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Ceci Masters was scrambling to get ready for school. With exams looming, keeping her A average was the only way to make it into a good business school. The problem? Being a kid superhero and trying to study? Not the easiest combo.
The multiverse madness had quieted down, but Ceci knew better than to get too comfortable. Things could go sideways in the blink of an eye. So, she had to cram. But first—bathroom break.
She opened the door to find Irma Edmond, the school spirit, sitting on the toilet like it was the most normal thing in the world.
“IRMA?!” Ceci nearly dropped her toothbrush. “What are you DOING here?!”
Irma, unfazed, simply pushed up her oversized glasses and gave them a casual wipe. “Chill out, girl! You know I got it covered. I came through the pipes—no ghost detectors, no alarms, no fuss. Your parents won’t even know I’m here.”
Ceci made a face, looking at the toilet like it had just become the stuff of nightmares. “You travel through sewage pipes? That's just... that’s gross.”
Irma shrugged, twirling a lock of her frizzy purple hair. “Hey, pipes are like my secret passageway. Can’t always float through walls without people noticing. And trust me, sewer’s better than your mom's vacuum cleaner...you don't wanna know what happens when you cross that path.”
Ceci forced herself to keep from cringing. “Fine, fine...what’s going on?”
Irma’s expression softened, a bit more serious now. “Look, I need a favor. My sister, Fay—she’s got a daughter, my niece, Lyndsay—she’s starting school today. I need you to look out for her.”
Ceci blinked. “Wait, what? You’ve got a niece?”
Irma nodded, twirling her ponytail, looking embarrassed. “Yeah, long story. Fay was born the same year I… you know... died. They moved away after that, but now they’re back in the old house, and I’ve been keeping tabs.”
“By haunting the pipes?” Ceci raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah, pipes, walls, whatever. I can’t just ghost around willy-nilly, y’know? That’d freak everyone out.” Irma gave her an exaggerated pout. “And don't get me started on floating through walls... it’s a real pain.”
Ceci couldn’t help but laugh a little. “Okay, okay, but you still haven’t explained about your niece.”
Irma’s tone shifted, becoming more urgent. “Lyndsay’s different, okay? She’s half-Chinese, and she's on the spectrum. I know how people can be with, well, anyone who stands out... and with all the mess going on with race and mental health these days? I just want someone to watch out for her.”
Ceci nodded seriously. “Of course, I can do that. I’ve helped mentor before, so I can talk to Mrs. Ricardez and see if she’ll let me take Lyndsay under my wing.”
Irma’s eyes brightened. “You’re the best, Cecilia! I knew I could count on you. Just let me know how she’s doing, yeah? I need to bounce before the bathroom police get suspicious.”
With that, she flushed herself down the toilet, leaving a faint, sparkly trail behind her.
At school, Ceci was pleasantly surprised when Mrs. Ricardez informed her that she was already being considered as Lyndsay’s mentor.
When she first saw Lyndsay, Ceci understood immediately why Irma had asked for her help. Lyndsay had striking heterochromia—one brown eye, one green—and dressed entirely in maroon and gray. She had a quiet, reserved way about her, never making eye contact with anyone, and her movements were deliberate, like she was trying to organize the world around her in some way.
As they walked down the halls, Ceci noticed Lyndsay muttering under her breath, repeating words like, “Kiss kill, kiss kill...” and “Kill my memory, thank you.”
Ceci knew this behavior as echolalia—something she’d read about in her extra credit paper on learning and mental disorders. She kept a close eye on her new mentee, silently willing herself to help her feel at ease.
They arrived at a locker—one that had once been Irma’s—and Lyndsay froze, her fingers hovering over the combination dial.
“So, here’s your locker. Do you need help with the combination?” Ceci asked gently.
Lyndsay blinked, as if waking from a trance, and spoke quietly. “Oh, sorry, Cecilia. I was just thinking... how much better this school could be if the lockers weren’t so mismatched... the colors don’t match either... it’s... chaotic.”
Ceci smiled, recognizing the need for order. “Yeah, I get that. Some things around here could definitely use a little organizing.”
Lyndsay looked up, her eyes meeting Ceci’s for the first time. It was brief, but enough to show she was listening.
Over the next two weeks, Ceci kept a close watch on Lyndsay. She helped her adjust, especially when it came to social cues. Despite being in different grades, they formed an easy, non-judgmental bond. Lyndsay was still withdrawn at times, but with Ceci’s help, she learned how to navigate the social maze a bit more easily.
When Ceci finally reported back to Irma, the ghost practically radiated relief. “You’re a life-saver, seriously. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I just... I can’t be there for her like I want to.”
Ceci grinned. “No worries. I’ve got her back, and if anyone—living or dead—gives her trouble, I’ll handle it.”
Irma floated up, beaming. “You’re a real one, Cecilia. Thanks for everything. Now, I gotta get back to my pipes... Catch you later!”
Ceci watched her disappear down the toilet, feeling a sense of pride. Even in the afterlife, Irma had someone she could trust with her family.