“I figured as much.” He says as it alerts me again. “You may as well check, whoever it is will keep on until you respond.”
Good morning beautiful. Blake
That’s it! I’m making Drew come get me! I’ll see you shortly! Daelynn AKA Sunshine
He’s sleeping. Journey I text Dae quickly.
Morning, I’ve yet to decide if it’s good or not. Journey
“Blake or Daelynn?” Noah asks.
“Both.”
“Well, I’ll let you text. See you in a little while.” He says getting up.
“Oh, okay.”
Sorry, I’m being selfish. Are you okay? Blake
Well then if you don’t want me to wake him start talking. What happened? Carson was in a weird mood, he and Blake got into a shoving match. I heard Carson leave early this am and he refuses to text me back. Daelynn AKA Sunshine
He came over and was a total butt munch! He told me not to talk to Blake anymore, which I wasn’t about to agree to, then said I needed to pick one of them right then. Before he left, AFTER I told him it was going to be Blake, he forced a kiss on me! I shoved him away and slammed the door in his face! UGH! Sorry, I know he’s your brother but what a dick! Journey
I’m okay, just annoyed and disappointed with how things went between Carson and I. I’m sure you don’t want to hear that but I had hoped that whatever the outcome we’d be able to stay friends. Journey
OMG! What a dick move, agreed! I knew it was bothering him but I don’t know why he thought that would get him anywhere but kicked to the curb. Sorry he was an arse. Daelynn AKA Sunshine
It’s alright. I knew you liked him, it’s always frustrating when things don’t go as planned. However I must say I’m glad I don’t have to fight for your attention, although I would have for as long as it took, or drive myself crazy wondering if you liked me more, were you thinking about me or him. Selfish, yet again but I want you to know how I feel. I wasn’t chasing after you because Carson wanted you or something stupid like that. I’m about to sound like a girl but I don’t care; I’m completely taken by you Journey. Blake
Well for what it’s worth Blake has been on cloud nine. And I’ve tried to stay out of it but I’m going to say it, I think Blake is the better of the two. That probably sounds terrible but I’ve seen Carson in action. I had hoped he had matured a bit. I’m glad he screwed up now rather than after you had fallen and ended up getting your heart broken. Daelynn AKA Sunshine
You don’t sound like a girl… okay maybe a little, lol, but it’s alright I like knowing how you feel. I’m going to be honest; I was worried I was nothing more than a competition between you two. Everything you said is a huge relief. Journey
You’re not mad at me are you? I wanted to say something but I was hoping he had changed. Daelynn AKA Sunshine
No I’m not. People can change and when it’s someone you love you always hope for the best. Journey
Well then I’m glad I put my male ego aside to bare my soul to you. Blake
Thanks. What are you doing today? Daelynn AKA Sunshine
Me too Journey
Yard work with Mom, Drew and Noah. Yay. Journey
Boo, that sucks! I was hoping we could hangout. Daelynn AKA Sunshine
You’ll see me plenty this weekend… Did Blake talk to you about that? Journey
Yes and that’s cool but I’m sure we’ll both be preoccupied with each other’s brother. I know I plan on it. Lol. Daelynn AKA Sunshine
Why doesn’t that surprise me? I’m glad I don’t have to feel bad about the situation but I’m so incredibly nervous! What if I’m a bad kisser? Journey
ROFLOL! Don’t stress it you might not even do that. Daelynn AKA Sunshine
:p Doubtful but whatever. Journey
“You awake?” Drew taps on the door.
“Yeah, come in.”
He runs his fingers through his disheveled hair and smiles still half asleep as he staggers to my bed then plops down. “I’m going to pry that thing out of you hands today.”
“Huh?”
“Your cell, I’ll be darned if I bust my butt alone on yard work while you spend all day sitting in the shade texting.”
“Cry me a river, I sweated my rear off yesterday while you were goofing off with Carson. What are you doing up so early?” I jump the subject. Not thinking about him!
