Haunted Heroine

by Sarah Kuhn

  He looked smug as ever, and I was so happy that I could now see him for what he was: a sad, pompous little man obsessed with asserting his power over others.

  Never again.

  “Thank god we defeated that awful demon!” he continued. “I’m so glad you picked up on my clever ruse, I—”

  “Shut up, Richard!”

  All three of us said it in unison. It felt damn good.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  THE DAY OF the new library building opening was quite possibly the most beautiful day I’d ever witnessed at Morgan College. Considering all the other days I’d witnessed at Morgan College, perhaps that wasn’t saying much, but still—the sky was serene and steely blue, the air was crisp with the turning of seasons, and the eucalyptus trees were whispering their gentle song across campus.

  As Aveda and I stood in the midst of a crowd of students and faculty, waiting for the ceremony to start, I tipped my head up and closed my eyes, letting that honey-pine scent drift over me and reveling in the sense of change in the air.

  “Wow, look at it,” Aveda said, her voice lit with awe. “What a fabulous addition to Morgan’s collection of creepy old buildings. Only this is a creepy new building.” She nudged me in the arm and I turned to look at her. “You picking up any Ghost Evie vibes?”

  “None,” I said, flashing her a grin. “Ghost Evie is resting now—she deserves it.”

  A lot had happened since our confrontation with Leonora and Richard two months ago—it was the beginning of a whole new year now, the darkness of Halloween giving way to celebrations of renewal and reinvention.

  Nate, Bea, and Rose’s team had done extensive testing and analyses on the library and the rest of the college. It seemed that banishing Leonora back to the Otherworld had also banished any remaining demon-powered spirits. The sightings students were reporting now were back to the usual ghostly encounters—fairly harmless and possibly imagined. But I liked to think those emotional resonances—Tess’s paranormal energy—were still floating around, imbuing the college with all the lives that had built it into what it was. Until those resonances were ready to rest, of course.

  As far as we could tell, the Evie ghost actually had been activated by Richard and Leonora’s experiments—but she’d successfully hidden from them until I’d showed up. She’d been waiting for me, and I was happy I’d been able to give her the peace she needed.

  As for what the college was now . . . well, that was still a bit of a question mark. Richard had finally been exposed and fired, but he’d claimed that any “borderline illegal” activities had been conducted under the influence of Leonora. Rumor had it that he’d moved back in with his parents and was currently doing a whole lot of nothing. Provost Glennon had also been canned—and claimed she knew nothing about the more nefarious aspects of how Richard had been planning to “take care of” Julie. I still didn’t trust a word she said, but I was glad neither of them would be coming near Morgan ever again.

  The future of Morgan was on the murky side. The school was still struggling financially (though I’d taken it upon myself to make another large donation), currently without a provost and key faculty, and embroiled in exactly the kind of scandal Provost Glennon had been hoping to avoid. But I couldn’t help but feel this was better for its future in the long run. At least now, the college could proceed with a clean slate.

  And as I’d come to realize during Aveda’s and my mission, when it came down to it, it was really the students who made Morgan what it was. They were the ones who loved this place, who formed everlasting bonds with each other, who gave the school so much of its traditions and rituals. In that regard, the future looked bright.

  “Hey, Eliza and Angelica—I mean, Evie and Aveda!”

  “Cool TAs! That’s who they are!”

  We turned to see Shelby, Pippa, Tess, and Julie running up to us—a gaggle of brilliant smiles.

  “What a way to start the semester, huh?” Pippa crowed, jerking her head at the finished library. “New building, new beginning. You guys still want to get T-Bell after?”

  “Of course,” I said, smiling back at her. “It’s so good to see you all.”

  Once everything had gone down at Morgan, Aveda and I had gotten a call from Jessie Vũ. After we’d secretly visited Julie, Provost Glennon had moved Julie to a different, even more out-of-the-way facility. At that point, she’d mostly been healed from her ordeal—apparently, the health issues she’d experienced had been a result of Leonora’s unsuccessful attempt to pull her into the Otherworld. (Bea hypothesized that Pippa hadn’t gone through the same because Leonora’s reverse portal was more functional by then.)

