TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 230
warning...adult content
~
Inside the house, Steve came into the kitchen to see what was going on. "Hey, sisters," he said. "That sounds nice to say."
"Yes, it is nice to hear, too," Lisa said.
"So, what's the plan?" he asked.
They sat at the table, while Linda outlined her agenda.
"Ok, in the morning I have to really get busy packing some stuff, and separating what we're taking and what goes on the moving van. They'll be here tomorrow afternoon." She thought a minute. "We've already decided on what furniture I'll take, so I'll just point it out to them. Then, I guess the next morning, we can load up my car and the U-Haul that you'll be driving, Steve," she looked over at him. "We should go get one, sometime tomorrow. Seems like a lot to do, but I think it'll go pretty smoothly."
Steve nodded. "Ok, good, whatever you need done. We can map out our way home, and it'll take...oh...maybe four days, you think? We'll be staying in motels at night, right?"
"Yes, and I'm tired, already," Linda said, and laughed.
"We'll be fine, and I know Ghost will help with the kids," Steve said. "Where are they, anyway?"
Linda pointed to the back door. "See for yourself. They're out there having fun...and Kool-Aid." She and Lisa laughed.
"Kool-Aid? Man, that's a blast from the past. I haven't had that in years," Steve said. He went to the door and looked out to the back yard. Linda and Lisa joined him.
"We need a picture of this," Linda said. Lisa grabbed her phone, and snapped a few shots.
Ghost was still sitting on the grass, and Mandy had found a hairbrush in the playhouse. She was standing behind Ghost, brushing his long hair. She'd already put in a couple of braids, and pinned bows to the ends. Stevie was pretending to be a photographer, with a toy camera, taking shots at all angles.
They could hear Ghost talking, telling them how he'd been one of those papa guys once, for Halloween. They were all giggling.
"Ghost is such a good sport, letting them play and do his 'hair-do'," Linda said.
Steve smiled. "Aww, Ghost...he's amazing, Linda, and I braid his hair all the time. Well, I don't put bows in it, but he likes people messing with his hair. He told me once that it's relaxing."
Lisa handed Steve a cup of the Kool-Aid. "Here, this one if for you"
He took a drink. "Ahh, that's just like I remember it...so good."
"Well, I hate to break up their little party out there, but the kids have to come in for their baths before bedtime," Linda said. "We have to get an early start tomorrow."
You go get that started, and I'll wrangle them all in for ya," Steve said.
"You got a deal," Linda said.
Steve headed outside, and sat on the grass by Ghost. "Ya having fun?" he asked.
"Um-hmm, these kids are cool, Steve. I didn't know how I'd be. I mean, I never was around kids much, but really, they just want someone to play with them, and talk to them, and for someone to listen. They like my stories. And, they tell me make-believe stories, like I tell you...so yeah, we're having fun, and...we got Kool-Aid."
"I know, I had some, too," Steve said, laughing.
"Is my tongue red?" Ghost asked, sticking his out.
"Hah, yes...is mine?"
"Yep...hey, kids...stick out y'all's tongue. Let's see if they're red," Ghost said. They did, and they all started giggling. Lisa, from inside the house, started laughing, too.
They made funny faces at each other for a few minutes. "You kids are so silly," Steve said.
"Hahaha, Uncle Steve, we know," Stevie said.
"Yeah, we're silly," Mandy said.
They jumped on Steve, and pretended to wrestle him to the ground.
"Ok, ok, y'all win," Steve said. "And, now it's bath time for the both of you."
"No, no," they yelled.
"Yes, yes," Steve said, and stood up.
"Y'all get ready for bed, and I'll come tell a story," Ghost said.
"Ok," the kids hollered, and ran toward the house.
Steve looked down at Ghost. "You look silly, too. You have bows in your hair." He snickered.
Ghost smiled. "I don't care. They were having fun."
"Well, come on, let's go in," Steve said, holding out his hand to help Ghost up. They held hands, as they walked back to the house.
Inside, they could hear the kids splashing in the tub, and Linda talking, and an occasional squeal, as she got water splashed on her. Bill was still watching TV, but looked up as Steve and Ghost came and sat on the couch. He did a double-take at seeing Ghost's hair.
"What happened to you?" he asked.
"Kids..." Ghost said.
"Yep, that'll do it every time," Bill said, and laughed.
Steve began unbraiding Ghost's hair, laying the bows on the coffee table. Bill noticed that Ghost had his eyes closed, and that Steve was so gentle, untangling the braids. He flushed at the warmth that came over him, watching this. He really needed to find Lisa. Clearing his throat, he excused himself.
"Well, guys, I'm going to bed. Y'all can watch TV, if you want. It won't bother us," he said, as he left the living room.
Steve ran his fingers through Ghost's soft hair. Ghost leaned back into Steve. "Sounds like they're about done with their baths," Steve said. "You still gonna tell 'em a story?"
"Um-hmm," Ghost murmured.
"Ok, I'm going on to the bedroom then, gonna read awhile," Steve said, getting up.
Ghost leaned back on the couch, waiting. It wasn't long before Linda came in. "They said you promised them a story, Ghost," she said. "They're in bed, now."
"Ok," he said, getting up from the couch. As he went by, on the way to the kid's room, Linda put her hand on his arm.
"Not too long, and not scary, ok?"
He smiled. "Ok...you can listen, too, if you want."
"Oh, well, maybe I will. That'd be nice."
They went in, and the kids were on the bed, bouncing around.
"Ok, you two, Ghost is going to tell us a story, but first, you have to get under the covers, and be still, and pay attention."
When they were settled, Ghost sat on the end of the bed, and Linda sat in the rocking chair.
He began...
"This here is a story about me, and the stars...
The kids, and Linda, too, were smiling.
"When I was a little kid, like y'all are, I didn't have a brother or sister, or any friends either, for a long time...well, until your Uncle Steve and I met, anyway. So at night I'd be in bed crying, and there wasn't no curtains on the window, so the stars would shine and twinkle up in the dark sky. I always looked at them up there. Sometimes I'd even go outside...I wasn't supposed to, but me and my grandmother lived way out in the woods, so she didn't get mad or anything.
I'd look up at the pretty stars and pretend they was my friends. They'd always come to see me at night. I even got to know their special places up there, and I gave them names. Sometimes I'd see one going real fast...a falling star...and I'd make a wish. And, one day, my wish came true. That was the day I met your Uncle Steve. Of course, he was just a kid, too, back then. But we were forever friends from that day till now, even.
But, I didn't forget my star friends. They're still up there...every night, and every night almost, I still go out and say hi, and tell them how pretty they are. I say thank you for being my friends. So, I love the night time, and the darkness, because that's special for me and my shiny friends. I don't have to be afraid of the dark, 'cause they're watching and protecting me...even now." He was finished with the story.
The kids were transfixed, and Linda was wiping her eyes of tears. "That was a beautiful story, Ghost. Thank you."
"Can we look at the stars?" Mandy asked.
"Yes, for just a minute, I guess, but be very quiet and whisper hello to the stars. Then, back to dreamland," Linda said.
They went to the window, and stared out at the sky. "Good-night pretty stars...good-night friends," they said.
After tucking them in, Linda came out, shutting the door. She saw Ghost leaning back against the wall, there in the hallway, his head down.
"Ghost?" She went to him. He looked up, his face wet with tears.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"That was a true story," Ghost said, choking back a sob.
"Linda gathered him close, and hugged him, brushing his tears away. "I know...I know...honey..." she said, kissing him on the cheek.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Friday, October 16, 2015
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 229
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 229
warning...adult content
~
Steve had gone back to the bedroom to check on Ghost. He closed the door, and saw that Ghost was sound asleep. He smiled and wondered how Ghost could fall asleep so easily...he never could...too much rattling around in his head. He went over to lay next to Ghost, snuggling up to him. Ghost stirred, coming awake, and he turned over, giving Steve a kiss and hug.
"Mmm...I had a nice dream, and it came true already," he said.
"Was this part of the dream," Steve asked, kissing Ghost back.
"Yeah, that's it." They rested for a few minutes.
"They're fixing supper out there. I guess we should go join them," Steve said.
Ghost sighed. "I like your family."
"They like you, too...and Bill told me to tell you he is cool with everything...us...well, Linda filled him in, so we don't have to be awkward with them."
Ghost nodded, glad to hear that.
"The kids are a trip...so funny. It'll take some getting used to having them around," Steve said.
"I know. They think I'm just a big kid come to play with them," Ghost said. "You're the grown up uncle, though. That's ok, 'cause I still feel like a kid, anyway, most of the time. I won't mind playing with them at all."
"Why can't I get to be a kid, too?" asked Steve. "I can play."
"I know, but you're older than me, so you have to be the grown up," Ghost laughed.
"Fine, then," Steve said, getting up, and pulling Ghost up, too. "Let's go."
They went back into the living room. Bill was there, keeping an eye on the kids, and watching TV. He looked up, as they came in.
"Hey, supper is almost ready," he said. "They'll holler when it's on the table." He wanted to stare at the newcomers to his soon to be, for real family...Steve all dark and broody looking, and Ghost all light and childlike, but he didn't want to seem rude. And, what he'd heard about Ghost kind of scared him...just a bit...that he was psychic, and could read minds, and thoughts, and feelings. He didn't know what to make of it. Was he supposed to act normal, or try to hide his thoughts? How did this work? And, as he was thinking this, Ghost did hear it.
He thought he'd better make Bill feel more at ease. He smiled, and knelt down in front of Bill, taking his hands into his own. Bill jumped, caught by surprise. Steve was on the couch watching, knowing Bill was surprised, and watching Ghost work his magic.
Ghost sighed. "Bill, I can tell you're kinda uneasy, and maybe skeptical of what you've heard about me. Yeah, I can do all that whenever I want to, and I heard all your concerns just now, but mostly I try not to. I can block out thoughts just as good as I can let them in. So, don't be afraid of me, please? I'm just a regular person, and I'm not going to scare the kids, or anything." He shrugged and smiled.
"I know it's weird and strange. If I pick up on something you were thinking, I might say something that will be about that, that's all. It even still surprises Steve sometimes when I hear his thoughts." He looked over at Steve.
"That's right, Bill," Steve said. "Even after all this time."
Yeah, so I hope you understand," Ghost said.
"Uh, yeah...thanks for explaining it to me. It is strange to me, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. I'm sorry I've been staring. It's just I'm the other newcomer to the family...I'm still learning, so I'm sure we'll all be ok...one big happy family," Bill said.
"I think so, too," Ghost said. "Well, I'm hungry. I'm gonna go see what's in the kitchen." He headed that way.
Bill looked at Steve. "Wow, Ghost is amazing. Did he really just know what I'd been thinking?"
Steve nodded. "Yep, that's Ghost. Happens to me all the time, too." He laughed.
