TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 169
warning...adult content
~
Steve drove up and down some of the business area streets, then in the residential areas. Finally coming around to the diner, they saw that it was open.
"Thank goodness," Steve said. "I was beginning to feel like we're the last people on Earth, it's so empty around here." He half-heartedly laughed.
"Let's go in...I need to see people," Ghost said.
As they entered, they could see the waitress and the cook at a table, talking. They looked startled, then relieved to see Steve and Ghost come in.
"Hey, guys," the waitress said, as she came over. "You have your choice of tables, today, and we're glad you came in. We thought we'd never get any customers today."
"It's weird in this here town," Ghost said.
"I know, right?" she said. "It's deserted and that's just impossible. Where is everyone? Did y'all see anyone on the way here?"
"No, even the hardware store is closed," Steve said. "We know Terry and Kinsey left on their vacation, this morning, and we're checking on their places, but we've not seen anyone else, at all."
Shaking her head, the waitress said, "All I know is we we opened up this morning, and not a soul has come in, until ya'll showed up...not even the regulars. I'll tell ya, it's weird. So what can I get for y'all?"
"I want a cheeseburger, and I don't like it," Ghost said.
"Huh?" Steve asked.
"What? I said what I wanted," Ghost said.
Steve shrugged, then said, "I'll have one of those too, please, and Ghost...what don't you like?"
"Oh, the empty town."
"Now it makes sense," Steve said. "I thought you were talking about the burger." He laughed, then looked out the big picture windows of the diner. "Ya know what, Ghost, it's like some creepy movie, where every person was told to get out of town, except we didn't get the message."
"Yeah, or zoomed up by a UFO, or something," Ghost said, getting really interested in talking about it.
Steve knew if they kept on, Ghost would have him believing any number of strange and magical stories. He loved it, though, and so threw out possibilities, just to hear Ghost run with them.
"You know that happened one time, where a UFO snatched up a town, for like a whole day, and then put them back," Ghost said.
Steve smiled. "Where was this?"
"I think I heard it was over in Georgia...in the swamps. It was in the summer time."
"Um-hum, and, well...did they report it when they got back?" Steve asked.
"Well, yeah, how do you think I heard about it?"
"Maybe you had a psychic revelation or something...however that works?" Steve kept on asking.
"Naw, it wasn't that...it was on tv. I thought it was talking about a movie, but turns out it was real." Ghost said. "They talked to the people when they came back." He sounded pretty sure of the facts.
"How big a town was this anyway? You said everyone was beamed up?" Steve tried to keep a straight face.
"It wasn't very big. You know how those swamp people are...they stick together in little communities. And, besides, how many could fit in a UFO? Not that many, so it would still be able to fly around. You know how it is with these things," Ghost said.
"Uh-huh, sure do," Steve said. "Oh, here's our food."
They began eating, and Steve figured the story was over, but then Ghost said, "It wasn't a UFO that got Missing Mile, though."
"Really, how do you know that?" Steve asked.
Ghost gulped down some of his coke, taking a minute to look out the window. "Ya see that out there...the misty, fog stuff?"
"Yeah, so what? There's some cold, rainy weather moving in. That's what I heard," Steve said.
Ghost shook his head. "No, they don't really know, over in Raleigh, what's gonna happen here. And, it already did, anyway, early this morning." He narrowed his eyes, still looking out the window.
"What did?" asked Steve.
"The fog. It's just a pretend fog, Steve. It's just now creeping it's way over to this street. See?" Ghost shivered.
"Is that bad?" Steve asked, actually getting a little creeped out now.
"Yeah, 'cause it gets in everywhere...in the doors, and windows, and through the little cracks and stuff. And, whatever it touches, like living, breathing things, it disappears them." Ghost was getting nervous, now. He stood up, wringing his hands.
"Sit down, Ghost...you're scaring me," Steve said.
Ghost gave him a look. "Well, you should be. Where's the waitress? We need to seal up this place, before it comes in," Ghost said. He went to find her.
They came back, holding a roll of duct tape. "Steve, Ghost insists we tape up the windows and doors, before the fog gets in," the waitress said, looking worried.
Steve gave Ghost a look. "It's time to stop, now. That was a cool story, but you know it's not real. You just made it up, for fun."
Ghost seemed to be still in his fantasy world, for a minute, then shook his head, and took a big breath. "Guess so, Steve, but I think it was real to me, and it could happen. I mean, everyone is still gone away."
"Well, maybe, but not today. I'm sure people are in their houses, as usual," Steve said.
The waitress, sighed. "Ok, guess we don't have to use the tape then, huh?" She looked relieved, as she went back to work.
Ghost sat back down. "Ya sure it isn't real, Steve?"
"I'm sure...but I loved the story you told. I was getting a little scared there, myself."
"Yeah, me too," Ghost said.
Steve wasn't sure if Ghost was still kidding, or had truly believed the story. All he knew, was he wouldn't look at fog again in the same way.
"So, where is everybody, then," Ghost asked.
"I don't know. I'm going to call Zach, and see if he knows anything about it," Steve said. He dialed the number.
"Hello?" Zach answered.
"Hey, Zach, are y'all at home?"
"No, we're in Raleigh, at the grocery store. Why...what's going on?" Zach asked.
"Well, we're at the diner, and it's just us and the waitress and the cook...and the whole town looks empty. It's just weird, ya know," Steve said. "What time did y'all leave? Did you notaice anything going on?"
Zach took a minute to think. "We've been here a couple of hours. I didn't see anyone around, when we left. I don't know what's going on, but we'll be back home pretty soon. Oh, and we want you and Ghost to come over tomorrow around noon. Does that sound ok?"
"Yeah, we'll be there. I think Ghost and I are gonna hang around here, see if we can find anyone," Steve said, ending the call.
"Well, Zach and Trevor are in Raleigh, so they didn't disappear," Steve said.
"I know, let's go knocking on doors, and see if anybody answers," Ghost said.
"Like what, just random houses?"
"Yeah, why not?" Ghost got up, ready to go.
Steve shrugged. "Sounds crazy, but we might as well." He paid their bill for the food, and they left.
"Ok, Ghost, you lead the way...pick a house," Steve said.
Ghost looked around at the nearby houses.
"Why can't you use your special senses to find out what's going on?" Steve asked.
"I did...that's how I knew it was weird, but it didn't say why."
They'd been walking up the block, and chose a house with Thanksgiving decorations in the yard, and a fall wreath on the door. Ghost rang the doorbell. They could hear a tv on inside, and then the door opened. It was a middle-aged woman, who answered, and they could see a couple of teens inside, watching a movie.
"Can I help you?" the woman asked.
"You didn't disappear?" Ghost asked.
"What?" she asked, confused.
Steve cleared his throat. "Sorry, we just wondered where everybody is. The town is sort of empty today. Thought maybe you'd heard something about it."
"Oh, we're home, and the kids are out of school for the holiday. I expect most people are inside getting ready for tomorrow," she said.
"Yeah, probably. Well, thank you," Steve said, as he and Ghost left down the sidewalk.
"Ok, that's all it is then, Ghost. The stores are closed, and everyone is cooking and stuff."
"Yeah, guess so, but it's still weird," Ghost said.
"Can we go home, now?" Steve asked.
"Yeah, guess so," Ghost said, disappointed that something sinister wasn't going on.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Sunday, May 17, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 168
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 168
warning...adult content
~
"Let's hear the good news, Steve," Kinsey said, as he joined the others at the table.
Steve smiled, and said, "We finished our CD today." He looked over at Ghost. "Did ya bring it?"
Ghost dug around in his backpack, and brought out a brand new copy of their CD. "Here it is, Kinsey. We want you to have the very first copy...and we ain't even gonna make ya pay for it. It's comp...compli...well, what's that word, Steve?" he asked.
"Complimentary...yeah, for you, Kinsey," Steve said.
Ghost handed the CD to Kinsey.
"This is great, guys. Thank you all," Kinsey said, as he looked at the front and back of the CD. "I'll listen to it tonight."
"Well, Kinsey, I've got a clean slate, and I'm ready to go, whenever you are," Terry said.
"Ok, then..." Kinsey said, "we'll go tomorrow...everything's ready."
They continued to discuss their travel plans. Ghost and R. J. had gone over to the arcade room to play some games, and Steve racked up the balls on the pool table. Kinsey ordered pizzas to be delivered, and they all decided this was a party, after all...a CD launch party, and a bon voyage party for Terry and Kinsey. They were all enjoying themselves, listening to music on the jukebox, and challenging each other on the games.
After a few hours, things wound down, and Kinsey and Terry began cleaning up. "Well, guys, this has been really great, but I've gotta finish packing, and try to get some sleep," Kinsey said.
"Yeah, me too," Terry said. "Oh, Steve, here's the keys to the shop. You'll check up on things over there, too?"
"Yeah, we'll keep an eye on things for both of y'all."
They said their good-byes, and left, as Kinsey locked up the club. Terry, Steve, Ghost, and R. J. walked back down to the shop. "Later, Dudes," Terry said. "See y'all in about two weeks, or so."
"You ready to head home, Ghost?" Steve asked.
"Yeah, guess so."
"Hey, Ghost," R. J. said. "We should hang out more often. You're a lot of fun."
"Who, me?" Ghost asked.
"Yeah, I'll call you. We can go do something," R. J. said, as he got into his car.
"Ok, sure..." Ghost said. He smiled, but was a little unsettled by R. J.'s request.
Steve was leaning back against his car, and had been watching them. He rolled his eyes, and shook his head, as Ghost came over to the car. "What was all that about?"
"Huh? Oh, nothing. R. J. said he'd call me, maybe...said we could go do something sometime. I don't know..." Ghost said, shrugging.
"Why now, I wonder?" Steve asked. "In all these years y'all never hung out...hardly said two words to each other. So, why now? Just asking, I mean...I think it'd be great if y'all got together for games and whatever, sometimes. It's just weird, is all."
Ghost nodded. "I know, 'cause R. J.'s always been your friend...since you were kids. He's just being nice to me 'cause of what I did, and 'cause he feels sorry that I don't have any friends. That's all. He'll call, and we'll go do something, but it won't last, ya know. It's ok..." Ghost said, and sighed. He and Steve got in the car.
"Ghost, I think he means it. He wants to be your friend. He's always been kinda quiet and shy, and never had many friends, either. I think he's finally coming out of that, and wants to get to know you better...not just as a band member," Steve said. "I know we used to hang out, but we had different goals, I guess. Anyway, go have some fun sometimes. It's ok to do things without me."
"Ok, if he calls, I will, I guess," Ghost said. He leaned his head back on the car seat and closed his eyes. "Let's just go home. I gotta feed Spirit," he said, the conversation about R. J. over for now.
Steve drove them home down the dark, deserted highway. Steve turned on the radio, finding a song he liked, and hummed along. It had been a long day.
~
At the house, Ghost gave Spirit his cat food, and played with him awhile, there on the living room floor. Steve grabbed his book to read, and stretched out on the couch.
"When is Thanksgiving, Steve?"
"In a few days," Steve said.
Ghost didn't know what to make of that, so he just hoped Steve would let him know on the day of. "Ok, I'm gonna make a card, like I seen in the store, for Trevor and Zach."
"That's nice," Steve said, not really paying attention.
Ghost got out his markers and some paper, and began drawing. He was a pretty talented artist, even though he didn't think so. For this project, he drew a picture of the four of them, at a table, set with Thanksgiving food. This was done in pen, and very detailed. Next was a border of fall leaves, and over all, an orange and yellow shading. Inside he wrote, 'Thanksgiving is for friends'. Smiling, he showed it to Steve.
"Look, I finished it."
Steve took the card, and was struck again at how Ghost could capture a scene so realistically. "This is really good...you made us look real," he said. "I love this card, and so will they."
