The Middle Realm

by Alessia Mattei

  “Yeah, I’m all packed and ready to go,” she said.

  She had the eye she jabbed with the eyeliner pencil closed. She had to wipe away the tears. It watered for a good fifteen minutes. Once she was able to open her eye again, I made her start over. She didn’t have much on yet, but what she did came off. I made her bring my entire makeup kit into the bathroom. I spent a lot of money on my makeup. I only bought the good stuff, Mac, Nars, Urban Decay, Too Faced, Make Up Forever and Dior, just to name a few. She opened the box and stared. I went through with her how to apply everything. I cringed when she dropped my favorite Mac paint pot. I’m surprised it didn’t crack when it hit the tiled floor. She had also lost the brand new Dior Show mascara I bought right before my trip. I don’t think starting off with good makeup was the best idea, but it’s all she had. Besides, it’s not my makeup anymore. She’s free to use it as she wants. Anyway, when she was done, she was looking pretty good. As long as I give her step-by-step directions she’s fine.

  “You’ve met someone didn’t you,” she asked as she put the makeup back into the case.

  “What makes you think that?”

  “Well, you’re sitting there, staring off into space with this cheesy grin,” she said, “You probably met some hot male ghost. Spill,”

  “I’ll only tell you about the hott ghost I met if you tell me the truth about whether or not you can see all ghosts or just me?”

  She stared at me, unsure if she should divulge any secrets or not. I really hoped she would. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that she’s a necromancer.

  “If I were to tell you the truth, you wouldn’t tell anyone?” she asked.

  “I promise. I swear on my life. I mean I just swear,” I said with a smile. You can’t really swear on something you don’t have.

  “Ok,” she said.

  Here it comes. Please be a necromancer. Please be a necromancer.

  “I can see all ghosts, not just you. I’ve been able to see them for as long as I can remember. I used to think it was normal to see dead people all the time. Then I found out that it wasn’t. Since then, I’ve had hide the fact that I can see and speak to ghosts. It feels good to be able to tell someone. It’s like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” she said.

  Hallelujah. She is a necromancer. This changes everything. Now I know she really is a freak. I mean that in the most loving way possible.

  “Emma you are a necromancer. Congratulations. I knew it. Why didn’t you tell me? I had to sit and guess. We’re friends, remember. You can tell me anything,” I said.

  “I’m a what? A necromancer? That sounds so dirty,” she said.

  “It does not sound dirty. It just means you can see ghosts. There are only a handful of people in the world who can see and talk to ghosts, and you are one of them,” I said.

  This totally freaked her out. Maybe this is all too much for her to handle. I probably should have waited to tell her about how she is one of only a few Necromancers in the world.

  “I think I need to sit down,” she said. She pushed open the door and saw Lily. She went over to the bed and sat down next to Lily and Sigmund, can’t forget about the bear. She fell back on the bed. Lily leaned over her.

  “I’m Lily and this is Sigmund,” she said, pointing to her stuffed bear. “What’s your name?”

  “I’m Emma,” she said. “Nice to meet you two”

  I let her take it all in before I said anything else. Emma, Lily and I sat in silence on the bed. After a little while, I spoke.

  “So, Emma, do you want to talk about what you just found out. Maybe tell me what you’re feeling. I just need you to say something because the silence is kind of worrying me,” I said.

  “I’m sorry,” Emma said, “I feeling both Shocked and relieved. Shocked that there’s actually a term for what I suffer from and relieved that I’ve finally been able to tell someone, even if that someone is dead,”

  “I have to ask you something. You saw the other ghosts that day your purse was stolen. Why didn’t you tell me you could see them?” I asked.

  “Because I was embarrassed, okay? I don’t know why. It’s just really weird. By the way, the male ghost with the bowler hat was cute,” she said.

  “That would be Edgar. He’s taken,” I said.

  “That’s ok. I probably don’t have a chance with him anyway,” she said.

  I happened to glance at the clock. We, I mean Emma, should probably get going. I don’t want her to miss her flight back to Connecticut.

  “Emma, are you are you ready to go? You should probably leave now. You don’t want to be late,” I said.

