Hey guys! Sorry about the wait. Been writing galore….oi. Lol.

Anyways I hope you like. Review. Enjoy!

Chapter 4

I stared at the dark hall. It was night. Around midnight. I hoped to see this spirit killer by now. Obviously he's to shy…. Not sure.

"You know your going to kill yourself…" My mom sighed.

"By something that cant touch me? Yeah sure." I retorted. I got up with a stretch. "Guess I'll try tomorrow."

"You should just abort this case. Tell Lilly he's forever gone. Then have her cross over."

"Its not that simple mother. If its not her father then what's stopping her from going…"

"Maybe she doesn't want to leave. Ever thought of that."

I glared at my mother then huffed as I trotted to the door. I had my hand on the hook when she asked in a whisper. "How's your dad doing?"

"Not sure. Haven't been there since he hit me." I confessed.

"Where have you been-"

"Woods. Its not so bad. I get food. And I found a nice place to bathe-"

"Horrid! You need to be with your father-"

"So he can hit on me and blame me for your death? Yeah no." I snapped then slammed the door. Seeing my mother was sometimes painful.

"Shaney bear!" Monica sang as she hugged Shane's neck. Claire who stood beside me growled.

"Get off him Monica!" She yelled. She grabbed onto Shane's arm like a child. "He's my Shaney bear!" She declared like a little kid would. Shane just seemed terrified and flattered all at the same time. I feel for the guy.

"Please brat you have no claim over him." She stuck her tongue out as she kissed Shane which like a boy enjoyed. Claire pulled back and saw Shane's face. She frowned. "See every boy likes older women with more chest to them."

Monica seemed to smear her boobs on Shane's bare back which made him blush a lot. Claire covered her chest. Her face grew red as tears formed.

"Not true! Shane likes me for me!"

"Grow boobs then we'll talk no chest." Monica laughed and kept on when Claire ran away in tears. Shane called out for her with a face full of misery and regret. I sighed.

"Nice going horn dog!" I threw the rock I was holding at them before running off for Claire. I found her where she would always go if she was upset, near the riverbank. Strangely she likes to be near water no matter what.

"Claire…." I came to her. She was holding her chest. Her chin quivered as tears stroked her cheeks.

"Why cant I be like Monica? She pretty…..prettier than I'll ever be-"

I took a seat next to her. "She isn't pretty. She uses her boobs to get men. She's a whore."

Claire sniffed. "At least she has boobs. I still look like a boy!" She wiped her face.

"Your thirteen for god sakes."

"Your fourteen and have boobs…"

I rolled my eyes. "Some girls get them earlier. Be lucky okay. Breasts are not everything to some guys. Guys like that want personality then looks more then anything."

Claire stared up at me. "You think I'll have that someday?"

I smiled, glancing over my shoulder to see Shane walking to us. I turned to her with a wink. "I think you have your man." I got up then walked over to Shane. "You make her cry I'll make you not walk for weeks.."

Shane rolled his eyes with a scoff. He thinks im joking. We'll see.

I walked back to the market to see people busy as ever. I thought about getting food but disperse the thought immediately. I cant steal food anymore…..Im Michael's girlfriend now, that means whatever I do gets back to him…..and he has enough problems on his plate as it is. Dealing with his grandparents and his parents about how to rule a kingdom as well choose a appropriate woman to marry. Preferably a princess. Its been three days since I last had food as long as I get water from the stream then I'll be fine. I hope. Since I cant ghost hunt now I decided to walk around the market, eyeing food that I cannot get. Sighing pitiful.

"What are you doing her girl?" Oliver asked, blocking my path to go further. "Your not welcomed here."

I stared at him. "Im only browsing, not like its your business old man."

He snarled. "Look here girl you will talk to me with respect!"

I stayed silent. He smiled. "Good girl." I clenched my fists as he came closer. "No go back to your father and never enter this market again!"

"Oliver!" A woman voiced. Turning slightly I saw Amelie. Her blonde hair was pinned up. She was in a long white dress. She gave Oliver a cool glare. "How dare you order this child out of her own market place."

"My lady she would of stolen something if I hadn't intervened."

I gazed at Oliver with fury. "What would I steal!? Your foods suck!" I screamed then ran away as fast as I could, back to the woods I now live in. I hugged my legs. I gazed at the water from the flowing river. Remembering memories of when my mother was alive.

"Hey mama! Lets go swim!" I giggled, leading her out. She laughed.

