Ghost

Chapter 3: Ghost

By morning, everyone had known about Nick's assumed fate. The dive team did not find anything, but one of Nick's sweaters was found on the edge of the river, probably swept there by the current. It now felt like it was no longer a rescue mission, but rather trying to find a body for Nick's parents to mourn over.

A small part of me was relieved that Nick's tormenting had stopped, but now I was faced with new troubles. The little visit from the police yesterday to both my house and school had people talking. Of course, they all heard me threatening to kill him, more than once I dare say. With the bad blood between us, let's just say everyone thought I was Nick's killer.

"I always knew there was something wrong with her."

The same whispers I have been hearing from the morning, some people didn't bother to hide it. Some got pretty creative too. Out of all the things Nick has put me through, this was the worst. Even with him gone, I was still being tormented.

"Do you really think she did it?"

"Of course, who else would have done it?"

"I heard she cut his body into pieces and scattered them so no one could find them."

"I heard the police found a shrine in her bedroom for Nick, she was obsessed with him."

Each rumour was worse than the other. I thought I could handle them, I mean I've handled all of Nick's bullying for years now, but I was no killer. People were actually keeping a distance from me, looks of fear evident on their expressions, everything just went from bad to worse.

I was stuffing my books into my bag hearing the constant whispering.

"You think she has a weapon in her bag?"

"Where do you think she hid Nick's body?"

"I am right here!" Nick's familiar voice rang.

I shook my head. God, I was even hearing his voice.

"I can't believe we'll never see him again."

"You can! I am right here!"

His voice sounded so real. It was laced with desperation. I think I was going crazy.

"Why won't anybody look at me! I am not dead! I am right here!" Nick's angry voice rang in the hallway.

Impossible.

I whipped around and found him standing in the middle of the hallway, his hands in his hair, something he usually did when he was frustrated.

I let out a gasp and dropped my bag earning a look from everyone. I wasn't going crazy, I was crazy. I closed my eyes and shook my head before looking back to the place where I thought I saw Nick. He was still there. Why was he still there?

"Do you see him?" I asked Jenson, a boy who was a few lockers down from mine. He looked at me wearily.

"See who?"

I pointed at Nick who was now staring at me. Go away. Go away! I am not crazy!

"Nick! He's right there--"

I sounded crazy.

Jenson's face scrunched up in disgust. "You think this is funny? Have some respect."

No! I wasn't trying to be funny! Nick was right there!

Nick started making his way towards me, determination etched on his face. I closed my eyes and started reciting all the verses I could remember from church. He's not real. He is not real.