TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 162
warning...adult content
~
Kinsey had finished eating his part of the pizza, and was going back to the club. "Bye, Steve," he said, and gave him a nod, as he passed by, on the way out. "Good luck with this crew of yours."
"Bye, Kinsey, sure ya don't want to stay and sort them out?" Steve asked.
"I'm so sure, Steve...not my business." Kinsey was laughing, as he went out the door.
Steve shook his head, and took the last few bites of his own pizza. The shop phone rang, and he listened, as Terry answered it. "It's for you, Steve...it's Zach. Where's your phone, anyway?"
Steve came over to get the phone. "It's broke. I gotta get another one," he said. "Hey, Zach, what's up?"
"It's done, man. The house is history," Zach said.
"Already?" Steve asked. "That was fast. How'd it go?"
"Man, that bulldozer plowed right into it...it was awesome. And, they had a dump truck to load the pieces in, and the lot is scraped clean. There were cars lined up on the side of the road, and people walked up to watch it come down. We should have sold tickets," Zach said.
"Did y'all see anything...feel anything weird?" Steve asked.
"I didn't, but I think Trevor was feeling weird...not from any left over spirits, but just from all the things that happened there, so it was kinda sad and kinda happy that's it's over, ya know." Zach said.
"Yeah, well you and Trevor can have a new beginning...make some happy memories, now. Y'all can forget all the bad juju that place had."
"Yep, we're staying in our new place tonight," Zach said. He paused then said, "Oh, hey, I gotta go...y'all come by sometime. We still have to discuss that show."
"Sure thing, Zach. Ghost and me, we're doing our recording today, and maybe for the next couple of days, but then we can talk more about it."
"Ok, later then..." Zach said, then ended the call.
"What was all that about?" Terry asked.
"Oh, he let me know that house is totally gone, now," Steve said.
"Good...that place was too creepy," Terry said. "What do y'all have to discuss? Sorry, I overheard all you said."
"Yeah, uh, it's just about a show we plan on having, when y'all get back from vacation. Kinsey knows about it, sort of," Steve said. "It's kinda complicated, what we want to do...a sort of secret, but you do need to know. That's the confusing part...do I tell you, or not...and, how can we not? Well, crap, I don't know now how to do it." He was getting flustered, now.
Terry gave him a look. "Steve, you've been around Ghost too long. I have no idea what you just said."
"I know, Terry...that's why we have to discuss it," Steve said. "Then we'll know what's going on. Anyway, you'll know later."
"Ok, dude, y'all handle it, then," Terry said, still confused. "Ready to get back to work?"
"Yeah, let me go round up those two clowns," Steve said, as he went to the break room.
~
R. J. was at the table, reading a comic book, and Ghost had stretched out on the small couch, and was asleep. Steve stood at the door, and just shook his head, thinking that this could be a long afternoon.
"It's time to record again, guys," he said.
R. J. nodded, as he got up and headed for the door, still reading as he walked. Steve went over to Ghost, and shook him awake. "Wake up, Ghost. We're ready to record again."
"Hmm? Ok..." Ghost sat up and rubbed his eyes.
Steve reached out his hands, and pulled Ghost up. "C'mon..."
They all took their places in the studio, and began again. These next songs were working out good, but the ones coming up were the ones Steve had written to Ghost, and he'd be singing the main parts, with Ghost coming in on certain parts.
He was a little worried about that because one, he felt he wasn't a very good singer. He did ok for harmonies and background vocals, but taking a leading role was uncomfortable. Two, these songs he wrote were very personal to him, and he felt it would be impossible to capture the emotions now, that he'd had at the time, and would seem fake, or forced when doing them for the recording. Then three, if they were to do these songs in a live show, there'd be no stopping and starting, or mixing, to get it just right. He didn't want to have his thoughts dissected and critiqued. He wanted them to be pure and from the heart, like he'd intended for them to be.
So, they made it through the first one, but just barely. Steve wasn't happy with it. He was getting frustrated at himself, trying to make it perfect. "Ok, guys, this isn't working," he said, and tried to explain why. "What I think we'll do, is...Terry, R. J. and me...we need to just record the music parts by itself. Then we'll call it a day. I'm going to go home and get these songs recorded there. I have to feel what I felt when I wrote them. I have to be in a certain mood, and it ain't happening here, with y'all watching me," Steve said. He looked at the others, hoping they'd understand. "Ok?" he asked.
Terry and R. J. looked at each other, and the teasing began. "We get it, Steve," Terry said, and wiggled his eyebrows. "You gotta get in the moood first, and you don't need any onlookers."
"Shut up..." Steve said. "But, yeah...and Terry, can you put what I record at home onto what we do here?"
"Yes, I believe I can, Steve," Terry said, grinning.
"Good, then that's all for today," Steve said, packing up his guitar.
Terry began shutting down the electronics. R. J. was over to the side, playing a slow rhythmic tune on his bass. He started singing a silly song, he'd just made up, trying to be funny. "Steve's gonna get in the mood, he's gonna sing like he should, and Ghost is gonna feel good, and we all knew that he would, and they're gonna get rude and lewd..." Then he started laughing, because Ghost was grinning and right up in Steve's face, batting his eyes, acting silly.
Terry was cracking up, too. Steve finally realized what was going on at his expense. "Knock it off, all of y'all," he hollered, but was grinning, at the same time.
"Aw, man...that's the funniest thing I seen all day," said Terry. "We should take that show on the road."
"Shut up," Steve said. "C'mon, Ghost, let's get outta here. We'll be back in the morning," he told Terry.
"Have a goood night..." Terry and R. J. both said, in a teasing voice.
Steve and Ghost went on out the door. After they'd got in the car, Steve remembered he needed to take the portable recording equipment to the house. "Crap, I gotta go back in there," he said, as he opened the car door.
As he went back inside, he could hear Terry and R. J. still laughing. "Excuse me, but I need the recorder, Terry," he said.
"Oh, yeah, hang on," Terry said, and went to get the machine. "You know how to use it, right?"
"Yeah, I know how, thanks," Steve said, going to the door. "Resume your laughing, if you must..." he said, and he waved with his middle finger, as he left.
~
Back in the car, Steve sat there for a minute, just breathing, to calm down after the long day. "Ok, Ghost, what was all that shit today...you and R. J. acting like fools?"
"Nothing, just having fun," Ghost said. "I heard you tell Kinsey I was fixin' to get pissy, so I tried not to...and it worked. I changed myself, and you were right, but then you were wrong." He smiled. "Ya, see?"
"Yeah, Ghost, I think I do," said Steve. "Well, let's go home.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Sunday, April 26, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 161
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 161
warning...adult content
~
CHAPTER 23
At the studio, Terry was already there, adjusting his sound boards and mics, and his drums. R. J. was there, too, looking like he'd just woke up. Steve parked around back, and he and Ghost lugged in their things.
"Hey, guys, we made it," Steve said.
Ghost put down what he was carrying and went in search of coffee, in the small break room. R. J. came in for a coffee, too.
"Hey, Ghost, how's it going?"
"Going good, R. J., now that I have this." Ghost smiled, as he poured himself a cup.
R. J. nodded in agreement.
"Did Terry give you the list of songs?" Ghost asked.
"Yeah, and I practiced the older ones, and learned the new ones from that demo y'all did. It's weird how we all do this, don't 'cha think? I mean, y'all don't read or write music, but Terry and I can pick up exactly what y'all want for us to do with no problem," R. J. said.
Ghost shrugged, "That's 'cause y'all are good at it. And, we've been doing it for a long time, so we know how to work together."
"Yeah, it's easier with y'all up front. It's not as easy with Zach and Calvin, though. They got some crazy songs, and it's taking me awhile to get used to them."
Ghost smiled. "Well, get ready for some more crazy, 'cause when Kinsey and Terry get back from their vacation, we're gonna all be playing some, at the same time." Ghost thought a minute, then said, "Except, I don't know how Terry's gonna play a show, and be a guest at the same time..." He was getting confused, now.
"What? All at the same time?" R. J. asked.
"Yeah, for our welcome home show. We all already planned it. I guess Steve will figure it all out...I hope," Ghost said.
"I don't know, man," R. J. said, "sounds pretty crazy, to me."
Just then, Steve came into the break room. "Y'all gonna drink coffee and chit-chat all day? We got work to do...c'mon."
Ghost giggled, then said, "Yes sir, boss."
R. J. sputtered his mouthful of coffee out, at that.
They did come out to the other room and pretended bowing down to Steve and Terry, still laughing and saying, "We're here, boss...we got it, boss."
Steve and Terry exchanged a look. "Juveniles..." Steve said. "C'mon, get serious, now," he said.
They all took up their instruments, and Terry turned on the recorder. Ghost adjusted the stand up mic in front of him, and they began. They ran through the first song, then Terry did the playback. It sounded good, but he thought they could do it a little better. They went through it again, and again he made some adjustments. After going through it again, he mixed the best parts of all three times together, to make one that sounded good to them all.
"One down, and how many more?" R. J. asked.
Steve began to calculate. "Well, thirteen more, if we do them one time each, which is unlikely, so...if like this one, we do each three times...times thirteen...maybe 39 more times all together?"
Terry was nodding, "Sounds about right."
Ghost sighed. "It's a lot of singing." He hoped his voice would hold out, but he had his doubts.
"Yeah, but if we have to we can split 'em up...do some tomorrow," Steve said. "I know you're wanting to get out of here as soon as you can, Terry, but these have to be right. We plan on selling the CDs."
"I know, Steve, and we're gonna get 'em done, however long it takes," Terry said.
They regrouped, and began the second song. It took just as long as the first, but they kept on working on them. Everyone was still learning them, so there were stops along the way to fine tune them, too. Close to three hours later, Steve said, "Ok, let's take a break."
"We've got about half of them like you want, Steve," Terry said. "We can stop now, or do more after lunch, your call."
"Ghost, how's your throat? Can you do some more?" Steve asked.
Ghost drank some water, and cleared his throat. "Uh, I can try, but I can feel it getting scratchy."
"All right, then, Steve. We'll break for lunch. Don't you have a few songs that you do the majority of the singing on?" asked Terry.
Steve nodded, "Yeah, we could do those, so Ghost can rest his voice awhile. How's that sound?" He looked over to see what Ghost thought about it.
Ghost shrugged, not wanting to use his voice, if he didn't have to.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Steve asked.
Ghost mouthed the words, "It means ok, we'll do it that way."
Steve rolled his eyes. "Ok, Terry, you heard him...or not..."
"Yeah, tell ya the truth, I'm tired. Let's do a couple more, then do the rest in the morning. That ought to do it," Terry said. "Now, I'm ordering pizza. Y'all grab a drink from the fridge, and chill for awhile.
Steve put his guitar down and found himself a chair to lean back in, and propped up his feet on a table. Ghost and R. J. headed for the break room for sodas. Terry was using his phone, so went outside for a change of scenery, and some cool air. As he stood in front of the record shop, he saw Kinsey come out of the Yew.
Kinsey waved, and walked on over to say hi. "Y'all recording today?" he asked.
"Yep, we're on a lunch break, right now. It's going ok, but slow. We may do the last bits tomorrow, because everyone's getting tired, and Ghost's voice is wearing out," Terry said.
Steve had come outside, now, and heard the last part of the conversation. "Yeah, Ghost is fixin' to get pissy...I can already tell," he said.
Kinsey laughed. "Well, nobody said it was easy."
"I know," Steve said. "It's fun, but a whole lot of work."
"I hear ya," Kinsey said. "I feel the same about the club...and that's why I'm going on vacation."
Ghost and R. J. came outside, then, and Ghost said silently, "Hi, Kinsey, I can't talk."
Kinsey smiled. "I see...don't want to wear it out, huh?"
Ghost nodded. Just then the pizza delivery guy came speeding up to the record store, screeching to a stop, almost running down Ghost, who'd been standing just off the sidewalk, in the street.
He jumped out of the way, just in time, but bumped into R. J., and they both went down, spilling their cokes all over.
"Hey, watch where ya going," Steve yelled, as the guy got out of his car.
The guy sneered. "Thirty minutes or less...gotta hurry...shouldn't be standing in the street."
"Fuck thirty minutes or less," Steve said, as he came toward the guy.
"Hey, here's ya pizzas...need the money...got more deliveries," the guy said.
Terry had gone inside to get the money for the pizza, right before, so missed the altercation. Kinsey hollered in the door, to him, "Hey, Terry, the pizza's here, and Steve's yelling at him. He almost ran over Ghost."
Terry hurried to the door, money in hand. "Here's your money, dude, now take off," he said.
The guy did, but shot them all the finger, as he left.
Ghost and R. J. were still on the ground, laughing hysterically at the situation. Terry just shook his head, and took the pizzas inside. "Ya wanna eat, get your asses up off the sidewalk," he said. He, Kinsey, and Steve went inside. Ghost and R. J. finally got control of their laughing fit, and went inside, too. Grabbing their share of the food, they retreated to the break room, to...as Steve put it...chit-chat some more.
Terry and Kinsey were eating over by the counter, talking vacation. Steve felt like the odd man out. He didn't know which crazy group to join...the immature young ones, or the old farts club. Neither appealed to him, so he went and found a folding chair over by the bargain bin. There he ate in peace.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 161
warning...adult content
~
CHAPTER 23
At the studio, Terry was already there, adjusting his sound boards and mics, and his drums. R. J. was there, too, looking like he'd just woke up. Steve parked around back, and he and Ghost lugged in their things.
"Hey, guys, we made it," Steve said.
Ghost put down what he was carrying and went in search of coffee, in the small break room. R. J. came in for a coffee, too.
"Hey, Ghost, how's it going?"
"Going good, R. J., now that I have this." Ghost smiled, as he poured himself a cup.
R. J. nodded in agreement.
"Did Terry give you the list of songs?" Ghost asked.