“Mom,” he groans, “popped her head in to inform me it was time to get ready for work, way to perky. Hasn’t she given you a wake up call?”
“Nope, I guess she thought I deserved to sleep in since I’m the good child.” I grin.
“Sure, maybe before but I see you’re coming around, welcome to the dark side.” He chuckles.
“I’m still a good girl, I just have a boyfriend now.”
“Whatever, you’ll be joining the multitude of rebellious teenagers soon enough.” He smiles as he gets up, “Off your butt and on your feet Mom’s ready to get started.”
“Fine, have you seen Noah?”
He stops dead in his tracks and spins around, “What? Why would I see him?”
“He’s helping us today, just like yesterday, and no you can’t make any reference to him being a ghost. Mom is clueless, let’s keep it that way.”
“Yay, Noah, all day.” He says unenthused.
“Glad to know you’re excited.” I beam a smile.
He rolls his eyes and walks out.
Dad meets me on the staircase and gives me an odd look. “Morning Daddy.” I smile.
“Goodnight sweetheart. Oh, you have another boy waiting for you in the kitchen.” He all but glowers and continues up the steps.
“Thanks for letting me know.” What was the look for? Ugh, I bet he’s wondering why I only have one female friend… oh shoot what if he thinks I’m not his innocent little girl anymore? I start to chase after him to inform him I only have one boyfriend and that I’m not a gardening tool but that is not a conversation I want to have with Daddy, I’ll let Mom tell him.
“So how do you know Journey?” Drew asks.
So I guess he’s playing stupid with Noah… Cooperation, that’s what I’m talking about! I’d high five him if I could. Stopping in the kitchen doorway, I swear my heart just gave out.
“Hey sweetie.” Mom says all chipper. “Journey?”
I start to back away; the black haired guy sitting at the table is no stranger to me.
He turns to grin, “Good morning Journey, aren’t you going to join us?”
“Uh… maybe, I need to, uh.” I glance out the window, Noah’s on the porch, thankfully. “Answer the door real quick.” I nearly smack myself in the face snatching it open.
“Get him out, please.” I say immediately after closing the door.
“Sorry, I can’t make him leave.” Noah frowns.
“What does he want? Why would he introduce himself?”
“Rouge has his own agenda, which I try to stay out of.”
“Noah,” I whine, “please. Help me out here.”
“Look, he’s not going to eat you if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“A little, he creeps me the freak out! I’m half expecting to go back in, find that he’s massacred my family and is sitting amongst the carnage drinking coffee while he waits to off me as well.”
Noah laughs, “Wow you have an overactive imagination.”
“It’s not funny.” I shove his arm.
“Journey relax, I’m not going to let anyone or anything harm you or your family.” He takes my hand, “Come on, we’ll go in together maybe my presence will agitate him into leaving.”
“I can only hope.” I reluctantly let him lead me in.
Their laughter ceases as Noah and I enter. Well at least they aren’t dead. “What’s so funny?” I ask bypassing Rouge to sit at the far end of the table.
“Rouge was just telling us about when you two met.” Mom says.
“Oh…”
“Yes, how you fell right into my lap.” Rouge grins.<
br />
“It was quite unfortunate.” I smirk.
“I consider myself rather lucky.” He smiles; the gold rings in his eyes shimmering with delight.
“Huh,” I huff, “so what are you doing here? What do you want?” I fold my arms not bothering to hide my annoyance.
“Journey, don’t be so rude.” Mom purses her lips.
“To help of course, why else?” Rouge looks at me curiously and I squirm under his gaze.
Help lead demon Mary right to me? No thanks. I’ll pass on an early funeral. I’d like to help him right out the door and back to whatever hole he crawled out of.
Noah clears his throat and rests his hand on mine, “Shall we get started? There is much left to do.”
Mom glances between Noah and I as Rouge shifts in his seat glaring at Noah. The tension between them is almost tangible, highly uncomfortable.