Ghost set the card up on the bookshelf, to enjoy looking at it, until time to give it to Trevor and Zach, when they went over for Thanksgiving dinner.
"Come here, Ghost," Steve said. He scooched over on the couch, so Ghost could sit by him.
"I don't think I tell you enough how much I admire you," he said. "I love everything you do. You draw good, you sing good, and you cook good. Well, I just wanted to tell you I appreciate you, and thank you for being with me." He hugged Ghost close.
"But, Steve...I act crazy, and make you mad...and do stupid stuff all the time. I'm not good enough for you," Ghost said, his voice muffled into Steve's chest.
Steve ran his hands through Ghost's hair, and brought his face up to see into Ghost's eyes. "Don't say that. I'm sorry I get mad sometimes, but I feel I can never measure up, be enough for you." He kissed Ghost, tenderly. His book fell to the floor, and they showed each other how very much they loved each other. There, they eventually fell asleep, each dreaming of the other.
~
As morning broke, Zach and Trevor were excited about hosting their dinner, the next day. They were having fun getting their house prepared, and were going later, into Raleigh, to the big grocery store.
"So, Zach...are you sure you can cook a turkey?" Trevor asked.
"Sure, it's just like a giant chicken, isn't it? You like how I make chicken, don't you?" Zach asked.
"Yeah," Trevor said.
"Ok, then, let's go get one," Zach said. They headed out to the store, where they bought everything they needed for them, and their guests.
~
Steve and Ghost woke, still on the couch, where they'd fallen asleep. They had no definite plans for the day, so took their time with breakfast and coffee.
"We should go into town, I guess," Steve said. "We can check on Terry and Kinsey's places."
Ghost agreed, and around noon, they drove over there. "This town is weird today," Ghost said, looking up and down the main street. "It don't feel right."
Steve checked the locks on Terry's shop, studio, and apartment. "I know what ya mean. I think it's 'cause they're both not here."
"Yeah, and where are the other people? You know, usually somebody is at the hardware store," said Ghost.
"Hell, if I know. Let's go take a look."
They walked across the street, and tried the door to the hardware store. Peering in the window, Ghost said, "The lights aren't on, either. You know those guys are always out here playing checkers...where are they?"
"Well, maybe since it's Thanksgiving tomorrow, they all went on vacation, ya think?" Steve said. "Lets go check the club, then see if the diner or pizza place is open."
They found that the Yew was locked up tight, with no problems there, so went back to their car. "I'm going to drive around town for a look see...this really isn't right, Ghost," Steve said.
~
Next Part Coming Soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 168
warning...adult content
~
"Let's hear the good news, Steve," Kinsey said, as he joined the others at the table.
Steve smiled, and said, "We finished our CD today." He looked over at Ghost. "Did ya bring it?"
Ghost dug around in his backpack, and brought out a brand new copy of their CD. "Here it is, Kinsey. We want you to have the very first copy...and we ain't even gonna make ya pay for it. It's comp...compli...well, what's that word, Steve?" he asked.
"Complimentary...yeah, for you, Kinsey," Steve said.
Ghost handed the CD to Kinsey.
"This is great, guys. Thank you all," Kinsey said, as he looked at the front and back of the CD. "I'll listen to it tonight."
"Well, Kinsey, I've got a clean slate, and I'm ready to go, whenever you are," Terry said.
"Ok, then..." Kinsey said, "we'll go tomorrow...everything's ready."
They continued to discuss their travel plans. Ghost and R. J. had gone over to the arcade room to play some games, and Steve racked up the balls on the pool table. Kinsey ordered pizzas to be delivered, and they all decided this was a party, after all...a CD launch party, and a bon voyage party for Terry and Kinsey. They were all enjoying themselves, listening to music on the jukebox, and challenging each other on the games.
After a few hours, things wound down, and Kinsey and Terry began cleaning up. "Well, guys, this has been really great, but I've gotta finish packing, and try to get some sleep," Kinsey said.
"Yeah, me too," Terry said. "Oh, Steve, here's the keys to the shop. You'll check up on things over there, too?"
"Yeah, we'll keep an eye on things for both of y'all."
They said their good-byes, and left, as Kinsey locked up the club. Terry, Steve, Ghost, and R. J. walked back down to the shop. "Later, Dudes," Terry said. "See y'all in about two weeks, or so."
"You ready to head home, Ghost?" Steve asked.
"Yeah, guess so."
"Hey, Ghost," R. J. said. "We should hang out more often. You're a lot of fun."
"Who, me?" Ghost asked.
"Yeah, I'll call you. We can go do something," R. J. said, as he got into his car.
"Ok, sure..." Ghost said. He smiled, but was a little unsettled by R. J.'s request.
Steve was leaning back against his car, and had been watching them. He rolled his eyes, and shook his head, as Ghost came over to the car. "What was all that about?"
"Huh? Oh, nothing. R. J. said he'd call me, maybe...said we could go do something sometime. I don't know..." Ghost said, shrugging.
"Why now, I wonder?" Steve asked. "In all these years y'all never hung out...hardly said two words to each other. So, why now? Just asking, I mean...I think it'd be great if y'all got together for games and whatever, sometimes. It's just weird, is all."
Ghost nodded. "I know, 'cause R. J.'s always been your friend...since you were kids. He's just being nice to me 'cause of what I did, and 'cause he feels sorry that I don't have any friends. That's all. He'll call, and we'll go do something, but it won't last, ya know. It's ok..." Ghost said, and sighed. He and Steve got in the car.
"Ghost, I think he means it. He wants to be your friend. He's always been kinda quiet and shy, and never had many friends, either. I think he's finally coming out of that, and wants to get to know you better...not just as a band member," Steve said. "I know we used to hang out, but we had different goals, I guess. Anyway, go have some fun sometimes. It's ok to do things without me."
"Ok, if he calls, I will, I guess," Ghost said. He leaned his head back on the car seat and closed his eyes. "Let's just go home. I gotta feed Spirit," he said, the conversation about R. J. over for now.
Steve drove them home down the dark, deserted highway. Steve turned on the radio, finding a song he liked, and hummed along. It had been a long day.
~
At the house, Ghost gave Spirit his cat food, and played with him awhile, there on the living room floor. Steve grabbed his book to read, and stretched out on the couch.
"When is Thanksgiving, Steve?"
"In a few days," Steve said.
Ghost didn't know what to make of that, so he just hoped Steve would let him know on the day of. "Ok, I'm gonna make a card, like I seen in the store, for Trevor and Zach."
"That's nice," Steve said, not really paying attention.
Ghost got out his markers and some paper, and began drawing. He was a pretty talented artist, even though he didn't think so. For this project, he drew a picture of the four of them, at a table, set with Thanksgiving food. This was done in pen, and very detailed. Next was a border of fall leaves, and over all, an orange and yellow shading. Inside he wrote, 'Thanksgiving is for friends'. Smiling, he showed it to Steve.
"Look, I finished it."
Steve took the card, and was struck again at how Ghost could capture a scene so realistically. "This is really good...you made us look real," he said. "I love this card, and so will they."
Ghost set the card up on the bookshelf, to enjoy looking at it, until time to give it to Trevor and Zach, when they went over for Thanksgiving dinner.
"Come here, Ghost," Steve said. He scooched over on the couch, so Ghost could sit by him.
"I don't think I tell you enough how much I admire you," he said. "I love everything you do. You draw good, you sing good, and you cook good. Well, I just wanted to tell you I appreciate you, and thank you for being with me." He hugged Ghost close.
"But, Steve...I act crazy, and make you mad...and do stupid stuff all the time. I'm not good enough for you," Ghost said, his voice muffled into Steve's chest.
Steve ran his hands through Ghost's hair, and brought his face up to see into Ghost's eyes. "Don't say that. I'm sorry I get mad sometimes, but I feel I can never measure up, be enough for you." He kissed Ghost, tenderly. His book fell to the floor, and they showed each other how very much they loved each other. There, they eventually fell asleep, each dreaming of the other.
~
As morning broke, Zach and Trevor were excited about hosting their dinner, the next day. They were having fun getting their house prepared, and were going later, into Raleigh, to the big grocery store.
"So, Zach...are you sure you can cook a turkey?" Trevor asked.
"Sure, it's just like a giant chicken, isn't it? You like how I make chicken, don't you?" Zach asked.
"Yeah," Trevor said.
"Ok, then, let's go get one," Zach said. They headed out to the store, where they bought everything they needed for them, and their guests.
~
Steve and Ghost woke, still on the couch, where they'd fallen asleep. They had no definite plans for the day, so took their time with breakfast and coffee.
"We should go into town, I guess," Steve said. "We can check on Terry and Kinsey's places."
Ghost agreed, and around noon, they drove over there. "This town is weird today," Ghost said, looking up and down the main street. "It don't feel right."
Steve checked the locks on Terry's shop, studio, and apartment. "I know what ya mean. I think it's 'cause they're both not here."
"Yeah, and where are the other people? You know, usually somebody is at the hardware store," said Ghost.
"Hell, if I know. Let's go take a look."
They walked across the street, and tried the door to the hardware store. Peering in the window, Ghost said, "The lights aren't on, either. You know those guys are always out here playing checkers...where are they?"
"Well, maybe since it's Thanksgiving tomorrow, they all went on vacation, ya think?" Steve said. "Lets go check the club, then see if the diner or pizza place is open."
They found that the Yew was locked up tight, with no problems there, so went back to their car. "I'm going to drive around town for a look see...this really isn't right, Ghost," Steve said.
~
Next Part Coming Soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Friday, May 15, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 167
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 167
warning...adult content
~
The next morning, Steve and Ghost got ready, and drove into town. They were both in a good mood. Ghost was messing with the radio, trying to find something to listen to.
"Hey, Steve, do ya think our songs will ever be on the radio?"
"I don't know...maybe one day. Right now we're just a local, small town band that almost nobody's ever heard of, ya know. If we can sell these new CDs, then maybe more people would know us."
"Yeah, and if we got to play more places, like on a tour or something, we could get better known. But, I don't want it to be like we did before...that wasn't fun to get in fights."
"You got that right," Steve said. "Well, we'll get these ready to go today, then see what happens."
~
They arrived at Terry's shop, and since it wasn't open yet, they went around back, to Terry's little place, and knocked on his door.
"Hey, y'all are here early," Terry said. "Hold on a minute, I'll open up the studio."
They all walked over, and as they went inside, Ghost stopped to talk to Terry. "I'm sorry I caused trouble in here, Terry," he said. He had his head down, afraid to look at Terry, now.
"Ghost, look at me," Terry said, and as Ghost raised his head, Terry was struck again at how much he did care for Ghost. "Look, I'm your friend. You don't have to apologize to me, and I'm not mad at you. I understand how it is, sometimes. I just hope you know that I really care about you, and want you to feel better, and don't worry about coming in here. This is like your home, too. You should feel comfortable hanging out with me, ok?"
Ghost nodded. "Ok, Terry." He could tell that Terry meant what he said. "I don't mean to scare you...I love you."
Terry smiled, knowing Ghost meant it, too. "Ok, then...let's get busy. I'm giving you the job of folding the CD inserts, then we'll all put them in the cases."
~
At the big work table, they stared at the large stack of CDs, paper inserts, and clear cases. "You said you wanted five hundred, didn't you, Steve?" Terry asked.
"Yeah, but I didn't know it'd look like this much."
"I know," Terry said. "Did you decide how much you were selling them for?"
"No, what do these self-made CDs usually sell for, anyway?"
"Well, whenever we order some for the shop, they usually go for around fifteen dollars each. Ya want to do that...see what happens?"
"Ok, if that's what they sell for, we might as well do it, too," Steve said. "Also, Ghost has his book to sell, I think for twenty-five dollars, so hopefully the people who come to our shows will have money to spend."