"Nate come with us honey!" She grabbed my dad's arm as he protested.

We all three walked to the river, smiling, laughing…

"Mama look!" I ordered holding up a frog. She bent down to get a better look.

"Oh my! Nate look at what our smart daughter found!"

My dad smiled. "That's my girl! Tomboy as ever!" He chuckled.

I laughed.

I opened my eyes to see that vision of us three playing in the river was gone. I blinked back unwanted tears when I realized it was just a memory. I noticed the sun was inching down. Vampires go hunting. But not in woods, at least I hope. I sighed. I could die out here….but who would care….my father don't. Michael is to busy and probably could do much better….. Im just at the breaking point…. I shook my head, shaking those thoughts out of my head. I staggered to my feet as I pulled down my hair. I slipped out of my clothes as I entered the cold water. I shivered once the water hit my waist. I covered my chest by hugging myself. By this time the sun was no more, and the sky almost blackening. I slowly eased under, shivering. I dunk my head in the water for only a few moments then came up for air. The river was deep but not so deep that I couldn't touch the bottom. And this river flowed smoothly, no rough current. I stayed still in the water as I scanned the abandon woods. It was quiet, except for the sounds of animals fluttering about. These woods reminds me of my mother. She was always a nature person. Always made us camp out under the stars, cooked under a real fire, made us bathe in this river all the time. I smiled at those memories then felt wetness on my cheek, it wasn't the river water no I realized that it was my own tears. My tears that I have shed many times before. The tears that got me through this year. The tears that will keep me alive for one more day.

Im only fourteen. Im only a kid. I hove no mom. No dad. Nobody. as these thoughts entered my head I felt more tears come out. I shook my head, gulped back the tears then plunged under water. I opened my eyes to see it clear, dark but clear. Little tadpoles swam all over. They were really tiny. I saw some other fishes, they were small but bigger than tadpoles. If I could…..I would wish to not see ghosts. To have my mother back. To have my dad back to his normal loving self. And to have Michael not be a prince so I wouldn't be cast away like I was nothing.

I came up above water. Stood and walked out. After air drying I drew back on my black shredded short dress. I braided my hair back before I sat under the tree. I held my tummy when it grumbled. The best thing to do when hungry is to sleep it off.

I laid my head back against the tree. Closed my eyes and drifted off to a world where my life was better than this…..

"Spirit!" I heard a voice call. It sounded deep, like a male.

"Freak girl!" Another voice cried out. Another make

"Look! I see her!" A small voice pointed out. That was a girl definitely. Footsteps were drawing near. I felt a hit against my body but my eyes didn't flutter open. "She looks drenched."

"My guess is she just got done bathing."

I felt a hand on my face before one of the male voice spoke. "Her face is a pit pale…"

"Or it could be the moon. Mike we got to take her somewhere…." I heard. Mike? Michael? Michael's here? Who tipped him off? How? "Look maybe we can take her to her dads, he's been on me about where she was. Maybe this time he's really worried."

"Or wanting more hits out of her." Michael said, dryly and bitterly.

"Oh come on Mikey the man cant be all that bad, just the other day he was asking about his baby girl." The small female voice said. That must be Claire. I wanted to wake up, I wanted to tell them to go away but my eyes wouldn't budge open, and my body wouldn't move one bit. "Alright fine, lets not worry about the old man yet, how about we get her to your place? Or maybe Claire's" Im sure the third voice belonged to Shane.

"My parents I don't think would mind her staying if I explained it to them." Claire said.

"That would be awesome because my grandparents and parents are hounding me on useless trivial that I wish not to deal with. If I brought Eve there….My grandparents wouldn't mind it but my parents….would. Could I look her over at your place?" Michael asked, Im guessing Claire.

"My parents wont be back till morning so sure. We could all stay with her tonight. It seems that she sure needs it." Claire said.

Suddenly I felt like I was floating on clouds in the starry sky, with the moon as my guide to the path I'll take on my journey….

Waking up I found myself laying flat on my back. Looking up at the dark ceiling. I blinked a few times before sitting up. I noticed I was in a room. I was in a bed. Where was I? I slipped out of the covers to get on my feet. Once on my feet I found I was in a white long sleeve night gown that stop at my ankles. What in the world? I felt my hair wasn't tied back either, it was brushed and dry. I staggered over to the doorway to see a room door on my left and a doorway to my right. I took the right to see I entered a middle sized living room, a connected kitchen, with a dinning table in the back corner. Claire's house? I jumped a little when I heard voices coming from the small foyer, and a door closing. My three friends stepped into the connected Dining room, they laid down some stuff on the back table. Lanterns. Gloves. And little essentials, like a black pocket book that Michael keeps money in and Shane's stake. Claire was the first to notice I was up. "Eve!" She yelled, running to me like a lion cub would do to its mother. I caught her as she rammed into me, arms around my torso. I grunted as pain shot through a little. She backed off quickly with a apologetic smile. "Sorry I forgot your still a bit sore."

