A Spirit Between Us (bxb)

Chapter 26 - Ancestors.

The bell rang, a shrill sound that signaled the end of the lesson and brought an almost palpable relief to the tension hanging in the classroom. Chairs scraped against the floor as students hurried to leave, their chatter filling the air as they flooded into the hallway.

Archie lingered, his gaze fixed on Mrs. Rosery as she began gathering her things at the front of the room. She moved with deliberate precision, each gesture betraying a subtle tremor in her hands. Lyla stood at his side, shifting nervously as the room emptied, leaving the three of them alone.

"Are you sure about this?" Lyla whispered, her voice laced with doubt.

Archie didn't answer. Instead, he strode forward, his steps purposeful. He stopped just short of the desk, crossing his arms and fixing his piercing green eyes on the teacher.

Mrs. Rosery glanced up, startled by his presence. "Yes, Archie? Did you need something?"

He didn't waste time on pleasantries. "Can you see it?"

The question landed in the room like a thunderclap.

Mrs. Rosery froze, her expression twisting into something between confusion and dread. Her thick glasses slipped slightly down the bridge of her nose as she stared at him, her lips parting as if to speak, though no sound came out at first.

"See what?" she finally managed, though her voice was unconvincing.

Archie leaned forward, his voice firm, his tone leaving no room for evasion. "You know what I'm talking about. Finn. Or whatever's inside him."

Lyla winced slightly at his bluntness but didn't interrupt, her own eyes darting between Archie and their teacher.

Mrs. Rosery let out a shaky breath, her hand gripping the edge of the desk as if to steady herself. She glanced toward the door, ensuring it was closed, before looking back at them.

"I don't..." she began, her voice faltering. She sighed heavily and adjusted her glasses, her hands trembling. "I don't see it, no. Not like you mean."

Archie's brow furrowed, frustration creeping into his expression. "Then what's with all the avoidance? Why do you act like he's radioactive every time he's in the room?"

Mrs. Rosery hesitated, clearly debating how much to say. Finally, she lowered herself into her chair, gesturing for them to sit as well.

"I can't explain it fully," she admitted, her tone quieter now, almost apologetic. "It's not sight, exactly. It's... a feeling."

Archie and Lyla exchanged a glance before he pressed further. "A feeling?"

Mrs. Rosery nodded, folding her hands in front of her. "It's like... an electric charge in the air. When he's near, it's suffocating, like something dark and unnatural is pressing down on me. And his eyes..." She shivered involuntarily, her gaze distant. "The way he looks at people, there's nothing there. It's like staring into a void."

Mrs. Rosery laced her fingers together, tapping them lightly as she spoke. "Some mediums claim they can speak to ghosts or see them directly," she began, her voice measured. "Judging by the fact that you seem to know what's going on with Finley, I'm guessing you have those abilities yourself."

Archie nodded, his movements slow and deliberate, his green eyes fixed on her.

She hummed softly, a thoughtful sound, before continuing. "Mine aren't quite as advanced. I can't see or hear them. My abilities only go as far as sensing their presence, feeling them nearby."

Her words were calm, but there was a subtle shake in her voice, betraying her demeanour. Archie's expression remained unreadable, though his mind was already turning over this new piece of information.