"Yeah, that would be good, Steve," Terry said, and laughed. "Well, guess we should get started on it." He got the cases ready, and had Ghost begin folding the inserts.
As Ghost folded, he admired the picture, and writing on the papers. Steve and Terry discussed plans to get flyers made up for their upcoming show. "Kinsey said we should wait until y'all get back from vacation, then set it up maybe a week later," Steve said. "We'll have to wait to know what date to put on it. I do have a guy over in Raleigh who said he'd print them up...the same guy that did the book."
"That sounds fine. We'll need a few days to get over our vacation, anyway. We only plan on being gone a couple of weeks. We'll call you to let you know where we are, and when we're expected to be back in town," Terry said.
They all looked up, as the back door opened, and R. J. came in. "Hey guys, I'm here...what can I do to help?" He came over to the table to see what had been started.
"You can help Ghost fold, or start inserting them in the cases...whichever you want," Terry said.
R. J. grabbed some cases, sat down beside Ghost, and started putting the papers into the front of the plastic cases. He was feeling a little awkward. He didn't know what to say to Ghost, since the episode the day before, and also because of the songs.
Ghost could sense this, but didn't want to speak first, so he just kept folding. Finally he couldn't hold back...he had to say something. So, when R. J. reached for another folded paper, he slapped his own hand down on top of them, before R. J. could get one. R. J. jumped, and sucked in his breath.
"Ya gonna talk to me ever again?" Ghost asked, as he looked at R. J.
"Uh, sure, Ghost...why wouldn't I?" R. J. said, still acting scared of Ghost.
"'Cause you're scared I'll go crazy and throw something at 'cha," Ghost said.
"Ghost..." R. J. tried to find something to say, without admitting Ghost was totally right.
"R. J. please don't be scared of me. I didn't mean to scare y'all, I just can't help it sometimes. I hope you're still my friend...'cause hardly anybody is...and, please don't be mad, and hate me, and not talk to me...please, R. J." Ghost was still looking at him, but R. J. was still looking down at the table. Then he did raise his eyes to meet Ghost's, and saw that his friend was still in there, not just a crazy person to be scared of.
"Ghost, I'm so sorry...I'll always be your friend. Nothing will ever change that. Yeah, I was kinda scared, yesterday. I never seen ya throw things, before, but mostly I was worried if you were ok. So yeah, I'm still gonna talk to you, Ghost." He smiled. "Besides, I need you on my side, when we act silly, and Steve and Terry are ragging on us," he said, and laughed.
Ghost laughed, too. "I know, they can be kinda stuffy, sometimes."
They went back to work.
Steve and Terry had been listening to them. "Glad that's settled, then," Steve said.
"Yeah, it's definitely settled...that we're stuffy," Terry said.
They continued to work on packaging the five hundred CDs. "Oh, guess who called last night," Steve said. "Zach invited us to their new place for Thanksgiving dinner."
"Really...that's cool...do they know how to cook?" Terry asked.
"I don't know, but we're going to find out," Steve said.
"Yeah, Kinsey and I will be on the road somewhere, that day. Who knows what we'll be eating," Terry said.
"Yep, I'm sure it'll be interesting, and I'll give you the full story of how ours turns out," Steve said.
They were nearing the end of the stack of CDs. Terry got a couple of large boxes to put them all in. "I'll keep these over here, until the show, Steve," he said. "It was lots of work, but they turned out great. I say we go over to see Kinsey, and celebrate with a beer."
They all agreed, and walked down the block to the club. They were all in a good mood, Steve and Terry leading the way down the sidewalk. Ghost and R. J. were making wisecracks, about them, and trying to imitate the way they walked. As they entered the back door of the club, they found Kinsey in his office. They were making a lot of noise, as one by one, they passed by the office door, each one saying hello to Kinsey. They were laughing as they made their way to the bar, where Terry grabbed each of them a cold beer from the cooler.
Kinsey came out and just stood watching them. No one paid him any more attention, so he hollered, "Hey." They all stopped talking, then.
"What the hell is going on here? Y'all act like you own the place," Kinsey said, shaking his head.
"Hey, Kinsey," Terry said, "grab a beer and join us...we're celebrating."
"You think those beers are free...you just walk in there and take 'em?" Kinsey said.
They knew he wasn't really mad. "C'mon, Kinsey...we have good news," Steve said.
"Well, if ya can't beat 'em, then might as well join 'em," Kinsey said, as he got himself a beer, and sat down at the table. "Ok, let's hear it, then."
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 167
warning...adult content
~
The next morning, Steve and Ghost got ready, and drove into town. They were both in a good mood. Ghost was messing with the radio, trying to find something to listen to.
"Hey, Steve, do ya think our songs will ever be on the radio?"
"I don't know...maybe one day. Right now we're just a local, small town band that almost nobody's ever heard of, ya know. If we can sell these new CDs, then maybe more people would know us."
"Yeah, and if we got to play more places, like on a tour or something, we could get better known. But, I don't want it to be like we did before...that wasn't fun to get in fights."
"You got that right," Steve said. "Well, we'll get these ready to go today, then see what happens."
~
They arrived at Terry's shop, and since it wasn't open yet, they went around back, to Terry's little place, and knocked on his door.
"Hey, y'all are here early," Terry said. "Hold on a minute, I'll open up the studio."
They all walked over, and as they went inside, Ghost stopped to talk to Terry. "I'm sorry I caused trouble in here, Terry," he said. He had his head down, afraid to look at Terry, now.
"Ghost, look at me," Terry said, and as Ghost raised his head, Terry was struck again at how much he did care for Ghost. "Look, I'm your friend. You don't have to apologize to me, and I'm not mad at you. I understand how it is, sometimes. I just hope you know that I really care about you, and want you to feel better, and don't worry about coming in here. This is like your home, too. You should feel comfortable hanging out with me, ok?"
Ghost nodded. "Ok, Terry." He could tell that Terry meant what he said. "I don't mean to scare you...I love you."
Terry smiled, knowing Ghost meant it, too. "Ok, then...let's get busy. I'm giving you the job of folding the CD inserts, then we'll all put them in the cases."
~
At the big work table, they stared at the large stack of CDs, paper inserts, and clear cases. "You said you wanted five hundred, didn't you, Steve?" Terry asked.
"Yeah, but I didn't know it'd look like this much."
"I know," Terry said. "Did you decide how much you were selling them for?"
"No, what do these self-made CDs usually sell for, anyway?"
"Well, whenever we order some for the shop, they usually go for around fifteen dollars each. Ya want to do that...see what happens?"
"Ok, if that's what they sell for, we might as well do it, too," Steve said. "Also, Ghost has his book to sell, I think for twenty-five dollars, so hopefully the people who come to our shows will have money to spend."
"Yeah, that would be good, Steve," Terry said, and laughed. "Well, guess we should get started on it." He got the cases ready, and had Ghost begin folding the inserts.
As Ghost folded, he admired the picture, and writing on the papers. Steve and Terry discussed plans to get flyers made up for their upcoming show. "Kinsey said we should wait until y'all get back from vacation, then set it up maybe a week later," Steve said. "We'll have to wait to know what date to put on it. I do have a guy over in Raleigh who said he'd print them up...the same guy that did the book."
"That sounds fine. We'll need a few days to get over our vacation, anyway. We only plan on being gone a couple of weeks. We'll call you to let you know where we are, and when we're expected to be back in town," Terry said.
They all looked up, as the back door opened, and R. J. came in. "Hey guys, I'm here...what can I do to help?" He came over to the table to see what had been started.
"You can help Ghost fold, or start inserting them in the cases...whichever you want," Terry said.
R. J. grabbed some cases, sat down beside Ghost, and started putting the papers into the front of the plastic cases. He was feeling a little awkward. He didn't know what to say to Ghost, since the episode the day before, and also because of the songs.
Ghost could sense this, but didn't want to speak first, so he just kept folding. Finally he couldn't hold back...he had to say something. So, when R. J. reached for another folded paper, he slapped his own hand down on top of them, before R. J. could get one. R. J. jumped, and sucked in his breath.
"Ya gonna talk to me ever again?" Ghost asked, as he looked at R. J.
"Uh, sure, Ghost...why wouldn't I?" R. J. said, still acting scared of Ghost.
"'Cause you're scared I'll go crazy and throw something at 'cha," Ghost said.
"Ghost..." R. J. tried to find something to say, without admitting Ghost was totally right.
"R. J. please don't be scared of me. I didn't mean to scare y'all, I just can't help it sometimes. I hope you're still my friend...'cause hardly anybody is...and, please don't be mad, and hate me, and not talk to me...please, R. J." Ghost was still looking at him, but R. J. was still looking down at the table. Then he did raise his eyes to meet Ghost's, and saw that his friend was still in there, not just a crazy person to be scared of.
"Ghost, I'm so sorry...I'll always be your friend. Nothing will ever change that. Yeah, I was kinda scared, yesterday. I never seen ya throw things, before, but mostly I was worried if you were ok. So yeah, I'm still gonna talk to you, Ghost." He smiled. "Besides, I need you on my side, when we act silly, and Steve and Terry are ragging on us," he said, and laughed.
Ghost laughed, too. "I know, they can be kinda stuffy, sometimes."
They went back to work.
Steve and Terry had been listening to them. "Glad that's settled, then," Steve said.
"Yeah, it's definitely settled...that we're stuffy," Terry said.
They continued to work on packaging the five hundred CDs. "Oh, guess who called last night," Steve said. "Zach invited us to their new place for Thanksgiving dinner."
"Really...that's cool...do they know how to cook?" Terry asked.
"I don't know, but we're going to find out," Steve said.
"Yeah, Kinsey and I will be on the road somewhere, that day. Who knows what we'll be eating," Terry said.
"Yep, I'm sure it'll be interesting, and I'll give you the full story of how ours turns out," Steve said.
They were nearing the end of the stack of CDs. Terry got a couple of large boxes to put them all in. "I'll keep these over here, until the show, Steve," he said. "It was lots of work, but they turned out great. I say we go over to see Kinsey, and celebrate with a beer."
They all agreed, and walked down the block to the club. They were all in a good mood, Steve and Terry leading the way down the sidewalk. Ghost and R. J. were making wisecracks, about them, and trying to imitate the way they walked. As they entered the back door of the club, they found Kinsey in his office. They were making a lot of noise, as one by one, they passed by the office door, each one saying hello to Kinsey. They were laughing as they made their way to the bar, where Terry grabbed each of them a cold beer from the cooler.
Kinsey came out and just stood watching them. No one paid him any more attention, so he hollered, "Hey." They all stopped talking, then.
"What the hell is going on here? Y'all act like you own the place," Kinsey said, shaking his head.
"Hey, Kinsey," Terry said, "grab a beer and join us...we're celebrating."
"You think those beers are free...you just walk in there and take 'em?" Kinsey said.
They knew he wasn't really mad. "C'mon, Kinsey...we have good news," Steve said.
"Well, if ya can't beat 'em, then might as well join 'em," Kinsey said, as he got himself a beer, and sat down at the table. "Ok, let's hear it, then."
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 166
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 166
warning...adult content
~
Terry had never seen Ghost this mad and upset before, and this argument with Steve, right after hearing the songs they'd done. His mind was reeling. "Does he get like this very much? In all these years, I've never seen him like this, Steve," Terry said.
Steve sighed, "Yeah, sometimes. You know his problems, Terry. It's out of his control, mostly...he just has these fits when he gets frustrated that he can't do something. We deal with it."
R. J. had gone to the door of the break room to peek in. He was shocked to see Ghost looking like a psychotic person. He'd seen Ghost in many moods over the years, but this was way more serious. "Dude, y'all better get in there. He's gone crazy."