I smiled at her then looked at my two other friends who were coming to me. Shane smiled. "How do you feel Spirit?" Michael hugged my hand with his. I smiled and hugged his hand back. I looked back at Shane. "Okay I guess…."

"Im glad you are." Michael said. "If we got to those woods to late you would have been dead in no time."

I blinked in bafflement. "What? Wait how did you know I was in the woods?"

"My grandmother told me about your visit to the market. I got to wondering, then curiosity set in….and finally worry took me over. So I grabbed Shane and Claire and went searching for you…." Michael explained.

"Also your dad was on my case about you nonstop, I've been meaning to ask about your whereabouts but I forgot to ask. So for weeks he's been nagging me to find you. You should-" Michael elbowed Shane in the gut lightly to shut him up. Michael gave him a look then smiled at me.

"For now you should go rest…" He said.

I stared up at him then shook my head. I leaned into him. "I havent seen you for two weeks….I don't wish to rest." I pulled back to look up at him. Frowning. Shane cleared his throat.

"We'll leave you guys to be alone." He said, pulling Claire out of the living room. I looked away from Michael's blue eyes to sit on the couch. He joined me. I stared at my bandaged hands in my lap. Sucked in a breath. "Michael….do you like me? I mean really…like me?"

Michael took my hand into his. "Yes. I love you. I always have since the age of five I knew I loved you."

I felt redness creep over me. I clasped his hand. "I should of known we could never be…."

"What are you saying?" He asked.

I felt pain swell up in my chest. Thinking of us not being together ever made me want to crawl up in a corner and let tears explode, like a river does that ends up being a waterfall. "Face it Michael. You're a great, musician, doctor prince who will one day be a great king. I am only a peasant girl. With no skills whats so ever. With no mother. With hardly no father. I have no money. I have to steal just to survive…"

"Eve…"

I looked up at him. "We've been friends most of our lives…so how could we expect to be more then that…." I frowned then looked away, biting my lip, hoping I could hold back my urge to cry. I hardly ever cry, when I do I hate every minute of it. And I never cried in front of my friends, not even Michael. Well no I cried on Michael's shoulder when my mother died but that's really it. "I was stupid to think I could be with a man like you…." I choked. "Im not good enough…..I never will be good enough…." I covered my face, pulling my hand from Michaels in the process. Once my face was covered I finally let out the unwanted tears. When I felt my hands get pulled away I tried to hide my face, only to get it cupped by Michael's gentle hands. His face was leaning closely to me. He had a small smile on his face. "You listen here Eve Rosser…..Prince or no Prince im still a guy who has needs. Who has feelings. And who loves this amazing woman with an extordinary gift. You may not be the princess type girl or the parent approval type but none of that matters…."

I shook my head, pulled back. "It does when you have to marry a princess. Its law."

"Law smaw Eve. I'll marry who ever the hell I want….L-like you…."

I widened my eyes at him. "What?"

"That's right…..Eve Rosser I want you to be my wife. I want to marry you. I don't care if your not rich. I don't care if your not a princess…." He stood up, pulled me up as well then held my waist. I felt blushing creeping upon me as I stared up at him. "Screw my parents. Screw what people think." He continued as he stared down at me with love filled eyes. He laid his forehead onto mine. "My decision is final as long as you agree to be my wife then I will marry you….not now but soon." He then lowered his voice when he said. "I love you Eve….and I'll do whatever it takes to have you as my girl. Forever and always."

I smiled, feeling happier than I ever felt in years. Even when my mother was still among the living. I hugged his neck. I felt wet streaks running down my cheeks. Michael's hands wiped them. "Why are you crying?" He asked nervously as if he did something or said the wrong thing. "Do you not want to marry me?"

I shook my head. "I do. I do! Its just…..Im overwhelmed with so much happiness!"

Michael chuckled before connecting our lips together as one. His taste was intoxicating. It had me drunk the whole rest of the night….

Eve Glass….

