Chapter 1

"Ok I got to go!" I grabbed my keys from the oak counter in our cramped hallway and pulled on a smoky green windbreaker on as I rushed out the door. I heard my bestie call out after me, "See ya when you get back!"

I can start this like all stories, with a name and how my life is, but you'll know my name later and what I do. I am no Master Degree scientist or an underpaid teacher, I'm average and in the middle. I am going to tell you that I am a young native girl with long hair that snaps in the wind and a permanent tan that would make any California beach girl jealous. My eyes are a dark chocolate and my attire is a clean skater-gothic look. Neutral colors are what I wear. But enough about me, let's get on with the story.

I hopped in to my car and started the bad boy up and raced to my job. I turned onto the main street and exited onto the freeway. Of course the roads were congested and I had to wait for a chance to squeeze into a lane. I tapped my fingers in an impatient rhythm as I inched into an open space and headed to work. I saw my exit coming up and I pulled a city move and glided across as I my clicker counted the down the seconds. Switching to the left lane I cheated the light and sped off, praying that there are no cops around to see me. As I rounded the corner my radio crackled and I felt a light prickle on the back of my neck.

"You know that's an illegal move you just did." I ignored the comment.

Another voice, this time a female stuttered, "S s s slow dow please?"

I switched from radio to iPod and started to sing along with each song that popped up.

The male voice spoke up, "Hey that's a driving distraction. You should turn it down!" Ignoring him I turned the volume up and start to head beat to the bass.

The female followed, "S s s slow dow please." Then she screamed. The male yelled to curve to the left. I stopped the music and turned into an empty parking lot. Both of the entities were hugging each other, the lady was crying, the male was bracing himself.

"Hey get out my car would ya?"

"We're… we're not dead?" The male asked as he opened both of his eyes.

"No. You're not. You died two years ago on this road and it was not your fault."

The female whimpered, "but… but…" I inhaled deeply and turned completely in my seat. "Look lady you and this cop keep reenacting the accident in every car that passes by. The only thing is that no one can see or hear you, save for me."

They blinked.

I continued, "You and you," I pointed to each, "are deeeeead. Now that that's clear open the door and be free."

They continued to stare at me. Then they slowly turned to the right as the cop opened the door and a bright light shone and a soothing voice echoed, "Welcome!" and the two walked through the light as they disappeared the voice grew stern. "Miss Valor, learn to be more gentle with the dead." The light vanished. I sighed and repeatedly bumped my head against the steering wheel. On the fifth bump, my phone rang and I muttered, "Shit late for work, AGAIN."