Spirits (Spirits Series Book 1) (3 page)

“Ahh!! I did it!” Kadence jumps around excitedly.

“Awesome, think you can change the station?”

“Not feeling Billy Bob loves Charlene?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Yeah, me neither.” She says channel surfing until she finds a station playing the latest hits.

“Really?” I frown.

“Yep,” she says plopping into the desk chair, “now I’m not forced to listen to your screamo emo bands.” She grins spinning in the chair.

“You know, I think I liked it better when you couldn’t interact with your surroundings.”

“Ha ha, that’s to bad. I’m enjoying every second of it!” She gets quiet and looks around. “Do you think it’s because of them?”

I shrug.

“Come on, you have to know something or at least have a theory.”

“I don’t know.”

“I’m not buying it.”

I know she’s not going to let it go. I sigh, “It could be because of them or the energy of this place, land and all, but I’m not sure Kay. I’m not an expert on the paranormal.”

“Maybe you could find someone to talk to about it.”

“My parents want me to be normal. Going around asking questions, digg
ing up the history of the house and researching strange experiences that have occurred is not normal.”

“I just
said to ask someone, I said nothing about doing detective work but I see you’ve been thinking about it.”

“You know what will happen when I start.”

“You’ll get obsessed.”

“Exactly and my parents will have me back at the shrinks office twice a week, or more.”

“Why don’t you just call them out?”

“The longer I ignore them the longer it stays quiet around here. The
moment I seek them out I open a door I can’t shut.”

“It’s already open to you.”

“Yeah but chatting it up with them makes it worse. They start coming around more frequently then crazy things start happening and before you know it.” I stop and shake my head not wanting to finish.

“They’ll insist
you have psychiatric problems then you’re stuck yakking up the crazy pills in the bathroom stall at school so you don’t feel like a zombie. Again.” She finishes for me.

“Precisely.”

“But wouldn’t it be cool to find someone else who shares your gift?”

“Gift?” I choke, “Do I look like I’m enjoying this? I’m one freak out away from a paid vacation to a comfy padded room with a new white
wardrobe.”

“Your parents don’t have to know you are pursuing this.”

“All it will take is asking one person who can’t keep their mouth shut.”

“Then be careful
who you ask.”

“Yeah because that’s so easy, like I know who a
nd who not to talk to.”

“I’ll help, if they can see me then you’ll know it’s okay.”

“You’re not going to let this go are you?”

“Nope.”

“Fine,” I say standing, “I’ll do it.”

“Now?” She asks as I walk to the door.

“No Kay, it’s late. I’m going to check out the rest of the house.”

“I’m staying here then.” She pouts.

Shrugging I leave the room. That suits me just fine.

     “So how do you think she’s taking everything so far?” It’s Dad’s voice I hear.  I assume he and Mom are talking about me so I stop to listen.

“She seems to be alright but only time will tell.” Mom says.

“I’ve already found the number for a good therapist.” He admits.

“Joe, don’t you think it’s a little early for that? Shouldn’t we see how she does first, give her the benefit of a doubt?”

“Susan, I wasn’t saying we were taking her right away. I meant just in
case.”

“I hope she doesn’t
need it. I just want her to be a normal teenager, you know do normal girl stuff with other girls.”

“I know honey, I want that for her to
o.”

“It’s not polite to eves drop.” Drew whispers.

Turning around I glare at him, “Well if I didn’t I’d never know what they really think.”

He cracks a grin, “They think you are certifiably crazy.”

I should have let Kadence scare the crap out of him!  “You’re a freaktard, I’m not crazy, you’ll see.”

He snickers, “Yeah, whatever.”

“Are you ready to see the rest of the house now?” Mom asks stepping into the hallway, dad right behind her. He looks at Drew and me curiously.

“Yes.” Get me away from Drew before you’re minus a son.

     Following her through the house she stops at every room to tell me about the renovations they had done and show me the secret passage-ways from one room to another that they left. 

My curiosity gets the best of me, “Why would they have those in closets?” I ask after the third one she shows me.

“So the house slaves wouldn’t be seen in the hallways.”

“Slaves, like African Americans?”

“Yes sweetie, this is a very old house, it used to be an actual working plantation. Some of the slave quarters are still standing. Your dad and I are going to have them redone. He’s suddenly taken an interest in carpentry and wants a workshop. We could turn one into a place for you and Drew to hangout with your friends.”

I shake my head quickly, “I’ll pass.”  The sorrow and anger that those structures hold… I’m not hanging out there. No one should, they should just be left to deteriorate.

“Okay,” she shrugs, “it was just a thought. You can look at them tomorrow, if you change your mind just let me know.”

“Sure.” I tell her as she continues showing me around.

     “So how was your tour?” Kadence asks as I climb into bed. She wanted to know the moment I came back but I needed a shower first and she was just going to have to wait.

“It was okay.”

“See anything interesting?”

“Like the secret passage-ways?”

“Well those are cool but I meant apparitions.”

“No, did you?”

“Not yet, maybe tomorrow.” She says hopeful.

“Yeah, good night.”

“Night.”

“Oh, I almost forgot.”

“What?”

“Feel free to screw with Drew. Nothing major, just move his stuff while he sleeps and make sure it’s
noticeable.”