A few days passed by slowly and surely. Claire's parents were very understanding of my situation and had me bunk a room with Claire which we both didn't mind, since we were like sisters. Though before I moved totally in with Claire I had to patch things up with my father. No matter how bad it'll be. I came in to my old house. The house I grew up in. the house I was born in. the house my mother died in. when entering the living room I saw my dad writing in a book, a notebook. I cleared my throat. He looked up. Froze when he saw me. He stayed like that for twenty seconds before rushing up and hugging me, spinning me around in the process, once back on the ground her kissed my head. Weird.

"You back!" He exclaimed. I shook my head. He frowned. "What?"

"Father. I thank you fro giving me shelter, a place to sleep and sometimes food but I cant stay here. Im moving to Claire's"

His eyes widened. They filled with sadness. Sorrow took his brown eyes over. "Please don't go! Please!" He begged. I held his forearm.

"I must. Maybe temporarily….. If you can get your act together, get a decent job that pays well enough to feed us, and not spend money on useless stuff like beer then maybe I'll move back in." I frowned as I stared at him. "Do you understand what im saying father…."

He frowned then went to sit on the couch. His eyes were filled with tears but they didn't shed. Yet. He laid his elbows upon his knee caps. He stared at the journal for a long while before staring back and forth. "Till I get it together?" He asked. "If I get my crap together…will you move back in?"

"Maybe…." I took up a spot on the small table that sat in front of the couch, where he was sitting. "Dad….I lost my mom…..I-I don't want to loose my dad too…..that's why if I do this…I-I hope that it will make you change for the better." I grabbed his hand tight. "I never told you this….but when you've been drunk…you took your despair of loosing mother out on me. You kicked me. Hit me." I gulped as I began to choke on my words. "You even blame me for mom's death…."

His eyes grew wide. More sorrow took him over. He shook his head, baffled. I guessed he was baffled at how he could of done what he did. He grab a hold of my hand as if he let go he would fall into a dark abyss. "I will hit you?"

I slowly nodded.

"Kicked you…."

Nodded again.

"Blame you for your mom's….." He couldn't even get the last word out before his tears started to stream down his cheeks. He stared at me. "Eve…..Why didn't you tell me this sooner? I was hurting my only family…..my little girl…" His hand went onto my cheek. I bit my lip, trying to control my sobs that want to urge on out. "I….I just thought….you needed to cope in your own way….I hoped that this drinking would fly by in no time…..but after months passed….a year passed….and now here we are…." I struggled with my words as I kept my voice steady, at least tried to keep it steady.

My dad covered his mouth with his other hand as he started to cry right in front of me. It broke my heart into two so much that I couldn't contain it. My tears flooded out. Somehow I found myself in his arms in seconds. We both cried on each others shoulders for a long while. Finally back to our sitting, me on the table and him still on the couch he cleared his throat. "I'll get help. I'll get a decent job….I will shape up and be the dad I used to be, the dad that you were proud of and not scared of." He cupped my face in his gentle hands. "I swear to you Eve…..I will never hurt you again…" He kissed my head, nose, both cheeks then head again. He pushed back my bangs then smiled. "You know….you look more like your mother everyday…."

I smiled at him. "That should help you in the long run…. I'll come to visit you daily. See how well your progressing. I'll help you along the way, like mother would." I kissed both his cheeks.

He gave me a small smile before standing. I stood too. "Well I guess you should get heading back. I've got things to do. People to call. You know the jist." He winked at me. I laughed. It finally felt right between us. Finally.

"Well im going to get a few things from my room then I'll be off." I smiled.

"Alright. But please not to much. I do wish for you to come back."

"No worries daddy…..I promise to return once your better…..so then we can become a real family." I told him before heading to my bedroom.

"No way!" Claire chuckled. "Your daddy actually cried? That's so sweet!" She said as we walked through the market two days later after my moving out. I smiled. "Yeah I cant believe it. Yesterday he went to another village that has rehabs for anger management and alcohol addiction. I finally feel….I don't know….less pain filled." I said. Claire giggled like a giddy school girl. She looked over at the apple cart. "You want one?" She asked. I shook my head.

"Better not. I have a bad reputation in this market." She rolled her eyes as she pulled me over. She smiled at the middle age lady.

