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- 43 posts here • Page 2 of 2 • 1, 2
Her eyes stayed determined, but her mind wandered as her heart's beat went faster in her chest making the thudding noise ring throughout her own ears, but it all but stopped for two seconds when she heard the voice tied to the blonde. Tears began to well up in her eyes for a moment and she felt like she was being sucked into a vortex of emotion without any warning.
âErin.â Her voice said softly and hardly audible, but before Nixie could even get any other words in or get a chance to look back to her sister, everything began to change and all of the energy in the diner shifted and objects were floating in the air.
Nixie did the only logical thing and began to back up in disbelief. What was this? What was going on? Was this just one of those pranks and someone would pop from the corner going âGotcha!â?
Erin was crying one minute, but in the next both the women were up on their feet. Nixie was confused, but when their eyes turned black she just looked in horror as the fear began to flood into her bloodstream. How was any of this possible? Could she just be having a bad dream like all the other ones before her? It could be, but this was so much more real. People were screaming and hiding, but all she could do was stare at the booth.
In the background there were sounds of shattering glass, screams, and overall destruction in the diner, but when the two had begun to leave the building, Nixie began to move around things carefully, but still wincing as she cut herself on some of the broken glass just before getting outside. It was then that she heard Erin and Xan talk in unison, there was something way sinister at play here, but she took note of the police that surrounded the area. What was going to happen to them? More importantly what did happen to them?
As their bodies hit the pavement, Nixie began to run down the stone steps and onto the street where they two of them were. She had overwhelming thoughts going through her brain as she noticed the crowds of people and the noises that surrounded. It was all too much, and she was about to freak out herself, but when she heard Xanâs voice she immediately came to her side and crouched down next to her moving some of her curled locks out of her face.
âXanie, Iâm safe I promise." She said and then looked over to Erin, was she conscious yet? What were they going to do about the crowd?
0000Soren0Bowers 00000000000000000|0000000000000|Markus0 Vasco
Ghost | Attirex|xhex: #4d5676 0000000000000000000000000000000000 Human | Attire | xhex: #800000
00000000000000000000000
Markus didnât know what to expect to come from Soren, but the look of pure confusion and even fear were clear as day on the other manâs face. Markus felt his heart sink, his chest tightening as his stomach seemed to plummet into a nonexistent pit as he watched Soren get to his feet and excuse himself as he walked away. He could have sworn he was seeing things when the cups started to float out of his hands, but Markus didnât really know what to do, other than instinctively get up and follow after his friend. It was like he was on autopilot. His feet carrying him all the way until it happened. He didnât know what happened first, whether it was the strange energy that seemed to shift over his friend, the look that overcame Sorenâs face or the shattering of the carnival stalls. As some unseen force ripped through them like paper.
He watched on in horror, his feet firmly planted into the ground beneath him as he watched Soren-or well, more so whatever was using his body, to tear through the fairgrounds. The voice that came out from Sorenâs voice...That wasnât his voice. But at the same time, it was. It was haunting and Markus wasnât sure what was going on, but heâd be damned if he didnât try to do something to help his friend. It lasted only a few moments longer as the figure spoke, before Soren collapsed to the ground in a heap. Markus blinked for a moment and in an instant he felt the strength, or just pure adrenaline rush through his veins and he was running up next to Soren, kneeling down next to him as he hovered his hand over his friend for just a moment before speaking softly as he gently placed a hand on his shoulder, âSoren? Soren! Are you okay?â he asked in a panicked tone, not really knowing what he was meant to believe just yet. âWhat the hell was that?â he questioned, but part of him already knew the answer to that, it didnât matter. All that did matter, was that he got Soren out of there now, they could figure out what to do at some other time. He carefully helped his friend to his feet, gently holding him by the arms for a moment longer, his eyes lingered on Soren for maybe a moment too long. Before a smile appeared on his face and he embraced Soren in a tight hug. A hug he had wanted to feel for such a long time. In that moment, so many things went through his mind.
The memories of that night. Yelling at Soren when he was drunk. The accusations that Markus threw his way. But more than anything, all the regret he felt after that and up until now. He spent so much time being angry at himself for everything he did-no, all the things he didnât do. He should have stopped Soren from getting into that car that night. He should have walked Soren home that night, instead of storming off like he had done. There were just so many things he regretted that night. But now...Maybe somehow, this was the universe giving him a second chance at fixing things. And he sure as hell wasnât going to walk away now. Not again.
The world had gone black for a few seconds, and when Soren reopened his eyes Markus was there, shaking his shoulder and making sure he was okay. Soren nodded a little as he sat up, but his head was spinning. There was a pounding in one temple, and when he put his hand to it, it came away a little bloody from where heâd landed on some shattered wood. His whole body ached, but as he looked at his hands, he could see the tiny scratches from where his body had instinctively tried and failed to catch itself. âI⊠I donât know,â he said as Markus asked what had happened. He had an idea, but how was that possible? How was any of this possible? How was he even supposed to try and explain it? He accepted the hand to get to his feet, but the world tilted as he stood upright, exhaustion nearly making his legs buckle. He could see the remains of the destruction around him, the shattered stalls and the terrified faces, all of the fear directed right at him. âThat wasnât me,â he forced out, clutching Markusâ arms. âIt wasnât me, I promise,â he said again, returning his focus to Markus and searching his friendâs face to try and make sense of his expression. Markus wasnât afraid, or if he was, he was afraid for Soren, not of him. The wave of relief that Markus wasnât going anywhere was nearly enough to make his knees buckle again. When Markus pulled him in for a hug, Soren clung to him tightly, pressing his face into Markusâ shoulder for a moment, to give him a second to try and compose himself and stay calm, before releasing the hug and nodding, not sure if it was for himself or for Markus as if to confirm he was okay.
Gently, Markus kept his arm looped around Soren, helping to support his friendâs weight as they began to walk to-anywhere but here. âCâmon, Sor...Letâs get you outta here..â he said softly, walking off in the direction of the diner. They had only been walking for a few short minutes before they arrived at the diner-or well, what would have been the diner, if there wasnât broken glass and crowds of people surrounding the area. Markus would have ignored it all together and walked around the crowds of people. But something was pulling him to look. Against his better judgement, he peered through a part in the crowd, and his heart sank. What laid before him were a few more figures that...It would have been impossible. There was no way. Markus had seen two of the other figures die-But..Here they were. Xan Cole, who was laying on the ground, and then Erin-No. It was impossible-But here she was. Markus blinked as he tried to find something to say, anything at all. It was only when his eyes landed on Nixie Cole, Xanâs sister that he felt his stomach tie in knots. He hadnât really talked to her since ErinâsâŠ.The accident. He didnât really find himself involved after Xan had passed either. Yet, here they all were. Markus nervously bit his lip for a moment, looking between the three girls before finally finding himself speaking, âPhoenix-? I mean...Nixie? Is...Is it reallyâŠ.â he stammered for a moment, before looking down at Xan, giving her the faintest of a smile, before looking at the blonde who laid unconscious on the ground, unmoving. â...Is...Is she..?â he questioned them, before looking back at Soren, pure confusion was on Markusâ face. He didnât know what was going on. Everyone he had known at some point, or those that had at one point or another was here, and he didnât know what to think.
Soren just wanted to go home at that point in time. Not back to the empty apartment that his keys opened. He wanted to go home, but he wasnât quite sure where that was any more. He trusted Markus to bring him wherever his friend thought he needed to be. When he saw the diner ahead of them, he was actually relieved, realising that he was starving as well as exhausted. But then he saw the destruction and the bodies laying outside the diner. He stared at the two girls for a second. âI knew them.â He said, looking at Markus for verification. Markus was talking to another girl too now, and Soren realised that he knew her too. The name Nixie rang a bell, but the memories of how they knew each other were as distant as ever. âAre they okay?â He managed to get out.
Markus exchanged a quick glance towards Soren when he heard the male speak, nodding slightly. A shadow of a smile appeared on his face for a moment. He wasn't going to explain things just yet to Soren, there were just so many things that he didnât even know. Nevermind knowing how to explain it to someone else. Markus looked over the crowd, to try to gain some semblance on what happened, hearing a few people mumble amongst themselves about what they saw. His eyes widened before he took a step forward, before stopping, âI donât know, SorenâŠ.Are theyâŠ.â he started, before looking back at Nixie, â...Did they cause this?â he questioned, eyeing the remains of the establishment behind them. He managed to give Xan a dodgy look before taking a step backward and looking back at Soren, he didnât realize it just yet, but Markus had been shaking the entire time, his hands trembling by his sides. He didnât know what was going on, and now seeing three people he had seen die and attended their funerals well...This were beginning to show themselves for just how much this was all becoming.
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Suddenly remembering the body tethered to her other hand, Xan looked down to the still unconscious Erin. Furrowing her brow with concern, she went to go check for a pulse - realizing she wasnât sure how to do so.
âI think sheâs okayâŠâ Xan whispered, looking back to Nixie. âI swear I didnât hurt her, or - I donât think I did.â
Flushed with uncertainty, she looked back to the diner that remained in devastation. She wasnât very sure of anything at the moment. Even Nixie looked different, her hair longer, her eyes older. Glimpses of what happened inside the diner kept flashing in her mind, Xan trying to piece together the impossible.
âPhoenix-? I mean...Nixie?â She recognized Markusâs voice instantly but the rest of his words were immediately drowned by the shock of seeing Soren beside him. Either this was one hell of a fever dream or the dead were rising. She noticed Markus motion to Erin, Xan looking back at her then giving her a gentle shake. She had to be okay, she just had to be.
A woman stepped out from the police line, signaling to the other police to help disperse the crowd. She approached the group, adjusting the weighted belt and holster around her hips. Xan looked up at her, eyes big as saucers and tears streaking her cheeks.