Steve and Terry rushed over to the doorway. The room was in total chaos, and Ghost was still trying to find things to throw. His hair was flying out in all directions, and by the look in his eyes, it seemed he'd totally gone over the edge into some strange, other world, and didn't even know what he was doing.
Steve went in first, dodging the folding chair that Ghost threw at him. He grabbed hold of Ghost, wrestling him to the floor. He didn't let go, even as Ghost fought him. Steve kept talking him back to reality, saying anything he could think of to calm him down.
Terry and R. J. just stood there, taking in the wreckage. Finally Ghost quit struggling, and breathing hard, he came around. He seemed to not know what just happened. As Steve held him, they both sobbed. "It's ok, Ghost, you're ok now. We're all ok here...nobody's mad at you." He stroked Ghost's hair back.
"Steve, what happened? I don't feel good, and I don't remember stuff...where are we?" He looked around the room.
"It's ok, Ghost...we're at Terry's studio. You kinda messed up the kitchen, but we'll get it fixed. Don't worry about it."
"I'm sorry I don't listen, Steve. That's all I remember you saying."
Steve nodded into Ghost's hair. "Yeah, I'm sorry I said that. I'm not mad at you at all, though. I want you to feel better."
Ghost noticed Terry, then. "I remember you, now...you're Terry?" he asked. "I didn't mean to tear up your place. I'll clean it up," he said, as he tried to get on his feet, with Steve's help.
"It's ok, no big deal," Terry said. "How are you feeling, now?"
"My head hurts, but I'll fix this, ok?" Ghost said, then swayed, almost falling down.
"Steve," Terry said, "take him home...or to a doctor, or something. He's in no shape to be hanging around here. We'll talk business another time."
Steve agreed, and helped Ghost out to the car. Ghost leaned his head back on the seat, closing his eyes.
Terry spoke to Steve, there outside the car, "Steve, I didn't know it got this bad with Ghost. If I can help, in any way, you let me know, ok?"
"Ok, Terry...he's usually fine and can go months, then something sets it off. He's seen doctors about it, but they just say there's not much they can do, and just give him medicine. He's supposed to take it every day, but forgets sometimes." Steve breathed deep, and rubbed his hands over his face. "We deal with it. It doesn't last long."
Terry gave Steve a hug. "Well, stay strong. And, by the way, those songs...man...beautiful. Um...R. J. didn't want me to say anything, but I have to say, anyway...we were both wiping our eyes after hearing them." He cleared his throat. "And, it's all finished, except packaging."
"Thanks, Terry, I appreciate everything you do," Steve said. He looked in at Ghost. "I'll talk to ya tomorrow." He got in the car.
"Later, Dude," Terry said, and went back inside.
R. J. had started to pick things up in the break room. He looked up as Terry came in. "They gonna be ok?"
"I don't know, man, Steve says it will."
"I'm not lying, Terry...Ghost scared me half to death," R. J. said.
"I know, me too..." Terry said, as he began straightening things.
"They coming back tomorrow, ya think?"
"Steve said he'd call. Guess we'll just wait and see."
They worked awhile longer, putting things in order.
"R. J., why don't you go on home. You've done enough for now. I appreciate you staying, but I'm beat. This is good enough for now," Terry said. "I think I'm going over to see Kinsey."
"Ok...I'll come by in the morning...see what's happening," R. J. said, as he gathered up his things.
Terry locked the door behind them, as they left. He walked down the block, to the club. Kinsey was in his office, as he heard Terry knocking at the back door.
"Hey, Terry...how's it going?" Kinsey asked. "I was just thinking of coming over there."
Terry went into the office, and sat on the couch.
"What is it, Terry," asked Kinsey, as he noticed Terry's down mood.
Terry shook his head. "Kinsey, I don't even know where to start."
Kinsey waited for more information.
"Good thing you didn't come over. The place is a wreck...well, R. J. and I cleaned it up, but damn...you wouldn't believe how violent Ghost can get." He looked up at Kinsey, who was frowning.
"What? What are you talking about?"
"Ghost...he was mad at Steve for some silly reason, and he went in the break room and destroyed it. He threw shit everywhere, broke everything he could get his hands on...I'm telling ya, Kinsey, I've never seen him that way...ever."
"Is he ok?"
"Yeah, Steve finally got him calmed down, and took him home." He paused a minute, shaking his head. "I think that kid's got more problems than Steve can handle. When that fit, or whatever it was, was over, he kinda woke up, and didn't even know what he'd done. He didn't know where he was, or even who I was. He scared the crap outta me and R. J."
"Sounds like he had a pretty bad one," Kinsey said. "I've seen a few...scary as hell, but he snaps out of it pretty fast. Steve knows how to handle it."
"Um-hmm, I guess so, but still in the back of my mind...and I hate thinking this...but I think Steve caused it to get worse, ya know...since that time..." Terry said.
Kinsey nodded, and said, "Oh, I know he did, Terry, but that's water under the bridge. What's done is done, and we all go on, one way or another."
"Yeah, well, I feel so bad for Ghost...he never asked for any of it. And then, I feel bad for Steve, too...'cause he has to remember every day what he did. I admit, he's taken responsibility, and is doing the best he can, but damn, I just wish things were easier for them," Terry said.
"Me and you both," Kinsey said.
"Ok, enough...I'm almost done with their CD. I'll probably finish it up tomorrow, then I'm free to take off. How 'bout you?" Terry asked.
"Any time, just say the word, and I grab my bags, and we're out the door."
"Great, I'm ready to get outta Dodge," Terry said.
~
Steve drove home much slower than he'd driven over to Terry's, earlier. He kept looking over at Ghost, who was rubbing his face, around his eyes. "You gonna be sick," he asked.
"No, I don't think so. I'm just hungry," Ghost said.
"I'll fix us something when we get to the house, then," Steve said. He'd not eaten all day, and Ghost had only had the biscuit and bacon at Kinsey's, this morning. As Steve went into their kitchen, to find something to fix, Ghost curled up on the couch, with a blanket. Spirit joined him, purring. Steve took a second to look in at them, smiling as he saw them cuddled up together. He finished the simple supper of toasted waffles, and scrambled eggs, and brought Ghost a plate.
"Here ya go, Ghost," he said, setting the full plate, and a glass of milk, on the coffee table. He brought in his own plate, too, and sat beside Ghost, who had already started eating.
"This is so good, Steve"
"Glad ya like it," Steve said. After a few minutes, he asked, "Have you been taking your medicine the doctor gave you?"
Ghost shrugged, and frowned. "Sometimes...but I don't like it."
"But, you're supposed to take it every day. It helps you to feel better, and not have so many of your spells, and headaches."
"I know," Ghost said, sighing. "But, it makes me feel weird too, and I really do forget to take it. You're just mad because of today, aren't you?"
"I'm not mad. I can't be mad that you have a spell. I just worry about you."
"I know, and I'll try to be better..."
"And take your meds?"
"I guess so."
"How ya feeling now?"
"Better, now that I got to eat."
"Good," Steve said. "Oh, Terry said he was done with the CD, except for packaging it. He liked all the songs, too."
"He did? I'm glad, but you know what? I knew they would, and I know they cried...him and R. J. ... Those songs make me cry too, Steve. Not in a bad way...just 'cause they mean so much to me...to us."
"I know, me too," Steve said. "Well, if you're up to it, we'll go in and help put them together tomorrow, then. How's that sound?"
"Yeah, I want to do that," Ghost said. "But, Terry might not want me to come back, ya know...after...after I wrecked the place, but Steve, I didn't mean to. And, I didn't want to be mad at you either, but it just...I don't know, something just made me do it."
"Yeah, I know, and Terry understands...he's not mad, though. So, don't worry about it. Ok, then," Steve said, getting up. "I'm gonna clean these dishes. You just take it easy. Go take your medicine, too." He carried the dishes back to the kitchen.
Ghost went to get his meds, Spirit galloping behind him. On his way to get a glass of water in the kitchen, their phone rang. Steve didn't hear it, as the water was running in the sink. Ghost stared at the phone. It was on the table by the couch. He was afraid to touch it, after all that had happened today. It kept on ringing, so he finally did pick it up, and ran to give it to Steve.
"Here, I don't know which button to push," he said in a rush.
Steve grabbed it..."Hello? Oh, hi Zach...yeah, that's great...Thanksgiving? Sure, sounds good. Ok, later." He hung up. "That was Zach. They finished moving into their new house, and want us to come over for Thanksgiving dinner. That sound good to you?"
"Oh, yeah, I wanna go," Ghost said.
"Ok, that's settled, then." He went back to finish up the dish washing.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 166
warning...adult content
~
Terry had never seen Ghost this mad and upset before, and this argument with Steve, right after hearing the songs they'd done. His mind was reeling. "Does he get like this very much? In all these years, I've never seen him like this, Steve," Terry said.
Steve sighed, "Yeah, sometimes. You know his problems, Terry. It's out of his control, mostly...he just has these fits when he gets frustrated that he can't do something. We deal with it."
R. J. had gone to the door of the break room to peek in. He was shocked to see Ghost looking like a psychotic person. He'd seen Ghost in many moods over the years, but this was way more serious. "Dude, y'all better get in there. He's gone crazy."
Steve and Terry rushed over to the doorway. The room was in total chaos, and Ghost was still trying to find things to throw. His hair was flying out in all directions, and by the look in his eyes, it seemed he'd totally gone over the edge into some strange, other world, and didn't even know what he was doing.
Steve went in first, dodging the folding chair that Ghost threw at him. He grabbed hold of Ghost, wrestling him to the floor. He didn't let go, even as Ghost fought him. Steve kept talking him back to reality, saying anything he could think of to calm him down.
Terry and R. J. just stood there, taking in the wreckage. Finally Ghost quit struggling, and breathing hard, he came around. He seemed to not know what just happened. As Steve held him, they both sobbed. "It's ok, Ghost, you're ok now. We're all ok here...nobody's mad at you." He stroked Ghost's hair back.
"Steve, what happened? I don't feel good, and I don't remember stuff...where are we?" He looked around the room.
"It's ok, Ghost...we're at Terry's studio. You kinda messed up the kitchen, but we'll get it fixed. Don't worry about it."
"I'm sorry I don't listen, Steve. That's all I remember you saying."
Steve nodded into Ghost's hair. "Yeah, I'm sorry I said that. I'm not mad at you at all, though. I want you to feel better."
Ghost noticed Terry, then. "I remember you, now...you're Terry?" he asked. "I didn't mean to tear up your place. I'll clean it up," he said, as he tried to get on his feet, with Steve's help.
"It's ok, no big deal," Terry said. "How are you feeling, now?"
"My head hurts, but I'll fix this, ok?" Ghost said, then swayed, almost falling down.
"Steve," Terry said, "take him home...or to a doctor, or something. He's in no shape to be hanging around here. We'll talk business another time."
Steve agreed, and helped Ghost out to the car. Ghost leaned his head back on the seat, closing his eyes.
Terry spoke to Steve, there outside the car, "Steve, I didn't know it got this bad with Ghost. If I can help, in any way, you let me know, ok?"
"Ok, Terry...he's usually fine and can go months, then something sets it off. He's seen doctors about it, but they just say there's not much they can do, and just give him medicine. He's supposed to take it every day, but forgets sometimes." Steve breathed deep, and rubbed his hands over his face. "We deal with it. It doesn't last long."
Terry gave Steve a hug. "Well, stay strong. And, by the way, those songs...man...beautiful. Um...R. J. didn't want me to say anything, but I have to say, anyway...we were both wiping our eyes after hearing them." He cleared his throat. "And, it's all finished, except packaging."
"Thanks, Terry, I appreciate everything you do," Steve said. He looked in at Ghost. "I'll talk to ya tomorrow." He got in the car.
"Later, Dude," Terry said, and went back inside.