"Hello ma'am me and my friend would love to buy one of your apples." Claire said, cheerfully. The girl can really be cheerful. I don't know how she does it. The lady gave me the stink eye before smiling at Claire. She picked two apples from her cart and handed them to us. Claire handed her the money for exchange. "Thank you kind lady. Oh please do forgive my friend when she attempted to steal your apples. See she was having issues and on the verge of starving. I know no excuse to steal but please find it in your heart to forgive her." Claire smiled at the lady then handed me the apple. "Here!" She bit into hers as she turned and started walking.

"Your friend sure is a odd ball." The lady said to me with a small smile on her face. I smiled back at her then at Claire, who was now looking at bread. I chuckled. "Yeah I know. That's why I love her so dear." I looked at the lady. "Sorry for the steal attempts….."

The lady patted my hand lightly as she smiled. "Don't you worry deary. I may have been mad but realizing how skin and bones you were…..I let it go. You have a nice day now my dear."

I nodded then joined up with Claire while biting into my apple.

"I would like some bread but I really don't have that much money…." Her cheeks were puffed up like a chipmunk would have its cheeks. Her eyes were narrowed at the kind of bread that was laid fresh in the basket. I rolled my eyes then fished out my pocket book that I know keep my allowance in, thanks to Claire's parents I get the same allowance as she does, trying to refuse it was pointless, her parents weren't having it. I gave the man two dollars for two breads. I gave Claire her bread. "There."

Claire smiled wide as her eyes got all teary eye. "Thank you big sissy!"

I blushed as the man chuckled. "Okay. Okay. Claire." I sighed. Following her I remembered what I was supposed to be doing. "Hey Claire…. Do you want to come with me to meet Lilly?"

Claire looked at me then shrugged. "Alright but its still daytime….she wont show up…"

"She will if we're beside her grave."

"Cool! Lets get Michael!"

"Cant he's busy dealing with preparations for his supposed wedding."

Claire's eyes widened. "I thought he was-"

"He is. He's been refusing every princess they come across, and has been refusing to do a wedding till at least he's eighteen."

"That's when you turn sixteen."

I nodded. "That's our plan. Once im sixteen I am to be wed by him." I smiled at the thought then was broken by Claire.

"Why don't we get Shaney to do it!" Claire fist pumped the air, obviously excited. I laughed.

"Okay no more sure for you." I joked. She glared at me. "Never joke about sugar…."

I rolled my eyes at how utterly cute she can be.

"What do you want Spirit freak?" Shane grumbled, grumpy that he got woken up by his mother. He was at the door in some baggy pants along with a vest. I cocked my head at him, noticing he grew some muscles recently. I wonder if Michael did too. I shook my head then smiled. "We came to get you so you could join us."

"Doing what?"

"We are meeting Lilly!" Claire declared in giggle, which made Shane crack a huge smile. If anyone could get Shane to do something its Claire. "Lets go!"

"Michael coming?" He asked.

Claire shook her head. "He's being tortured by his awful parents."

Shane chuckled. "Alright hold on. Come on in if you guys want."

We did. Walking in all the times I've known Shane I've always adored his house. It wasn't a mansion but it wasn't tiny either. It was a five bedroom, a connected kitchen, a connected dinning area that connects to the medium sized living space. The five bedrooms for Shane's parents. Alyssa Shane's older sister, Kylie, Shane's younger sister, Shane's bedroom then Shane's older brother Blaine, Though he's away for medical school. I guessed over all these years Shane's mother liked rhyming….some how. Not sure though. Never asked. Claire and I took our seats at on the big couch. It seemed like today was a full house since I heard giggling from the other bedrooms. Kylie came running out to us with a huge smile. "Claire! Evie!" She greeted. She was about eleven. Alyssa came out, her hands on her hips as she eyed her sister. She gave giggling Kylie a look. She was not amused. Alyssa is seventeen, while Blaine was about twenty. "Okay squirt give me my notebook."

"So you could write love stories about your boyfriend."

Alyssa glared then sucked in a breath. "Mom! Kylie wont give me back my book!"

Kylie pouted. "Don't get mama into this I was just having fun!"Shane's mother descended from the staircase, oh yes the bedrooms were upstairs. "What are you two fussing about?" She sighed, calmly though. Even in her early forties she still looked young as ever. Her hair, brown was to her back. Her eyes were filled with chocolate brown eyes. Her body looked in good shape for her age.

"Kylie took my book." Alyssa repeated, more quieter though. Alyssa looked like her mother. Although her hair was shoulder length. Her body seemed smaller, she was probably an inch shorter than her mom. Her eyes were colored chocolate brown as well.