âAlright everyone, move on. You donât have to go home, but you canât stay here.â The woman announced to the crowd, glancing back over her shoulder to the group motioning for them to linger.
âItâs okay, itâs alright.â He didnât know if he was talking to her or himself, trying to steady his heart rate. âWeâll figure it out together.â
The sound of the sheriff addressing the crowd caught his attention, Leo looking over to notice Phoenix, Markus and Soren had joined the group. Whatever was happening, it wasnât just Elle. He gripped her hands tighter.
âI donât know whatâs going on, but I think weâre supposed to be with our friends. Okay?â Leo asked, not allowing himself enough time to overthink things. âIf you get overwhelmed, just squeeze my hand.â
He waited until she confirmed she was on board, giving her a reassuring smile and her hand another squeeze. At first the police line prevented them from walking towards the group, the woman motioning to let them past. Leo looked over to give Elle a reassuring grin.
SOREN BOWERS
xxxnever did I think I'd be coming back around
xxxdigging up old memories
xxxalways used to be the one to let it go
xxxkept my fears in a suitcase
âYou kids need to get yourselves something to eat. You all look like youâre about to pass out, especially you.â She poked Soren in the ribs, and he just stared at her with confusion. âDonât worry about your friend. Demonic possession is exhausting. Sheâll be just fine, just give her a while to wake up. Now, like I said, you kids need a good meal and an even better sleep. But tomorrow or whenever yâall are feeling better, you come see me, you hear? My house is that old witchy looking house on the south side of town, youâll know it when you see it. And Iâll make sure to have a pot of Gramma Bloomâs special tea on. Now go on, scram.â
When the old lady spoke, people listened, and they were no different. Soren stuck close to Markus as they made their way to the nearest restaurant that was still open. Instinctively, they stuck together as a group, but Soren almost wished that they could just⊠slip away, just him and the only soul that seemed any way familiar. He knew that he had known most of the others, but he didnât know how, and he hated that. He hated not knowing. But Markus was helping to carry the unconscious woman, so they just stuck with the rest of the group. The server gave them an odd look, but evidently decided against asking too many questions as she seated them at the largest booth. Even still, it was a bit tight. At first, the physical contact of being so close to someone else was comforting. But then Sorenâs knee brushed against Markusâ and his heart jumped in his chest, a reflex reaction Soren didnât quite understand.
He couldnât quite meet anyone elseâs eyes, couldnât quite deal with the fact that they all seemed to have some memory of him while his memories were ghosts themselves. Honestly, he just wanted to go home, but that wasnât an option. And besides, as overwhelming as everything seemed, he did want answers, and he felt like this was his best chance at getting them.
0000Erin0Monaghan 000000000000000000000|00000000000|Markus0 Vasco
Ghost | Attirex|xhex: #8BA3A6 0000000000000000000000000000000000 Human | Attire | xhex: #800000
00000000000000000000000
Everything seem to happen in a weird mix of slow-motion and impossible speed for Markus. One moment they were asking their friends if they were all okay, as well as the oncoming presence of police officers. Something that Markus felt was welcomed enough, but not any less concerning. But it didn't matter if he had lived in Widow's Peak his entire life or not, he had never experienced anything as otherworldly as to what was happening now. Countless people he remembered attending their funerals, or at least hearing about their deaths, were here now. Somehow in the flesh-er well, whatever they were now. It was only when one of the officers walked over to speak with them that he recognized her as one of the officers who was there at the hospital on the night that Soren-Markus shook his head. He didn't want to focus on that. Not now. All he cared about was heeding her words, to get out of here and to let them know if anything comes up. "Yes ma'am. We'll be sure to update you if anything comes to mind." he blurted out, but by the time he said it, the officer was already far enough way from them. Markus simply shook his head, looking back at Soren for a moment. As an old woman approached them, Markus had walked over to Erin's unconcious form and slung one of her arms over his shoulder gently, allowing her weight to entirely fall on him as he supported her, "You're gonna be okay, 'Rin. I got you.." he mumbled softly, as if she would have heard him, but it was more so to himself. He didn't know what was more confusing, the fact that somehow his two best friends were well alive, or at least back from the dead and that's oddly all he cared about. He didn't know exactly why or even how, but if this was just a dream, he was going to let it last for as long as it could. He didn't want to say goodbye just yet.
Markus had managed to walk back over just in time to see an elderly woman saying something about stopping by her home sometime, and something about tea. He had only gotten such a small amount of the conversation that, he didn't really know what was happening. Simply looked at the others for some semblance of context. But, the group clearly decided that it'd be best to get some food and hopefully speed up getting Erin to wake up. Maybe if she smelt some food, it'd do the trick. Markus thought, and the group was off to one of the local places.
Everything around her was a dark, murky color. As if it was just a large abyss of ink that she was suspended in. But, somehow still laying down on her stomach, as Erin finally found the strength return to her arms, enough to prop her up to a sitting position. Rubbing her eyes for a moment, as if trying to adjust to light, but, it was just endless darkness. After a few short moments of looking around, Erin noticed that there wasn't total silence. If she focused hard enough, she could have sworn that she could hear the ever so slight sound of soft rain, splattering onto what she could only assume would have been pavement. Suddenly, a deep, cutting fear dug its way into her stomach. Her fingers clenching the surface below her as she sat frozen in place. But instead of feeling nothing like she had just moments prior, she felt that hot, yet cold sensation one gets when scraping their skin against stone before that sharp pain of broken skin set in. Her fingers continued pressing into what felt like asphalt below. Digging further, and further in until she could have sworn she tasted blood in her mouth as she licked her lips. A habit she always had when she was scared. Further, and further, her fingers continued to press into the ground below, to the point of where it felt like she had made impressions in the cold ground. Skin dragging across cold, wet concrete.
And then there was a sheering pain that shot out across her back. Spreading from the back of her hip, all the way up to one of her shoulders, that caused her to let out a pained cry and a blinding light appeared across her eyes before she found herself bolting straight up in an unfamiliar place...
It had only been a few short minutes after they had gotten to the food joint when Erin began stirring in her sleep. At first, Markus had let her keep her head propped on his shoulder, as Soren sat on the opposite side of him. But after constantly having to pull her head back, he decided to just let Erin keep her head resting against the tabletop. Markus was all too busy in his own thoughts, when he finally looked back down at Erin's sleeping form, to see her eyelids flittering rapidly. As if she was suffering from some sort of terrible nightmare. Which, he honestly couldn't blame her for. She had well, rather literally been through hell itself and back. What her dreams were like when she was still alive, before the accident well, she had already had clear signs of copious amounts of nightmares. From the nights when she'd stay at his home for the night, he'd lie awake to hearing her mumble and whimper in her sleep. Which, often times ended with Erin crawling into bed with Markus, finding comfort in a familiar presence. Which, was oddly something they both found solace in. So, seeing Erin asleep once more, right next to him, still in evident enough stress caused his chest to tighten. He wanted to wake her up, but he knew that usually resulted in someone being punched in the face, usually him. So, he decided to just let her ride it out until she woke up on her own.
Markus began to sit back in the booth, when suddenly Erin jolted awake, seemingly out of breath as she looked around. The expression she wore on her face could only be explained as a deer caught in headlights. Which, Markus mused on for a moment before realizing just how morbid that comment was. All things considered. "Hey hey, 'Rin. 'Rin." Markus said softly, gently placing one of his hands to Erin's cheek, stabling her back to reality. His dark brown eyes staring into her hazel eyes. "You're safe. It's okay. Just breathe, okay...?" Markus said calmly, gently brushing one of his thumbs against her cheek. Just like he always had whenever she woke up from one of her nightmares. Erin stared back at him as her breathing finally began to settle itself, her heart still racing a mile a minute within her chest. Erin looked at the man who somehow knew who she was, and his touch...It was oddly calming. As if she recognized it. No no, she did recognize it. But why? Who was he? It was only when she finally glanced around her surroundings that she saw they were in some establishment, that also felt oddly familiar. And then her eyes finally landed on a few other individuals that sat across the table from her. Two she immediately recognized, somewhat. Xan and Nixie? Right? That was their names. It just took her a moment to remember things. But the others, she didn't exactly recall, then again, there were a lot of things she didn't remember. And the fact that everything was slowly coming back to her, the fact she didn't remember much began to tie her stomach in knots again.
"Uhm..." Erin started, still not fully awake from the hellish nightmares she had endured. "Where...Where am I?" she questioned, dark eyebrows knitted tightly across her forehead. Markus gave her a sympathetic smile, as he gently placed his hand on one of her's. "You're safe, and with friends..." he started. Giving her a small smile. Erin slowly nodded, she still wasn't fully able to comprehend what happened after she had interacted with Nixie and Xan at the diner but, whatever happened must have been bad enough that they went to someplace else to talk. Least that's all she gathered. Erin gave a small, silent nod before looking back at the others, not directly looking any of them in the eyes as she spoke, "Can...Can anyone tell me what the fuck happened back at the diner..? Cuz I sure as shit don't remember anything after...Blacking out?" she questioned. "I..I remember this cold sensation creeping over me and then...Just...Nothing. Like an endless abyss." the blonde shuddered for a moment, as if even just recalling the events sent a shiver down her spine. "I...I didn't hurt anyone, did I...?"
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As they all ambled over to the restaurant, they naturally fell into place. When Cassidy joined the ranks with a surly looking cigarette embodied beside him, Xan didnât even notice any shock on his face before throwing her arms around him, burying his face into her mess of curls. She squeezed harder than she intended, still adjusting to her newfound strength - though maybe this was just how everyone else regularly felt without a chronic illness.
Even so, Cass felt sturdier under her embrace. Before when theyâd hug one another it felt like two rag dolls flopping their arms across one anotherâs - though to be fair theyâd always spent the most time together when they were both at their weakest. She didnât know how but she could just sense that Cass was like them, dead. It was instinctual, like how you knew when someone is watching you.