“Let’s do this.” I spring from my chair.
Drew lazily stands and stretches, “Wait up.”
I pause in the foyer wishing Drew had allowed me to escape. This is going to be a long day.
“Noah did you bring these?” Mom asks upon seeing the large crates in the backyard.
“No…” He shakes his head slowly.
“I did,” Rouge beams, “welcome to the area. I wanted to do something special, show a little southern hospitality and when I heard you were redoing the yard I knew exactly what it needed.”
“Oh honey you didn’t have to do that.” Mom pats his back.
“But I did, really.” Rouge glances at me.
What’s in the boxes? Corpses, old head stones, a multitude of demons waiting to be unleashed? Get a grip! I seriously doubt he’d pull something that insane and let us live to tell the tale… unless he doesn’t plan on letting us live… He grins broadly as he snatches up the pry bar, “Journey would you like to have the honor?”
Is the honor cracking you in the head with the pry bar? Because if so I’ll take the opportunity, but it wouldn’t do a bit of good, I’d just have him gunning for me even more so. I shake my head backing away, “No thanks.”
He shrugs and begins prying the lid off. I’m waiting for the stench of decay to hit me. Drew helps him lift the lid off, which I want to protest but Mom is already annoyed with my behavior.
“Colorful rocks?” Drew looks at Rouge confused.
He chuckles, “I guess you could call them that.”
Noah crosses his arm, “What do you plan on doing with all of those?”
Mom waits expectantly for his answer as well. It’s plain to see she is unsure of him now.
“A mosaic walkway that will lead from the bottom step straight to the… pool.” He looks at mom reassuringly, “I’m quite the artist if I do say so myself. It will blend seamlessly and look much better than those old stone pavers.”
“That sounds like a wonderful idea.” Mom lights up. “Journey you have such devoted friends. First sweet Noah taking on this project and now Rouge. Keep them close, good friends are hard to find.”
Oh they stay close alright. “Sure, I don’t think I could get rid of them even if I wanted to.” I fake a smile.
Drew glances at Rouge then to me questioningly.
I nod slightly. “So where should we start?”
“We should unload the stones.” Rouge says.
Noah looks at him annoyed, “Not exactly what I had in mind however you and Drew can handle that while Susan, Journey and I finish our planting.”
“Thanks.” Drew slits his eyes to Noah.
I’m just glad Noah didn’t stick me working with him. He may act like Rouge is harmless but I can tell he doesn’t want me around him.
As Noah explains what is left to be done Drew and Rouge decide the easiest way to unload the crates is to tear them apart where they sit. Now this should be entertaining.
Mom steps back looking at our handy work, “It’s just perfect. I must admit I felt overwhelmed to begin with but all of the help and hard work has made this an easier undertaking than I expected.” She grabs Noah giving him a big hug, “Thank you so much sweetie. This transformation wouldn’t have gone smoothly without you and your brilliant ideas.” She says giddy.
“Hello?” A man calls out then appears around the corner.
We all stop and stare at him.
“Mrs. Susan?” He looks at mom.
“Yes,” she starts walking towards him, “you must be Mike.”
“That’s me. I’ve got the equipment for the pool. Will it be okay to back around here?”
“As long as you don’t pass the end of the house.”
“Not a problem ma’am but I’m going to need some help unloading and toting it.”
“I’m sure these fine young men won’t mind helping.” She smiles at the boys.
“Not at all.” Noah says.
Drew groans, “I’ll help.”
“Actually I was just going to see if I could borrow Journey, I need a ride to get some material.” Rouge smiles at Mom.
“I don’t see why not, the three of them should be able to handle it.” Mom nods.
Noah looks like he’s going to blow a fuse, “Why not let Drew and Journey go while you stay and help?”
Rouge shakes his head, “They might get the wrong thing then I’ll have to send them back and before you know it precious time has been wasted. I’ll go, that way it’s done right the first time.”