"Yeah, and I practiced the older ones, and learned the new ones from that demo y'all did. It's weird how we all do this, don't 'cha think? I mean, y'all don't read or write music, but Terry and I can pick up exactly what y'all want for us to do with no problem," R. J. said.
Ghost shrugged, "That's 'cause y'all are good at it. And, we've been doing it for a long time, so we know how to work together."
"Yeah, it's easier with y'all up front. It's not as easy with Zach and Calvin, though. They got some crazy songs, and it's taking me awhile to get used to them."
Ghost smiled. "Well, get ready for some more crazy, 'cause when Kinsey and Terry get back from their vacation, we're gonna all be playing some, at the same time." Ghost thought a minute, then said, "Except, I don't know how Terry's gonna play a show, and be a guest at the same time..." He was getting confused, now.
"What? All at the same time?" R. J. asked.
"Yeah, for our welcome home show. We all already planned it. I guess Steve will figure it all out...I hope," Ghost said.
"I don't know, man," R. J. said, "sounds pretty crazy, to me."
Just then, Steve came into the break room. "Y'all gonna drink coffee and chit-chat all day? We got work to do...c'mon."
Ghost giggled, then said, "Yes sir, boss."
R. J. sputtered his mouthful of coffee out, at that.
They did come out to the other room and pretended bowing down to Steve and Terry, still laughing and saying, "We're here, boss...we got it, boss."
Steve and Terry exchanged a look. "Juveniles..." Steve said. "C'mon, get serious, now," he said.
They all took up their instruments, and Terry turned on the recorder. Ghost adjusted the stand up mic in front of him, and they began. They ran through the first song, then Terry did the playback. It sounded good, but he thought they could do it a little better. They went through it again, and again he made some adjustments. After going through it again, he mixed the best parts of all three times together, to make one that sounded good to them all.
"One down, and how many more?" R. J. asked.
Steve began to calculate. "Well, thirteen more, if we do them one time each, which is unlikely, so...if like this one, we do each three times...times thirteen...maybe 39 more times all together?"
Terry was nodding, "Sounds about right."
Ghost sighed. "It's a lot of singing." He hoped his voice would hold out, but he had his doubts.
"Yeah, but if we have to we can split 'em up...do some tomorrow," Steve said. "I know you're wanting to get out of here as soon as you can, Terry, but these have to be right. We plan on selling the CDs."
"I know, Steve, and we're gonna get 'em done, however long it takes," Terry said.
They regrouped, and began the second song. It took just as long as the first, but they kept on working on them. Everyone was still learning them, so there were stops along the way to fine tune them, too. Close to three hours later, Steve said, "Ok, let's take a break."
"We've got about half of them like you want, Steve," Terry said. "We can stop now, or do more after lunch, your call."
"Ghost, how's your throat? Can you do some more?" Steve asked.
Ghost drank some water, and cleared his throat. "Uh, I can try, but I can feel it getting scratchy."
"All right, then, Steve. We'll break for lunch. Don't you have a few songs that you do the majority of the singing on?" asked Terry.
Steve nodded, "Yeah, we could do those, so Ghost can rest his voice awhile. How's that sound?" He looked over to see what Ghost thought about it.
Ghost shrugged, not wanting to use his voice, if he didn't have to.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Steve asked.
Ghost mouthed the words, "It means ok, we'll do it that way."
Steve rolled his eyes. "Ok, Terry, you heard him...or not..."
"Yeah, tell ya the truth, I'm tired. Let's do a couple more, then do the rest in the morning. That ought to do it," Terry said. "Now, I'm ordering pizza. Y'all grab a drink from the fridge, and chill for awhile.
Steve put his guitar down and found himself a chair to lean back in, and propped up his feet on a table. Ghost and R. J. headed for the break room for sodas. Terry was using his phone, so went outside for a change of scenery, and some cool air. As he stood in front of the record shop, he saw Kinsey come out of the Yew.
Kinsey waved, and walked on over to say hi. "Y'all recording today?" he asked.
"Yep, we're on a lunch break, right now. It's going ok, but slow. We may do the last bits tomorrow, because everyone's getting tired, and Ghost's voice is wearing out," Terry said.
Steve had come outside, now, and heard the last part of the conversation. "Yeah, Ghost is fixin' to get pissy...I can already tell," he said.
Kinsey laughed. "Well, nobody said it was easy."
"I know," Steve said. "It's fun, but a whole lot of work."
"I hear ya," Kinsey said. "I feel the same about the club...and that's why I'm going on vacation."
Ghost and R. J. came outside, then, and Ghost said silently, "Hi, Kinsey, I can't talk."
Kinsey smiled. "I see...don't want to wear it out, huh?"
Ghost nodded. Just then the pizza delivery guy came speeding up to the record store, screeching to a stop, almost running down Ghost, who'd been standing just off the sidewalk, in the street.
He jumped out of the way, just in time, but bumped into R. J., and they both went down, spilling their cokes all over.
"Hey, watch where ya going," Steve yelled, as the guy got out of his car.
The guy sneered. "Thirty minutes or less...gotta hurry...shouldn't be standing in the street."
"Fuck thirty minutes or less," Steve said, as he came toward the guy.
"Hey, here's ya pizzas...need the money...got more deliveries," the guy said.
Terry had gone inside to get the money for the pizza, right before, so missed the altercation. Kinsey hollered in the door, to him, "Hey, Terry, the pizza's here, and Steve's yelling at him. He almost ran over Ghost."
Terry hurried to the door, money in hand. "Here's your money, dude, now take off," he said.
The guy did, but shot them all the finger, as he left.
Ghost and R. J. were still on the ground, laughing hysterically at the situation. Terry just shook his head, and took the pizzas inside. "Ya wanna eat, get your asses up off the sidewalk," he said. He, Kinsey, and Steve went inside. Ghost and R. J. finally got control of their laughing fit, and went inside, too. Grabbing their share of the food, they retreated to the break room, to...as Steve put it...chit-chat some more.
Terry and Kinsey were eating over by the counter, talking vacation. Steve felt like the odd man out. He didn't know which crazy group to join...the immature young ones, or the old farts club. Neither appealed to him, so he went and found a folding chair over by the bargain bin. There he ate in peace.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Friday, April 24, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 160
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 160
warning...adult content
~
A little later, Zach and Trevor decided to walk around, just to be alone and enjoy the cool weather. They walked down to the end of the driveway, and over to a stand of trees alongside.
"This is a real pretty place to live," said Zach. He craned his neck back to try and see the tops of the pine trees. "I never saw such huge trees, Trevor, not in New Orleans, anyway. I'm glad I came here."
"Me, too. I've always been around this area. What's it like where you're from, Zach. Are you ever taking me there?"
"Maybe someday. It's nice in New Orleans, but way different than here. Lots of crazy people...well, you met Eddy and Dougal. I'd like to go back for a visit, but I'm still leery. I might get arrested or something," Zach said.
Just then they heard Steve holler over to them. "Hey, guys, we're fixin' breakfast, and we're done with the shower."
"Be there in a minute," Zach hollered back.
"Guess we're staying for breakfast," Trevor said.
"Yep, and I'm racing you to the shower," Zach said, and headed toward the house.
They ran up onto the porch, then inside, laughing and out of breath.
Ghost looked around the kitchen door, holding a spatula. "Pancakes will be ready," he said.
"Great, we'll wash up, first," said Trevor.
"They coming?" asked Steve.
"Uh-huh," Ghost said, as he expertly flipped another pancake over.
Steve made them all some scrambled eggs and bacon to have with the pancakes. Trevor and Zach came back in after their quick shower.
"You want us here at the table?" asked Zach.
"Yeah, got your plates ready, now," Steve said, as he set two full plates in front of them.
Ghost finished the last two pancakes, and he and Steve sat down to eat.
"These are really good, Ghost. It's like they melt in my mouth," Trevor said.
Ghost thanked him. "I made these when I was a kid. Well, not these here ones, but the same kind."
Steve snickered, and kept on eating, as Ghost kept on talking.
"I can make potatoes, too...right, Steve?"
"Um-hmm..."
Zach looked at Trevor, then at Steve. not sure if he should laugh, or say anything. But, Trevor kept the conversation going.
"What kind of potatoes?" he asked, remembering that Ghost said to make him explain what he meant.
Ghost looked puzzled, for a second. "Umm, those kind with milk, and you use a spoon, and...what's it called, Steve?"
Steve smiled, and said, "Soup."
"Oh, yeah, I just forgot it, but not how to make it. Kinsey lets me make it for the club, sometimes," Ghost said.
"We'd love to try it someday," Trevor said.
Ghost smiled. "Ok, cool."
Steve was thinking how weird it was, how domestic they were all being. First breakfast, and now planning a dinner party?
Ghost frowned at Steve. "Yeah, so what?"
Zach and Trevor, of course, hadn't heard Steve's thoughts, so were lost as to what Ghost was saying, now.
"I want to, and you can come, or not," Ghost said.
"Oh, I'll come, Ghost," Steve said. "It'll be fun."
"Huh?" Zach said, still confused.
"Oh, we're planning a dinner party, and inviting y'all over for potato soup, real soon, and it'll be fun," Steve said.
"Oh, well let us know when, and we'll be here," said Trevor.
"Speaking of fun," Steve said, "Kinsey and Terry will be on vacation, and when they come back we wanted to do a show...like a welcome back show. He mentioned maybe we all could do one together. Did he say anything to y'all about it?"
"Yeah, kind of," Zach said. "That could be fun, I guess, if we could work out how."
"Ok, then, let's see...we all have Terry and R. J., then y'all have Calvin, too. Y'all could do half the show, then us the other? I don't think we could all do it together, I mean, we're all different kinds of music. We might do one or two songs...hell, I don't know," Steve said, getting confused, now.
Zach nodded. "Ok, the first way sounds fine...half and half, then maybe come together for one or two?"
"I think I just said that, but you said it better, Zach," Steve said. "What about that, Ghost, does it sound ok to you?"
"Yeah, guess so. When is Kinsey getting back home, though? We have to know before, so we can let people know."
"That's true. I think he said he'd keep in touch, so we'll probably have a few days notice. It'll work out," said Steve.
"Are we gonna get that guy to print up flyers?" asked Ghost.
"Oh, yeah, well, if he could do them fast enough. I mean, he wanted to and all," Steve said.
Ghost gathered up the dishes, as everyone was finished eating. "Are we going to record, today?"
"Yep, in fact, we need to get on over there," Steve said, getting up from the table.
"We need to get going, too," said Trevor, "because...well..." He didn't want to mention why, but they all knew; the house was going to be bulldozed this morning.
As Trevor and Zach were leaving, Trevor turned to Ghost. "Thank you, again, Ghost, for everything you did for us."
"It's ok...I wanted to help," Ghost said.
Steve grabbed his guitars, and Ghost got his backpack, and song books, and they all left out the door.
"We'll catch up with y'all later," Steve said.
"Yeah, we'll let ya know how it goes," said Zach.
They followed each other down the driveway, and out onto the highway. Steve headed for Terry's studio in town, and Zach for Trevor's old house on Violin Road.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 160
warning...adult content
~
A little later, Zach and Trevor decided to walk around, just to be alone and enjoy the cool weather. They walked down to the end of the driveway, and over to a stand of trees alongside.
"This is a real pretty place to live," said Zach. He craned his neck back to try and see the tops of the pine trees. "I never saw such huge trees, Trevor, not in New Orleans, anyway. I'm glad I came here."
"Me, too. I've always been around this area. What's it like where you're from, Zach. Are you ever taking me there?"
"Maybe someday. It's nice in New Orleans, but way different than here. Lots of crazy people...well, you met Eddy and Dougal. I'd like to go back for a visit, but I'm still leery. I might get arrested or something," Zach said.
Just then they heard Steve holler over to them. "Hey, guys, we're fixin' breakfast, and we're done with the shower."
"Be there in a minute," Zach hollered back.
"Guess we're staying for breakfast," Trevor said.
"Yep, and I'm racing you to the shower," Zach said, and headed toward the house.
They ran up onto the porch, then inside, laughing and out of breath.
Ghost looked around the kitchen door, holding a spatula. "Pancakes will be ready," he said.
"Great, we'll wash up, first," said Trevor.
"They coming?" asked Steve.
"Uh-huh," Ghost said, as he expertly flipped another pancake over.
Steve made them all some scrambled eggs and bacon to have with the pancakes. Trevor and Zach came back in after their quick shower.
"You want us here at the table?" asked Zach.
"Yeah, got your plates ready, now," Steve said, as he set two full plates in front of them.
Ghost finished the last two pancakes, and he and Steve sat down to eat.
"These are really good, Ghost. It's like they melt in my mouth," Trevor said.
Ghost thanked him. "I made these when I was a kid. Well, not these here ones, but the same kind."
Steve snickered, and kept on eating, as Ghost kept on talking.
"I can make potatoes, too...right, Steve?"
"Um-hmm..."
Zach looked at Trevor, then at Steve. not sure if he should laugh, or say anything. But, Trevor kept the conversation going.
"What kind of potatoes?" he asked, remembering that Ghost said to make him explain what he meant.
Ghost looked puzzled, for a second. "Umm, those kind with milk, and you use a spoon, and...what's it called, Steve?"
Steve smiled, and said, "Soup."
"Oh, yeah, I just forgot it, but not how to make it. Kinsey lets me make it for the club, sometimes," Ghost said.
"We'd love to try it someday," Trevor said.
Ghost smiled. "Ok, cool."
Steve was thinking how weird it was, how domestic they were all being. First breakfast, and now planning a dinner party?
Ghost frowned at Steve. "Yeah, so what?"
Zach and Trevor, of course, hadn't heard Steve's thoughts, so were lost as to what Ghost was saying, now.
"I want to, and you can come, or not," Ghost said.
"Oh, I'll come, Ghost," Steve said. "It'll be fun."
"Huh?" Zach said, still confused.
"Oh, we're planning a dinner party, and inviting y'all over for potato soup, real soon, and it'll be fun," Steve said.
