Don't Ghost Me

Chapter 2 - We're Here For You

Just as the song reached its c****x, Luke, Alex, and Reggie materialized out of thin air. Cait’s eyes widened in shock, and she jolted to her feet. As the boys continued to play, Julie stepped from behind the microphone and grabbed her friend’s hand.

“These are my friends,” Julie said with a proud smile as she motioned towards them. “They’re the reason I started music again.”

Julie introduced them, and Cait learned that their visibility hinged on the enchanting melodies they created. “I can see them even when they don’t play.”

Cait blinked in disbelief, her eyes widening as she looked at each of them, rendered completely speechless. As their gazes met, Reggie’s face broke into a beaming smile, and they held each other’s eyes for an extended period. “Are you telling me you guys heard and saw everything a while ago before Julie got here?”

“Yep, but don’t worry, we weren’t judging you,” Alex said from behind his drum set.

Reggie shot him a disapproving look before turning his attention to Cait, who stood there with her mouth agape, unable to find any words. “What he means is we’re here for you if you need someone to talk to.”

“Do they know what happened?” Cait asked, turning towards Julie, who nodded.

“They stay here in the studio,” Julie said, rubbing her friend’s shoulder. “Cait, they are harmless. You won’t even know they’re here… Literally.”

As soon as the guys stopped playing, they vanished. Cait shook her head in disbelief, her eyes wide with astonishment. “I just don’t know what to say. Does your dad know about them?”

Julie shrugged, her shoulders lifting in a gesture of indifference, and joined Cait on the inviting sofa, finding a comfortable spot beside her. “He thinks they’re holograms.”

“Do you think she likes us?” Alex asked Luke and Reggie as they watched the conversation. The boys shrugged and Reggie sat down in front of them.

“Listen, they want to get to you know,” Julie said, noticing Reggie’s gaze fixed on Cait. “I know you can’t see them, but they can let you know when they’re around.”

As Cait stood up, she could feel a wave of confusion washing over her, causing her to shake her head. “Julie, I don’t have time for games. Losing my parents already overwhelmed me, and now I had to deal with the added presence of three ghost boys in my life.”

As Julie attempted to speak, Cait’s relentless rant echoed in her ears. “I don’t need ghost friends, Julie. I need my real friend, you.”

With that, Cait stormed out of the studio, leaving behind a tense silence in her wake. Julie let out a heavy sigh, and the guys exchanged uncertain shrugs, unsure of what to say or do.

“I don’t think she liked us very much,” Alex added with a facial expression. As Luke hit the back of his head, a ringing sensation filled his ears.

“Reggie, where are you going?” Julie asked, defeat in her voice.

“I’m going to talk to her,” Reggie said.

Alex let out a light chuckle and gave a friendly pat on his back. “How are you going to do that when she can’t see you?”

Reggie opened his mouth to comment, but thought better of it and silently retreated from the room. He wasn’t exactly sure how he’d communicate with her, but he had confidence in his ability to adapt. Cait needed reassurance that Julie had no malicious intentions with her actions. Despite their lack of familiarity, he wanted her to know that he would lend a listening ear if she ever needed someone to talk to.

Cait was sitting on the porch of the house, her notebook and pencil poised in her hands, deep in concentration. The blank page received a tender kiss from a tear stain, and then another one joined in. Reggie felt a wave of emotion as he sat in front of her, his heart tugging with longing.

“I feel like I’m being made fun of,” Cait was talking to herself. “I just feel so empty and alone right now.”

After setting the pencil down, she wiped her face with her hands, feeling the warmth and moisture against her skin. Cait’s eyes widened in disbelief as she watched the pencil mysteriously move on its own and hover above the paper.

“Who’s there?” she asked, sniffing and wiping another tear.

Reggie gave a small smile before writing, “It’s Reggie and I just wanted you to know that I’m here for you if you need someone to talk to. I’m a great listener.”

Cait smiled a little, a catch in her throat. “I guess that’s right, since I can’t see or hear you.” She paused, running her fingers through her hair, trying to smooth down the unruly strands. “I appreciate that, Reggie.”

As soon as her voice uttered his name, his heart leaped in his chest. With a grin, Reggie playfully sketched a smiley face on the paper, eliciting a smile from Cait. He wrote, “Let’s go back to the studio. I’m sure Julie is also in need of a hug.”

Cait’s head bobbed in affirmation, and she straightened her posture to stand. “You’re right, I could go for one myself. Thank you, Reggie, for coming to talk to me. I’m sorry for the scene I caused early. I’m just so lost and empty right now.”

As she gathered her things, she delicately brushed against Reggie’s hand with the floating pencil. His palm tingled with a sudden shock that traveled up his arm. Yet she seemed unaffected by it.

“That was weird,” he said as he followed her back to the studio. He couldn’t help but stare at his hand as they walked to the studio where Julie, Alex, and Luke were having a conversation.

Without saying a word, Cait embraced Julie tightly, their silence speaking volumes. Julie noticed a wide smile spread across Reggie’s face, and she silently mouthed the words “thank you.” In response, he nodded, expressing his gratitude.

“So, tell me about these ghost boys,” Cait said, pulling away from the embrace and sitting in a chair.

With a smile on her face, Julie animatedly described each of the boys, delving into their individual personalities. When she reached Reggie, Cait’s interest piqued. She excitedly shared their adventures with Cait, recounting the story of how they all first met.

“They’ve really changed my life, Cait, and I believe they can help you, too,” Julie said, giving her three ghost friends a smile.

A sad look crossed Cait’s face, and she looked at the floor. “I just wish I could see them and talk to them.”

“I have an idea,” Reggie said, rushing to his bass guitar and plucking a few chords. Alex and Luke followed his lead, the adrenaline pumping through their veins, until they all appeared in front of Cait. The moment Reggie locked eyes with Cait, an indescribable sensation coursed through him. Her sad blueish green hues caused a flutter of butterflies in his stomach, leaving him pleasantly dizzy.

“It’s wonderful to meet all of you,” Cait said, her gaze lingering on each of the boys as she spoke, taking in their unique features.

“My name is Caitronia Solace. I’m emotionally and mentally broken, but that’s okay.”

“Well, we’re here for you,” Reggie said with a warm smile. He watched as a blush spread across her cheeks, causing Cait to avert her eyes to the floor.