Don't Ghost Me

Chapter 12 - Don't Give Up, So I Don't Give Up

Back at the house, Reggie and Cait gathered Luke, Alex, and Julie in Julie's room to share their findings from the day. Their voices filled the room, each one filled with excitement as they discussed the choice between heaven and earth.

"Faren didn't really specify whether you could choose," Cait stated, staring at her hands. "But she said that there was a pull with Reggie because he's been trying to cross over into the living world."

"This is exciting news," Julie said, giving her friend a warm hug. "Did she mention Luke and Alex, though? Aren't they able to cross over to the living realm as well?"

Cait shrugged and sighed, her eyes flickering from one friend to the next, searching for a response. The moment her eyes fell on Reggie, she couldn't help but blush. Her blush revealed the hidden depths of her gentle soul, like a poem waiting to be read. With a wink and a smile, Reggie admired how Cait's blush enhanced her eyes and brought out a delicate sweetness. Reggie adjusted in his seat, his arms comfortably draped across the backrest. He admired the way she spoke about their conversation with Faren, her eyes shining with excitement. When Cait realized he was staring at her, she fell silent mid-sentence.

"Why are you looking at me like that, Reggie?" Cait asked, her cheeks blushing a champagne pink.

His eyes expressed a smile as he lovingly looked at her. "Because you're so beautiful."

The room filled with voices as the others exclaimed how sweet it was, causing Cait's cheeks to burn and a blush to spread across her entire body. She admitted to herself that she loved the way Reggie's gaze lingered on her, filled with affection. Even when he thought she didn't notice, she could still feel the intensity of his gaze upon her.

"So how will we know if you dream of something that could lead us to more answers?" Luke asked Cait, breaking the silence.

With a carefree shrug, Cait casually reached for a journal on Julie's desk, eagerly flipping it open. With a quick hand, she jotted down a few words and confidently marked a check next to them. "I'll write my dreams and when we solve them, I'll check it."

She diligently jotted down additional notes while eavesdropping on the group's animated discussion. With optimism, Cait believed that these dreams would be the solution to setting Reggie, Luke, and Alex free. She wondered, though, why didn't Luke feel the same electric charge when he was with Julie? Cait observed Julie and Luke's playful banter, the sound of their voices creating a joyful atmosphere, and she couldn't help but smile. It was clear that they had a strong connection, as they effortlessly complemented each other's strengths and weaknesses. But that nagging question persisted, casting a shadow over her mind. When they finished their unfinished business, would Luke and Alex cross over to heaven or stay behind?

Cait put down the journal, her eyes drawn to the infectious laughter and animated conversations of her friends. Thoughts swirled in her mind, causing her to question if others contemplated such matters. As her eyes met Reggie's, his captivating smile seemed to brighten the entire room, and his eyes couldn't help but steal longing glances at her. Cait let out a heavy sigh, immediately capturing Reggie's full attention.

"What's on your mind, Cait?" Reggie asked, causing everyone in the room to look at her.

As she expressed her worries, she could sense the shared unease among the group. Cait's inquiry about Luke lingered in her mind, unspoken, and kept to herself. The sight of her friends' beaming faces and the sound of their excited voices brought a wave of happiness to her heart. Worry pulled at the back of her mind at Faren's words. Reggie's predicament placed the burden on Cait to unravel the necessary steps to ensure his rescue.

She stood up and looked at Reggie, the warmth of his gaze washing over her. "Can I talk to you alone?"

He nodded silently, trailing behind her as they left Julie's room and emerged onto the porch. Cait felt a cool wind blowing, causing her hair to whip across her face, and she quickly brushed it aside. They stood there for a while, the only sound being the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze.

"I'm scared, Reggie," she finally said, her voice trembling as she stared up at the vast expanse of the starry sky. "We don't know what we're up against with this pull. This curse that's keeping you in the spirit world must belong to a powerful spirit who wants your soul."

She felt Reggie's firm grip as he interlocked their fingers, his thumb drawing comforting circles on the back of her hand while their foreheads touched. "I'm scared too, Cait. We don't know what's going to happen and if there is a powerful spirit out there that wants my soul, we don't know why."

The memory of the eerie dream haunted Cait as she pondered the sinister black fog that snatched Reggie away. With closed eyes, she exhaled a trembling breath. As she wrapped her arms around Reggie's waist, she could feel the chill of the night seeping into her bones. Cait buried her face in his chest, feeling a wave of familiarity wash over her as his unique scent filled her senses. In an instant, her eyes shot open as she registered the sensation of his warmth.

"Can you feel that?" she asked, looking into his green eyes.

His lips curled up into a smile as he traced the contours of her face, finally landing on her lips. "I told you I feel alive when I'm with you."

His lips gently grazed her forehead, leaving a tingling sensation in its wake as they trailed down her cheek. Their breaths intermingled as Reggie's lips hovered over Cait's, creating a tantalizing moment of intimacy. Closing his eyes, he kissed her softly, savoring the moment and the touch of her lips. As their lips pressed together, time seemed to stand still, lost in the intensity of their embrace. It possessed a purity and vulnerability that evoked the tender taste of sweet, ripe fruit.

In an instant, Reggie's body was electrified, as if a live wire had fused with his very being. As he stepped back, his balance faltered, causing him to tumble onto his back on the porch. As Cait gasped and knelt beside him, she could hear his labored breathing and see the agony etched on his face. She held him in her arms, feeling the weight of his body against her chest, until the pain subsided. He took deep breaths, gradually steadying his breathing and finding his rhythm. As tears streamed down Cait's face, her cheeks became soaked and flushed.

Between sobs, Cait managed to say, "That was even worse than before."

With a tender touch, Reggie reached up and caressed her cheek, his fingers delicately wiping away the tears that streamed down her sad face. With a smile that radiated reassurance, he sat up. He was at a loss for words of comfort as he watched her cry, her hands covering her face.

"I don't know if I can do this," Cait cried. "I can't stand seeing you in so much pain, knowing that it's my fault."

Reggie gently adjusted her position, cradling her face in his hands and using his thumbs to wipe away her tears. As he looked into her eyes, his voice carried a weight of sincerity, making her believe his words: "Cait, it's not your fault. Don't give up now when we're a step closer to figuring this out. Don't give, so I don't give up."

With a slight nod, Cait searched his eyes, trying to read the emotions hidden within, before he pulled her in for a warm hug. Reggie's touch was soothing as he stroked her hair while she sobbed into his chest. He was equally terrified, lacking any knowledge about the curse that loomed over them. Yet, he is aware that behind every problem lies a potential solution. Despite underestimating herself, Cait proved to be remarkably strong. Reggie also knew that their combined efforts would lead them to conquer the curse that haunted him.

As he lifted her face, Reggie noticed the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. With a tender touch, he pressed his lips against hers, leaving a trace of warmth behind. "We will get through this. I know we will."