"Oh, well let us know when, and we'll be here," said Trevor.
"Speaking of fun," Steve said, "Kinsey and Terry will be on vacation, and when they come back we wanted to do a show...like a welcome back show. He mentioned maybe we all could do one together. Did he say anything to y'all about it?"
"Yeah, kind of," Zach said. "That could be fun, I guess, if we could work out how."
"Ok, then, let's see...we all have Terry and R. J., then y'all have Calvin, too. Y'all could do half the show, then us the other? I don't think we could all do it together, I mean, we're all different kinds of music. We might do one or two songs...hell, I don't know," Steve said, getting confused, now.
Zach nodded. "Ok, the first way sounds fine...half and half, then maybe come together for one or two?"
"I think I just said that, but you said it better, Zach," Steve said. "What about that, Ghost, does it sound ok to you?"
"Yeah, guess so. When is Kinsey getting back home, though? We have to know before, so we can let people know."
"That's true. I think he said he'd keep in touch, so we'll probably have a few days notice. It'll work out," said Steve.
"Are we gonna get that guy to print up flyers?" asked Ghost.
"Oh, yeah, well, if he could do them fast enough. I mean, he wanted to and all," Steve said.
Ghost gathered up the dishes, as everyone was finished eating. "Are we going to record, today?"
"Yep, in fact, we need to get on over there," Steve said, getting up from the table.
"We need to get going, too," said Trevor, "because...well..." He didn't want to mention why, but they all knew; the house was going to be bulldozed this morning.
As Trevor and Zach were leaving, Trevor turned to Ghost. "Thank you, again, Ghost, for everything you did for us."
"It's ok...I wanted to help," Ghost said.
Steve grabbed his guitars, and Ghost got his backpack, and song books, and they all left out the door.
"We'll catch up with y'all later," Steve said.
"Yeah, we'll let ya know how it goes," said Zach.
They followed each other down the driveway, and out onto the highway. Steve headed for Terry's studio in town, and Zach for Trevor's old house on Violin Road.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 159
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 159
warning...adult content
~
"The wind was blowing last night?" Ghost asked.
"Yeah, we heard this whistling noise coming from the back room. It must have been the wind," Trevor said.
Ghost frowned. "In the back room? Oh, you mean that goose we got back in the storage room?"
"Huh?" Trevor had no idea what to say to that. Ghost talked in riddles you had to decipher most of the time.
"Yeah, that's Spirit's goose," Ghost said. "You know, Spirit...our cat? He was hiding under the bed for a long time last night, but came out later and slept with us. He said the goose was loose, and wanted to play...but, then he went to sleep."
Trevor was even more confused, at Ghost's explanation. "Sure, sure...that was probably what we heard."
Ghost narrowed his eyes, trying to get a read on Trevor's thoughts. "Don't pretend like you know what I'm talking about, Trevor."
"Oh, hey...I'm not...I'm just confused."
"I know you are...everybody is, except Steve...and even he is sometimes, too," Ghost said. "Shit, even me...I don't understand me either half the time." He looked up at Trevor, and sighed. "I don't mean to be crazy, Trevor. I never wanted to be, ya know. But, things don't come out right, 'cause, well...'cause my head got busted open too many times, and things get messed up. I know lots of stuff, though. You said I wasn't very smart to Zach one time...I heard you...but, I kinda am, just I can't say it right. So, if I hurt your feelings ever, please don't be mad at me," he took a shuddery breath. "And, making me explain stuff helps me to get it out better. I say too many words, I write too many words, I sing too many words, but it's just...it's just...I have to." He looked down, and cried.
Trevor was trying to think of something to say...to do, when Ghost motioned for him to come over to the swing, with him. Then, as he sat down beside Ghost, Ghost reached out his arms, hugging him tight.
"I just need a hug sometimes," Ghost cried into Trevor's shoulder, then raised his tear-stained face up, kissing Trevor on the mouth.
Trevor was stunned, but didn't back away...he returned the kiss. This is not right, but I like it. Ghost is only the second person I've ever kissed, and it's so different...
Ghost broke away from the kiss, first. "Sorry, I just need to be loved. Steve calls me a whore, 'cause I like sex and kissing, and I know I shouldn't, but I've done it with all kinds of people...whoever will let me. So, just tell me to quit, and I will," Ghost said, looking into Trevor's eyes.
"I know before, I said mean things to you, to leave me alone...but, I was trying to not like you. But, I think I do, now...we're a lot alike...we crave it."
Trevor searched Ghost's eyes, and nodded. "Yes, we are a lot alike, Ghost. I'm infatuated with you, but I'm committed to Zach...so, thanks for giving me love. I need it so, so much, too." He brushed Ghost's hair back. "But, this is all, ok?"
Ghost nodded and smiled. They continued to sit on the swing, wrapped in their blankets. Soon, Zach came out and joined them. He felt that Trevor and Ghost had come to an understanding, this morning. He didn't have to ask, as he looked at the two of them.
They could hear Steve, out in the kitchen, getting his coffee. Then, the screen door squeaked, as he came out onto the porch, with Spirit bounding out, too. He immediately could feel that a silent truce had been made between Ghost and Trevor. As he leaned against the porch railing, looking at them, he knew. Neither one would meet his eyes. He could see Ghost's eyes were still wet from his tears, and both of their lips were reddened. He sighed, and looked away.
It hurt him to know that Ghost always needed more...more than even he could give him at times. But, he'd learned to accept it. This is how Ghost was, and he would take him however he could...no more questions or accusations, ever.
He looked back over at Ghost, knowing he'd heard his thoughts. "Hey, you...good morning," he said, and smiled.
Ghost's bottom lip quivered, but he got control, and smiled back at Steve. "Hey, yourself."
"You need a warm up on that coffee, I think...let's go in," Steve said. He reached out his hand to help Ghost up, and they went inside the house.
~
Zach was looking at Trevor. He didn't want to say anything, but it was making him feel weird, to know that Trevor and Ghost had kissed. He cleared his throat. Before he could speak, though, Trevor said, "It didn't mean anything."
Zach closed his eyes. "But, why? Trev, I give you all of me, and...it seems like it's not enough sometimes. I don't know what else to do."
"I don't know, Zach. Just...I let Ghost kiss me...I didn't stop him. I just needed to find out what it was like...to kiss someone else, and so I did."
Trevor could feel his heart pounding. He didn't want to hurt Zach, didn't want this to turn out badly.
"And..." Zach asked, "did you find out something?"
Trevor nodded. "Yeah, I did, Zach. It was different...nice, but different. I found out that Ghost means no harm. He needs to be loved, just like me." He paused a moment, gathering his thoughts. "I had a nightmare of a childhood, and you know all of it. Ghost has had some really bad shit happen to him, too. He didn't say what, but it must have been horrible. We were just showing that we cared about each other...in a way that maybe others...you and Steve can never really know. That's all. And, I found out that really is all. I don't have anywhere near the kind of love for him that we have, Zach. It's totally different. Can you understand?" Trevor watched Zach's face to see his reaction.
Zach raised his shoulders, looking intently at Trevor. "In a weird way I do, Trevor. I know there are different kinds of love, and I get it. It just surprised me, that's all. I'm not mad at you...or Ghost." He sighed. "I used to be with anyone who'd have me...and I never once felt love...not from any of them, and not from me to them either...not until I met you. You're the only one I ever let get into my heart, Trevor. That's never going to change."
Zach went to sit on the swing with Trevor. They kissed, and Trevor knew this was the real thing, right here, no doubts at all.
~
Steve had led Ghost inside, and into the bedroom. Closing the door, he looked at Ghost, his eyes softening, as he smiled. Neither had to say a word. Their need for each other was like a charge of electricity pulsing in waves around them. Reaching out, they tore at their clothes, as they fell onto the bed. This time, there was no holding back the lust and love for one another. Breathing hard, and fast, they were not quiet, letting their passion out in words of love. Not caring who heard them, they were in their own world of pleasure.
Zach and Trevor could hear it all, as they sat there in the swing. They both envisioned what was happening, remembering their own past night. They would not feel or show any embarrassment for themselves, or for Steve and Ghost, as they realized they all needed love, and were secure in the knowledge of their love for each other, as was Ghost and Steve, in theirs.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, and Writing
# 159
warning...adult content
~
"The wind was blowing last night?" Ghost asked.
"Yeah, we heard this whistling noise coming from the back room. It must have been the wind," Trevor said.
Ghost frowned. "In the back room? Oh, you mean that goose we got back in the storage room?"
"Huh?" Trevor had no idea what to say to that. Ghost talked in riddles you had to decipher most of the time.
"Yeah, that's Spirit's goose," Ghost said. "You know, Spirit...our cat? He was hiding under the bed for a long time last night, but came out later and slept with us. He said the goose was loose, and wanted to play...but, then he went to sleep."
Trevor was even more confused, at Ghost's explanation. "Sure, sure...that was probably what we heard."
Ghost narrowed his eyes, trying to get a read on Trevor's thoughts. "Don't pretend like you know what I'm talking about, Trevor."
"Oh, hey...I'm not...I'm just confused."
"I know you are...everybody is, except Steve...and even he is sometimes, too," Ghost said. "Shit, even me...I don't understand me either half the time." He looked up at Trevor, and sighed. "I don't mean to be crazy, Trevor. I never wanted to be, ya know. But, things don't come out right, 'cause, well...'cause my head got busted open too many times, and things get messed up. I know lots of stuff, though. You said I wasn't very smart to Zach one time...I heard you...but, I kinda am, just I can't say it right. So, if I hurt your feelings ever, please don't be mad at me," he took a shuddery breath. "And, making me explain stuff helps me to get it out better. I say too many words, I write too many words, I sing too many words, but it's just...it's just...I have to." He looked down, and cried.
Trevor was trying to think of something to say...to do, when Ghost motioned for him to come over to the swing, with him. Then, as he sat down beside Ghost, Ghost reached out his arms, hugging him tight.
"I just need a hug sometimes," Ghost cried into Trevor's shoulder, then raised his tear-stained face up, kissing Trevor on the mouth.
Trevor was stunned, but didn't back away...he returned the kiss. This is not right, but I like it. Ghost is only the second person I've ever kissed, and it's so different...
Ghost broke away from the kiss, first. "Sorry, I just need to be loved. Steve calls me a whore, 'cause I like sex and kissing, and I know I shouldn't, but I've done it with all kinds of people...whoever will let me. So, just tell me to quit, and I will," Ghost said, looking into Trevor's eyes.
"I know before, I said mean things to you, to leave me alone...but, I was trying to not like you. But, I think I do, now...we're a lot alike...we crave it."
Trevor searched Ghost's eyes, and nodded. "Yes, we are a lot alike, Ghost. I'm infatuated with you, but I'm committed to Zach...so, thanks for giving me love. I need it so, so much, too." He brushed Ghost's hair back. "But, this is all, ok?"
Ghost nodded and smiled. They continued to sit on the swing, wrapped in their blankets. Soon, Zach came out and joined them. He felt that Trevor and Ghost had come to an understanding, this morning. He didn't have to ask, as he looked at the two of them.
They could hear Steve, out in the kitchen, getting his coffee. Then, the screen door squeaked, as he came out onto the porch, with Spirit bounding out, too. He immediately could feel that a silent truce had been made between Ghost and Trevor. As he leaned against the porch railing, looking at them, he knew. Neither one would meet his eyes. He could see Ghost's eyes were still wet from his tears, and both of their lips were reddened. He sighed, and looked away.
It hurt him to know that Ghost always needed more...more than even he could give him at times. But, he'd learned to accept it. This is how Ghost was, and he would take him however he could...no more questions or accusations, ever.
He looked back over at Ghost, knowing he'd heard his thoughts. "Hey, you...good morning," he said, and smiled.
Ghost's bottom lip quivered, but he got control, and smiled back at Steve. "Hey, yourself."
"You need a warm up on that coffee, I think...let's go in," Steve said. He reached out his hand to help Ghost up, and they went inside the house.
~
Zach was looking at Trevor. He didn't want to say anything, but it was making him feel weird, to know that Trevor and Ghost had kissed. He cleared his throat. Before he could speak, though, Trevor said, "It didn't mean anything."
Zach closed his eyes. "But, why? Trev, I give you all of me, and...it seems like it's not enough sometimes. I don't know what else to do."
"I don't know, Zach. Just...I let Ghost kiss me...I didn't stop him. I just needed to find out what it was like...to kiss someone else, and so I did."
Trevor could feel his heart pounding. He didn't want to hurt Zach, didn't want this to turn out badly.
"And..." Zach asked, "did you find out something?"
Trevor nodded. "Yeah, I did, Zach. It was different...nice, but different. I found out that Ghost means no harm. He needs to be loved, just like me." He paused a moment, gathering his thoughts. "I had a nightmare of a childhood, and you know all of it. Ghost has had some really bad shit happen to him, too. He didn't say what, but it must have been horrible. We were just showing that we cared about each other...in a way that maybe others...you and Steve can never really know. That's all. And, I found out that really is all. I don't have anywhere near the kind of love for him that we have, Zach. It's totally different. Can you understand?" Trevor watched Zach's face to see his reaction.
Zach raised his shoulders, looking intently at Trevor. "In a weird way I do, Trevor. I know there are different kinds of love, and I get it. It just surprised me, that's all. I'm not mad at you...or Ghost." He sighed. "I used to be with anyone who'd have me...and I never once felt love...not from any of them, and not from me to them either...not until I met you. You're the only one I ever let get into my heart, Trevor. That's never going to change."
Zach went to sit on the swing with Trevor. They kissed, and Trevor knew this was the real thing, right here, no doubts at all.
~
Steve had led Ghost inside, and into the bedroom. Closing the door, he looked at Ghost, his eyes softening, as he smiled. Neither had to say a word. Their need for each other was like a charge of electricity pulsing in waves around them. Reaching out, they tore at their clothes, as they fell onto the bed. This time, there was no holding back the lust and love for one another. Breathing hard, and fast, they were not quiet, letting their passion out in words of love. Not caring who heard them, they were in their own world of pleasure.