âIâm really glad youâre here.â Xan said when she finally pulled back, sliding her arms from around him to link hands with him squeezing reassuringly. Looking over to the blonde beside him, she gave an empathic grimace and shrug. âUnreal, right?â
She laughed, all too aware what an understatement that was. As they entered the diner she slid into the seat next to Nixie, watching the others carefully making sure they didnât all go black-eyed and started throwing shit around again. Obviously they were all here for a reason but Xan would be damned if she let Nixie get caught in the crossfire again. She looked over at her sister, wishing she could steal just a moment alone - but afraid she might lose control and end up hurting Nixie. There was too much left unsaid, bubbling to the surface. It felt like one thing kept happening after another, they didnât have time to process their messy loose ends.
They had to survive, together.
Xan just reached over to grab Nixieâs hand, willing all the words that they wanted to say to transfer through touch. She gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, doing her best to smile. They were always able to do that, comfort each other even in the bleakest of times. Erin began to stir across the table, Xan looking over with concern. In a way she felt partly responsible for Erin, she found her blissfully unaware and completely set off the atomic bomb ticking inside her.
"Can...Can anyone tell me what the fuck happened back at the diner..? Cuz I sure as shit don't remember anything after...Blacking out?" Erin started after coming to. Xan looked over to Nixie, realizing Nixie didnât know that Erin wouldnât recognize her. "I...I didn't hurt anyone, did I...?"
âNo, but youâre about to.â Xan bit back the thought, looking back to Erin so that Nixie wouldnât catch her staring.
Leo hadnât let go of Elle since theyâd joined the group, watching her carefully as she processed the onslaught of familiar faces that registered as strangers to her. He wanted to know where her head was at, but so far she was the only one among the dead who hadnât been possessed. He didnât want to push his luck by prying.
There was only so much seating a booth could provide, the group crowding around the table. Leo pulled up a chair, letting Elle take the last seat in the booth on the end. He pulled up close enough so that his legs slid between hers. It was like he was afraid the moment he let her go, sheâd dissipate.
âAre you feeling okay?â He asked her, tenderly pushing back her hair behind her ear.
The dead were coming back in masses and all Leo cared about was Elle. He saw what had happened at the diner, the state Erin was in. Elle seemed to be one of the only ones who hadnât had an episode yet, theyâd have to try to prevent it at all costs.
âOkay - I think we need to get some food in everyone before we start going into details.â Leo declared to the table, looking around for a server. He had always played the caregiver role among them when they were in high school. Everyone would come over to his house and Leo would keep them fed with snack and homemade meals from his parents (with the occasional take out). It was a natural role for him to slip into.
âI mean not to be that ghost, but I donât know if I can just sit and eat and not talk about the very obvious thing.â Xan said plainly, her expression barely changing as she glanced around at everyone.
Leo gave her a very pointed look, bracing himself against the table as he pushed himself up. âGlad youâre back and everything, Xan - but maybe try not to trigger another traumatic event for everyone at this table.â
He walked away to grab their server, Xan pursing her lips and avoiding any eye contact from those around her. It was easy to make jokes but it seemed like Xan was the most in touch out of all of the revived. She had already put Nixie in harms way once, if she didnât start taking this seriously then itâd happen again. Xan huffed folding her arms and leaning back in her sat. Maybe it was better if she just talked less.
âI just ordered a bunch of stuff for us to share, no sense wasting any more energy or time on picking over the menu.â Leo said when he returned after a moment, sliding in right back next to Elle. âI hope thatâs okayâ
#DE8245 | Outfit | Getting Food w/ Gang
The brunette had stayed silent for once in her life as the thoughts and emotions stormed inside. There was so much to unpack, but who even had the time for that? She struggled to fall into line with the old friend group and how they all used to be. More than half of them were supposed to be dead, and she hadnât seen Leo in years nor had she seen Markus. Not to mention Casâs douchebag doctor was here.
Nixie just felt a sense of being overwhelmed and uncomfortable around everyone. When they got to the diner she slid in so she was against the wall and her sister beside her. How often does your dead sister come up from the grave? she pondered and honestly she just wanted to scream into the abyss and pretend nothing happened.
Of course, she was excited to have Xan back in her life, but how long was she staying? Or how long before she would be going again?
She heard Erin asking about what happened in the Diner and if anyone got hurt. Her heart began to swell as she could feel her muscles getting tense, so naturally, she needed to fidget with something and the salt shaker was the closest thing to her.
The salt was poured into her hand and pushed around with her fingers as she began to speak and inform Erin of what happened.
âYou and Xan got into this state of being possessed. Black eyes, creepy-ass voices, and the two of you began to destroy the diner and scare a bunch of citizens. From what I noticed and overhead, no one was injured.â She concluded as she let the salt particles fall from her hand.
âOh, there was something interesting about forty-nine years, waiting so long blah blah make the town suffer and a lost loved one? I have no idea⊠You better have ordered potato skins, or Iâm sulking the next 24 hours.â She said as she crossed her arms over her chest looking at the others. How was it even possible that at least four people who had died came back to life? Was this some shitty dream, because Nixie wants none of it.
#D4A9D6 | Outfit | Getting Food w/ Gang
The blonde took her seat in the final booth spot, she felt uneasy and unsure of what to say until she could feel Leo come in beside her on the chair. It was comforting and she knew that no matter what happened if she had Leo, she would be fine until she could figure things out.
She listened to what the brunette girl playing with salt had said about what happened in the diner and she had summed up what had been said. Elle coughed a bit and spoke up, she remembered what had been said almost word for word. It had caught her off guard in the first place, but the words were in her mind still, âForty-nine years, I have waited and waited for this momentâŠ. Uh, I will make your precious town suffer. I will see it burn if I must. Then something about pain and seven-fold.â She said hoping that it would trigger someone to talk about it.
She girl looked around the table, but the words âbeing that ghostâ echoed in her head. Was she really a ghost? Her eyes flitted down to look at her hands while she felt the sadness creeping in. Is that all she ever could be? She could see her hands fade a little bit, but instead, she just clenched her fist.
âTown must have pissed some dude off a long time ago. Some dude with magic abilities or maybe it's a woman, we have no idea. Iâm not going to judge.â Elle kind of rambled a bit in an attempt to distract herself from the impending thoughts.
SOREN BOWERS
xxxnever did I think I'd be coming back around
xxxdigging up old memories
xxxalways used to be the one to let it go
xxxkept my fears in a suitcase
When one of the girls- the one Markus had called Nixie, he thought- explained what had happened, a shiver ran down Sorenâs spine. It was exactly the same thing that happened to him. He kept his eyes firmly on the table in front of him, idly tracing patterns in an attempt to occupy his mind. But apparently, through Xan and Erin, they had given one message, something about suffering and burning.
âConsider this your first warning. Restore what was mine to me or I will use these vessels to bring more destruction than you can ever imagine.â He said, without glancing up. âThatâs⊠thatâs what it said when it⊠possessed me,â he admitted. âThe old woman said something about coming to see her. If it was forty-nine years ago, she might remember what happened. And she seemed to be unsurprised by the whole thing so⊠I dunno, she seems like she could be a good place to start to ask questions. I donât know about you guys, but Iâd prefer not to be a vessel for âmore destruction than you could ever imagine.ââ He managed to force something like a smile as he finally managed to look up at the rest of the group.
Some of their faces were familiar, some more familiar than others. But more than heâd ever experienced before, or perhaps more than heâd just noticed, the hollowness heâd been feeling felt like an absence. And it just made it feel all the worse, made it feel all the more noticeable. Everyone else seemed to recognise each other or to at least have somebody that they knew. But the best he had was Markusâ word that theyâd known each other and vague feelings of familiarity. He glanced down again, the realisation that it seemed theyâd all known and could remember him making him feel more like an impostor than ever. Maybe this was some huge mistake and he wasnât the person theyâd known at all.
SOREN BOWERS
xxxnever did I think I'd be coming back around
xxxdigging up old memories
xxxalways used to be the one to let it go
xxxkept my fears in a suitcase
xxxThey say I may be making a mistake
xxxI would've followed all the way, no matter how far
xxxI know when you go down all your darkest roads
xxxI would've followed all the way to the graveyard
Leoâs family had enough rooms that they didnât all have to sleep in the same room, but they did have to share a room. Asking Markus if he wanted to share was a far too nerve wracking moment for Soren, and the relief when he agreed was significant. At that moment in time, having to deal with any of the others when he still could remember absolutely nothing about them just seemed too awkward and too uncomfortable for him. He couldnât remember much about Markus either, but the feeling of familiarity was a start, and it was something he was desperately going to cling to.
He pulled off his jacket and sat down hard on the bed as they got to the small bedroom, exhaling heavily and running a hand through his hair to brush it out of his face. He wasnât sure if he should say something, if he should acknowledge everything that had happened, but the words didnât seem to come. The best he could come up with seemed to be, âJesus Christ, what a night.â
Everything after the diner had felt like some weird lucid dream for Markus. Having followed the group wherever they went, when they all sat down and ate together, and eventually when they all decided to go back to Leoâs. Something they probably would have done when they were younger. This all felt so unreal to Markus, if he was being honest. But, just in case this truly was a dream, he stuck closely by Erin and Sor. He wanted to be next to them as long as he could.
It was only when they arrived back at Leoâs, and were given rooms to pair off into, Markus had originally wanted to stay with someone who hadnât come back from the dead, but after brief reconsideration, he agreed to the arrangements. It was only when they got into the room, that he realized something. The exact detail of the arrangements. But, without hesitation, Markus grabbed a pillow and blanket and plopped down on the floor and laid down, staring up at the ceiling in silence. The silence went on for what felt like forever, as he debated on whether or not to say anything. It was only when Soren broke the silence, that he let out a sigh of relief.
