The Phantoms

Firsts

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"Finally, I'm home..." I said as I kicked off my shoes and ran upstairs to my room.

I wanted to finish up that song I'd been writing with Luke but I had a test and Dad basically forced me to study or I wouldn't be able to play at that gig downtown. I know he's trying to double down on being a parent ever since mom... I just think he's doing too much.

"I could tell it was you." A voice said as I opened my bedroom door.

To my surprise, the voice belonged to Alex.

"I thought you were hanging with Will?" They'd been going on dates--or should I say "adventures"-- after the night we found out they could touch me.

Will's even tried to hug me but failed miserably. So now he and Alex have been trying to touch people to prank them. Weird date concept but a cute couple.

"Nah he's out with Reggie right now, he thinks because he knows how to "haunt" people that he's an expert at this," He said and smiled and shook his head.

"Always the know it all, God, I wish that were actually true" I laughed as I walked to my desk to bring out my songbook.

"Whatcha got there? Cookbook? Good, 'cause I am staaaaarving! You might think that a ghost doesn't get hungry but lemme tell yo-" He practical sped through his words.

"Aht aht aht, I ain't never say that. I am not, nor will I ever be, a cook. I'm a singer, not a personal chef. Just go to the mall and 'magically' take a pizza from a Pizzahut or something." I said reaching for a pencil and eraser.

"Ooooh, they still have those? Bet! I learned that from one of the kids at your school!" He said with excitement.

"You're so old and lame," I said as I rolled my eyes and laughed.

"Whatever you say, Julie, see ya," I said as he left.

"Finally... now this song..." I said relieved.

I usually think about what currently going in my life before I start writing a song just to help the process.

Well, just a couple of days ago, you hugged Luke for the first time... you also smelled his cologne for the first time... touch his hair for the first time... but I want to-

"Hey, what're you writing?" Luke said as he popped up next to my desk.

"Boundaries! Can't you just walk in like a normal ghost?" I practically jumped due to our proximity.

I'm still trying to understand my relationship with him. I'm definitely into him, I just don't know if he's into me. I don't even think that would matter because he not... ya know... living. It's that ever since we hugged my feelings for him only got stronger. It was like I had hope. Hoped that we could physically be together. I mean terrestrially. Not like that... for sure.

"I thought we'd gotten more comfortable with each other now... especially because I can do this..." He said in a whisper reaching for my fingers.

I looked down at his hand and shyly moved mine towards his and I felt our hand connect. His hand was soft and warm, surprisingly. So us touching wasn't a one-time thing? Huh...

"I thought you'd be cold" I laughed softly looking into his eyes.

"Now why is that? Is that an undead stereotype?" He said as he knitted his eyebrows and gave me a playful look.