Just then, they were called to the table. The kids ran ahead, and they all grabbed a chair. Linda and Lisa had made fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy, with a couple of side dishes. Steve was grinning.
"What, you like chicken, don't you," Linda asked.
"I sure do. I was just thinking you were making some weird California food...but, this is great."
"Hah, that's funny," Linda said. "We eat real food around here. We tried some of that weird food, and it wasn't for us. I guess we're still pretty southern, even if we do live out here. Give us down home cooking, any time."
"Well, now you're talking," Steve said.
"Y'all dig in," Bill said, as he was helping fix the kid's plates.
They all had the nice meal together, the first of many. Everyone talked at one time, and laughed, and got to know each other better. Afterwards, Linda shooed them all out of the kitchen, so she and Lisa could have some sister time.
"Wish you were coming with us, now," Linda said. "It will be weird not seeing you every day."
"I know, Sis, but right now I just can't. We're seriously thinking about it for later, though. And, it's not that long until our wedding, and then school will be out. You'll be back for that. Then we plan on visiting y'all out there...see how you're doing. Maybe Bill and I will decide to move there. I'm really going to miss the kids around here," Lisa said.
"I know, but hey, you and Bill need to get started on your own kids...haha," Linda said.
"Well, not that soon, but we will."
~
Steve and Bill had gone back into the living room, and were watching some sports show on TV. Once in awhile they'd yell at the players. Stevie and Mandy had lured Ghost out to the back yard to play with them while it was still light enough outside. They showed Ghost their playhouse and swings, and ran around the yard chasing a ball. Lisa's puppy, a fluffy, cocker spaniel, chased the kids around the yard, yipping.
Ghost laughed at their antics, and joined in, throwing the ball and pushing them on the swing. Then, in the shade of the big tree, he lay in the grass. The puppy and both kids climbed all over him, laughing, and making a forever friend.
"Look at them out there," Linda said, as she watched from the back door. "They're having fun...hope Ghost don't mind all the ruckus."
"It doesn't look like he minds a bit. Seems like he's just a little bit taller kid, himself," Lisa said.
"I know. The kids love him already. Same for me...the first time I met him, and he sure makes Steve happy."
Lisa nodded. "Um-hmm, I can see that. I know what you told me about them. They've sure had some rough times, though...sad, really." She paused a moment. "Now, not to be, well, an over-protective aunt, but do you ever worry about the kids being alone...with either of them?"
"What? No, no of course not. Why would I?"
Lisa shrugged. "No reason, except I know Steve's our brother, but really, he and Ghost, too, are still kind of strangers to us still. And, you told me about Steve's temper, and Ghost...well, he's a wild card. He seems unpredictable, to me, and kind of spacey...and you know, all the problems he has. I'm just a worrier."
"I know you are, Lisa, and to tell you the truth, I did have thoughts about all of that. I know Ghost is pretty far out there, and he could have a seizure, at any time. But, Steve is working on controlling his temper, and doing good. On that note, I trust them both, but I'm not quite ready to leave the kids totally alone with either of them, right now," Linda said. "Just me being a mom, you know."
"I know," Lisa said. "Well, at least we talked about it." She gave Linda a hug.
"I'm gonna miss you, sister..." they both said, at the same time, then laughed.
Just then, the kids came barreling in the back door, asking for cold drinks. "We're thirsty and hot," they shouted.
"Are y'all coming in, now?" asked Linda.
"No, not yet. We'll take it outside, and Ghost is waiting for us," Stevie said.
Linda looked outside. Ghost was still lying on the grass, looking up at the sky, through the tree branches. "Looks like y'all wore him out with all your running around. Here, take these out...just for a few more minutes, then it's bath time." She handed them plastic cups, and watched them go, wondering what Ghost was thinking about...looking at.
Stevie and Mandy made it back to the yard, without spilling much, and handed Ghost his cold drink. They were gulping theirs, and getting red mustaches on their lips, and laughing. Ghost looked into his cup...red liquid. Taking a swallow, he smiled.
"This is cherry Kool-Aid," he laughed. "I haven't had this in forever."
"Yeah, Kool-Aid, Ghost. It's good," Mandy said.
Ghost drank his, making his own red mustache, which got the kids giggling.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 229
warning...adult content
~
Steve had gone back to the bedroom to check on Ghost. He closed the door, and saw that Ghost was sound asleep. He smiled and wondered how Ghost could fall asleep so easily...he never could...too much rattling around in his head. He went over to lay next to Ghost, snuggling up to him. Ghost stirred, coming awake, and he turned over, giving Steve a kiss and hug.
"Mmm...I had a nice dream, and it came true already," he said.
"Was this part of the dream," Steve asked, kissing Ghost back.
"Yeah, that's it." They rested for a few minutes.
"They're fixing supper out there. I guess we should go join them," Steve said.
Ghost sighed. "I like your family."
"They like you, too...and Bill told me to tell you he is cool with everything...us...well, Linda filled him in, so we don't have to be awkward with them."
Ghost nodded, glad to hear that.
"The kids are a trip...so funny. It'll take some getting used to having them around," Steve said.
"I know. They think I'm just a big kid come to play with them," Ghost said. "You're the grown up uncle, though. That's ok, 'cause I still feel like a kid, anyway, most of the time. I won't mind playing with them at all."
"Why can't I get to be a kid, too?" asked Steve. "I can play."
"I know, but you're older than me, so you have to be the grown up," Ghost laughed.
"Fine, then," Steve said, getting up, and pulling Ghost up, too. "Let's go."
They went back into the living room. Bill was there, keeping an eye on the kids, and watching TV. He looked up, as they came in.
"Hey, supper is almost ready," he said. "They'll holler when it's on the table." He wanted to stare at the newcomers to his soon to be, for real family...Steve all dark and broody looking, and Ghost all light and childlike, but he didn't want to seem rude. And, what he'd heard about Ghost kind of scared him...just a bit...that he was psychic, and could read minds, and thoughts, and feelings. He didn't know what to make of it. Was he supposed to act normal, or try to hide his thoughts? How did this work? And, as he was thinking this, Ghost did hear it.
He thought he'd better make Bill feel more at ease. He smiled, and knelt down in front of Bill, taking his hands into his own. Bill jumped, caught by surprise. Steve was on the couch watching, knowing Bill was surprised, and watching Ghost work his magic.
Ghost sighed. "Bill, I can tell you're kinda uneasy, and maybe skeptical of what you've heard about me. Yeah, I can do all that whenever I want to, and I heard all your concerns just now, but mostly I try not to. I can block out thoughts just as good as I can let them in. So, don't be afraid of me, please? I'm just a regular person, and I'm not going to scare the kids, or anything." He shrugged and smiled.
"I know it's weird and strange. If I pick up on something you were thinking, I might say something that will be about that, that's all. It even still surprises Steve sometimes when I hear his thoughts." He looked over at Steve.
"That's right, Bill," Steve said. "Even after all this time."
Yeah, so I hope you understand," Ghost said.
"Uh, yeah...thanks for explaining it to me. It is strange to me, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. I'm sorry I've been staring. It's just I'm the other newcomer to the family...I'm still learning, so I'm sure we'll all be ok...one big happy family," Bill said.
"I think so, too," Ghost said. "Well, I'm hungry. I'm gonna go see what's in the kitchen." He headed that way.
Bill looked at Steve. "Wow, Ghost is amazing. Did he really just know what I'd been thinking?"
Steve nodded. "Yep, that's Ghost. Happens to me all the time, too." He laughed.
Just then, they were called to the table. The kids ran ahead, and they all grabbed a chair. Linda and Lisa had made fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy, with a couple of side dishes. Steve was grinning.
"What, you like chicken, don't you," Linda asked.
"I sure do. I was just thinking you were making some weird California food...but, this is great."
"Hah, that's funny," Linda said. "We eat real food around here. We tried some of that weird food, and it wasn't for us. I guess we're still pretty southern, even if we do live out here. Give us down home cooking, any time."
"Well, now you're talking," Steve said.
"Y'all dig in," Bill said, as he was helping fix the kid's plates.
They all had the nice meal together, the first of many. Everyone talked at one time, and laughed, and got to know each other better. Afterwards, Linda shooed them all out of the kitchen, so she and Lisa could have some sister time.
"Wish you were coming with us, now," Linda said. "It will be weird not seeing you every day."
"I know, Sis, but right now I just can't. We're seriously thinking about it for later, though. And, it's not that long until our wedding, and then school will be out. You'll be back for that. Then we plan on visiting y'all out there...see how you're doing. Maybe Bill and I will decide to move there. I'm really going to miss the kids around here," Lisa said.
"I know, but hey, you and Bill need to get started on your own kids...haha," Linda said.
"Well, not that soon, but we will."
~
Steve and Bill had gone back into the living room, and were watching some sports show on TV. Once in awhile they'd yell at the players. Stevie and Mandy had lured Ghost out to the back yard to play with them while it was still light enough outside. They showed Ghost their playhouse and swings, and ran around the yard chasing a ball. Lisa's puppy, a fluffy, cocker spaniel, chased the kids around the yard, yipping.
Ghost laughed at their antics, and joined in, throwing the ball and pushing them on the swing. Then, in the shade of the big tree, he lay in the grass. The puppy and both kids climbed all over him, laughing, and making a forever friend.
"Look at them out there," Linda said, as she watched from the back door. "They're having fun...hope Ghost don't mind all the ruckus."
"It doesn't look like he minds a bit. Seems like he's just a little bit taller kid, himself," Lisa said.
"I know. The kids love him already. Same for me...the first time I met him, and he sure makes Steve happy."
Lisa nodded. "Um-hmm, I can see that. I know what you told me about them. They've sure had some rough times, though...sad, really." She paused a moment. "Now, not to be, well, an over-protective aunt, but do you ever worry about the kids being alone...with either of them?"
"What? No, no of course not. Why would I?"
Lisa shrugged. "No reason, except I know Steve's our brother, but really, he and Ghost, too, are still kind of strangers to us still. And, you told me about Steve's temper, and Ghost...well, he's a wild card. He seems unpredictable, to me, and kind of spacey...and you know, all the problems he has. I'm just a worrier."
"I know you are, Lisa, and to tell you the truth, I did have thoughts about all of that. I know Ghost is pretty far out there, and he could have a seizure, at any time. But, Steve is working on controlling his temper, and doing good. On that note, I trust them both, but I'm not quite ready to leave the kids totally alone with either of them, right now," Linda said. "Just me being a mom, you know."
"I know," Lisa said. "Well, at least we talked about it." She gave Linda a hug.
"I'm gonna miss you, sister..." they both said, at the same time, then laughed.
Just then, the kids came barreling in the back door, asking for cold drinks. "We're thirsty and hot," they shouted.