Markus turned his head a bit in Sorenâs direction, pausing for a moment as he thought. None of this felt real. It was almost like a dream. Feeling like it was all how it used to be when they were kids. Sleeping over each otherâs houses. It was just so odd to him. Yet here they were, and Soren was none the wiser. Markus chuckled to himself for a moment, âYeah...You could say that.â he muttered out a reply.
Markusâ reply worked half a smile out of Soren as he kicked off his boots, before sitting cross-legged on the bed. He wanted to talk, wanted to ask some of the questions that had been buzzing around his head, but he didnât know where to start. And then, suddenly, there was a crashing feeling of guilt. Heâd been focused so much on his own feelings, he hadnât even thought about how Markus had to be feeling. He sighed, lying back on the bed so he was staring at the ceiling and didnât have to look at Markus.
âIâm sorry,â he mumbled. âFor⊠all of this, for everything. I wish I could remember⊠something.â He managed to shoot a glance over at Markus, where he was lying on the floor, and instinctively laughed a little. âI would have taken the floor if youâd asked,â he added, almost reflexively, without thinking.
Markus simply blinked and shrugged as his initial response, his mind still trying to think of something to say. There were a few brief moments of silence that filled the room after Soren spoke, before there was a soft chuckle from Markus. He turned onto his side, propping his head up with his arm. Glancing up where Soren was, before looking back down at the floor. âYou donât need to be sorry, you know. Itâs not your fault, I-â he paused, taking a deep breath as he had to stop himself from saying anything he didnât want to. âItâs not your fault. The things that happened before, it was my fault. I canât be upset at you...Not anymore.â Markus slowly sat up as he spoke.
âFor as long as Iâve known you, Soren?â he started, glancing up at him for a moment, âI canât be upset if you forget anything. All things considered, none of us know whatâs really going on but, Iâm just...Glad to have you back. Iâm glad to have my friend back again, however long it may be for..â he said with a faint smile, his eyes becoming a bit glossy before he shook his head and cleared his throat. âBut, itâll be fine. Weâll be fineâŠ.â Markus said with a nod, keeping his eyes glued to the floor.
Markusâ words managed to work a proper smile out of Soren for what felt like the first time since heâd woken up in that empty apartment. Something deep inside him was so inexplicably happy to have Markus around, which left Soren wondering about the exact nature of their relationship before. But it wasnât something he could ask Markus, that much he did seem to know. And then there was the mention of âwhat happened beforeâ, the feeling that⊠something had happened. Something bad. But even thinking too much about it made his chest tighten again, and he didnât want to push it again. Not after what happened last time.
He glanced away as well, as Markus said something about âhowever long he was there for.â That was the thing; if theyâd come back so inexplicably, they didnât know how long theyâd be around for. The demon or whatever it was that had possessed them earlier seemed to have plans for them, but how long did they have? Soren cleared his throat and shrugged a little, smiling as he glanced back up at Markus.
âFor what itâs worth, Iâm not planning on going anywhere just yet. Weâve got some demon-busting to do first,â he said.
Markus chuckled a little at the comment, glancing over towards Soren for a moment, âI guess soâŠâ he paused for a moment, thinking about it for a moment before nodding. âWe should probably try to get some sleep then...Seeing as we have work to do tomorrowâŠâ Markus laid back down, letting out a heavy sigh as he stared back up at the ceiling, âGoodnight, Sor.â
âNight, Markus.â
Soren found himself staring at the ceiling for a while, both unwilling and unable to sleep. The events of the night kept flashing through his mind, remembering what his body had done and everything that had happened. Would it happen again? What could they do if it did? Would he hurt somebody this time?
Eventually, he fell asleep, almost against his will. The nightmares came. They always did. Shadowy figures screaming abuse, shattering glass and the smell of whiskey, and the screeching of twisting metal. But that night, something cut through the rest. It was still yelling, but it was a different voice. It was his voice, but the words werenât clear. And then he saw the face of the person he was yelling at. He was yelling at Markus.
When he woke up, everywhere was bright. The panic didnât seem quite as strong as it usually did, even if it was still there. And for the first time, the dreams didnât fade the minute he woke up. He could still see them, still remember them. Except the dream where he was yelling at Markus seemed less like a dream and more like a memory. He didnât look to see if Markus was still there or not, just headed downstairs in the direction of where he thought the kitchen would be.
#584b29 & #D4A9D6
Leoâs dads would have been more than understanding the circumstances, that much he was sure of - but they all needed sleep right now and couldnât have this whole conversation again. He had made sure everyone was set up with fresh sheets, brought everyone cold water bottles. Making sure to give Elle enough time to change, he gave her a pair of his pajama pants and a t-shirt to sleep in.
He knocked on the door quietly, making sure to hear her say come in before opening the door. Tucked under one arm was his sleeping bag, the other a fresh cup of Elleâs favorite tea - or at least, it used to be. He didnât know what she liked anymore or if she remembered the things she used to like. There was a piece of him that wished it could trigger some sort of sensory memory, scared to pry but still wishing to pull his Elle closer to him.
âJust thought this might help with sleep - no caffeine.â He offered the cup to her, giving her a half-smile.
Elle felt like a lost soul ever since she had been wandering the streets searching for Leo. Even though she found him, she couldnât help but feel lost because she had little to no memories about what had happened and even if she had, would anything happening now make sense? Those who thought the others were ghosts seemed to be just as confused by everything, so maybe she just needed to be patient.
Still, Elle was looking around Leoâs bedroom and she felt like things should be popping in and out of her memory or at least spark it, but nothing. Was this how it was going to be? Was this how she used to be? Elle couldnât help, but feel a little out of place, but still, she switched into the clothes Leo gave her.
âCome in,â She said softly when she heard his soft knock on the door. She cupped her hands around the mug of tea, something that felt cozy and warm. âThank you.â She said with a small smile back at him. The blonde moved the locks of her hair out of her face as she blew on the hot liquid before taking her first sip.
It was peppermint, and it felt soothing, it reminded her of Christmas time almost, but also on those nights she had trouble sleeping as a kid and her father was always so strict about everything, but not in that instance. âIs my dad still alive?â Elle asked, looking into her tea as if the drink could provide the answer for her. âIf he is, I guess you guys donât talk much?â
âHeâs alive - but, no.â Leo looked a bit ashamed. After the way everything happened, it was too hard to try. His wallet beeped, Leo instinctively grabbing his pillbox from his pocket and taking his medication. After the fact, he realized he had done so in front of Elle without any explanation.
He waved the pillbox in the air a bit before stuffing it back into his pocket, giving her a sheepish grin. âHelpâs my brain chemistry, supposedly.â
Elle guessed she wasnât entirely surprised that her dad was still alive. Part of her wished she could see him and maybe things would be fine, but another part of her had a sinking gut feeling about it. Maybe it was best not to see him for now. If she had died and was suddenly back, sheâs not sure what that would do for him.
She watched him flash something in the air a bit, a pillbox. She heard his explanation but her eyebrows knitted together a bit, âY-you didnât take those before⊠Or did you?â Elle sipped at her tea as she looked at him. âDid me⊠you know, dying to lead you to those.â The blonde asked as she pointed her index finger to the pillbox now in his pocket.
Leo frowned. It was a question he had asked himself a lot - but hearing Elle repeat it back to him now he realized how unfair it had been to ever frame it in such away. He shook his head, âNo - I mean, not exactly.â
âWhat happened - I mean, it was really hard.â Leo did his best not to wince, already the visual of Elle slipping into the river flashing in his mind. âIt definitely didnât help, but . . . Iâm in a much better place now.â
He moved to his desk, leaning against it. As much as he had accepted that Elle was now real and standing in front of him, he still didnât know what he was supposed to do. Apart of him wanted to hug her, kiss her good night - but it felt like she was still coming. He wanted Elle to re-figure herself out, and him trying to force something wouldnât help.
âHow are you feeling?â He asked, shifting the focus back to her.
Elle watched the flicker of emotions dance across his face as he thought and then spoke about it. She didnât have a lot of memories surrounding what had happened, but she could tell it had impacted Leo. She could never blame someone for being so impacted by something that difficult, but she would be lying if she said it didnât hurt at all.
She just continued to sip on her tea. The lingering subtle peppermint taste in her mouth was calming despite the surrounding feelings. It was almost as if the knots in her stomach were loosening.
âIâm glad youâre doing better.â She said, and she meant it. Did she being here make things worse for him? Elle had to stop the thoughts abruptly and refocus on the conversation and what was happening now.
He asked how she was and she didnât know how to exactly put it into words. Elle could feel the thoughts flash past her and weave together making no sense at all. âExhausted.â That was the only word that could really come to mind.
âIt's one thing to be out all day, but it's another constantly being surrounded by things that youâre supposed to know and you donât or you have a faint idea of them, but not the whole picture. Itâs kind of scary, but just kind of the same as being black-out drunk. You know youâre missing chunks of time but you canât recall them for the life of you.â She finished speaking softly and managed to drink more of her tea, about three-quarters gone.
âI think it will get better though. It has to get better.â She whispered.
Leo gave her a sad smile. He could tell by the fog over her eyes that she still wasnât all there. Apart of him wanted to stay up and tell her everything, but he didnât want to trigger her. He stepped towards her then paused. When they found each other at first it felt like no time had passed but now he felt like they were at the start of it all over again - nervous to reach out.
âIt will. . . â He said, rubbing his hands together nervously. âWeâll figure it out I promise . . .tomorrow. We just need to rest for now.â
Sorella and Wolf's Bane109
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It was easy enough getting into Leoâs house. Even for those who didnât remember, Xan imagined it was a bit like muscle memory. As strange as everything was, it was nostalgic. There werenât many options for splitting the rooms, and to be honest Xan still felt partially responsible for Erin - so she didnât put up much of a fight when Erin sort of default bunked with her and Nixie. The bed was big enough and they were all small enough to all fit, but it felt strange to suggest.