  When the hospital hadn’t let Julie leave, Jessie had gotten suspicious. And when the scandal involving Provost Glennon and Richard broke . . . well, Jessie had finally called us. I’d helped Julie find a new apartment for her and Jessie, and Aveda and I had hired her on as our official part-time paranormal consultant, which gave her the much-needed income boost to keep her and Jessie afloat. And since Julie and Tess had started an all-new, Leonora-free version of the ghost-hunting society, it made sense. Julie had started her paranormal research because she was suspicious of Richard, but she’d also discovered a fascination with it, and I was glad she was continuing.

  Tess and Pippa were both doing well, too—Tess was thriving as the head of the new ghost society, and Pippa was pursuing a Pop Culture Studies major with a passion. Weirdly enough, she was kind of on the path I’d once set out for myself. Aveda and I were doing our best to encourage both of them at every turn. Even though we were no longer undercover, we were still kind of their TAs.

  And as for Shelby . . . we still weren’t sure what was going to happen to her. She was the first of her kind, and when the other demon-powered Morgan ghosts vanished, she’d remained. For now, she was enjoying life as an actual carefree college girl with all of her friends. Oh, and a new part-time job.

  “I’ll get you guys those reports later,” Shelby said to Aveda and me, giving us an eager grin. “Lots of interesting stuff in your email today.”

  “Thank you,” Aveda said, giving her a brisk nod. “Best well-paid intern ever.”

  “You know, you don’t always have to say the ‘well-paid’ part,” I said, shaking my head at her. “It does not exactly roll off the tongue.”

  “I am not about to start a rumor that Aveda Jupiter does not appropriately compensate her employees,” Aveda sniffed. “But seriously, Shelby, you’re doing a great job.”

  “Yeah, she is!” Tess exclaimed, giving Shelby an affectionate nudge. “Jules and I are going to give her our latest reports from the ghost-hunting society to cross-reference with all your guys’ stuff—thought that might be useful. Just in case we’re ever haunted again.”

  “I sincerely hope we won’t be,” Julie shuddered, reaching out to take Tess’s hand. “But I’ll be glad to help with the reports. God, I love me some reports—I never thought I’d be so overjoyed to be back in school. Jessie keeps making fun of me for being this happy.”

  “You don’t love reports,” Pippa scoffed. “Nobody loves reports. You love the chance to smooch Tess under the guise of doing homework.”

  “No denials here,” Julie said, her gaze softening as she met Tess’s eyes.

  “Oh . . .” My eyes misted over as I looked at each of them in turn. Shelby, her smile brighter than I’d ever seen it, finding her voice and her purpose. Pippa, outspoken and charismatic as always. Tess and Julie, wrapped in their love bubble and free of the people who had hurt them. “You’re all wonderful,” I said, my voice quavering. “I’m so happy I know you.”

  “Okay, Waterworks,” Aveda said, elbowing me. “I think the ceremony’s about to start.”

  “Ooh, let’s get closer to the front!” Pippa crowed, bulldozing her way through the crowd before anyone could respond. Tess and Julie laughed and followed her.

 
; Shelby made a move to follow them—then turned back to me, squeezing my hand and giving me a slight smile.

  “Thanks again for all your help, Evie,” she said, her voice shy. “I really love, um, living.”

  Then she took off after her friends.

  “Aw, look at them, they’re so cute,” Aveda said, beaming after our little gang of charges. “And look how happy they are. You did that, Evie.”

  “We did that,” I corrected.

  “Hmph, I don’t remember there being a ghost version of myself that I had to forgive in order to resolve my lingering emotional issues and save the whole school,” she said, making a face at me. “But I’ll take it.”

  “Ah, hello, dears!”

  Aveda and I turned to see Victoria and Jocelyn bustling up to us. Victoria’s gaze was darting everywhere, her excitement at being back on campus palpable. Jocelyn looked warier, holding Victoria’s hand protectively.