"Are y'all coming in, now?" asked Linda.
"No, not yet. We'll take it outside, and Ghost is waiting for us," Stevie said.
Linda looked outside. Ghost was still lying on the grass, looking up at the sky, through the tree branches. "Looks like y'all wore him out with all your running around. Here, take these out...just for a few more minutes, then it's bath time." She handed them plastic cups, and watched them go, wondering what Ghost was thinking about...looking at.
Stevie and Mandy made it back to the yard, without spilling much, and handed Ghost his cold drink. They were gulping theirs, and getting red mustaches on their lips, and laughing. Ghost looked into his cup...red liquid. Taking a swallow, he smiled.
"This is cherry Kool-Aid," he laughed. "I haven't had this in forever."
"Yeah, Kool-Aid, Ghost. It's good," Mandy said.
Ghost drank his, making his own red mustache, which got the kids giggling.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Sunday, October 11, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 228
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 228
warning...adult content
~
Steve was quiet for a minute, as they continued on to Linda's house. Then he asked, "Is Lisa upset that you and the kids are leaving?"
Linda shrugged. "No, not really. She has her teaching job, and a wedding to plan. We plan on visiting back and forth. She agreed with me, too, that the kids would love it in Missing Mile. It's all ok."
Steve was relieved that all was good between his sisters. He gazed out the car window, amazed at all the traffic and big highways. He knew it would be a nightmare to drive here. The last time he was in L. A. , he didn't notice any of it. He was only searching for Ghost. He looked over into the back seat, at Ghost, who'd not said a word since they had gotten into the car.
"You ok back there?" he asked.
"Mm-hmm..." Ghost said. He wasn't even looking out the window; he had his eyes closed, and was leaning his head back on the back of the seat.
"Trying to sleep?" asked Steve.
"No."
Steve felt something was bothering him, something he didn't want to talk about...and Ghost knew Steve was getting concerned about it.
"I'm ok, Steve...there's just too many things in my head right now...you know...from before. I can still see it all...everything..."
Linda glanced over at Steve with a worried look.
"What can we do to help you not think of those things?" Steve asked.
"Nothing," Ghost said. "It happened, it's over, and I know that. I just need to make nice memories from now on. Like this trip is nice, and getting to see your family is nice...that will help." He finally smiled, and opened his eyes to look at Steve.
Nodding, Steve said, "Yes, it is nice."
"Ok, guys, we're on our street. Get ready to see everyone," Linda said. She was excited.
Steve looked at the houses on this street. They were not fancy mansions, just a regular, middle class neighborhood. He thought to himself that this didn't look scary...it could be anywhere, even back home.
Linda turned into a drive-way, and stopped the car. "We're here." There were two other cars parked there, Lisa's and her fiancé's, and up by the porch, were a few kid's toys. They all got out of the car and went up to the door. Before she could open it, though, it was opened by her son, Stevie.
"Mama, you're back," he hollered. Peeking around from behind him, was her daughter, Mandy, looking shy to see strangers at her house.
Steve and Ghost were still standing there, feeling awkward, but smiling at the kids. Then, Lisa was at the door. She looked a bit hesitant, but came onto the porch, reaching her arms out to Steve.
"Steve, oh my God, it's you." She gave him a big hug. She was laughing and tearful at the same time. "I thought I'd never see my brother again."
Steve was so happy to see her, he couldn't stop smiling, and staring at her. "I know, same here...and you're all grown up...and so pretty." He laughed.
"You're all grown up, too, Steve, and I've just always thought you'd stayed that little boy, all this time." Looking behind her, she said, "Oh, here's my fiancé, Bill." She introduced him.
He was tall and athletic looking, but was wearing a plaid, flannel shirt, like a lumberjack, which he technically was. Linda had mentioned he did work in the forestry industry.
Steve and Bill shook hands. He liked him, already. Ghost was still just standing there, a bit behind Steve, who'd not introduced him yet. He was feeling out of place, like Steve had completely forgotten he was even there. But, he understood this was Steve's family reunion, and he was the outsider here. He was happy for Steve, even if he did feel left out.
It was Bill who asked. "And, who is this, Steve?"
Steve's heart skipped a beat...didn't Linda mention Ghost to them, at all? But, he was relieved, when Bill reached out to shake Ghost's hand.
"You must be Ghost. Linda told us all about how you and Steve were meant for each other. It's a pleasure to meet you." He was smiling. Ghost smiled too, a bit shy now.
"Yeah, this here is Ghost, y'all," Steve said, shoving Ghost forward into the circle of his family. Ghost was feeling like a prize cow, or something, which rubbed him the wrong way a bit, but he made himself not care...at least for now.
The kids began asking him about his funny name, and saying 'boo'. Ghost just laughed with them...he was used to this kind of reaction.
They all went inside, and were given the grand tour of the house, modest though it was. Steve and Ghost were shown the bedroom where they could put their suitcases. Steve went back to the car to get them.
Ghost was being surrounded by the kids, and their demands to play with them, and the strangeness of the situation was getting to him. Linda kept telling the kids to leave him alone, to go play in the back yard. It was so noisy and chaotic. He really needed to be alone for a bit, to sort of smooth down his nerve endings, after being bombarded with so much. He felt twitchy.
Steve came back in, taking their belongings down the hall to the bedroom. Ghost followed. Steve was beaming. "What did you think, Ghost? Aren't they all fantastic?"
"Yeah, they're great...I already like them..." Ghost said, but his words faded off.
"What?" Steve asked. "You sound funny or something." He actually looked at him, this time.
No, I ..well, it's so much to see and hear...and it's all so new, and I'm just all tensed up."
"Oh...come here..." Steve said, and gave him a hug. "I know, I am too. It's a lot to take in, but it's only for a few days, then we'll be back home...back to normal again."
"Yeah, I know, it's ok, really," Ghost said. "And, I don't want to be rude, but I kinda need to be by myself for a few minutes. Is that ok?"
"Sure, you do whatever you need to. I'll go out and visit with everyone. You just rest a bit, and come out when you're ready," Steve said.
Ghost nodded, and lay down on the bed. Steve closed the door, and went back to his family.
~
Linda and Lisa had gone into the kitchen to start fixing supper for everyone, chattering away about the new developments. Steve and Bill sat on the couch, watching the kids play. They were dragging out toys to show Steve. He'd never been around kids much, and he laughed at their antics.
"Tell them to knock it off, if they get to be too much for you," Bill said. "They're pretty persistent, but good kids."
"Oh, ok, but this is all new to me. I'll get used to them, I'm sure."
Bill cleared his throat. "Steve, Linda and Lisa have told me about everything...from when y'all were kids. That must have been hard on you. I know it was for them. I'm really glad y'all found each other, again."
Steve nodded. "Thanks, Bill, I'm glad, too. Linda remembers more of it than Lisa does, I guess." He paused a minute. "You know, Missing Mile is a great little town. It was just the situation back then. They'll be fine...we'll make sure of it."
"I know, Linda has been ready for a change, anyway. This came along at the right time I think. And, we'll come visit soon," Bill said. "Who knows, we may follow y'all out there after the wedding, and the school is out for the summer." He laughed.
They played with the kids for a few minutes. "Where's your young man...Ghost? He's ok, isn't he?" Bill asked.
"Yeah, he just needed to rest a bit. He'll be out soon." He hesitated for a second, then asked, "Um...you said Linda told you about us?" He looked down at the floor, not really sure how Bill felt about Ghost and himself.
"Yeah, she did...pretty much everything, Steve, and what all you and Ghost have been through, it must have been hard sometimes. But, the main point she got across, is that you two love each other. That right there is good enough for me. I don't hold any prejudices against anybody, unless they give me reason to. So don't worry about it."
Steve looked up, nodding. "Thanks, man...I appreciate it, and I was a little worried. I mean, it was hard telling Linda everything, too."
Bill smiled. "It's fine, and you let Ghost know it is, too."
"I will. Guess I should go check on him. Maybe the girls will have our food ready soon, anyway," Steve said, getting up. He headed for the bedroom, and Bill went to see how Linda and Lisa were doing in the kitchen. As he entered, they looked up, a question in their eyes.
"It's all good," Bill said. "We had a nice talk."
"Thank you, Bill," the girls said, and both gave him a hug.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 228
warning...adult content
~
Steve was quiet for a minute, as they continued on to Linda's house. Then he asked, "Is Lisa upset that you and the kids are leaving?"
Linda shrugged. "No, not really. She has her teaching job, and a wedding to plan. We plan on visiting back and forth. She agreed with me, too, that the kids would love it in Missing Mile. It's all ok."
Steve was relieved that all was good between his sisters. He gazed out the car window, amazed at all the traffic and big highways. He knew it would be a nightmare to drive here. The last time he was in L. A. , he didn't notice any of it. He was only searching for Ghost. He looked over into the back seat, at Ghost, who'd not said a word since they had gotten into the car.
"You ok back there?" he asked.
"Mm-hmm..." Ghost said. He wasn't even looking out the window; he had his eyes closed, and was leaning his head back on the back of the seat.
"Trying to sleep?" asked Steve.
"No."
Steve felt something was bothering him, something he didn't want to talk about...and Ghost knew Steve was getting concerned about it.
"I'm ok, Steve...there's just too many things in my head right now...you know...from before. I can still see it all...everything..."
Linda glanced over at Steve with a worried look.
"What can we do to help you not think of those things?" Steve asked.
"Nothing," Ghost said. "It happened, it's over, and I know that. I just need to make nice memories from now on. Like this trip is nice, and getting to see your family is nice...that will help." He finally smiled, and opened his eyes to look at Steve.
Nodding, Steve said, "Yes, it is nice."
"Ok, guys, we're on our street. Get ready to see everyone," Linda said. She was excited.
Steve looked at the houses on this street. They were not fancy mansions, just a regular, middle class neighborhood. He thought to himself that this didn't look scary...it could be anywhere, even back home.
Linda turned into a drive-way, and stopped the car. "We're here." There were two other cars parked there, Lisa's and her fiancé's, and up by the porch, were a few kid's toys. They all got out of the car and went up to the door. Before she could open it, though, it was opened by her son, Stevie.
"Mama, you're back," he hollered. Peeking around from behind him, was her daughter, Mandy, looking shy to see strangers at her house.
Steve and Ghost were still standing there, feeling awkward, but smiling at the kids. Then, Lisa was at the door. She looked a bit hesitant, but came onto the porch, reaching her arms out to Steve.
"Steve, oh my God, it's you." She gave him a big hug. She was laughing and tearful at the same time. "I thought I'd never see my brother again."
Steve was so happy to see her, he couldn't stop smiling, and staring at her. "I know, same here...and you're all grown up...and so pretty." He laughed.
