Not A Good Reason

by McCarthy, G. L.

  “More pancakes, Sam?” Alex noticed her plate was clean.

  “No, thank you. I’m so stuffed.” Sam was ready for a nap.

  “Good. TJ and I have a shinny new grill to put together. You can watch us or TV.” Alex took her last bite of eggs and waited for Sam’s response.

  “TV, if you don’t need me to supervise?” Sam didn’t feel like moving much right now.

  Just then the empty chair at the end of the table moved swiftly away from the table about three feet. This action made all three women react differently.

  “Oliver! Very cool, but I almost hurled my breakfast.” Sam’s heart was pounding, and she was surprised at her own reaction to his latest trick.

  “Sorry, Sam.” Oliver appeared to Sam and Alex. He was standing behind the chair. “I just wanted to show you my new trick.”

  “Awesome.” TJ had been startled, but was very impressed and figured it was Oliver doing the moving.

  “Very good, Oliver! Just a little warning next time. We’re not used to chairs moving by themselves just yet.” Alex wasn’t startled by the movement, and maybe she had Anna to thank for the calm reaction.

  “Is he here?” TJ really wished she could see him.

  “Yes. He’s standing behind the chair. Oliver can you put it back?” Alex walked around to TJ’s side of the table.

  “Sure.” Oliver slid the chair back.

  “I want to see something.” Alex held out her hand for Oliver to touch. Then taking TJ’s hand she asked Oliver if he would let her see him.

  “Hi, TJ. Can you see me?” Oliver concentrated as if he was trying to move an object.

  “I’m not seeing anyone. Come on, we can do this. Oh my gosh. I see him very faintly.” TJ was trying very hard to concentrate and focus on seeing Oliver. “Woohoo, I can see him.”

  “Seriously?” Sam was skeptical to say the least. “What’s he wearing?”

  “Navy blue shirt, light blue pants and black boots. Oliver, we need to talk. I love that you’re a ghost.” TJ let go of Alex’s hand and walked around to where Oliver was standing.

  “Okay, what to you want to talk about?” Oliver was surprised at all this attention.

  “Everything. How cool is this? You can walk through walls and stuff. Oh wow. I wish I could tell someone. How jealous would Cyn be if she knew? Ha, ha. I love it.” TJ would never tell anyone fearing they would think she’d lost her mind. “Come outside with me and you can help put the grill together. That would be wild.”

  “I think you just found Oliver a new playmate.” Sam was thrilled for both of them.

  “I think so.” Alex wondered if this process would help everyone see Oliver.

  “I’m sorry I wasn’t awake when you left. I should have gone with you to buy the grill.” Sam wished she would have.

  “No worries. TJ and I got it done and we had a really good talk. I think she’s letting Cyn go and can move on with her life more quickly. I just think next time she’s in a relationship she’ll speak up. You know find out sooner, rather than later, if they’re compatible.” Alex cleared the rest of the dishes and started to fill the sink with water.

  “I’ll wash, okay.” Sam hadn’t done a chore since Tuesday night and she was feeling a little useless.

  “You bet. So do you feel rested? I mean you’ve slept for fourteen hours.” Alex wasn’t really counting exactly how long she’d been asleep.

  “Is that all. Man I need to go back to bed.” Sam smiled and gave Alex a kiss on the back of the neck.

  “No fair. You need to stay up tonight and do that when we’re alone.” Alex was serious. If TJ wasn’t there, she would have joined Sam earlier in the shower.

  “Absolutely, I promise.” Sam had felt the effect of that kiss too.

  Chapter 27

  When the last dish was dried Alex and Sam joined TJ and Oliver to see how the grill was coming. TJ was in heaven having Oliver give her the pieces as she put them together. This would have been more impressive if you only saw the metal part floating into TJ’s hand. It would appear to those who couldn’t see Oliver that TJ had special abilities.

  “I wish I had my video camera. This would look so cool.” TJ was sure it would be a hit on YouTube.

  “No way. I don’t want anyone we don’t trust knowing about this. Promise?” Alex knew she could trust TJ, but just wanted to make sure they were on the same page.