  “I’m so happy you two made it!” I said, giving them a wave.

  “I had to convince this one,” Victoria said, gesturing to Jocelyn. “But you made it sound as if it was imperative we be here. And anyway . . .” She looked around the courtyard, her expression softening. “I think it was finally time for us to come back.”

  “I’m glad,” I said. “And, you know, now that we’ve literally exorcised some demons here . . .” I hesitated, trying to sound super casual. “I’ve been thinking about what Jocelyn said, as far as you needing to be busy. Did you know Morgan is looking for a new provost? I really think they could use a new direction, don’t you? An honest direction. From someone who will think of the students above all else.”

  “That does sound interesting,” Victoria said, an intrigued gleam lighting her eyes. “Perhaps we could stay here and talk to some folks about that after the ceremony, love?”

  “Perhaps,” Jocelyn said, her face softening into a smile of her own.

  “Attention, please!” a girl bellowed from the front of the crowd. I craned my neck, trying to get a better look. It looked like the same purple braids girl who had led the karaoke at the dorm party. “Thank you all so much for coming. This new library has been a long time in the making, and its completion was made possible by a very generous donation from our esteemed alum, Evie Tanaka!”

  “Still not actually an alum,” I murmured.

  “We’re so pleased to dedicate this beautiful building to another one of our esteemed alums—two of them, actually!” the girl continued. She motioned to a pair of students standing next to her. With great fanfare, they lowered the curtain draped over the library’s new sign. “Welcome!” the girl said, sweeping her arms out. “To the Victoria and Jocelyn Morales Morgan College Library!”

  Everyone cheered—even though I knew not everyone knew who Victoria and Jocelyn were yet. But they would.

  I snuck a glance at Victoria. Her hand was over her mouth, her eyes filled with tears.

  “Oh, no,” I said, reaching out to touch her arm. “I’m sorry. Is this too much? I just wanted . . .”

  She cut me off by sweeping me into a bear hug.

  “Thank you,” she whispered fervently. “Thank you so much. This feels, at long last, like coming home.”

  * * *

  Later, I slipped away from the crowd and wandered campus for a bit. I couldn’t exactly explain why, but I needed a moment to myself, before Aveda and I embarked on another Taco Bell adventure.

  Somehow I found myself wandering to Morgan Hall—currently empty as everyone was at the celebration. I stood at the foot of the forbidding staircase and marveled at how much less creepy this building was during the day. With the bits of blue sky and sun filtering in from the skylight, it actually seemed peaceful. Serene, even.

  And before I knew what I was doing, I had climbed that big staircase, pausing in front of a door that was all too familiar.

  It was, I realized, the exact spot I’d run to after the night of the peanut butter—the office of Professor Connolly, to turn in my paper. It was the moment that had led to that fateful decision I’d suppressed for so many years. The decision to leave Morgan. I stared at the door for a moment, noting that the plastic blue bin where we used to deposit our papers wasn’t there anymore. And the door had a fresh new coat of bright yellow paint.

  I was surprised to realize that I didn’t feel a sense of déjà vu or reverse déjà vu or . . . anything. I didn’t even have the desire to push the door open and see what was on the other side.

  I turned away from the office and wandered to the end of the hall, where one of those big, arched windows offered me a full view of the courtyard, bustling with so much activity. I could see Shelby and Pippa in the distance, doing some kind of goofy synchronized dance while Tess filmed them, cackling with laughter.

  I pulled my phone out of my pocket and tapped the screen.

  “Hey, Big Sis!” Bea chirped at me, her face filling the screen. “Is everything all right?”

  “Yes,” I said, smiling to reassure her. “No early labor, nothing wrong, no need to worry. Bea, I . . .” I hesitated, trying to figure out the words. “I wanted to ask you something. Are you okay?”

  “Yeeeeeahh?” she said, looking at me like I’d grown another head. “I mean, I’m starving, but brunch is gonna be good today, I’m meeting some of my Demon Unit pals at this place called Sam Sato’s—their saimin is so delicious, but you’ve gotta get there early, there’s always a line—”

  “No, I mean . . .” I grinned at her enthusiasm. “That sounds amazing, but I meant are you okay in general? Like, in life. As a person.”