R. J. had started to pick things up in the break room. He looked up as Terry came in. "They gonna be ok?"
"I don't know, man, Steve says it will."
"I'm not lying, Terry...Ghost scared me half to death," R. J. said.
"I know, me too..." Terry said, as he began straightening things.
"They coming back tomorrow, ya think?"
"Steve said he'd call. Guess we'll just wait and see."
They worked awhile longer, putting things in order.
"R. J., why don't you go on home. You've done enough for now. I appreciate you staying, but I'm beat. This is good enough for now," Terry said. "I think I'm going over to see Kinsey."
"Ok...I'll come by in the morning...see what's happening," R. J. said, as he gathered up his things.
Terry locked the door behind them, as they left. He walked down the block, to the club. Kinsey was in his office, as he heard Terry knocking at the back door.
"Hey, Terry...how's it going?" Kinsey asked. "I was just thinking of coming over there."
Terry went into the office, and sat on the couch.
"What is it, Terry," asked Kinsey, as he noticed Terry's down mood.
Terry shook his head. "Kinsey, I don't even know where to start."
Kinsey waited for more information.
"Good thing you didn't come over. The place is a wreck...well, R. J. and I cleaned it up, but damn...you wouldn't believe how violent Ghost can get." He looked up at Kinsey, who was frowning.
"What? What are you talking about?"
"Ghost...he was mad at Steve for some silly reason, and he went in the break room and destroyed it. He threw shit everywhere, broke everything he could get his hands on...I'm telling ya, Kinsey, I've never seen him that way...ever."
"Is he ok?"
"Yeah, Steve finally got him calmed down, and took him home." He paused a minute, shaking his head. "I think that kid's got more problems than Steve can handle. When that fit, or whatever it was, was over, he kinda woke up, and didn't even know what he'd done. He didn't know where he was, or even who I was. He scared the crap outta me and R. J."
"Sounds like he had a pretty bad one," Kinsey said. "I've seen a few...scary as hell, but he snaps out of it pretty fast. Steve knows how to handle it."
"Um-hmm, I guess so, but still in the back of my mind...and I hate thinking this...but I think Steve caused it to get worse, ya know...since that time..." Terry said.
Kinsey nodded, and said, "Oh, I know he did, Terry, but that's water under the bridge. What's done is done, and we all go on, one way or another."
"Yeah, well, I feel so bad for Ghost...he never asked for any of it. And then, I feel bad for Steve, too...'cause he has to remember every day what he did. I admit, he's taken responsibility, and is doing the best he can, but damn, I just wish things were easier for them," Terry said.
"Me and you both," Kinsey said.
"Ok, enough...I'm almost done with their CD. I'll probably finish it up tomorrow, then I'm free to take off. How 'bout you?" Terry asked.
"Any time, just say the word, and I grab my bags, and we're out the door."
"Great, I'm ready to get outta Dodge," Terry said.
~
Steve drove home much slower than he'd driven over to Terry's, earlier. He kept looking over at Ghost, who was rubbing his face, around his eyes. "You gonna be sick," he asked.
"No, I don't think so. I'm just hungry," Ghost said.
"I'll fix us something when we get to the house, then," Steve said. He'd not eaten all day, and Ghost had only had the biscuit and bacon at Kinsey's, this morning. As Steve went into their kitchen, to find something to fix, Ghost curled up on the couch, with a blanket. Spirit joined him, purring. Steve took a second to look in at them, smiling as he saw them cuddled up together. He finished the simple supper of toasted waffles, and scrambled eggs, and brought Ghost a plate.
"Here ya go, Ghost," he said, setting the full plate, and a glass of milk, on the coffee table. He brought in his own plate, too, and sat beside Ghost, who had already started eating.
"This is so good, Steve"
"Glad ya like it," Steve said. After a few minutes, he asked, "Have you been taking your medicine the doctor gave you?"
Ghost shrugged, and frowned. "Sometimes...but I don't like it."
"But, you're supposed to take it every day. It helps you to feel better, and not have so many of your spells, and headaches."
"I know," Ghost said, sighing. "But, it makes me feel weird too, and I really do forget to take it. You're just mad because of today, aren't you?"
"I'm not mad. I can't be mad that you have a spell. I just worry about you."
"I know, and I'll try to be better..."
"And take your meds?"
"I guess so."
"How ya feeling now?"
"Better, now that I got to eat."
"Good," Steve said. "Oh, Terry said he was done with the CD, except for packaging it. He liked all the songs, too."
"He did? I'm glad, but you know what? I knew they would, and I know they cried...him and R. J. ... Those songs make me cry too, Steve. Not in a bad way...just 'cause they mean so much to me...to us."
"I know, me too," Steve said. "Well, if you're up to it, we'll go in and help put them together tomorrow, then. How's that sound?"
"Yeah, I want to do that," Ghost said. "But, Terry might not want me to come back, ya know...after...after I wrecked the place, but Steve, I didn't mean to. And, I didn't want to be mad at you either, but it just...I don't know, something just made me do it."
"Yeah, I know, and Terry understands...he's not mad, though. So, don't worry about it. Ok, then," Steve said, getting up. "I'm gonna clean these dishes. You just take it easy. Go take your medicine, too." He carried the dishes back to the kitchen.
Ghost went to get his meds, Spirit galloping behind him. On his way to get a glass of water in the kitchen, their phone rang. Steve didn't hear it, as the water was running in the sink. Ghost stared at the phone. It was on the table by the couch. He was afraid to touch it, after all that had happened today. It kept on ringing, so he finally did pick it up, and ran to give it to Steve.
"Here, I don't know which button to push," he said in a rush.
Steve grabbed it..."Hello? Oh, hi Zach...yeah, that's great...Thanksgiving? Sure, sounds good. Ok, later." He hung up. "That was Zach. They finished moving into their new house, and want us to come over for Thanksgiving dinner. That sound good to you?"
"Oh, yeah, I wanna go," Ghost said.
"Ok, that's settled, then." He went back to finish up the dish washing.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 165
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 165
warning...adult content
~
In the studio, Terry and R. J. had finished laying their tracks, and Terry was now putting the final touches on the mixing, for the master CD. He'd heard parts of the songs, but he never really liked to hear the completed track until it was all put together. The technical side took most of his attention, so he'd hear the final version when he was done.
R. J. was just hanging out, waiting to hear it. "Hey, Terry, why aren't Steve and Ghost here? They have the final ok on it."
"Well, Steve said he didn't want to be here when we hear it. I guess he's still not very confident about his own singing that much," Terry said.
"I like how he sings...it's different from everybody else," R. J. said.
"I think so to," Terry said. "Well, that's about all I can do to it for now. He wanted us to listen to it, then he and Ghost will come in later, to give their yea or nay." He put the first burned CD on to play.
"I'm ready," R. J. said, as he pulled up a chair.
The songs they'd done all together, in the first session, sounded great. Everything came together like they'd planned. The next part was all the songs Steve and Ghost had done at home. As the first one began, R. J. looked confused.
"What happened? They're just talking...that's not part of the song."
"I know, but Steve said leave everything in, so that's what was on there, just like he wanted."
Terry started this first cut over, so they could actually pay attention. They heard the recorder switch on, and a few practice notes. Then Steve began talking about how he'd come to write this song, *"Stars". He started the soft melody and words, and as he went on, the song built. Steve's emotions came through with no doubt.
Terry and R. J. looked at each other, their surprise evident on their faces. In the background, they could hear Ghost humming to harmonize with Steve. As they continued, Steve's voice broke, and they could hear Ghost sobbing. Somehow, Steve finished the song, and there was only the sound of Ghost's pain, as Steve talked to him in low, comforting words. Then the machine was switched off.
Terry had put his head down on the table during this, and R. J. was sniffling, and wiping tears off his face. They just sat there for a few minutes, taking in what they'd heard. Terry stopped the playback then, before the next song had started.
"Terry, you ok?" R. J. asked.
"Um-hmm," Terry said, sniffling and wiping his own eyes. "I don't have words, R. J." he said. "I have never, ever before been moved to tears like that, from a song."
"I know, me either."
They sat there in silence, a few minutes more. "You ready for the next one?" Terry asked.
"I don't know, man...I don't know if I can take any more."
But, they did listen to the rest. They were all heartfelt, and emotional, but not as chill producing as the first one.
"That's all of them, then," Terry said. "I can see why now that Steve said they'd never do these at a show."
"Yeah, I couldn't do them, either," R. J. said.
Terry cleared his throat, trying to get back to business. "Ok, well, all that's left is their go-ahead, and printing all this up, and packaging them...then that's it...ready to go."
"Ok, guess I'll go on home, then," R. J. said.
"But, they're coming back in, probably won't be long now. I told them about four hours. Don't you want to stay until they get here?"
"No, not now. I wouldn't know what to say, and I might start crying again," R. J. said.
"Dude, what? You scared to look at them now...now that they poured out their hearts?" Terry asked.
"Yeah, I am, Terry...it'd be awkward. I'd look at them different."
"R. J., Steve and Ghost are your best friends...the same today as all the days and years before today. They want and need your and my support. I say you should stay, Dude. Besides, we can be awkward together." Terry laughed, hoping to lighten the mood.
"Oh, well, when ya put it that way, guess I'll stay."
"Good, 'cause here they come now," Terry said, as he saw them drive up to the shop. "They look the same as always...two goofy guys," he said.
Steve had forgotten to call before they drove over, but had timed it just about right. He and Ghost got out of the car, and walked up the sidewalk to the shop's door, as Terry and R. J. watched out the window.
"Don't say I cried," R. J. told Terry.
"Ok, I won't, if you won't," Terry said.
~
As Steve and Ghost walked in, they were arguing about something. They stopped, just inside the door, and Steve was saying, "No, Ghost, not like that. I told you, don't push that button. It turns everything off."
Ghost was holding his new phone, and pushing all the buttons. "But, I forgot, and now what do I do? Can you fix it?"
"Let me see it...give it here...I swear, Ghost..." Steve was frowning, as he yanked the phone out of Ghost's hand. "This one...don't ever push it again, ok?" He handed the phone back.
"But, why is it here, then, if I can't touch it? That don't make no sense at all," Ghost said.
"Just don't...it has nothing to do with talking on the phone," Steve said. "Just do what I showed you...nothing else."
"Ok, fine," Ghost said. He frowned, and shoved the phone back at Steve. "Here, then...I don't even want it no more. You're being mean." He stomped off to the break room.
Steve gritted his teeth, and growled. "Get back here. You're acting like a jerk, Ghost. I'm trying to show you how...you just won't listen."
But Ghost didn't come back. He was banging things around in the kitchen, trying to let off steam, and find some coffee. Steve shook his head in frustration. Looking at the ceiling, and rolling his eyes, he said, "Dear Lord, help me."
Then he noticed Terry and R. J. staring at him. They'd not said a word.
"Uh, sorry guys...just another day in paradise," Steve said, trying to joke about the argument.
He came over to the table. "So, how'd it come out, Terry?"
"Uh, fine, Steve," Terry said. He looked over toward the break room, where Ghost was still banging things around. "Is he gonna be ok?"
Steve shrugged, "Yeah, he'll get over it. I was just showing him how to use this new phone, except...HE WON'T PAY ATTENTION...STOP WRECKING TERRY'S KITCHEN, GHOST."
"Fuck you, Steve," Ghost yelled back, and threw something else against the wall, where it shattered.
They all jumped. "Ok, I'm putting a stop to this, right now, before he destroys the place," Terry said, getting up.
~
*"Stars" - as performed by Amanda Brown, on the Voice - Original written by Grace Potter, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Released 2012, label - Hollywood, from the album "The Lion the Beast the Beat"
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 165
warning...adult content
~
In the studio, Terry and R. J. had finished laying their tracks, and Terry was now putting the final touches on the mixing, for the master CD. He'd heard parts of the songs, but he never really liked to hear the completed track until it was all put together. The technical side took most of his attention, so he'd hear the final version when he was done.
