"I'm sorry you couldn't go out with Uncle Stinkie and Uncle Fatso. I know how much you love scaring and all" Casper said sitting in the chair he had set up beside Stretch's bed.
"Ah, they'll be other opportunities Short Sheet, I got eternity, one night ain't gonna mess me up" Stretch replied weakly, Casper was not used to such a tone in his Uncle. Stretch was perhaps the strongest entity in Whipstaff Manor. It wasn't often that a ghost could become ill and even more rare when it was Stretch. Casper looked down.
"Hey, don't look so scared Bulb Head, I'll be up soon. What's the worst that could happen ta me?"
"I could lose you forever and you could d-
"Listen to what you're sayin' , cause yer a little late for that last part ain't ya?" Stretch had to admit that he was surprised to hear his nephew's fear. He pushed himself up to sit with his back against the pillows.
"Uncle Stretch, please, you need to save your strength, you've been awfully sick. You should lie down, Dr. Harvey says he knows someone that can help but to keep you in bed"
"Have I left my bed?"
"No but you're supposed to rest" Casper crossed his arms over his chest, his expression however was not one of anger but worry. Stretch couldn't remember the last time his nephew was so scared.
I'm still in bed. Resting doesn't always mean laying down Casper, it can be sitting too, Resting is just not bein' active. What's botherin' you so bad anyhow?" Stretch closed his eyes as a wave of dizziness hit him followed closely by a sharp pain throughout his body. Casper's eyes widened as he floated closer to his uncle placing a hand on the older ghost's shoulder.
"Uncle Stretch, are you okay, do you need anything?" Stretch opened one eye and looked at Casper.
"yeah, I'm okay, An' yeah I need you ta talk ta me. You ain't gonna get over this until ya spill it."
"You'll just make fun of me like always. You and Uncle Stinkie and Uncle Fatso do it all the time." Casper turned away. Stretch shifted closer to the edge of the bed and pulled Casper by the hand, turning him around.
"They ain't here ya know. Just you an' me in the house. Tell ya what, cause I came ta you with the question, You ain't gonna get any mean comments, smart remarks, nothin' I'll listen and we'll talk about it. Open floor, whatever ya want ta tell me huh?"
"You mean it, Anything at all?"
"Anything, an' it's confidential information. Whatever ya say is between you and me, so they ain't gonna start with ya about nothin' limited time offer though" Casper immediately sat back down and began.
I'm scared Uncle Stretch, You're always so strong and always messing with everyone. I'm just not used to seeing you lie down, hearing that tone in your voice. You sound so tired and, well, weak.
You've been so sick that I just keep thinking 'what if I lose you, I know you're already dead but, I can't get it out of my head that something's going to happen to you
. I mean Dad's dead too but he left me and you're like a second dad to me Uncle Stretch, I mean sure you like to mess with me as much as the other two but I know if I ever need you, you'd be there.
You're protective, like dad. I remember one time you guys had a visitor and he thought it was okay to call me names and Uncle Stinkie and Uncle Fatso let him do whatever he want with me, then he went a little too far when he hit me.
Because he was such an 'important figure' They didn't do anything, But you got right up and got in front of me. You told him, um, what was it exactly?"
Stretch chuckled. "I believe it was somethin' like 'Only we can mess with my nephew, You put a hand
on him and I don't care who the hell you think you are, you're gonna get hurt."
Casper smiled "yeah that's it, you're so mean and tough but at the same time you look after your family.
Then after Dad was taken away and I was all alone, you came to be with me. I'm not sure where you were before but you came back here."
"I can't exactly tell ya either Short Sheet. I remember I was stuck there, like, like I had somethin else I needed to do. Then outta nowhere I actually heard ya an I follow the voice which brought me back to my own house where I found you all by yerself there. Couldn't have that. Ya were scared and it took forever to calm ya down, I-" Stretch leaned back suddenly.
"Hey, Short Sheet, I eh. I know I said we'd have a talk 'bout everything, but I -I think I need some time here. Could we pick this up in an hour or two, please?" Casper nodded slowly.
"Of course, you need your rest, I'm talking too much, I shouldn't be tiring you out like this, It isn't good for your condition."
"No, it's not you, it's me. I wanna hear about this, I never knew you felt that way. It's gonna be good for ya to get it out and then maybe I can get a better understandin' for now though, I think I'm gonna lay here quietly for a while. If Fatso and Stinkie get back tell 'em ta stay down there and be quiet. I can't take their loudness right now."
"I will, I'll see you in a while then, I hope you start to feel better Uncle Stretch. If Dr. Harvey comes back you want me to send them up here?"
"Yeah Short Sheet you do that. Just remember, everything's gonna be okay." Stretch said, he could feel his strength beginning to fade. Casper nodded and left silently. After waiting several minute to make sure his nephew had gone Stretch moaned as he experienced yet another wave of pain and dizziness, this time accompanied by nausea.
"Geez, this thing is never endin'" He complained into the empty room before closing his eyes and allowing himself to sleep.
Downstairs Casper waited impatiently for someone to come in, he hoped it would be Dr. Harvey with a way to help Stretch. Casper was tempted to go back up and listen outside his uncles' bedroom door just to be sure that Stretch was okay. He resisted the urge and sat down on the chair in silence.
Casper didn't have to wait long however when he heard a very familiar voice outside the front door and the door creaking open. Casper rushed to the door to greet them.
A/N: Thanks for stopping by to check out my story. I hope you've enjoyed my first chapter. Please feel free to leave a review, no flames please. Thank you