My Eyes Pick Up What Most Leave Behind

Chapter Ten

Recap: Scarlett holds a convo with Alice's dead dad, and tells him to  

talk to Alice. Then Erick explains his situation to Scarlett. 

****** 

Scarlett P.O.V

"Two months?!" I said, completely shocked.

"Yes," he replied. "I have a lot of money saved, so I think I can handle it," he added.

I nodded and wondered how he can handle all of this. Just then I heard a piercing scream from upstairs.

Alice P.O.V

I was sitting at my desk doing homework when I sensed a ghost. I tried ignoring it, I really didn't need this right now. But then I hear my dad's familiar voice say, "Alice?" Now that freaked me out. I let out a shriek before looking up at him.

"What the hell are you doing in my room?!" I screeched. 

He looked shocked. "You can see me?" He questioned.

"Well that's a stupid question. Of course I can." I replied bluntly.

He pulled me off of my seat and into a great big hug. "I'm so sorry, Alice honey."  

He said into my hair. I pulled away from him and looked away, afraid he would see my eyes brimming with tears.

"A little late for that now," I murmured back.

Scarlett P.O.V

I bounded up the stairs immediately after hearing her high-pitched shriek. I walked briskly to her room and was about to ask her what was wrong when I saw her and her dad. I walked back down and explained it all to Erick, who nodded with sympathy.

He left a few minutes later and I started that report I was supposed to do on ghosts. I quit about two hours later, completely exhausted.

I microwaved myself a TV dinner before heading upstairs. Alice was asleep in her bed and my mom had not come home yet. It was around ten and she gets off at eleven today, so I was not worried. I usually don't go to bed so early, but I feel asleep right away. 

I woke up the next morning to someone shaking me.

 "What?!" I questioned groggily.

"Uh, School?" Alice replied.

I rolled my eyes and threw on my jeans and a zebra print tee-shirt. I put my hair in a messy bun and left my face...natural... before hopping in my car with Alice.

 We got to school five minutes early and I walked to my locker. I pulled all of the necessary books out and put them in my bag, then strolled to class.

Only a few more days of this before summer. I cant believe it! School has gone by so fast.

My first few classes went by pretty slowly before lunch rolled around. I went to my usual table, but Erick joined us this time. My friends raised their eyebrows.

"Who is this?" They all questioned at once.

I saw Alice roll her eyes and Riley laugh before Erick replied in his light accent, "I would be Erick. What about you all?"

I swear, half of them blushed. That's just plain sad. They all said their names, Erick smiling and nodding before looking at me.

 "So. Can we talk?" He asked. I nodded and followed him out of the cafeteria. He lead me to a secluded tree and sat me down.

"Yes?" I asked.

 He started nervously. "Well, I need to go back to Ireland soon and sort things out with my mom."

 I nodded, "And?"

 He continued. "I'll be gone for two weeks and would love for you to...come with me?"

 I widened my eyes. What the heck! I have barely known him for a week and he wants me to join him in Ireland?! Letting him into my house and taking him to Santa Cruz was all impulse, and somewhat careless. But going half way around the world?

I shook my head and stuttered, "I c-can't." before storming off.

Erick P.O.V

We sat down at the table and acquainted myself with her blushing friends. Girls!

 I took Scarlett outside to ask her. I know it was a lot to ask, but I'm sure she'll accept. She seemed to trust me enough.

"Well, I need to go back to Ireland soon and sort things out with my mom." I started.

She nodded, "And?"

She wasn't getting it. "I'll be gone for two weeks and would love for you to...come with me?"

Her eyes shot open and she frowned. I wondered what she was thinking. I know it's a lot to ask....we have only known each other for a week.

But I'm being forced into marring a near stranger!

 She shook her head and stammered out, "I c-can't," before leaving me standing totally dumbfounded.

What just happened?