R. J. was just hanging out, waiting to hear it. "Hey, Terry, why aren't Steve and Ghost here? They have the final ok on it."
"Well, Steve said he didn't want to be here when we hear it. I guess he's still not very confident about his own singing that much," Terry said.
"I like how he sings...it's different from everybody else," R. J. said.
"I think so to," Terry said. "Well, that's about all I can do to it for now. He wanted us to listen to it, then he and Ghost will come in later, to give their yea or nay." He put the first burned CD on to play.
"I'm ready," R. J. said, as he pulled up a chair.
The songs they'd done all together, in the first session, sounded great. Everything came together like they'd planned. The next part was all the songs Steve and Ghost had done at home. As the first one began, R. J. looked confused.
"What happened? They're just talking...that's not part of the song."
"I know, but Steve said leave everything in, so that's what was on there, just like he wanted."
Terry started this first cut over, so they could actually pay attention. They heard the recorder switch on, and a few practice notes. Then Steve began talking about how he'd come to write this song, *"Stars". He started the soft melody and words, and as he went on, the song built. Steve's emotions came through with no doubt.
Terry and R. J. looked at each other, their surprise evident on their faces. In the background, they could hear Ghost humming to harmonize with Steve. As they continued, Steve's voice broke, and they could hear Ghost sobbing. Somehow, Steve finished the song, and there was only the sound of Ghost's pain, as Steve talked to him in low, comforting words. Then the machine was switched off.
Terry had put his head down on the table during this, and R. J. was sniffling, and wiping tears off his face. They just sat there for a few minutes, taking in what they'd heard. Terry stopped the playback then, before the next song had started.
"Terry, you ok?" R. J. asked.
"Um-hmm," Terry said, sniffling and wiping his own eyes. "I don't have words, R. J." he said. "I have never, ever before been moved to tears like that, from a song."
"I know, me either."
They sat there in silence, a few minutes more. "You ready for the next one?" Terry asked.
"I don't know, man...I don't know if I can take any more."
But, they did listen to the rest. They were all heartfelt, and emotional, but not as chill producing as the first one.
"That's all of them, then," Terry said. "I can see why now that Steve said they'd never do these at a show."
"Yeah, I couldn't do them, either," R. J. said.
Terry cleared his throat, trying to get back to business. "Ok, well, all that's left is their go-ahead, and printing all this up, and packaging them...then that's it...ready to go."
"Ok, guess I'll go on home, then," R. J. said.
"But, they're coming back in, probably won't be long now. I told them about four hours. Don't you want to stay until they get here?"
"No, not now. I wouldn't know what to say, and I might start crying again," R. J. said.
"Dude, what? You scared to look at them now...now that they poured out their hearts?" Terry asked.
"Yeah, I am, Terry...it'd be awkward. I'd look at them different."
"R. J., Steve and Ghost are your best friends...the same today as all the days and years before today. They want and need your and my support. I say you should stay, Dude. Besides, we can be awkward together." Terry laughed, hoping to lighten the mood.
"Oh, well, when ya put it that way, guess I'll stay."
"Good, 'cause here they come now," Terry said, as he saw them drive up to the shop. "They look the same as always...two goofy guys," he said.
Steve had forgotten to call before they drove over, but had timed it just about right. He and Ghost got out of the car, and walked up the sidewalk to the shop's door, as Terry and R. J. watched out the window.
"Don't say I cried," R. J. told Terry.
"Ok, I won't, if you won't," Terry said.
~
As Steve and Ghost walked in, they were arguing about something. They stopped, just inside the door, and Steve was saying, "No, Ghost, not like that. I told you, don't push that button. It turns everything off."
Ghost was holding his new phone, and pushing all the buttons. "But, I forgot, and now what do I do? Can you fix it?"
"Let me see it...give it here...I swear, Ghost..." Steve was frowning, as he yanked the phone out of Ghost's hand. "This one...don't ever push it again, ok?" He handed the phone back.
"But, why is it here, then, if I can't touch it? That don't make no sense at all," Ghost said.
"Just don't...it has nothing to do with talking on the phone," Steve said. "Just do what I showed you...nothing else."
"Ok, fine," Ghost said. He frowned, and shoved the phone back at Steve. "Here, then...I don't even want it no more. You're being mean." He stomped off to the break room.
Steve gritted his teeth, and growled. "Get back here. You're acting like a jerk, Ghost. I'm trying to show you how...you just won't listen."
But Ghost didn't come back. He was banging things around in the kitchen, trying to let off steam, and find some coffee. Steve shook his head in frustration. Looking at the ceiling, and rolling his eyes, he said, "Dear Lord, help me."
Then he noticed Terry and R. J. staring at him. They'd not said a word.
"Uh, sorry guys...just another day in paradise," Steve said, trying to joke about the argument.
He came over to the table. "So, how'd it come out, Terry?"
"Uh, fine, Steve," Terry said. He looked over toward the break room, where Ghost was still banging things around. "Is he gonna be ok?"
Steve shrugged, "Yeah, he'll get over it. I was just showing him how to use this new phone, except...HE WON'T PAY ATTENTION...STOP WRECKING TERRY'S KITCHEN, GHOST."
"Fuck you, Steve," Ghost yelled back, and threw something else against the wall, where it shattered.
They all jumped. "Ok, I'm putting a stop to this, right now, before he destroys the place," Terry said, getting up.
~
*"Stars" - as performed by Amanda Brown, on the Voice - Original written by Grace Potter, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Released 2012, label - Hollywood, from the album "The Lion the Beast the Beat"
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Sunday, May 3, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 164
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 164
warning...adult content
~
Terry and Steve continued discussing the mixing and burning of the songs onto the CD. Ghost was at the counter, still drinking his coffee, inhaling the steam, as he closed his eyes, almost going back to sleep. R. J. came over to talk.
"So, did Steve get in the mood, last night?" he asked.
"Huh? He sang the songs...we both did," Ghost said. He looked R. J. in the eyes, "and, I'm not gonna answer the next question you're thinking of, so don't even ask it."
"Ok, ok," R. J. said, backing off. He went over to see what Steve and Terry were talking about.
"You ready to record your bass lines, now," Terry asked.
R. J. nodded, "Sure," he said, going to get his guitar, and going into the recording booth. It didn't take him long to do his parts.
Then it was Terry's turn on his drums. While he was doing that, Steve was listing everything else that needed to be done. He'd given Terry the photograph, of himself and Ghost that they were to use for the CD cover, just as it was, and also the notes Ghost had written for it, including the front cover script.
Terry finished his drumming, then went to see what Steve had gotten done.
"I'm impressed, Steve," he said. "This is really coming together."
"Yeah, it's looking good," Steve said, agreeing. "There's something else...I want you to go ahead and mix the whole thing, and then Ghost and I'll listen to it first, before we make the rest. I don't want to make any changes at all to our parts. Just take it for what it is, ok...leave it all in. And, we aren't going to be here when you first hear these. I'm nervous about it enough already. I couldn't deal with seeing your reaction, right now. Just promise me you'll leave everything in," Steve said.
"Ok, Steve, what you say, goes...no changes. I got it." He thought for a minute. "You know people are going to hear it...I mean you plan on selling these, and I guess we'll play them at the live shows? You've never been nervous about y'all's songs before, why now?"
Steve looked down at the papers on the work table, shuffling them around, then sighed. "Terry...just listen to them. And, I don't know that we'll ever do these ones at a show. I don't think either one of us could get through them."
Terry shrugged, "Ok, dude, I get it...I think. Well, let me get started then. Y'all can go. In fact, why don't you go get a phone. I'm gonna have to get a carrier pigeon to run messages over to y'all. Gas costs too much to be driving out there all the time," he said.
"Good idea," Steve said. He looked over at the counter. Ghost was still there, but had his head down, fast asleep. "Hey, Ghost, wake up...we got stuff to do."
"I'm awake...I'm coming," Ghost said.
"Later, Terry," Steve said, as he and Ghost went out to the car.
~
"Where did Kinsey get the phone he gave us? Was it here in town somewhere?" Steve asked.
"I don't know. We could go ask him," Ghost said.
"Yeah, probably should," Steve said. He drove over to the club.
As they went in the back door, they didn't see Kinsey in his office, but the light was on. The rest of the club was in darkness.
"Is he here?" Ghost asked.
"Maybe he's upstairs, let's go see," Steve said.
After knocking on Kinsey's apartment door, Kinsey greeted them. "Hey, guys, come on in. I'm just being lazy today. Y'all want some coffee?"
They'd been here a lot in the past, but not so much recently. Kinsey's place was always warm and inviting, though. The tv was playing an old black and white movie, and a table lamp cast it's glow over the living room. Leading them into the kitchen, Kinsey, then poured them all a fresh cup of coffee.
Ghost spied some leftover bacon and biscuits, on the stove, and said, "Can I have that? We haven't had breakfast, yet."
"Sure, go ahead," Kinsey said. "What brings y'all over so early?"
"I broke the phone you gave us, and I was going to get another one. Where did you get it...here in town?"
"Yeah, there's a little branch phone place, over in the drug store, kinda in the back. They can set you up with one," Kinsey said. "What happened to the other one...you said it broke?"
"Yeah, well...I thought it got possessed by the evil spirit, and so I stomped on it," Steve said.
"You're not serious?"
"Yeah, I am, Kinsey. We were all scared of it, so I stomped it to pieces."
"It burned me," Ghost said.
Kinsey looked over at Ghost, who was still prowling around the kitchen, looking into cabinets, drawers, and the refrigerator. Frowning, Kinsey didn't even question, Steve's statement about the phone being possessed. They watched Ghost, as he and Steve continued talking.
"We finished our songs for the new CD," Steve said. "Now, Terry's over there mixing it, and getting it all on there. It will be ready any day now."
"Hey, that's great," Kinsey said. "Can't wait to hear them. Y'all will do a show, when we get back, won't you?"
"We plan on it, but keep us up to date. We'll need a day or two to get ready...oh, but maybe you'll need more time to rest up after you get home from all the travelling?"
Kinsey nodded, "I have a feeling we may need a few days, Steve, so maybe give us a week or so, before I open this place up again. I expect we'll be leaving as soon as y'all's business is done over at Terry's. I still want you to come by here to pick up any mail. Just generally check up on things, Steve."
"Don't worry, we'll keep an eye on things. You just have a good time."
"I will, and in case I don't see you before we leave, I'll tell ya bye now," Kinsey said. He reached into his pocket, then handed Steve the keys to the club.
"Ok, well, guess we should get going...you ready, Ghost?" Steve asked.
Ghost nodded, and came over to Kinsey, giving him a big hug. "Have fun on your vacation, Kinsey. I'll miss you," he said.
"Believe it or not, I'll miss you guys, too," Kinsey said. He walked with them downstairs.
"See ya, Kinsey," Steve said. He and Ghost headed off to the drug store, to find a phone.
~
At the drug store, Steve headed back to where he saw a hanging sign, advertising phones. Ghost had time to look around. There were decorations, knick-knacks, and cards, for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, on display. They all caught his eye. As he read some of the cards, he laughed at the ones that had turkey jokes.
Steve took awhile to choose which phone and plan he wanted, and debated whether to get a second one, for Ghost. He figured that Ghost had learned how to use the other phone, pretty good, and one of his own would make him happy, so he got the second one. Then, he went to find Ghost, who was over by the pharmacy. He heard part of their conversation. Ghost was explaining herbs and potions to the pharmacist. The funny thing was, the guy actually was interested in Ghost's ramblings.