  “I’m ready. I just have to grab my bags and I’m ready to go,” Emma said.

  Emma and I said goodbye to Lily. She wanted to come, but it would be better for her to stay here. Emma grabbed her bags and then walked around the room to make sure she didn’t leave anything behind. I didn’t think to that, so good job Emma. Once she was sure she had everything, she walked out of the room and down the hall to the elevator. There was a small group of people waiting. I saw Lily and her mother. I waved to them, and Lily waved back.

  Ch. 32

  After a short wait, Emma was finally able to board the elevator. She walked through the crowded lobby and out onto the street. She waited for a cab. Once she flagged one down, she was off to the airport. My body was supposed to already be there. I really hope they are careful.

  The plane ride was boring. I sat in an unoccupied seat next to Emma. A few seats ahead, a baby was crying. It was driving everyone crazy. A long plane ride, plus a crying baby equals major headache. Reading and sleeping were not going to happen during this flight. I turned to Emma and asked her to go into the bathroom. I had to talk to her.

  “That baby is driving me insane. I really was hoping to sleep a little bit during the flight home. That’s certainly not happening,” Emma said, in a loud whisper. If she talked normally, people may get the wrong idea.

  “Did you not sleep well last night?” I asked her.

  “No, I kept having weird dreams,” she said.

  “Oh, that sucks. The reason I wanted to talk to you was to make sure everything went well with the body. It’s on the plane, right?” I asked.

  “Yes, everything has been taken care of. The funeral home will meet us there, along with my family and yours.

  “Good,” I said. No, not good that the funeral home is meeting us. Good that everything went as planned.

  When we got out, Emma walked back to her seat. I noticed that the baby had stopped crying. I walked over to where the baby was. It was about time the thing shut up. I hate to sound mean. I love kids, really I do. But a crying baby on a long flight is not fun. These days, flying can be stressful. My grandma used to tell me that at one time flying was a big event. You got dressed up nice and everything. Nowadays it’s just a pain in the butt.

  Ch. 33

  When we got to the airport, my family and Emma’s family were waiting. The men from the funeral home were there to take the body. It is heartbreaking to see Emma’s family. I wish I could tell them that their daughter was not gone, that she was here with them. Unfortunately, I can’t do that. Not to sound like a bitch, I hope Emma is hurting right now. Maybe seeing how devastated her family is thinking they lost her will make Emma see that her life isn’t so bad. I hope she now see’s how much she was loved. They may not always show it, but they care. As for my family, I’m glad they don’t know that I’m the one they should be mourning for. My mom is the first one to embrace Emma. Please let them believe that Emma is me. This could go either really well or it could go really bad.

  “Savannah, honey, are you okay? I can’t imagine what you’re going through, right now. You lost your best friend. I know you two weren’t on the best of terms when you left. We’re so sorry,” she said, “We’re happy to see you. I just wish it was on better terms”

  “I’m happy to see you guys, too,” Emma said, “I’m doing fine, I guess. I just can’t believe she’s g
one. I wish I could tell Emma how sorry I am about everything. If I could go back in time and fix it, I would. I just want her to know how much I love her. She was more than a friend. She was like a sister. I would do anything to have her here again”

  I knew that she was talking to me. I know that she meant every word. My mom grabbed Emma and embraced her. Then my sister and dad joined them. I walked over and joined my family. They may not know anything about what happened between Emma and me. I hope they never find out the truth. I’m not kidding when I say it would kill my mom. My mom stared at Emma for a few minutes. It as if she were making sure this actually was her daughter. I could see that Emma was getting really nervous. This could be a make-it-or-break it moment. This is not good.

  “Not to change the subject. Savannah, you look different? Did you do something to your hair or change your makeup?” my mom asked Emma.

  “No, mom” Emma said, pulling her hood down lower.

  “Oh. I must be losing it, then,” she said with a chuckle, “I’m sorry, Savannah. I guess I just wanted to make sure it is you”

  “Yeah. Don’t worry. It’s me. The same Savannah you’ve always known and loved,” Emma said with a forced smile. She could have tried a little harder to make that smile look more genuine.