She beams a smile, “Can do.”

CHAPTER TWO

     “How did you sleep?” Mom asks as I enter the kitchen.

“Surprisingly well.” I smile sitting down on a barstool at the island watching her make pancakes on the griddle. “Need some help?”

“Can you set the table?”

“No problem. Where’s dad?” I ask opening the cabinets.

“Still in bed, I thought I’d let him sleep in. Oh, it’s that one honey.” She says pointing and ending my search.

Nodding I grab four plates.  It’s going to take a while to get
used to this place. I feel like I should label the cabinets until I remember where everything is.

“We can eat in here, I’
m reserving the dining room for large gatherings.”

“Okay, although sitting far from Drew would be nice.” I mumble.

“Why do you two give each other such a hard time? You guys used to be close.”

I roll my eyes before turning to face her, “He’s such a butthole, he’s constantly calling me names and being stupid. You have no i
dea how annoying that is.”

“Did you forget I’m the middle child and the only girl?”

“No but you get along with Uncle Jerry and Uncle Peter.”

“Believe me it wasn’t always like that. They used to tease me relentlessly. It’s just how boys are, they mature slower than girls,” she smiles, looks around and lowers her voice, “they can’t help
that they’re morons until their… thirties.”

I giggle, “I don’t know if I can put up with Drew for that long.”

“You can, family is important Journey, don’t ever forget that. They will always be there for you.” She says suddenly serious.

Well maybe you should have this discussion with Drew… “I know Mom.”

Turning back to the table I start arranging every ones place.  “Speak of the devil.” I catch a glimpse of Drew and continue with my task.

“Good,” Mom stops mid sentence as she glances up from the bacon to greet him, “are you alright?”

Quickly setting the last of the silverware down I look up to see what has mom so concerned.  His hair is an absolute mess, way worse than when he normally gets up, and under his eyes are dark.  Kadence comes strolling in behind him with a huge smile on her face.

“I didn’t sleep well, think it’s going to take some getting use to.” He shakes his head as he bypasses her and plops down in a chair looking around nervously.

“Well isn’t this a change, usually you sleep like the dead and your sister has insomnia.”

Kadence sits on the table beside him grinning, “Poor thing barely slept a wink.” She brushes his cheek.

He jumps up knocking the chair backwards and I can’t help but laugh.

“What’s wrong?” Mom asks looking at him warily.

“Nothing. Journey can I talk to you?” He asks dragging me out of the kitchen before I can respond.

“Kids?” Mom asks.

“Where are you two going?” Dad asks as we pass him in the foyer.

“We’ll be right back.” I inform him as I follow my incredibly freaked out brother.

     Drew shoves me in his room and promptly shuts the door.  “Can you see them?”

“Who?”

“Don’t play stupid Journ.”

“You know I hate it when you call me that.”

“Whatever. So can you?”

“Can I what?” I ask sitting on his bed and looking around. It’s the first time I’ve been in here but I doubt he made all this mess over night. His clothes are
strewn all over the floor, video games scattered all over his desk and the pictures on the walls are crooked.  Mom would throw a fit if she saw this.

“The ghosts, where are they?”

Kadence giggles.

“Oh, suddenly you’re a believer?” I cross my arms.

“I’m sorry I’ve been such a…” he looks away.

“Dick.” Kadence says.

“Yes.” Drew says looking back at me.

“Yes what?” I ask.

“I’ve been a dick, happy now?”

Kadence and I exchange glances.

“I didn’t call you that.”

“Then who did?” He asks disbelievingly.

“Kadence and she’s the one who wrecked your room last night.”

He shakes his head, “I…”

“Don’t believe me?”

“No, I do. It’s just why now?”

“She’s been living with us since she died. I wasn’t lying about that or going crazy like you all thought.”

“Was she the one… touching me?” He asks apprehensively.

Kadence nods yes.

“She says it was her.”

“Is she in here now?”

“Yeah.”

He seems to relax as he sits beside me, “You scared the crap out of me Kay, not cool.”

She giggles and sits on the floor in front of him, “I thought it was.”

“I’m glad you had fun.” He says annoyed.

“You can hear her?” I ask.

“Yeah,” he shakes his head, “why can’t I see her?”

“I’m not sure…”

“Breakfast is ready!” Dad yells.

“Come on we better head down before they come up and see this mess.” I say already at the door.

He nods and glances around, “Any chance you’ll clean this up Kay?”

“Maybe, if you promise to be nice.”

“I’ll try.” Drew says following me out the door.

     “Do you think she will?” He asks as we start down the stairs.

“Probably but who knows, you know how she is.”

He snorts. “Yeah I do. I still can’t believe it. I was terrified. I wanted to run to your room but I was froze
n with fear. I’ve never been so scared in my whole life. I’m really sorry I’ve given you so much crap.” He puts his hand on my shoulder at the bottom of the stairs holding me in place, “I’m not going to tease you about this anymore.”

“Uh, okay.” I nod. It’s odd to see him so humble and sincere. I’m not sure what to say or do except this.

“I’m going to be a better brother, I’m going to be there for you when you need me.”

“Who are you and what have you done with Drew?” I chuckle not knowing how to take this new side of him.

He smiles, “I’m serious Journey.”