TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 268
warning...adult content
~
As Linda and Melody were trying to set up the tents for their overnight camp-out, Linda had an idea.
"Why don't us girls share one, and the guys can share the other one?"
Steve shrugged. "Sure, it's fine with me, Sis." He began to set up the fire-pit, then lit the fire with the wood he'd bought at the store earlier. They all gathered around , watching the orange flames.
"This is so neat, y'all," Melody said. "Camping is fun."
"Well, it may be fun, but we still need to eat. Where's those weenies?" Steve asked.
Linda got the package from the cooler. Ghost and Melody giggled, and Stevie and Mandy started chanting, 'weenies, weenies, weenies'.
Steve had a smile on his face, as he and Linda cooked the food. "What a night, and it's only seven o'clock."
"I know, and it's already dark. When is the time change, or did it already happen?" Linda asked.
"Hell if I know," Steve said. "I don't even know what day or month it is anymore." He looked up into the trees. The campfire was sending little sparks up into the night sky, along with the aroma of wood smoke, and weenies. "Sometimes I think we've fallen into a time warp or something. This trip has taken so long. I think we may be trapped, and will never get home...just keep travelling forever."
Linda gave him a look. "That's the weirdest thing I've ever heard you say, Steve," Linda said.
"But, what if it's true?" Ghost asked.
"God, y'all just gave me goose bumps," Melody said, rubbing her arms.
"You know what I mean, Steve," Ghost said. "The mist..."
"Oh yeah, that's right," Steve said. "Now, that was weird."
Looking around, Ghost asked, "Have you seen any around here?" The woods were in shadows, now.
"Naw, I didn't see anything. Did you?"
"Not yet, but it's out there, waiting for it's chance to come back." Ghost moved a little closer to Steve, and took hold of his arm.
"Ok, enough talking about it," Steve said. He brushed a few strands of hair from off Ghost's forehead. "We're gonna scare the kids, if we don't stop...and us, too."
"I want to hear it," Melody said. "What happened with this mist thing?"
"I want to hear it, too," Linda said. "Tell us after the kids go to sleep, ok?"
"Ok," Steve said. "Anyway, these hot dogs are ready. Get your plate, and dig in."
Linda took a paper plate for each of the kids, and fixed their hot dogs, then one for herself."
They all sat in a circle around the fire, and were quiet for a little bit.
"These are really good, Steve, thanks for making them," Melody said.
"Have another one," Steve offered. She took another, and so did Linda and Ghost.
They soon finished, and Ghost got out the bag of marshmallows. "Look, marshmallow time. We need sticks, though."
Steve gave Ghost his pocket-knife. "Here, go cut some branches. Get the flashlight, too, it's in the truck." Ghost went on his errand, and when he got back, Linda and Melody put the marshmallows on a stick for each of them. She showed the kids how to hold them over the fire.
"Ok, they look melty now, but be careful, they're hot," she instructed the kids. Stevie and Mandy thought it was great fun..
Just as many marshmallows fell into the fire, as were eaten, and every time, they'd all say 'awww', and laugh. Eventually, the package was empty.
"Well, kids, it's time to get ready for bed, in the tents," Linda said, getting up. The kids began yelling 'yay' and running around.
"Great way to get them to settle down, Sis," Steve said.
"Oh, I have something that'll do the trick," Linda said. She went to the van and brought back the kid's pajamas, and the portable DVD player. "See, I'll put in a movie, and they'll be asleep in no time."
While she tended to the kids, Ghost and Melody cleaned up the camp area. Steve made sure the U-Haul was secured, then got a beer out of the cooler.
"Ahh," he sighed, after the first swallow.
"Did you get my wine?" Ghost asked.
"Oh, no, I forgot...and if you want a cup, they're in the truck."
"Get me a cup, Ghost," Melody said. "I want to try it."
Ghost smiled. "Ok..." but he knew it wouldn't be long until they both wouldn't care about cups; drinking from the bottle would be just fine. He went over to the truck, found the cups, and then felt around under the seat for his and Steve's stash of weed. He wasn't sure if Steve knew he had it. The last time they'd smoked, Steve said to get rid of it...no more until they got home. He stuffed the bag into his jeans pocket.
Back at the fire, Steve and Linda were talking about Missing Mile, and where she might find a job.
"I wish I could see it, already," Melody said. "It sounds so nice there."
"Steve," Ghost said, "let me see the phone a minute. There's some pictures on there."
"Oh, yeah...here," Steve said, and fished the phone out of his pocket.
Ghost found the photos, and showed them to Melody. "We took these ones before I got my good camera. There's more on there, too." Ghost said. He kept scrolling through the pictures. "Hey, here's one of our house."
Melody took the phone to see. "Oh, I love it. It's so cool looking. And, the porch...do y'all sit out there much?" she asked.
Ghost nodded. "All the time." He flipped through some more pictures. "Aww, there's Spirit. I can't wait to see him," he said. They continued looking at the pictures for a few minutes.
"Ok, what's the mist?" Linda asked. "You said you'd tell us, but did I hear about it before?"
"Maybe, but I can't remember what stories we told you, now," Steve said, and laughed. "But anyway, Melody hasn't heard them."
"Is it real scary?" Melody asked.
"Yeah, we were scared, huh, Steve?"
"You better believe it," Steve said. He told the story of the mist, and the earthquake, with Ghost adding to it every little bit.
"That's the creepiest thing I've ever heard," Melody said. She got up and walked to the van, bringing back a couple of blankets for her and Linda.
Linda and Steve started another conversation about schools for the kids. Ghost was getting bored.
"C'mon, let's go," he said. He and Melody went off past the next unoccupied camp site, and sat under a tall pine tree. They were in the shadows, but had the flashlight with them.
"I brought the wine," Ghost said, and took a swig from the bottle. "I forgot the cups." He handed it to Melody. She giggled, and put it to her lips, tilted her head back, taking a long drink. Only sputtering a little, she said,"Mmm, that's good wine."
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Friday, January 15, 2016
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 267
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 267
warning...adult content
~
"Yes, it worked," Ghost said.
"What worked?" Melody asked, as she watched Steve go into the little convenience store.
"The message I sent Linda...she got it," Ghost said, and grinned. "I said to her, 'camping would be fun, and save us money'."
"You did? I didn't hear anything. I don't think Steve did either." Melody frowned, as she thought for a minute. "Oh, I get it, you sent her a mental message? Can you show me how to do that?"
"I can try," Ghost said. "Just think of something real hard, and about the person you want to send the message to. Let's try one on Steve."
"Ok, so I just think really hard for him to do something?"
"Yeah, then when he comes back out of the store, we'll see if it worked. Maybe he'll say something about what you were thinking. So, try it now, before he comes out, but don't say it out loud, 'cause I want to see if I get it, too."
"This is fun...ok, here goes..." Melody said, and she began thinking, with her eyes closed. She thought it over and over.
Ghost smiled. "I got it," he said."
Melody opened her eyes, looking at Ghost. "Ok, what do you think it was?"
"It was, 'get some popcorn and beer', right?"
"That's right. Oh my God, it worked," Melody said. "Well, it worked on you. I hope it worked on Steve, too."
"Let me do one on him," Ghost said, and closed his eyes to better think of a message. After a minute, he asked Melody if she got any message from him.
"Umm, not sure exactly, but the word 'wine' came in my head," she said.
"That was it. You're getting good at this."
"Was that what you said? Just the word 'wine'?" Melody asked.
"Yeah, that's all. Steve will know it's for me, and what kind, if they have it in the store. He don't drink wine, just me...Scuppernong, so if he comes back with all that we ordered, well, cool," Ghost said. He looked toward the store. "Uh-oh, here he comes."
Steve came out of the store with several bags. He went to the van, and dropped it all in the back. "Ok, the guy said about a mile farther, there's a road that will take us to the KOA campsite," he told Linda. "Follow me."
He came back up to the U-Haul, and got in, telling Ghost and Melody the plan to go to the camping area. After a minute, he mentioned what he'd bought in the store.
"I got us some hot dogs and chips for our cook-out. Oh, I thought he kids might like some popcorn, too, so I got some."
Ghost and Melody smiled. "What else? You had a lot of sacks," Ghost said.
"Oh, well, I got us some cold beer. I feel like a drink tonight, it's been such a long day and all. I just need to chill for awhile. They had some of your favorite wine, too, Ghost, so I got you a bottle."
"Cool, that's great, Steve. I haven't had any in so long."
"Yeah, now I'm in a camping out mood. Y'all ready?" Steve asked.
"Let's go," said Melody. She raised her hand for a high five from Ghost, then they started laughing.
"What's so funny?" Steve asked.
"Nothing, just feeling good," Ghost said.
~
They drove to the camp ground, about two miles after they'd turned off on the road they were told about. It was nothing fancy, just several camp sites, with hook-ups for RVs, some metal BBQ grills, and a restroom/shower building. Steve went as far back as he could on the gravel road, avoiding the few other campers. There were two RVs and one tent set up. The RV people were inside; Steve could see the flicker of their TV set. The tenters were cooking, and looked like they were a family, gathered by the grill.
"Mmm, that wood smoke smells good," Melody said. "Now, I'm hungry."
"Me, too," Ghost said. He was hanging his head out the window, hair fluttering in the light breeze. "It smells like home, Steve. The pine trees..."
"I know," Steve said. "We're getting closer. I never noticed it before, but you're right, Ghost. Things smell different in different places. These trees are home trees." He stopped, and they got out, stretching their legs. Walking around felt good.
Linda and the kids were right behind them. She, Mandy, and Stevie, joined them."
"So, what do we do?" Melody asked. "Do we need to gather some wood?"
"Naw, not tonight," Steve said. "I bought some at that store. We can set up a little campfire." He looked around, seeing a cleared area, where a fire could be lit. "C'mon, Ghost, let's get the supplies."
Stevie and Mandy were running around chasing each other and laughing. "Stay right here," Linda said. "I'm going to help Steve unload. Can you keep an eye on them, Melody?"
"Sure, no problem," Melody said. She decided to join them in their game. They shrieked, when she tagged them.
Steve was handing supplies from out of the van. "Here, hold this, Ghost," he said several times.
