Don't Ghost Me

Chapter 5 - Finding That Spark

The show lived up to Cait’s expectations, casting a spell of enchantment over her. Through their music, she could discern the band’s eclectic mix of personalities, and it brought tears of joy to her eyes. It also inspired her to try finding her own spark again, and Cait decided she would ask the boys for their help, hoping their enthusiasm would reignite her own.

Reggie would occasionally look at her and give a playful wink, causing her cheeks to flush and a giggle to escape her lips. Whenever he was present, she felt a sense of comfort and contentment. Cait thought about the stolen moment they had in Julie’s changing room. Being able to actually feel him and kiss him gave her butterflies and longing for more. But she couldn’t seem to shake this strange feeling of unease that lingered in the air.

After a few more songs, the band concluded their set, and the boys vanished. Caitronia navigated through the crowd to reach the backstage area.

“It was truly magical,” Cait said as she and Julie entered the changing room.

Julie thanked her excited friend, her eyes brimming with gratitude, and pulled her into a warm embrace. “Thank you for coming tonight. It meant so much to me seeing you having fun… and flirting with Reggie.” Julie winked as she grabbed her street clothes.

Cait blushed, her gaze shifting downward to avoid eye contact. “He and I wouldn’t work, Julie. He’s a ghost.”

Julie peaked out from behind the changing wall and sighed as she noticed her friend’s drooping shoulders. “You know Luke and I are kind of a thing?” Cait looked up quickly in shock. “We made it official a few days ago.”

“But what would happen if they accomplish their unfinished business?” Cait asked, intrigued to hear what she has to say.

As Julie settled in front of the mirror, she delicately unclasped her jewelry, one piece at a time. “We’ve decided to not think about that right now. When the time comes, we’ll talk about it. But life is too short to think of the what ifs and fear of things. If you love him, Cait, go for it.”

Disapproval written all over her face, Caitronia shook her head. “Julie, if I get closer to him and they cross over, I will be so crushed and hurt. I don’t think I’ll be able to live after that.”

Julie glimpsed her reflection in the mirror before swiftly turning around. “I understand. Just don’t rush things, okay? You deserve every happiness life can throw at you.”

Cait remained silent, her nod showing her agreement. The thought of starting a relationship with a ghost left her feeling uncertain. In the end, whenever they crossed over, it would only bring back the painful memories. The fear of another heartbreak loomed over her, questioning her resilience.

Julie finished changing, and her father walked into the room, guiding the girls towards the car. They grabbed a quick bite to eat, savoring the aroma of freshly cooked food, before heading back home. As Cait collapsed onto the soft leather sofa, an exasperated sigh escaped her lips. Overwhelmed with emotion, she shook her head and covered her face with her hands. “This sucks so much,” she said, muffled by her hands.

“I’m here for you, Cait,” Reggie said, his words jolting her out of her chaotic reverie.

A stunned silence hung in the air as they locked eyes, unable to tear their gazes away. Filled with a mix of uncertainty and fear, they remained still, afraid that any sudden movement would cause Reggie to disappear. Caitronia stood up, her hand instinctively flying to her mouth, her eyes unable to comprehend what she was seeing.

“How can I still see you?” she asked, moving closer to him.

He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and shrugged nonchalantly. “I don’t know, but I’m not complaining.” With each gentle stroke of Reggie’s hand on her cheek, Cait couldn’t help but burst into a fit of giggles. As she leaned into his icy touch, a tear slipped down her cheek and met his palm. As he pulled her in for a hug, he could feel a strange wave of electricity tingling in his body.

“Stay here please, Reggie,” Cait whispered, her words muffled in his chest. “Don’t leave me…”

“I’m not going anywhere,” he whispered back, his fingers gently caressing the softness of her hair. Reggie knew that’s not what she was talking about. He could sense her reluctance, knowing she didn’t want him to cross over and abandon her here. The mere thought of that happening caused a deep ache in his heart. As he observed Luke and Julie’s blissful togetherness, a sense of unease settled in his gut.

Soon, they would unravel the mystery of their mission, and then they would depart from this realm. The question he wanted answered was whether it would give them the option to stay or leave. He thought about that deeply, clinging to it tightly as his only source of hope.

Cait’s shivering in Reggie’s embrace brought him back from his deep thoughts. Tears stained his shirt, leaving it damp against his chest. He gripped her tighter, resting his cheek on top of her head and rubbing her back.

“I know this is so strange and we don’t have any idea what’s going on,” Reggie said softly said. “But let’s not think about that and just enjoy this, okay?”

Cait nodded, her trembling arms wrapping tightly around his waist, seeking comfort. At long last, he could embrace her, fulfilling her deepest desire. This felt right. As she experienced this moment, all the horrible feelings she had before simply faded away. Reggie gently pulled back, his hands cradling her face, and he peered into her teary eyes. Their lips met, and he could feel the gentle pressure and softness of her kiss.

She desperately wished for time to stand still in this perfect moment. Her mind spiraled out of control, thoughts racing like a whirlwind, while butterflies danced in her stomach. How could something so unethical feel so undeniably satisfying? The thought of him being a ghost kept haunting her mind, and she desperately tried to suppress it. With her eyes closed, Cait pulled away, relishing the moment as it lingered.

“Reggie, I need you to help me find the spark that was lost when my parents died,” Cait said, breaking the silence. “I don’t feel myself anymore unless I’m with you.”

His fingers delicately brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face before he placed a loving kiss on her forehead. “I’ll help you in any way I can.” Cait smiled up at him, sending jolts of electricity through his body. Reggie wanted to describe the electric current that coursed through him when she embraced him. Yet, he was hesitant to alarm her and give the impression that something negative was occurring. The most advisable course of action would be for him to discuss this with either Alex and Luke or Julie. He thought the best time was when Cait slept.

Reggie led her to the stairs, and she felt the rough, worn-out wood beneath her fingertips as she climbed up. Cait peaked over the railing at him. “Could you come hold me until I fall asleep?” Her eyes were filled with a pleading expression as she asked. Chuckling, Reggie nodded and effortlessly positioned himself next to her.

She drew circles on his shirt, feeling the softness of the fabric against her fingertips. Reggie stroked her hair, his chest raising and lowering, causing her to drift off to sleep. This mysterious conundrum was unquestionably something that the others should be made aware of.