Chapter 11
931 Words
Louisa’s POV
“Dinner?” I raised an eyebrow at my father’s sudden question.
He grinned and plopped down beside me on the couch, casually grabbing a handful of popcorn from the bowl in my lap.
“Hey!” I complained, glaring at him, but he just shrugged innocently.
“Your friend’s father invited us over for dinner tonight,” he said lightly, as if that explained everything. It took me a moment to process.
“My friend’s father?” I asked, confused. “You mean Titus’s dad?”
He nodded. “I thought he was your only friend.”
I rolled my eyes at his teasing. “Funny.”
He chuckled and slung an arm over my shoulder. “Apparently, Titus mentioned your name when explaining why he came back home, and his dad wanted to thank you.”
I sighed. “I didn’t tell him to go back home. I just said that family is important, and we should value the time we have with them.”
“Well, whatever you said worked,” he replied. “I hear they’re talking again, and their relationship’s better now. Good job, kid.”
Before I could respond, he smirked and added, “Are you sure he’s not your boyfriend?” I groaned and threw a handful of popcorn at him as he burst out laughing. “Hey, I’m happy to know my daughter’s involved with a governor’s son!” he teased.
“Shut up!” I snapped, stomping off to my room while his laughter echoed behind me.
Why do people always assume Titus and I have feelings for each other? We’re just friends—nothing more.
He believed in me when no one else did, and I did the same for him. That kind of trust is rare, and I won’t risk it for something as fleeting as romantic feelings.
I flopped onto my bed and closed my eyes. “Stupid,” I muttered under my breath.
‘Titus is handsome. Why aren’t you interested in him?’
I jumped at the sudden voice and turned to see Rachel standing at the foot of my bed. “You scared me!” I scolded her ghostly form.
‘I’ve been watching him for years. He has a good heart, you know,’ she said with a sly smile.
“Yeah, he’s a good guy,” I admitted.
‘That’s why I think he’s the one who replied to the text.’
I sighed. “We need to find proof so we can hold them accountable.”
‘I just want to help Titus,’ she said softly.
I smiled. “You still like him, don’t you?”
Rachel nodded, her translucent form shimmering faintly. ‘But I know we’re not meant to be. I’m just happy he’s willing to help me through you. Thank you, Louisa.’
“I never thought I’d have a ghost friend,” I chuckled. “I’ve always tried to avoid your kind.”
She laughed, and I couldn’t help but smile. If anyone saw me talking to thin air, they’d think I was crazy. But honestly, I wish I’d known Rachel when she was alive. We could’ve been great friends.
“Lou, we’re leaving at 7. Be ready!” my dad called from the hallway.
“Okay!” I shouted back. Rachel disappeared as I stood and rummaged through my wardrobe. I didn’t need to dress up for Titus, but his father was the governor, so I figured it wouldn’t hurt to look presentable.
****
Oh my God!!!
I hadn’t expected Titus’s father to be so kind.
From what Titus had shared, I thought he’d be cold and distant. But instead, the governor was polite, warm, and surprisingly down-to-earth.
My dad seemed to hit it off with him too—they were chatting like old friends in the living room.
Meanwhile, Titus and I stepped outside for some air.
“Why didn’t you tell me about this dinner?” I asked as he sipped from a can of Coke.
He shrugged. “I didn’t know either. I just walked downstairs and saw you sitting there like royalty.”
I rolled my eyes and looked around. His house was massive. “Your house is huge,” I remarked.
“It’s my dad’s, not mine,” he said lightly.
I smirked. “Same difference.” Then I remembered our plan. “Do you have their schedule?”
Titus pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to me. “Not much, but they’ve mostly been hanging out at a café or practice.”
I scanned the list. “What about their lockers?” I asked.
Grinning, he dangled a set of keys in front of me. “I’ve got a good relationship with the school cleaner. He let me borrow these.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Tomorrow then? It’s Friday, and they don’t have practice. We’ll check their lockers and see if we can find anything.”
He nodded in agreement. I glanced at Rachel, who stood silently nearby. “We’ll need your help too,” I told her.
She gave me a firm nod, her resolve clear.
Third-Party POV
Rachel turned her attention to the shadowy figure lurking in the distance, watching Louisa intently.
That man again...
It wasn’t the first time she’d seen him, but every time she tried to warn Louisa, her voice vanished, leaving her powerless.
She just hoped the man wouldn’t hurt her.
Louisa was the only one who could help Rachel now—the only one who cared enough to try.
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- Writer
