Page 64 of The Sasquatch and the Hairdresser

Telling Skylar more about me and my family tonight was quite a relief. The recent calls from my sister must have been getting to me more than I realized. Having a partner to talk to has made everything so much better.

I flush when I recall how he looked at me when I told him my full name. Like I’m precious.

Even though I’m not sure if his feelings are where mine are yet, I’m clinging to the fact that he cares enough to see where our shared connection can go.

For now, that’s plenty for me.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Dear Journal (NOT a fucking diary!),

I’m co-parenting a hellhound!

Never thought I’d say that. It’s just further proof of how fucking magical my life has become since arriving in Mystic Hollow.

I always wanted a dog as a kid. The movies made them seem like the most loyal companions, full of love and devotion. It’s not hard to see why that appealed to me, that’s for sure.

Our sweet girl traveled from another fucking dimension just so she could be loved by Hal. And fuck, you better believe I’d have done the same if I were her. She’s a smart one, I can tell.

My boyfriend and I are raising her together! Can you believe that? We’re like a real fucking family. I’m nervous but mostly excited. With Hal, I feel like I can do anything. I’m sure Dr. P will have thoughts about all this, but I’m not worried. Caring for an animal is a huge commitment, and I’ve always steered clear of having one for that reason. But things are different now, and I bet Dr. P would agree. Caring for Elvira with Hal just works for my new life in all the best ways.

Fuck, am I sounding super sappy or what? Whatevs. I’m going to hold on to these magical feelings that keep growing every moment I spend with Hal. And Elvira now, too.

—Skylar Wright’s Personal Journal

Skylar

Some memories aren’t easy to forget. Mine like to haunt me in my dreams.

Or rather, my nightmares.

I’m surrounded by darkness and pain engulfs my body. I know Damien’s attacking me, but I can’t see him.

I can’t see anything.

My breathing starts getting faster as I struggle to protect my head, my face, my stomach—my limbs can’t move fast enough to keep his fists and feet away.

Just when I’m ready to lose my shit and spiral into a panic attack, something warm and wet slides across both of my cheeks and my forehead.

I bolt upright in bed with a gasp, my heart pounding like it’s auditioning to be the drummer in a rock band.

Elvira, who’s sitting in my lap, continues to give my whole head a tongue bath—which, when it comes from a three-headed hellhound, is a real slobbery experience.

Hal sits beside me on the edge of the bed, his brow furrowed.

“Are you okay? You were having a bad dream. Elvira and I heard you cry out in your sleep, so we came to check on you.” He smiles softly when he looks at our new housemate. “Little Ms. here decided she needed to wake you up the only way she knows how.”

With a shaky hand, I rub the fluffy hair on her back and try to get my bearings.

“What time is it?”

“Five in the morning.”

“Sorry, I woke you so early,” I say, wincing. “I thought things were getting better, but I guess it takes a long time to get past the nightmares.”

Hal bites his bottom lip, and his big brown eyes fill with worry.

I feel bad. We only just started courting… dating… whatever you want to call it, and he’s already dealing with parts of me I’d hoped to keep hidden. At least for a little while.