(A/N: This is my first complete dive into another fandom, so bear with me. This one at parts is quite sad, and is based off of a true story that has been my life for the past month, but with a Ghost Adventures twist to it. This will only be a two-part story, this part being the heart breaking end. I AM NOT ABANDONING NINJA TURTLES. This is a new adventure for me, one I am ready for everyone to take part in. Please; read and review. If you do before the next update, expect a shout-out on chapter two. Enjoy.)
"Zak?" I could hear his concerned voice behind me. I kept my hands over my face, allowing my finger tips to touch at my hair line, and my water-logged eyes hidden. My elbows lay on the table top, rubbing against the textured wood as they had been for days, causing the skin on them to go from smooth to worn. I heard his voice once more; "Zak… You can't keep doing this. We need to be out of here in two hours, and you haven't even done anything. You haven't even left that spot for more than a week…" I tuned out a huge section of his lecture. "This isn't a way of healing! You need help!"
He didn't understand what I was going through; none of my friends did. Sure, they had loved and lost in the past. But they didn't understand that my situation was different. They don't understand!
"Are you even listening to me?" His brown eyes shined with concern toward me, and I couldn't bear to return his glance. I could hear the noise of his shuffling feet to the other end of the table. I thought he was going to give up and depart; at least, until I heard the dragging of a chair toward me. The back end was facing toward my spot, and he crossed his arms over the small slab of oak at the top of it. "I'm sorry, Zak."
"It's… It's not your fault, Nick." I responded, taking my hands from my face. I hadn't spoken in a while, and although relieved, I could tell he was a little shocked that my first utterings were to be toward him. "I'm sorry too." My words were just whispers, but I could see the water gathering in his eyes… And felt some gathering in my own.
We may be men; but we knew where we could drop the macho façade that came along with that label, and to feel emotion. He was my best friend. He knew I needed him. And I did; I really did. And I knew he needed me too. But we didn't do anything dramatic; we didn't hug each other out of grief, we didn't do any of it. We just sat; and we remembered.
Zak sat, as he waited for the arrival of his friends. He checked his watch repeatedly; late. Both Aaron and Nick were late. He groaned, knowing that they were supposed to meet up at the little diner in order to discuss some locations and ideas for the show.
He enjoyed the scenery of small places like it; it provided a great sense of calm, with the friendly people, cheap food, and a great setting to go into deep thought. But he didn't want to do so; he wasn't in any mood to bring down his spirits. He just wanted his friends to arrive and for them to get their job done and get out of there. Beginning to tap his fingers on the counter in front of him, his patience began to wear out. That is, until he felt a set of small fingers cover his. His entire body reacted with a jump.
A young woman was in front of him, in full working uniform; a tacky yellow dress with a white apron. The whole diner was really in character, for each server seemed to really channel different time periods. But this girl…. She looked different.
Her eyes were large and vibrant green, as if they were composed of circular emeralds. Her lips naturally formed a slight pout, but he could tell she wasn't one to frown. Her nose was a tiny little button nose, and it completed her facial features to the point of her appearance looking like perfection. Her makeup was minimal, and her wavy dirty blonde hair was pulled up into a loose ponytail. Zak had never found someone so plain… So enticing.
"I'm sorry; I was just going to ask if everything was alright. Didn't mean to scare you." He pulled his gaze from her, fearing that his face was showing his intense interest. He let out a nervous laugh.
"No problem. Just… Waiting for some friends of mine. They're a little late." She flashed a brilliant smile, showing off a perfect, white smile. He returned her gesture. They had a moment of silence. "What's your name?"
"Haven't you read the tag?" She pointed her finger toward the little metal plaque attached to her apron. He leaned over the counter to read the name; Marie. He smirked. "Would you like anything while you are waiting?" He bit his lip in thought, as if prolonging her attention upon him.
"Just some water would be fine. Thank you, Marie." She grinned once more, pulling a glass from underneath her end of the counter and pivoting to reach a pitcher of the liquid he requested. As she poured, he continued speaking. "My name is Zak, by the way." She finished, and placed the water back where she retrieved it from. "How long have you worked here?" Her eyes scanned the building, and only a few customers remained, and they were already taken care of by other waitresses.