  “Oh.” She leaned back and gnawed on her lower lip, considering. Then she cocked her head at me, her eyes narrowing shrewdly. “Evie. Is this about how you parented me? Again? I thought we’d worked through that. In—”

  “Therapy, yes, I know,” I said, smiling slightly. “I just need to hear it again. From you.”

  “Mmm.” She smiled back, looking like she was really thinking about it. “Remember when we got into that huge fight about me trying to jump into the Otherworld? Somehow it devolved into fighting about Mom and I accused you of not being sad when she died. And you said—”

  “I said, ‘You got to be sad. I didn’t.’” I winced, the memory flooding through me once more. “I’m sorry, Bea. That was so shitty—”

  “Maybe it was.” Her gaze turned contemplative. “It was also true.”

  Tears pricked my eyes, my throat tightening. “Bea—”

  “No.” She shook her head vehemently. “It was, Evie. I broke down fully after Mom. I took up all the grieving space. There wasn’t room for you to do the same. You had to be the adult. And listen . . .” She leaned in, her eyes flashing. Like she really wanted me to get this part. “I’m better than fine. I’m amazing. I’m living the life I never even knew I wanted—and I can feel y’all’s love from thousands of miles away. So stop worrying about me. Trust that I’m okay because of you, not in spite of it. And give yourself that room now—to do whatever you need. Cry, scream, throw some plates. I’ll be here for you. Just like you always were for me. You’re gonna be a great mom, Big Sis.”

  “I . . . thank you,” I said, finally allowing my tears to fall. “God, you are amazing. Go have that brunch.”

  “Call you later,” she said, grinning at me. “And hey—I miss you, Evie. That’s one of the reasons I keep calling all the time, in case you haven’t figured that out. I know you miss me, too. It’s okay to say that. Like, out loud and stuff. It doesn’t make me feel like you’re trying to, I don’t know, smother me from afar or something. It feels nice. To be missed. Come visit me when you get the chance, okay?” And then she winked out of sight.

  I smiled to myself and gazed out the window, brushing away the last of my tears, and thought about the girl I’d been. The girl I was now. How we were so different, yet exactly alike. How I hadn’t been able to move forward
until I accepted her as part of me. And how we were both worthy of love, protection, and beautiful lives beyond our wildest dreams.

  I’d meant what I’d said to Ghost Evie—my life wasn’t perfect. It was better than perfect. It was real. And I was learning to be okay with all the messiness and chaos and joy that entailed.

  “Hey . . .”

  I snapped out of my reverie and whipped around to see a familiar figure hovering behind me.

  “Nate,” I breathed, my voice still a little shaky with tears. I reached out and pulled him close, resting my cheek against the comforting solidness of his chest.

  “Aveda thought I might find you up here,” he said, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “Apparently I’m supposed to drive you all to . . . a Taco Bell? Is that correct?”

  “It is,” I said, laughing a little.

  He pulled back and searched my face, reaching down to cup my cheek.

  “Are you okay?” he asked, his eyes lit with genuine tenderness.

  “Yes.” I smiled at him—a real smile, a true expression of what I was feeling inside. No more faking. “But I was just . . . thinking about some old feelings. I might need to cry on you later.”

  “Of course.” He returned my smile, squeezing my shoulders. “And if you want, there are . . . other things we can do to take your mind off of things.” He cocked an eyebrow, his gaze sliding to an open office door—and just beyond it, a desk.

  “Yes, please,” I said, laughing. “Although we might have to get creative with the positions.” I ran a hand over my belly, which was looking rounder every day. “But for now . . . just be with me for a minute.”

  He pulled me close again and we gazed out at the courtyard—all those students and their hopes and dreams, lit by the clear winter sky.

  “I have a surprise for you,” he murmured against my hair. “Well, not exactly a surprise since I’m telling you about it. I’ve booked us a . . . what did Aveda call it, again? A special trip?”