ghost // fillie

017

017

~ little talks ~

a few hours later, millie was leaning against finn's bedroom wall. it was scattered with indie band posters and photographs from moments in his life. there used to be a lot a millie posted on the wall, but the pictures had disappeared. finn had taken them down.

her eyes were tracing over every inch of the room, where trash and clothes lay scattered around the dark room, lit only by a bright television and finn's bedside lamp.

before millie died, finn's room was always neat. at least, whenever millie came over.

caleb was already at finn's house when millie arrived. they were lying on his bed, in the dark, playing mario odyssey, with finn currently winning, per usual. finn was always the master at video games.

caleb and finn didn't make any conversation, other than the occasional, "damn it!" and "can you pass me the chip bowl?"

for the past few hours, millie had been staring at finn.

since she first became a ghost, she had imagined revealing herself to finn. she imagined the wide smile on his face, the warm cheery smile accompanied by a few dimples. she imagines his eyes lighting up brighter than the sun and his warm embrace- which millie knew now she would never have.

because she had to do what was best for finn and live the rest of her ghostly life in the shadows. one day he'd get married- to someone else. have kids- with someone else. grow old- with someone else.

millie didn't want to watch that happen.

but she'd be by his side until he was happy. or at least okay.

suddenly, finn's phone rang.

having been knocked out of the game by another player, caleb reached for it, "i got it man,"

finn nodded, still invested in the game.

caleb flipped it over, and drew his eyebrows together, sitting up.

"who is it?" finn asked, his eyes and mind trained on the screen.

"it's sadie," caleb said, pressing the answer button, "hello?"

finn's eyes widened as he paused the game and quickly took the phone out of caleb's hands, frantic, pressing the phone to his ear.

"sadie?"

"finn?" sadie said from the other line, "you okay? you sound out of breath,"

finn bit his lip, "just an intense video game session. listen, hey- can i talk to you? about what you said before? i think-"

"what- about the millie thing?" sadie said, "listen finn, i was just seeing things. the doctor told me that the trauma gave me a little schizophrenia. so whatever you think i said, just don't believe it. ignore me,"

schizophrenia? millie smiled, good one, sadie.

"oh. uh, sorry, are you still......uh....seeing things?"

"uh......no. i'm- uh- on meds now so......," sadie said, trailing off.

"oh," finn said.

and with that one word, that one breath, millie felt her heart fall. she felt his fall with hers. she saw the bright look that was now occupied with sorrow and sadness again. finn had lost the hope. his body sagged, and he chewed on his lips, hanging his head, looking into his lap.

"well then...... what did you call me for?" finn asked.

"i was texting you, but you didn't respond. millie's parents want to meet with you," sadie said.

finn gulped, "what? why?"

sadie sighed, "their investigator hasn't found anything as to who cut the breaks on her car. they want you to come over and tell her everything you know about her. i already told her what i know, so.....,"

"i really don't know anything," finn said.

"yeah, but something tiny might turn into something bigger. you never know," sadie said.

finn bit his lip, "does it have to be in person?"

"yes," sadie said, "you've been avoiding them long enough. you haven't spoken to them since we cleared out her room,"

finn nodded, "okay.  when do they want me?"

"they said tomorrow around eight in the morning, but you should call them. i'll text you their number," sadie said, "and finn?"

"what," finn replied.

"just......don't......nevermind," sadie said, "i'll see you tomorrow,"

then the line went dead.

finn pulled the phone away from his ear, and look up towards caleb.

"since when does sadie call you?" caleb asked, crossing his arms, his eyebrows drawn together, his face just genuinely filled with anger and confusion.

"we're just friends, don't get your panties in a twist," finn said, picking up his game controller, "i'm not into her. she was calling about millie's investigation thingy. she likes you, anyways,"

millie giggled.

"w-what?" caleb asked, his harsh tone and face suddenly turning soft, with a rose blush tinting his cheeks, "how- what-"

"you should go for it, dude," finn said, pressing resume on the screen, "she's an awesome girl,"

caleb didn't respond, just leaned back and stared at the screen.

then finn drew his eyebrows together and turned off the television. caleb was looking at him through the reflection of the television.

he stared into the black abyss where his reflection lied, staring back at him, "i just want you to know i'm serious. take a chance with sadie,"

caleb looked to the side.

finn threw his controller on the floor, keeping his eyes trained on it, "because i have no idea how the fuck i'm ever going to love somebody again,"

is anyone even reading this anymore lol

sorry this was short&rushed, i'm still getting back into the groove of writing. plus, i've prewritten like 3 chaps, so i just have to review them before i post.