  I didn’t notice Alexander is here until he grabbed Emma from behind. It startled her. Emma I know you’re not crazy about Alexander, but you have to pretend. Please don’t let her screw this up. Other’s ghosts tried to talk to me, but I had to motion them away. I was kind of busy at the moment. I felt bad do it, but I needed to focus.

  “Savannah. I’m so happy to see you again. I wish you were here under better circumstances. I know it’s been only a few days, but it feels like I haven’t seen you in months,” he said, as he kissed Emma’s neck.

  She froze. I couldn’t believe it. Part of me isn’t surprised. Emma doesn’t know how to act around guys. Poor Alexander stood there waiting for a response. Everyone is staring at them. I had to remind her that she is supposed to be Savannah, not Emma.

  “Emma, what the hell! Turn around, throw your arms around his neck and kiss him with everything you’ve got. I don’t care that you don’t like him. You’re not Emma, anymore. You have what you wanted, now do what I say,” I said.

  With that she turned around and kissed him. There is something strange about the way they kissed. It isn’t passionate at all. I’m not saying I was expecting Emma to passionately kiss a guy she couldn’t stand. I’ll cut her some slack for that. She could just say she is tired. She did have a long flight. It is Alexander who puzzled me. He’s not a passionate kisser all the time. But I figured after not seeing me for a few days, he would passionately kiss me the moment he saw me, or in this case Emma.

  “Alexander, I’m happy to see you, too. It does feel like I’ve been gone months,” Emma said, as she turned to face Alexander, “These last couple days have been hell. I need you now like you won’t believe. You don’t know what it’s like to lose your best friend. I know you two didn’t get along, but I’m sure deep down, Emma liked you” She had her arms around his neck and she stared intently into his eyes.

  Good rebound, Emma. She handled that really well. I’m proud of her. She just needs to keep it going. I know she doesn’t care much for my boyfriend. Why? I don’t know. Alexander is a sweet, funny, all around nice guy. Everyone loves Alexander, everyone except Emma. She never said why she didn’t like him. He’s never done anything to her, except treat her with respect. These next couples of weeks are going to be interesting. If she messes anything up, she’s the one who will get in trouble, not me. For her sake, I hope she doesn’t.

  “I’m here for you,” he said, “Emma didn’t deserve this. I can’t believe she’s gone. It just goes to show how unpredictable life can be. One minute you’re flying to Paris to visit your best friend, the next you’re found dead, floating in a river.” So very, very true.

  My dad walked up to Emma and Alexander.

  “Savannah, honey, Emma’s parents would love to see you. They’re over there. Alexander, you wouldn’t mind waiting here, would you. If you could watch Savannah’s luggage, that would be great,” he said.

  “No. Problem,” Alexander said, before sitting down on one of the plastic chairs.

  I followed my dad and Emma as they walked over to Emma’s parents. I looked over at Emma. I saw tears streaming down her eyes. I put my arm around her shoulders and walked with her. Okay, another make-it-or-break-it moment for Emma. I just hope that her parents won’t recognize her.

  “I’m so sorry,” Emma said, as she hugged her mom.

  “Thank you, Savannah,” she said, “how are you holding up through all this? I know this has been rough on you”

  I’m not going to lie. I’m surprised that Emma’s parents didn’t recognize their own daughter. That’s strange. Well, the hair is different, as is the makeup. Emma always wore her makeup on the natural/neutral side. I wore lots of black eyeliner, colorful eye shadows and mascara. It is quite a contrast to Emma’s makeup. This has got to be strange for Emma. I’m sure she wants nothing more than to say ‘mom, dad. I’m right here. Don’t cry’. Unfortunately she can’t. She made her bed, now she has to lie in it.

  “I’m holding myself together the best I can. I still can’t believe this happened. I feel guilty because we had a fight right before I left. If we had only made up, she wouldn’t have followed me to Paris to apologize. I feel like this is all my fault,” Emma said, as her knees gave out. My dad caught her before she hit the floor.

  “Savannah, let’s get you to a chair,” my dad said, as he and Emma’s dad carried Emma to a chair.

  “Savannah, this is not your fault. Don’t go blaming yourself. These things happen, unfortunately. It was Emma’s time,” Emma’s dad said, breaking down.