"Not too long; I just started in March. So about… Five months now?" She ended it like a question, causing Zak to laugh and nod. "Sorry; simple math gets by me sometimes."
"No problem. I think we all get that at times." Her green eyes sparkled with delight at the conversation. The two continued some small talk; until the bell at the door interrupted them. A family entered, taking a seat at a booth.
"It's been a nice chat; I have to work now. I hope your friends show up soon." Zak waved at her farewell, and couldn't help but watch as she served the newcomers. He hadn't taken much notice of her body prior to exit; she was thin, but not too much so. She had the slightest curves that fit her slim figure. He sighed, a stupid grin still plastered on his face; he hadn't even noticed the bell ring once more.
"Sorry I'm late bro, I had to…" Aaron stopped short, realizing his friend's attention was elsewhere. "Are you checking out the waitress?" With no response, the bald man noticed that his assumption seemed to be correct. A few moments passed, and they waited on their other friend.
"I want… I want to get to know her." Aaron looked to his friend in surprise; Zak was known for his flings, but not for his relationships. In fact, his friend had made a promise to not deal with relationships any longer. But something about the waitress caught Zak's attention; and it didn't seem like the amazement was going to fade anytime soon.
The two boys ordered up some meals from a friendly Marie, which incited some slight flirting between Zak and the woman. Aaron teased him for his little crush; but it didn't seem to bother him. He really, really wanted to talk to her. He wanted to get close to her. She was infectious. The bell rang once more.
"Guys, I am so sorry I'm late," He paused, taking a seat on the other side of Aaron. "I had to do some errands for Veronique and…" His speech paused, and his jaw dropped. "Marie?" He questioned, as if not entirely sure his greeting was to be correct. The blonde looked up, and her expression quickly reflected his.
"Nick?!" The two shared an awkward embrace over the length of the counter, and Zak could only watch in confusion as one of his best friends seemed to know his new romantic interest. "I haven't seen you since your wedding! How is everything? Any babies?" Nick chuckled at her questions, and didn't seem to notice a sniggering Aaron beside him.
"Everything is fine! And only one so far. How is everything for you?" Before the woman could answer, a very bewildered Zak Bagans spoke.
"You were at Nick's wedding?!" He started. "I was the DJ! How did I not see you there?" The friendly, memory filled banter filled the little diner, only interrupted by new customers that Marie needed to serve, and then the real business conversation occurred between the three men.
"She… She was just so perfect." I spoke, breaking our momentary silence. "She didn't deserve anything that came her way. I…" I placed my hands in their previous position, over my face as my body trembled with oncoming emotion. I heard Nick stand, and felt his hand on my shoulder.
"I know." He whispered, not forcing me to say anything more. His hand squeezed my muscle gently, before he took a few steps away from my solemn figure. "But we really need to get going, Zak. So you should get dressed or whatever… We can't be late." I stood, not making any eye contact, before slowly making my way to my bedroom. I hadn't been there in what seemed like ages.
The sheets were still thrown back, just like the last night I had slept in them. Their dark black fabric was wrinkled with no care, tossed about the bed. The pillows had indents on them, as if we had just awoken, as if everything was still the same. I closed my eyes at the pain of that thought, before turning away from the bed.
While I showered, I couldn't help but think about her. I couldn't help but remember the way she smelt, with the body wash that she used every single day. I couldn't help but notice that the near-empty bottle of the gel was still sitting on the rack inside the tub. I squeezed out just a dab of the strongly fragranced liquid and rubbed it up my wrists, lathering it until the bubbles were even drained of their energy. I smelt my hands, but felt as if I were going to collapse at the motion.
It smelt just like her. It felt as if she were in the shower beside me, as if she were about to wrap her tiny arms around my waist like she always did.
Before I could break down any further, I stepped from the oncoming downfall of water, and set to dressing myself. Before I could grab any clothing, however, my eyes were once again locked on our bed.
She was an only child, and she was a friend of Nick's since childhood. The two were neighbors, and they stuck together throughout high school and beyond. They hadn't lost contact until Nick began the show, in which his time was suddenly too consumed to speak to his longtime friend.
But it were as if she was a part of the group the whole time; she was always at one of their houses whenever the boys and she didn't have work, and she melded in like a missing puzzle piece.
