The Boy In The Photograph

// six //

"No way! You saw and spoke to Andy!? That's mad!" Matty texts me back.

"It is." I reply. "Hey, how about you come over for dinner tonight and meet everybody?"

I told Matty about all of the wierd things that have happened to me, and surprisingly he believed me right from the beginning! He told me that he's experienced a lot of wierd things in his life so ghosts weren't really that scary to him.

"That's sounds absolutely splendid! What time should I be over? I could bring something if you'd like?" He texts back.

"Be here around 7, is that a good time? And you don't have to bring anything, but you're welcome to if you want!"

"Ok, see you soon! Bye!"

"See you later!" I text back and look at what time it is.

5:00, so I guess I better go to the store and get something to cook for all of us.

***

I decided to bake some chicken and make mashed potatoes and mac and cheese and a salad. I also picked up some kind of organic vegetarian thing for Oliver since he doesn't eat meat.

I'm nearly done cooking when Vic walks into the kitchen. "Howdy." He says and I giggle.

"Hey, Vic. What's up?" I reply.

"Oh nothing, just hanging out. So who's coming over again?"

"His name is Matty, he works at the library."

"The library? You're such a dork, Peyton. Is he cool or is he wierd?"

"He's cool, he knows a lot about the town. He's also British, and really sweet! You'll all get on well. Oliver might think he's a nerd, but Oliver thinks that about everyone." I say and we laugh, "and don't let Oli get to you, Vic. He's just really protective of me."

"I see that." He raises his eyebrows and I chuckle.

"Well, everything is done." I look at the clock and it reads 6:54, right on time.

The doorbell rings and I ask Vic to get it. I begin setting the food on the table when Matty and Vic walk into my view.

"Hey Matty!" I say and he comes over to me and hugs me.

"I brought a pie." He says and hands it to me.

"Oh, awesome! Thank you! I didn't even think to get something for dessert." I say and put the pie on the kitchen counter.

Vic leaves to go get Kellin and Oliver who are hanging up some pictures in the bedrooms.

"This house is even more beautiful in person! Although, it is quite spooky." He says and I nod.

"Indeed." I say and he chuckles.

"So this must be your little bro, eh?" He says and shakes Kellin's hand.

"Hi, I'm Kellin." He says and smiles.

"And this is my boyfriend Oliver." I say and walk over to him and hold his left hand while he shakes Matty's.

"Nice to meet you both!" Matty says and we sit at the table.

"This all looks so good!" Kellin says and I say the blessing and then we eat.

***

"So this is where you spoke with him?" Matty asks as I lead him down into the basement.

I'm giving him a 'tour of the house.' At least that's what the boys think. I'm actually showing him the places where the wierd things have been happening and reenacting them for him.

"Yes, he just kind of stood over there." I pointed to the wall opposite the stairs. "But then he started walking around everywhere."

Matty nods and goes over to where I said Andy had been standing. He touches the ground and closes his eyes. What the heck is going on?

"Umm, not to be rude or anything, but what are you doing?" I ask and Matty stands up.

"Well, don't freak out or anything, but I'm kind of a psychic." He says and I open my mouth but then close it and swallow.

"Well, definitely wasn't expecting that. Umm, so what were you just doing?"

"Well, I was just trying to see if I could sense his presence. To see if he had actually been here. Just making sure you weren't dreaming or something. Not that I didn't believe you, but I just like confirmation, and I definitely just got it. His presence is really strong! I thought I sensed it when I came into the house, but I didn't know if it was one of the boys' presences or something. However, this is very distinct. Just like your boy Oliver. He is a very strong soul, with a lot of love for you. I can almost touch how he feels about you. You're one lucky gal."

I feel my face heat up and smile. "Well that's interesting."

"What's interesting is that his presence is as strong as it is. Andy has been dead since 1922. He should have passed on a while ago. Something is keeping him here, but the question is - what is it?"