  I had to get away for a few minutes. I couldn’t handle seeing all of this. After ten minutes, I walked back. Emma’s parents were gone. I walked around until I found Emma, Alexander and my family. Emma, my parents, Arianna and Alexander were walking to the car. I caught up with them in no time. Everyone was quiet. My dad and Alexander put my luggage in the trunk. My mom got into the front seat. Emma sat in the middle, with Arianna on her right. My mom passed around the box of tissues. A few minutes later, my dad and Alexander got into the car. I sat on Alexander’s lap. We had done this many times before. It felt normal. The car ride was quiet. A sense of sadness filled the car. Extended silences make my mom uncomfortable, so she decided to say something.

  “Savannah, Emma’s parents asked me if you would want to say Emma’s eulogy at the funeral. If you don’t feel comfortable, they understand. It’s just that you were her closest friend and they figured you would feel honored to do it,” my mom said to Emma.

  Emma just stared out the window. If I have to remind her that she’s Savannah, this is not going to work. It means that I would have to be with her all the time. I will be with her full time for a while, but a sooner or later; she’ll have to be on her own. It’s not that I don’t want to help her. It’s just that I have new friends and there’s a new guy in my life. I use the term ‘life’ loosely. Unless she wants to go to jail, she better get her story straight.

  “Emma, how many times am I going to have to remind you? You are Savannah now. Answer my mom’s question,” I said to her.

  “What? I’m sorry, mom. I didn’t hear you. What were you saying?” Emma asked.

  “Do you think you would be up to giving Emma’s eulogy? If you don’t feel comfortable, Emma’s parents understand,” my mom said again.

  “Let me think about it,” Emma said.

  I understand why she needs to think about it. She would basically be writing her own eulogy. Since I was -- am her best friend, I’ll do it for her if she wants. All she has to do is write what I say. I couldn’t let her write her own eulogy. I couldn’t even imagine having to do something like that.

  “Savannah, are you sure you’re ok? You’re not acting like yourself,” my mom
asked Emma.

  Really, Mom? Really? I couldn’t believe it. I looked over at Arianna. She too had a look of disbelief on her face. I could see my dads face in the rear view mirror. He also had a look of disbelief, as well. Alexander took Emma’s hand in his. Even I couldn’t believe my mother is asking this to a person who just lost someone close to him or her. How should Emma be acting? She just lost her best friend. Actually she had a hand in it, but at this point it doesn’t matter.

  “Mom, Savannah just lost her best friend. Of course she would not be acting like her normal self. I hope you’re not expecting her to be all bubbly and happy like she normally is. She’s devastated. I can’t believe you would ask her that,” Arianna said.

  Leave it to Arianna to be blunt. She is right though. My dad agreed with her.

  “Honey, Arianna’s right. I’m as shocked as anyone. You know what it’s like to lose someone close to you. I can’t believe you would ask her that,” my dad said.

  “You’re right,” she said aloud, “Savannah, I’m sorry. That is an insensitive thing to ask. I’m just worried about you. I don’t expect you to be all smiles and laughing. It’s just I’ve never seen you like this before,” she said.

  “It’s ok, mom. I understand you’re worried. I’ll be fine though,” Emma said,” I’ve been through a lot these past couple of days. I’ve had deal with stuff I never imagined I would have to deal with. You understand, right?”

  “I do. If you need to talk, I’m here. If you feel like you need counseling, just let us know and we’ll get you help. It hurts me to see you hurting so badly,” she said.

  Ch. 34

  “Thanks, mom” Emma said.

  The car ride home is quiet after that. As soon as we pulled in the driveway, I got out of the car. I went straight into the house. Lola and Sam greeted me immediately. Seeing them really lifted my spirits. They were so happy to see me again. Their tales must have been going a hundred miles a minute. I sat on the stairs with the dogs as everyone made their way into the house. My dad and Alexander brought my bags up to my room. Excuse me, I mean Emma’s bags to Emma’s room. Saying that is going to take some getting used to. Emma better appreciate all my stuff and treat it well. I motioned for Emma to come to my room.