"I can't hold any more, Steve. I'm taking it over there," Ghost said. He lugged several grocery bags, and the package of wood.
"Here, give me some of that," Linda said to Steve. "She took the cooler, and started back. The rest of the camping equipment was in the U-Haul. Steve opened it up, and took out the tents and cooking utensils. Ghost came back for another load, taking the sleeping bags. He was humming a song.
"This sure is a lot of trouble, when we could have stayed in a motel," Steve was thinking. "Money isn't an issue, after all," he reminded himself. He still forgot sometimes, though.
Linda and Melody were trying to set up the tents. They were the easy pop-up kind, but still a bit unwieldy. Ghost laughed. "Hey, Steve, remember the big old Army tent?"
"Yeah, I remember," Steve said. "Good riddance to that old thing."
"And, to spiders," Ghost said.
"Oh, God...don't let me see a spider," Melody said. "They scare me to death." She shivered at the thought.
Steve rolled his eyes. "You, too?" he asked.
"Yes, I can't stand them," Melody said.
"Did a spider make a web on you, too?" Ghost asked.
"I don't think so, but just running into a web is creepy. Are there any out here, around us?" she asked, looking around.
"Oh, honey, they're everywhere, but they don't bother you. They're scared of us," Linda said.
Melody wasn't too sure of that, and shook out a blanket, just in case.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 267
warning...adult content
~
"Yes, it worked," Ghost said.
"What worked?" Melody asked, as she watched Steve go into the little convenience store.
"The message I sent Linda...she got it," Ghost said, and grinned. "I said to her, 'camping would be fun, and save us money'."
"You did? I didn't hear anything. I don't think Steve did either." Melody frowned, as she thought for a minute. "Oh, I get it, you sent her a mental message? Can you show me how to do that?"
"I can try," Ghost said. "Just think of something real hard, and about the person you want to send the message to. Let's try one on Steve."
"Ok, so I just think really hard for him to do something?"
"Yeah, then when he comes back out of the store, we'll see if it worked. Maybe he'll say something about what you were thinking. So, try it now, before he comes out, but don't say it out loud, 'cause I want to see if I get it, too."
"This is fun...ok, here goes..." Melody said, and she began thinking, with her eyes closed. She thought it over and over.
Ghost smiled. "I got it," he said."
Melody opened her eyes, looking at Ghost. "Ok, what do you think it was?"
"It was, 'get some popcorn and beer', right?"
"That's right. Oh my God, it worked," Melody said. "Well, it worked on you. I hope it worked on Steve, too."
"Let me do one on him," Ghost said, and closed his eyes to better think of a message. After a minute, he asked Melody if she got any message from him.
"Umm, not sure exactly, but the word 'wine' came in my head," she said.
"That was it. You're getting good at this."
"Was that what you said? Just the word 'wine'?" Melody asked.
"Yeah, that's all. Steve will know it's for me, and what kind, if they have it in the store. He don't drink wine, just me...Scuppernong, so if he comes back with all that we ordered, well, cool," Ghost said. He looked toward the store. "Uh-oh, here he comes."
Steve came out of the store with several bags. He went to the van, and dropped it all in the back. "Ok, the guy said about a mile farther, there's a road that will take us to the KOA campsite," he told Linda. "Follow me."
He came back up to the U-Haul, and got in, telling Ghost and Melody the plan to go to the camping area. After a minute, he mentioned what he'd bought in the store.
"I got us some hot dogs and chips for our cook-out. Oh, I thought he kids might like some popcorn, too, so I got some."
Ghost and Melody smiled. "What else? You had a lot of sacks," Ghost said.
"Oh, well, I got us some cold beer. I feel like a drink tonight, it's been such a long day and all. I just need to chill for awhile. They had some of your favorite wine, too, Ghost, so I got you a bottle."
"Cool, that's great, Steve. I haven't had any in so long."
"Yeah, now I'm in a camping out mood. Y'all ready?" Steve asked.
"Let's go," said Melody. She raised her hand for a high five from Ghost, then they started laughing.
"What's so funny?" Steve asked.
"Nothing, just feeling good," Ghost said.
~
They drove to the camp ground, about two miles after they'd turned off on the road they were told about. It was nothing fancy, just several camp sites, with hook-ups for RVs, some metal BBQ grills, and a restroom/shower building. Steve went as far back as he could on the gravel road, avoiding the few other campers. There were two RVs and one tent set up. The RV people were inside; Steve could see the flicker of their TV set. The tenters were cooking, and looked like they were a family, gathered by the grill.
"Mmm, that wood smoke smells good," Melody said. "Now, I'm hungry."
"Me, too," Ghost said. He was hanging his head out the window, hair fluttering in the light breeze. "It smells like home, Steve. The pine trees..."
"I know," Steve said. "We're getting closer. I never noticed it before, but you're right, Ghost. Things smell different in different places. These trees are home trees." He stopped, and they got out, stretching their legs. Walking around felt good.
Linda and the kids were right behind them. She, Mandy, and Stevie, joined them."
"So, what do we do?" Melody asked. "Do we need to gather some wood?"
"Naw, not tonight," Steve said. "I bought some at that store. We can set up a little campfire." He looked around, seeing a cleared area, where a fire could be lit. "C'mon, Ghost, let's get the supplies."
Stevie and Mandy were running around chasing each other and laughing. "Stay right here," Linda said. "I'm going to help Steve unload. Can you keep an eye on them, Melody?"
"Sure, no problem," Melody said. She decided to join them in their game. They shrieked, when she tagged them.
Steve was handing supplies from out of the van. "Here, hold this, Ghost," he said several times.
"I can't hold any more, Steve. I'm taking it over there," Ghost said. He lugged several grocery bags, and the package of wood.
"Here, give me some of that," Linda said to Steve. "She took the cooler, and started back. The rest of the camping equipment was in the U-Haul. Steve opened it up, and took out the tents and cooking utensils. Ghost came back for another load, taking the sleeping bags. He was humming a song.
"This sure is a lot of trouble, when we could have stayed in a motel," Steve was thinking. "Money isn't an issue, after all," he reminded himself. He still forgot sometimes, though.
Linda and Melody were trying to set up the tents. They were the easy pop-up kind, but still a bit unwieldy. Ghost laughed. "Hey, Steve, remember the big old Army tent?"
"Yeah, I remember," Steve said. "Good riddance to that old thing."
"And, to spiders," Ghost said.
"Oh, God...don't let me see a spider," Melody said. "They scare me to death." She shivered at the thought.
Steve rolled his eyes. "You, too?" he asked.
"Yes, I can't stand them," Melody said.
"Did a spider make a web on you, too?" Ghost asked.
"I don't think so, but just running into a web is creepy. Are there any out here, around us?" she asked, looking around.
"Oh, honey, they're everywhere, but they don't bother you. They're scared of us," Linda said.
Melody wasn't too sure of that, and shook out a blanket, just in case.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Sunday, January 10, 2016
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 266
TWO SOUL: INTO THE FIRE
# 266
warning...adult content
~
Melody kept talking about the CD that Steve and Ghost had made, until Ghost interrupted her.
"We wrote a book, too." he said.
"What?" Melody screeched. Her head turned back and forth between Ghost and Steve.
"Oh, Lord, here we go," Steve said. "Go on, Ghost...tell her."
Grinning, Ghost did. Steve smiled and shook his head. He knew this book of theirs was Ghost's pride and joy, his idea, and his pictures, and his talking to the graveyard spirits. He was, himself, very proud of Ghost, and the book.
"Ok, yeah, we wrote it together," Ghost said. "We did, we both did, Steve."
"Well, mostly you did. I just drove the car, and only freaked out a few times...not even a few, more like a couple, or just once. Yeah, that was all," Steve said.
Ghost rolled his eyes. "Mmm-hmm, I remember more than that, Steve."
"Shut up. Just tell her."
"Ok, well we went to all these old graveyards..." he began.
"Graveyards?" Melody asked. "Why there, they're creepy."
Ghost gave her a look. "Why there? 'Cause that's what I do. I thought you knew I talk to the spirits."
"Talk to spirits? Are you teasing me?" Melody asked.
"No, why would I do that," Ghost asked, shaking his head. "You said you did too, or at least know what people are thinking." He looked confused. "Is that true? I feel like it is."
"Uh, yeah, I can sometimes, if I try real hard, but I never seen a ghost. Oh, well, except you," Melody said, and laughed.
Ghost sighed. "Oh, well, I might could help you...if you want me to," he said.
Melody shrugged. "I don't know, are they scary? Do they talk back? Can you see them?"
"Yeah, all the time. I have to try and block it out, or I'd see and hear them everywhere, all the time," Ghost said.
"That's amazing. Yeah, maybe you can show me how," she said.
"Go on, Ghost, get on with the story," Steve said.
"Oh, ok, well we went on a road trip last summer, to all the graveyards, and I talked to them, and I took pictures, and Steve took some, and I wrote where we were, and Steve wrote the days, and then we had a book made, over in Raleigh, and we sold them all, too," Ghost said in a rush, then stopped to take a breath.
"That's the coolest thing I ever heard," Melody said.
Ghost grinned, again. "I know. We kept a couple, so you can see it now, when we get home." He yawned, and stretched his arms out. "I need a nap. My eyes won't stay open, Steve."
"So close 'em and go to sleep. I'm gonna keep going until Memphis," Steve said. He turned on the radio, and fiddled with the tuner, until he found an oldies station.
Ghost leaned his head back, closing his eyes. He tried to get comfortable by putting his feet on the dashboard. Melody tried different ways of getting herself situated, and ended up with her head on Ghost's shoulder. In a matter of minutes, both were asleep.
Steve glanced over at them. So weird...so alike...
As he drove, Steve let his mind wander. The past few weeks, the road trip, his sister, now Ghost's sister, getting back home...he felt tired...more than tired...weary. Then he thought of that word. It was a good word, and he knew Ghost would like it. He tried to imagine what Missing Mile, and their friends, would look like to Melody. It would be so good to be home, again. He yawned and shook his head to try and keep awake. "Have to make it to Memphis before we can stop," he told himself. It wasn't much farther...the last road sign said 60 miles, but it was starting to get dark, now.