"You're all grown up, too, Steve, and I've just always thought you'd stayed that little boy, all this time." Looking behind her, she said, "Oh, here's my fiancé, Bill." She introduced him.
He was tall and athletic looking, but was wearing a plaid, flannel shirt, like a lumberjack, which he technically was. Linda had mentioned he did work in the forestry industry.
Steve and Bill shook hands. He liked him, already. Ghost was still just standing there, a bit behind Steve, who'd not introduced him yet. He was feeling out of place, like Steve had completely forgotten he was even there. But, he understood this was Steve's family reunion, and he was the outsider here. He was happy for Steve, even if he did feel left out.
It was Bill who asked. "And, who is this, Steve?"
Steve's heart skipped a beat...didn't Linda mention Ghost to them, at all? But, he was relieved, when Bill reached out to shake Ghost's hand.
"You must be Ghost. Linda told us all about how you and Steve were meant for each other. It's a pleasure to meet you." He was smiling. Ghost smiled too, a bit shy now.
"Yeah, this here is Ghost, y'all," Steve said, shoving Ghost forward into the circle of his family. Ghost was feeling like a prize cow, or something, which rubbed him the wrong way a bit, but he made himself not care...at least for now.
The kids began asking him about his funny name, and saying 'boo'. Ghost just laughed with them...he was used to this kind of reaction.
They all went inside, and were given the grand tour of the house, modest though it was. Steve and Ghost were shown the bedroom where they could put their suitcases. Steve went back to the car to get them.
Ghost was being surrounded by the kids, and their demands to play with them, and the strangeness of the situation was getting to him. Linda kept telling the kids to leave him alone, to go play in the back yard. It was so noisy and chaotic. He really needed to be alone for a bit, to sort of smooth down his nerve endings, after being bombarded with so much. He felt twitchy.
Steve came back in, taking their belongings down the hall to the bedroom. Ghost followed. Steve was beaming. "What did you think, Ghost? Aren't they all fantastic?"
"Yeah, they're great...I already like them..." Ghost said, but his words faded off.
"What?" Steve asked. "You sound funny or something." He actually looked at him, this time.
No, I ..well, it's so much to see and hear...and it's all so new, and I'm just all tensed up."
"Oh...come here..." Steve said, and gave him a hug. "I know, I am too. It's a lot to take in, but it's only for a few days, then we'll be back home...back to normal again."
"Yeah, I know, it's ok, really," Ghost said. "And, I don't want to be rude, but I kinda need to be by myself for a few minutes. Is that ok?"
"Sure, you do whatever you need to. I'll go out and visit with everyone. You just rest a bit, and come out when you're ready," Steve said.
Ghost nodded, and lay down on the bed. Steve closed the door, and went back to his family.
~
Linda and Lisa had gone into the kitchen to start fixing supper for everyone, chattering away about the new developments. Steve and Bill sat on the couch, watching the kids play. They were dragging out toys to show Steve. He'd never been around kids much, and he laughed at their antics.
"Tell them to knock it off, if they get to be too much for you," Bill said. "They're pretty persistent, but good kids."
"Oh, ok, but this is all new to me. I'll get used to them, I'm sure."
Bill cleared his throat. "Steve, Linda and Lisa have told me about everything...from when y'all were kids. That must have been hard on you. I know it was for them. I'm really glad y'all found each other, again."
Steve nodded. "Thanks, Bill, I'm glad, too. Linda remembers more of it than Lisa does, I guess." He paused a minute. "You know, Missing Mile is a great little town. It was just the situation back then. They'll be fine...we'll make sure of it."
"I know, Linda has been ready for a change, anyway. This came along at the right time I think. And, we'll come visit soon," Bill said. "Who knows, we may follow y'all out there after the wedding, and the school is out for the summer." He laughed.
They played with the kids for a few minutes. "Where's your young man...Ghost? He's ok, isn't he?" Bill asked.
"Yeah, he just needed to rest a bit. He'll be out soon." He hesitated for a second, then asked, "Um...you said Linda told you about us?" He looked down at the floor, not really sure how Bill felt about Ghost and himself.
"Yeah, she did...pretty much everything, Steve, and what all you and Ghost have been through, it must have been hard sometimes. But, the main point she got across, is that you two love each other. That right there is good enough for me. I don't hold any prejudices against anybody, unless they give me reason to. So don't worry about it."
Steve looked up, nodding. "Thanks, man...I appreciate it, and I was a little worried. I mean, it was hard telling Linda everything, too."
Bill smiled. "It's fine, and you let Ghost know it is, too."
"I will. Guess I should go check on him. Maybe the girls will have our food ready soon, anyway," Steve said, getting up. He headed for the bedroom, and Bill went to see how Linda and Lisa were doing in the kitchen. As he entered, they looked up, a question in their eyes.
"It's all good," Bill said. "We had a nice talk."
"Thank you, Bill," the girls said, and both gave him a hug.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Friday, October 9, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 227
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 227
warning...adult content
~
"Bing...bing..." The fasten seatbelt signal sounded it's order, and the plane began to move slowly into position for it's take-off. The crew members came down the aisle, checking on things, then gave the safety demo. Ghost was taking it all in. Steve had his eyes closed tight, and his knuckles were turning white from gripping the arm rests so hard.
"Ghost," Steve whispered. "I gotta get off. Tell them I can't do it."
"I can't do that," Ghost said. "Besides, you already are doing it. Here, hold my hand, 'cause here we go." He squealed, as the plane gathered speed, and lifted off the runway. The force of the take off pushed them back into their seats, and their ears popped. Ghost was giggling the whole time. Steve just looked pale, and sick...his eyes still closed.
"Wow, look at that, Steve...look outside. The clouds are beautiful. Ya gotta see it...look," Ghost said, urging Steve to open his eyes.
Steve did peek out for a second. "Um-hmm...oh, God...I feel sick."
"I'm sorry," Ghost said, brushing Steve's sweaty, yet cold forehead. "I wish I could make it be ok for you."
"Me, too. You just have fun and enjoy the ride. I'll be ok...when it's over, ok?"
"Would it be better if I was scared, and you had to be brave and make me not freak out?"
"No, and I'm glad you're not scared, 'cause I'd still be scared, and then what? It wouldn't work," Steve said.
Ghost thought about that for a minute, then noticed the flight attendant pushing a trolley down the aisle. "Hey, they're bringing drinks and snacks. Can we get some?"
Steve nodded. "Yeah, go ahead."
"What do you want?"
"Uh...beer?"
"Yep, they have that on their cart. Maybe it'll relax ya."
"Ahh, get me one of them, then," Steve said.
~
After a few swallows of his beer, Steve did relax a bit. He was able to look around some. Ghost was still munching on crackers.
"Ya feeling better, now?" Ghost asked.
"Yeah, a little...but, I gotta go pee...where? how?" Steve asked.
Ghost shrugged. "I'll ask." He pushed the call button, and a crew member came to their seat.
"Where is the bathroom?"
It was pointed out to them, and now Steve had to actually walk down the aisle, and keep his balance.
"You want me to go with you?" Ghost asked.
"No...yes...no, I'll make it ok." He rose unsteadily from his seat. Lurching and holding on to seat backs, he did make it into the tiny room. The rushing wind sound, and the bumpy effects of the plane, brought on a near panic attack. He was afraid he'd get locked in.
He could barely turn around in there, but managed to relieve himself, thought not very neatly. He looked in the mirror above the tiny sink. "Is that me? I look like hell," he thought. His face was pale, with red splotches on his cheeks and neck. His eyes were big and dark from panic. Taking a deep breath, he splashed water on his face.
The plane suddenly dropped in a bit of turbulence, and Steve felt his stomach flip flop. "Oh, God," he said aloud. "Let me outta here." He fiddled with the door latch, finally jerking open the door, and he started back down the aisle. Having to scoot over a bit, as someone else was coming, he almost landed in some businessman's lap.
"Hey, watch where you're going," the man said, and pushed Steve upright.
"Sorry, sorry," Steve mumbled, as he continued to his seat.
The plan lurched again, and Steve fell to his hands and knees. A crew member helped him up, and to his seat. "Fasten your seatbelt,"she said, "It's still a little rough, but we'll be through it soon...don't worry."
He did what she'd asked, then leaned his head back on the seat, closing his eyes. "Ghost...if I ever, ever mention flying again, just kill me, ok? That would be better than doing this again."
Ghost took Steve's hand, and leaned his head on Steve's shoulder. "Do you really hate it?"
"Yes," Steve said. He tried holding his breath, to keep from sobbing, but a few tears ran down his face, onto Ghost's hair. "I'm being such a baby. I know I am, and I can't stop it." He was shaking.
"Here, lean over on me. I'll hum you a song, and you try to sleep, ok? Then, when you wake up, maybe we'll be there," Ghost said. Steve did, and Ghost's soft humming did ease his panic enough to doze off.
Ghost gazed out the window at the sky and passing clouds...the sky he always looked at. It gave him a sense of peace, and he fell asleep for awhile, too.
~
As the plane began it's descent into LAX, the cabin pressure adjusted, making their ears pop, again, waking them up.
"What's wrong...what's happening?" Steve asked.
"Nothing, we're almost there...we're fixing to land in L. A. ... I can see buildings, and other planes, and stuff," Ghost said.
The plane made a smooth landing, but Steve thought it would never slow down.
"We're here...we're back on the ground," Ghost said.
"Good," Steve said.
At the gate, everyone began exiting the plane. Ghost got his backpack from over head, and they inched their way off the plane.
"Where's Linda supposed to meet us?" Ghost asked.
"She said after we get our suitcases, just go out the nearest exit, and she'd be on the sidewalk," Steve said.
They found the luggage pick-up area, and grabbed them as they came around.
"Ok, this way, I think," Steve said. He'd gotten his confidence back, now that he was on land, again. Ghost tagged along, behind, looking at all the people.
"Maybe we'll see a movie star," he said.
"C'mon, forget movie stars...we gotta find Linda," Steve said, as they went outside. They stood there a few minutes, looking around. Then, Linda saw them. She waved and hollered.
"Steve...Ghost..." She rushed up, hugging them both. "You're finally here."
"Yeah, Sis, we made it...wasn't any problem at all," Steve said.
Ghost gave him a look, and rolled his eyes. He started to say something, but thought better of it, in time.
"Ok, follow me. My car is over there, not too far," Linda said. They all piled in, and she pulled away from the parking area, heading for her house.
"How far away are you from the airport?" Steve asked.
"Oh, not that far, but with this crazy traffic, it'll take us at least half an hour. I'm telling you, Steve, my kids are beyond excited to meet their uncle. And, Lisa too, but I think she's a little shy about it," Linda said.
"Well, we're basically strangers. It's been years..."
"I know, but y'all will get to know each other real soon."
"Is she going to move, too?"
