I Carry a Torch for You

Chapter 1

My eyes flutter open, my legs sore for who knows why. I check my phone, eight in the morning. Shit! I'm going to be late for school! But what freaks me out is it's January thirteenth, I could've sworn it was just December twenty fifth. My head hurts too, for whatever reason. I get changed, heading up to my high school.

Ohio, that's my home state. Fifteen years old, and already pretty popular. Mostly for the fights I got in. . . But they were on accident! I thought the guy was making fun of me, so I punched him. Turns out he was making fun of himself. Oops. Today I wear ripped blue jeans and a blue polo shirt. My hair, blonde and reaching my shoulders. My eyes, blue. "Like the ocean," As my mom says. Although where she is I wouldn't know, she usually makes me breakfast.

I see my friends, Joseph and Caleb. Caleb was bigger, wearing a Star Wars shirt and basketball shorts despite never even playing the sport. He had short brown hair and always looked a little too happy. A total geek, but we're best friends despite that. Joseph was foreign, although I never asked too many questions about that. It was a sore topic for him, all I know is that he's adopted. He's darker skinned, with big round glasses and dimples. He has short black hair and likes to wear jeans and hoodies. They've been my friends since kindergarten, and refuse to leave my side even if I'm not the nicest person or the "smartest" according to them (I'm a smart guy! Come on!).

"Hey! What's up guys!" I race up to them, walking into the building with a huge smile on my face. I drape my arms over their shoulders like usual and look between them. They look into each other's eyes but don't say anything, they frown. Looking the saddest I've ever seen them. I swear I see a tear from Caleb.

"W- What's wrong guys?"

No reply. They continue onto class.

"Guys?" I let go, falling behind. Everyone ignores me, not even looking. I stand amongst the crowd as people go around me. I swear some walk through me, but that just can't be possible. "What's going on?" I find myself wanting to cry, but I can't do that. Why is everyone ignoring me?

I walk down the street, not wanting to speak. Fine! If that's how it's going to be then I might as well skip! My phone lies in my pocket, and I'm tempted to call her. But if she wasn't here this morning then she might be busy. She usually says something though.

I pass a graveyard, and for some reason today I want to visit. Why, though?

I read all the names, going through each row.

Ben Dover

James Brown

Axle Aloxel

Liam Jackson

Olivia Vo-

Liam Jackson. That's my name. I finish reading. "Liam Jackson, he will forever be in our hearts, April twenty fifth two thousand and six - December twenty fifth twenty twenty one."

It's all coming back to me. That night, the night I was shot. I was heading to bed after opening my gifts when he shut the door behind me.

He forced me on the bed, put a gun to my forehead and said "Sleep tight," And then it all went black to the sound of a BOOM, I couldn't have died though. I was just in a coma, yes that sounds right. And I woke up today and everyone is just playing a sick prank on me. Yes, perfect. That's what happened.

I smile as real as I can, knowing that this is much more serious than I'm making it. But, I'll see Mom soon and everything will be ok. I know it will.

"Hey, you're like me!" Someone shouts, causing me to spin around. "A ghost!"