee, she battered against the glass, she spit and hissed, and growled, and beat on the sides of the fireplace. Father continued praying louder and we joined him. He literally threw Holy water through the fireplace doors, and she railed and screamed and then, he lit the fire and she burned and screamed and disappeared. He sent her to hell, and then blessed our entire house. We went through each room and opened each window and door. The fresh air streamed in and the sun shone brightly, clearly and he blessed each doorway, window and room. He prayed with us and listened to me as I told him about the shame and pain and prayed over me and our family for healing and relief of all evil. We even cleaned out the fireplace and sprinkled it with Holy water, and hung the crucifix back over the mantle.

After Father left, we prayed again, and Jake asked my forgiveness for doubting me. I forgave him and told him I understood why it was so hard for him to believe. I doubted myself.

We went to pick up our darling little Katie. She was scared and ashen faced. She said she didn't want Maude back. That Maude scared her that morning. That she said some bad things to her and made her feel funny. We told her that Maude was gone and never coming back.

At McDonald's we watched Katie play and talked for a long time about our life and our goals. We thought about what was important, mainly our family and God. Katie came bounding over to us and we went out to the car. We stopped by the animal shelter, and picked out the cutest little cocker spaniel mutt that you can imagine. I should say she picked us out. She came right up to Katie and licked her hand. Katie named her Maggie. A nice good Irish name.