This was a relief to Zak, who was still overcome by his strong attraction toward the beautiful Marie. The more he was exposed to her gentle, magnificent nature, the more he was drawn to her. But he didn't want to make her fear his advances, if he were to make any, so he took to asking his friends for their help.
Aaron was excited at the thought of his friend asking Marie on a date, for he had seen the way the two looked at one another; they were meant to end up together. Nick, on the other hand, was a little more apprehensive, due to the fact that the blonde was like a sister to him. Not to mention, Zak didn't have a very good record when it came to relationships. But his mind was eventually changed.
It was April, and it was a sunny day. They were celebrating Zak's birthday under the spring sunshine, and having a blast while doing it. A barbeque was set up, and music was blaring. Everyone was having a great time.
Zak sat at his table indoors, watching as Marie prepared some food from indoors. She was making some pasta using the oven, and she was smiling and humming to herself. Then, without knowledge that he was watching her, she began to sing. And the man at the table couldn't help but enjoy the melody of her angelic voice.
"I found you here, now please just stay for a while. I can move on with you around… I hand you my mortal life but will it be forever? I'll do anything for a smile, holding you 'til our time is done. We both know the day will come, but I don't want to leave you." She paused, taking a breath while fixing tedious little things about the food. "I see my vision burn, I feel my memories fade with time, but I'm too young to worry… A melody, a memory, or just one picture…" Then, she turned, about ready to continue to the next words of the song. Marie jumped at the sight of the man at the table. She grasped her chest, as if trying to slow down her quickened heartbeat. "Zak! How long have you been in here?"
"Long enough to know that you are pretty OCD about food, and that you have a gorgeous voice." He spoke, a smirk placed on his lips. Her skin flushed a deep red, and her green eyes bloke contact from his. "I mean it; it was beautiful. What song was that?"
"Seize the day. By Avenged Sevenfold…" Marie took a deep breath. "It was actually good?" He smiled, and nodded. "I've never heard anyone say that about my singing before…" They both then met eyes in silence, only trading a smile that spoke wonders. Then, as the eye contact was finally beginning to break, he finally urged the conversation.
"Well, don't let me stop you from your singing. I mean, did you even get to the chorus?" Marie shyly shook her head, biting her lip. "Then sing. Pretend I'm not even here." She seemed prepared to argue, before finally closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.
"Seize the day, or die regretting the time you lost… It's empty and cold without you here, too many people to ache over…" She sang, before her green orbs locked onto his, which were watching her with wonder.
"Is that all of it?" She nodded, twiddling her thumbs nervously. "It was beautiful, Marie. Still… You're just so… Talented." Her face was overcome by a blush once more. "But seize the day?" He took a deep breath, gathering all of his courage. He knew what he needed to do. "I like that." Then, things took a turn.
The room seemed to dissipate around them, as they looked into the eyes of one another. The barbeque didn't exist; there wasn't anyone out and about his home.
It was just Zak and Marie. No one else; but purely the two of them. They hadn't even realized the magnetism pulling them closer, until the green eyed woman's nose was touching his, and his hands were around her waist. He seemed to hesitate.
"…Seize the day, Zak." The blonde whispered, before plunging in for a kiss.
I sighed, finally pulling on my ironed clothing. The suit ranged of different shades of the grayscale, and as I looked in the mirror, I couldn't help but realize how real everything suddenly was… I couldn't help but realize what exactly I was going to do that day.
I fell to my knees, but no tears sprang from my eyes. I just let out a fierce, loud yell.
The two of them successfully dated for over three years, with both their families and friends on their side. Everything was perfect; Zak had never thought he could find his other half. But he did; and he found it in Marie.
After a year, the two were living together. Two years after that, he popped the question and they were engaged. The both of them were happy. Marie had long quit her job at the diner, and worked instead for Zak and his companies he held under his name; and her future name.
The two would spend almost every waking moment that neither of them were caught up in their occupations together. They were inseparable. The two of them had found true, genuine love.
Not only that, but Marie had shockingly discovered that she was expecting; and while Zak had never planned on having children, he was willing to endure the challenge as long as his soon-to-be wife was by his side.