"It was only for fun! Plus I didn't read it!" Kylie defended. Kylie was eleven. She was a bit tall but not to tall. Her hair was the color of her dad's hair which is red. Her eyes were grass green. She still had baby fat on her and a baby face but she looked beautiful either way. Now Blaine has red hair and green eyes, same as his sister Kylie. Last time I saw him, he was about a foot or two tall than his sisters and mother, a foot taller than Shane. About his dad's height.

At this time Shane's dad strolled in from the back door. He smiled as he came to his wife's side. "Hello" He smiled.

"Hello." She gave him a small smile. "Your kids are feuding again."

Shane's dad chuckled as he looked at his two daughters. "Okay girls whatever it is settle it." He calmly said. Kylie gave back Alyssa's journal. Alyssa gave her sister a glare. "Keep out of my room." She told Kylie before trotting back upstairs to her room. Shane's mom sighed then frowned at Kylie when she saw her daughter looking miserable. "She hates me." Kylie stated.

"She doesn't. She's just being a teenager." Shane's dad smiled. Shane's door finally opened, revealing him in a different vest and pants. His hair was combed. He leaned on the banister to look down at us. "Hey mom, dad is it okay if I go out with Eve and Claire?"

The two parents looked at us with surprise, more of Shane's dad more than his mother. "How rude are we." Shane's dad chuckled. "Sorry you two had to see that."

Claire shook her head as Kylie stood beside her. "No sorry's at all, we're mainly family right so its cool. Plus I don't have siblings so its cool to see them go at it." She laughed.

Shane's parents chuckled. Shane's mom looked up at her son. "Did you clean your room Shane?"

Shane made a oh crap face. "Could I do it tonight."

"You said that last night dear." She sighed. Shane rushed down to her then gave her a hug.

"Please…." He begged. She rolled her eyes with a sigh. "Alright fine. On one condition."

Shane rose his brow then shrugged. "Watch your sister Kylie for me, since I know your sister wont. I have much to do today and so does your father."

Shane smiled then nodded. "Of course I'll watch her." He skipped over to his little sister then hugged her hard, making her giggle. He loved his sisters, even his brother. But when it comes to his sisters and mother….he'd do anything for them, im sure he would do the same for his father and brother. Claire hopped up. I got to my feet, slow and steady. Unsure if a eleven year old should come with us or not. We said our goodbyes to Shane's parents and headed off.

"So what are we doing?" Kylie asked as she hugged her brother's neck. Shane adjusted her before responding. "Your going to see Evie in action."

I sighed then stared at him. "Don't call me that please. Spirit is the name."

"Fine. Spirit. Whatever." Shane rolled his eyes. Claire skipped between us. "So you think Lilly is gone?" She asked.

I shook my head. "I can still feel her presence. Like I can feel my moms."

"Will we see the ghost?" Kylie asked. Looking at me. I shook my head. "I can only see them….I can only hear them as well."

"Then why are we going?" She asked with a frown.

Claire giggled "Because we might see Lilly with that Spirit Killer."

I stopped in my tracks. As soon as they realized I stopped they came back to my side. I stared down at Claire. "What did you just say?" I asked.

She scratched her head. "I just assumed that we were going back to that abandon house…Lilly might be there looking for her dad…."

I widened my eyes. "I never….thought of that." I pondered it over on the way to the abandon house. Once there Kylie frowned. "We're going in there?"

"I am." I said. I looked over at her. "You should stay out here. Its pretty dangerous in there."

Kylie pouted then sucked in a breath. "And let you have all the fun? I don't think so!"

I rolled my eyes. Since the day I knew Kylie she's been the risk taker, well attempted risk taking, though deep inside her I knew lie a small scared little girl. Although I think that's for every girl. Even me. Sometimes I feel like a scared little girl, I just don't show it.

"And have me killed if something happens to you? No thank you." Shane said as he let her on the ground. "I'll stay out here with you…."

"No!" Kylie frowned. "I don't like being left out…..please….." She sounded hurt. I sighed. I laid my hand on her head, making her turn towards me, I crouched down to her level. "We're are not leaving you out of anything. We are just doing investigation work. Well I am. I just brought Claire to be my see in the future gal and Shane…well we just brought him here for back up. Plus I'd rather you be out here."

Kylie still frowned. I smiled. "How about this….if you stay out here with your brother then I'll treat you to lunch."

She smiled at that, held out hand. "Shake."

I chuckled at her demand then took her hand. "Alright. Be a good girl or no treating you."

