The Mansion

We had arrived at my dad's boss' house for a Christmas company party. The drive up was incredible especially seeing so many beautiful estates, all having their own specific style. We pulled up to the drive way, following a line of cars. The mansion resembled a castle, that was surrounded by an abundance of trees. We entered the front door only to see how elaborate the decorations were. I was kind of curious to meet my dad's boss. Curious to see what kind of person would live in this house. We approached everyone at the party. I remember finding it a hassle to introduce myself to everyone, I would rather not talk than make awkward small talk. I finally got the chance to meet my dad's boss. There was something about him, he was sly and looked like he was hiding something. Every time he spoke, it was something clever and smooth as if he knew what we would ask. We continued to look around the house, making our way into the backyard. The backyard was massive, it had a tennis court, a pool, and two guest houses. Although one of the houses was gated and chained, it was odd but maybe it held something valuable?

After we ate, people began to dance and play at the poker tables. It was refreshing to see both of my parents in social setting after so long. I kept refilling my glass of wine at the open bar occasionally looking over at my dad's boss. I was trying to figure him out. Something felt off about him, but people respected him so much. The night continued. There was a thunderstorm expected to hit, so people made sure to leave a little early before getting flooded in. Everyone, except for us. My parents and I had too much to drink anyway, and of course I wanted to stay in this mansion. We were escorted to our rooms upstairs. I was able to sleep in my own room, while my parents stayed across the hall. As soon as my head hit the silk covered pillow I blacked out.

I woke up in a sudden panic. What I was about to see made my body go into shock. I was tied up, restrained from my shoulders down to my feet. My mom was to my right and my dad was on the left. I didn't understand why this was happening to us.  The room we were in was dark and cold, but I could see the mansion from the window. It was the gated guest house, this is what my dad's boss was hiding inside. I struggled to get lose but managed to untie a knot and started to untie my parents. I tried to wake them up quietly, but nothing worked. My hands were shaking, I had no choice but to go find help on my own. I took a couple breathes, trying to contain my self. I hear something approaching, I laid back down immediately, covering my mouth to hide the sound of my breath. I saw a big black figure with a hunched back, dragging a body along with him. Blood traced the floor,  as I took a quick look back at the figure, I noticed that it had bag over it's head. I heard a big metal door being opened, which echoed screams of people he was torturing. I began to feel sick, and helpless. I ran for my life, I swung the front door open, and all I heard was a growl coming from behind me. I kept looking forward trying to seek an exit, but it was too late. Only to be dragged back in, I tried to scream, but no sound came out. That's what I hate the most about nightmares, trying to run but not being able to run fast enough, or screaming but no sound coming out. I sat up and took a moment to myself. I was relieved it was a dream, but there's an uncomfortable feeling that stays with you afterward.

Birmingham? Haunted?

                             
I have never experienced anything paranormal at my old high school, Birmingham Community Charter, but I do remember hearing stories throughout the four years I went there. Before becoming a public school in 1952, BCCHS was once Birmingham Veterans Administrative Hospital. The hospital was built in the mid-40's and lasted for about six years. It covered 160 acres of land in the middle of the San Fernando Valley. The main purpose for this hospital was to give aid to those soldiers who were in WWII. The hospital consisted of 114 buildings, most connected by three miles of underground corridors. A prisoner of war camp was also based at the hospital, which held approximately 45 prisoners. My old high school is located near a lake, and if you hike down close to where the sewer meets, you can see where an entrance to the underground corridor was. The underground tunnels for the most part have been shut down, and sealed with cement. The junior high I attended was adjacent to the high school, which was also part of the hospital. I vividly remember the bathrooms located in the back of campus. The bathroom had large bucket sinks, old rusty cabinets, and a bed that was behind a curtain.

There were always rumors going around from people that would stay late on campus. Some people said they would hear noises coming from the old gym. Some of my friends that were in theatre said, that some lights would go on and off randomly, and that they would always have issues with batteries being drained from microphones, or props being moved. The "F" building  aka "the dark building" was known for people hearing spooky moans and noises. I never experienced anything for myself, except for having an uneasy feeling when I used the restrooms in the old gym.





This is how Birmingham looks today. The campus is fairly big, and open which is something I always liked.






Mulholland Middle School. Where the old restroom gave me the heebiejeebies!