Being four months along, she had a little bump over her belly. The two sat, watching an old horror flick on TV, and Zak couldn't help but absentmindedly rubbing his fingers along her stretched skin of her stomach. The two sat in silence until the movie ended, and then Zak helped his fiancée stand from her comfortable seated position on the couch.
He was about to suggest that they head to bed, until he heard his phone begin to ring. The man playfully rolled his eyes, as Marie giggled. He answered the call.
"Hello?" He paused. "Yeah, I can talk." Zak began to converse with his caller, and his fiancée traveled into the kitchen, where she was going to prepare herself a bowl of cereal; until she noticed the absence of any milk in their refrigerator.
"Hey babe, we need milk. I'm going to head to the store. You want anything?" He placed his hand over the receiver.
"Do you need me to go with you?" He offered, only for her to shake her head.
"I'll be fine. I'll get you some candy. Sound good?" Zak gave her a giant, boyish grin which was contagious. She kissed him, before grabbing her keys and purse and heading out the door. After getting into the car, she was overcome with a sinking feeling.
Was something wrong? She didn't know. She wouldn't know. At least, until it was too late.
Marie drove along the course of the road, until she was quick to realize that something was wrong with her subconscious. Something was wrong. She knew it then. But it came at too late of a moment. She didn't even prepare herself; she couldn't get herself out of the way.
The other vehicle plowed through hers, crushing her vehicle to the shoulder. She cried out at the impact, feeling immense pain begin to spread throughout her body, localized especially around her stomach. The baby; the baby was hurt.
'Stupid… You're hurt too…' She thought as her car rolled to a stop. She felt warmness gush around her. It was too late; she couldn't stop her fate. When the ambulance arrived, she was barely holding onto consciousness.
She kept fading in and out of her trance on the way to the hospital, not even noticing how much time went by between the accident and the present. That is, until she heard a voice from beside her. The blonde struggled to turn her head to the left, seeing her strong fiancé in the room. He was watching her; he was watching her end.
"Z-Zak…" She whispered, using much of her energy. Tears brimmed at his eyes, as he grasped her left hand, which was uninjured for the most part. His hands were shaking; as were hers.
"It's okay, Marie. You don't have to say anything, sweetie." He stroked his thumb over the top of the limp, his eyes shutting as if in pain when his digit barely touched her engagement ring. He knew what was happening.
"But… Baby…" She weakly spoke once more, and one tear escaped both of their eyes at her strained worries. His hands began to shake at a much higher rate.
"It's okay, Marie. Don't worry about the baby. Everything… Everything will be fine. It will." Her mouth barely formed a small smile upon her lips, one that he would always remember. She knew he was lying. She always could tell when he fibbed.
"I l-love you." The injured woman choked, as her air supply was beginning to be quite limited. He bit his lips, trying ever so hard to contain his emotions. He needed to remain calm in these last moments; he needed to.
"I love y-you too, Marie. I always will, okay?" She nodded her head just barely at that, and he had to endure a few seconds of silence, which incited worry within him.
"Sing for me." Her words came out stronger than her others, and his eyes widened.
"What… What do you want me to sing?" He questioned, and she kept her eyes closed. Her breaths were ragged.
"Anything." That last word was weaker than all the rest. He took a deep breath. What was he supposed to sing? …Then he remembered the song she sang the day she took the plunge for him; the day she kissed him.
"Seize the day or die regretting the time you lost
It's empty and cold without you here,
Too many people to ache over
I see my vision burn; I feel my memories fade with time
But I'm too young to worry
These streets we traveled on will undergo our same lost past
I found you here, now please just stay for a while
I can move on with you around
I hand you my mortal life, but will it be forever?
I'll do anything for a smile, holding you 'til our time is done
We both know the day will come, but I don't want to leave you
I see my vision burn; I feel my memories fade with time
But I'm too young to worry
A melody, a memory, or just one picture
Seize the day or die regretting the time you lost
It's empty and cold without you here, too many people to ache over
Newborn life replacing all of us, changing this fable we live in
No longer needed here so where do we go?
Will you take a journey tonight; follow me past the walls of death?
But girl, what if there is no eternal life?
I see my vision burn, I feel my memories fade with time
But I'm too young to worry
A melody, a memory, or just one picture
Seize the day or die regretting the time you lost
It's empty and cold without you here, too many people to ache over
Trials in life, questions of us existing here
Don't want to die alone without you here
Please tell me what we have is real
So what if I never hold you, yeah,
Or kiss your lips again?
