Misguided Ghosts

Artist: Paramore

A/N: Been a while since I've written a fanfic but this just came to mind and I feel as if I have to write it. Reviews and feedback are always welcomed. I hope you enjoy.

I listened to the quiet rumblings of the creek as I walked along the edge of the water. The sound was comforting. It reminded me of a time when things were actually peaceful; before all the chaos and worry that consumed me for a time. I hadn't come to this section of the woods in quite some time. I needed to make sure I could handle it. A thousand memories flickered across my mind as I continued my short walk. We used to come here all the time. Summer nights were spent laying underneath the stars. Breaks from reality were the norm as the two of us lived in our own little world. I would give anything to have him back but life doesn't always go according to plan. He said it was for the best. It hurts to know I can't pick up the phone and call him. Nonetheless, his voice still echoes in my ears. This is my story...his story...the tale of our love and the things in life that just seemed to get in the way of that. Now that I look back on it all, I don't regret a single moment. Each one has been far too precious for me to ever turn a blind eye to. He'll always have my heart. No amount of time or space could ever change that.

"Eli! Wait up!" I called out as I left from school. It was the last day of classes and I was beyond happy to have the whole summer with him. He stopped in place and turned to face me. I could feel my heartbeat in my ears. He looked so beautiful, that infamous crooked smile danced along his lips. He walked towards me and all sense of reason escaped my mind.

"Hey, there beautiful," he greeted me as usual. He always said that and yet my cheeks still grew a deep shade of pink. "Ready to tackle this summer together?" he asked taking a hold of my hand.

"With you?" I made a face. "Nah, not at all."

"Ouch!" he joked feigning heartbreak. "Well that's too bad because I really planned on making this a summer you wouldn't forget." His words thrilled me as I wondered what he could possibly have up his sleeve. With a guy like Eli, it was best to expect the unexpected. Surprises were his trademark. I could spend forever wondering what schemes he had going on in his mind.

"Sounds promising. I suppose I could spare a few moments of my time for you," I mused, resting my head against his shoulder briefly as we continued to walk. Times like these were always the most precious. Quality time with the guy I loved, away from the prying eyes of outsiders.

"Only a few moments? Here I was thinking we had forever." He frowned jokingly and I playfully hit his arm as we walked up the short steps to his house. He opened the door and let me inside before him. His house had become like my own as of late. My parents and their bitter divorce left me seeking refuge outside of my own home.

Eli dropped his bag at the door and I followed suit. He held onto my hand, interlacing our fingers. I smiled at the simple gesture. I could never tell him fully how much little things like that meant to me. He walked us over to the couch. I sat beside him for a moment before laying my head against his chest. I could hear his heart beat faster at the contact. That was a melody I could never grow tired of. We sat in silence for a time. The only sounds in the room were the ticking of the clock above the TV and the soft sounds of his neighborhood.

"What are you thinking about now?," I ventured, my voice seeming to pierce the solitude. He didn't answer right away. I peered up at him. His eyes were closed and his face was serene. For a moment I thought he had fallen asleep until he shook his head thoughtfully.

He let out a sigh before he spoke. "I'm thinking that I don't want this to ever end. I love being with you but at times..." he trailed off. His eyes opened and he sat upright. I got off of him and tucked my legs underneath me. I took in his tortured expression and grew worried. His green eyes seemed to lose the shine I had gotten so used to.

"Eli...what is it?" I could hear the concern in my voice as it trembled a bit. "You can talk to me about anything, you know that." My eyes continued to scan his face. He dropped his head in his hands. I placed a hand on his knee. "Whatever it is, we can get through it together." I tried to offer a smile but it seemed to foreign on my mouth.

He turned his face to me. I was taken aback by how downcast his expression was. "No matter what, I'll always love you. You have to remember that, Clare. No amount of time or space could ever change that. Do you understand me?" His eyes were wild but his tone was soft. I could feel my eyebrows furrow in confusion. My voice seemed lost so I simply nodded. He blinked back tears, or so it looked like to me. The sight broke me heart.

"I'll always love you too, Eli. You're scaring me right now," I whispered. He shook his head, his mouth twisting into a grimace.

"That was never my intention. I'm sorry, let's just forget I said anything alright?" He rose from his seat and paced the length of the living room. I watched him with anxious eyes. He looked like a man on fire and it troubled me to no end.

"It's okay, Eli. Please, just relax, okay?" I stood up as well and crossed the short space. My feet planted into the ground, blocking his path. He stopped and looked at me with the most unreadable expression. He reached a hand out to my face. Softly he glided his thumb across my cheekbone. I could feel myself blush as I always did at times like those.

"You're so beautiful. I don't know what I did to deserve you...I don't deserve you at all and yet here you are. It never made any sense for you to love me," he spoke. His words seemed calculated. His face grew confused as he talked, as if he didn't understand his own comments.

I shook my head defiantly. " Don't be ridiculous, Eli. You're the mostt amazing person I know. Don't ever doubt that." I smiled softly and pressed my lips to his. I could feel my heart flutter as he kissed me back but it was off. I pulled away and watched his face. He averted his gaze and looked at the ground. "What's the matter?" I asked.

Eli cleared his throat. "It's nothing. I'm fine. I think I'm getting sick or something is all," he said briskly. This brought me up short. I wasn't sure what to say or do.

"I could make you soup. Go to bed, I'll take care of you." I turned to head into the kitchen and felt his hand on my arm.

"No, it's alright. You don't have to. I'm alright." His face did not match the words he spoke but I didn't press any further.

"At the very least, get some rest. I'll leave you to it. If you need me, call me...okay?" My eyes searched his face. He seemed to relax a bit. I didn't know if should have been comforted or hurt.

"Sure thing, Clare." He pecked my cheek before he walked over to the foyer. I stood there, stunned for a moment before I followed after. By the time I reached him, he already had my bag in his hand and the door open. I looked at him, my heart sinking to the pit of my stomach at his haste.

"I love you, Eli," I said taking my bag back. "Whatever you need, just call. I'll be home." I shrugged and kissed his cheek before I walked over the threshold.

"I love you too. I always will, no matter what." He smiled tentatively and I felt uneasy. I hated how he was talking. It seemed foreboding in a sense. He seemed to pick up on my anxious expression. "I'll be fine. I always figure out a way to deal."

While his words were meant to comfort, they only added more to the stress and worry I felt. I swallowed the lump that rose in my throat. I nodded twice and waved. I could still see his face in my head the whole walk home. His words swirled around in my mind, clouding my thoughts. I felt sick. Something was seriously wrong and my instinct told me something bad was about to happen very soon.

[End of Chapter 1. Please review, I'd love if you did!]