He turned on the lights. The closer they got to the big city, the more traffic they encountered. Still, his eyes wanted to close. He actually thought he might have nodded off for a second, the way he suddenly jerked awake. Thank God he was still on the road, and had not gone off the edge. He saw that Ghost was still asleep, but he really needed somebody to talk to, to help him stay awake.
"Ghost...wake up," he said, and reached across Melody to shake Ghost's arm. "Dude, wake up," he said louder.
"What, why you yelling," Ghost asked, as he was startled awake. "Are we home? I dreamed we were in our driveway," he said.
"No, just wake up. Talk or something, to keep me awake. We got a few more miles to go, before we can get a motel, in Memphis," Steve said.
"Ok, what'cha wanna talk about?"
"I don't care, just talk to me."
"Um...ok..." Ghost thought a minute. "Are we gonna get something to eat, when we stop? I'm hungry."
"Yeah, I plan on it, and I'm sure Linda and the kids are hungry, too," Steve said.
"I'm tired of diner and fast food, Steve. I want to camp out and cook on a campfire," Ghost said.
"You're kidding, right," Steve said, and laughed. "You'd rather sleep in a tent, and a sleeping bag, than a motel bed, and have a shower, and tv?"
"Yeah, but it would have to be by ourselves. No more motorcycle gangs."
"So, where are we going to find a place like that? We're coming into a big city, not the woods."
"I don't know, Steve," Ghost said, shrugging. "You asked me, so that's my suggestion."
"I want to camp out, too. I never have," Melody said, as she woke up.
"Oh, great, both of you are gonna pester me until I agree. I'm out voted," Steve said. "Tell ya what, let's find somewhere to stop. I need gas, anyway, and we'll see what Linda says." He glanced in the rear view mirror, to make sure she was still following. Then, slowing down, he signaled at the exit off the highway.
The far out-skirts of Memphis had several convenience stores, and a truck stop along the way. Stopping at one of the stores, Steve got out and started pumping gas. Linda pulled in, and did the same.
"Ya want to hear something crazy?" Steve asked. "Ghost and Melody want to camp out tonight. What do ya think about that?"
"Really? That's funny," Linda said. "I had the same thought. It just came to me a little bit ago, out of the blue. I mean, why not? It would save us some money. These restaurants are getting expensive."
Steve was surprised. "You'd go for it, then?" he asked.
"Sure, why not. We can ask inside where a campground is. I'm sure there's one around somewhere, and we can get some hot dogs, and marshmallows to cook." She was smiling at the thought.
"Hmm...oh, man...I know what this is," Steve said. "It's manipulation. It was Ghost...he got in your head and sent you a message, that's what happened."
"Oh, I'll bet you're right," Linda said. "It was strange how all of a sudden I'm thinking it would be fun to camp out. But, I do actually like the idea. Let's do it."
Steve sighed, "Fine, we'll camp out. "I'll go inside, get some food, and ask for directions." He passed by the U-Haul on his way into the store.
"Hey, Ghost...you worked your magic on Linda. We're camping out." Steve said.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 266
warning...adult content
~
Melody kept talking about the CD that Steve and Ghost had made, until Ghost interrupted her.
"We wrote a book, too." he said.
"What?" Melody screeched. Her head turned back and forth between Ghost and Steve.
"Oh, Lord, here we go," Steve said. "Go on, Ghost...tell her."
Grinning, Ghost did. Steve smiled and shook his head. He knew this book of theirs was Ghost's pride and joy, his idea, and his pictures, and his talking to the graveyard spirits. He was, himself, very proud of Ghost, and the book.
"Ok, yeah, we wrote it together," Ghost said. "We did, we both did, Steve."
"Well, mostly you did. I just drove the car, and only freaked out a few times...not even a few, more like a couple, or just once. Yeah, that was all," Steve said.
Ghost rolled his eyes. "Mmm-hmm, I remember more than that, Steve."
"Shut up. Just tell her."
"Ok, well we went to all these old graveyards..." he began.
"Graveyards?" Melody asked. "Why there, they're creepy."
Ghost gave her a look. "Why there? 'Cause that's what I do. I thought you knew I talk to the spirits."
"Talk to spirits? Are you teasing me?" Melody asked.
"No, why would I do that," Ghost asked, shaking his head. "You said you did too, or at least know what people are thinking." He looked confused. "Is that true? I feel like it is."
"Uh, yeah, I can sometimes, if I try real hard, but I never seen a ghost. Oh, well, except you," Melody said, and laughed.
Ghost sighed. "Oh, well, I might could help you...if you want me to," he said.
Melody shrugged. "I don't know, are they scary? Do they talk back? Can you see them?"
"Yeah, all the time. I have to try and block it out, or I'd see and hear them everywhere, all the time," Ghost said.
"That's amazing. Yeah, maybe you can show me how," she said.
"Go on, Ghost, get on with the story," Steve said.
"Oh, ok, well we went on a road trip last summer, to all the graveyards, and I talked to them, and I took pictures, and Steve took some, and I wrote where we were, and Steve wrote the days, and then we had a book made, over in Raleigh, and we sold them all, too," Ghost said in a rush, then stopped to take a breath.
"That's the coolest thing I ever heard," Melody said.
Ghost grinned, again. "I know. We kept a couple, so you can see it now, when we get home." He yawned, and stretched his arms out. "I need a nap. My eyes won't stay open, Steve."
"So close 'em and go to sleep. I'm gonna keep going until Memphis," Steve said. He turned on the radio, and fiddled with the tuner, until he found an oldies station.
Ghost leaned his head back, closing his eyes. He tried to get comfortable by putting his feet on the dashboard. Melody tried different ways of getting herself situated, and ended up with her head on Ghost's shoulder. In a matter of minutes, both were asleep.
Steve glanced over at them. So weird...so alike...
As he drove, Steve let his mind wander. The past few weeks, the road trip, his sister, now Ghost's sister, getting back home...he felt tired...more than tired...weary. Then he thought of that word. It was a good word, and he knew Ghost would like it. He tried to imagine what Missing Mile, and their friends, would look like to Melody. It would be so good to be home, again. He yawned and shook his head to try and keep awake. "Have to make it to Memphis before we can stop," he told himself. It wasn't much farther...the last road sign said 60 miles, but it was starting to get dark, now.
He turned on the lights. The closer they got to the big city, the more traffic they encountered. Still, his eyes wanted to close. He actually thought he might have nodded off for a second, the way he suddenly jerked awake. Thank God he was still on the road, and had not gone off the edge. He saw that Ghost was still asleep, but he really needed somebody to talk to, to help him stay awake.
"Ghost...wake up," he said, and reached across Melody to shake Ghost's arm. "Dude, wake up," he said louder.
"What, why you yelling," Ghost asked, as he was startled awake. "Are we home? I dreamed we were in our driveway," he said.
"No, just wake up. Talk or something, to keep me awake. We got a few more miles to go, before we can get a motel, in Memphis," Steve said.
"Ok, what'cha wanna talk about?"
"I don't care, just talk to me."
"Um...ok..." Ghost thought a minute. "Are we gonna get something to eat, when we stop? I'm hungry."
"Yeah, I plan on it, and I'm sure Linda and the kids are hungry, too," Steve said.
"I'm tired of diner and fast food, Steve. I want to camp out and cook on a campfire," Ghost said.
"You're kidding, right," Steve said, and laughed. "You'd rather sleep in a tent, and a sleeping bag, than a motel bed, and have a shower, and tv?"
"Yeah, but it would have to be by ourselves. No more motorcycle gangs."
"So, where are we going to find a place like that? We're coming into a big city, not the woods."
"I don't know, Steve," Ghost said, shrugging. "You asked me, so that's my suggestion."
"I want to camp out, too. I never have," Melody said, as she woke up.
"Oh, great, both of you are gonna pester me until I agree. I'm out voted," Steve said. "Tell ya what, let's find somewhere to stop. I need gas, anyway, and we'll see what Linda says." He glanced in the rear view mirror, to make sure she was still following. Then, slowing down, he signaled at the exit off the highway.
The far out-skirts of Memphis had several convenience stores, and a truck stop along the way. Stopping at one of the stores, Steve got out and started pumping gas. Linda pulled in, and did the same.
"Ya want to hear something crazy?" Steve asked. "Ghost and Melody want to camp out tonight. What do ya think about that?"
"Really? That's funny," Linda said. "I had the same thought. It just came to me a little bit ago, out of the blue. I mean, why not? It would save us some money. These restaurants are getting expensive."
Steve was surprised. "You'd go for it, then?" he asked.
"Sure, why not. We can ask inside where a campground is. I'm sure there's one around somewhere, and we can get some hot dogs, and marshmallows to cook." She was smiling at the thought.
"Hmm...oh, man...I know what this is," Steve said. "It's manipulation. It was Ghost...he got in your head and sent you a message, that's what happened."
"Oh, I'll bet you're right," Linda said. "It was strange how all of a sudden I'm thinking it would be fun to camp out. But, I do actually like the idea. Let's do it."
Steve sighed, "Fine, we'll camp out. "I'll go inside, get some food, and ask for directions." He passed by the U-Haul on his way into the store.
"Hey, Ghost...you worked your magic on Linda. We're camping out." Steve said.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Friday, January 8, 2016
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 265
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 265
warning...adult content
~
Melody had started giggling, as she'd gone down the stairs, leaving Ghost and Steve alone in her empty apartment. As she reached the sidewalk, she couldn't hold back the laughter. Holding onto the railing she doubled over, letting it out. She was wiping tears from her eyes, as Linda rushed up to her.
"What is it...are you ok?" Linda asked, thinking Melody was hurt, or maybe Steve or Ghost.
"Oh my, God...no, I'm fine, everyone's fine," Melody said, and laughed again, in spite of trying to stop.
"Well, what is it? Are you crying or laughing? Come sit down over here...tell me." Linda said.
Melody followed her to the shade, under a tree. The kids were already there, sitting on the grass, sipping a juice box.
"I can't tell you in front of the kids," Melody said.
