Your Ghost

Chapter 13:

"Aren't you going to let me in?" Ransom's voice is velvet soft. Almost seductive. I admit, it is intoxicating, but I fight every bone in my body to not throw myself at him – or slap him right on his beautiful face. I haven't decided yet.

"Ransom!" My mother jeers.

"Hello to you...ma'am." Ransom says with a sardonic smile.

Sheila starts barking directly at Ransom. Her mouth twitches, almost baring her teeth. Ransom looks at Sheila with a scornful stare.

"What do you want?" I sneer the words out my mouth as I slowly turn my head to face his.

Ransom's stare focuses on me and then he darts his eyes around the room. His eyes narrow as they lock onto my mother. "What are you doing here?" He almost bares his teeth at my mother, like she is not allowed in my house.

"Excu –"

"That is my mother you are speaking to! Don't you dare speak to her like that! Show some respect!" I bark, cutting my mother off. He cannot speak to my mother in that tone.

Ransom laugh. Laughs!

"Asshole!" I scream and move the door to slam it in his face, but he is quick with his foot as he pushes the door open.

I groan heavily. Can this man just leave me alone?

"How rude! You nearly knocked my daughter to the ground!" My mother shouts.

I turn around to face her. I don't want to do this, but I need to. "Mom..." I inhale deeply, "Can you please let me speak to Ransom?"

"So speak to him." she gestures her hand out, pointing to Ransom.

"I meant alone." There is urgency in my voice which my mother can pick up on. I fear that if she stays, there will be a screaming match between her and Ransom. I'd prefer if Ransom did not insult my mother. If he ridicules my mother again, I am going to slap him.

My mother's eyes expand, looking directly at me. She looks bewildered.

"Please..." I plead.

Her eyes soften. "Sweetheart, this man broke your heart. Why would you even give him the time –"

"Please mom! I am begging you." I clasp my hands together. I just don't fall to my knees and show how desperate I am for her to leave.

She sighs and curls her lips ever so slightly, and grabs her bag.

She embraces me and whispers in my ear. "Be careful." She kisses my cheek.

She warns Ransom to not mess with my head again before she steps outside. She smiles at me and leaves.

Ransom closes the front door and steps toward me, nearly towering me, but I take a big step back – taking 2 steps back is Ransom's one step. Why did I have to be short?

"Why are you here?" I ask irritably.

"I am here because..." he clenches his jaw and looks at Sheila.

Sheila is still barking at Ransom, and I really don't care. She never liked Ransom.

"Can you please tell your dog to shut up?" he instructs like I am going to listen to him.

I look at my dog. "No...Sheila stop barking." I don't put any effort in my voice to tell my dog to stop.

I look at Ransom and shrug my shoulders. "Oh well...I tried." Ransom stares at me and I cannot help but smile.

He narrows his eyes at me. The look on his face is one that makes me want to cower and apologize for what I just did, but I don't give in. I straighten my back and try to keep a poker face.