  “Promise. Besides, they’d say it was a fake anyway.” TJ almost had it assembled and ready to connect the propane tank.

  “What’s a video camera?” Oliver wondered why there was a trust issue.

  “It takes pictures like a camera, but it looks like the same movies you watch on TV.” Sam didn’t want it getting out that they had a ghost living with them.

  “Awesome.” Oliver smiled as he thought he used the word correctly.

  “Very good, Oliver. You are right video cameras are awesome.” Alex wondered how long he could help TJ without a break. “Are you tired at all Oliver? I mean isn’t this draining you in some way?”

  “I’m getting stronger the more I practice. I was watching a movie about ghosts and they were moving big stuff like tables and throwing stuff. I want to be able to do that.” Oliver was working every day to get his aim down.

  “Which movie was that?” Alex was trying to think of the film.

  “I don’t remember the name, but it was about two ghosts that lived during the Revolutionary War and were accused of being traitors.” Oliver knew he wasn’t a traitor either.

  “Oh, I remember that film. Was one of the ghosts a woman and the other a chubby man?” Alex remembered the movie.

  “That was it. They had to prove they weren’t traitors and then they got to go to Heaven.” Oliver didn’t want to leave and go to Heaven, even if he could, he liked it here.

  “It was an Abbott and Costello movie called ‘The Time of Their Lives’ I like that movie too. But it was just a movie, Oliver. You can go to Heaven if you want too. I can have a close friend show you the way.” Alex didn’t want Oliver thinking he couldn’t go.

  “I don’t want to go. I want to stay here with you guys.” Oliver motioned to all of them.

  “We want you to stay as long as you want. But when the time does come you let me know.” Alex figured one day they’d all be dead and then Oliver may want to join them in Heaven.

  “Sam, how’d your first, sort of, week go at the academy?” TJ wondered if she was still in love with this job.

  “I love it. I mean its hell right now but still great. Although the mind game they play is really tough. You know breaking you down so they can build you back up in their image.” Sam had never felt so useless in her life.

  “You mean being told you are ‘Nothing’.” TJ had contemplated being a police officer until she watched what they had to go through.

  “Exactly. My temper is really taking a beating. I’ve counted to ten at least a hundred times this week.” Sam knew she’d have to explain that one.

  “Temper. You have a temper? Pray tell us about this temper.” Alex was smiling, but wanted to know everything from Sam’s past and they had all day to hear about it.

  “Well I knew I’d have to tell you about it one day, so it might as well be today.” Sam took a deep breath and started at the beginning.

  Sam looked at each of her audience and then laid out her life and where her temper had raised its ugly head. The first time was in high school when a boy had a crush on her. He didn’t know how to act except to antagonize her. Therefore, found himself being beaten up by a girl and having to be rescued by several teachers. That got her suspended for a week. The next time came after she had finished junior college and was volunteering for the local police department. One of the suspects called her a “Dyke” and spit on her. He as well found himself in the same predicament as the boy in high school. The last time was when she found her best friend with her girlfriend and literally threw her out the front door of the house. Where she landed on the front porch, and then pr
oceeded to throw her off the porch. All incidents she wasn’t all that proud of, except for the fact that she whipped both of the guys pretty well. Getting somewhat of a reputation as a hard ass.

  “You did all that? And this is the first I’m hearing about it.” Alex figured that Jessie didn’t know or she would have told her.

  “Like I said, I’m not proud of it. Why would I bring it up? It’s part of my past I’d like to forget. So can we acknowledge that I had a bad temper and let it go?” Sam could tell by the look on Alex’s face that this wasn’t going to end here.

  “All right. But I’d like to be able to talk about it at another time.” Alex was staring at Sam and would like a few more details.

  “Sure. So are we going to barbeque lunch or dinner on this shinning new thing?” Sam wanted the subject to change as she headed inside and knew TJ and Oliver did as well.

  “Lunch works for me, although I’m not all that hungry.” TJ didn’t want to impose but if Alex wanted to have a serious talk with Sam it figured, the sooner the better.