"Ok, then let's walk over here. I can keep an eye on the from there," Linda said. When they'd moved a bit away from the kids, Linda looked to Melody for an explanation.
"It's not really funny, but I couldn't stop," Melody said.. "It's just that things up there got kinda...awkward...um...they wanted to be alone. So, I said sure, take as long as you want. They were so intent, I just barely got out of there in time." She snorted and laughed, again.
"Ahh, I get it," Linda snickered. "Yeah, I've had that happen a few times. Really though, those two are so in love, they want to do it all the time...anywhere. I've gotten used to it, but at first, I was like, really...again?" She shook her head, laughing again. "I'm happy they are happy. They haven't always been. It's been a really rough road."
Melody nodded. "Yeah, Ghost mentioned something like that to me. Said he'd tell me someday."
"Good, it should be him to say things, when he's ready."
They watched Stevie and Mandy play under the tree for a few minutes. "Well, Steve suggested we drive over to the store, so I can tell my boss that I'm leaving. I need to give him the address to send my pay. Want to go over there?" Melody asked.
"Sure, why not, let's go," Linda said. "Come on kids, let's go for a short ride." They all got in the van, and headed to the convenience store.
~
Steve and Ghost made their way down the stairs, then looked around for the girls. "Guess they went on over to the store. We'll have to wait on them, now," Steve said. He looked at his watch. "We've been here half a day, and so much has happened, already, can you believe it?"
Ghost shrugged. "What's not to believe? It happened...we lived it."
Raising his eyebrows, Steve said, "You're right, we did."
They sat in the shade, awhile. It was too hot to get back in the U-Haul. In a little bit, they saw the van turning the corner, then pulling to a stop by the curb. The girls got out to find out if they had a plan.
"Get everything squared away, Melody?" Steve asked.
"Yep, good to go, whenever you say," Melody said. "So, who do I ride with?"
"Your choice, this time. We're trying to make it across Arkansas, before we stop for the night," Steve said.
Smiling, Melody said, "Ok, I'm riding with my brother, then."
"Well, all right, then, let's get going."
Steve helped Melody into the U-Haul. She sat in the middle.
"Y'all ok with this? I can sit by the window, I don't mind."
"Don't matter to me," Steve said.
"I like by the window, mostly," Ghost said.
"Yeah, he likes hanging his head out," Steve said, laughing.
"It keeps me from getting sick," Ghost said.
Steve just shook his head, and started the engine. They pulled out to the road, with Linda following behind in the van. Steve figured they could make it clear across Arkansas, and stay the night in Memphis, Tennessee. Then, maybe one more day and night on the road, then finally home.
"This trip has taken so much longer than I thought. I'll be glad to be home," Steve said.
"I wish we was there, now," Ghost said. "I wanna see Spirit. He probably forgot me."
"Who's Spirit?" Melody asked.
"He's my cat. Zach is taking care of him, and Trevor is helping." Ghost sighed. "I miss all of them, even old Kinsey."
"We'll see them real soon," Steve said.
"Y'all are gonna have to fill me in. I don't know anybody in Missing Mile," Melody said. "How big a place is it?"
"Ha, not very big, right Ghost?" Steve said. "But, we got what we need there, and good friends."
"Well, tell me. We have plenty of time."
"Ok, go ahead, Ghost, you start. I want to hear how you describe everybody," Steve said. He grinned at the thought.
Ok, fine," Ghost said. "You want the funny version, the jazzed up one, or just the facts?"
"You're the storyteller, just tell it how you want to. Mix it all up," Steve said.
"Yeah, tell me about these people you mentioned, so I can know something about them when I meet them," Melody said.
"Oh, ok...I'll start with Kinsey, 'cause he's been around the longest. He knows everybody, too. He owns a bar. Well, it's a club, well both, and it's called the Yew, the Sacred Yew. There's this big old door that's carved wood, just like the tree, and then you go in, and it's dark, and there's the stage where we play, and the bar, and the arcade, and..."
"Ghost...she'll see all that...just tell her about Kinsey, ok?" Steve said, rolling his eyes.
"Huh? Oh...well, he's tall, and thin, and has long hair in a pony tail, and ..." Ghost looked over at Steve. "How old is Kinsey?"
"Hell if I know...old...older than us anyway," Steve said.
"Ok, so that's Kinsey, and he's our friend."
"He sounds interesting, Ghost," Melody said.
"He likes having people at his place," Ghost said.
"Is he funny or serious?"
"Oh, both. He's real serious about his bar, and the whole thing. He don't let anyone get away with much," Steve said.
"Just us," Ghost said.
"Yeah, but he'll clobber us, once in awhile," Steve said. "Go on, Ghost..."
Thinking for a minute, Ghost continued his description of the residents of Missing Mile. "There's Zach and Trevor, and they're kinda new in town. They're together, like me and Steve, and Trevor is an artist, and he draws cartoons real good. Zach is being a singer for Gumbo, and he's real smart with computers."
Who's Gumbo?" Melody asked.
"It's Terry's band," Steve said. "He's the drummer, and Zach sings, R. J. plays bass, and Calvin plays guitar. They're good."
"Terry is old, too," Ghost said. "But, not as old as Kinsey, and he owns the Whirling Disc record store. That's where we recorded our tape and CD...in his studio," Ghost said.
Melody looked at Ghost, her mouth open. "What? Y'all have a CD out? I gotta hear it."
Nodding, Ghost said, "We got one, and we're working on another one, too."
"Oh my, God, my brother is a rock star. How cool."
"Huh? We're not. We just play at the bar. We're not famous, or nothing," Ghost said.
"You are to me," Melody said, and gave Ghost a hug. Then she hugged Steve, too, as best she could, since he was driving. "Who else do I know that has a real CD, and people buy it? Nobody, that's who." She laughed.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 265
warning...adult content
~
Melody had started giggling, as she'd gone down the stairs, leaving Ghost and Steve alone in her empty apartment. As she reached the sidewalk, she couldn't hold back the laughter. Holding onto the railing she doubled over, letting it out. She was wiping tears from her eyes, as Linda rushed up to her.
"What is it...are you ok?" Linda asked, thinking Melody was hurt, or maybe Steve or Ghost.
"Oh my, God...no, I'm fine, everyone's fine," Melody said, and laughed again, in spite of trying to stop.
"Well, what is it? Are you crying or laughing? Come sit down over here...tell me." Linda said.
Melody followed her to the shade, under a tree. The kids were already there, sitting on the grass, sipping a juice box.
"I can't tell you in front of the kids," Melody said.
"Ok, then let's walk over here. I can keep an eye on the from there," Linda said. When they'd moved a bit away from the kids, Linda looked to Melody for an explanation.
"It's not really funny, but I couldn't stop," Melody said.. "It's just that things up there got kinda...awkward...um...they wanted to be alone. So, I said sure, take as long as you want. They were so intent, I just barely got out of there in time." She snorted and laughed, again.
"Ahh, I get it," Linda snickered. "Yeah, I've had that happen a few times. Really though, those two are so in love, they want to do it all the time...anywhere. I've gotten used to it, but at first, I was like, really...again?" She shook her head, laughing again. "I'm happy they are happy. They haven't always been. It's been a really rough road."
Melody nodded. "Yeah, Ghost mentioned something like that to me. Said he'd tell me someday."
"Good, it should be him to say things, when he's ready."
They watched Stevie and Mandy play under the tree for a few minutes. "Well, Steve suggested we drive over to the store, so I can tell my boss that I'm leaving. I need to give him the address to send my pay. Want to go over there?" Melody asked.
"Sure, why not, let's go," Linda said. "Come on kids, let's go for a short ride." They all got in the van, and headed to the convenience store.
~
Steve and Ghost made their way down the stairs, then looked around for the girls. "Guess they went on over to the store. We'll have to wait on them, now," Steve said. He looked at his watch. "We've been here half a day, and so much has happened, already, can you believe it?"
Ghost shrugged. "What's not to believe? It happened...we lived it."
Raising his eyebrows, Steve said, "You're right, we did."
They sat in the shade, awhile. It was too hot to get back in the U-Haul. In a little bit, they saw the van turning the corner, then pulling to a stop by the curb. The girls got out to find out if they had a plan.
"Get everything squared away, Melody?" Steve asked.
"Yep, good to go, whenever you say," Melody said. "So, who do I ride with?"
"Your choice, this time. We're trying to make it across Arkansas, before we stop for the night," Steve said.
Smiling, Melody said, "Ok, I'm riding with my brother, then."
"Well, all right, then, let's get going."
Steve helped Melody into the U-Haul. She sat in the middle.
"Y'all ok with this? I can sit by the window, I don't mind."
"Don't matter to me," Steve said.
"I like by the window, mostly," Ghost said.
"Yeah, he likes hanging his head out," Steve said, laughing.
"It keeps me from getting sick," Ghost said.
Steve just shook his head, and started the engine. They pulled out to the road, with Linda following behind in the van. Steve figured they could make it clear across Arkansas, and stay the night in Memphis, Tennessee. Then, maybe one more day and night on the road, then finally home.
"This trip has taken so much longer than I thought. I'll be glad to be home," Steve said.
"I wish we was there, now," Ghost said. "I wanna see Spirit. He probably forgot me."
"Who's Spirit?" Melody asked.
"He's my cat. Zach is taking care of him, and Trevor is helping." Ghost sighed. "I miss all of them, even old Kinsey."
"We'll see them real soon," Steve said.
"Y'all are gonna have to fill me in. I don't know anybody in Missing Mile," Melody said. "How big a place is it?"
"Ha, not very big, right Ghost?" Steve said. "But, we got what we need there, and good friends."
"Well, tell me. We have plenty of time."
"Ok, go ahead, Ghost, you start. I want to hear how you describe everybody," Steve said. He grinned at the thought.
Ok, fine," Ghost said. "You want the funny version, the jazzed up one, or just the facts?"
"You're the storyteller, just tell it how you want to. Mix it all up," Steve said.
"Yeah, tell me about these people you mentioned, so I can know something about them when I meet them," Melody said.