âI can sleep on the floor if you two want to take the bed?â She offered, nervously scratching the back of her neck.
Erin had simply gone along with the others, seeing as she had no idea of anything that was going on. Her mind was still pretty fuzzy, and being alone in that apartment another day longer would have made her go mad. So, when she got invited to join the others, she felt a weird sensation of having said yes, as if saying no and going back to the apartment would have felt wrong? Erin didnât exactly know, but it was nice to be around, well, friends, she guessed.
It was only when the room order was given out, that she finally realized how a bit awkward things were now. Not that she had any issue with it, but, things felt vaguely familiar, like this had been something she had done dozens of times before.
Only issue was, she didnât remember anything. Once the three of them were in the room, Erin felt a pit in her stomach. Quickly shaking it off as nothing more than general anxiety and nerves. That had to be it, right? One of Erinâs eyebrows raised when Xan spoke, that was her name, right? Erin blinked a few times as she was offered to sleep on the bed. Weirdly, there was a small part of her that refused.
âUhm...No thanks, actually...Xan-â Erin stammered out her name after a brief pause.
âIâll uhm, I can take the floor. Donât worry about it. Thanks though.â She nervously forced out a small smile, before sitting down in the center of the floor and finally laid down, looking up at the ceiling. There were so many things she wanted to ask, seeing as the other two seemed to know more than she did. But there was just that ever sinking feeling in her stomach that told her not to. The same feeling she had at the diner. That same feeling that if she asked, sheâd regret it. So, instead, Erin simply laid there, looking up at the ceiling as she tried to remain calm and collected.
Xan stuffed her hands in her pockets, eyes widening with confusion as Erin laid flat on the ground. There wasnât much she could do at that point. She looked back to Nixie, though she didnât seem interested in any sister time at the moment.
Nixie knew she should have gone back to her apartment and back to her girlfriend, but it wasnât every day the people you loved came back to walk the earth. How could she leave everyone when they had a mystery to solve anyways? Nixie was going to be damned if she was the younger sister being left out of things all considering her older sister was supposed to be dead.
The brunette began to put her hair into a messy bun, hating having it touch her while she slept. She could hear the two of them offering to sleep on the floor and she rolled her eyes. âYou two are just as annoying as the day you left.â She mumbled, her shoes having been kicked off and she climbed into the bed. Xan looked over her shoulder, unable to make out Nixieâs words but recognizing the tone.
âGlad youâre both offering to sleep on the floor, makes you both a slightly better person than I. Besides that, no one has to sleep on the floor. Thereâs plenty of room if you want Erin.â Nixie said as if it were obvious they could all fit.
Nixie didnât know how she was keeping so calm and acting as if this happened all the time. Maybe it was because she coped so well. Xan couldnât help but to glare at Nixie when she offered the bed to Erin. If Erin already offered to sleep on the floor then obviously let her sleep on the floor.
âObviously only do whatâs within your comfort level.â Xan looked back to Erin, gesturing for her to stay where she was with a polite smile.
It might be the end of the world as they knew it, but it still wasnât enough to make Xan want to sleep in the same bed as Erin and Nixie. She pulled herself atop the dresser, her hands fiddling. It was impossible to speak with Nixie how she wanted to with Erin there, but it didnât seem like Nixie even wanted to talk.
âIâm honestly not sleepy yet, I think Iâm still a little wound up.â Xan said, trying to use their sibling telepathy to ask Nixie to stay up late with her to talk some.
Erin just laid there, blinking every now and then, simply listening to the other two talk. All of this felt so wrong to her, but at the same time, Erin felt like something was missing. Like she should have known what to do, been doing something different than what she was doing at this very moment. Just laying there like a goddamn coward. Erin had gotten pulled herself to her feet, looking at the others for a moment. âUhm...Where...Whereâs the bathroom?â she asked.
Once Erin had been directed, she left the room for a few minutes. Simply looking in the mirror after she splashed her face with cold water, âWhy canât you just rememberâŠ? Why..?â
Nixie didnât know what to say. Erin seemed far away from who she was and who Nixie knew her as. Would Erin ever remember who Nixie was again? Part of the brunette felt like she could deal with it and that it was no skin off her back. Nixie just tried to tell herself that she already grieved the loss of Erin, so this shouldnât be difficult.
She could however tell Xan was relatively the same and because of that she got the smallest feeling that Xan wanted to talk, but Erin mentioned going to the washroom so Nixie pointed in the general direction and gave a couple verbal clues.
âAre you okay?â Were the only words she could get out towards her sister as she tried to look up from the bed to make eye contact, but it was difficult.
âAm I okay?â Xan almost laughed. âNix I want to know if youâre okay.â
Xan shifted uncomfortable, the reality that she had put Nixie in harms way was unsettling. She couldnât help but to feel like she was disrupting Nixieâs life entirely. They had both gone through so much, she couldnât imagine what it must feel like to have her sister return from the dead.
âI just - you can go, if you want.â Xan fumbled for the words. The last thing she had wanted to do was weigh down Nixie, it was her dying wish. As much as Xan wanted to have her sister there, more than anything she wanted to be free.
âXan, Iâm fine.â Nixie said with a bit of a sigh. She knew her sister only cared and wanted the best for her, but god she was annoying. Nixie didnât care that she had grown up being there for Xan medically and emotionally, it just felt like her job.
Shaking her head she looked at Xan dead in the face, âYouâre an idiot, why would I leave you? Youâre supposed to be dead, but youâre here. Iâm going to help figure it out, you all deserve that much.â
Xan couldnât help but to laugh a bit. Seems like some thingâs wouldnât change even in death. Nixie had always been her biggest supporter. Of course she would insist on staying. She put her hands up in resignation, letting them fall into a moment of silence.
A smile instantly lit up Nixieâs face as she heard her sister laugh. It had been so long since she heard the sound, that it almost brought tears to her eyes. Nixie refused to herself cry over this though, it was fine, she was fine.
âSo . . . Erin, huh?â Xan said in disbelief, as if that was the craziest thing to happen to them today.
âWell, sheâs alive...â Nixie stated the fact, but didnât offer much more on the subject but maybe she was naive and didnât get what Xan meant. Erin didnât have many memories at all, which made Nixie want to ask what Xan knew, but maybe now wasnât the time.
Erin had waited a few minutes before figuring she had spent enough time just...looking at herself in the mirror. Everything just felt off and she didn't know why. With a resolute sigh, she retreated from the bathroom and return back to the bedroom. Only stopping when she heard voices from the other side.
She paused, her hand just above the doorknob. Should she go in? Should she give them more time and find something else to do to occupy her time? She didn't know. But before Erin could stop herself, she turned the door and stepped back in. Giving the two a small, awkward wave. "Uhm...If now's bad I...I can come back? I don't want to intrude on...Whatever you were talking about. Ya know?" She asked awkwardly, shoving her hands into her jacket's pockets. Awkwardly waiting for one or both to say something.
Xan looked over to the door as Erin popped her head in, suppressing a laugh at her all too perfect timing. She pushed herself off the dresser. It would be a while before Xan went to sleep, she had been struggling with it ever since she got back. Besides, Erin and Nixie looked like they needed some sleep.
âYouâre good, come on in.â Xan beckoned Erin in, then slowly backing out of the room. âI think Iâm going to raid the kitchen, maybe eat myself into a food coma.â
Nixie watched as Erinâs figure slipped back into view and into the bedroom. There was a brief moment of panic, and she wondered if Erin knew they had talked about her. She didnât say anything bad and hoped it wasnât too awkward.
To make things worse, Xan just left for the kitchen. Some big sister, huh? The brunette repositioned herself in the bed, making room for whenever Xan decided to come back.
âAre you tired at all? Like does possession make people tired?â Nixie asked aloud. Not even really thinking about what she was saying, the words just sorta slipped out.
Erin raised her hand as if to speak, her mouth agape a bit as Xan spoke, blinking as the woman excused herself. Leaving Erin and Nixie alone. Wow, thanks XanâŠ, was all Erin thought.
Turning to look back at Nixie, Erin gave her a somewhat awkward, nervous smile as she rubbed the back of her neck. Shifting on her feet slightly as she looked down, swallowing a bit before looking up at Nixie as she spoke. Giving a soft chuckle she shrugged a bit, âWell...It would be a first for me but...From my experience, yeah?â she shrugged again, before flopping back onto the floor.
There was a brief pause as Erin picked at the carpet below for a moment, biting her lip before she spoke up again. âLook...I donât remember much of anything, to be honest. What happened at the diner, I...Iâm sorry. If itâs any consolation, I was just as scared as you were...IâŠâ Erin paused for a moment, biting her lip again, âI didnât hurt you...Did I..?â
Her back fell softly into the mattress beneath her and her hands instantly reached for the covers to pull up. She laughed a little as Erin mentioned it had been tiring. Made sense. Nixie didnât know what to say though and wasnât sure if she was going to, until the blonde spoke again.
It was easy to keep composure and carry on with the show, not showing your blemishes or to move past hardships, but Nixie did not expect the words âIâm sorryâ to hit her as if she had been impaled by a train. Her stomach twisted into knots and her head was spinning. This was really real, wasnât it? There was a lot of need to freak out, but Phoenix couldnât allow herself to. She didnât deserve to break down when they literally were dead and came back.
âNo, you didnât. I promise.â Nixie spoke softly as her fingers kept rubbing against the duvet. âNo one got hurt luckily. Just some property damage.â
Erin nodded silently for a moment. Taking a deep breath as she was able to relax a bit, knowing no one was hurt. While she didn't remember much of anything, she knew that she was worried about others. Whatever she was now, or wasn't, she still cared. Her eyes flickered back over to Nixie for a moment. "IâŠI'm just glad you're okay. I know things were scary and..I don't know what happened." Erin took a moment to take another deep breath. "But I guess we can figure that out starting tomorrow, huh..?" Erin let gravity take control and fell back onto the floor, looking up at the ceiling. "Well...Goodnight, I guess." she said with a small smile thrown in Nixie's direction.