Kylie nodded. I proceeded to enter, with Claire behind. I stopped at the narrow hallway, the only light coming in the hallway was the windows from the bedrooms. The bedroom doors were still opened. "Lets just not be in here at night….that spirit whatever might kill us for sure this time." Claire said. I strolled slowly down the hall, looking from side to side, in each room. I turned back then joined Claire in the small living room. It was lit by the daylight. I noticed the valuables were still left here. "Lilly?" I called out. No answer. I cocked my head at the windows before covering them up with old dusty blankets. Once the windows were covered it was darker in her. Still seeable but dark. "Lilly…."

"Yes…" I heard an echoing voice behind me. Turning I saw Lilly, hugging her stuffed animal. "My daddy is gone…..my mama is gone….my brother…..help me Spirit…." She cried. I felt Claire's eyes on me. "What's she saying?" She asked in a whisper. Lilly stared at Claire wide eyed. "Who is she?" Lilly asked, scared.

"She's my best friend and partner in helping you. Her name is Claire. She cant see you. Nor hear you."

Lilly nodded. "Why cant I find my family?" Lilly sobbed. I crouched down. Claire did the same. She stared at the spot where Lilly was. It was like Claire was trying to see her. "What is she saying?" Claire asked again.

"She's just a little freaked out." I told Claire. I smiled at Lilly to let her know that its going to be okay. "Sweetie for in order to you to meet your family you have to make amends in this world before going to the next world which is where your family is."

Lilly scratched her head as she thought. A few long seconds passed by before she confessed. "I killed my best friends cat by accident and never told her…..I was sad….and never got a chance to apologize for my stupidity." Bingo. I nodded., then told Claire what Lilly said. "Who's your friend? Lilly." I asked.

"Becky Hilton. She's two years older than me." Lilly offered.

"Her best friend's name is Becky Hilton." I told Claire. Claire scrubbed her chin, as she went on thinking I went back to Lilly.

"Do you know where to find her. We need to make amends with her."

Lilly nodded slowly. "Maybe I do."

I smiled at Claire then at Lilly. "Great. Where to?"

I scanned the small cabin like house, it was around twilight. We've been everywhere searching for this girl, finally we found the right spot. I stared at sleeping Kylie on Shane's back with a frown. "Sorry Shane that I tired out your sister so much…..we should of taken her back home before we came here."

Shane smiled at me. "No problem. Plus if you girls have any trouble Mike will be there."

"What?" I asked, wasn't expecting Michael to show up. Shane jerked his head past me, turning I saw Michael's smiling face. "Michael!"

"In the flesh!" He chuckled. "My parents finally let me go after refusing like 30 girls…..a day or two of them still not getting the hint will drive me insane….."

I smiled. Held his hand. "Thank god you're here now. Lets go."

He nodded then looked at Shane. "Keep an eye out okay. I don't like us out after dark. I may be prince but I cant keep us all safe. Hell not even me."

Shane rolled his eyes. "I'll be fine. Go."

We nodded then went up to the cabin. Claire knocked. I saw a white figure appear in front of us and the door. Lilly looked up at me with a smile. The door finally opened after knocking again. A woman appeared. She looked about in her thirties. "May I help you kids?" She asked.

I let go of Michael's hand before stepping up. "Yes ma'am we're sorry to bother you but….is your daughter Becky Hilton?" I asked.

The woman looked skeptical at first as she folded her arms across her chest. "Yes. And how do you know my daughter?"

"Well you see ma'am-" Claire started.

"That's a long story. May we come in and talk?" I asked in the nicest way possible. The woman hesitated for a moment then nodded. She moved aside as we piled in. "What about him?" She asked pointing at Shane, who was now sitting against the fence post, holding his sleeping sister.

"He's just waiting outside." Michael said. I could tell the woman wanted to urge on but she didn't. She led us into a big room with a square wooden table in the center, chairs surrounding it. Obviously the dinning area. The woman sat after we all were seated. I saw Lilly sitting next to the woman. "My daughter is sleeping at the moment. She hasn't been well since her friend's death."

I bit my lip. "See about that. That's why we're here sort of. You see…Lilly is stuck as a ghost in this world, she wishes to forward into the other world, where her deceased family is at."

The woman rose her brow. "What?" She choked.

"Im sorry ma'am. You see….my name is Spirit. Since I was little I could see and hear ghosts. So my mother taught me to embrace it instead fearing it. Anyways Lilly who died at five wants to pass on….go to the other side?"