"Not yet. In fact her and her fiancé are going to be living at the house, and maybe buying it...or maybe just selling it for me. We'll just have to see how things turn out," Linda said.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 227
warning...adult content
~
"Bing...bing..." The fasten seatbelt signal sounded it's order, and the plane began to move slowly into position for it's take-off. The crew members came down the aisle, checking on things, then gave the safety demo. Ghost was taking it all in. Steve had his eyes closed tight, and his knuckles were turning white from gripping the arm rests so hard.
"Ghost," Steve whispered. "I gotta get off. Tell them I can't do it."
"I can't do that," Ghost said. "Besides, you already are doing it. Here, hold my hand, 'cause here we go." He squealed, as the plane gathered speed, and lifted off the runway. The force of the take off pushed them back into their seats, and their ears popped. Ghost was giggling the whole time. Steve just looked pale, and sick...his eyes still closed.
"Wow, look at that, Steve...look outside. The clouds are beautiful. Ya gotta see it...look," Ghost said, urging Steve to open his eyes.
Steve did peek out for a second. "Um-hmm...oh, God...I feel sick."
"I'm sorry," Ghost said, brushing Steve's sweaty, yet cold forehead. "I wish I could make it be ok for you."
"Me, too. You just have fun and enjoy the ride. I'll be ok...when it's over, ok?"
"Would it be better if I was scared, and you had to be brave and make me not freak out?"
"No, and I'm glad you're not scared, 'cause I'd still be scared, and then what? It wouldn't work," Steve said.
Ghost thought about that for a minute, then noticed the flight attendant pushing a trolley down the aisle. "Hey, they're bringing drinks and snacks. Can we get some?"
Steve nodded. "Yeah, go ahead."
"What do you want?"
"Uh...beer?"
"Yep, they have that on their cart. Maybe it'll relax ya."
"Ahh, get me one of them, then," Steve said.
~
After a few swallows of his beer, Steve did relax a bit. He was able to look around some. Ghost was still munching on crackers.
"Ya feeling better, now?" Ghost asked.
"Yeah, a little...but, I gotta go pee...where? how?" Steve asked.
Ghost shrugged. "I'll ask." He pushed the call button, and a crew member came to their seat.
"Where is the bathroom?"
It was pointed out to them, and now Steve had to actually walk down the aisle, and keep his balance.
"You want me to go with you?" Ghost asked.
"No...yes...no, I'll make it ok." He rose unsteadily from his seat. Lurching and holding on to seat backs, he did make it into the tiny room. The rushing wind sound, and the bumpy effects of the plane, brought on a near panic attack. He was afraid he'd get locked in.
He could barely turn around in there, but managed to relieve himself, thought not very neatly. He looked in the mirror above the tiny sink. "Is that me? I look like hell," he thought. His face was pale, with red splotches on his cheeks and neck. His eyes were big and dark from panic. Taking a deep breath, he splashed water on his face.
The plane suddenly dropped in a bit of turbulence, and Steve felt his stomach flip flop. "Oh, God," he said aloud. "Let me outta here." He fiddled with the door latch, finally jerking open the door, and he started back down the aisle. Having to scoot over a bit, as someone else was coming, he almost landed in some businessman's lap.
"Hey, watch where you're going," the man said, and pushed Steve upright.
"Sorry, sorry," Steve mumbled, as he continued to his seat.
The plan lurched again, and Steve fell to his hands and knees. A crew member helped him up, and to his seat. "Fasten your seatbelt,"she said, "It's still a little rough, but we'll be through it soon...don't worry."
He did what she'd asked, then leaned his head back on the seat, closing his eyes. "Ghost...if I ever, ever mention flying again, just kill me, ok? That would be better than doing this again."
Ghost took Steve's hand, and leaned his head on Steve's shoulder. "Do you really hate it?"
"Yes," Steve said. He tried holding his breath, to keep from sobbing, but a few tears ran down his face, onto Ghost's hair. "I'm being such a baby. I know I am, and I can't stop it." He was shaking.
"Here, lean over on me. I'll hum you a song, and you try to sleep, ok? Then, when you wake up, maybe we'll be there," Ghost said. Steve did, and Ghost's soft humming did ease his panic enough to doze off.
Ghost gazed out the window at the sky and passing clouds...the sky he always looked at. It gave him a sense of peace, and he fell asleep for awhile, too.
~
As the plane began it's descent into LAX, the cabin pressure adjusted, making their ears pop, again, waking them up.
"What's wrong...what's happening?" Steve asked.
"Nothing, we're almost there...we're fixing to land in L. A. ... I can see buildings, and other planes, and stuff," Ghost said.
The plane made a smooth landing, but Steve thought it would never slow down.
"We're here...we're back on the ground," Ghost said.
"Good," Steve said.
At the gate, everyone began exiting the plane. Ghost got his backpack from over head, and they inched their way off the plane.
"Where's Linda supposed to meet us?" Ghost asked.
"She said after we get our suitcases, just go out the nearest exit, and she'd be on the sidewalk," Steve said.
They found the luggage pick-up area, and grabbed them as they came around.
"Ok, this way, I think," Steve said. He'd gotten his confidence back, now that he was on land, again. Ghost tagged along, behind, looking at all the people.
"Maybe we'll see a movie star," he said.
"C'mon, forget movie stars...we gotta find Linda," Steve said, as they went outside. They stood there a few minutes, looking around. Then, Linda saw them. She waved and hollered.
"Steve...Ghost..." She rushed up, hugging them both. "You're finally here."
"Yeah, Sis, we made it...wasn't any problem at all," Steve said.
Ghost gave him a look, and rolled his eyes. He started to say something, but thought better of it, in time.
"Ok, follow me. My car is over there, not too far," Linda said. They all piled in, and she pulled away from the parking area, heading for her house.
"How far away are you from the airport?" Steve asked.
"Oh, not that far, but with this crazy traffic, it'll take us at least half an hour. I'm telling you, Steve, my kids are beyond excited to meet their uncle. And, Lisa too, but I think she's a little shy about it," Linda said.
"Well, we're basically strangers. It's been years..."
"I know, but y'all will get to know each other real soon."
"Is she going to move, too?"
"Not yet. In fact her and her fiancé are going to be living at the house, and maybe buying it...or maybe just selling it for me. We'll just have to see how things turn out," Linda said.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 226
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 226
warning...adult content
~
They'd never been to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, before, so Steve drove around, finally finding the parking area to leave his car for a few days. They got their suitcases and went in. It was bustling with travelers, and there were confusing signs, and loudspeaker announcements.
They stared at it all for a few minutes, trying to make sense of it. Steve pulled out the paperwork he had. "Our tickets are waiting for us...over there," he said, as he spied the right airline desk.
The counter person was nice and helpful, checking them in, taking their bags, and pointing them in the right direction to the security area. They managed to get through the screening process ok, and came out the other side, to see people going in every direction.
"Ok, we have to find the gate we leave from," Steve said. "Stay close, and we'll find it, then see how much time we have left." Ghost followed, trying to keep up and not get distracted. It was hard, though, as there were so many things to see.
"Here it is," Steve said. He checked them in at the right gate. "Ok, we have some time before we go. You want to get something to eat and drink?"
Ghost smiled. "Sure, let's go find something."
They walked down the carpeted walkway, looking at the restaurants, and food kiosks, then decided on having a breakfast burrito, at a place called the 'Flying Burrito'. They laughed at that, and Ghost took a picture of the sign. After eating, they wandered some more, stopping into a gift shop.
Steve picked out a magazine and some candy, then looked around for Ghost. "Aw, crap, where'd he go?" he said. "Not now...you can't be getting lost." He scanned the aisles in the small shop, but didn't see him. "Ghost? Where are you?" he said, a bit loud, which made people stop and stare. He didn't care. He had to find him. Then he heard, "Over here, Steve."
He headed toward the sound of Ghost's voice. Finding him over by the shelf of books for sale, he said, "Thought you got lost."
"Look, they have our book, right here," Ghost said, holding it up to show Steve. There were a few people gathered around him, as he'd been telling them all about their book. They were all smiling, and grabbing one to buy.
"This here is Steve, y'all," Ghost said to them. "Me and him did this book, and it's real good, and kinda spooky." He laughed. The people were asking Ghost if he could really talk to the dead, and he was assuring them he could.
Steve wasn't surprised that Ghost had an audience. He let him have his moment in the spotlight for a bit. "Thank you for buying our book," Ghost said to the crowd. "Hey, Steve, why is our book here, anyway?"
"I don't know," Steve said. "I thought we sold out at the show. I'll ask the saleslady if she knows anything about it. Then we need to go."
They walked to the counter, stopping a minute by the display of sunglasses. Ghost tried on a pair or two. "Which one?" he asked.
Steve considered, then said, "Those are cool looking...get those. Do ya want some candy or anything to take with us?" Ghost picked a couple of candy bars, and a package of markers, putting it all on the counter.
As they waited, the clerk said, "Hey, y'all look familiar...been here before?"
Shaking his head, Steve said, "No, but our book is on your shelf. Do you know why?"
"Oh, yes," she said. "There's a young man that brings them in, once in awhile. Says he's doing it for y'all, and collects the money to put in a savings for y'all."
Steve looked at Ghost, his eyebrows raised. "It must be the printing company guy, ya think? We'll have to call him when we get back. He never told us he was doing this." He looked back at the clerk. "If you see him in the next few day, tell him we'll be getting in touch, soon."
As they walked back down toward their departure gate, Ghost said, "I took a picture of our book on the shelf, with all the other books."
"Yeah? That was a good idea," Steve said. Finding a seat, he was getting more nervous as the time to board got closer. He kept jiggling his foot, and changing positions. He noticed that Ghost seemed fine. He thought to himself, that Ghost had probably forgotten why they were here, already...thinking it was just a field trip. He was glad of that, in a way. But then, Ghost looked at him, over the top of his sunglasses.
"I didn't forget...we're flying to California," Ghost said, then smiled, knowing it bugged Steve for him to read his mind.
"Oh, well...good..." Steve sputtered, trying to save face at being caught.
"You know, you really should be used to it, after all this time. I told ya, you come in loud and clear to me," Ghost said.
"Aww...I know...It just surprises me, every time," Steve said.
"Why you so nervous, anyway?" Ghost asked.
Steve shrugged. "I don't know. I know it's going to be fine, it's just...well...a better question, is why aren't you?"
Ghost grinned. "This is a fun adventure we're doing. Trevor said for me to just look at the other people. They go places all the time, and if they don't look scared, then we don't need to be, either." He looked around. "Does anyone look scared?" he asked.
Steve watched people walking around the area, for a minute. "No, I don't think so."
"See...we shouldn't be scared either," Ghost said.