âThereâs scarier things out there.â Nixie said, hoping to ease some of the feelings Erin was having. She wasnât wrong though, Phoenixâs scariest days were already behind her and she hoped they weren't worse than begging your sister to let you save her and finding out on the phone your girlfriend had died. Yet here they both were. Yup, Phoenix had officially lost it, before she knew it Leoâs dads would come in and question why she was in this empty room by herself and talking.
âGoodnight.â She said sending a smile back, but the weight on her heart was heavy and she wanted to cry, instead she just closed her eyes and let sleep whisk her away.
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xx
Leo had woken up before all the rest, careful not to stir Elle as he grabbed a change of clothes and slipped into the bathroom to shower. Usually his dads would have left for work already so he was surprised to see them in the kitchen still in their pajamas when he came down. The look of panic in their eyes immediately unsettled Leo, pausing mid step down the staircase to look over at them like a deer caught in the headlights.
âLeo,â Ray said, running a hand through his hair. âWhy is Xan Cole passed out in our den?â
Even though heâd just woken up to find Elle beside him, Leo still had a sinking feeling that this was all in his imagination. Hearing his parents just confirm it all just made it all seem real for the first time. Leo slumped down where he stood, sitting on the last few steps of the staircase and resting his head on the bannister.
Immediately his fathers came to his side, Ray wrapping his arms around Leo as Michael sat beside him. For a moment he thought he might cry, his head heavy as he rested it against his fatherâs shoulder. Even in their moment of panic when they saw their son needed them they were there without a question.
âThank you,â He whispered to them.
After a few moment they relocated him to the table. Usually Ray would have been asking Leo what he wanted to eat and fixing him a plate heâd watch him eat, but instead they just sat and listened. He wasnât sure they believed him, even with the dead girl in their den. When he mentioned Elle they gave each other a look of concern. They thought he didnât notice but Michael excused himself for a moment, pretending he was getting a call - but Leo knew by his expression and the nod he gave Ray when he came back that heâd gone to see if Elle was in fact asleep in Leoâs bed. Not that he blamed them for checking - in fact he felt better that they did.
âSo . . . now what?â Michael eventually asked, huffing under his breath as he put an arm around Ray.
Leo shrugged. That was the question they had been trying to figure out. He knew that they were to go to Gramma Blooms, but he was worried that all of them traveling together might make them more prone to triggering one another. Though a part of him felt like there was more to this than any one person could help them understand. The sheriff had seem so calm about it all, didnât even miss a beat when she mentioned demon possession. There had to be more to it all.
âI think weâre going to have to look into it. Sheriff said to visit gramma Bloom. I want to look into the history of the town a little more though . . . we might split up so some of us can go to the library to look at the archives.â He tapped his fingers nervously across the table, staring ahead blankly as he sorted again through the day prior. So many things happened it was getting hard to keep count. âThey said something about 49 years ago so maybe we can figure out whatever it is that theyâre referencing.â
Ray reached out to grab Leoâs fidgeting hand, squeezing it reassuringly. Michael had already gotten up to grab his and Rayâs car keys, sliding them across the table to Leo. âYour dad and I will stay home today. You kids take the cars so you can get around town okay.â
âHere,â Ray was already nodding along, handing Leo his entire wallet. âThereâs cash and distribute the cards, I donât want anyone in a position where they donât have cash for something to eat or gas - okay.â
Michael gave him a look, already sensing that Ray was about to go overboard. He stood up, walking back towards the kitchen and pulling out things from the fridge. âI can make everyone breakfast, we have eggs and bacon and pancakes and fruit . . .â
âRay,â Michael said softly, crossing over towards the counter. âI think the kids might be a little overwhelmed if they come in and weâre hovering trying to serve them a feast.â
Leo did his best not to convey his relief. Ray seemed a bit injured for a moment, looking between Michael and Leo before sighing and putting the ingredients back in the fridge. As much as Leo loved and appreciated his parents, his dad Ray loved too hard sometimes it could be suffocating. While his friends might appreciate a big breakfast, he doubted that his dad would be able to allow them the chance to breathe let alone eat without peppering them with questions.
âAlright, well - Iâm at least leaving this fruit out. Please eat some.â Ray said with maternal concern, the two grabbing their coffee and disappearing up the stairs to their master suite presumably.
After setting up some easy cereal options for anyone who came down, Leo grabbed himself a banana. He served himself a quick bowl of instant oats and sliced the bananas over it. His dadâs had a proper espresso maker but Leo was too impatient, often opting for instant coffee instead. People often maligned instant coffee as schlop, and most were - but Leo had found a brand while they were in South America that tasted just like a vanilla latte and he never looked back. He took his coffee and oats onto the patio, the large windows and sliding glass doors allowing anyone who walked into the kitchen or dining room to see him.
Xan woke up to her hand buried in a box of captain crunch and a back ache. It took her a few moments to remember where she was, the day before rushing to her all at once. The tv had been turned off and a blanket draped over her which meant someone found her - but also meant that Erin and Nixie had spent the night alone.
She shook her hair loose as she pushed herself upright, cursing herself under her breath. It wasnât a good look that she left Nixie on her own their first night reunited. Sleeping had been difficult for her since coming back and she hadnât eaten much at the diner the night before. While rummaging for snacks she came across a vape pen and dug into a box of cereal as she watched cartoons on netflix.
Wandering up the stairs, she tip toed down the hall peering into the kitchen. There was already an assortment of breads, fruits and cereals for them set out. Leo was out on the patio by himself, he didnât seem to notice that she walked in. She looked around to see if Elle was anywhere around, but it seemed like the two of them were the first oneâs up.
Popping a bagel into the toaster, she poured herself a glass of orange juice when she heard footsteps from above. She looked over to the stairs to see Soren bounding down them, still wearing that same dazed expression. Her lips pulled back in a tight smile, attempting to mask her concern.
âHey - good morning, sunshine.â Xan took a sip from her juice, gesturing towards their breakfast options. âLooks like we can just help ourselves to whatever. You hungry?â
Her bagel popped behind her, Xan glancing behind her before gesturing over her shoulder. âYou want a bagel? I just made one, you can have it. Iâll pop in another.â
SOREN BOWERS
xi wonder if you feel kinda like i feel, temporary
xfixed on a moment, just out of focus
xand we can't quite see
xbeing us ain't good for us
When she offered him the bagel, his stomach rumbled. "Are you sure?" He said. "Thanks." He gratefully took the bagel and searched the table for cream cheese. He glanced up to ask Xan something; and was hit by another memory, almost more vivid and definitely longer than any of the others. It wasn't anything significant; the two of them, so much younger, sitting in an empty auditorium. Xan was telling him that he needed to audition for their musical; it was We Will Rock You, and according to her, it was right up his street.
He blinked, and was suddenly back in the present; and then he looked back up at her, grinning despite himself. "We Will Rock You. I was a senior, you were... a sophomore?" He asked. "You told me I needed to audition for the main role, and I was like 'nope i'm just gonna be microphone tech again.'" He glanced down at the table and his bagel, now sufficiently spread with cream cheese, but was still grinning to himself. He looked back at Xan, his smile slipping ever so slightly. "I can't remember much, but... I just remember that," he said, shrugging slightly. Then he remembered that Xan was like him, and a part of him relaxed a bit more. "Is it... is it like this for you two?" He asked. "Not being able to properly remember anything?" He asked. The realisation that he wasn't alone in this, that he wasn't the only ghost back from the dead, was a relief so strong it was almost heavy. He just needed someone else who understood, and maybe everything else would come easier then.
I know that I don't seem quite the same
Don't know where
Don't know where I went no
Don't know where I went wrong
But I keep singing
This dream wasn't like the others, at least not fully. When Erin found herself in The Dream World as she came to call it, she was always laying down. Crumpled over herself in a heap on her stomach. Having to push herself to her side and then eventually up to her feet. But not this time. Erin found herself sitting upright this time. She looked around, inky darkness was all around once more. But that familiar, distant sound of rain could be heard.
Normally, Erin would have been annoyed by the constant amount of times she heard rain by this point..Everytime she felt asleep. It was all she heard and she didn't know why. A part of Erin knew what this was, but every other part of her wanted to ignore it. Pretend like this wasn't exactly what it was. A repeat cycle of her last moments. Erin sighed as she tried to think. Just anything at this point to come back to her. Anything at all. But nothing. Erin couldn't really remember names or faces. Other than the ones of the people she met since coming back. Soren. Markus. Leo. Elle. Xan. And Nixie. Nixie. Why was there a part of Erin that felt hollow? Missing even when she thought about that other woman?
Erin knew she should have felt something, seeing as Can said they had dated at one point but, none of that made sense. If that was the case, why couldn't she feel anything? Anything at all? It was only then that the sound of rain began to grow louder and louder. Entirely drenching Erin as it splattered across her face. She looked up where the sky would have been, letting the rain trickle across her skin. She just wanted to feel something. Anything at all other than this feeling of numbness and dread.
Erin opened her eyes and found herself suspended in space, water slowly filling up more and more. At every passing second it slowly began to encase her, as if she was in some invisible container that would eventually fill up and drown her..Erin tried to free herself, but any attempt felt heavy and weighted. Like she was tied down and unable to move. Chained by the confines of her mind. Like a barrier that she herself created to protect herself. But it all felt wrong.