"Oh, ok...I'll start with Kinsey, 'cause he's been around the longest. He knows everybody, too. He owns a bar. Well, it's a club, well both, and it's called the Yew, the Sacred Yew. There's this big old door that's carved wood, just like the tree, and then you go in, and it's dark, and there's the stage where we play, and the bar, and the arcade, and..."
"Ghost...she'll see all that...just tell her about Kinsey, ok?" Steve said, rolling his eyes.
"Huh? Oh...well, he's tall, and thin, and has long hair in a pony tail, and ..." Ghost looked over at Steve. "How old is Kinsey?"
"Hell if I know...old...older than us anyway," Steve said.
"Ok, so that's Kinsey, and he's our friend."
"He sounds interesting, Ghost," Melody said.
"He likes having people at his place," Ghost said.
"Is he funny or serious?"
"Oh, both. He's real serious about his bar, and the whole thing. He don't let anyone get away with much," Steve said.
"Just us," Ghost said.
"Yeah, but he'll clobber us, once in awhile," Steve said. "Go on, Ghost..."
Thinking for a minute, Ghost continued his description of the residents of Missing Mile. "There's Zach and Trevor, and they're kinda new in town. They're together, like me and Steve, and Trevor is an artist, and he draws cartoons real good. Zach is being a singer for Gumbo, and he's real smart with computers."
Who's Gumbo?" Melody asked.
"It's Terry's band," Steve said. "He's the drummer, and Zach sings, R. J. plays bass, and Calvin plays guitar. They're good."
"Terry is old, too," Ghost said. "But, not as old as Kinsey, and he owns the Whirling Disc record store. That's where we recorded our tape and CD...in his studio," Ghost said.
Melody looked at Ghost, her mouth open. "What? Y'all have a CD out? I gotta hear it."
Nodding, Ghost said, "We got one, and we're working on another one, too."
"Oh my, God, my brother is a rock star. How cool."
"Huh? We're not. We just play at the bar. We're not famous, or nothing," Ghost said.
"You are to me," Melody said, and gave Ghost a hug. Then she hugged Steve, too, as best she could, since he was driving. "Who else do I know that has a real CD, and people buy it? Nobody, that's who." She laughed.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 264
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 264
warning...adult content
~
Ghost and Melody walked a few blocks down, then over to the next street. The sidewalk was shady, and they were in no hurry.
"I'm really excited," Melody said. "When I woke up this morning, I had no idea this would happen...did you?"
"Um...kinda. Well, not that I'd find a sister, but I knew I had to find something. I dreamed it. I told Steve we had to go to these two little towns. I mean, we had to. Something was guiding me here," Ghost said.
"And just like that, he agreed?"
"Yeah, when I see things, he knows to pay attention."
"That must be nice to have someone believe in you. I had a feeling you two were together, more than just friends." She looked over at Ghost, and smiled. "I can tell he loves you, Ghost," Melody said. "You're so lucky."
Ghost shrugged. "I guess you're right. Sometimes I don't think so, though. It's been so hard to get where we are. I'll tell you someday..."
Melody looked harder at Ghost, and could see the sadness just below the surface. "It's ok...when you're ready. I have things to say, too. I know how hard it is."
She stopped in front of a two story house. "Well, here we are at my place, but not for long. Come help me pack." She led the way to an upstairs apartment. It was very small, and sparsely furnished. "Just start grabbing everything, ok? Let's put it all on the bed. What do y'all have room for me to take?"
"We got lots of room. We have a U-Haul truck, so you can take it all." He looked around the room. "Is the furniture yours?" Ghost asked.
"No, it stays. Just get everything out of the closet and dresser. I'll do the kitchen," Melody said, then went to get started.
Ghost opened a dresser drawer. "This is weird, Melody, getting your stuff."
"No, it's fine, go on."
So, he did, putting clothes, shoes, papers, games, music, and videos all on the bed, and floor, until everything was cleaned out. She came in to the main room, carrying grocery bags, and a big box of items from the kitchen, adding them to the growing pile.
"Shit, I didn't know I had so much," she said. "Now, just my make-up and bathroom things, and that will be all."
"You got any more boxes?" Ghost asked.
Shaking her head, Melody said, "No, just use the big garbage bags. Stuff everything in. I can sort it later on."
They worked a few more minutes, then heard Steve knock on the door. Letting him in, Melody said, "This is it, Steve. If it's too much, I can get rid of some."
He looked over the mounds of garbage bags, and said, "No, we got room. We just need to haul it down to the U-Haul...hah...I made a rhyme," Steve said, laughing at his own joke.
They all took what they could, and started down the stairs, with the first loads. On the way down, Steve asked, "Is there anyone you should let know you're leaving?"
"Um...yeah, I should tell the landlord, and my boss. He can send me my last paycheck. Give me your address, Steve." she said.
He wrote the Burnt Church Road address on a scrap of paper for her. "Ok, good, now I can stop on the way out. The landlord just lives down below here. I'll be right back," Melody said.
Steve and Ghost continued out to the U-Haul with their bags, then went up for more. In the mostly empty apartment, now, Steve stopped. Looking at Ghost, he asked, "You ok with all this? I mean, it's so sudden."
Ghost nodded. "I know, but yeah, it's right. It was meant to happen, Steve, and I'm happy. It's a weird feeling to have found out I have a sister. I can't explain it." Steve could see in Ghost's eyes how completely right it was.
"Come here," he said, pulling Ghost close for a hug. "I love you, Ghost, and if you say it's right, then I believe you."
As they kissed, Melody came in, saw them, and caught her breath. She sighed...Someday I'll have a love like that...
Finishing their kiss, they turned toward her, and she could tell what had been on their mind. "Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt...um...if you want, I can come back later. You can be alone here for as long as you want," she said.
Ghost had his head resting on Steve's shoulder, his eyes closed. He knew it would be up to Steve if he wanted to get back on the road right now, so he waited.
Steve squeezed Ghost's hand. "Uh, yeah, could you? I mean, you can go see what Linda is doing down there in the van. Maybe she'd drive you over to the store, so you could tell your boss? And, we would...well, not be long, and...yeah..." Steve said, feeling a bit embarrassed to be announcing what he and Ghost were thinking.
"Sure, no problem. I'll do that," Melody said, backing toward the door. Come down and find us when you're ready, then." She closed the door behind her, as she left.
Steve stood there a minute, though. He didn't quite know why, figuring she wouldn't be back any time soon. Sighing, he said, "C'mon..." as he led Ghost over to the bed. It was now just a bare mattress.
For some reason, they both were feeling awkward, and shy. The window was open, and the curtains blew softly in the warm breeze. They could hear street noises, and an occasional word or two from people on the sidewalk.
"Ghost?" Steve started, then stopped, as he heard his voice echo through the stripped bare room. He wasn't even sure Ghost wanted to be with him right now. It was the weirdest feeling, he thought. He had been looking around the room, and out the window, trying to feel more normal. Then, when he looked at Ghost, all the doubt went away.
Ghost was sitting on the bed, just watching him intently. His eyes were dilated, and the blue in them was dark. Then, he licked his lips, and grinned that crooked grin.
Steve knew Ghost wanted it as much as he did, and joined him on the bed. Kissing Ghost had always made the ordinary world fall away. Running his hands over Ghost's body, and feeling him shiver in anticipation, was exquisite, and Ghost's warm hands on him, made him dizzy with desire. Afterwards, they lay in each other's arms, feeling the breeze swirl over them, cooling them.
"Mmm, that was nice," Steve murmured. His eyes felt heavy, and he wanted to sleep. He thought Ghost must have already fallen asleep. "Hey, we can't go to sleep," he said, nudging him. "We have to get going again."
"Uh-uh, let's just stay here forever," Ghost mumbled.
"Oh, I'd love to, but really, they're waiting for us down there," Steve said. "C'mon..." he sat up, and pulled Ghost up, too. Ghost's hair was a tangled mess, and he was flushed.
Steve smiled. "You're adorable, you know."
"I'm a mess," Ghost said.
"Yeah, that too." Steve laughed, and tossed Ghost's clothes to him, and they both got dressed.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 264
warning...adult content
~
Ghost and Melody walked a few blocks down, then over to the next street. The sidewalk was shady, and they were in no hurry.
"I'm really excited," Melody said. "When I woke up this morning, I had no idea this would happen...did you?"
"Um...kinda. Well, not that I'd find a sister, but I knew I had to find something. I dreamed it. I told Steve we had to go to these two little towns. I mean, we had to. Something was guiding me here," Ghost said.
"And just like that, he agreed?"
"Yeah, when I see things, he knows to pay attention."
"That must be nice to have someone believe in you. I had a feeling you two were together, more than just friends." She looked over at Ghost, and smiled. "I can tell he loves you, Ghost," Melody said. "You're so lucky."
Ghost shrugged. "I guess you're right. Sometimes I don't think so, though. It's been so hard to get where we are. I'll tell you someday..."
Melody looked harder at Ghost, and could see the sadness just below the surface. "It's ok...when you're ready. I have things to say, too. I know how hard it is."
She stopped in front of a two story house. "Well, here we are at my place, but not for long. Come help me pack." She led the way to an upstairs apartment. It was very small, and sparsely furnished. "Just start grabbing everything, ok? Let's put it all on the bed. What do y'all have room for me to take?"
"We got lots of room. We have a U-Haul truck, so you can take it all." He looked around the room. "Is the furniture yours?" Ghost asked.
"No, it stays. Just get everything out of the closet and dresser. I'll do the kitchen," Melody said, then went to get started.
Ghost opened a dresser drawer. "This is weird, Melody, getting your stuff."
"No, it's fine, go on."
So, he did, putting clothes, shoes, papers, games, music, and videos all on the bed, and floor, until everything was cleaned out. She came in to the main room, carrying grocery bags, and a big box of items from the kitchen, adding them to the growing pile.
"Shit, I didn't know I had so much," she said. "Now, just my make-up and bathroom things, and that will be all."
"You got any more boxes?" Ghost asked.
Shaking her head, Melody said, "No, just use the big garbage bags. Stuff everything in. I can sort it later on."
They worked a few more minutes, then heard Steve knock on the door. Letting him in, Melody said, "This is it, Steve. If it's too much, I can get rid of some."
