Two Souls: Into the Fire # 228

Warning … adult content

***

Steve was quiet for a minute, as they continued on to Linda’s house. Then he asked, “Is Lisa upset that you and the kids are leaving?”

Linda shrugged. “No, not really. She has her teaching job, and a wedding to plan. We plan on visiting back and forth. She agreed with me, too, that the kids would love it in Missing Mile. It’s all ok.”

Steve was relieved that all was good between his sisters. He gazed out the car window, amazed at all the traffic and big highways. He knew it would be a nightmare to drive here. The last time he was in L. A. , he didn’t notice any of it. He was only searching for Ghost. He looked over into the back seat, at Ghost, who’d not said a word since they had gotten into the car.

“You okay back there?” he asked.

“Mm-hmm…” Ghost said. He wasn’t even looking out the window; he had his eyes closed, and was leaning his head back on the back of the seat.

“Trying to sleep?” asked Steve.

“No.”

Steve felt something was bothering him, something he didn’t want to talk about…and Ghost knew Steve was getting concerned about it.

“I’m fine, Steve…there’s just too many things in my head right now…you know…from before. I can still see it all…everything…”

Linda glanced over at Steve with a worried look.

“What can we do to help you not think of those things?” Steve asked.

“Nothing,” Ghost said. “It happened, it’s over, and I know that. I just need to make nice memories from now on. Like this trip is nice, and getting to see your family is nice…that will help.” He finally smiled, and opened his eyes to look at Steve.

Nodding, Steve said, “Yes, it is nice.”

“Ok, guys, we’re on our street. Get ready to see everyone,” Linda said. She was excited.

Steve looked at the houses on this street. They were not fancy mansions, just a regular, middle class neighborhood. He thought to himself that this didn’t look scary…it could be anywhere, even back home.

Linda turned into a drive-way, and stopped the car. “We’re here.” There were two other cars parked there, Lisa’s and her fiancé’s, and up by the porch, were a few kid’s toys. They all got out of the car and went up to the door. Before she could open it, though, it was opened by her son, Stevie.

“Mama, you’re back,” he hollered. Peeking around from behind him, was her daughter, Mandy, looking shy to see strangers at her house.

Steve and Ghost were still standing there, feeling awkward, but smiling at the kids. Then, Lisa was at the door. She looked a bit hesitant, but came onto the porch, reaching her arms out to Steve.

“Steve, oh my God, it’s you.” She gave him a big hug. She was laughing and tearful at the same time. “I thought I’d never see my brother again.”

Steve was so happy to see her, he couldn’t stop smiling, and staring at her. “I know, same here…and you’re all grown up…and so pretty.” He laughed.

“You’re all grown up, too, Steve, and I’ve just always thought you’d stayed that little boy, all this time.” Looking behind her, she said, “Oh, here’s my fiancé, Bill.” She introduced him.

He was tall and athletic looking, but was wearing a plaid, flannel shirt, like a lumberjack, which he technically was. Linda had mentioned he did work in the forestry industry.

Steve and Bill shook hands. He liked him, already. Ghost was still just standing there, a bit behind Steve, who’d not introduced him yet. He was feeling out of place, like Steve had completely forgotten he was even there. But, he understood this was Steve’s family reunion, and he was the outsider here. He was happy for Steve, even if he did feel left out.

It was Bill who asked. “And, who is this, Steve?”

Steve’s heart skipped a beat…didn’t Linda mention Ghost to them, at all? But, he was relieved, when Bill reached out to shake Ghost’s hand.

“You must be Ghost. Linda told us all about how you and Steve were meant for each other. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He was smiling. Ghost smiled too, a bit shy now.

“Yeah, this here is Ghost, y’all,” Steve said, shoving Ghost forward into the circle of his family. Ghost was feeling like a prize cow, or something, which rubbed him the wrong way a bit, but he made himself not care…at least for now.

The kids began asking him about his funny name, and saying ‘boo’. Ghost just laughed with them…he was used to this kind of reaction.

They all went inside, and were given the grand tour of the house, modest though it was. Steve and Ghost were shown the bedroom where they could put their suitcases. Steve went back to the car to get them.

Ghost was being surrounded by the kids, and their demands to play with them, and the strangeness of the situation was getting to him. Linda kept telling the kids to leave him alone, to go play in the back yard. It was so noisy and chaotic. He really needed to be alone for a bit, to sort of smooth down his nerve endings, after being bombarded with so much. He felt twitchy.

Steve came back in, taking their belongings down the hall to the bedroom. Ghost followed. Steve was beaming. “What did you think, Ghost? Aren’t they all fantastic?”

“Yeah, they’re great…I already like them…” Ghost said, but his words faded off.

“What?” Steve asked. “You sound funny or something.” He actually looked at him, this time.

No, I ..well, it’s so much to see and hear…and it’s all so new, and I’m just all tensed up.”

“Oh…come here…” Steve said, and gave him a hug. “I know, I am too. It’s a lot to take in, but it’s only for a few days, then we’ll be back home…back to normal again.”

