The Whole "Being Dead" Thing

The Grandparents Visit

Hot. Why is it so hot. You awoke refusing to open your eyes and greet the new day. Maybe I can just lay here until I die from heat stroke. As you continued to argue with yourself about whether or not you should get up you heard a knock on your door before it opened.

"Y/n wake up, your grandparents will be here soon", your mom announced before walking out, leaving the door open.

" Guess the decision's made for me", you said to no one in particular. As you finally opened your eyes you squinted at the sun rays coming in from the window. Oh god kill me now.

You got up feeling very sluggish and made your way to the kitchen where your mom was making a huge breakfast. The table was full with beautiful, golden pancakes along with eggs and bacon. Your mouth watered at the sight.

"Mom this looks amazing." You sat at down and started to fill up your plate with the delicious food when your hand was smacked by a spatula while reaching for a second piece of bacon.

"SHIT! That really hurt!" You clutched your hand to your chest glaring at your mom as she laughed. "You made me drop my bacon", you pouted.

" Uh uh uh, we have to wait for your grandparents Little Spider", your mom chastised.

"Little Spider? Come on, you haven't called me that since I was nine."

You recalled that when you were younger you had abnormally long legs and arms before you grew into them but your parents had nicknamed you Little Spider because of it. You always showed hatred towards the name but secretly you loved it.

"I know, I know just... At least go changed out of your pj's first I don't think Delia would appreciate seeing you in pajamas when she arrives."

You shuddered at the thought of receiving a "Delia lecture" especially this early in the morning. With that you got up and went to get ready. Once you were changed and presentable you made your way back when the doorbell suddenly rang followed shortly by some very persistent knocking.

It made you stop in your tracks. Oh that must be them. "I got it!" As you neared the front door you could hear what sounded like arguing start to grow louder and louder along with more knocking.

"Calm down woman you're going to break the door down!" A muffled voice yelled.

"I might as well! If I stay out in this heat for a second longer I'll melt right through the floorboards!" A second voice frantically answered. "I swear if someone doesn't open this door I'll-OH!"

As you finally opened the door you side swept quickly, Delia's fist having missed you by mere inches.

"Hi grandma, hi grandpa", you said, an exaggerated smile on your lips. You noticed their appearances as they composed themselves from their accidental assault. Grandpa Charles was still as stern faced as ever although you could clearly see the silver hairs on his head and beard. He was also dressed sharp for a simple breakfast with family but that was to be expected from the old man. As for Delia however, you knew that she'd been dyeing her hair for years now to keep her beautiful red hair. Like always she wore her hair in a intricate updo that looked as though you would've lost a finger trying to replicate it yourself. She wore a simple, red summer dress and a abundance of makeup that did its best to cover Delia's age lines. But to you her whole look just screamed "I am still young!"

Delia's irritated face suddenly changed to one of pleasantly surprise. "Y/n! Wow look at you", she exclaimed as her eyes scanned your outfit, "You've certainly grown since the last time I saw you. Now move aside I'd like to get out of this ghastly heat." Once inside everyone greeted each other and made their way to the dining room. Everyone sat down at the table to eat, much to your starving stomachs relief.

As the warm white light of the morning sun shined throughout the room the delicious aroma of breakfast food planted itself in your brain. Your small family chatting away about drama and home life. You mostly stayed quiet soaking it all in, occasionally inputting your thoughts. At one point Delia had tried asking you about any current relationships you had but you promptly ended that conversation. You loved this feeling. You just felt a huge sense of belonging, like everything was normal like before but... it wasn't, and it would never be. Fuck not now. You tried ignoring your sudden intrusive thoughts but it was no use. As everyone helped clean up you plastered on a fake smile and pushed through.
After cleaning up everyone made their way to the living room and continued with their conversations when Charles brought up the topic of work.

"So y/n if I'm correct your entering your last year of college which means now's the time to start working on your career. Do you have anything planned?"

You hated that question. Ever since high school it's always been "what do you want to do in the future?" "what do you want to study in college?" and the famous "what do you want to be when you grow up?" These questions always managed to freak you out with the thought that you just don't know.

So you gave the same answer as always, "I don't know."

You noticed that Charles look a little unnerved by this as most people are with that answer. "Um, well do you have a general idea? What are you currently majoring in?"

"I'm currently majoring in mortuary science which is the study of deceased bodies", you deadpanned, "It only takes two years to get the degree which is nice since I didn't go to college right out of high school." The heavy weight you had in your chest had dissipated a little as you felt better getting all that out in one breath. After you'd finished the room became tense with a heavy silence, so when the house phone rang everyone slightly jumped in their seats.

"I'll get it", your mom said as she stood. You could've sworn you saw a brief look of pride in her eyes as she past by you.

Everyone else sat in silence as they listened to your mom's voice speaking on the phone. Then a scream was heard followed by rapid footsteps back to the living room. In a second everyone was up and on high alert as your mom entered the room with a large smile that could brighten up any cloudy day.

Still worried you crossed the room to her. "Mom what happened? Who was that on the phone?"

"That call was a job offer as a photographer for a photography series in a popular New York magazine. They saw my portfolio and now they want me to come in for a interview tomorrow in New York and-Oh no IHAVETOLEAVERIGHTNOW!" Your mom raced upstairs with Delia close behind. You stood there dazed at everything that was happening. Okay, mom has a interview. No need for you to freak out this is just some very exciting news. Okay, okay I can do this just... chill. Nope I'm freaking out! You physically shook with excitement as your cheeks started hurting from smiling so much. Just then your mom and Delia came back down carrying a suitcase. Wait... mom is leaving. Mom is leaving! You felt a little bit of that excitement die down. Putting her suitcase down she turned towards you.

"Okay Spider your going to have to stay alone here for a few days. I'll pass some money to your bank account for groceries and stuff, I doubt that you'll throw a party while I'm gone but still don't okay. Dad, mom what about you guys? Are you gonna stay too or..."

"Why don't we leave with you Lydia. We'll be like your entourage", Delia shimmied her shoulders in an exaggerated manner. The excitement of the whole situation clearly coursing through her.

"Uhhh yeah sure", she took a deep breath, "Okay let's go!"

Quickly everyone said their goodbyes while rushing to pack you mom's suitcase and photography equipment into her car. Right before she drove off your mom said something you'll never forget.

"Don't raise the dead while I'm away", she smirked before her car drove away behind Charles' and Delia's leaving behind a trail of dust and dirt.

Now you stood in front of the old Victorian house by yourself. The buzzing excitement in your ear was still loud as you turned to face the large building. Well what's the worst that could happen?

(School shoved me against a wall, elbowed me in the gut and mugged my creativity. Overall it's nice to be back. I hope you enjoyed this I'll try to get the next part out as soon as I can!)