He smiled, and listened for a few minutes. Ghost could hold his own on this subject, and the clerk was giving it right back to him. At a pause, Steve said, "Hey, Ghost, you ready? We should get going, now."
"Ok," Ghost said, and then to add one more parting word, he said, "Hey Steve, this here is Tommy, and he knows medicines and stuff. And, Tommy, this here is my boyfriend, Steve."
Steve and Tommy nodded and smiled to each other. "Your friend here, is quite the expert on the subject, himself. I'm impressed," Tommy said. "And, I've actually been over to the Yew when y'all were doing a show. Love your style, guys. When's the next one?"
"Soon, maybe in a few weeks. We'll put up flyers," Steve said.
"Well, y'all take care..." Tommy said, as he went back to work.
~
Back in the car, Steve showed the phones to Ghost. "These will be ready to use, as soon as the batteries get charged up."
"Cool, Steve," Ghost said, not quite as interested as Steve had thought he'd be.
"You know what I saw in there?" Ghost asked. "Thanksgiving stuff..."
"Yeah, it's coming up," Steve said.
"Are we gonna do anything?"
"Like what...I guess eat, and watch football, same as always," Steve said.
Ghost thought about it a minute. "Oh, this is the one without presents, huh?"
Steve laughed. "No, afraid not...no presents for this one...sorry."
As they drove down the main street, they passed by the record shop. "Wonder how Terry's getting on with the recording?" Steve asked.
Ghost shrugged. "You want to stop in to see?"
"Naw not yet, I'm just going home for now, get these charged up. Then we'll call him, and see how it's going," Steve said.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 164
warning...adult content
~
Terry and Steve continued discussing the mixing and burning of the songs onto the CD. Ghost was at the counter, still drinking his coffee, inhaling the steam, as he closed his eyes, almost going back to sleep. R. J. came over to talk.
"So, did Steve get in the mood, last night?" he asked.
"Huh? He sang the songs...we both did," Ghost said. He looked R. J. in the eyes, "and, I'm not gonna answer the next question you're thinking of, so don't even ask it."
"Ok, ok," R. J. said, backing off. He went over to see what Steve and Terry were talking about.
"You ready to record your bass lines, now," Terry asked.
R. J. nodded, "Sure," he said, going to get his guitar, and going into the recording booth. It didn't take him long to do his parts.
Then it was Terry's turn on his drums. While he was doing that, Steve was listing everything else that needed to be done. He'd given Terry the photograph, of himself and Ghost that they were to use for the CD cover, just as it was, and also the notes Ghost had written for it, including the front cover script.
Terry finished his drumming, then went to see what Steve had gotten done.
"I'm impressed, Steve," he said. "This is really coming together."
"Yeah, it's looking good," Steve said, agreeing. "There's something else...I want you to go ahead and mix the whole thing, and then Ghost and I'll listen to it first, before we make the rest. I don't want to make any changes at all to our parts. Just take it for what it is, ok...leave it all in. And, we aren't going to be here when you first hear these. I'm nervous about it enough already. I couldn't deal with seeing your reaction, right now. Just promise me you'll leave everything in," Steve said.
"Ok, Steve, what you say, goes...no changes. I got it." He thought for a minute. "You know people are going to hear it...I mean you plan on selling these, and I guess we'll play them at the live shows? You've never been nervous about y'all's songs before, why now?"
Steve looked down at the papers on the work table, shuffling them around, then sighed. "Terry...just listen to them. And, I don't know that we'll ever do these ones at a show. I don't think either one of us could get through them."
Terry shrugged, "Ok, dude, I get it...I think. Well, let me get started then. Y'all can go. In fact, why don't you go get a phone. I'm gonna have to get a carrier pigeon to run messages over to y'all. Gas costs too much to be driving out there all the time," he said.
"Good idea," Steve said. He looked over at the counter. Ghost was still there, but had his head down, fast asleep. "Hey, Ghost, wake up...we got stuff to do."
"I'm awake...I'm coming," Ghost said.
"Later, Terry," Steve said, as he and Ghost went out to the car.
~
"Where did Kinsey get the phone he gave us? Was it here in town somewhere?" Steve asked.
"I don't know. We could go ask him," Ghost said.
"Yeah, probably should," Steve said. He drove over to the club.
As they went in the back door, they didn't see Kinsey in his office, but the light was on. The rest of the club was in darkness.
"Is he here?" Ghost asked.
"Maybe he's upstairs, let's go see," Steve said.
After knocking on Kinsey's apartment door, Kinsey greeted them. "Hey, guys, come on in. I'm just being lazy today. Y'all want some coffee?"
They'd been here a lot in the past, but not so much recently. Kinsey's place was always warm and inviting, though. The tv was playing an old black and white movie, and a table lamp cast it's glow over the living room. Leading them into the kitchen, Kinsey, then poured them all a fresh cup of coffee.
Ghost spied some leftover bacon and biscuits, on the stove, and said, "Can I have that? We haven't had breakfast, yet."
"Sure, go ahead," Kinsey said. "What brings y'all over so early?"
"I broke the phone you gave us, and I was going to get another one. Where did you get it...here in town?"
"Yeah, there's a little branch phone place, over in the drug store, kinda in the back. They can set you up with one," Kinsey said. "What happened to the other one...you said it broke?"
"Yeah, well...I thought it got possessed by the evil spirit, and so I stomped on it," Steve said.
"You're not serious?"
"Yeah, I am, Kinsey. We were all scared of it, so I stomped it to pieces."
"It burned me," Ghost said.
Kinsey looked over at Ghost, who was still prowling around the kitchen, looking into cabinets, drawers, and the refrigerator. Frowning, Kinsey didn't even question, Steve's statement about the phone being possessed. They watched Ghost, as he and Steve continued talking.
"We finished our songs for the new CD," Steve said. "Now, Terry's over there mixing it, and getting it all on there. It will be ready any day now."
"Hey, that's great," Kinsey said. "Can't wait to hear them. Y'all will do a show, when we get back, won't you?"
"We plan on it, but keep us up to date. We'll need a day or two to get ready...oh, but maybe you'll need more time to rest up after you get home from all the travelling?"
Kinsey nodded, "I have a feeling we may need a few days, Steve, so maybe give us a week or so, before I open this place up again. I expect we'll be leaving as soon as y'all's business is done over at Terry's. I still want you to come by here to pick up any mail. Just generally check up on things, Steve."
"Don't worry, we'll keep an eye on things. You just have a good time."
"I will, and in case I don't see you before we leave, I'll tell ya bye now," Kinsey said. He reached into his pocket, then handed Steve the keys to the club.
"Ok, well, guess we should get going...you ready, Ghost?" Steve asked.
Ghost nodded, and came over to Kinsey, giving him a big hug. "Have fun on your vacation, Kinsey. I'll miss you," he said.
"Believe it or not, I'll miss you guys, too," Kinsey said. He walked with them downstairs.
"See ya, Kinsey," Steve said. He and Ghost headed off to the drug store, to find a phone.
~
At the drug store, Steve headed back to where he saw a hanging sign, advertising phones. Ghost had time to look around. There were decorations, knick-knacks, and cards, for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, on display. They all caught his eye. As he read some of the cards, he laughed at the ones that had turkey jokes.
Steve took awhile to choose which phone and plan he wanted, and debated whether to get a second one, for Ghost. He figured that Ghost had learned how to use the other phone, pretty good, and one of his own would make him happy, so he got the second one. Then, he went to find Ghost, who was over by the pharmacy. He heard part of their conversation. Ghost was explaining herbs and potions to the pharmacist. The funny thing was, the guy actually was interested in Ghost's ramblings.
He smiled, and listened for a few minutes. Ghost could hold his own on this subject, and the clerk was giving it right back to him. At a pause, Steve said, "Hey, Ghost, you ready? We should get going, now."
"Ok," Ghost said, and then to add one more parting word, he said, "Hey Steve, this here is Tommy, and he knows medicines and stuff. And, Tommy, this here is my boyfriend, Steve."
Steve and Tommy nodded and smiled to each other. "Your friend here, is quite the expert on the subject, himself. I'm impressed," Tommy said. "And, I've actually been over to the Yew when y'all were doing a show. Love your style, guys. When's the next one?"
"Soon, maybe in a few weeks. We'll put up flyers," Steve said.
"Well, y'all take care..." Tommy said, as he went back to work.
~
Back in the car, Steve showed the phones to Ghost. "These will be ready to use, as soon as the batteries get charged up."
"Cool, Steve," Ghost said, not quite as interested as Steve had thought he'd be.
"You know what I saw in there?" Ghost asked. "Thanksgiving stuff..."
"Yeah, it's coming up," Steve said.
"Are we gonna do anything?"
"Like what...I guess eat, and watch football, same as always," Steve said.
Ghost thought about it a minute. "Oh, this is the one without presents, huh?"
Steve laughed. "No, afraid not...no presents for this one...sorry."
As they drove down the main street, they passed by the record shop. "Wonder how Terry's getting on with the recording?" Steve asked.
Ghost shrugged. "You want to stop in to see?"
"Naw not yet, I'm just going home for now, get these charged up. Then we'll call him, and see how it's going," Steve said.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Friday, May 1, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 163
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 163
warning...adult content
~
As Steve drove down the highway to the house, he was worrying about how to record the songs he'd written. "Ghost, I don't know if I can get these done. It's just...I don't know. I like the songs, and when I wrote them, it was exactly what I was feeling. I still feel that way, but how do I get it back, to transfer those feelings to the CD?" he sighed.
"The other time, for the tape we made, those were more for fun songs, ya know. It was easy. But these ones, well crap...I just don't know how to do it. Maybe I should just forget it...put some other, older songs on there, and keep these ones for just us."
"Don't worry, Steve," Ghost said. "Don't think so hard on it. You'll see."
"But, you do it all the time...at home, at the shows...how do you go from everyday business, to singing with such total emotion that brings people right into your world?"
"I don't know, Steve, it just happens. If I'm happy, I sing it that way. If the words make me feel sad, it comes out sad," Ghost said. "You have to actually listen to the words you wrote, and hear the meaning you meant at the time. It all comes back, when you sing them, as when you wrote them."
"Thanks, Ghost, I think I see what you mean, and I'm gonna try my best, anyway."
~
They arrived home, and unloaded the equipment. It was late afternoon, now, and Ghost fixed them a light supper of cheese omelets and toast, while Steve set up the recorder, and got his guitar out. He went over the words to the songs, and played some chords. He was beginning to remember how he felt when he wrote them.
"Come eat, Steve," Ghost said, looking into the living room. He knew Steve was getting it.
After their meal, they went outside for awhile. Ghost stood at the porch railing, looking up into the sky, which was turning a velvety purple. The sun was throwing it's last rays of light onto the very tops of the pines. Below was already into twilight. He took deep breaths of the cool, pine scented air.
"It's nice out," he said.
"Yeah, I love this time of the year," said Steve.
"Me, too, but why is it a time?" Ghost asked.
"Huh? Oh, that's just a way of saying that right now is what you like...like the fall weather. There really isn't a time, like on a clock."
"Well, I don't get it, except that everything flows from one thing to the next, on and on, forever. You don't have to keep a time," Ghost said.
"You're right," Steve said.
Ghost shivered, and came to sit beside Steve on the porch swing. "Forever more, Steve, forever more," he whispered into the night.
They stayed there, slowly swinging back and forth for awhile...until Steve felt ready to try the songs.
"I'm bringing the equipment out here," Steve said. He went inside, and ran the electric cords, so they extended out the window to the porch. With his guitar, he sat back on the swing. Ghost just watched him, as he held the microphone.
On most of these last songs, Ghost only sang on parts of them. He could feel that Steve felt more at ease. It was a calm, starry night, and many times before, they'd sang to each other out here. It was cozy and intimate, just the two of them being together like this.