Zach and Trevor could hear it all, as they sat there in the swing. They both envisioned what was happening, remembering their own past night. They would not feel or show any embarrassment for themselves, or for Steve and Ghost, as they realized they all needed love, and were secure in the knowledge of their love for each other, as was Ghost and Steve, in theirs.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, and Writing
Monday, April 20, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 158
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 158
warning...adult content
~
To banish the demon for good, Ghost had made that last, extreme psychic push with his thoughts. He felt as if something had short-circuited in his brain. An electrical shock burst through his head, leaving him numb, and with no thoughts at all. Now, he was getting some feeling back, and his memory was returning, a little at a time, but he couldn't yet speak. He just had to sit there on the floor, with unfocused eyes, and saliva dripping from his still numb mouth.
Zach started to ask Ghost something, when he noticed. "Ghost...what's wrong? Steve, what's wrong with Ghost?"
Steve looked over at Ghost, but it took him a second to react, as he was still in shock, from shooting at Trevor. He shook himself, to remember what was going on. "Ghost?" He reached over to him. "Can you hear me...what's wrong?" Steve took Ghost's hand and squeezed hard, and Ghost did squeeze back.
"Ghost, say something...what is it? C'mon, it's over and we're all ok." He wiped Ghost's mouth off, then held Ghost's face in his hands, staring into his eyes.
"Steve?" Ghost's breathy voice could barely be heard. "Steve, I feel numb all over...except my head is pounding." His words were slurred.
"Zach, go get me a wet cloth, and some water," Steve said. "It's gonna be ok...you'll be fine in a few minutes, Ghost." He bathed Ghost's face with the wet cloth Zach had brought.
This revived him a little more, and he was focusing now. "Is it gone, now?" Ghost asked.
"Yes, you made it go away, and we all helped. We saw it leave, and it's gone for good. It's dead and will never hurt us again." Steve was saying all this, hoping it was true.
Trevor had been watching them, then noticed something on Ghost's t-shirt. "Uh, Steve, I don't want to scare you, but look at Ghost's shirt. I think it's blood."
"What?" Steve looked at Ghost's midsection. "Oh, my God," he said. He didn't want to alarm Ghost, but he was afraid to look underneath, and knew he had to. Taking a shaky breath, he raised up Ghost's shirt. There were fresh scratch marks on his skin. Some were long and deep, others more like punctures, and all were oozing blood. Steve had to take another deep breath, to keep from passing out. The thing had taken one last swipe at Ghost.
Steve tried to keep his voice steady. "Ghost, you've been scratched, again. I'm going to wash you off, and put antiseptic on it, ok? It'll sting, but just for a second." He went into the bathroom to get what he needed. Then, as gently as he could, he tended to the wounds. Ghost didn't yelp, but squinched his eyes closed.
"Guys, I don't know what to say, or to do, now," Steve said. "This whole thing has been crazy, and I know I need to take some time to get over it all. I have to see that Ghost gets some rest, so I'm taking him to bed, now. Y'all can stay if you want to. I'm glad y'all came out here to help us." As he helped Ghost to his feet, he noticed his own leg was hurting from so much activity.
"Trevor, I think we should stay here tonight," Zach said. "I don't feel right about leaving them out here alone. Their phone is broke, and if they needed help, there wouldn't be any way to call." He sighed, looking at Trevor. "And, actually, I'm kinda scared to go off down that dark road, ya know?"
Trevor agreed. "I know, me neither. Guess we'll have safety in numbers then."
"Ok with you, Steve, if we camp out here on the couch?" Zach asked.
"Yeah, I was hoping y'all would stay," Steve said. "Y'all don't have to be out here on the couch, though. I'm staying in with Ghost, and y'all can have my room."
Zach smiled. "Ok, then, it's settled."
"Can you see if the door will close and lock, Zach?" Steve asked.
"Sure, Steve, and let's hope we all feel better about things in the morning."
As Steve helped Ghost down the hall to the bedroom, Zach was able to shut the front door. He and Trevor went on into Steve's bedroom, closing that door too.
~
Before turning out the light, Trevor and Zach sat on the bed, talking over everything that had happened. "You sure you're ok," Zach asked. He smoothed Trevor's long hair back from his face. It had come loose from the ponytail he usually wore it in.
"Yeah, I'm fine, Zach. I feel like it really is over...thanks to Ghost."
"Me too, and I hope when the house is bulldozed in the morning, that there won't be anything else crazy going on," Zach said.
"I think it's just a regular, run-down house, now. A sad reminder of all that happened in there. And, I don't need that, anymore."
"I know, but there was some good in there, too," Zach said. He grinned, remembering those times. "That's where we met each other...and where we fell in love, and well...you know..."
"Yeah, I know," Trevor said, and gave Zach a kiss. "Come to bed, Zach. I need you to hold me."
Zach grinned, and got up to turn off the light. They snuggled down into Steve's unfamiliar bed, and it felt a little naughty, a little erotic, to be making love in a strange bed, in a strange house, with the owner's right in the next room. They tried to be quiet, but in their passion, it was impossible.
~
Steve had examined Ghost's scratches more closely. There were marks both front and back, even a couple of smaller ones on his cheek. Most had stopped bleeding, now. He put a fresh t-shirt on him, then helped ease Ghost into the bed. Ghost was compliant, still a bit out of it, and let Steve do what he had to do.
"Ghost, you gonna be ok? Are you feeling any better...tell me the truth, now."
"Yeah, I'll be ok. I'm just so tired, and my head still hurts." He sniffled, as tears fell from his eyes. "I was so scared, Steve. I don't ever want to fight demons again. Don't let me, ok?" He sighed. "I still feel weird, too, like numb and tingly, and I can't think good. But, I'm glad it's over, and that I did help them like I promised."
"Ghost, I'm sure the weird feelings will get better, I mean, go away. You just need to rest and get your energy built up again. I know I hear you saying all this, but I can't imagine what it really must feel like, to you...what it feels like to be you. But, I swear I did see that thing, and it was evil. I'm proud of you for giving everything in your power to fight it and get rid of it."
"Thank you, Steve. It was so hard, but guess it was worth it. Hey, now we can add Demon Destroyers to our list of shit we do...you know Vampire Slayers, and who knows what will be next," Ghost said, and laughed.
Steve laughed too, but mostly that Ghost was cracking a joke, and laughing at it. He closed his eyes and said a quick, silent prayer, that the angels watch over Ghost always, and for the miracle that brought Ghost into his life.
He opened his eyes to find Ghost's deep blue eyes staring into his own. "I love you, Steve. That was a nice prayer, and I pray the same about you."
Steve caught his breath, then hugged Ghost, being careful of the scratches. He reached over and turned out the lamp.
It was quiet in the darkened house. Then from the other bedroom, Steve and Ghost could hear Trevor and Zach. Steve nuzzled the back of Ghost's neck, and let the pale hair cover his face, as they lay front to back. "That will be us, soon," said Steve.
"Yeah, I'm glad they're happy," said Ghost.
~
During the night, the wind started blowing. A cold front had moved in, bringing a smattering of rain drops, and knocking down more dried leaves onto the house. Branches from the trees closest to the house, scraped against the roof, and a mournful whistling sound came from the back room, through a cracked window.
"What is it, Zach?"
"Just the wind. Every house has it's own sounds at night. Don't worry about it," Zach said.
"Ok, I guess if they aren't alarmed, then we shouldn't be," Trevor said, then went back to sleep.
Zach, however, lay awake awhile longer, just listening. The house creaked, and it seemed to grow colder in the room. He could hear Steve snoring, and Ghost kept talking in his sleep...nonsense words, from what he could make out. "Those two are a strange pair," he thought, "but, loyal to the death, to each other." He felt the same for Trevor, and hoped it was returned.
~
Ghost actually woke first, just as dawn was breaking. Through the trees, he could see it getting lighter, even though it was still cloudy and chilly outside. He'd made a pot of coffee, and now was wrapped in a soft blanket, out on the porch swing. Steve was still sound asleep. After a bit, the strong coffee aroma woke Trevor, and he couldn't resist. He told Zach he was going to get some.
"Do ya think they have any juice out there?" Zach asked, still unable to drink coffee.
"I'll check," Trevor said. In the kitchen he poured himself a mug of the hot coffee, and looked in the refrigerator. There was a carton of orange juice, so he poured a glass for Zach.
"Oh, good, thanks," Zach said, reaching for it. "Where's Steve and Ghost?"
"I think Steve is still asleep, and the front door is open, so I guess Ghost is out there. I'm going outside, too. He grabbed a blanket off the bed.
"I'll be out soon," Zach said.
Coming out on the porch, Trevor did see Ghost, sitting in the swing. "Morning," he said.
"Morning always comes after the stars go to sleep," Ghost said.
"Uh, yeah I guess it does," Trevor said, still not used to Ghost's way of talking. "Coffee's good."
"Yeah, I have to have it, too," Ghost said.
"Did you hear the wind blowing through the window, last night?" Trevor asked, trying to make conversation. He knew he himself had a hard time talking to people, but felt a connection to Ghost, in some ways, starting with the crush he had on Ghost, when they first met. So now, it was a bit awkward.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 158
warning...adult content
~
To banish the demon for good, Ghost had made that last, extreme psychic push with his thoughts. He felt as if something had short-circuited in his brain. An electrical shock burst through his head, leaving him numb, and with no thoughts at all. Now, he was getting some feeling back, and his memory was returning, a little at a time, but he couldn't yet speak. He just had to sit there on the floor, with unfocused eyes, and saliva dripping from his still numb mouth.
Zach started to ask Ghost something, when he noticed. "Ghost...what's wrong? Steve, what's wrong with Ghost?"
Steve looked over at Ghost, but it took him a second to react, as he was still in shock, from shooting at Trevor. He shook himself, to remember what was going on. "Ghost?" He reached over to him. "Can you hear me...what's wrong?" Steve took Ghost's hand and squeezed hard, and Ghost did squeeze back.
"Ghost, say something...what is it? C'mon, it's over and we're all ok." He wiped Ghost's mouth off, then held Ghost's face in his hands, staring into his eyes.
"Steve?" Ghost's breathy voice could barely be heard. "Steve, I feel numb all over...except my head is pounding." His words were slurred.
"Zach, go get me a wet cloth, and some water," Steve said. "It's gonna be ok...you'll be fine in a few minutes, Ghost." He bathed Ghost's face with the wet cloth Zach had brought.
This revived him a little more, and he was focusing now. "Is it gone, now?" Ghost asked.
"Yes, you made it go away, and we all helped. We saw it leave, and it's gone for good. It's dead and will never hurt us again." Steve was saying all this, hoping it was true.
Trevor had been watching them, then noticed something on Ghost's t-shirt. "Uh, Steve, I don't want to scare you, but look at Ghost's shirt. I think it's blood."
"What?" Steve looked at Ghost's midsection. "Oh, my God," he said. He didn't want to alarm Ghost, but he was afraid to look underneath, and knew he had to. Taking a shaky breath, he raised up Ghost's shirt. There were fresh scratch marks on his skin. Some were long and deep, others more like punctures, and all were oozing blood. Steve had to take another deep breath, to keep from passing out. The thing had taken one last swipe at Ghost.
Steve tried to keep his voice steady. "Ghost, you've been scratched, again. I'm going to wash you off, and put antiseptic on it, ok? It'll sting, but just for a second." He went into the bathroom to get what he needed. Then, as gently as he could, he tended to the wounds. Ghost didn't yelp, but squinched his eyes closed.
"Guys, I don't know what to say, or to do, now," Steve said. "This whole thing has been crazy, and I know I need to take some time to get over it all. I have to see that Ghost gets some rest, so I'm taking him to bed, now. Y'all can stay if you want to. I'm glad y'all came out here to help us." As he helped Ghost to his feet, he noticed his own leg was hurting from so much activity.
"Trevor, I think we should stay here tonight," Zach said. "I don't feel right about leaving them out here alone. Their phone is broke, and if they needed help, there wouldn't be any way to call." He sighed, looking at Trevor. "And, actually, I'm kinda scared to go off down that dark road, ya know?"
Trevor agreed. "I know, me neither. Guess we'll have safety in numbers then."
"Ok with you, Steve, if we camp out here on the couch?" Zach asked.
"Yeah, I was hoping y'all would stay," Steve said. "Y'all don't have to be out here on the couch, though. I'm staying in with Ghost, and y'all can have my room."
Zach smiled. "Ok, then, it's settled."
"Can you see if the door will close and lock, Zach?" Steve asked.
"Sure, Steve, and let's hope we all feel better about things in the morning."
As Steve helped Ghost down the hall to the bedroom, Zach was able to shut the front door. He and Trevor went on into Steve's bedroom, closing that door too.
~
Before turning out the light, Trevor and Zach sat on the bed, talking over everything that had happened. "You sure you're ok," Zach asked. He smoothed Trevor's long hair back from his face. It had come loose from the ponytail he usually wore it in.
"Yeah, I'm fine, Zach. I feel like it really is over...thanks to Ghost."
"Me too, and I hope when the house is bulldozed in the morning, that there won't be anything else crazy going on," Zach said.
"I think it's just a regular, run-down house, now. A sad reminder of all that happened in there. And, I don't need that, anymore."
"I know, but there was some good in there, too," Zach said. He grinned, remembering those times. "That's where we met each other...and where we fell in love, and well...you know..."
"Yeah, I know," Trevor said, and gave Zach a kiss. "Come to bed, Zach. I need you to hold me."
Zach grinned, and got up to turn off the light. They snuggled down into Steve's unfamiliar bed, and it felt a little naughty, a little erotic, to be making love in a strange bed, in a strange house, with the owner's right in the next room. They tried to be quiet, but in their passion, it was impossible.