So I never want to leave you and the memories of us to see
I beg don't leave me
Seize the day or die regretting the time you lost
It's empty and cold without you here, too many people to ache over
Trials in life questions of us existing here
Don't want to die alone without you here
Please tell me what we have is real…"
His voice wavered throughout the tune, breaking with 'Don't want to die alone without you here'. His voice cracked with the line 'I beg don't leave me'. He didn't have any opportunity continue in the heart wrenching song, as her breaths began to slow, until they stopped.
The heart rate monitor emitted its monotonous, shill beep, and his eyes widened as he stared upon the empty vessel that once held the love of his life; his beautiful Marie. It was broken, it was paled… She was gone. Her soul was gone.
He had lost the one person he had ever loved, to what he had battled for so long; the other side.
"Zak?!" The voice of Nick came as a surprise to me, causing me to jump out of my trance. His hands were on my shoulders, as I was down on my knees on my bedroom floor. My eyes were wide, filled with tears, and I had to take a moment to even acknowledge that my friend was still speaking to me. "Are you okay, man?" I finally took a deep breath, and forced myself to stand.
"Let's… Let's get going." I didn't bother doing a thing with my hair; I couldn't stand being in the vicinity of my home any longer. I couldn't bear to be in the last place I had seen her alive and perfectly well.
I sat in the car, and Nick drove me the short distance to the church in which the service was being held. I felt myself seem to freeze in place as we pulled into the parking lot. Nick seemed to note my hesitation, and it took a few moments, but I heard my door open.
"Hey, bro. Ready to go inside?" Aaron's voice chimed in, as he was already there. I saw his hand, ready to place his hand upon my shoulder in an effort to get to moving, until I made the motion to stand. I didn't look anyone in the eyes, making my way toward the entrance to the building. Then, every emotion in me halted; and everything hit me.
I was standing in a church, ready to lay my fiancée to rest. I was standing in a church, because Marie was dead. Every little thought of happiness in my mind shattered. I could only remember; I could only see every moment I had with her, leading up to her untimely death. My bottom lip trembled as I slowly made my way toward the alter, where several photos of the two of us together lied, along with many others of various points of her short-lived life. Her guitar was beside pictures, along with her engagement ring. With shaking hands, I held the ring.
"She would want you to have it, you know." I turned, to see her dad standing behind me, alongside her mother. My eyes shut as I felt the hurt spread throughout my body. Her father placed his hand upon my shoulder, patting it twice. "Take it. It's yours now." I nodded, my eyes still tightly shut.
After a long while of looking upon photographs of the woman I loved, I finally took a seat in the front row. With my ever-moving hands, I somehow managed to unhook the necklace I was wearing; a simple silver chain. I placed a small, sad kiss to the chromatic engagement band in my palm, before looping it into my own jewelry. After hooking the necklace back up, I kept my hand wrapped around the small ring throughout the beginning of the service.
I tuned out the voices of the speakers, that is, until everyone began to go and tell stories about her. I saw as some of her closest friends told tales of her childhood, including Nick. I listened intently, as if reliving her life for the short amount of time. I couldn't help but smile and cry with the stories and the memories that replayed in my brain. She was alive here. Her memory was alive. It was as if the pain of her loss had receded with the funny and chilling stories of her lifetime. That is, until the host of this section, Marie's father, spoke.
"I would now like to invite a very important man to speak about my daughter. She was in love with him for years, and I remember her speaking of how important he was to her. She… She really looked forward to a future with this man." My strength began to falter. "Zak, come along now." I reluctantly stood, my eyes feeling shaded over by sadness and fear. I paused when I stood at the microphone, taking in all the faces of everyone around me. All of Marie's family, friends, loved ones… They all were all looking to me, hoping that I had something to say that would make them feel better.
"M-Marie and I… We…" I paused, my head turned to the podium in front of me. "We loved each other." My voice was faltering. Everyone seemed to waiting on my every word. "I spent some of the best years of my life with her. I mean… I was in love with everything about her. But… She was the kind of girl that it was easy to love."
I had to take a moment to pause, and think about what I was going to say next. I felt something inside of me break.