You're drowning. she told herself. You're fucking drowning and no one is going to save you. You need to wake up. Wake up! her mind screamed at her. There was a large inhale as Erin forced herself awake. In those first few moments, she could have sworn she was submerged under icy cold water. Her lungs began to close and her chest was weighted. She felt claustrophobic. Yet here she was. Erin forced herself to sit up. Blinking as she tried to gain her bearings.
She wasn't in any place she recognized right away. Upon further inspection, Erin was lying in an empty empty bathtub. How she go there, she didn't know. Maybe she sleepwalked? She didn't know. Erin looked down at herself and saw she had apparently undressed herself for the most part as well. The bare minimum was keeping her clothed. Now she was begining to sleep walk? After a weird dream? Well, weirder? Lovely..
Erin forced herself out of the bath and dressed herself in the clothes from the previous day. If she could go back to her apartment, she'd get some clean clothes. Looking around, Erin splashed some water on her face. Looking herself in the mirror for a moment, fixing her hair as she combed her fingers through the mane of blonde hair. Erin took a deep breath and exited the bathroom. She could hear some faint talking from the kitchen down the stairs, or well, what she remembered? Erin contimpated going back to the room and check on Nixie but, she figured she'd want her space and instead chose to go to the kitchen.
Upon entering, she gave the two occupants a small, awkward nod and wave of greeting. Just then, there was a sharp pain in her head, and a flash of white light shot through her head. The faintest glimpse of a memory shot through her mind. It took her a moment as she grimaced. Holding her head. Erin walked over to one of the cabinets and as if it was routine, she retrieved a bottle of pain killers, and walked to another cabinet and retrieved a glass. Filling it with water as she took to pills, hoping to ease the pain.
Erin finally turned to look at the other two. Blinking for a moment as she looked over at Can, eyebrows furrowed. "It...It rained that night, didn't it? When...When IâŠ" she cut herself short. Not dating to finish that train of thought. Her dreams should have been enough of a clue for her all but gone memories for her to gleene from. She didn't need to bring it up now. Looking over at Soren for a moment, she blinked. "You...YouâŠ" she started, pausing for a moment as so very hazy memories sparked across her mind. Trying to piece together whatever fragments she had. "You..You did music." she looked away feeling her cheeks grow a bit warm as the feeling of embarrassment creeped over her. "I'm sorry. My memories are...Really fuzzy right now. Things come back in bursts and...Fragmented. I'm sorry." she excused herself, reaching into her pocket as she retrieved a packet of cigarettes as she made her way to the back patio and into the cold outdoors.
The feeling of cold air brushing against her skin helped, but just barely. Erin retrieved a single cigarette, placing it between her teeth as she retrieved her lighter. Once it was alight, she took the deepest inhale and held it, before exhaling. A small cough escaped her lips as she leaned against the railing. Her eyes flickering about as she tried to wrap her mind around the random fragments of what she could only assume was her life before this one. If she was being honest, Erin was absolutely terrified. And if her constant bouncing of her leg wasn't any indication, she didn't know what was. But for now, she was trying to compose herself before she made her way back into the kitchen with the others. So, she for a few more minutes longer, she'd remain outside. To whatever scrambled of thoughts she had.
"I can't remember much, but... I just remember that," he said, shrugging slightly. "Is it... is it like this for you two? Not being able to properly remember anything?"
Xan gave a vague expression, shaking her head in a way that provided no clarity. She didn't want the other's to feel more out of control just because she had more of her memories than they did, but she also wanted to give a bit of hope that they might be able to recover their own in time. She reached over for the cream cheese, slathering her bagel as she spoke.
"You know - I don't know." She answered honestly, laughing a bit at the irony before looking back up to Soren. As many times as she had already seen glimpses of her old friend, she could still tell he was lost.
"I think it's different for each of us . . . I mean - I think I remember things but to be honest I barely remembered things when I was alive." Xan didn't bother putting the cream cheese on the other half of her bagel, taking too-large bite out of the one she had prepared.
Erin walked in while Xan was chewing, Xan giving her a faint nod as she walked past to get herself a glass of water. She noticed Erin take pills, unable to mask her suspicion but quickly turning her back to Erin to hide her face. How had Erin gotten her hands on a script already?
"It...It rained that night, didn't it? When...When IâŠ" Xan stared blankly as Erin's sentence trailed off, looking between her and Soren debating if she swallowed her food right now if they'd be able to hear it.
"You...YouâŠ" she started again, looking at Soren before pausing for a moment. Xan wanted Erin to grasp that memory, just standing by hoping the silence would help. "You..You did music . . .I'm sorry. My memories are...Really fuzzy right now. Things come back in bursts and...Fragmented. I'm sorry."
Just like that Erin excused herself and let herself out onto the patio. Xan took another bite of her bagel, looking at Soren carefully trying to assess how that interaction affected him.
"Well - that was well timed." Xan said after a moment with a laugh, indicating Erin's sudden appearance and exit spoonfeeding them the very answer Soren was asking. "Don't worry about her by the way - that's just Erin being Erin. Give it time, I'm sure you'll be best friends in no time."
Xan gave him an all too knowing smirk.They had been so close for so long it was strange to see them treat each other as strangers. She couldn't imagine what it would be like if she couldn't remember Nixie.
Suddenly thirsty, Xan turned to get herself a glass of water when she noticed a speaker in the corner of the counter. Inching close she could see it was an iHome. Filling her water and taking a drink, she sideyed the unfamiliar speaker.
"Hey, Siri. . ." The top of the speaker lit up as she spoke those words, listening for her command. "Play Killer Queen by Queen."
There was a beat of silence before the speaker answered, "Okay, playing Killer Queen by Queen."
As soon as she heard the song begin she began snapping along, setting down her drink as she stepped forward. Her hand reached out as she began to sing along, as if she were trying to place the words out in front of Soren for him to sing along.
"She keeps her Moet et Chandon
In her pretty cabinet
Let them eat cake, she says
Just like Marie Antoinette
A built-in remedy
For Khrushchev and Kennedy
At anytime an invitation
You can't decline."
Xan reached over to the speaker to turn it up at full volume, only breaking eye contact with Soren to look back to make sure she turned it up all the way. She had always wished she could have been the Killer Queen, which is why it had always been her favorite out of the songs they performed. It sounded like such a freeing life to live. Dancing as she circled around the counter to come beside Soren, leaning her back against his as she belted the following lines.
"Caviar and cigarettes
Well versed in etiquette
Extraordinarily nice - "
She knew he knew what came next.
#D4A9D6 | Outfit | Singing in the kitchen
#DE8245 | Outfit | Spoon singing
The blonde didnât know what exactly it meant, but it sounded parental. Elle hated feeling like she was missing most of her life and that things werenât as they should be. Eventually, sleep overtook her and she fell into a deep slumber.
She didnât even wake when Leo had gotten out of bed, but her eyes flew open when she heard the door open. Luckily she was facing the wall and not the door, but a big wave of anxiety rushed through her veins along with her blood. She did her best to stay still and not make any movements, she didnât know who was looking in at her. When the door shut, the blue-eyed woman turned onto her back to stare up at the ceiling.
Elle felt off, she felt way more introverted than how she could vaguely remind herself. She was worried about all the people that were probably waking up and would be downstairs. Instead, she just started to count her fingers over and over again until she could let the calm wash over her.
A light hum of music could be heard from downstairs, as she lifted her back up from the mattress and looked around for her clothes. She put her dress back on that she was wearing yesterday. Elle made the bed before she left the bedroom and neatly placed the pajamas in his laundry hamper before she exited the bedroom quietly and made her way down the stairs.
The music was on full blast at this point, and the nerves were slowly creeping in again. Taking a deep breath, she just came into the kitchen. There were no thoughts on where to go, Elle seemed to remember the layout of this house like the back of her hand, and it was instinct-based. Elle grabbed a glass from the cupboard and instantly went for the water dispenser that was on the fridge, getting cold water. After that, she picked up a small plate and put a variety of fruit on it before also grabbing a cherry danish. If there was anything she adored it was sweet things.
Elle didnât really let herself hang out with all the singing, but she did sit at the table to not be rude and to be around others because despite being nervous about it, it felt better than being alone. It was weirdly comfortable like they had all done things before.
It was then that she could hear some loud footsteps coming through the house. Elle stifled a laugh already knowing what was coming next.
Phoenix was one of the deepest sleepers she knew. Growing up she slept like the dead to the point it used to concern their poor father and thinking that she may have died. This was not ideal given the fact they already had one sick kid, but alas, Nixie was always as healthy as she could be.
There was one time in New York that Nixie had been sleeping in her apartment when the fire alarm went off and she heard nothing of it. Luckily it was just someone burning food in their unit and not an actual fire, but from that day she just settled and agreed that she would have to be one of those dependent bitches.
That being said, Erin getting up didnât wake her up and the music almost didnât wake her up, but she was already kind of coming around when she heard it. Part of her was annoyed, she knew exactly who this was, it had to be Xan. Immediately the covers came off of her and she began to make her way to the source of the music, her footsteps loud and echoing the halls.
As she entered the kitchen area she could see Xan there singing. Before she went too into her annoyed state though, it did remind her of the good old days when they would put on shows for their parents and have a little audience. So naturally Nixie began to snap her fingers in beat with the song.
Her hips did a slow yet slightly upbeat tempo sway as she moved through the kitchen to grab herself a bowl of cereal and then sat at the table next to Elle. She began to eat some bites of her cereal before she pulled her spoon out and had her fingers wrapped around it.
Soren had already joined in by this point so Nixie gave in with her own part singing and doing dramatic facial expressions.
âTo avoid complications
She never kept the same address
In conversation
She spoke just like a baroness
Met a man from China
Went down to Geisha Minah
Then again incidentally
If you're that way inclinedâ
Then she passed the spoon off to Elle who just blushed but immediately grabbed it. Elle was going to try and fit more of who she was so with the spoon in her hand she grinned and came in with the next part.