“Yeah, I know, it’s okay, really,” Ghost said. “And, I don’t want to be rude, but I kinda need to be by myself for a few minutes.”

“Sure, you do whatever you need to. I’ll go out and visit with everyone. You just rest a bit, and come out when you’re ready,” Steve said.

Ghost nodded, and lay down on the bed. Steve closed the door, and went back to his family.

~

Linda and Lisa had gone into the kitchen to start fixing supper for everyone, chattering away about the new developments. Steve and Bill sat on the couch, watching the kids play. They were dragging out toys to show Steve. He’d never been around kids much, and he laughed at their antics.

“Tell them to knock it off, if they get to be too much for you,” Bill said. “They’re pretty persistent, but good kids.”

“This is all new to me, and I’m sure I’ll get used to them.”

Bill cleared his throat. “Steve, Linda and Lisa have told me about everything…from when y’all were kids. That must have been hard on you. I know it was for them. I’m really glad y’all found each other, again.”

Steve nodded. “Thanks, Bill, I’m glad, too. Linda remembers more of it than Lisa does, I guess.” He paused a minute. “You know, Missing Mile is a great little town. It was just the situation back then. They’ll be fine…we’ll make sure of it.”

“I know, Linda has been ready for a change, anyway. This came along at the right time I think. And, we’ll come visit soon,” Bill said. “Who knows, we may follow y’all out there after the wedding, and the school is out for the summer.” He laughed.

They played with the kids for a few minutes. “Where’s your young man…Ghost? Is he okay?” Bill asked.

“Yeah, he just needed to rest a bit. He’ll be out soon.” He hesitated for a second, then asked, “Um…you said Linda told you about us?” He looked down at the floor, not really sure how Bill felt about Ghost and himself.

“Yeah, she did…pretty much everything, Steve, and what all you and Ghost have been through, it must have been hard sometimes. But, the main point she got across, is that you two love each other. That right there is good enough for me. I don’t hold any prejudices against anybody, unless they give me reason to. So don’t worry about it.”

Steve looked up, nodding. “Thanks, man…I appreciate it, and I was a little worried. I mean, it was hard telling Linda everything, too.”

Bill smiled. “It’s fine, and you let Ghost know it is, too.”

“I will. Guess I should go check on him. Maybe the girls will have our food ready soon, anyway,” Steve said, getting up. He headed for the bedroom, and Bill went to see how Linda and Lisa were doing in the kitchen. As he entered, they looked up, a question in their eyes.

“It’s all good,” Bill said. “We had a nice talk.”

“Thank you, Bill,” the girls said, and both gave him a hug.

***

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Next part coming soon!

***

Thanks for visiting! Peace

© 2019 BS

***

This is a work of “fan fiction” based on the novel, “Lost Souls” by Poppy Z. Brite. All credit for the original characters, places, and some backstory mentions, belong to Ms. Brite and her publishing affiliates. Only newly introduced characters, places, and original elements of this story are entirely from my imagination. Character descriptions are a blend of the original book descriptions and my interpretation of them.

Two Souls: Into the Fire # 227

Warning … adult content

***

“Bing…bing…” The fasten seat belt signal sounded it’s order, and the plane began to move slowly into position for it’s take-off. The crew members came down the aisle, checking on things, then gave the safety demo. Ghost was taking it all in. Steve had his eyes closed tight, and his knuckles were turning white from gripping the arm rests so hard.

“Ghost,” Steve whispered. “I gotta get off. Tell them I can’t do it.”

“I can’t do that,” Ghost said. “Besides, you already are doing it. Here, hold my hand, ’cause here we go.” He squealed, as the plane gathered speed, and lifted off the runway. The force of the take off pushed them back into their seats, and their ears popped. Ghost was giggling the whole time. Steve just looked pale, and sick…his eyes still closed.

“Wow, look at that, Steve…look outside. The clouds are beautiful. Ya gotta see it…look,” Ghost said, urging Steve to open his eyes.

Steve did peek out for a second. “Um-hmm…oh, God…I feel sick.”

“I’m sorry,” Ghost said, brushing Steve’s sweaty, yet cold forehead. “I wish I could make it better for you.”

“Me, too. You just have fun and enjoy the ride. I’ll be okay … when it’s over.”

“Would it be better if I was scared, and you had to be brave and make me not freak out?”

“No, and I’m glad you’re not scared, ’cause I’d still be scared, and then what? It wouldn’t work,” Steve said.

Ghost thought about that for a minute, then noticed the flight attendant pushing a trolley down the aisle. “Hey, they’re bringing drinks and snacks. Can we get some?”

Steve nodded. “Yeah, go ahead.”

“What do you want?”

“Uh…beer?”

“Yep, they have that on their cart. Maybe it’ll relax ya.”

“Ahh, get me one of them, then,” Steve said.

~

After a few swallows of his beer, Steve did relax a bit. He was able to look around some. Ghost was still munching on crackers.