Just then the announcement to board came over the speakers. Steve clutched Ghost's hand, hard. "Calm down, Steve," Ghost said. "It'll be ok. Come on, we gotta go find a seat." He stood up, pulling Steve up.
Steve felt his legs shaking, as he walked the boarding hall. The sounds and jet fuel smell assaulted his senses. At one point he made to turn back, but Ghost kept a tight grip on his hand, tugging him forward. As they entered the plane, he was surprised at how narrow it was. He thought for a second he was leaving reality, and was in every airplane movie he'd ever seen.
"Excuse me, excuse me," Ghost was saying and smiling, as he kept going forward down the aisle. Steve was feeling like a zombie, being led around for the final scene, where the zombies are all killed.
Finding them a seat, Ghost put his backpack in the overhead bin. "Ya want by the window, or not?" he asked. Steve just shook his head; he was beyond words, at the moment. So, Ghost took the window seat, and pulled Steve down to the middle one.
"Hey, look, they got seatbelts, and look...here's a little tray that comes down," Ghost said, as he fiddled with everything. Then he noticed the light and air controls, above their seats. "Ya need some air?" He turned it on full blast, pointing it toward Steve's face.
Steve gulped, and took a breath. He felt like he'd been holding it for awhile. This revived him a little, so he was able to look around. People were still finding seats. He was feeling claustrophobic now, though.
"Ghost, can you knock me out, or something? It'd be better if I don't know anything until we get there," he said.
Ghost laughed. "Just relax...nothing bad is gonna happen...and I would know, ya know...and I don't sense any badness at all...just fun."
"Ok, ok, I'm trying...think good thoughts, think good thoughts he repeated over and over.
Ghost watched him, knowing there wasn't one good thought in Steve's head.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing!
# 226
warning...adult content
~
They'd never been to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, before, so Steve drove around, finally finding the parking area to leave his car for a few days. They got their suitcases and went in. It was bustling with travelers, and there were confusing signs, and loudspeaker announcements.
They stared at it all for a few minutes, trying to make sense of it. Steve pulled out the paperwork he had. "Our tickets are waiting for us...over there," he said, as he spied the right airline desk.
The counter person was nice and helpful, checking them in, taking their bags, and pointing them in the right direction to the security area. They managed to get through the screening process ok, and came out the other side, to see people going in every direction.
"Ok, we have to find the gate we leave from," Steve said. "Stay close, and we'll find it, then see how much time we have left." Ghost followed, trying to keep up and not get distracted. It was hard, though, as there were so many things to see.
"Here it is," Steve said. He checked them in at the right gate. "Ok, we have some time before we go. You want to get something to eat and drink?"
Ghost smiled. "Sure, let's go find something."
They walked down the carpeted walkway, looking at the restaurants, and food kiosks, then decided on having a breakfast burrito, at a place called the 'Flying Burrito'. They laughed at that, and Ghost took a picture of the sign. After eating, they wandered some more, stopping into a gift shop.
Steve picked out a magazine and some candy, then looked around for Ghost. "Aw, crap, where'd he go?" he said. "Not now...you can't be getting lost." He scanned the aisles in the small shop, but didn't see him. "Ghost? Where are you?" he said, a bit loud, which made people stop and stare. He didn't care. He had to find him. Then he heard, "Over here, Steve."
He headed toward the sound of Ghost's voice. Finding him over by the shelf of books for sale, he said, "Thought you got lost."
"Look, they have our book, right here," Ghost said, holding it up to show Steve. There were a few people gathered around him, as he'd been telling them all about their book. They were all smiling, and grabbing one to buy.
"This here is Steve, y'all," Ghost said to them. "Me and him did this book, and it's real good, and kinda spooky." He laughed. The people were asking Ghost if he could really talk to the dead, and he was assuring them he could.
Steve wasn't surprised that Ghost had an audience. He let him have his moment in the spotlight for a bit. "Thank you for buying our book," Ghost said to the crowd. "Hey, Steve, why is our book here, anyway?"
"I don't know," Steve said. "I thought we sold out at the show. I'll ask the saleslady if she knows anything about it. Then we need to go."
They walked to the counter, stopping a minute by the display of sunglasses. Ghost tried on a pair or two. "Which one?" he asked.
Steve considered, then said, "Those are cool looking...get those. Do ya want some candy or anything to take with us?" Ghost picked a couple of candy bars, and a package of markers, putting it all on the counter.
As they waited, the clerk said, "Hey, y'all look familiar...been here before?"
Shaking his head, Steve said, "No, but our book is on your shelf. Do you know why?"
"Oh, yes," she said. "There's a young man that brings them in, once in awhile. Says he's doing it for y'all, and collects the money to put in a savings for y'all."
Steve looked at Ghost, his eyebrows raised. "It must be the printing company guy, ya think? We'll have to call him when we get back. He never told us he was doing this." He looked back at the clerk. "If you see him in the next few day, tell him we'll be getting in touch, soon."
As they walked back down toward their departure gate, Ghost said, "I took a picture of our book on the shelf, with all the other books."
"Yeah? That was a good idea," Steve said. Finding a seat, he was getting more nervous as the time to board got closer. He kept jiggling his foot, and changing positions. He noticed that Ghost seemed fine. He thought to himself, that Ghost had probably forgotten why they were here, already...thinking it was just a field trip. He was glad of that, in a way. But then, Ghost looked at him, over the top of his sunglasses.
"I didn't forget...we're flying to California," Ghost said, then smiled, knowing it bugged Steve for him to read his mind.
"Oh, well...good..." Steve sputtered, trying to save face at being caught.
"You know, you really should be used to it, after all this time. I told ya, you come in loud and clear to me," Ghost said.
"Aww...I know...It just surprises me, every time," Steve said.
"Why you so nervous, anyway?" Ghost asked.
Steve shrugged. "I don't know. I know it's going to be fine, it's just...well...a better question, is why aren't you?"
Ghost grinned. "This is a fun adventure we're doing. Trevor said for me to just look at the other people. They go places all the time, and if they don't look scared, then we don't need to be, either." He looked around. "Does anyone look scared?" he asked.
Steve watched people walking around the area, for a minute. "No, I don't think so."
"See...we shouldn't be scared either," Ghost said.
Just then the announcement to board came over the speakers. Steve clutched Ghost's hand, hard. "Calm down, Steve," Ghost said. "It'll be ok. Come on, we gotta go find a seat." He stood up, pulling Steve up.
Steve felt his legs shaking, as he walked the boarding hall. The sounds and jet fuel smell assaulted his senses. At one point he made to turn back, but Ghost kept a tight grip on his hand, tugging him forward. As they entered the plane, he was surprised at how narrow it was. He thought for a second he was leaving reality, and was in every airplane movie he'd ever seen.
"Excuse me, excuse me," Ghost was saying and smiling, as he kept going forward down the aisle. Steve was feeling like a zombie, being led around for the final scene, where the zombies are all killed.
Finding them a seat, Ghost put his backpack in the overhead bin. "Ya want by the window, or not?" he asked. Steve just shook his head; he was beyond words, at the moment. So, Ghost took the window seat, and pulled Steve down to the middle one.
"Hey, look, they got seatbelts, and look...here's a little tray that comes down," Ghost said, as he fiddled with everything. Then he noticed the light and air controls, above their seats. "Ya need some air?" He turned it on full blast, pointing it toward Steve's face.
Steve gulped, and took a breath. He felt like he'd been holding it for awhile. This revived him a little, so he was able to look around. People were still finding seats. He was feeling claustrophobic now, though.
"Ghost, can you knock me out, or something? It'd be better if I don't know anything until we get there," he said.
Ghost laughed. "Just relax...nothing bad is gonna happen...and I would know, ya know...and I don't sense any badness at all...just fun."
"Ok, ok, I'm trying...think good thoughts, think good thoughts he repeated over and over.
Ghost watched him, knowing there wasn't one good thought in Steve's head.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing!
Sunday, October 4, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 225
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 225
warning...adult content
~
It was a quick trip to Raleigh, this time, and they got to the bank shortly before closing time. After taking out some cash from their safe deposit box, they stopped in at a fast food place, to bring something back for their supper. Missing Mile had a lot of good things about it, but not a lot of choices for take-out. It was always a treat, when they did stop in.
"I'm going to try to have good dreams tonight...about flying, and everything," Ghost said.
"That's a good idea," Steve said. "I'm sure we will be fine, but that helps, I'm sure."
After arriving home, they finished up their packing, and last minute details for the trip. Taking a break after eating, they tried to watch TV awhile, but couldn't concentrate, so went on to bed...Ghost to dream, and Steve to toss, turn, and worry.
He kept thinking of all he had to do before they left...and they had to be at the Raleigh airport by ten a. m. So, he was calculating all this, instead of sleeping. He could hear Ghost already asleep, and muttering in his dreams. At last, he did sleep for awhile.
Right before dawn, though, he woke from a dream, but couldn't remember what it was about...it just left an unsettling feeling in him. He couldn't get back to sleep, so got up to start the coffee. He looked in on Ghost, who seemed peacefully asleep in his blankets, so he joined him. He hoped he'd be calmed by snuggling with him.
Slipping into the warmth by Ghost, he threw his arm over him, burying his face into Ghost's hair. He took deep breaths, trying to doze off, but Ghost was waking up, moving and stretching.
Noticing Steve in his bed, Ghost smiled, and gave him a kiss. "I know you're awake," he whispered.
"Mm-hmm," Steve murmured.
"I want to kiss you some more...do you want to kiss me?"
"Mm-hmm," Steve said, opening his eyes to find Ghost staring into his own. He smiled and they kissed again. "You still taste like molasses," Steve said. Ghost laughed, and pulled Steve closer.
Their time spent together this morning was slow and sensual. Feeling totally relaxed afterwards, Steve twirled Ghost's hair around his fingers. He'd almost forgot about his worries of the night before.
"I smell coffee," Ghost said.
"Yeah, I made it earlier."
"Ya want me to bring ya some?" Ghost asked.
"Yeah, would you?"
Ghost got up and went into the kitchen. He fed Spirit, and poured two mugs of coffee, bringing them back to bed, where they continued to talk and wake up.
"Well, we have a lot of stuff to do, today," Steve said, and started listing them out loud.
"I know, and tonight we'll be at Linda's house. That's so weird," Ghost said.
"I'm getting excited about the trip," Steve said. "So, guess we better get ready, close up the house, and take Spirit over to Zach's."
"I'm gonna miss him," Ghost said, stroking the cat, who had jumped up on the bed.
"Yeah, but we'll be back pretty soon...a few days, really," Steve said. He got up to take the mugs back to the kitchen. "Are you hungry? I can make something."
"Not really, my stomach is all jumpy," Ghost said. "Maybe just a cereal bar would be ok, though."
