Don't Ghost Me

Chapter 9 - Answers, But No Answers

As they arrived at the location Willie had given them, an unsettling sensation washed over them. In the narrow alley between two deserted warehouses, what type of ghost lingered for all eternity? As Cait looked around cautiously, a sense of unease washed over her, leaving her feeling exposed and defenseless. Seeking comfort, she wrapped her arms around herself, squeezing tightly.

"Okay, where's this elder ghost at? Is anyone there?" Cait asked out loud, her voice echoing through the stillness of her surroundings. A sense of terror washed over her as she felt like she was being observed, the surrounding atmosphere becoming heavy and foreboding.

Luke, Alex, and Reggie huddled together as a mysterious cloaked figure emerged from the wall of one of the warehouses. Without saying a word, the figure walked towards Cait, positioning themselves behind her. When she turned around, a strange sensation swept over her, as if her soul had momentarily abandoned her physical form. The hooded figure revealed a woman in her forties as she removed her cloak. With her silver shoulder-length hair flowing over her shoulder, her intense blue eyes fixed their gaze on Cait and the boys.

"What is a living girl and three ghost boys doing around here?" she asked in a husky tone.

Cait took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves, and cleared her throat. "My friends and I have a problem and we were told you might be able to help."

With a nod, the woman positioned herself between Cait and the boys; her crossed arms, suggesting she was already privy to the details. "I am listening, my dear."

Cait noticed a subtle change in the woman's eyes as they softened, making her feel more at ease. Before continuing on with her story, she glanced in the direction she hoped the boys stood, and their eager eyes fixed on her. In disbelief, the woman's eyes grew wide, and she insisted on being shown. Cait's hesitancy stemmed from her awareness of the painful impact her connection with Reggie would have on him.

Quietly, Reggie approached Cait, his presence unnoticed by her. While the woman and Cait's friends watched in silence, the atmosphere around the couple grew fiercely charged as Reggie kissed Cait. Not only could Cait see Reggie, but Luke and Alex were also within her line of sight. As she looked at Reggie, a wave of concern washed over her, noticing the anguish on his face.

The woman pondered, rubbing her chin. "I have heard of this before, but I have never witnessed it until now." There was a long pause as she stared at Cait and Reggie in utter disbelief. "I know this as being pulled between the living world and the spirit world. I have heard about this many times over the years, but this is the first time I have had the privilege of seeing it for myself."

"Should we be concerned about it?" Luke asked, noticing Reggie wasn't looking so good. "Could this destroy him?"

As if to convey her uncertainty, the woman shrugged, her body language speaking volumes. "I know little about this to give you accurate help. Be very careful. Until you know what you're dealing with, I would try to stay away from each other."

After bidding the group farewell and offering her well wishes, the lady suddenly vanished. Despite feeling unaccomplished, Cait acknowledged they had at least got a small piece of information from the meeting. Even Reggie felt a heavy burden lingering on his shoulders after the unproductive meeting. He believed he was caught in a constant tug-of-war between the realm of the living and the realm of spirits. He shook his head, his temples throbbing as he struggled to comprehend the woman's rapid-fire explanation.

As they arrived back at the house, Cait wearily lowered herself onto the soft leather couch, her defeated demeanor impossible to hide. Julie joined them, graciously offering a plate of mouthwatering food in one hand and a glass of cool juice in the other, which she had specifically brought for Cait. As Reggie attempted to convince Cait to rest, Luke provided Julie with a thorough explanation of the recent events.

"So, the meeting was pointless?" Julie said, shaking her head in disappointment. She glanced at her weary friend, her drooping eyelids and slouched posture speaking volumes.

Reggie approached, his face etched with a melancholic expression. "I'm going somewhere to clear my head. Can someone keep an eye on Cait while I'm gone and find me when she wakes up?"

"I'll make sure she's safe," Alex offered, his words carrying a sense of responsibility, before Reggie vanished from sight.

Julie sighed for the second time, her eyes filled with concern as she locked eyes with Luke. "Maybe you should go make sure Reggie is okay. Alex can watch Cait, but I have to go in and get to bed for school tomorrow."

Agreeing with a nod, Luke dissolved into thin air. Julie closed the heavy door to the music studio, shutting out the world outside as she retreated into the house for the night. Alex is engrossed in his drum set, spending a solid thirty minutes twirling a drumstick between his fingers with precision and focus.

"Alex," Cait's voice scared him. He looked right into her eyes, his mouth agape. "Reggie is in danger..."

Standing up, Alex moved over to the couch and sat beside her, still in disbelief that Cait could see him. Cait recounted a dream she had, but it was hard to make sense of. She informed him that in her dream; she witnessed all three boys standing on a hill while dark clouds enveloped them. Within that dark cloud, a figure appeared and snatched Reggie, taking him into the immense darkness.

"I was watching from above and I tried to scream, but it was no use," Cait said, a tear rolling down her cheek. With a gentle touch, Alex caught another tear, and his comforting eyes softened. "I'm absolutely terrified, Alex, and I don't know what to do or what all of this means."

Taking her hands, Alex stood and helped her stand. He hugged her tightly, gently rubbing her back for added comfort. "I understand you're scared. We all are because this is something we've never had happen to us before. I think it scares Reggie more, though. He really loves you, Cait."

As Cait nestled her face in Alex's chest, she could feel his strong embrace soothing her worries. She struggled to hold back tears as Luke and Reggie unexpectedly materialized before her. Their eyes locked onto Cait and Alex, a mix of confusion and shock evident on their faces.