~
Steve had examined Ghost's scratches more closely. There were marks both front and back, even a couple of smaller ones on his cheek. Most had stopped bleeding, now. He put a fresh t-shirt on him, then helped ease Ghost into the bed. Ghost was compliant, still a bit out of it, and let Steve do what he had to do.
"Ghost, you gonna be ok? Are you feeling any better...tell me the truth, now."
"Yeah, I'll be ok. I'm just so tired, and my head still hurts." He sniffled, as tears fell from his eyes. "I was so scared, Steve. I don't ever want to fight demons again. Don't let me, ok?" He sighed. "I still feel weird, too, like numb and tingly, and I can't think good. But, I'm glad it's over, and that I did help them like I promised."
"Ghost, I'm sure the weird feelings will get better, I mean, go away. You just need to rest and get your energy built up again. I know I hear you saying all this, but I can't imagine what it really must feel like, to you...what it feels like to be you. But, I swear I did see that thing, and it was evil. I'm proud of you for giving everything in your power to fight it and get rid of it."
"Thank you, Steve. It was so hard, but guess it was worth it. Hey, now we can add Demon Destroyers to our list of shit we do...you know Vampire Slayers, and who knows what will be next," Ghost said, and laughed.
Steve laughed too, but mostly that Ghost was cracking a joke, and laughing at it. He closed his eyes and said a quick, silent prayer, that the angels watch over Ghost always, and for the miracle that brought Ghost into his life.
He opened his eyes to find Ghost's deep blue eyes staring into his own. "I love you, Steve. That was a nice prayer, and I pray the same about you."
Steve caught his breath, then hugged Ghost, being careful of the scratches. He reached over and turned out the lamp.
It was quiet in the darkened house. Then from the other bedroom, Steve and Ghost could hear Trevor and Zach. Steve nuzzled the back of Ghost's neck, and let the pale hair cover his face, as they lay front to back. "That will be us, soon," said Steve.
"Yeah, I'm glad they're happy," said Ghost.
~
During the night, the wind started blowing. A cold front had moved in, bringing a smattering of rain drops, and knocking down more dried leaves onto the house. Branches from the trees closest to the house, scraped against the roof, and a mournful whistling sound came from the back room, through a cracked window.
"What is it, Zach?"
"Just the wind. Every house has it's own sounds at night. Don't worry about it," Zach said.
"Ok, I guess if they aren't alarmed, then we shouldn't be," Trevor said, then went back to sleep.
Zach, however, lay awake awhile longer, just listening. The house creaked, and it seemed to grow colder in the room. He could hear Steve snoring, and Ghost kept talking in his sleep...nonsense words, from what he could make out. "Those two are a strange pair," he thought, "but, loyal to the death, to each other." He felt the same for Trevor, and hoped it was returned.
~
Ghost actually woke first, just as dawn was breaking. Through the trees, he could see it getting lighter, even though it was still cloudy and chilly outside. He'd made a pot of coffee, and now was wrapped in a soft blanket, out on the porch swing. Steve was still sound asleep. After a bit, the strong coffee aroma woke Trevor, and he couldn't resist. He told Zach he was going to get some.
"Do ya think they have any juice out there?" Zach asked, still unable to drink coffee.
"I'll check," Trevor said. In the kitchen he poured himself a mug of the hot coffee, and looked in the refrigerator. There was a carton of orange juice, so he poured a glass for Zach.
"Oh, good, thanks," Zach said, reaching for it. "Where's Steve and Ghost?"
"I think Steve is still asleep, and the front door is open, so I guess Ghost is out there. I'm going outside, too. He grabbed a blanket off the bed.
"I'll be out soon," Zach said.
Coming out on the porch, Trevor did see Ghost, sitting in the swing. "Morning," he said.
"Morning always comes after the stars go to sleep," Ghost said.
"Uh, yeah I guess it does," Trevor said, still not used to Ghost's way of talking. "Coffee's good."
"Yeah, I have to have it, too," Ghost said.
"Did you hear the wind blowing through the window, last night?" Trevor asked, trying to make conversation. He knew he himself had a hard time talking to people, but felt a connection to Ghost, in some ways, starting with the crush he had on Ghost, when they first met. So now, it was a bit awkward.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Friday, April 17, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 157
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 157
warning...adult content
~
Steve got his phone, called, and listened to it ring several times. Finally, Zach answered, but he sounded half asleep. "Hello," he asked.
"Zach, Ghost needs to talk to Trevor, put him on," Steve said.
"Now?"
"Yeah, now...something's happened." Steve could hear Zach waking up Trevor, talking, and rustling.
"Yeah, I'm awake now...Ghost?" Trevor asked.
Steve handed the phone to Ghost, "Here, talk to him."
"Ghost...what's happened?" Trevor asked.
"Why ya wanna talk to me so bad," Ghost asked.
"Huh? You called here," Trevor said. "Oh, you mean the meeting you didn't come to. I wanted to see if you were feeling weird, or had a rash or anything. I think there's something left after the séance. Like maybe you didn't get rid of all of them...or something?"
"Are y'all tearing down the house in the morning?" Ghost asked.
"Uh-huh, and I don't want the bad stuff to follow me. Can you do something?"
Ghost took a breath. "Listen, Trevor, I have stuff happen on me, too, and I got scratches all over since then. And, tonight it pushed me down and made me sick, and Steve saw it. I don't have no more water, and it's mad about being a homeless bum, now."
"Shit, what are we gonna do?" Trevor asked. He didn't even think what Ghost just said was weird, and understood it all.
Just then, Ghost yelped, and threw the phone down. Trevor heard yelling, then the phone went dead.
Trevor stared at his phone, waiting to see if Ghost was still on the line. "Something just happened over there, Zach. It didn't sound good."
"You want to go over there?" Zach asked.
"No, but the phone went dead, and Ghost and Steve were yelling at something."
"Get up, we're going," Zach said. "We may not be good friends with them, but we dragged them into this. We have to help, if we can." They dressed quickly, and were out the door.
~
Steve had seen Ghost throw the phone, and yell. "What? What happened, Ghost?" He hadn't seen anything.
Ghost had backed away from the phone, and was holding out his hand. "Don't touch the phone, Steve, it burned my hand, and my ear," he said, showing Steve the deep red burn marks on his hand. "Get me some ice or something to put on it...it's hurting bad."
Steve hurried to get ice. "What did Trevor say?"
"Just he has stuff going on, too. He has a rash, and well, weird feelings, and then the phone went off and burned me." He looked at the phone, laying where it had fallen on the floor. Steve went over to it.
"No, don't," Ghost yelled.
Steve reached out with the toe of his boot, and scooted the phone farther away...then again. He was afraid it might bite him, like a rattlesnake, or something. Then the phone started vibrating. "Fucker!" Steve yelled, then stomped on it until it quit vibrating, and was smashed into pieces.
That gave Ghost a fit of the giggles, and he and Steve fell onto the couch, laughing until they cried.
"I think I'm going insane, Steve. this is just too much...why are we laughing? I'm not happy, I'm scared," Ghost said. He started sobbing.
Steve wrapped his arms around him, in a protective hug, and yelled out to the room, "Leave us alone. Be gone with all of y'all fucking demons. We asked ya nice the other night, but now you made us mad, and we're not gonna be nice any more. We're gonna kick your ass...you hear us?"
Over in the hallway, a smoky form began to swirl around, and they could hear a low, scratchy laugh, echoing around the room, bouncing off the walls. Ghost put his hands over his ears, and screamed as loud as he could. He felt like the sound of the laughing was inside his head, and outside in the room, too.
That is when Zach and Trevor had driven up to the house, and were just about to knock on the door. They'd heard Steve yelling, and as they ran up the porch steps, heard Ghost scream. They froze, looking at each other. Trevor shuddered, and Zach rubbed his own arms, as chills broke out on them.
Zach didn't knock, but opened the door that Steve thought he'd locked, earlier. He and Trevor came in. Ghost was on the couch, still screaming, and Steve was coming out of the kitchen, holding a gun. They jumped, as Steve fired off several shots at the dark mist in the hallway.
"Go away...you can't scare us any more," Steve yelled.
"Stop...stop," Ghost screamed. "It won't help...you're shooting at a cloud." They all could now see the misty form.
"What can we do to help?" Zach hollered, over the noise.
Ghost hadn't even noticed that Zach and Trevor were in the house. Steve turned to see them, too. He looked like a wild man, his hair flying out in all directions, sweaty, and red-faced, and above all, his eyes were full of anger, and hatred for anyone who'd harm Ghost.
"You," he looked at Trevor. "You did this. You brought the evil to us." Steve was shaking, as he brought the gun up, pointing it at Trevor.
Zach reacted immediately, tackling Trevor to the floor. The bullet Steve fired, hit the doorframe, shattering wooden splinters all over. Ghost dove off the couch, without thinking, and knocked Steve off his feet. The gun went flying across the room.
"Get off me, Ghost, I have to kill him," Steve said, as he wrestled around on the floor.
"Steve, stop it...they're here to help get rid of the evil spirit," Ghost said. He grabbed Steve's hair, pulling hard, to turn Steve's face toward him. "Listen to me...it's trying to get in you...to make you do it's evil, since it has no form. It's using you, but you can make it stop...we all can..." He took hold of Steve's hand, and made Steve take hold of Trevor's hand. At this point Steve, had calmed a bit, so some of what Ghost was saying was getting through to him.
As soon as the four of them made a united circle against the demon, they heard a loud screech, slowly fading to nothing. Ghost closed his eyes and pushed as hard as he could with his thoughts, to get rid of the evil. Finally, he could feel it was gone. The others could, too. The tension eased, and they could feel the cool breeze coming through the screen door.
Ghost looked at each of them, in turn. "It's over," he said.
They sat there a few minutes, catching their breath. Steve broke the silence. "Oh, my God, Trevor. I think I shot at you. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to...I didn't even know what I was doing."
Zach stared hard at Steve. "You could have killed him. That's not ok. You can't just say sorry, then that's all there is to it."
Trevor put a hand over on Zach. "Leave it be, Zach, he didn't shoot me, so yeah, it's ok."
"But..."
Trevor shook his head. "Steve, that thing had ahold of all of us. I get it, and you're right, I did stir things up, and brought it back, to only have it try to kill me, like it did my family. Only taking possession of you...to make you do it for it." He looked down, as he rubbed his face, and sighed. "Are you ok now...it's gone from you now?
Steve nodded. "Yeah, I think so. I don't feel it in me anymore. And thank God I didn't kill you on it's behalf."
Zach was still upset, but had seen that coming after Steve would not help things. Ghost had not said a word. He was still sitting on the floor, looking dazed.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 157
warning...adult content
~
Steve got his phone, called, and listened to it ring several times. Finally, Zach answered, but he sounded half asleep. "Hello," he asked.
"Zach, Ghost needs to talk to Trevor, put him on," Steve said.
"Now?"
"Yeah, now...something's happened." Steve could hear Zach waking up Trevor, talking, and rustling.
"Yeah, I'm awake now...Ghost?" Trevor asked.
Steve handed the phone to Ghost, "Here, talk to him."
"Ghost...what's happened?" Trevor asked.
"Why ya wanna talk to me so bad," Ghost asked.
"Huh? You called here," Trevor said. "Oh, you mean the meeting you didn't come to. I wanted to see if you were feeling weird, or had a rash or anything. I think there's something left after the séance. Like maybe you didn't get rid of all of them...or something?"
"Are y'all tearing down the house in the morning?" Ghost asked.
"Uh-huh, and I don't want the bad stuff to follow me. Can you do something?"
Ghost took a breath. "Listen, Trevor, I have stuff happen on me, too, and I got scratches all over since then. And, tonight it pushed me down and made me sick, and Steve saw it. I don't have no more water, and it's mad about being a homeless bum, now."
"Shit, what are we gonna do?" Trevor asked. He didn't even think what Ghost just said was weird, and understood it all.
Just then, Ghost yelped, and threw the phone down. Trevor heard yelling, then the phone went dead.
Trevor stared at his phone, waiting to see if Ghost was still on the line. "Something just happened over there, Zach. It didn't sound good."
"You want to go over there?" Zach asked.
"No, but the phone went dead, and Ghost and Steve were yelling at something."
"Get up, we're going," Zach said. "We may not be good friends with them, but we dragged them into this. We have to help, if we can." They dressed quickly, and were out the door.
~
Steve had seen Ghost throw the phone, and yell. "What? What happened, Ghost?" He hadn't seen anything.
Ghost had backed away from the phone, and was holding out his hand. "Don't touch the phone, Steve, it burned my hand, and my ear," he said, showing Steve the deep red burn marks on his hand. "Get me some ice or something to put on it...it's hurting bad."
Steve hurried to get ice. "What did Trevor say?"
"Just he has stuff going on, too. He has a rash, and well, weird feelings, and then the phone went off and burned me." He looked at the phone, laying where it had fallen on the floor. Steve went over to it.
"No, don't," Ghost yelled.
Steve reached out with the toe of his boot, and scooted the phone farther away...then again. He was afraid it might bite him, like a rattlesnake, or something. Then the phone started vibrating. "Fucker!" Steve yelled, then stomped on it until it quit vibrating, and was smashed into pieces.
That gave Ghost a fit of the giggles, and he and Steve fell onto the couch, laughing until they cried.
"I think I'm going insane, Steve. this is just too much...why are we laughing? I'm not happy, I'm scared," Ghost said. He started sobbing.
Steve wrapped his arms around him, in a protective hug, and yelled out to the room, "Leave us alone. Be gone with all of y'all fucking demons. We asked ya nice the other night, but now you made us mad, and we're not gonna be nice any more. We're gonna kick your ass...you hear us?"
Over in the hallway, a smoky form began to swirl around, and they could hear a low, scratchy laugh, echoing around the room, bouncing off the walls. Ghost put his hands over his ears, and screamed as loud as he could. He felt like the sound of the laughing was inside his head, and outside in the room, too.