Noah clenches his jaw knowing Rouge isn’t going to have it any other way. I’d love to just hand over my keys, but Mom would have a fit.
“You two better get going, Rouge has his work cut out for him.” Mom waves us off.
“Fine, just let me run in and get my purse,” Maybe some holy water, a Bible and a crucifix, “then I’ll meet you at the Jeep.”
Rouge looks over at me smiling as we pull out of the driveway. I’d like to wipe that look off his face, shove him out the door… I could remove the doors later, make it easier to do in the future…
“Why do you dislike me?” He asks.
“What you are freaks me out.” I grip the steering wheel tightly.
He cocks his head, “What I am? What do you think that is exactly?”
“A demon of some sort.”
He bellows out a laugh.
“I see no humor in it.” I sneer.
“Why would you think that’s what I am?”
“Well, since you have no problem leaving the property and the other spirits are clearly disturbed by your presence, I ruled out that you are one of them. Also you appeared in one of my dreams with a demon who longs for me to meet my demise at her hands.”
“That proves nothing.” He frowns.
“You said my fear was a delicacy and I’d be a tasty treat.”
He looks appalled, “For a demon yes but I am not one of them. I loath them, they are the enemy.” He stares straight ahead, “My words were a warning Journey, you need to conquer your fears; they thrive from them. You are stronger than them, you need not be afraid.”
“So what are you, an angel?”
He smiles, “Hardly.”
“You’re not going to tell me are you?”
“I’ll tell you, when I think you are ready.”
“So does that mean you’re sticking around?”
“Oh yes, we have a long future ahead of us.”
“You can see the future?”
“Not exactly.”
“Then how do you know?”
He grins, “I just do.”
“Okay…” Time to change directions with this conversation. “Why are there so many spirits at my house?”
He arches a brow, “Why do you think?”
I shrug. I have an idea but I’m not sure.
“Come on, you know why, you felt it.”
“There’s something evil there.”
“Ah, but what is it?”
“Ancient and powerful.”
“Smart girl.” He nods.
“So it’s holding them there… how? Why?”
“Agreed, what’s the answer?”
He chuckles, “You tell me.”
“I don’t know, aren’t you the expert?”
He gnaws at his cheek. “Perhaps… however this is your problem to solve.”
“Great,” I roll my eyes. “I thought you were on my side.”
“I am,” he smirks, “but if I give you the answer how will you ever learn?”
“I’ll remember it, duh.”
“Maybe you would, but I’m not telling. Think of this as a test.”
I groan, “Really?”
“I’d start studying if I were you,” he grins impishly, “it has big plans.”
“That’s not fair,” I whine, “I don’t know where to start or what I’m even looking for.”
“Maybe I’ll point you in the right direction.” He holds his finger up, “turn there.”
“Grout, honestly Rouge I don’t think Drew and I would have screwed up and got the wrong thing.” I inform him as we load the heavy buckets into the Jeep.
“I know but I needed an excuse to get you alone.”
“Noah wasn’t keen on it.”
“I know,” he flashes a smile. “He doesn’t particularly care for me.”
“Why not?”
“To be such a smart girl you’re rather clueless at times.” He snickers.
“Jerk,” I jab him in the side, “sorry.” I apologize immediately, “I’m so used to ‘abusing’ Drew for his smart-alecky comments it’s basically become a reflex.”
“It’s fine.” He shrugs as he walks to the passenger side.
“Are you going to tell me why they don’t like you?” I ask buckling up.
“I guess for the same reason they don’t want anything to do with you.”
“Not true, Noah likes me and Emily talks to me occasionally.”
He cuts his eyes to me, “Watch yourself, who you trust that is.”
“Funny, Noah said the same thing basically.” I’m not sure why but Kay and Noah’s conversation from last night pops into my head. “Who is Aiden?”
He looks at me puzzled and shakes his head clueless.
Spirits (Spirits Series Book 1) Page 21