“Ya feeling better, now?” Ghost asked.

“Yeah, a little…but, I gotta go pee…where? how?” Steve asked.

Ghost shrugged. “I’ll ask.” He pushed the call button, and a crew member came to their seat.

“Where is the bathroom?”

It was pointed out to them, and now Steve had to actually walk down the aisle, and keep his balance.

“You want me to go with you?” Ghost asked.

“No…yes…no, I’ll make it.” He rose unsteadily from his seat. Lurching and holding on to seat backs, he did make it into the tiny room. The rushing wind sound, and the bumpy effects of the plane, brought on a near panic attack. He was afraid he’d get locked in.

He could barely turn around in there, but managed to relieve himself, though not very neatly. He looked in the mirror above the tiny sink. “Is that me? I look like hell,” he thought.  His face was pale, with red splotches on his cheeks and neck. His eyes were big and dark from panic. Taking a deep breath, he splashed water on his face.

The plane suddenly dropped in a bit of turbulence, and Steve felt his stomach flip flop. “Oh, God,” he said aloud. “Let me outta here.” He fiddled with the door latch, finally jerking open the door, and he started back down the aisle. Having to scoot over a bit, as someone else was coming, he almost landed in some businessman’s lap.

“Hey, watch where you’re going,” the man said, and pushed Steve upright.

“Sorry, sorry,” Steve mumbled, as he continued to his seat.

The plan lurched again, and Steve fell to his hands and knees. A crew member helped him up, and to his seat. “Fasten your seatbelt,”she said, “It’s still a little rough, but we’ll be through it soon…don’t worry.”

He did what she’d asked, then leaned his head back on the seat, closing his eyes. “Ghost…if I ever, ever mention flying again, just kill me, ok? That would be better than doing this again.”

Ghost took Steve’s hand, and leaned his head on Steve’s shoulder. “Do you really hate it?”

“Yes,” Steve said. He tried holding his breath, to keep from sobbing, but a few tears ran down his face, onto Ghost’s hair. “I’m being such a baby. I know I am, and I can’t stop it.” He was shaking.

“Here, lean over on me. I’ll hum you a song, and you try to sleep. Then, when you wake up, maybe we’ll be there,” Ghost said. Steve did, and Ghost’s soft humming did ease his panic enough to doze off.

Ghost gazed out the window at the sky and passing clouds…the sky he always looked at. It gave him a sense of peace, and he fell asleep for awhile, too.

~

As the plane began it’s descent into LAX, the cabin pressure adjusted, making their ears pop, again, waking them up.

“What’s wrong…what’s happening?” Steve asked.

“Nothing, we’re almost there…we’re fixing to land in L. A. … I can see buildings, and other planes, and stuff,” Ghost said.

The plane made a smooth landing, but Steve thought it would never slow down.

“We’re here…we’re back on the ground,” Ghost said.

“Good,” Steve said.

At the gate, everyone began exiting the plane. Ghost got his backpack from over head, and they inched their way off the plane.

“Where’s Linda supposed to meet us?” Ghost asked.

“She said after we get our suitcases, just go out the nearest exit, and she’d be on the sidewalk,” Steve said.

They found the luggage pick-up area, and grabbed them as they came by on the carousel.

“Let’s go this way, I think,” Steve said, looking around. He’d gotten his confidence back, now that he was on land, again. Ghost tagged along, behind, looking at all the people.

“Maybe we’ll see a movie star,” he said.

“C’mon, forget movie stars…we gotta find Linda,” Steve said, as they went outside. They stood there a few minutes, looking around. Then, Linda saw them. She waved and hollered.

“Steve…Ghost…” She rushed up, hugging them both. “You’re finally here.”

“Yeah, Sis, we made it…wasn’t any problem at all,” Steve said.

Ghost gave him a look, and rolled his eyes. He started to say something, but thought better of it, in time.

“Ok, follow me. My car is over there, not too far,” Linda said. They all piled in, and she pulled away from the parking area, heading for her house.

“How far away are you from the airport?” Steve asked.

“Oh, not that far, but with this crazy traffic, it’ll take us at least half an hour. I’m telling you, Steve, my kids are beyond excited to meet their uncle. And, Lisa too, but I think she’s a little shy about it,” Linda said.

“Well, we’re basically strangers. It’s been years…”

“I know, but y’all will get to know each other real soon.”

“Is she going to move, too?”

“Not yet. In fact she and her fiancé will be living at the house, and maybe buying it…or maybe just selling it for me. We’ll just have to see how things turn out,” Linda said.

***

***

Next part coming soon!

***

Thanks for visiting! Peace

© 2019 BS

***

This is a work of “fan fiction” based on the novel, “Lost Souls” by Poppy Z. Brite. All credit for the original characters, places, and some backstory mentions, belong to Ms. Brite and her publishing affiliates. Only newly introduced characters, places, and original elements of this story are entirely from my imagination. Character descriptions are a blend of the original book descriptions and my interpretation of them.