That is when Zach and Trevor had driven up to the house, and were just about to knock on the door. They'd heard Steve yelling, and as they ran up the porch steps, heard Ghost scream. They froze, looking at each other. Trevor shuddered, and Zach rubbed his own arms, as chills broke out on them.
Zach didn't knock, but opened the door that Steve thought he'd locked, earlier. He and Trevor came in. Ghost was on the couch, still screaming, and Steve was coming out of the kitchen, holding a gun. They jumped, as Steve fired off several shots at the dark mist in the hallway.
"Go away...you can't scare us any more," Steve yelled.
"Stop...stop," Ghost screamed. "It won't help...you're shooting at a cloud." They all could now see the misty form.
"What can we do to help?" Zach hollered, over the noise.
Ghost hadn't even noticed that Zach and Trevor were in the house. Steve turned to see them, too. He looked like a wild man, his hair flying out in all directions, sweaty, and red-faced, and above all, his eyes were full of anger, and hatred for anyone who'd harm Ghost.
"You," he looked at Trevor. "You did this. You brought the evil to us." Steve was shaking, as he brought the gun up, pointing it at Trevor.
Zach reacted immediately, tackling Trevor to the floor. The bullet Steve fired, hit the doorframe, shattering wooden splinters all over. Ghost dove off the couch, without thinking, and knocked Steve off his feet. The gun went flying across the room.
"Get off me, Ghost, I have to kill him," Steve said, as he wrestled around on the floor.
"Steve, stop it...they're here to help get rid of the evil spirit," Ghost said. He grabbed Steve's hair, pulling hard, to turn Steve's face toward him. "Listen to me...it's trying to get in you...to make you do it's evil, since it has no form. It's using you, but you can make it stop...we all can..." He took hold of Steve's hand, and made Steve take hold of Trevor's hand. At this point Steve, had calmed a bit, so some of what Ghost was saying was getting through to him.
As soon as the four of them made a united circle against the demon, they heard a loud screech, slowly fading to nothing. Ghost closed his eyes and pushed as hard as he could with his thoughts, to get rid of the evil. Finally, he could feel it was gone. The others could, too. The tension eased, and they could feel the cool breeze coming through the screen door.
Ghost looked at each of them, in turn. "It's over," he said.
They sat there a few minutes, catching their breath. Steve broke the silence. "Oh, my God, Trevor. I think I shot at you. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to...I didn't even know what I was doing."
Zach stared hard at Steve. "You could have killed him. That's not ok. You can't just say sorry, then that's all there is to it."
Trevor put a hand over on Zach. "Leave it be, Zach, he didn't shoot me, so yeah, it's ok."
"But..."
Trevor shook his head. "Steve, that thing had ahold of all of us. I get it, and you're right, I did stir things up, and brought it back, to only have it try to kill me, like it did my family. Only taking possession of you...to make you do it for it." He looked down, as he rubbed his face, and sighed. "Are you ok now...it's gone from you now?
Steve nodded. "Yeah, I think so. I don't feel it in me anymore. And thank God I didn't kill you on it's behalf."
Zach was still upset, but had seen that coming after Steve would not help things. Ghost had not said a word. He was still sitting on the floor, looking dazed.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 156
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 156
warning...adult content
~
Before going to the diner, Kinsey drove around the block, to look at the house that Trevor and Zach had rented. He approved. He hoped they'd have better times here, than at the old place. Circling back around, he parked in the diner's lot. Terry's old pick-up was there, now, so he went in to join him. They ordered their supper, and began to compare lists.
"This is going to work out great," Terry said, as he wrote out a final master list for their itinerary.
"I'll start making phone calls in the morning," Kinsey said. "I'll try to have all our sightseeing places spaced out, so we won't have to hurry." The plan was to leave in five days time.
"On to other news," Kinsey said. "After you left, Trevor and Zach came in and informed me that they were moving into a rental. In fact it's right behind the diner...a house."
"Cool," Terry said, "and convenient, too. They can just walk over here to eat."
"Yeah, guess they could," Kinsey said. "I still wonder where they get their money, ya know. Y'all don't make much from the gigs, and I don't ever hear of Trevor selling his comics."
"I've wondered about that, too. You weren't charging them to stay in the room, but that motel the past few days must have cost something. Didn't that Zach do something with computers? Maybe he found out a way to make money from it."
"Well, from what I understand, he got in a lot of trouble for computer fraud, a few years ago. They had to go underground, up until they came here. Well, guess they get money from somewhere, 'cause they seem to be getting by," Kinsey said.
"Oh, I heard they're tearing down the murder house tomorrow. Is that right?" Terry asked.
"Yes, they told me that it was going to be in the morning."
Terry shook his head, "Man, I still can't believe we did all that shit out there...I'm still having nightmares about it...you?"
Kinsey nodded. "Yep, bad business, all of it."
"You gonna go watch?"
"Hell, no. I don't want to get anywhere near it. There may be some lingering spooks floating around, getting riled up." Kinsey knocked on the wooden table. "Just in case." He laughed, but was serious.
"I hear ya," Terry said.
They talked a while longer, then Terry remembered his appointment with Steve and Ghost for the next morning. "I have to call R. J. and let him know to come in," Terry said. "And, if we're not prepared, Steve will kill us. As it is, we'll probably be at it all day. You know, this has to be done before we can leave, Kinsey. Guess I should go get stuff done, so we can start in early tomorrow."
"Yeah, I'm heading home, too," Kinsey said.
After paying their diner bill, Kinsey left for the club. Terry sat in the parking lot a few minutes, making his phone call to R. J., then went on his way.
~
As Steve and Ghost had left the club, that late afternoon, Steve was thinking about the recording session, the next morning. Ghost was quiet. He'd been in such a good mood earlier, but now was feeling odd.
"Steve, something's wrong with me. I don't feel good."
Steve looked at him. "What is it? You don't look so good either."
"My stomach hurts, and my eye is jumping, like I'm getting a bad headache, but it don't hurt yet," Ghost said. He coughed, which then made him gag.
"You need me to pull over, or can you hold on 'till we get home?" Steve asked.
"I'll try," Ghost said, a cold sweat breaking out on his face. "I don't think it's me that's feeling bad...not really, but something is getting to me, making me feel like this."
"Huh?" Steve was confused. "I don't get it. You're sick, but it's not you?"
"Yeah," Ghost said, as he held his hands over his stomach.
Just then, the car lurched, and made a grinding sound. Steve braked, and steered the car to a stop. "Dammit."
"What is it?" Ghost asked.
"I think it's a flat tire," Steve said. He got out, then slammed the car door shut. "Yep, flat tire," he said, as Ghost got out, too.
Steve opened the trunk, getting out the jack, and the spare tire. While he changed the flat, Ghost was pacing up and down in the middle of the road. He was trying to figure out why he felt weird, when he was overcome with a wave of nausea. He clutched his stomach, doubling over, and threw up.
Steve, looked up, worried, and was about to say something, when he saw Ghost fall to the ground, like he'd been pushed down. He ran over to help Ghost up.
"Get in the car...now," Steve yelled, as he yanked Ghost up, and shoved him into the car.
"Steve what is it? I'm ok now..."
"Stay in there, I'm almost finished with the tire," Steve said, as he tightened the lug nuts, and let the car down from the jack. He threw the flat tire and tools into the trunk, slammed the lid, jumped into the car, and sped off, throwing gravel, as he headed toward home.
"Steve, what the hell is the matter?" Ghost hollered at him.
Steve didn't say anything, but he was gripping the steering wheel, breathing hard, and frowning. At their house, he screeched to a stop, right by the porch steps. Swiveling around in his seat, to look behind him, down the long dirt road, he said, "Maybe it didn't follow us...maybe it's ok." He gave Ghost a look, "We're getting out and going inside, as fast as we can, Ghost...ya hear me?" Ghost nodded. "Ok, let's go."
They ran up the porch steps and into the house. Steve didn't even notice that he'd been walking fine on his leg. Adrenalin was blocking any pain he might have felt. Just as they walked over the warning sign, painted on the wooden porch, Ghost reeled, almost falling down, but Steve managed to catch him.
"Dizzy, so dizzy..." Ghost said.
Steve had the door open now, and they stumbled inside. He locked the screen and the door, and they both collapsed onto the couch.
"Steve, what is it...why are you freaking out? I just threw up, that's all."
"Ghost, I don't know what it was...but, out there on the road...I saw something. Just for a second, and it was behind you, and it pushed you down." He was staring at the door, expecting whatever it was to be coming in after them.
"What was it?" Ghost asked. He had his hand on Steve's arm, and could feel him shaking.
"Hell if I know what it was, but it wasn't the good fairy, I can tell you that," Steve said. "It was sort of like a dark, cloudy, mist thing...no shape to it, and I only saw it for a second. Didn't you see it?"
Ghost shook his head. "No, but it did feel like I got pushed...and just now, at the door, it felt like something was swirling around my head, making me dizzy."
"Are you still?"
"No, not anymore...just my head is hurting a little."
"What the hell was it? Was I just imagining it?"
"I don't think so, Steve. It sounds like an evil spirit...like maybe a small one, left over from the séance. It must have latched onto me, and now something has happened to make it upset."
Ghost thought for a moment. "Oh, yeah...didn't Trevor say they were tearing down the house? If there were any leftover spirits, that would probably make 'em mad."
"But, why all the way over here?" Steve asked. Then he remembered...because Ghost was the one trying to banish them.
"Yeah, this one was just trying to get my attention...to tell me that their house was going to be destroyed," Ghost said.
"C'mon, Ghost...don't tell me you're feeling sorry for the thing, now...that they'll be homeless. Don't even go there," Steve said.
"No, I just want them gone, away from me."
"Ya got any more of that magic water to throw around?" Steve asked. "Maybe you should take a bath in it, or something."
"Yeah, but I don't think I have any more."
Steve was still staring at the door.
"Locking the door won't help, Steve," Ghost said.
"Well, crap then...what do you suggest we do?"
Ghost thought a minute. "Ya know, maybe I should call Trevor, after all. Maybe that's what he wanted to talk about."
"Except you don't want to talk about it," said Steve.
"I know, but now there's more going on. Can you call their phone for me, Steve?"
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 156
warning...adult content
~
Before going to the diner, Kinsey drove around the block, to look at the house that Trevor and Zach had rented. He approved. He hoped they'd have better times here, than at the old place. Circling back around, he parked in the diner's lot. Terry's old pick-up was there, now, so he went in to join him. They ordered their supper, and began to compare lists.
"This is going to work out great," Terry said, as he wrote out a final master list for their itinerary.
"I'll start making phone calls in the morning," Kinsey said. "I'll try to have all our sightseeing places spaced out, so we won't have to hurry." The plan was to leave in five days time.
"On to other news," Kinsey said. "After you left, Trevor and Zach came in and informed me that they were moving into a rental. In fact it's right behind the diner...a house."
"Cool," Terry said, "and convenient, too. They can just walk over here to eat."
"Yeah, guess they could," Kinsey said. "I still wonder where they get their money, ya know. Y'all don't make much from the gigs, and I don't ever hear of Trevor selling his comics."
"I've wondered about that, too. You weren't charging them to stay in the room, but that motel the past few days must have cost something. Didn't that Zach do something with computers? Maybe he found out a way to make money from it."
"Well, from what I understand, he got in a lot of trouble for computer fraud, a few years ago. They had to go underground, up until they came here. Well, guess they get money from somewhere, 'cause they seem to be getting by," Kinsey said.
"Oh, I heard they're tearing down the murder house tomorrow. Is that right?" Terry asked.
"Yes, they told me that it was going to be in the morning."
Terry shook his head, "Man, I still can't believe we did all that shit out there...I'm still having nightmares about it...you?"
Kinsey nodded. "Yep, bad business, all of it."
"You gonna go watch?"
"Hell, no. I don't want to get anywhere near it. There may be some lingering spooks floating around, getting riled up." Kinsey knocked on the wooden table. "Just in case." He laughed, but was serious.
"I hear ya," Terry said.
They talked a while longer, then Terry remembered his appointment with Steve and Ghost for the next morning. "I have to call R. J. and let him know to come in," Terry said. "And, if we're not prepared, Steve will kill us. As it is, we'll probably be at it all day. You know, this has to be done before we can leave, Kinsey. Guess I should go get stuff done, so we can start in early tomorrow."
"Yeah, I'm heading home, too," Kinsey said.
After paying their diner bill, Kinsey left for the club. Terry sat in the parking lot a few minutes, making his phone call to R. J., then went on his way.
~
As Steve and Ghost had left the club, that late afternoon, Steve was thinking about the recording session, the next morning. Ghost was quiet. He'd been in such a good mood earlier, but now was feeling odd.
"Steve, something's wrong with me. I don't feel good."
Steve looked at him. "What is it? You don't look so good either."
"My stomach hurts, and my eye is jumping, like I'm getting a bad headache, but it don't hurt yet," Ghost said. He coughed, which then made him gag.
"You need me to pull over, or can you hold on 'till we get home?" Steve asked.
"I'll try," Ghost said, a cold sweat breaking out on his face. "I don't think it's me that's feeling bad...not really, but something is getting to me, making me feel like this."
"Huh?" Steve was confused. "I don't get it. You're sick, but it's not you?"
"Yeah," Ghost said, as he held his hands over his stomach.
Just then, the car lurched, and made a grinding sound. Steve braked, and steered the car to a stop. "Dammit."
"What is it?" Ghost asked.
"I think it's a flat tire," Steve said. He got out, then slammed the car door shut. "Yep, flat tire," he said, as Ghost got out, too.
Steve opened the trunk, getting out the jack, and the spare tire. While he changed the flat, Ghost was pacing up and down in the middle of the road. He was trying to figure out why he felt weird, when he was overcome with a wave of nausea. He clutched his stomach, doubling over, and threw up.
Steve, looked up, worried, and was about to say something, when he saw Ghost fall to the ground, like he'd been pushed down. He ran over to help Ghost up.