They both nibbled on one, as they gathered up their suitcases, got dressed, and put Spirit's food, bowls, blanket, and toys in a box. "Must be like if you have a kid, and have to take a bunch of stuff with you," Steve said, laughing.
With the house locked up, they all three piled into the car. They were quiet on the drive, arriving at Zach's pretty quick. "Are they even up, yet?" Steve asked. He knocked on the door, and after a few minutes, Trevor opened it.
"Oh, hey, y'all are here already," Trevor said. "Sorry, we were still asleep, but come on in. Hey Zach, they're here," he hollered. "Get up already." He turned back to Ghost. "You can let him run around and get used to the place."
Ghost let the wiggly cat down, and he began exploring. "I'll get his things," Steve said.
Zach came into the living room, pulling on a t-shirt. "This is gonna be fun," he said, watching the cat.
Steve lugged in all the cat things, litter box included. "Where ya want all this?"
They situated everything, and said their good-byes. Ghost was getting teary eyed, so Steve urged him toward the door, before it got too emotional. "Well, we'll be back in a few days...have fun cat sitting," he said.
Back in the T-bird, Steve saw Ghost brushing away a few tears. "He'll be fine..." he said.
"I know, just...it's happening," Ghost sniffed. "I'm ok with it, but it'll change now."
Steve frowned, wondering what Ghost was getting at. "Change? Oh...because Linda and her kids will be here and be part of our lives now?"
"Yeah," Ghost nodded. He sighed, and leaned his head on Steve's shoulder.
"It'll be different, sure, but they'll have their own place, and we'll see them a lot. You know how much I always missed them," Steve said.
"Um-hmm, and I'm really glad you found them," Ghost said, but then sobbed, wiping his tears on Steve's sleeve.
"Ghost? What is it? This is really upsetting you." He pulled the car over to the side of the road. "Look at me. Tell me why you're so sad about it." He took Ghost's face in his hands, kissing away some of the tears.
"I just...I'm happy for you, really. I just feel lonely or something. It's a weird feeling, like I'm empty inside, and alone, and it hurts me...so bad, Steve." He continued to cry.
Steve still couldn't get what Ghost meant. He just held him close, letting him cry, trying to soothe him.
Ghost began again, "Steve...I got nobody. I mean I got you, but I got nobody else...no other family. I feel so alone sometimes. Why don't I? Why is it like this? Am I the only one in the whole world that is part of me? All by myself? It shouldn't be that way, and it makes me scared, and small, and so lonely," he cried.
Steve cried too, for Ghost's pain was his own, and his heart was breaking for Ghost's sorrow. He rocked back and forth, holding Ghost close. "Aww, Ghost, I hate that you are feeling so sad. I don't know why things happen like they do, but you aren't alone in the world. You have me, and I'm your family. And, my sister, and all our friends. We all are connected forever. Maybe not by blood, but in the best way that counts...we love each other. We stand by each other, no matter what. That's more than some people who are blood related do."
Ghost nodded. "I know," he whispered. "It just gets me sad sometimes."
"Um-hmm, and when you do, just come to me and I'll help you through it, ok?" Steve said.
"Yeah, I will," Ghost said, sitting up and drying his face. He took a deep breath. "I love you so much, Steve," He gave him a hug.
"I love you, too, Ghost," Steve said. He started the car again, and they continued their way to Raleigh.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, and Writing
# 225
warning...adult content
~
It was a quick trip to Raleigh, this time, and they got to the bank shortly before closing time. After taking out some cash from their safe deposit box, they stopped in at a fast food place, to bring something back for their supper. Missing Mile had a lot of good things about it, but not a lot of choices for take-out. It was always a treat, when they did stop in.
"I'm going to try to have good dreams tonight...about flying, and everything," Ghost said.
"That's a good idea," Steve said. "I'm sure we will be fine, but that helps, I'm sure."
After arriving home, they finished up their packing, and last minute details for the trip. Taking a break after eating, they tried to watch TV awhile, but couldn't concentrate, so went on to bed...Ghost to dream, and Steve to toss, turn, and worry.
He kept thinking of all he had to do before they left...and they had to be at the Raleigh airport by ten a. m. So, he was calculating all this, instead of sleeping. He could hear Ghost already asleep, and muttering in his dreams. At last, he did sleep for awhile.
Right before dawn, though, he woke from a dream, but couldn't remember what it was about...it just left an unsettling feeling in him. He couldn't get back to sleep, so got up to start the coffee. He looked in on Ghost, who seemed peacefully asleep in his blankets, so he joined him. He hoped he'd be calmed by snuggling with him.
Slipping into the warmth by Ghost, he threw his arm over him, burying his face into Ghost's hair. He took deep breaths, trying to doze off, but Ghost was waking up, moving and stretching.
Noticing Steve in his bed, Ghost smiled, and gave him a kiss. "I know you're awake," he whispered.
"Mm-hmm," Steve murmured.
"I want to kiss you some more...do you want to kiss me?"
"Mm-hmm," Steve said, opening his eyes to find Ghost staring into his own. He smiled and they kissed again. "You still taste like molasses," Steve said. Ghost laughed, and pulled Steve closer.
Their time spent together this morning was slow and sensual. Feeling totally relaxed afterwards, Steve twirled Ghost's hair around his fingers. He'd almost forgot about his worries of the night before.
"I smell coffee," Ghost said.
"Yeah, I made it earlier."
"Ya want me to bring ya some?" Ghost asked.
"Yeah, would you?"
Ghost got up and went into the kitchen. He fed Spirit, and poured two mugs of coffee, bringing them back to bed, where they continued to talk and wake up.
"Well, we have a lot of stuff to do, today," Steve said, and started listing them out loud.
"I know, and tonight we'll be at Linda's house. That's so weird," Ghost said.
"I'm getting excited about the trip," Steve said. "So, guess we better get ready, close up the house, and take Spirit over to Zach's."
"I'm gonna miss him," Ghost said, stroking the cat, who had jumped up on the bed.
"Yeah, but we'll be back pretty soon...a few days, really," Steve said. He got up to take the mugs back to the kitchen. "Are you hungry? I can make something."
"Not really, my stomach is all jumpy," Ghost said. "Maybe just a cereal bar would be ok, though."
They both nibbled on one, as they gathered up their suitcases, got dressed, and put Spirit's food, bowls, blanket, and toys in a box. "Must be like if you have a kid, and have to take a bunch of stuff with you," Steve said, laughing.
With the house locked up, they all three piled into the car. They were quiet on the drive, arriving at Zach's pretty quick. "Are they even up, yet?" Steve asked. He knocked on the door, and after a few minutes, Trevor opened it.
"Oh, hey, y'all are here already," Trevor said. "Sorry, we were still asleep, but come on in. Hey Zach, they're here," he hollered. "Get up already." He turned back to Ghost. "You can let him run around and get used to the place."
Ghost let the wiggly cat down, and he began exploring. "I'll get his things," Steve said.
Zach came into the living room, pulling on a t-shirt. "This is gonna be fun," he said, watching the cat.
Steve lugged in all the cat things, litter box included. "Where ya want all this?"
They situated everything, and said their good-byes. Ghost was getting teary eyed, so Steve urged him toward the door, before it got too emotional. "Well, we'll be back in a few days...have fun cat sitting," he said.
Back in the T-bird, Steve saw Ghost brushing away a few tears. "He'll be fine..." he said.
"I know, just...it's happening," Ghost sniffed. "I'm ok with it, but it'll change now."
Steve frowned, wondering what Ghost was getting at. "Change? Oh...because Linda and her kids will be here and be part of our lives now?"
"Yeah," Ghost nodded. He sighed, and leaned his head on Steve's shoulder.
"It'll be different, sure, but they'll have their own place, and we'll see them a lot. You know how much I always missed them," Steve said.
"Um-hmm, and I'm really glad you found them," Ghost said, but then sobbed, wiping his tears on Steve's sleeve.
"Ghost? What is it? This is really upsetting you." He pulled the car over to the side of the road. "Look at me. Tell me why you're so sad about it." He took Ghost's face in his hands, kissing away some of the tears.
"I just...I'm happy for you, really. I just feel lonely or something. It's a weird feeling, like I'm empty inside, and alone, and it hurts me...so bad, Steve." He continued to cry.
Steve still couldn't get what Ghost meant. He just held him close, letting him cry, trying to soothe him.
Ghost began again, "Steve...I got nobody. I mean I got you, but I got nobody else...no other family. I feel so alone sometimes. Why don't I? Why is it like this? Am I the only one in the whole world that is part of me? All by myself? It shouldn't be that way, and it makes me scared, and small, and so lonely," he cried.
Steve cried too, for Ghost's pain was his own, and his heart was breaking for Ghost's sorrow. He rocked back and forth, holding Ghost close. "Aww, Ghost, I hate that you are feeling so sad. I don't know why things happen like they do, but you aren't alone in the world. You have me, and I'm your family. And, my sister, and all our friends. We all are connected forever. Maybe not by blood, but in the best way that counts...we love each other. We stand by each other, no matter what. That's more than some people who are blood related do."
Ghost nodded. "I know," he whispered. "It just gets me sad sometimes."
"Um-hmm, and when you do, just come to me and I'll help you through it, ok?" Steve said.
"Yeah, I will," Ghost said, sitting up and drying his face. He took a deep breath. "I love you so much, Steve," He gave him a hug.
"I love you, too, Ghost," Steve said. He started the car again, and they continued their way to Raleigh.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, and Writing
Friday, October 2, 2015
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 224
TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 224
warning...adult content
~
Zach agreed to figure out a playlist for Gumbo to play in their upcoming show at the club. "I guess we all should practice some. I'll go over the songs and put the list together," he said.
"Hey, Steve, when are y'all going out to California?" Terry asked.
"Pretty soon," Steve said. "I have to call Linda and make sure it's ok to come help her. I mean she did invite us, but you know. We plan on flying out there, for real this time."
Terry laughed. "Hah, I'd like to see that. Didn't y'all try that once before?"
"Shut up, Terry. Yeah, we tried, but we had some problems. We're up for it...I think...anyway, we'll have to get the days booked and whatever else there is to do," Steve said, and sighed. "Why is everything so complicated?"
"It's not that hard," Kinsey said. "Terry and I just called the travel agent, and they set it all up...no big deal."
"Oh, ok...well see, I didn't even know that part."
"Leave it to me, then, I'll get it set up for you. You just say when, ok?" Kinsey said.
"Don't worry about flying," Terry said. "it's really kind of fun, and way faster."
"I know, but how do we convince Ghost that we won't die?" Steve asked. He looked over to the arcade room, where Ghost and Trevor were shooting pool.
"Hmm, that will be tricky," Terry said. "Just keep saying positive things about it. Every time he makes an excuse, come back with something good."
