Visible Ghosts

2

I woke up in a cold sweat. My dirty blonde hair plastered to my face. Different images flash through my head, playing a revolting rewind of my time in the pit. My stomach lurches at the memories and I scramble off the bed and into my bathroom. The cold tile helps bring my focus back, my hands are gripping the sink counter so tightly the knuckles are white.

"It's just another dream." I mutter to myself. I've been out of that lifestyle for 6 years now and there's no way I'm ever going back. Zane and I escaped together and we haven't left each other's sides since.

I splash water on my face and get ready for the day. My wristwatch tells me it's only 5:30am. Four whole hours of sleep. Today is going to be tough.

With nothing better to do, I make breakfast for Zane and Raven. Humming the melody to a song I heard on the radio yesterday I start the coffee pot and gather the ingredients for omelets and fresh fruit. 30 minutes later Zane stumbles into the kitchen, his eyes unfocused and glassy.

"Morning."

A mumbled good morning is tossed my way as he grabs a mug from a cabinet and fills it to the brim with coffee. No sugar, no cream. Just the way a psychopath likes it.

A few sips in, Zane's eyes become clearer and his gaze settles on me. "Morning buttercup."

I grin back, "You have drool on the side of your face."

A hand slaps to his face rubbing away at the skin. "Gross. I must have been knocked last night."

"Good morning malen'kiy kotenok (little kitten). Morning Lane." Raven grumbles in a deep voice from the entryway.

"Hi bol'shoy medved'(big bear), do you want an omelet?"

"Raven for the last time, my name is not Lane, it's Zane."

"Same." He grunts. "Omelet first then I tell you what I need from you."

Raven brings his boxer clad body to the stool at the island counter. I advert my eyes and grab another mug of coffee and three plates. I slide the mug and two plates towards the guys.

"Eat and talk." I command. "I've got a busy day and Zane and I have to be at the hospital in an hour."

Zane rolls his eyes at my bossiness. He quickly shovels his food into his mouth, drains his mug, and hops up from the stool.

"Thanks buttercup. I'm going to get ready be back in a few minutes." He blows a kiss my way and bounds back up the stairs.

"Raven." I sigh. "Why were you in our house last night? Is something wrong?"

"No."

I pause to see if he will elaborate. He doesn't, he just continues to eat his food with a distant look in his eyes.

"Bol'shoy medved'. Pogovori so mnoy." (Big bear. Talk to me.)

Raven finishes the last of his plate and finally looks into my eyes. There's a glimmer of sorrow and something else that I can't place.

"Moye solntse (my sun) is angry at me."

"Corey?" I question. I've never met him before. I only know that he and Raven are a thing sometimes.

"Da."

"Why is he angry with you?"

"I am not sure." Raven slumps further into the stool. "He comes to bed so late and not even my bed anymore."

"He might just be busy, big bear. You know how the academy is. Just talk to him, I'm sure there's an explanation." I console the normally brusque Russian wrapping an arm around his shoulder.