"Get in the car...now," Steve yelled, as he yanked Ghost up, and shoved him into the car.
"Steve what is it? I'm ok now..."
"Stay in there, I'm almost finished with the tire," Steve said, as he tightened the lug nuts, and let the car down from the jack. He threw the flat tire and tools into the trunk, slammed the lid, jumped into the car, and sped off, throwing gravel, as he headed toward home.
"Steve, what the hell is the matter?" Ghost hollered at him.
Steve didn't say anything, but he was gripping the steering wheel, breathing hard, and frowning. At their house, he screeched to a stop, right by the porch steps. Swiveling around in his seat, to look behind him, down the long dirt road, he said, "Maybe it didn't follow us...maybe it's ok." He gave Ghost a look, "We're getting out and going inside, as fast as we can, Ghost...ya hear me?" Ghost nodded. "Ok, let's go."
They ran up the porch steps and into the house. Steve didn't even notice that he'd been walking fine on his leg. Adrenalin was blocking any pain he might have felt. Just as they walked over the warning sign, painted on the wooden porch, Ghost reeled, almost falling down, but Steve managed to catch him.
"Dizzy, so dizzy..." Ghost said.
Steve had the door open now, and they stumbled inside. He locked the screen and the door, and they both collapsed onto the couch.
"Steve, what is it...why are you freaking out? I just threw up, that's all."
"Ghost, I don't know what it was...but, out there on the road...I saw something. Just for a second, and it was behind you, and it pushed you down." He was staring at the door, expecting whatever it was to be coming in after them.
"What was it?" Ghost asked. He had his hand on Steve's arm, and could feel him shaking.
"Hell if I know what it was, but it wasn't the good fairy, I can tell you that," Steve said. "It was sort of like a dark, cloudy, mist thing...no shape to it, and I only saw it for a second. Didn't you see it?"
Ghost shook his head. "No, but it did feel like I got pushed...and just now, at the door, it felt like something was swirling around my head, making me dizzy."
"Are you still?"
"No, not anymore...just my head is hurting a little."
"What the hell was it? Was I just imagining it?"
"I don't think so, Steve. It sounds like an evil spirit...like maybe a small one, left over from the séance. It must have latched onto me, and now something has happened to make it upset."
Ghost thought for a moment. "Oh, yeah...didn't Trevor say they were tearing down the house? If there were any leftover spirits, that would probably make 'em mad."
"But, why all the way over here?" Steve asked. Then he remembered...because Ghost was the one trying to banish them.
"Yeah, this one was just trying to get my attention...to tell me that their house was going to be destroyed," Ghost said.
"C'mon, Ghost...don't tell me you're feeling sorry for the thing, now...that they'll be homeless. Don't even go there," Steve said.
"No, I just want them gone, away from me."
"Ya got any more of that magic water to throw around?" Steve asked. "Maybe you should take a bath in it, or something."
"Yeah, but I don't think I have any more."
Steve was still staring at the door.
"Locking the door won't help, Steve," Ghost said.
"Well, crap then...what do you suggest we do?"
Ghost thought a minute. "Ya know, maybe I should call Trevor, after all. Maybe that's what he wanted to talk about."
"Except you don't want to talk about it," said Steve.
"I know, but now there's more going on. Can you call their phone for me, Steve?"
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Monday, April 13, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 155
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 155
warning...adult content
~
Terry and Kinsey continued to talk about their upcoming vacation.
"I want to go to Disneyland, and New York City," Terry said. "I've never been either place, and this is my chance to do it."
"And, I want to go deep sea fishing, and to the Grand Canyon," Kinsey said, telling Steve and Ghost of their plans.
"Wow, those are awesome," Steve said. "So, are y'all closing the club and the record store for all that time? Or hiring temporary workers?"
"We'll close, and put up a sign that let's people know, we've gone on vacation," Terry said.
Steve nodded. "Just a thought...how 'bout me and Ghost try running them?"
"Oh, gee thanks, Steve," said Kinsey said, "but, that's not necessary. What I will do is give you the keys, and I want you to come by and check things once in awhile."
"Yeah, me too," Terry said. "You can see that everything's ok over at the shop, too. We'll call ya real often, to check in, too."
"Sure thing," Steve said. He was only a little disappointed that he wouldn't get to run the place for awhile.
"Well, I'm heading home," Terry said. "I've got things to do, some lists to make, clothes to pack...well, a lot of stuff. What about you Kinsey? Do ya want to meet up later, at the diner, for supper, and compare lists?"
"Yep, sounds good. I'll make my lists, too, and we'll get this ball rolling," Kinsey said.
"Later, then," Terry said, "say, a couple of hours?"
They agreed on that time, and Terry left the club.
"Oh, look Kinsey, I almost forgot. I got my cast off today," Steve said.
"That's great...how's it feel?"
"Good...still a little weak, but it'll be better every day."
"Where did Ghost get off to?" Kinsey asked.
"Probably over at the wall. I'll go check, then we're outta here."
He went over by the stage, to find Ghost. "Hey, you ready to go?"
"Yeah, I'm done here. Oh, I thought of something, though. If Terry's leaving soon, are we gonna get the CD done before then?"
"Oh crap, that's right," Steve said. "He did say we could get it done pretty fast, though, so maybe there won't be a problem. Let's hope everything goes smooth. Once the songs are done, there's just the copying part, which we can do later."
"Ok, then...guess I'm ready to go home," Ghost said.
They hollered bye to Kinsey, as they left out the back door. Kinsey sat at his desk, making out his list of things to do. He needed to check with the airlines, for tickets, reservations at motels, closing up things here at the club, hold off deliveries, and the list kept growing.
As he kept writing things down, Trevor and Zach came in, causing a flurry of noise.
"Hey, Kinsey," Trevor said, all out of breath. "Was that Ghost and Steve that just left? Were they going home? Were they coming back? Why didn't you make them stay, until we got here?"
"Hold on guys," Kinsey said. "Slow down...yes, they were here, yes, they're going home, no, they're not coming back...and why on Earth should I hold 'em here, on the off chance that y'all would happen to come in? I'm not y'all's go-between. You want to see them, you make it happen...not me. I've got other stuff to do." He gave them a no nonsense look. "And, I've got other news. I'm closing the club for at least two weeks, maybe longer. Terry and I are going on a long needed vacation. So y'all will have to find somewhere else to camp out, for awhile."
"What? That is news, Kinsey," Zach said. "We have some news, too. You don't have to tell us to leave, 'cause we just found a place to live. We're moving in tomorrow."
"So that's where you two have been all day," Kinsey said. "Where's the new place?"
Not too far from here," Zach said. "It's just over behind the diner...a house we found for rent. It suits us fine, and no evil spirits in there...at least we hope not."
"Oh, that's great, guys. I think I've seen that place. It's nice. I didn't know it was up for rent, again," Kinsey said. "And, as far as I know, nothing bad ever happened there, so congratulations."
"Thanks, Kinsey, and we'll be outta your hair, now. We really thank you for letting us stay here, but like you said...time to move on," Zach said.
"Did you say Terry was going, too?" Trevor asked.
"Yeah, why?" Kinsey asked.
"Just...Zach was thinking Gumbo would play some shows soon. What about that?" He looked at Zach, to clarify.
"Oh, yeah, well I don't think we had anything definite planned, though," Zach said.
Kinsey thought for a moment. "For some reason, I got the impression that Ghost and Steve were wanting to do a show for when we get back. They'll have their CD ready, by then. Now, they didn't say anything, but...hey, maybe you all can come up with something together?"
"I don't know, but it's something to think about," Zach said.
"Yeah, if we can ever pin them down," Trevor said.
"Well, we'll see, I suppose. Right now, though, I have things to do, so..." Kinsey said, tapping his pen on his paperwork.
"Oh, yeah, sure thing, Kinsey," Zach said. "We've got stuff to do, too. Guess we'll talk to ya later on."
He and Trevor headed upstairs, to begin packing up what few belongings they had, and to discuss any upcoming shows they would do, maybe even with Steve and Ghost."
"It would be super cool to have a show with all of us together, don't 'cha think?" Zach asked.
"Yeah, but Zach," Trevor said, "it would be awkward, too"
"What do you mean?"
"Just think about it. Now, I'm not in either one of the bands, but y'all's styles are completely different. I'm just not seeing all of you guys playing and singing at the same time, but what do I know..." Trevor said.
"Oh, I think we could work it out, somehow," Zach said.
"Ok, but remember what you said, that one time...that Steve and Ghost are a couple of divas, or something. They wouldn't want to be sharing the stage, maybe...too much competition," Trevor shrugged. "Oh, don't mind me...just thinking out loud, from a non-member position."
Zach thought about the possibilities." I can see what you mean,Trev, but nobody's even ever thought of it before, or talked to them about such a thing. What we need to do, is put it on the table for discussions."
Ok, I'll leave it up to you, then...and anyway, I have other stuff I have to talk to Ghost about," Trevor said.
"I know, but I still think you should drop it," Zach said. "Ghost don't want to talk, and keeps avoiding us."
"But I have to ask him about it, because, well, just because," Trevor said.
"Yeah, but that rash is getting better, isn't it?"
"I think so. Oh, and that demolition crew will be out at the house, tomorrow. I have to be there, as the owner of the property, even though, I'd rather not...and, what if tearing down that house causes any leftover demons to come out? I don't want to endanger the bulldozer guy, but it has to be done," Trevor said.
"I know, but all we can do is stand there and watch, ya know, and hope for the best outcome," Zach said.
They finished up their packing and watched tv for awhile.
~
Kinsey finished up his list of things to do, closed up the club, and went over to the diner to meet up with Terry.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 155
warning...adult content
~
Terry and Kinsey continued to talk about their upcoming vacation.
"I want to go to Disneyland, and New York City," Terry said. "I've never been either place, and this is my chance to do it."
"And, I want to go deep sea fishing, and to the Grand Canyon," Kinsey said, telling Steve and Ghost of their plans.
"Wow, those are awesome," Steve said. "So, are y'all closing the club and the record store for all that time? Or hiring temporary workers?"
"We'll close, and put up a sign that let's people know, we've gone on vacation," Terry said.
Steve nodded. "Just a thought...how 'bout me and Ghost try running them?"
"Oh, gee thanks, Steve," said Kinsey said, "but, that's not necessary. What I will do is give you the keys, and I want you to come by and check things once in awhile."
"Yeah, me too," Terry said. "You can see that everything's ok over at the shop, too. We'll call ya real often, to check in, too."
"Sure thing," Steve said. He was only a little disappointed that he wouldn't get to run the place for awhile.
"Well, I'm heading home," Terry said. "I've got things to do, some lists to make, clothes to pack...well, a lot of stuff. What about you Kinsey? Do ya want to meet up later, at the diner, for supper, and compare lists?"
"Yep, sounds good. I'll make my lists, too, and we'll get this ball rolling," Kinsey said.
"Later, then," Terry said, "say, a couple of hours?"
They agreed on that time, and Terry left the club.
"Oh, look Kinsey, I almost forgot. I got my cast off today," Steve said.
"That's great...how's it feel?"
"Good...still a little weak, but it'll be better every day."
"Where did Ghost get off to?" Kinsey asked.
"Probably over at the wall. I'll go check, then we're outta here."
He went over by the stage, to find Ghost. "Hey, you ready to go?"
"Yeah, I'm done here. Oh, I thought of something, though. If Terry's leaving soon, are we gonna get the CD done before then?"
"Oh crap, that's right," Steve said. "He did say we could get it done pretty fast, though, so maybe there won't be a problem. Let's hope everything goes smooth. Once the songs are done, there's just the copying part, which we can do later."
"Ok, then...guess I'm ready to go home," Ghost said.
They hollered bye to Kinsey, as they left out the back door. Kinsey sat at his desk, making out his list of things to do. He needed to check with the airlines, for tickets, reservations at motels, closing up things here at the club, hold off deliveries, and the list kept growing.
As he kept writing things down, Trevor and Zach came in, causing a flurry of noise.
"Hey, Kinsey," Trevor said, all out of breath. "Was that Ghost and Steve that just left? Were they going home? Were they coming back? Why didn't you make them stay, until we got here?"
"Hold on guys," Kinsey said. "Slow down...yes, they were here, yes, they're going home, no, they're not coming back...and why on Earth should I hold 'em here, on the off chance that y'all would happen to come in? I'm not y'all's go-between. You want to see them, you make it happen...not me. I've got other stuff to do." He gave them a no nonsense look. "And, I've got other news. I'm closing the club for at least two weeks, maybe longer. Terry and I are going on a long needed vacation. So y'all will have to find somewhere else to camp out, for awhile."
"What? That is news, Kinsey," Zach said. "We have some news, too. You don't have to tell us to leave, 'cause we just found a place to live. We're moving in tomorrow."
"So that's where you two have been all day," Kinsey said. "Where's the new place?"
Not too far from here," Zach said. "It's just over behind the diner...a house we found for rent. It suits us fine, and no evil spirits in there...at least we hope not."
"Oh, that's great, guys. I think I've seen that place. It's nice. I didn't know it was up for rent, again," Kinsey said. "And, as far as I know, nothing bad ever happened there, so congratulations."
"Thanks, Kinsey, and we'll be outta your hair, now. We really thank you for letting us stay here, but like you said...time to move on," Zach said.
"Did you say Terry was going, too?" Trevor asked.
"Yeah, why?" Kinsey asked.
"Just...Zach was thinking Gumbo would play some shows soon. What about that?" He looked at Zach, to clarify.
"Oh, yeah, well I don't think we had anything definite planned, though," Zach said.
Kinsey thought for a moment. "For some reason, I got the impression that Ghost and Steve were wanting to do a show for when we get back. They'll have their CD ready, by then. Now, they didn't say anything, but...hey, maybe you all can come up with something together?"
"I don't know, but it's something to think about," Zach said.
"Yeah, if we can ever pin them down," Trevor said.
"Well, we'll see, I suppose. Right now, though, I have things to do, so..." Kinsey said, tapping his pen on his paperwork.