CAMP BOTHIN

During my sophomore year here at State, I decided to rush a local greek org. Since it is a local, it's small compared to other greek organizations, but I like it that way. At the beginning of every fall semester we go on a retreat, and the year I had rushed, the location was Camp Bothin. The camp is located in Marin County, so its only 40 minutes outside the San Francisco area. I remember calling my parents to let them know about my whereabouts, since I wouldn't get any reception at the campsite. I looked forward to the weekend, it's nice to get away from the city or just people in general. I was in one of the cars that got there late, but I was still able to find a decent bunk in the room that had a heater. 

The camp was in located deep within the wooded canyons of the Marin County. The site was beautiful, but what laid inside turned into a sinister surprise. Camp Bothin, was once a tuberculosis hospital. Judging by its prison like restrooms it was not hard to believe why this was a perfect place to have this building here. Reading further into the campsite, some of my sorority sisters and I found out that the campground was on ancient Indian burial ground!

We stayed at the Manor House for only one night. The house had long narrow hallways and floors that would creak. I remember a couple girls sharing bunks because they were too scared to sleep alone. Before going to bed, we all were hanging out downstairs in the main corridor. I walked out with a couple of other girls to look at the stars. Sadly, we were not allowed to start a campfire, but we sat around the pit regardless. An hour or two after, I decided to walk back in because of how cold I was. I walked into the kitchen that is adjacent to the main room.  I was fixing myself a midnight snack, and wanted to grab some water before going to bed. I stood in the kitchen, and suddenly felt a warm sensation on the back of my neck. I felt a little dizzy, but then I started to hear like something was trying to say something into my right ear. I felt like I couldn't move and it became harder to breathe. As I stood, there I heard something that sounded like a faint moan that sounded like a little girl. The sound became louder and the hairs on the back up my neck stood up! I ran into the next room and couldn't believe what I had heard. 

I walked back outside to catch my breathe. My body felt like its been stripped from all it's energy. I got the courage to walk back into the house. I went straight to bed, and didn't say a word to anyone. People were already scared to stay, and I didn't want to cause a scene. Going to sleep was challenge, especially when you feel like you are constantly being watched. I closed my eyes and tries so hard to sleep. We were going to leave early the next morning, so I just had to stick through for a couple hours. The following morning I packed so fast, and fixed myself something to eat.  I don't think I can ever go back to that campsite. A week went by and I was catching up with one of my sorority sisters. She had told me something that made my body stiff. She explained how she saw a figure walk right past her when she was sitting around the fire pit. Apparently I was not the only one to experience something paranormal that night. I almost felt bad that I didn't speak up about what I had seen. I told her about my experience in the kitchen that night, and how it was hard for me to go to sleep. She explained how the shadow had a medium build and felt like a male presence. Could it be possible that it could've been a spirit from one of the Indian tribes who was buried there? All I know is that I am sure of what I experienced that night. 

My First Contact

I guess I've always believed in ghosts but it didn't really hit me until I had my first contact with one. In the summer of 2011, my family decided to move into a new home. I was around 12 years old, and had to share a room with both of my younger siblings, Bella and Jason. The house was old and fairly small, built around the late 40s or early 50s. It was in need of some renovation, but the price was just in our price range, so my parents went forward and decided to buy it. I never sensed anything weird or off in the house. I remember being excited  to move in and invite all my friends over. We had previously lived in an apartment, so being able to have a bbq in the backyard was a big deal, at least it was to me. A couple weeks went by, and one day I found myself alone in the house. It was no big deal, I didn't feel scared and besides it was daytime. I remember watching tv and having the door open, because of how it was in the house. All of a sudden I felt this cold, brisk wind hit my body, and my room door slammed shut. I didn't think much of, but I was definitely scared at the moment. It didn't make any sense. Los Angeles is hot and dry during the summer. There was no possible way for the door to have shut as hard as it did.

It's a mid July night, and the cool summer breeze crept into my room. I was awaken from something that I could not explain. I heard someone whisper, "Jacky is that you?" into my ear. The skin on my neck instantly filled with goosebumps, and the hair on the back of my neck stood up. I wondered to myself the different possibilities of what it could've been. Was I dreaming or was it real? A couple days go by, and I had started my day with going for a bicycle ride with my sister. I opened the side gate to bring the bikes out and couldn't help but notice that there were engravings on the cement floor. I payed closer attention to what it said. I was struck with an instant sheer of panic, I couldn't believe my eyes. The names Karen, Jacky, and John were written out onto the cement, whom I assumed were the people who lived in the house previously. The only details we got about our house was that there was an older man who lived alone. We are unaware if he died on the property or not. Activity still remains within the house.