Steve nodded. "Yeah...I'll try. Oh, by the way, when we're gone, who wants to watch Spirit? I mean, someone could stay at our place, or I can bring him to y'all. What do y'all think?"
"Well, I would, but I just stayed over at your place for over a week. I'm going to stay home awhile," Terry said.
"Me too, but you could bring him over here, if he don't mind a lot of people around," Kinsey said.
"Hey, let us keep him," Trevor said. He'd just got back to the table, and heard the end of the conversation. "Spirit is a cool cat." He looked at Zach, "Ok with you?"
Zach nodded, "Sure, why not...bring him over any time."
"Great, that's settled then," said Steve. He got up to go find Ghost and let him know.
"Hey, guess what? Trevor and Zach will keep Spirit at their house whle we're gone. You ok with that?"
Ghost looked up from the shot he'd just made. "Yeah, that's fine. He likes them, and I know they'll take care of him."
"Yeah, that'll work out fine. I'm gonna go call Linda right now. I'll be in the office," Steve said. "We really need to get going on this."
Ghost didn't say anything, but was already getting anxious about the trip...and the flying part. He went back to his game though, trying to improve his shots. He'd never played very much before. Trevor joined him again, picking up his cue stick
"Did Steve tell you?" he asked.
"Yeah, it's fine. Spirit will like it I guess. He's pretty calm, and we'll bring his food," Ghost said. He racked up the balls again. "You break, Trevor."
They played a few rounds, and Ghost actually won one, but he suspected Trevor had just let him win it.
"Steve said y'all were flying out there," Trevor said.
"Yeah, looks like it."
"Don't worry, it'll be fun."
"I know, everybody says that, but that don't make me feel any better about it," Ghost said. He sighed, and shook his head. "I'm scared to, Trevor."
"Is it just because it's different, and new...or do you have a bad feeling about it?" Trevor asked.
Ghost shrugged. "Both...mostly 'cause it's new, I guess. I'll probably freak out...and I don't want to. But, how do you not be scared, when you are?"
"Oh, good question. Just keep telling yourself positive things about it. You know, like it's way faster...and Steve won't be all tired and cranky, like after driving a long time."
Ghost laughed. "That would definitely be a good thing."
"Yep, and look at the other people on the plane. If they're not looking scared, then there's no reason for you to be."
"Hey, yeah...that's right. Thanks for telling me that...it helps a lot."
Steve came back into the arcade room. "Well, everything's all set. Linda says she'll be ready in about a week. We'll help load some stuff in her car, and she has a moving company to take the big stuff. She said she'll rent a U-Haul, too, and we can drive it back here." He smiled, happy to have got it settled. "I'm telling Kinsey to call the travel people. We'll get our tickets, and leave next week. Ok?"
Ghost nodded. "I'm trying to not be scared."
"Me too," Steve said.
~
The week passed pretty fast. Kinsey did book their flight, and gave Steve the printout of their itinerary. Ghost explained to Spirit that he was going on a trip, and would be back soon, and that he'd be staying with Trevor and Zach. "They'll take real good care of you, my sweet kitty. Don't be afraid, ok?" Spirit seemed to understand. He looked into Ghost's eyes, and meowed. Ghost laughed. "I knew you would get it."
"Hey, have you packed yet?" asked Steve.
"No, not yet...have you?"
"Well, I have some stuff laid out on the bed. I figure a few changes will be enough. Are the suitcases in the back room?" Steve asked.
"Uh-huh, the last I saw them they were." He looked in his closet. "Guess I'll pick some things to take," he said to Spirit. He tossed a couple pair of soft, drawstring pants, his striped hoodie, and the long tie-dyed t-shirt, onto the bed. A few other shirts and socks and he was done. He'd wear his old Army jacket and jeans, on the way there. He put an extra notebook on the pile. His main one would be in his back pack with his markers.
"I got everything," he hollered to Steve.
"Good...I put your suitcase out in the hall," Steve yelled back. He was in his bedroom, packing his own stuff.
Ghost crammed all his clothes in his, and barely got it closed. He was sitting on the case, bouncing up and down to get it fastened, when Steve came in.
"I just thought of something," Steve said.
"What?"
"We need to go to the bank, and get some money. We'll need to pay for those tickets, and for eating, and all kinds of stuff, when we get there, and on the way back, too...and for gas," Steve said. "Let's go on up to Raleigh this afternoon, and get that done."
"Now?"
"Yeah, why not...we have time before they close."
So, they took off down the highway, and as usual, Steve drove fast, with the radio on loud.
"When are we going on the plane?" Ghost asked.
"Tomorrow afternoon...after lunch."
"Ok, so why didn't we just go to the bank in the morning?"
"Hah...I don't know," Steve said. "Guess I wasn't thinking...it would have saved us a trip up here." He started laughing, and Ghost just rolled his eyes.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
# 224
warning...adult content
~
Zach agreed to figure out a playlist for Gumbo to play in their upcoming show at the club. "I guess we all should practice some. I'll go over the songs and put the list together," he said.
"Hey, Steve, when are y'all going out to California?" Terry asked.
"Pretty soon," Steve said. "I have to call Linda and make sure it's ok to come help her. I mean she did invite us, but you know. We plan on flying out there, for real this time."
Terry laughed. "Hah, I'd like to see that. Didn't y'all try that once before?"
"Shut up, Terry. Yeah, we tried, but we had some problems. We're up for it...I think...anyway, we'll have to get the days booked and whatever else there is to do," Steve said, and sighed. "Why is everything so complicated?"
"It's not that hard," Kinsey said. "Terry and I just called the travel agent, and they set it all up...no big deal."
"Oh, ok...well see, I didn't even know that part."
"Leave it to me, then, I'll get it set up for you. You just say when, ok?" Kinsey said.
"Don't worry about flying," Terry said. "it's really kind of fun, and way faster."
"I know, but how do we convince Ghost that we won't die?" Steve asked. He looked over to the arcade room, where Ghost and Trevor were shooting pool.
"Hmm, that will be tricky," Terry said. "Just keep saying positive things about it. Every time he makes an excuse, come back with something good."
Steve nodded. "Yeah...I'll try. Oh, by the way, when we're gone, who wants to watch Spirit? I mean, someone could stay at our place, or I can bring him to y'all. What do y'all think?"
"Well, I would, but I just stayed over at your place for over a week. I'm going to stay home awhile," Terry said.
"Me too, but you could bring him over here, if he don't mind a lot of people around," Kinsey said.
"Hey, let us keep him," Trevor said. He'd just got back to the table, and heard the end of the conversation. "Spirit is a cool cat." He looked at Zach, "Ok with you?"
Zach nodded, "Sure, why not...bring him over any time."
"Great, that's settled then," said Steve. He got up to go find Ghost and let him know.
"Hey, guess what? Trevor and Zach will keep Spirit at their house whle we're gone. You ok with that?"
Ghost looked up from the shot he'd just made. "Yeah, that's fine. He likes them, and I know they'll take care of him."
"Yeah, that'll work out fine. I'm gonna go call Linda right now. I'll be in the office," Steve said. "We really need to get going on this."
Ghost didn't say anything, but was already getting anxious about the trip...and the flying part. He went back to his game though, trying to improve his shots. He'd never played very much before. Trevor joined him again, picking up his cue stick
"Did Steve tell you?" he asked.
"Yeah, it's fine. Spirit will like it I guess. He's pretty calm, and we'll bring his food," Ghost said. He racked up the balls again. "You break, Trevor."
They played a few rounds, and Ghost actually won one, but he suspected Trevor had just let him win it.
"Steve said y'all were flying out there," Trevor said.
"Yeah, looks like it."
"Don't worry, it'll be fun."
"I know, everybody says that, but that don't make me feel any better about it," Ghost said. He sighed, and shook his head. "I'm scared to, Trevor."
"Is it just because it's different, and new...or do you have a bad feeling about it?" Trevor asked.
Ghost shrugged. "Both...mostly 'cause it's new, I guess. I'll probably freak out...and I don't want to. But, how do you not be scared, when you are?"
"Oh, good question. Just keep telling yourself positive things about it. You know, like it's way faster...and Steve won't be all tired and cranky, like after driving a long time."
Ghost laughed. "That would definitely be a good thing."
"Yep, and look at the other people on the plane. If they're not looking scared, then there's no reason for you to be."
"Hey, yeah...that's right. Thanks for telling me that...it helps a lot."
Steve came back into the arcade room. "Well, everything's all set. Linda says she'll be ready in about a week. We'll help load some stuff in her car, and she has a moving company to take the big stuff. She said she'll rent a U-Haul, too, and we can drive it back here." He smiled, happy to have got it settled. "I'm telling Kinsey to call the travel people. We'll get our tickets, and leave next week. Ok?"
Ghost nodded. "I'm trying to not be scared."
"Me too," Steve said.
~
The week passed pretty fast. Kinsey did book their flight, and gave Steve the printout of their itinerary. Ghost explained to Spirit that he was going on a trip, and would be back soon, and that he'd be staying with Trevor and Zach. "They'll take real good care of you, my sweet kitty. Don't be afraid, ok?" Spirit seemed to understand. He looked into Ghost's eyes, and meowed. Ghost laughed. "I knew you would get it."
"Hey, have you packed yet?" asked Steve.
"No, not yet...have you?"
"Well, I have some stuff laid out on the bed. I figure a few changes will be enough. Are the suitcases in the back room?" Steve asked.
"Uh-huh, the last I saw them they were." He looked in his closet. "Guess I'll pick some things to take," he said to Spirit. He tossed a couple pair of soft, drawstring pants, his striped hoodie, and the long tie-dyed t-shirt, onto the bed. A few other shirts and socks and he was done. He'd wear his old Army jacket and jeans, on the way there. He put an extra notebook on the pile. His main one would be in his back pack with his markers.
"I got everything," he hollered to Steve.
"Good...I put your suitcase out in the hall," Steve yelled back. He was in his bedroom, packing his own stuff.
Ghost crammed all his clothes in his, and barely got it closed. He was sitting on the case, bouncing up and down to get it fastened, when Steve came in.
"I just thought of something," Steve said.
"What?"
"We need to go to the bank, and get some money. We'll need to pay for those tickets, and for eating, and all kinds of stuff, when we get there, and on the way back, too...and for gas," Steve said. "Let's go on up to Raleigh this afternoon, and get that done."
"Now?"
"Yeah, why not...we have time before they close."
So, they took off down the highway, and as usual, Steve drove fast, with the radio on loud.
"When are we going on the plane?" Ghost asked.
"Tomorrow afternoon...after lunch."
"Ok, so why didn't we just go to the bank in the morning?"
"Hah...I don't know," Steve said. "Guess I wasn't thinking...it would have saved us a trip up here." He started laughing, and Ghost just rolled his eyes.
~
Next part coming soon!
Peace, Love, & Writing
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