It's A Wonderful Afterlife (Sequel to 'A New Life')

Chapter 3: A Dire Situation

Weeks passed, and Remus spent his days at school from 8:30 a.m. until 2:45 p.m., and his evenings with Betelgeuse in the Neitherworld. Finally, his life began to fall into place. Paige was a new buddy he made. She was in Liz's PE class and his science class, but they only spoke in PE. Emily had returned to wreck his life. He raced home from school, running into the house and exclaiming the magical rhythm Betelgeuse had taught him:

"Though I know I should be wary, still I venture someplace scary, ghostly hauntings I turn loose, Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse!" The area suddenly transformed into a stone corridor with a stairwell leading to a door. The Neitherworld was accessible through this door, which was conveniently located near Bj's roadhouse. Betelgeuse was always ecstatic to see him, and he always had something planned for him. Despite the fact that they always appeared to begin by going down the street. They walked in the same direction every time. Remus headed upstairs to do some homework before snuggling into bed after a long evening with Betelgeuse that included some pranks, new experiences, new places, new creatures, and a LOT of laughs for the two. He reflected on how much his life had altered when he first met the demon. Without him, he probably would have died by now, if not from his own actions, then by the injuries he received from his former foster parents. He didn't realise he'd live to reach 15, which was still too young to die. The more he thought about it, the more Betelgeuse wondered whether 'Alex' had actually hit his head during a seizure, or if he had lied about it. He saw no evidence of injuries on his head that indicated he had struck it hard enough, so he assumed he simply didn't want to talk about being beaten to death. Each night, the demon stayed up longer, allowing Remus time to adjust to sleeping alone.On the sofa, he would occasionally fall asleep. He softly clasped Remus' hand and tenderly kissed his forehead when he finally awoke and went to bed, regardless of whether Remus had already fallen asleep. He'd then go off to sleep, happy as he remembered their experiences and how they had laughed together. In their lateral years, neither of them had laughed so hard with anybody. Both had been depressed for much too long to recall. Because it was the weekend, the two could relax and sleep in. Betelgeuse awoke at half past ten, but Remus didn't till quarter past eleven. They had just spent a relaxing day together. Betelgeuse did get a work-related emergency call.Remus didn't hear what it was, but he knew it was significant because Betelgeuse RAN. For the first time in a long time, he was left alone, and as soon as everything became silent, his schizophrenia began. He started to shiver and breathe heavily till he felt a touch on his shoulder and glanced up to find a concerned demon staring at him.

"Hey, hey, kiddo calm down, I need you to listen to me, I need you to breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds," the demon said. For a guy who struggled to understand his own feelings, he knew how to assist others, and he did so admirably. Remus did what he was advised and after some time and medication, he felt much better.

"Thank you, Uncle!" Remus shook his head. Said demon sat next to him and held him in his arms, making him feel comfortable and protected As usual when he was held near.

"Why don't you join me at work? Take a walk outside and get some fresh air. Come on, I'll look after you." Betelgeuse made a suggestion. Remus accepted and went to get his jacket and shoes.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Uh huh!"

"All right, let's go." They proceeded to a strange-looking structure, holding hands, and heard birds singing.

"Sky rats!" exclaims one. Remus and Betelgeuse both laughed.

"Take a look! a bushy-tailed rat!" Poopsie was chasing a squirrel, as Remus pointed it out.

"So. What brought you back?" Remus inquired, looking up at him with a smile on his face.

"I forgot my ID."