  “I guess we can have lunch. But I’m sure we will all have leftovers, since we just ate breakfast a little while ago.” Alex felt like she had just been punched in the stomach and wasn’t sure she should feel this way.

  “Great. I’ll get this baby fired up and let it heat up for a while.” TJ grabbed the grills and handed them to Alex. “You may want to rinse them off. Who knows what has touched them.”

  “Right. I’ll get the steaks out and get them ready for your Chefness. Do we want to try an onion or skip it this time?” Alex’s mood had changed.

  “Well it is this Barbie’s inaugural voyage. Dare we risk it and hope we don’t hit an iceberg and burn it up?” TJ wanted to get Alex back in her earlier good mood.

  “Oh, let’s risk it. Full steam ahead. Thank you Little Sis. I love you.” Alex winked as she knew TJ was aware of her change in moods and that she needed to get back on track.

  “Love you too, Big Sis.” TJ turned and saw the look on Oliver’s face. “What?”

  “How can you be her sister?” Oliver knew they were not related.

  “Do you know what platonic means?” TJ wasn’t sure Oliver would understand.

  “No. What?” Oliver didn’t have much book learning but he wasn’t stupid.

  “When you love someone very much, like a sister or brother. But that’s all. Alex and I love each other like a sister. Like we love you as a little brother. Get it?” TJ knew that statement should make him feel welcomed, if he didn’t already.

  “You love me like a brother?” Oliver had never been loved by anyone, except maybe his mother. But then he never knew her.

  “We all do. Don’t you feel loved here?” TJ walked over and put her hand on his shoulder. It wasn’t completely solid, but she felt something there.

  “I guess so. I know Alex and Sam like me, but love?” Oliver felt TJ’s hand very lightly and smiled.

  “You ask them, they’ll tell you.” TJ motioned at the house, but Oliver just faded away without a word. “Oliver. Where’d you go?”

  “Did you need something TJ?” Alex opened the door hearing TJ’s question.

  “No. I was talking to Oliver and he’s taken off.” TJ hadn’t realized what her words had meant to Oliver.

  “He’ll be back. The steaks are ready whenever you are.” Alex smiled and closed the door to keep the cold out.

  Sam had gone into the living room to watch TV, since there wasn’t anything else for her to do to get lunch ready, except rest up for this next meal. And she didn’t want to go outside and get the third degree from TJ.

  Alex stared at the onion sitting on the aluminum foil and thought about what she’d just learned about Sam. How do you not mention something like that? A bad temper is huge, in as much as the possibility of that person turning into a wife beater. Not that she thought she could ever make Sam mad enough to hit her, but it wasn’t impossible. What else was Sam keeping from her? Jessie was just her cousin and quite a few years older. She never mentioned anything like this. Granted she hadn’t been around Sam her whole life. If Sam was ashamed of this time of her life, what else was she ashamed of? Alex was lost in thought when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her.

  “We’ll talk about it later. Okay, Darlin?” Sam had been watching her from the living room and knew this needed to be resolved.

  “Yes, please.” Alex turned to face Sam and pulled her close, placing her cheek on her left chest and shoulder. “Thank you.”

  The silence was broken with the appearance of TJ coming in to get the steaks. She knew she’d interrupted something and hurriedly grabbed the plate of steaks and ducked back out the door.

  “I need to get this onion ready. Why don’t you help TJ with the steaks? I’d rather her know everything is okay between us. She’s a dear friend and I don’t want her to worry.” Alex knew it was a lame reason to get Sam out of the kitchen, but it was the only one she could think of at the moment.

  “All right. I’ll leave you to it.” Sam figured Alex needed a few minutes to compose herself.

  “I’ll bring it out. Thank you.” Alex felt herself start to tremble and it was a sure sign she was going to have a little anxiety attack if she didn’t concentrate on something else.

  Sam’s eyes met TJ’s as she walked out the door and knew she may need to explain. TJ didn’t say a word and waited for Sam to bring it up, or not. She wasn’t the one in the relationship and Sam’s past was none of her business. But this subject was something she felt she should have discussed with Alex before springing it on her now.

  “You think I was wrong to wait until now don’t you?” Sam now realized she should have mentioned this little chapter of her life months ago when they first met.

