Stormy Days To Drown Out The Screams - Luke Patterson

Chapter 3

Disclaimer - I do not own jatp. 

This part does have mentions of death when the boys are introduced but it doesn't go into detail

My eyes fluttered open, sunlight streaming through my window. Sitting up I rubbed my eyes, my face dropping when I realised that I was wearing eyeliner and mascara. Which was probably a mess since my little breakdown earlier. Gotta love breakdowns. Not bothering to fix my makeup given that I was literally invisible, I walked through the door and down the stairs. My doc martin's banged loudly against the floorboards as I ambled into the kitchen. The door opened and Julie entered the house, Carlos following with worry painted across his face. You and me both little dude. Julie stalked up the stairs, the sound of her door slamming shaking the house as her sobs filled the air. Carlos looked utterly devastated at the sound and I wished I could hold him until that heartbreak disappeared. I never hugged him enough when I was alive. Yet another regret to add to my long list. 

Carlos had found himself afternoon tea and trudged up to his room, leaving me alone in the kitchen. Walking into the lounge, I grabbed a random book from the shelf and opened it up. Papa walked in and I overheard him asking Julie to clear out the studio to take photos so the house could be put on the market. When I first found out they were thinking of leaving the house I thought it was all just some joke. Or a way of coping. I never thought they were actually serious, but here Papa was about to take photos to sell the house. I wished I could tell them not to go but Tia was adamant that moving house would help Julie move on. Sighing, I returned to my book. 

Night had fallen and Julie was venturing out into the studio. God, I hope she doesn't cry. I've cried way too many tears today and I don't think I'd be able to handle seeing my baby sister cry as well. Taking a deep breath, Julie pushed open the doors to the studio and stepped inside. She walked around the studio, taking in the sight she hadn't seen in months. 

"I'm sorry I haven't been in here, mum," she whispered into the silent room. "If you were here you'd probably kill me, Sofia. For letting these poor instruments get lonely or some ridiculous reason," she chuckled bitterly. "I miss you so, so much." 

"I miss you too," I responded. Julie entered the loft, picking up an old CD. Sunset Curve was written across the CD in bold writing and we both frowned. Neither of us recognised the name. Shrugging to herself, Julie began to play the song. Nodding my head to the beat, I tapped my foot on the floor. Damn, this song was good. Why hadn't I heard it before? The song was suddenly cut off by loud screaming and I frowned. Okay, not gonna lie this is a bit of a weird addition to the song. Suddenly three boys fallen from the literal sky and land with a thud on the floor. 

What. The. Hell. Julie let out an ear-piercing shriek at the sight of the three boys. The boys screamed back at her, clutching each other. I watched in pure shock as Julie ran out of the studio, fear written across her features. The boys calmed down and stopped screaming, instead looking around the studio in pure confusion. I began to laugh at the absurdity of it all. The boys instantly started the screaming again, turning with a jump to look in my direction. Wait. They heard me. They were looking at me. At. Me. Could they-?

"Who are you?" the boy in the middle's voice cut through my thoughts. "And what the hell happened to your face?" Oh right. The mascara and eyeliner that I hadn't removed. Of course the one day I look like shit three cute boys have to show up my house who can actually see and hear me. Sometimes I hate my life. Afterlife? 

"Ummm, hello?" The blonde boy said and I realised I must've been making a weird face at my thoughts, "random girl? You good?" Well that was embarrassing. 

"Who are you?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. They might be cute and they might actually be able to see me - which I was totally freaking out about - but I don't let my guard down that easily. Nope, I'm the most distrusting, cautious, always has a plan kinda person you will ever meet. Totally. I had to keep my guard up, especially around these people who could somehow see me. Something sinister might be happening here. The boy in the middle smiled at me and I instantly relaxed. Well so much for keeping my guard up. 

"I'm Luke," he told me happily. Luke. It fit the boy perfectly. The joy shining on his face made him look like a puppy and I couldn't help but return his easy smile. 

"Reggie," the dark haired one said with a small wave. 

"And I'm Alex," the blonde gave me a soft smile. 

"So Alex, you look like the smartest out of you three," I ignored Luke's offended gasp at my words and continue, "how the hell can you see me?"

"How can you see us?" He responded. No Alex. That's not how it works. I ask a question and you answer. And here I was thinking he was the smart one. 

"We're ghosts," Reggie chimed in helpfully. I plastered on a sympathetic look when I was internally throwing a party at the news. Not only was I not the only ghost, but the first three ghosts I got to meet were three insanely cute boys who literally fell from heaven. Or purgatory. Unimportant. Which means that we can see each, hear each other and touch each other. Finally, some good luck. It must be good karma from that one time I helped an old lady across the street when I was eight. 

"Who are you?" The blonde asked. 

"Sofia," I responded. "I'm dead too." The boys all pulled sympathetic faces. "How'd you guys go?" I wasn't really sure if that question was considered insensitive but I really wanted to know why three boys dressed like they were from the 90s were dead. 

"Ate some bad hotdogs," the middle boy answered with a grimace. I started to laugh again before realised I was a horrible person for laughing at their deaths. But it really was funny. 

"Hotdogs?" I chuckled, trying to stop myself from laughing but the boys were just smiling at me, their faces tinted with pink.

"Yeah, it's a bit embarrassing," Alex admitted. A bit embarrassing was an understatement. "You?" 

"Got run over by a car," I said nonchalantly. 

"That sucks," Luke said, clearly not knowing what to say. I just nodded. The silence hung awkwardly between the four of us for a few second. With impeccable timing, my sister burst through the door, fear in her eyes, confusion across her face, and a cross in her hand. 

A/N - we met the boys!