Lightning flashes across the horizon. Thunder shakes the confines of the flimsy little house. The. wind rips through the door and rattles the windows. Waves batter the tiny island I stand upon.
My friends should be safe as long as they stay on their boat. It's securely anchored to the island, so it's not going anywhere. As long as they hunker down, they should be able to deal with probably nothing more than a little nausea.
But none of that registers.
Because at that instant, she stands before me.
"My love, you came back for me!" she practically radiates golden light around her face. The southern lilt of her voice soothes my soul.
"Elaine," I whisper, trying to reach out for her.
But she moves out of my reach with her sassy grin.
"Silly darlin'," she giggles. "You can't touch me yet! I'm still dead, remember?" she teases.
I moan and fall to my knees.
"Elaine, I'm going crazy not being able to touch you," I choke.
"I know love. You were taken from me. But even if I let you touch me, you would go through me like mist," she explains.
"Then how? I will do anything!" I practically beg.
"I know, my sweet love!" she giggles again.
How could I forget how quickly she changes moods? It was one of the things I love most about her. Nothing would get her down for long before she decided to change directions and so something else.
"You were given a second chance at a body, because you still need to turn over that blasted treasure to the States. I was not given a second body," she whispers sadly.
Inspiration hits me. In order to be with her, I just need to die! For some reason, it doesn't scare me at all. In fact it makes me deliriously happy!
I turn to dash out of the house, my destination: the bottom of the Caribbean Sea!
"David," she calls out.
The only thing in the world that could stop me at this moment was her voice. I turn to her with questions in my heart. Why is she stopping me? She must know...
"David, love. Don't your remember what I just told you?" she teases me again.
"I know! I just need to die!" I agree.
Elaine giggles sadly and shakes her head. "Is that all you remember?"
I stare at her in confusion. What else is there?
"What did I say about you needing a second body?" she urges.
Lightning strikes me in the brain.
"I have to retrieve the treasure first," I answer morosely.
She smiles at me like I just won the jackpot.
"Yes! And it is important. You kept your promise to me and came back. That makes me endlessly happy! But now, you need to fulfil the promise you made to your commander; find the treasure and make sure it is sent to the States," she says logically.
Normally, logic is my thing. But right now is not that time! My emotions are a mess! I've finally found her and I want to hold her. But I can't because she is dead, and I want to be. But she won't let me because of some damn treasure!
Even if I had the treasure in my hands right now, and left this second while the storm is still blowing, it would take me 4 whole days just to get back! Not to mention finding my commander and explaining the situation and filling out hours of more paperwork. Then I'd have to buy a boat and sail all the way back here, which would take another 4 days! I can't wait that long!...
"Wait!" I shout. "Do I have to turn it in, or can my buddies take it back to the states for me, so I can stay with you?" I ask urgently.
Shock registers on her lovely face.
"David, you were given a second chance at a body! That doesn't happen very often," she explains softly.
"My sweet Elaine, I can't live without you. If you say I must return the treasure myself, I will. Then I will spend every dime I have getting a boat and coming back to you. But... If I can send that blasted thing back with my friends, then I can be with you sooner!"
If she had had a body right now, I know there would be tears glistening in her eyes. I always loved how they made her eyes sparkle, but I would never tell her that. She looks so humbled.
"You would give up this chance to live a normal life, just for me?" she whispers.
"If you hadn't stopped me, I would be in your arms right now!" I insist.
The smile she sends me now is that slow and sexy one. Of all of her smiles, I think I miss this one the most!
"Okay, David. If you can't wait for your natural end," she look at me with a question. I shake my head. "And I guess there is no chance of me persuading you to live..." she asks still searching my face, like she had doubts about my sanity at this point. Maybe she should, because I shake my head even more vigorously. "Then I guess there would be no point in even trying?"
"None whatsoever!" I answer.
She giggles again, and it reminds me of windchimes.
"Fine," she sighs. "When the storm is over, take your friends out and find the treasure. Make sure they take to to your commander and explain what it is. After they have done that, it doesn't matter what happens to it. If they keep it, good for them... Not that I'd touch it with a 10 foot pole! Once they leave safely, then you can come home to me!"
Eager now, I need to make this as quick as possible. "Where do I find it?"
She sighs sadly and looks into my eyes. "You're not gonna like this part."
She lifts her hand and places her palm on my forehead; Pain like lightning zings through my body. I pass out.
YOU ARE READING
The Lighthouse Siren
Mistério / SuspenseWhen the lighthouse keeper, Samuel David brings his new bride to his lighthouse home, he is asked to do the impossible. His captain orders him to carry away a cursed treasure on their wedding night. He makes a promise to return, when the unthink...
