For Always (book one)

Chapter 17: Change

Malyn

When my alarm went off, I didn't want to get up. But, since it was all the way on the other side of the room, I had to. Today was one of those days I just wanted to stay in bed. I thought I would've slept well, since I was worn out from my birthday party, but I didn't. I dreamt of Beau all night, which was nice until I woke up and realized they were just that—dreams. They seemed so real, like he was right here with me.

I turned my alarm off and sat back down on my bed. I looked around my room, knowing Beau wasn't here, but hoping otherwise, nonetheless. As my eyes scanned my room, they fell on my present that he'd given me. I decided it needed to be hung up, so I got my small handy-girl kit out of my drawer, took out a big nail and my pink hammer, and looked around, deciding the best place to hang it. I chose a spot near my bed. That way, I could see it as I came in my room, and as I went to sleep.

After hanging it and stepping back to make sure it was straight, I was startled by someone at my door. "What in the world are ya doin'?" Grandmama asked. "I thought ya might be havin' some kinda conniption fit up here."

"No, just hanging up Beau's present so nothing happens to it."

She came in and wrapped her arm around my shoulder. "I can't get over how beautiful it is, but maybe that's 'cause it's of you."

"No, that's definitely not the case." I looked back at all the detail he'd put in it. "No, he's just good."

She nodded her head in agreement. "Yeah, he is." She patted my shoulder. "Breakfast is ready."

I fell back on my bed and moaned. "Think it'd be bad if I called in sick?" I really wasn't in the mood to work.

"Lyin' about bein' sick will only make ya get sick," she said as she walked out. "Karma!"

I forced myself to get up and get ready. At least I only had to work a five-hour shift today. Grandmama had made Max's favorite for breakfast again and we all sat at the table to eat it.

"I hate that you're leaving today. I'm really gonna miss you." And I knew Grandmama was, too. "When will we see you again?"

"Whenever ya need a Maxwell fix, just come on down. You two are welcome any time."

"Isn't Savannah supposed to be like... really haunted?"

I couldn't imagine what that would be like. I understood why Max liked it, though. I could see him, now, pulling them in off the streets and befriending them, trying to help, or do some sort of new study with them.

"Yes, it's rather populated with spirits. But mostly friendly, so you'd be fine," he replied.

"Mostly?" I asked skeptically.

"Have you not seen any spirits here? I've seen quite a few."

"Yes, but I ignore them. If they realize what I can do, they always try to talk to me. And in public, that's not cool."

"If that happens to you, make them follow ya somewhere so that no one can see. I had a lady follow me to the bathroom once," he said as he took a bite of food.

Grandmama laughed. "I don't think that's a story she needs to hear."

Maxed winked at her. "Maybe not."

I just shook my head and smiled. "You two kill me."

As we finished talking and eating, we said our sad goodbyes, which I was really sick of doing. But, since Grandmama would be taking him to the airport soon, I knew this would be the last time I would see him for a while.