He looked over the mounds of garbage bags, and said, "No, we got room. We just need to haul it down to the U-Haul...hah...I made a rhyme," Steve said, laughing at his own joke.
They all took what they could, and started down the stairs, with the first loads. On the way down, Steve asked, "Is there anyone you should let know you're leaving?"
"Um...yeah, I should tell the landlord, and my boss. He can send me my last paycheck. Give me your address, Steve." she said.
He wrote the Burnt Church Road address on a scrap of paper for her. "Ok, good, now I can stop on the way out. The landlord just lives down below here. I'll be right back," Melody said.
Steve and Ghost continued out to the U-Haul with their bags, then went up for more. In the mostly empty apartment, now, Steve stopped. Looking at Ghost, he asked, "You ok with all this? I mean, it's so sudden."
Ghost nodded. "I know, but yeah, it's right. It was meant to happen, Steve, and I'm happy. It's a weird feeling to have found out I have a sister. I can't explain it." Steve could see in Ghost's eyes how completely right it was.
"Come here," he said, pulling Ghost close for a hug. "I love you, Ghost, and if you say it's right, then I believe you."
As they kissed, Melody came in, saw them, and caught her breath. She sighed...Someday I'll have a love like that...
Finishing their kiss, they turned toward her, and she could tell what had been on their mind. "Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt...um...if you want, I can come back later. You can be alone here for as long as you want," she said.
Ghost had his head resting on Steve's shoulder, his eyes closed. He knew it would be up to Steve if he wanted to get back on the road right now, so he waited.
Steve squeezed Ghost's hand. "Uh, yeah, could you? I mean, you can go see what Linda is doing down there in the van. Maybe she'd drive you over to the store, so you could tell your boss? And, we would...well, not be long, and...yeah..." Steve said, feeling a bit embarrassed to be announcing what he and Ghost were thinking.
"Sure, no problem. I'll do that," Melody said, backing toward the door. Come down and find us when you're ready, then." She closed the door behind her, as she left.
Steve stood there a minute, though. He didn't quite know why, figuring she wouldn't be back any time soon. Sighing, he said, "C'mon..." as he led Ghost over to the bed. It was now just a bare mattress.
For some reason, they both were feeling awkward, and shy. The window was open, and the curtains blew softly in the warm breeze. They could hear street noises, and an occasional word or two from people on the sidewalk.
"Ghost?" Steve started, then stopped, as he heard his voice echo through the stripped bare room. He wasn't even sure Ghost wanted to be with him right now. It was the weirdest feeling, he thought. He had been looking around the room, and out the window, trying to feel more normal. Then, when he looked at Ghost, all the doubt went away.
Ghost was sitting on the bed, just watching him intently. His eyes were dilated, and the blue in them was dark. Then, he licked his lips, and grinned that crooked grin.
Steve knew Ghost wanted it as much as he did, and joined him on the bed. Kissing Ghost had always made the ordinary world fall away. Running his hands over Ghost's body, and feeling him shiver in anticipation, was exquisite, and Ghost's warm hands on him, made him dizzy with desire. Afterwards, they lay in each other's arms, feeling the breeze swirl over them, cooling them.
"Mmm, that was nice," Steve murmured. His eyes felt heavy, and he wanted to sleep. He thought Ghost must have already fallen asleep. "Hey, we can't go to sleep," he said, nudging him. "We have to get going again."
"Uh-uh, let's just stay here forever," Ghost mumbled.
"Oh, I'd love to, but really, they're waiting for us down there," Steve said. "C'mon..." he sat up, and pulled Ghost up, too. Ghost's hair was a tangled mess, and he was flushed.
Steve smiled. "You're adorable, you know."
"I'm a mess," Ghost said.
"Yeah, that too." Steve laughed, and tossed Ghost's clothes to him, and they both got dressed.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Sunday, January 3, 2016
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 263
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 263
warning...adult content
~
The girl they'd just met came over to their table and sat down with them. "Where do we start?" she asked.
Steve cleared his throat, and Linda felt she should get things going to put the girl at ease. "Hi, I'm glad you came to meet us. I guess we really haven't even introduced ourselves to you, yet. I'm Linda, and my brother, Steve. My kids, Stevie and Mandy, and of course you know Ghost."
"Hi, nice to meet y'all," the girl said. "I'm Melody."
"I hope you don't feel like we're ganging up on you," Linda said. "We are as shocked as you must be, and we're just trying to figure it out, too."
"Oh, me too," Melody said. "I never thought I had a twin, ever. No one said anything to me about it. I think it's really neat, though. Don't you, Ghost?" She looked at him.
"Nobody told me, either," Ghost said, after Steve kicked him under the table, to get him talking. For someone so into words, Steve was a bit worried that Ghost had hardly talked at all.
"Have you always lived around here?" Steve asked.
"Yes, in Ozark, mostly. Here's the thing, I was adopted when I was a baby. I only found out about it a couple of years ago. That's when I left home. I mean, to never mention it in all these years, well...we never got along very well, my parents and I, so I was on my own after that. I travelled a bit. That must have been when I saw your show. Then I came back here, and I heard that they'd moved away, or died, or who knows the real story...they were just gone. So, I kept going too," she stopped to laugh. "Hah, all the way over here to Forrest City. I heard the estate was being sold. Most of my things that I'd left, I imagine got sold too. I'd only ever been back to the house once. I'm glad y'all found my necklace, though," Melody said, and smiled. "Now, where did you grow up, Ghost?"
"Uh...Missing Mile, North Carolina," Ghost said, "but first in the mountains. My grandmother raised me."
Nodding, Melody said, "Did you every hear what happened to our parents? That is, if we really are twins. I mean, I never even knew I had real birth parents."
Ghost looked at Steve, "Steve, what happened?"
Steve rolled his eyes. "You know what your grandmother wrote in the journal. Just say it. You're doing fine."
"Ok," Ghost said, then took a deep breath to begin. Steve was right...now was the time to talk about things. He sat up straighter, and pushed his hair back. He could feel the words coming back. "My grandmother passed away a few years ago, but she left a journal, telling me things. One was that 'our'? parents, her daughter, was expecting, I guess us, and her boyfriend was our father. No one approved, and she...she didn't want a baby..." he stopped, for a second, closing his eyes. "She didn't want a baby, so she tried to kill us." Opening his eyes, he saw the look of horror on Melody's face, but continued telling the story.
"Then, she ran away with him, on his motorcycle, and they both were killed in a wreck. I was left behind, to die, in a barn. My grandmother found me. I guess somebody found you...I guess our mother took you with her, anyway..." he had to stop, realizing just how tragic it all had been. Knowing now, that he had never been wanted, never was the chosen one. Closing his eyes again, he wiped away the tears that began falling.
Steve put his arm around him, and Melody reached out and held his hands in hers. Her brother's hands. She cried too, for what had never been. Steve bowed his head, as unwanted thoughts came to him. How the abortion of Ghost and his sister had hurt and damaged Ghost more, so that he was left to just die, all alone in that barn. Even now, just seeing Melody and listening to her, made it obvious that Ghost had suffered, even before he met himself, and God forgive me, he thought, damaged him some more.
Steve suddenly banged his fist on the table. "It wasn't right," he shouted. "The whole thing was wrong from the start. I don't like to speak ill of the dead, but hell yeah, I'm gonna. If they hadn't have died in that wreck, I'd go kill them now, myself, for what they did." He glared at everyone at the table, he was so fired up.
"Steve, calm yourself," Linda said. "Getting worked up isn't helping the situation, and you're scaring the kids. I'm taking them over on the other side of the room, to get them a game to play, or something. But, I'll be back. No more outbursts, do you hear me, Steve?"
"Yeah, I hear ya, Sis. It just burns me up."
They were quiet for a few minutes, absorbing what revelations had been said.
"Ghost, I'm glad we found each other now," Melody said. "Are you?"
Nodding, Ghost said, "Yes, I know now you are my real sister, Melody. I can sense it." He grinned.
Melody did too. "Me, too. There's a strange connection other than what we've said. I can feel it, too."
"Are you..." Ghost started to say psychic, at the same time Melody said, "I know things."
They smiled, and they knew.
Steve shook his head...two of them, just alike...
Linda came back to the table. "So, what's next?"
Ghost and Melody both nodded their heads. "She's coming home with us," Ghost said.
Linda looked a bit surprised. "When was this decided?" She looked to Steve, to see his reaction.
He shrugged. "Just now, I guess...uh...they have a thing..." he said. "She's just like Ghost, they know things.
Linda smiled big. "Oh how cool. That's amazing, and for sure y'all are twins." She and Steve kept on staring at Melody and Ghost.
"We're not some freaks in a zoo or nothing," Ghost said. "Stop staring at us." Melody giggled at that, which got them all laughing.
"You're right," Linda said, after a minute. "Sorry. So, Melody, you want to come with us to Missing Mile?"
"Yes, I've found family, first time ever, and I'm not losing him," she said, squeezing Ghost's hand. "I have no ties to this place, so I have no problem leaving. That is, if y'all don't mind?"
"It's fine with us, Melody," Steve said. "The more the merrier, as they say. This road trip gets better all the time."
"Yay, all I need is to grab some things, then I'll be ready to roll. Ghost can tell me all about where we're going, on the way." She got up to leave.
"C'mon, Ghost...come help me pack," she said, pulling him up. She told Steve the address to her place. "It's not far, and me and Ghost are gonna walk on over there."
Ghost looked a bit awkward, and said, "I guess I'm going with her. Come pick us up, ok?"
"Sure, go on," Steve said. "We'll be around in a few minutes." He watched them leave out the door. Linda was watching Steve.
"What is it? You look like you lost your best friend, brother," she said, and laughed. "You didn't lose him, you gained a sister...me too. I think it's great."
"Uh-huh...I was just thinking, old Kinsey and everybody's gonna be surprised. I go to bring one sister home, and we wind up bringing home two. It's weird," Steve said.
Nodding, Linda said, "Yeah, it is. Weird and wonderful, and meant to be. Let's get one more coffee, then go find them, ok?"
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 263
warning...adult content
~
The girl they'd just met came over to their table and sat down with them. "Where do we start?" she asked.