"Oh, yeah, sure thing, Kinsey," Zach said. "We've got stuff to do, too. Guess we'll talk to ya later on."
He and Trevor headed upstairs, to begin packing up what few belongings they had, and to discuss any upcoming shows they would do, maybe even with Steve and Ghost."
"It would be super cool to have a show with all of us together, don't 'cha think?" Zach asked.
"Yeah, but Zach," Trevor said, "it would be awkward, too"
"What do you mean?"
"Just think about it. Now, I'm not in either one of the bands, but y'all's styles are completely different. I'm just not seeing all of you guys playing and singing at the same time, but what do I know..." Trevor said.
"Oh, I think we could work it out, somehow," Zach said.
"Ok, but remember what you said, that one time...that Steve and Ghost are a couple of divas, or something. They wouldn't want to be sharing the stage, maybe...too much competition," Trevor shrugged. "Oh, don't mind me...just thinking out loud, from a non-member position."
Zach thought about the possibilities." I can see what you mean,Trev, but nobody's even ever thought of it before, or talked to them about such a thing. What we need to do, is put it on the table for discussions."
Ok, I'll leave it up to you, then...and anyway, I have other stuff I have to talk to Ghost about," Trevor said.
"I know, but I still think you should drop it," Zach said. "Ghost don't want to talk, and keeps avoiding us."
"But I have to ask him about it, because, well, just because," Trevor said.
"Yeah, but that rash is getting better, isn't it?"
"I think so. Oh, and that demolition crew will be out at the house, tomorrow. I have to be there, as the owner of the property, even though, I'd rather not...and, what if tearing down that house causes any leftover demons to come out? I don't want to endanger the bulldozer guy, but it has to be done," Trevor said.
"I know, but all we can do is stand there and watch, ya know, and hope for the best outcome," Zach said.
They finished up their packing and watched tv for awhile.
~
Kinsey finished up his list of things to do, closed up the club, and went over to the diner to meet up with Terry.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Friday, April 10, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 154
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 154
warning...adult content
~
Soon, Steve was pulling into the back parking lot at the Whirling Disc record shop. As he and Ghost went inside, the little bell on the door tinkled, and Terry looked up from stocking CDs in the bins.
"Hey, look who's here," he said. "It's about time y'all made an appearance."
"Hey, Terry," Steve said. "Yeah, we've been taking it easy...been working on some stuff, and look..." he held up his cast free leg. "Just got it off this morning."
"All right, good to hear that," Terry said. "What were you working on?"
"Well, I got a list for ya here, of what we're putting on the CD. It's for sure, this time," Steve said. "You and R. J. can go over it. We need to get busy and actually do this, so you think y'all can be ready, say tomorrow or the day after?"
Terry reached out to take the list. "Let me see it...yeah, no problem. Are you wanting to do them with all of us at the same time, or separate, then mix 'em later?"
"I was hoping to do it all at once, but let's see how it goes first, and see how it sounds," Steve said.
"Ok, we'll do it how ever you want. I'll get ahold of R. J. and tell him to be over here in the morning," Terry said. "Yall come in as early as you can, and we'll knock these out in no time." He looked over at Ghost. "Hey, Ghost, do you think your voice will hold out if we do all these? Or, Steve, if not, we can split 'em up and do some in another day or two."
Ghost looked at the list, again. "I can probably do all these. I can sing a lot of songs when we do a show."
"Ok, then that's settled." Terry said. He slapped Ghost on the back, then chuckled. "What else are y'all up to? I tell ya, Zach and Trevor were pretty upset that y'all didn't show up last night." Shaking his head, he said, "I don't know what they have in mind, but they're still antsy about it...all that séance stuff."
"I don't want to talk about it anymore, though," Ghost said.
"Well, you still need to see what he's wanting. Maybe it's nothing...probably just his paranoia." Terry shrugged.
"Guess he won't leave me alone about it, unless I do," Ghost said.
"Hey, Terry, can you close up for a few minutes? We want you to come down to the club with us, to talk to Kinsey," Steve asked.
"I suppose I could...why?"
"He's there isn't he?" Steve asked, avoiding the question of why.
"Umm-hmm, as far as I know, he's there. When ya want to go over there...now?"
"Yep, let's go," Steve said.
Terry put his 'be back later' sign on the door, locked up, and they all walked down the block, to the club.
"Knock, knock," Ghost hollered, as they came in through the back door.
"In here guys," Kinsey said, looking up as they all trooped in.
"Well, look at the three stooges, come to pay me a visit," Kinsey said, as he laughed and leaned back in his chair.
"What's a stooge, Kinsey?" Ghost asked.
"Oh, it's an old tv show that had three crazy guys in it doing slapstick comedy. It was hilarious back in the day."
"Oh, ok," Ghost said, but looked confused.
"Never mind," Kinsey said. "What's up?"
Terry sat down on the couch, and shrugged. "Don't ask me...these two came in and said I should come over here with them." He looked at Steve, "Well...?"
Steve looked over at Ghost, and cleared his throat. "Uh, Ghost, you want to explain, or ya want me to?"
"You start, and I'll add stuff when I think of it."
"Ok," Steve started explaining. "First of all, Ghost had a dream the other night. He said it was about both of y'all talking..."
Ghost added his explanation now. "Only it was a real dream. I heard you talking in my head. Not that I was trying to eavesdrop or anything, but y'all was talkin' loud enough for me to hear...or something..." He looked at Steve to continue.
Steve nodded, "Yeah, anyway, he said y'all were planning on taking a vacation together, real soon."
Terry and Kinsey were surprised that these two knew about it. They'd not mentioned it to anyone, yet. But, then they weren't surprised, after all, because Ghost could pick up conversations out of thin air.
"Hey, yeah, that's right," Terry said. "You heard us talking about it, Ghost?"
Kinsey was smiling. "Yeah, we've been discussing that. We haven't firmed up the plans yet, though."
Steve continued..."Ok, so Ghost had an idea, and I think it was an excellent idea, and now we're presenting it to y'all." He nodded at Ghost to get the cards out.
Ghost reached into his backpack, taking out the cards. "This was my idea, and this here gift is from both of us, and I made y'all these here cards, and...just read them, ok?" He handed them to Terry and Kinsey.
"At the same time?" asked Terry.
"Yes, then you can read each other's if you want to."
Terry and Kinsey opened the envelopes, and began reading.
Steve and Ghost watched their reaction, hoping it would be good. Kinsey admired the artwork on his card, then read the inside.
"Guys..." he said, as his lip quivered, and he sniffled a bit.
At the same time, Terry looked at his. "Hey, it's like tie-dye...cool, Ghost." He read the inside..."Aw, dudes, this is so nice of y'all." He cleared his suddenly tight throat.
Then, they both opened the smaller, money envelopes that had been enclosed.
"Oh, my God," Terry said, his mouth dropped open.
"What? For me? This is too much, guys," Kinsey said.
Ghost and Steve were smiling big. "Yeah, for both of ya. We love y'all, and wanted to do something nice for y'all," Ghost said, hopping up and down.
"It's our way to show y'all appreciation for all you've done for us," said Steve.
"Well, thank you, this really is a surprise," Kinsey said. He came over to give them a hug.
"We're gonna have some fun with this, right Kinsey?" Terry said. "Thanks, dudes."
Terry looked at Kinsey, "Dude, we're gonna have the time of our lives. We've got plannin' to do."
"I'll say," Kinsey said. "Really, guys...thanks. Hey, I'm getting excited, now."
Ghost hugged Kinsey and Terry. "I'm so happy y'all liked our present."
"When are you planning to go, Kinsey?" Steve asked. "And, for how long?"
"As soon as we can, Steve. I'd say by next week, if we can get it all planned out. What do you think, Terry?"
"Man, I'd go right now, but yeah, next week should give us time to get plane tickets, and reservations, and all that," Terry said.
"You already know where you're going, then?" asked Steve.
"Yeah, we already talked about it," said Kinsey. "We're going to do some things we both always wanted to do."
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 154
warning...adult content
~
Soon, Steve was pulling into the back parking lot at the Whirling Disc record shop. As he and Ghost went inside, the little bell on the door tinkled, and Terry looked up from stocking CDs in the bins.
"Hey, look who's here," he said. "It's about time y'all made an appearance."
"Hey, Terry," Steve said. "Yeah, we've been taking it easy...been working on some stuff, and look..." he held up his cast free leg. "Just got it off this morning."
"All right, good to hear that," Terry said. "What were you working on?"
"Well, I got a list for ya here, of what we're putting on the CD. It's for sure, this time," Steve said. "You and R. J. can go over it. We need to get busy and actually do this, so you think y'all can be ready, say tomorrow or the day after?"
Terry reached out to take the list. "Let me see it...yeah, no problem. Are you wanting to do them with all of us at the same time, or separate, then mix 'em later?"
"I was hoping to do it all at once, but let's see how it goes first, and see how it sounds," Steve said.
"Ok, we'll do it how ever you want. I'll get ahold of R. J. and tell him to be over here in the morning," Terry said. "Yall come in as early as you can, and we'll knock these out in no time." He looked over at Ghost. "Hey, Ghost, do you think your voice will hold out if we do all these? Or, Steve, if not, we can split 'em up and do some in another day or two."
Ghost looked at the list, again. "I can probably do all these. I can sing a lot of songs when we do a show."
"Ok, then that's settled." Terry said. He slapped Ghost on the back, then chuckled. "What else are y'all up to? I tell ya, Zach and Trevor were pretty upset that y'all didn't show up last night." Shaking his head, he said, "I don't know what they have in mind, but they're still antsy about it...all that séance stuff."
"I don't want to talk about it anymore, though," Ghost said.
"Well, you still need to see what he's wanting. Maybe it's nothing...probably just his paranoia." Terry shrugged.
"Guess he won't leave me alone about it, unless I do," Ghost said.
"Hey, Terry, can you close up for a few minutes? We want you to come down to the club with us, to talk to Kinsey," Steve asked.
"I suppose I could...why?"
"He's there isn't he?" Steve asked, avoiding the question of why.
"Umm-hmm, as far as I know, he's there. When ya want to go over there...now?"
"Yep, let's go," Steve said.
Terry put his 'be back later' sign on the door, locked up, and they all walked down the block, to the club.
"Knock, knock," Ghost hollered, as they came in through the back door.
"In here guys," Kinsey said, looking up as they all trooped in.
"Well, look at the three stooges, come to pay me a visit," Kinsey said, as he laughed and leaned back in his chair.
"What's a stooge, Kinsey?" Ghost asked.
"Oh, it's an old tv show that had three crazy guys in it doing slapstick comedy. It was hilarious back in the day."
"Oh, ok," Ghost said, but looked confused.
"Never mind," Kinsey said. "What's up?"
Terry sat down on the couch, and shrugged. "Don't ask me...these two came in and said I should come over here with them." He looked at Steve, "Well...?"
Steve looked over at Ghost, and cleared his throat. "Uh, Ghost, you want to explain, or ya want me to?"
"You start, and I'll add stuff when I think of it."
"Ok," Steve started explaining. "First of all, Ghost had a dream the other night. He said it was about both of y'all talking..."
Ghost added his explanation now. "Only it was a real dream. I heard you talking in my head. Not that I was trying to eavesdrop or anything, but y'all was talkin' loud enough for me to hear...or something..." He looked at Steve to continue.
Steve nodded, "Yeah, anyway, he said y'all were planning on taking a vacation together, real soon."
Terry and Kinsey were surprised that these two knew about it. They'd not mentioned it to anyone, yet. But, then they weren't surprised, after all, because Ghost could pick up conversations out of thin air.
"Hey, yeah, that's right," Terry said. "You heard us talking about it, Ghost?"
Kinsey was smiling. "Yeah, we've been discussing that. We haven't firmed up the plans yet, though."
Steve continued..."Ok, so Ghost had an idea, and I think it was an excellent idea, and now we're presenting it to y'all." He nodded at Ghost to get the cards out.
Ghost reached into his backpack, taking out the cards. "This was my idea, and this here gift is from both of us, and I made y'all these here cards, and...just read them, ok?" He handed them to Terry and Kinsey.
"At the same time?" asked Terry.
"Yes, then you can read each other's if you want to."
Terry and Kinsey opened the envelopes, and began reading.
Steve and Ghost watched their reaction, hoping it would be good. Kinsey admired the artwork on his card, then read the inside.
"Guys..." he said, as his lip quivered, and he sniffled a bit.
At the same time, Terry looked at his. "Hey, it's like tie-dye...cool, Ghost." He read the inside..."Aw, dudes, this is so nice of y'all." He cleared his suddenly tight throat.
Then, they both opened the smaller, money envelopes that had been enclosed.
"Oh, my God," Terry said, his mouth dropped open.
"What? For me? This is too much, guys," Kinsey said.
Ghost and Steve were smiling big. "Yeah, for both of ya. We love y'all, and wanted to do something nice for y'all," Ghost said, hopping up and down.
"It's our way to show y'all appreciation for all you've done for us," said Steve.
"Well, thank you, this really is a surprise," Kinsey said. He came over to give them a hug.
"We're gonna have some fun with this, right Kinsey?" Terry said. "Thanks, dudes."
Terry looked at Kinsey, "Dude, we're gonna have the time of our lives. We've got plannin' to do."
"I'll say," Kinsey said. "Really, guys...thanks. Hey, I'm getting excited, now."
Ghost hugged Kinsey and Terry. "I'm so happy y'all liked our present."
"When are you planning to go, Kinsey?" Steve asked. "And, for how long?"
"As soon as we can, Steve. I'd say by next week, if we can get it all planned out. What do you think, Terry?"
"Man, I'd go right now, but yeah, next week should give us time to get plane tickets, and reservations, and all that," Terry said.
"You already know where you're going, then?" asked Steve.
"Yeah, we already talked about it," said Kinsey. "We're going to do some things we both always wanted to do."
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
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