Steve played a bit of the tune, then nodded at Ghost, as he flipped on the machine, beginning the first song. It was *"Stars". This song he'd written long ago, when Ghost was gone away...he thought forever. It was him, pouring out his anguish and despair...and now, singing it to Ghost, with Ghost, under these same stars, brought out his emotions so strong, his voice broke several times.
Ghost was crying at the end of it. He'd heard parts of the song before, but only now could he feel exactly what Steve had felt at the time. It brought back so many memories. He was having a hard time getting control of his emotions, and put his head in his hands and sobbed.
"Ghost..." Steve whispered. "Ghost...please..." He went over and held Ghost close. "It's ok, Ghost...let it out...." Steve murmured into Ghost's hair. He knew Ghost had never completely dealt with his pain. After awhile his crying slowed.
"Steve, I can't...I can't do this...the other songs...it's too much," he said.
"Ghost, I know it's hard, but I need you to do this...with me."
"But, Steve, I don't deserve your beautiful songs...I just don't"
Steve was surprised to hear Ghost say that. "Ghost, don't ever think that. I just wrote what I felt, and to me it's not nearly enough. You deserve my whole love for you, and so much more. Can't you see that?"
Ghost was shaking his head.
"Look at me," Steve said. "Believe it, babe, 'cause I meant every word." He kissed Ghost's tears away.
They took a small break, then began the next song, *"Perfect". This one was easier, as they'd worked on it a few times, getting their parts in order. They got through it fairly quickly, and the rest of them went well, too. By the time all the songs were finished, it was almost dawn, and Steve's voice was about gone. They went inside, had a bowl of cereal, and crashed into bed, hoping for a few hours of sleep.
However, it seemed like no time had passed, when there was a loud knocking on their door. Steve got up, and opened the front door. It was R. J.
"What?" Steve asked.
"Dude, Terry's waiting for y'all. He couldn't call 'cause your phone is broke. He ordered me to come and drag y'all into the studio."
"Shit, we aren't even awake yet, R. J. He's just gonna have to wait. We'll be in as soon as we can. Go tell Terry we finished all the songs...we were up all night."
"Ok, Steve, but hurry," R. J. said.
Steve went to wake Ghost. "We gotta get up and get over there," Steve said, on his way to the bathroom.
Ghost rolled out of bed, and stumbled into the kitchen, to make coffee.
"What are you doing?" Steve asked, as he came into the kitchen. "We don't have time for that. We'll get a coffee at the store, when we get to town."
"They aren't going anywhere...they'll wait," Ghost said, through a big yawn.
"Fine, I'll load up, but try to hurry, ok?"
But, Ghost never got in a hurry. He fed Spirit, and went to get dressed. Steve clomped back into the house, straight to Ghost and propelled him toward the door. "Come on, everything is loaded up," he said. "I don't want Terry to wait too long. R. J. said he was getting impatient, already."
"R. J. was here?"
"Yep, Terry sent him out here. I really need to get another phone."
Finally in the car, barreling down the highway toward town, Ghost asked, "Hey, how come we never used to have a phone, and we did ok, but now when we had one, and then we don't have it, it gets hard to not have one?"
"What? Oh, I get it," Steve answered. "Guess you don't miss what you don't have, at first, then when you have it, then it's gone, you feel like you need it." He looked over at Ghost. "What the hell did I just say? I swear, Ghost, I'm starting to sound like you."
Ghost grinned. "Yeah, and I understand you a lot better, now."
"Well, good, 'cause I don't," Steve said.
He pulled up in front of the convenience store, and ran in to get them some coffee. Then driving over to the studio, he turned off the car's engine, and took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves.
"All this rushing around got me all jangly."
"You need your coffee, then. It'll calm you down," Ghost said. He took a huge swallow of his own hot coffee.
"I doubt that," Steve said, but he drank his down in only a couple of mouthfuls. "Let's get this stuff inside," he said.
They lugged in the recording equipment, then turned to find Terry and R. J. staring at them. "Well, look who showed up," Terry said. "Sleeping beauties get all rested?
"Don't start, Terry," Steve said. "We were up all night...everything's finished. Now, it's you and R. J.'s time to go to work." He began going over what needed to be done.
"I know, I know, just ragging on ya, Dude," Terry said.
~
*"Stars", as performed by Amanda Brown on the Voice, written by Grace Potter (Grace Potter and the Nocturnals), released 2012, on the label Hollywood, from the album "The Lion the Beast the Beat"
*"Fuckin' Perfect", Pink, written by Pink - Max Martin - Shellback, released Dec 14, 2010, label LaFace - RCA, single from the album "Greatest Hits...So Far!!!"
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 163
warning...adult content
~
As Steve drove down the highway to the house, he was worrying about how to record the songs he'd written. "Ghost, I don't know if I can get these done. It's just...I don't know. I like the songs, and when I wrote them, it was exactly what I was feeling. I still feel that way, but how do I get it back, to transfer those feelings to the CD?" he sighed.
"The other time, for the tape we made, those were more for fun songs, ya know. It was easy. But these ones, well crap...I just don't know how to do it. Maybe I should just forget it...put some other, older songs on there, and keep these ones for just us."
"Don't worry, Steve," Ghost said. "Don't think so hard on it. You'll see."
"But, you do it all the time...at home, at the shows...how do you go from everyday business, to singing with such total emotion that brings people right into your world?"
"I don't know, Steve, it just happens. If I'm happy, I sing it that way. If the words make me feel sad, it comes out sad," Ghost said. "You have to actually listen to the words you wrote, and hear the meaning you meant at the time. It all comes back, when you sing them, as when you wrote them."
"Thanks, Ghost, I think I see what you mean, and I'm gonna try my best, anyway."
~
They arrived home, and unloaded the equipment. It was late afternoon, now, and Ghost fixed them a light supper of cheese omelets and toast, while Steve set up the recorder, and got his guitar out. He went over the words to the songs, and played some chords. He was beginning to remember how he felt when he wrote them.
"Come eat, Steve," Ghost said, looking into the living room. He knew Steve was getting it.
After their meal, they went outside for awhile. Ghost stood at the porch railing, looking up into the sky, which was turning a velvety purple. The sun was throwing it's last rays of light onto the very tops of the pines. Below was already into twilight. He took deep breaths of the cool, pine scented air.
"It's nice out," he said.
"Yeah, I love this time of the year," said Steve.
"Me, too, but why is it a time?" Ghost asked.
"Huh? Oh, that's just a way of saying that right now is what you like...like the fall weather. There really isn't a time, like on a clock."
"Well, I don't get it, except that everything flows from one thing to the next, on and on, forever. You don't have to keep a time," Ghost said.
"You're right," Steve said.
Ghost shivered, and came to sit beside Steve on the porch swing. "Forever more, Steve, forever more," he whispered into the night.
They stayed there, slowly swinging back and forth for awhile...until Steve felt ready to try the songs.
"I'm bringing the equipment out here," Steve said. He went inside, and ran the electric cords, so they extended out the window to the porch. With his guitar, he sat back on the swing. Ghost just watched him, as he held the microphone.
On most of these last songs, Ghost only sang on parts of them. He could feel that Steve felt more at ease. It was a calm, starry night, and many times before, they'd sang to each other out here. It was cozy and intimate, just the two of them being together like this.
Steve played a bit of the tune, then nodded at Ghost, as he flipped on the machine, beginning the first song. It was *"Stars". This song he'd written long ago, when Ghost was gone away...he thought forever. It was him, pouring out his anguish and despair...and now, singing it to Ghost, with Ghost, under these same stars, brought out his emotions so strong, his voice broke several times.
Ghost was crying at the end of it. He'd heard parts of the song before, but only now could he feel exactly what Steve had felt at the time. It brought back so many memories. He was having a hard time getting control of his emotions, and put his head in his hands and sobbed.
"Ghost..." Steve whispered. "Ghost...please..." He went over and held Ghost close. "It's ok, Ghost...let it out...." Steve murmured into Ghost's hair. He knew Ghost had never completely dealt with his pain. After awhile his crying slowed.
"Steve, I can't...I can't do this...the other songs...it's too much," he said.
"Ghost, I know it's hard, but I need you to do this...with me."
"But, Steve, I don't deserve your beautiful songs...I just don't"
Steve was surprised to hear Ghost say that. "Ghost, don't ever think that. I just wrote what I felt, and to me it's not nearly enough. You deserve my whole love for you, and so much more. Can't you see that?"
Ghost was shaking his head.
"Look at me," Steve said. "Believe it, babe, 'cause I meant every word." He kissed Ghost's tears away.
They took a small break, then began the next song, *"Perfect". This one was easier, as they'd worked on it a few times, getting their parts in order. They got through it fairly quickly, and the rest of them went well, too. By the time all the songs were finished, it was almost dawn, and Steve's voice was about gone. They went inside, had a bowl of cereal, and crashed into bed, hoping for a few hours of sleep.
However, it seemed like no time had passed, when there was a loud knocking on their door. Steve got up, and opened the front door. It was R. J.
"What?" Steve asked.
"Dude, Terry's waiting for y'all. He couldn't call 'cause your phone is broke. He ordered me to come and drag y'all into the studio."
"Shit, we aren't even awake yet, R. J. He's just gonna have to wait. We'll be in as soon as we can. Go tell Terry we finished all the songs...we were up all night."
"Ok, Steve, but hurry," R. J. said.
Steve went to wake Ghost. "We gotta get up and get over there," Steve said, on his way to the bathroom.
Ghost rolled out of bed, and stumbled into the kitchen, to make coffee.
"What are you doing?" Steve asked, as he came into the kitchen. "We don't have time for that. We'll get a coffee at the store, when we get to town."
"They aren't going anywhere...they'll wait," Ghost said, through a big yawn.
"Fine, I'll load up, but try to hurry, ok?"
But, Ghost never got in a hurry. He fed Spirit, and went to get dressed. Steve clomped back into the house, straight to Ghost and propelled him toward the door. "Come on, everything is loaded up," he said. "I don't want Terry to wait too long. R. J. said he was getting impatient, already."
"R. J. was here?"
"Yep, Terry sent him out here. I really need to get another phone."
Finally in the car, barreling down the highway toward town, Ghost asked, "Hey, how come we never used to have a phone, and we did ok, but now when we had one, and then we don't have it, it gets hard to not have one?"
"What? Oh, I get it," Steve answered. "Guess you don't miss what you don't have, at first, then when you have it, then it's gone, you feel like you need it." He looked over at Ghost. "What the hell did I just say? I swear, Ghost, I'm starting to sound like you."
Ghost grinned. "Yeah, and I understand you a lot better, now."
"Well, good, 'cause I don't," Steve said.
He pulled up in front of the convenience store, and ran in to get them some coffee. Then driving over to the studio, he turned off the car's engine, and took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves.
"All this rushing around got me all jangly."
"You need your coffee, then. It'll calm you down," Ghost said. He took a huge swallow of his own hot coffee.
"I doubt that," Steve said, but he drank his down in only a couple of mouthfuls. "Let's get this stuff inside," he said.
They lugged in the recording equipment, then turned to find Terry and R. J. staring at them. "Well, look who showed up," Terry said. "Sleeping beauties get all rested?
"Don't start, Terry," Steve said. "We were up all night...everything's finished. Now, it's you and R. J.'s time to go to work." He began going over what needed to be done.
"I know, I know, just ragging on ya, Dude," Terry said.
~
*"Stars", as performed by Amanda Brown on the Voice, written by Grace Potter (Grace Potter and the Nocturnals), released 2012, on the label Hollywood, from the album "The Lion the Beast the Beat"
*"Fuckin' Perfect", Pink, written by Pink - Max Martin - Shellback, released Dec 14, 2010, label LaFace - RCA, single from the album "Greatest Hits...So Far!!!"
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
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