Steve cleared his throat, and Linda felt she should get things going to put the girl at ease. "Hi, I'm glad you came to meet us. I guess we really haven't even introduced ourselves to you, yet. I'm Linda, and my brother, Steve. My kids, Stevie and Mandy, and of course you know Ghost."
"Hi, nice to meet y'all," the girl said. "I'm Melody."
"I hope you don't feel like we're ganging up on you," Linda said. "We are as shocked as you must be, and we're just trying to figure it out, too."
"Oh, me too," Melody said. "I never thought I had a twin, ever. No one said anything to me about it. I think it's really neat, though. Don't you, Ghost?" She looked at him.
"Nobody told me, either," Ghost said, after Steve kicked him under the table, to get him talking. For someone so into words, Steve was a bit worried that Ghost had hardly talked at all.
"Have you always lived around here?" Steve asked.
"Yes, in Ozark, mostly. Here's the thing, I was adopted when I was a baby. I only found out about it a couple of years ago. That's when I left home. I mean, to never mention it in all these years, well...we never got along very well, my parents and I, so I was on my own after that. I travelled a bit. That must have been when I saw your show. Then I came back here, and I heard that they'd moved away, or died, or who knows the real story...they were just gone. So, I kept going too," she stopped to laugh. "Hah, all the way over here to Forrest City. I heard the estate was being sold. Most of my things that I'd left, I imagine got sold too. I'd only ever been back to the house once. I'm glad y'all found my necklace, though," Melody said, and smiled. "Now, where did you grow up, Ghost?"
"Uh...Missing Mile, North Carolina," Ghost said, "but first in the mountains. My grandmother raised me."
Nodding, Melody said, "Did you every hear what happened to our parents? That is, if we really are twins. I mean, I never even knew I had real birth parents."
Ghost looked at Steve, "Steve, what happened?"
Steve rolled his eyes. "You know what your grandmother wrote in the journal. Just say it. You're doing fine."
"Ok," Ghost said, then took a deep breath to begin. Steve was right...now was the time to talk about things. He sat up straighter, and pushed his hair back. He could feel the words coming back. "My grandmother passed away a few years ago, but she left a journal, telling me things. One was that 'our'? parents, her daughter, was expecting, I guess us, and her boyfriend was our father. No one approved, and she...she didn't want a baby..." he stopped, for a second, closing his eyes. "She didn't want a baby, so she tried to kill us." Opening his eyes, he saw the look of horror on Melody's face, but continued telling the story.
"Then, she ran away with him, on his motorcycle, and they both were killed in a wreck. I was left behind, to die, in a barn. My grandmother found me. I guess somebody found you...I guess our mother took you with her, anyway..." he had to stop, realizing just how tragic it all had been. Knowing now, that he had never been wanted, never was the chosen one. Closing his eyes again, he wiped away the tears that began falling.
Steve put his arm around him, and Melody reached out and held his hands in hers. Her brother's hands. She cried too, for what had never been. Steve bowed his head, as unwanted thoughts came to him. How the abortion of Ghost and his sister had hurt and damaged Ghost more, so that he was left to just die, all alone in that barn. Even now, just seeing Melody and listening to her, made it obvious that Ghost had suffered, even before he met himself, and God forgive me, he thought, damaged him some more.
Steve suddenly banged his fist on the table. "It wasn't right," he shouted. "The whole thing was wrong from the start. I don't like to speak ill of the dead, but hell yeah, I'm gonna. If they hadn't have died in that wreck, I'd go kill them now, myself, for what they did." He glared at everyone at the table, he was so fired up.
"Steve, calm yourself," Linda said. "Getting worked up isn't helping the situation, and you're scaring the kids. I'm taking them over on the other side of the room, to get them a game to play, or something. But, I'll be back. No more outbursts, do you hear me, Steve?"
"Yeah, I hear ya, Sis. It just burns me up."
They were quiet for a few minutes, absorbing what revelations had been said.
"Ghost, I'm glad we found each other now," Melody said. "Are you?"
Nodding, Ghost said, "Yes, I know now you are my real sister, Melody. I can sense it." He grinned.
Melody did too. "Me, too. There's a strange connection other than what we've said. I can feel it, too."
"Are you..." Ghost started to say psychic, at the same time Melody said, "I know things."
They smiled, and they knew.
Steve shook his head...two of them, just alike...
Linda came back to the table. "So, what's next?"
Ghost and Melody both nodded their heads. "She's coming home with us," Ghost said.
Linda looked a bit surprised. "When was this decided?" She looked to Steve, to see his reaction.
He shrugged. "Just now, I guess...uh...they have a thing..." he said. "She's just like Ghost, they know things.
Linda smiled big. "Oh how cool. That's amazing, and for sure y'all are twins." She and Steve kept on staring at Melody and Ghost.
"We're not some freaks in a zoo or nothing," Ghost said. "Stop staring at us." Melody giggled at that, which got them all laughing.
"You're right," Linda said, after a minute. "Sorry. So, Melody, you want to come with us to Missing Mile?"
"Yes, I've found family, first time ever, and I'm not losing him," she said, squeezing Ghost's hand. "I have no ties to this place, so I have no problem leaving. That is, if y'all don't mind?"
"It's fine with us, Melody," Steve said. "The more the merrier, as they say. This road trip gets better all the time."
"Yay, all I need is to grab some things, then I'll be ready to roll. Ghost can tell me all about where we're going, on the way." She got up to leave.
"C'mon, Ghost...come help me pack," she said, pulling him up. She told Steve the address to her place. "It's not far, and me and Ghost are gonna walk on over there."
Ghost looked a bit awkward, and said, "I guess I'm going with her. Come pick us up, ok?"
"Sure, go on," Steve said. "We'll be around in a few minutes." He watched them leave out the door. Linda was watching Steve.
"What is it? You look like you lost your best friend, brother," she said, and laughed. "You didn't lose him, you gained a sister...me too. I think it's great."
"Uh-huh...I was just thinking, old Kinsey and everybody's gonna be surprised. I go to bring one sister home, and we wind up bringing home two. It's weird," Steve said.
Nodding, Linda said, "Yeah, it is. Weird and wonderful, and meant to be. Let's get one more coffee, then go find them, ok?"
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Friday, January 1, 2016
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 262
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 262
warning...adult content
~
After driving about four hours straight, Steve saw the sign and turn-off for Forrest City, Arkansas. He thought the sign wasn't quite right, though. This was no city; Berg was what came to his mind, as he passed the city limit sign. He pulled into the first convenience store with a gas station that he found.
"I'm getting the gas," Steve said, when he got out of the U-Haul. "See if you get any more directions from you weird voice."
Ghost closed his eyes and concentrated, but didn't like what he was hearing in his head. The voice was just laughing.
"Where do I go? What do you want to show me?" Ghost kept asking. There was more laughing. Then he heard, "It's right in front of your face." Then there was no more, only silence.
Ghost startled, his eyes flying open. "Huh? That's it?" He took out the heart necklace, and rubbed the locket, hoping to get a vision...or something. He was concentrating so hard, he didn't hear Steve come back to the truck, until he'd knocked on the window. He jumped at the sudden noise, then saw the odd look on Steve's face. Something had happened, he could tell. Steve was white as a...well...ghost.
Rolling down the window, he heard Steve say, "Get out...now...I think I found it."
Feeling shaky, he opened the door, and climbed down from the truck. "What is it?" he asked, but Steve just motioned for him to follow him back into the store.
Just inside the store, Steve stopped. "Just look, Ghost...look at the clerk...when she turns around...just look."
After a few seconds, the girl turned around to face them, and she froze.
Ghost had Steve's arm in a vice grip, and was shaking so much it made Steve's teeth rattle. So many words in Ghost's head now...and none would come out of his mouth. He had no breath in him. It was like looking into a mirror. This girl was the exact image of Ghost. She was gripping the counter, looking like she might faint.
Steve managed to put one foot in front of the other, and move him and Ghost forward. He was afraid both Ghost and the girl were going to have a heart attack, right then and there, and he'd have to bring them both back to life. Then, they both spoke at the same time.
"Who are you?" Ghost asked, and the girl was saying, "It's you."
Steve was mesmerized. He kept looking back and forth, trying to see if his eyes were playing tricks, but no...they were the same, the only difference being their gender. The same build, the same long blond hair, the same sky blue eyes.
She noticed the necklace Ghost was still holding. "That's mine. Where did you find it?" she asked.
"Uh, I bought it. You can have it back," Ghost said, holding it out to her. She took it, then opened the locket, to look at the picture inside, and back to Ghost. She smiled...the same crooked grin, Steve noticed.
"This is you...Ghost," She said.
"Yeah, it's me, but how?"
"I seen you once," she said. "A long time ago. I took this picture."
"Wh...where...wh...when?" Ghost whispered, barely getting the words out.
"It was in a coffee shop, or bar, in...oh, I can't think right now...in Kentucky, or maybe Tennessee? You were singing. Later, I followed you to the parking lot, but I was scared to say anything," she said.
Ghost was trying to process all this, and Steve could tell he was about to lose it.
"Hey, are you from the mountain in North Carolina?" he asked. "There's some people there that look kinda like y'all."
"Huh?" the girl looked around, confused. "Mountains? I never been in the mountains. I did see some. That time I saw you and Ghost, I was running away...from home...here...well, over in Ozark," she said.
"That's where we bought the necklace," Steve said. "Right, Ghost?" he elbowed Ghost, to jog him back into the conversation.
Ghost nodded. "Um...it was guiding me to find it," he said. "Now, I know why. It was telling me to come find you"
"Who was?" she asked. "Someone was trying to find me...in Ozark? I haven't been back there. I figured I should just keep running. I left almost everything, like this necklace."
"Who are you?" Ghost asked, again.
Steve was wondering the same thing. It was all so confusing. In his head, he was thinking, 'get Ghost out of here, now' ... and then, 'we have to stay and find out more'. He shook his head to try and clear his thoughts. They both looked at him, with the same expression. This is too weird...I'm seeing double... Before he could stop himself, he began to laugh. I really am going crazy... "I'm sorry," he finally said, when he could control himself. "It's just so weird to see two of y'all." He nervously laughed again, but was able to stifle his laughter, when he saw that neither the girl or Ghost were laughing.
