When I was twenty-two years old, I got a job as a server at a pub called RP McMurphy's. Situated in a hundred-year-old building called The Academy, RP's was a homey little spot. Boasting dozens of beers on tap, as well as Guiness on nitro, it was a happening little joint in my home town. Right away, I liked the job because I worked with cool people and there were often shows at the pub on Friday and Saturday nights. For someone that age, it was a good time.

In addition to the job, I loved working at The Academy. An historic landmark, the building had been designed and built by a nun named Mother Joseph and the Sister's of Mercy. Even the bricks were special, having beeen commissioned by Mother Joseph from the Hidden family. At times a school, hospital, orphanage, and mental asylum, then later office space, events rooms, and restaurant space, the three-story building was laden with history. Not surprising, it was said to be haunted.

Mike the Cook and I discussed this one evening, while out back having a smoke. Though Mike was (and still  is) an atheist, he complained of weird shit happening in his kitchen. Some examples were  his pots being smacked around, his spoons being moved, and spices disappearing. He was the only one in the small kitchen most the time, so he had no explanation for it.

I felt RP's had a creepy vibe, and no way would I go upstairs to the sanctuary after dark, since phantom footsteps were said to be heard pacing the halls. But I didn't have any direct experiences with the paranormal the first several weeks I worked at RP's. In truth, I quickly forgot about the stories and just did my job.

Then one afternoon when I was at the bar near the side entrance, getting the espresso machine ready, I turned around and walking right in front of me was a white, ghostly apparition. The ghost was that of a young woman, about five feet tall and wearing a habit. She strode quickly from the entrance to the dining area and then disappeared. Staring in disbelief, I was silent. She didn't acknowledge me or anything around her. It was almost as if I was watching a silent movie super-imposed on the hallway.

For a long time, I didn't tell many people about this.  Recently, my mom asked me if I have ever seen a ghost, and I told her this story.

"Wow," she said, "most people don't actually ever see a ghost."

No kidding, that's why I rarely shared this story. But since it's Halloween, and since OS is asking, this is my spooky and true tale.