âPerfume came naturally from Paris
For cars, she couldn't care less
Fastidious and preciseâ
With Elle singing the lead-up line to the chorus Nixie chimed in with her fist in the air âEverybody!â Hoping theyâd all join in for the chorus. Before she knew it though she was grabbing her spoon back from Elle.
SOREN BOWERS
xi wonder if you feel kinda like i feel, temporary
xfixed on a moment, just out of focus
xand we can't quite see
xbeing us ain't good for us
However, she didn't seem to have much of a memory either, which was something of a comfort. Maybe he wasn't entirely alone in this either. Her declaration that he'd done music was a strange feeling. Because when she said it, his feeling was "yeah that's right", something that he instinctively knew without realising that that knowledge had been there all along. And now he remembered it, it felt like a puzzle piece had been slotted into a part of him that had been a gaping void only moments before. But of course music was his thing. He just nodded and smiled a little at her, his stomach sinking at the realisation that he couldn't remember anything similar about her. But he'd known her. He knew that much.
He gave Xan an awkward, but genuine, smile as Erin left. "Trust me, I think I know exactly what's going on in her head," he admitted with an awkward laugh. He frowned as Xan asked the smart speaker to play a song, wondering what she was doing. At first, there was a blank there; the words not ringing any bells. And then, it was like somebody flicked a switch. It wasn't just that he could remember the words; he could see the sheet music, could see the piano keys. His face broke into a huge grin without even realising, and as Xan put her back against his, he knew exactly what to do.
"She's a killer Queeeeeeeeen," he sang, hitting the high notes effortlessly. The words came without him having to think about them. In that moment, it felt like nothing had changed; like they were still dumb teenagers goofing around in the auditorium and like time hadn't changed at all. "Gunpowder, gelatine, dynamite with a laser beam, guaranteed to blow your mind!
He'd somehow missed them being joined by two others in the kitchen until Nixie joined in with singing the next verse. He laughed at her facial expressions, shooting Xan a look and starting some improvised choreography as the two girls sang, hoping that she'd join in as well. He was no dancer, he never had been, but he could somehow remember some of the choreography from the rehearsals he'd been in. And then they hit the chorus again and it seemed like they were all singing now. The memories of the night before were long gone, banished from everyone's minds, as they just goofed around and sang their hearts out. When he was singing, he swore all of the memories were clearer and didn't disappear the minute he tried to grasp them.
His watch beeped and like a pavlovian response Leo took his pills from his pocket and swallowed them dry. The idea occurred to him that he should call his doctor and see if he would need to adjust his medication with all these new stressors, but realized even attempting to explain the situation would probably end with him institutionalized. As weird as it sounded despite the pure insanity of the situation he was in, Leo felt better than he had for a long time.
The sound of the door opening on the patio caught his attention. Seeing movement from inside the kitchen, Leo realized that a few of his guests had woken up and began eating breakfast. Grabbing his things to go inside, he turned back to notice Erin leaning against the railing seemingly distracted. He glanced down, noticing the bouncing of her leg, all too familiar with the motion. Leo had spent a lot of time trapped in his own inner monologue doing the same thing.
âHey, Erin. You sleep okay?â Leo asked softly, careful not to startle her.
Erin had barely been outside for two minutes by the time someone had walked over to her, she barely noticed them approaching before they spoke. Erin flinched ever so slightly at first, before an awkward chuckle escaped her lips. Realizing just how jumpy she was by someone talking to her. Shaking her head as she looked out, taking another drag of the cigarette, but made sure to exhale away from Leo. Part of her subconscious acted on its own, somehow remembering Leo didnât exactly like smoking. She looked back at him with a small, nervous smile, and a shrug of her shoulders. âAll things considered, yeah? I think so anyway.â she began, clearing her throat, âI think I ended up sleep-walking at some point last night, cuz I woke up in the bathroomâs bath-tub and...YeahâŠâ her voice trailed off, realizing just how insane she sounded.
â-All things considered, it was probably the best night of sleep I had since...All this shit started, I guess. I dunnoâŠâ she looked back over at him, âHow are you managing withâŠall this? Itâs crazy, right?â she asked with a small chuckle.
Almost on cue the sound of Queen came blaring from the kitchen. The wall was lined with large pane windows, allowing them to look in. He could see that Xan had begun singing, shortly followed by Nixie and Elle. Leo stuffed his hands in his pockets, watching his friends inside for a moment before looking back at Erin with a crooked smile.
âCrazy is one word for it,â He laughed. âHonestly, the last few years have been a haze and today I woke up for the first time in a while with some purpose so . . . could be worse.â
Leo waited a beat, unsure what to say next realizing he didnât know what Erin did or did not remember. He didnât want to trigger any episodes or make Erin feel any worse about not remembering things. All he wanted was answers and he was afraid of causing damage by asking them, but it was the only way to understand the extent of things.
âDo you remember coming over here at all?â Leo gestured around vaguely. âLike to my place? Weâd all hang out here a lot in high school.â
Erin couldnât help but grin when he said he woke up with a sense of purpose. She could only assume she used to know what herâs was. Now? Now everything was just a big and muddled blob of random images and flashes across her mind whenever she dreamed, or would be put into a state of severe anxiety. Least from what she could surmise anyway. Erin noticed the small break of silence after that, wishing she could think of something to say. But with her mind as scrambled as it currently was? Probably best to not even attempt small talk.
So when Leo spoke up again, a wave of relief washed over her, but only for a moment until what he asked finally settled in. What she did seem to remember, was more so out of muscle memory alone, like parts of her subconscious that remembered things did, but not Erin. Or least not the part of her that was in control when she was awake. God she wished that part did.
At first, Erin just gave a small shrug of her shoulders, and shook her head. Taking another drag of the cigarette before looking out into the backyard. She wanted to be able to say she remembered something at the very least. Even if it was just something to help ease Leoâs concern, if she could assume, they must have hung out often enough for him to have asked. She remained silent as her hazel eyes scanned the backyard, hoping that maybe just something would cause a memory to come back to her.
It was only when her eyes locked onto a large tree that she paused. Found herself staring at it for a few moments. There was a sudden sharp pain in her temple, causing her to flinch for a moment, placing her fingers to her head, and just as quickly as it came, the pain was gone. Erin blinked a few times, âSorry....â she muttered, looking back out ahead of them. âI...I sometimes get these weird sharp pains in my head...But..â her voice dipped for a moment, looking back out at the tree. Erin outstretched her right hand, index finger pointing out as she leaned towards Leo, âThat tree out there? The...The big one?â she started, side-eyeing him for a moment, before a small chuckle escaped her lips, â-I fell out of it one summer. Didnât I?â she turned to look at him. Leo gave her a wide smile, nodding as the memory surfaced for him.
âI canât remember everything but, I remember climbing it, for whatever reason, losing my grip and then falling. AndâŠâ she struggled for a moment, before looking down at her left arm, â-I broke my left arm and we had to go to the hospital. Right?â her eyebrows knitted together as she looked at Leo for confirmation, hoping that whenever her mind showed her was correct. For all she knew, she could be getting flashes of dreams, rather than actual memories. â...I get weird, fragmented memories every so often but...I think thatâs a starting point?â Erin shrugged, not so sure of how helpful of an answer it may have been to his question, but it was all she knew.
âThatâs totally a starting point!â Leo cheered, playfully clamping his hand over Erinâs arm. It was so instinctual, like two old friends. Then he remembered again he was still a stranger to her, giving a sheepish expression and scratching behind his head.
Erin couldnât help but smile a bit, her face turning a light shade of pink as she was praised for having remembered it correctly. It was an odd feeling of embarrassment and contentment that she could at least remember something about a shared past. However small it was.
âIâm going to go inside, sounds like thereâs a concert in there. Make sure you eat breakfast before we go out, we got a big day.â Leo gestured behind him, looking back to see Elle singing into a spoon smiling and laughing. His shoulders relaxed in a way they hadnât for years. Maybe this was all unnatural but it all fell right to him.
Erin gave hima small nod of her head, sheâd go back inside once she was done calming her remaining nerves, as well as this cigarette. She had gone back to looking back out at the tree-line that laid out behind the house, before turning her head over her shoulder to look back at Leo as she heard him speak again.
âOh, also -â He paused, turning back to Erin. âYour fall, your slip - it was because of Soren. He was in the tree with you and he was the one who slipped first but you grabbed him. Then you lost your balance and fell.â
Erin just blinked and shook her head. She didnât know why, but there was just that part of her brain that went Of course it was. She just couldnât explain it. But part of her, somewhere still remembered, even if she couldnât at that moment. Erin looked at Leo and gave him a knowing smile and nod, âOddly makes sense.â she chuckled, and looked back out. Maybe she could remember as time went on, but what if there were things she didnât want to remember? And what if those came back? Thatâs what scared her the most.
She waited a few more minutes to pass as she cleared her head, as well as finished most of the cigarette she had. Looking around, she spotted an old polished, ceramic ashtray by a seating area. Her eyebrows knitted together, as far as she could tell, neither of Leoâs fathers smoked. So...Why was that here? Did she really used to come here that often? Did she even smoke before all of this, that much that they had this for company? She wanted so badly to be able to recall something so simple like that, but she couldnât even remember.
With a sigh, she crushed the remainder of the cigarette butt in the ashtray, straightened her clothing and made her way back inside the kitchen. Closing the sliding glass door behind her. There was a different song playing now, somehow she managed to know the lyrics
âDon't bother me, my misery
It's holding me
Won't let me speak-â
Erin softly sang the lyrics to herself as she made her way to the fridge, grabbing a carton of milk, a bowl from one of the cabinets, and poured herself a bowl of cereal, hopping up onto the counter, she silently went about eating her breakfast as the others talked and danced amongst themselves to the music.
this little bit of joy.
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