  “It’s your life and your relationship. I can’t tell you what to do. But if my opinion means anything, yes I think you were wrong to wait this long.” TJ didn’t think Alex would have left her, but it was something she needed to know in order to decide if it was going to bother her.

  “I know. It’s my own stupid insecurities. I trust Alex with my life, but I’ve kept her from knowing about my life. We’re going to have a talk later and get everything out in the open. How are you doing?” Sam didn’t want to be talking to TJ about this when Alex came out.

  “I’m glad to hear that. Life is life, nothing to cheer about. It’s really cool that I can see Oliver. I hope you don’t mind me hanging around. It’s really nice having you guys to talk to.” TJ didn’t want Sam thinking she was moving in.

  “Just as long as you don’t try to romance Alex away from me. If I keep screwing up she just may dump me and you’re my only competition in this county.” Sam winked, but was serious about her being the only threat.

  “Ha, no promises. If you’re stupid enough to blow this, I’d be honored to take your place. So don’t blow it.” TJ gave Sam a shove and handed her the empty plate.

  “I hope I don’t.” Sam took it, but wouldn’t go back into the house. Right now Alex needed her alone time.

  Alex held the foil wrapped onion as she stared out the window at Sam and TJ. She wondered if you ever truly knew someone completely. Could you ever be sure you could count on them. She thought she knew Cyn, but had found out more about the woman in the last week than she’d learned in the past two years.

  “Are you okay, Alex?” Oliver could see the redness in her eyes as she had seen him out the corner of her eye.

  “I’m fine, you always cry when you cut an onion. Where’d you go? Did you get tired of helping TJ?” Alex took a wet paper towel and wiped her eyes.

  “TJ told me that you love me like a brother. Is that true?” Oliver wanted to hear it from Alex.

  “Very much so. I never had any brothers or sisters. You are the perfect little brother. Although you really are older than me according to your birth date. But as far as years before you died, I’m older. Is it all right that we love you like family?” Alex hoped he was pleased at this news.

  “Oh, y
es. I would love to have you all as my sisters. Can I call you Sis?” Oliver felt like his life was finally worth living, now that he was dead.

  “Of course. I would love it. Could you take this onion out to TJ? I’m sure she would love it.” Alex wanted to check the mirror before she let them see her.

  “Sure.” Oliver held out both hands as Alex placed it gently in his palms.

  “Now can you disappear so they only see the onion?” Alex winked at Oliver as he slowly vanished.

  Alex opened the door and the foil ball floated towards the wide eyed smiling women. Alex closed the door and headed for the bathroom for a quick look in the mirror. When she returned she saw a plate floating in air and knew she needed to open the door so Oliver could bring it in.

  “TJ said everything will be ready in 5 more minutes.” Oliver put the plate in the sink.

  “Thank you. What are your sisters talking about out there?” Alex wondered if anyone at the CIA had ever thought of using ghosts as spies. But they’d never believe this.

  “Sam asked me if I’d ever thought of being a police informant. I told her I needed to stay close to home and protect you like I promised. She’d forgotten.” Oliver took his promise to Sam very seriously.

  “And I love you even more for keeping that promise.” Alex leaned in to place a kiss on his cheek. It wasn’t completely solid, but she felt his energy and knew he felt her. “Would you like to help me set the table?

  “Anything for you, Sis.” Oliver felt like he finally had a home.

  Chapter 28

  Meanwhile, in the minimum security ward of the Mental Hospital, Sally Jennings stares out the window of her private room. Holding a crumpled newspaper clipping in her right hand, as her left hand tightly gripped the rail of her bed, the rage inside her was building with each passing moment.

  Her daughter, Megan, was finally being allowed to visit her since her admission to the New England Institute of Mental Health. Each visit was to be supervised by her husband or a social worker. This stipulation was the only way the court would revise the prior six month “No Visitation Order” issued back in October. She was told that in order to protect Megan from the truth, a cover story had been fabricated. The public version was she had attempted suicide and Alex had prevented her from injecting herself, but was unable to save her from falling. She was not to talk about any of it and Megan had been instructed to do the same.