"I could stand here, and tell you stories of her life, of her death… Both of which I experienced." I sniffled, as I saw people begin to break down with my speech. The sadness was intoxicating. "I… I just wish things didn't end this way, because she was the best person I knew. I was ready to spend the rest of my life with her. She… She was perfect." I choked through tears that had not yet fallen. "My job is to find out what happens to us… After we die." I saw Nick and Aaron's faces falter at that. "And… I have no clue what happens to us… But I hope Marie isn't trapped here in this godforsaken place. Because… She deserves all the heavens that anyone could receive." I had to gather myself; to regain my strength. "We all miss you and love you, Marie. I hope you got everything you wanted in death, and were satisfied with what you got in life." I kissed the ring that hung around my neck, and returned to my seat.
All eyes were on me, as I had not allowed a single tear to fall. It was as if they expected me to break down in a place like this; but I couldn't. I couldn't trudge around Marie's memory with tears; that would never be what she wanted.
"Hey, hey… What's wrong?" Her voice chimed beside his ear, vibrating his skin as he closed his eyes. Her presence brought warmth; he finally felt safe.
"Just… I don't know how I can keep doing this, Marie." Zak took her hand into his, rubbing his thumb gently along her soft skin. "My job… I… I love doing it so much; it is always a new adventure… But things keep getting too close."
"What do you mean?" She took her hand out of his, only to comfortingly rub his shoulders. He leant back, his shoulder blades set upon her chest.
"We deal with demons, Marie…" The man took in a shaky breath. "What if someone gets hurt?" His voice began to break. "What if I hurt you?" This caused a pause from the blonde, who moved and took a place in front of her partner, making sure his eyes met hers. His blue orbs were filled to the brim with tears, something she hadn't seen often. She knew he was strong; but even some worries couldn't be tied down by internal strength. Her hands placed themselves on his cheeks, her thumb wiping a single tear that escaped his eye.
"You won't, Zak. I love you, and I trust you. You are strong enough to beat anything that comes your way, okay? Don't ever let yourself doubt that. You are the strongest person I know." She gave him a long, belated kiss that was filled with passion. "I love you." Zak gave her a crooked smile.
"I love you too." He responded. "Do you… Do you ever wonder what's going to happen to us? Like, will we still be together in the afterlife?" Marie's hands moved from his face, placing them in her lap.
"Well, I am okay with any afterlife, as long as you're in it." He gave her a playful, but still slightly serious smile.
"Don't say that! Then, either we'll both die at the same time, or if one of dies first, we'll stay here and be ghosts! That wouldn't be good! We'd need to cross over, and not stay. I don't want to be one of the things that I investigate every day. I mean, would you really want to stick around as a ghost just to be with me?"
Marie only smiled.
The rest of the service went without incident, and there was a little get together at Nick's home, which her parents had planned. I rode with my friend once more, and was greeted with the faces of many that were at the service. They had smiles plastered over the pain, and they were speaking of both her memory and of everything to do with life.
I couldn't even eat; I didn't want to deal with this. Didn't these people understand that she was gone? Didn't they understand that these memories were going to fade with time, and that they would never get to see Marie's beautiful face ever again? How could they be so… Happy?
After about an hour, I excused myself to the bathroom, and sat in there for a good twenty minutes. I sat on the edge of the bath tub, my head in my hands as I just wallowed in my own self-pity and depression.
I couldn't help but think about her; her memory, her acceptance… Everything. Then, chillingly, I remembered the conversation we had about life after death. She wanted to stay with me. She wanted to stay with me.
I took out the digital recorder that I almost always kept on my person, and with shaking hands, I pressed record.
"Marie? Are you here with me?" I paused, looking around the dimly lit rest room. "Give me a sign; I need to know you're here with me." My composure was falling apart. "I-I need you, Marie. Please…" I was interrupted by a knock on the door, and I quickly stopped recording on the device and shoved it back into my pocket. I exited the bathroom, and I could tell that my friends noticed a change within me.
I had hope. I had courage. I no longer had time to grieve. I knew exactly what I had to do, and it was something that I had been doing for years. It was my profession, after all. I was going to hunt a ghost. There was only one difference…
This ghost was that of my dead fiancée.