Just then, the door opened, and Linda and the kids came in. "What's taking y'all so long?" Linda asked. Then, she saw what was happening. "Oh my, God. You have a twin, Ghost?"
There was dead silence, as that word sunk in. "Uh, Linda," Steve said, "that's what it looks like...or what they look like."
"Wow, I think you're right, Steve." She came closer, looking from the clerk, to Ghost. "Did you know you were a twin?"
Ghost shook his head. "The voice made me come here, to find out."
"Hmm," she was thinking. She could tell Steve, Ghost, and the girl didn't know what to say or do now. Smiling, she said, "Ok, honey, we all need to sit down and talk. When do you get done at the store?"
"Any time now, as soon as my replacement gets here," the girl said.
"Ok, is there a coffee shop, or a diner, or somewhere we can all go, for a little while?"
"Yes, a coffee shop over in the next block. Should I meet you there, or you could just wait?"
"Why don't we go on over. You can join us when you're done here, ok?" Linda said.
"Ok, I'll come over there, soon as I'm through here," she said.
Stevie and Mandy came up to the counter, with candy and chips. "Can we get these, Mama?" Stevie asked.
"Ok, sure, I guess so. We're leaving, though. Here's some money...go pay for it," Linda said. He did, and she took the kids back to the van.
"Let's go, Ghost," Steve said. "We'll see you there," he said to the girl.
She nodded. "It won't be long."
Outside, heading for the U-Haul, Steve said, "That was the weirdest thing ever."
"Who is she?" Ghost asked, again, still a bit dazed.
"You already asked that, about a hundred times. We're fixin' to find out. Now get in." He opened the truck's door.
He and Linda drove around the block, and found parking in a small lot, behind the coffee shop. Inside was cool, and dim, and smelled wonderful, with the aroma of coffee beans. He ordered coffee for them all, and milk for the kids, hoping to counter-act all the junk food they'd been eating. They found a table in the back of the room where it was quieter.
Ghost put his face down to the cup, inhaling the steam.
"Ok, Ghost," Steve began, "when she gets here, you gotta start talking. Ask some questions, things like that, if you want to find out who she is. You gotta speak up. She seems nice. She isn't gonna bite, ya know. You're both surprised as hell at this, and she wants to know who you are, who we all are. Do you get what I'm saying?"
"Yes, but the words wouldn't come," Ghost said.
"Well, now that y'all have had a few minutes, I want to hear some talking. Like, what is gonna happen next. We're all in this now. We all want answers. Ok?"
"Umm-hmm," Ghost and Linda both said.
The door opened, and the girl walked in. She went to the counter to order herself a coffee, then gave them all a wave.
"Ok, here she comes," Steve said.
"This can't be real," Ghost was saying, softly. "This can't be real..."
Steve could feel him getting tensed up. "It'll be ok, Ghost. We're just gonna talk to her."
"But, why didn't I ever know, Steve? I never sensed anything like this," Ghost said.
Steve grabbed Ghost's hand, under the table, and squeezed. "Stop worrying."
~
Nest part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 262
warning...adult content
~
After driving about four hours straight, Steve saw the sign and turn-off for Forrest City, Arkansas. He thought the sign wasn't quite right, though. This was no city; Berg was what came to his mind, as he passed the city limit sign. He pulled into the first convenience store with a gas station that he found.
"I'm getting the gas," Steve said, when he got out of the U-Haul. "See if you get any more directions from you weird voice."
Ghost closed his eyes and concentrated, but didn't like what he was hearing in his head. The voice was just laughing.
"Where do I go? What do you want to show me?" Ghost kept asking. There was more laughing. Then he heard, "It's right in front of your face." Then there was no more, only silence.
Ghost startled, his eyes flying open. "Huh? That's it?" He took out the heart necklace, and rubbed the locket, hoping to get a vision...or something. He was concentrating so hard, he didn't hear Steve come back to the truck, until he'd knocked on the window. He jumped at the sudden noise, then saw the odd look on Steve's face. Something had happened, he could tell. Steve was white as a...well...ghost.
Rolling down the window, he heard Steve say, "Get out...now...I think I found it."
Feeling shaky, he opened the door, and climbed down from the truck. "What is it?" he asked, but Steve just motioned for him to follow him back into the store.
Just inside the store, Steve stopped. "Just look, Ghost...look at the clerk...when she turns around...just look."
After a few seconds, the girl turned around to face them, and she froze.
Ghost had Steve's arm in a vice grip, and was shaking so much it made Steve's teeth rattle. So many words in Ghost's head now...and none would come out of his mouth. He had no breath in him. It was like looking into a mirror. This girl was the exact image of Ghost. She was gripping the counter, looking like she might faint.
Steve managed to put one foot in front of the other, and move him and Ghost forward. He was afraid both Ghost and the girl were going to have a heart attack, right then and there, and he'd have to bring them both back to life. Then, they both spoke at the same time.
"Who are you?" Ghost asked, and the girl was saying, "It's you."
Steve was mesmerized. He kept looking back and forth, trying to see if his eyes were playing tricks, but no...they were the same, the only difference being their gender. The same build, the same long blond hair, the same sky blue eyes.
She noticed the necklace Ghost was still holding. "That's mine. Where did you find it?" she asked.
"Uh, I bought it. You can have it back," Ghost said, holding it out to her. She took it, then opened the locket, to look at the picture inside, and back to Ghost. She smiled...the same crooked grin, Steve noticed.
"This is you...Ghost," She said.
"Yeah, it's me, but how?"
"I seen you once," she said. "A long time ago. I took this picture."
"Wh...where...wh...when?" Ghost whispered, barely getting the words out.
"It was in a coffee shop, or bar, in...oh, I can't think right now...in Kentucky, or maybe Tennessee? You were singing. Later, I followed you to the parking lot, but I was scared to say anything," she said.
Ghost was trying to process all this, and Steve could tell he was about to lose it.
"Hey, are you from the mountain in North Carolina?" he asked. "There's some people there that look kinda like y'all."
"Huh?" the girl looked around, confused. "Mountains? I never been in the mountains. I did see some. That time I saw you and Ghost, I was running away...from home...here...well, over in Ozark," she said.
"That's where we bought the necklace," Steve said. "Right, Ghost?" he elbowed Ghost, to jog him back into the conversation.
Ghost nodded. "Um...it was guiding me to find it," he said. "Now, I know why. It was telling me to come find you"
"Who was?" she asked. "Someone was trying to find me...in Ozark? I haven't been back there. I figured I should just keep running. I left almost everything, like this necklace."
"Who are you?" Ghost asked, again.
Steve was wondering the same thing. It was all so confusing. In his head, he was thinking, 'get Ghost out of here, now' ... and then, 'we have to stay and find out more'. He shook his head to try and clear his thoughts. They both looked at him, with the same expression. This is too weird...I'm seeing double... Before he could stop himself, he began to laugh. I really am going crazy... "I'm sorry," he finally said, when he could control himself. "It's just so weird to see two of y'all." He nervously laughed again, but was able to stifle his laughter, when he saw that neither the girl or Ghost were laughing.
Just then, the door opened, and Linda and the kids came in. "What's taking y'all so long?" Linda asked. Then, she saw what was happening. "Oh my, God. You have a twin, Ghost?"
There was dead silence, as that word sunk in. "Uh, Linda," Steve said, "that's what it looks like...or what they look like."
"Wow, I think you're right, Steve." She came closer, looking from the clerk, to Ghost. "Did you know you were a twin?"
Ghost shook his head. "The voice made me come here, to find out."
"Hmm," she was thinking. She could tell Steve, Ghost, and the girl didn't know what to say or do now. Smiling, she said, "Ok, honey, we all need to sit down and talk. When do you get done at the store?"
"Any time now, as soon as my replacement gets here," the girl said.
"Ok, is there a coffee shop, or a diner, or somewhere we can all go, for a little while?"
"Yes, a coffee shop over in the next block. Should I meet you there, or you could just wait?"
"Why don't we go on over. You can join us when you're done here, ok?" Linda said.
"Ok, I'll come over there, soon as I'm through here," she said.
Stevie and Mandy came up to the counter, with candy and chips. "Can we get these, Mama?" Stevie asked.
"Ok, sure, I guess so. We're leaving, though. Here's some money...go pay for it," Linda said. He did, and she took the kids back to the van.
"Let's go, Ghost," Steve said. "We'll see you there," he said to the girl.
She nodded. "It won't be long."
Outside, heading for the U-Haul, Steve said, "That was the weirdest thing ever."
"Who is she?" Ghost asked, again, still a bit dazed.
"You already asked that, about a hundred times. We're fixin' to find out. Now get in." He opened the truck's door.
He and Linda drove around the block, and found parking in a small lot, behind the coffee shop. Inside was cool, and dim, and smelled wonderful, with the aroma of coffee beans. He ordered coffee for them all, and milk for the kids, hoping to counter-act all the junk food they'd been eating. They found a table in the back of the room where it was quieter.
Ghost put his face down to the cup, inhaling the steam.
"Ok, Ghost," Steve began, "when she gets here, you gotta start talking. Ask some questions, things like that, if you want to find out who she is. You gotta speak up. She seems nice. She isn't gonna bite, ya know. You're both surprised as hell at this, and she wants to know who you are, who we all are. Do you get what I'm saying?"
"Yes, but the words wouldn't come," Ghost said.
"Well, now that y'all have had a few minutes, I want to hear some talking. Like, what is gonna happen next. We're all in this now. We all want answers. Ok?"
"Umm-hmm," Ghost and Linda both said.
The door opened, and the girl walked in. She went to the counter to order herself a coffee, then gave them all a wave.
"Ok, here she comes," Steve said.
"This can't be real," Ghost was saying, softly. "This can't be real..."
Steve could feel him getting tensed up. "It'll be ok, Ghost. We're just gonna talk to her."
"But, why didn't I ever know, Steve? I never sensed anything like this," Ghost said.
Steve grabbed Ghost's hand, under the table, and squeezed. "Stop worrying."
~
Nest part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
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