The woman nodded skeptically but she kept listening. "Her mother and George passed on a year before she passed on I think. Her dad was abusive and well she died from starvation. Her father…died from well who knows what really but anyways Lilly wishes to be with her family but she is unable to do it because an issue that hasn't been resolved or she hadn't found closure to her past life. that's why we are here. Lilly told us that She needed to tell her best friend something that she never got to. Also it may be because of your daughter being upset that holds her back as well." I explained, Looking at Lilly bobbing her head up and down a bit. The woman looked like she was about to throw us out when a small girl walked in, rubbing her eye. "Mommy what's going on?"

The woman held out her arm to her daughter, she proceeded to put the small girl in her lap. "These people want to speak with you."

The girl stared at them in wonderment. She frowned. "Did I do something I shouldn't have done?"

I smiled a kind one to let her know im not the big bad wolf. "No, no honey. I take it that your Becky Hilton."

She nodded dumbfounded.

"Well this may be difficult for you to hear Becky but….your friend Lilly…she's here."

Becky widened her eyes and looked around then frowned at me. "I don't see her."

"You cant. She's a spirit, you see she wants to pass on….do you know what that means?"

"Like go to haven?"

I nodded. "Anyways for her to reunite with her family is to get a issue resolved or closure to end her life here. You understand?"

Becky nodded. Oddly interested. I continued. "Lilly is sitting beside your mama right now." Becky snapped her eyes over to the empty chair beside them. She slowly reached her hand out then pulled it back in as if she just stuck her hand in Jell-O. Becky looked back at me, skeptically. I smiled at them and stared at Lilly who stared right back then stared at her friend. "Tell Becky I accidentally ran over her cat on the last day I saw her…..I wanted to tell her, I did but I was to afraid that she'd hate me. Tell her im really sorry for killing him…."

I nodded. "Lilly said that she accidentally ran over your cat the last day she saw you….she wanted to tell you but was to afraid you'd hate her. She said she was sorry fro killing him." Becky looked baffled after my words came out. She frowned. "If this is a joke its not funny-"

"Its not a joke." Claire intervened. "Your cat….was black, white tip on the tail. His name was Blackite."

The mother and child looked bewildered this time. "How did you know!" Becky asked in a shaken voice.

"Psychic….I can see into the future, see some past things of people….it varies." Claire responded.

Lilly cleared her throat. "Tell Becky to stop crying over me….. Tell her im going to a better place now if she lets me go…"

I nodded. "Becky….Lilly told you to stop crying over her…..she'll be going to a better place once you let go."

Becky frowned then looked at the table. "She was my first and only friend…..I don't think I can ever let her go….. I love her too much…."

"I know its hard to let go the one's you love. Trust me im still doing it. But…..if you really love them, you'd want them to be happy….right?"

Becky nodded. Miserably. I could tell Becky wanted to cry but she didn't. she clenched her fists then nodded. "Lilly…. You were my first, and only best friend. Sure I'll meet other best friends but nobody will compete with you…..I love you very much…..so that's why….im letting you go…." Becky's jaw tightened, obviously trying not to cry. "Lilly….Be safe. Have fun playing with George up there okay? I'll miss you…..goodbye…." Becky choked but kept her cool.

I watched Lilly stand/float up to wrap her ghostly arms around Becky, then whispered the words. "I'll always watch over you. I love you too….I'll miss you…. Goodbye….my first and only friend…." A tear streamed down Lilly's cheek. She hugged tighter to Becky, and Becky really actually felt it. She closed her eyes. Her mouth mouthed the word, goodbye. Lilly had slowly vanished.

Gone.

Sometimes this job is the most painful job I have ever experienced…

Just the goodbyes are painful enough.

Outside of Claire's house I held onto Michael as I finished my sobbing from that painful goodbye's between friends. Once done I wiped my tears then smiled at Michael. "Sorry about that."

"No issue. Anyways its late." He smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow for sure….since im having you meet my parents…officially as my girlfriend so they can stop with the torture."

I widened my eyes. "Im meeting your parents?"

"And grandparents." He gave me a smile as if it was just casual. A no big deal kind of thing. No, no. it is certainly a big deal.

A huge deal that im meeting Michael's parents as his girlfriend.

Lovely.

Alright im finally done! Yesh! Stayed up most of the night to get this thing done. It was so fun that I almost didn't want to stop but whateves.

Please. Please. Please Review on my hard work on this chapter, oh sorry for it being so long…..kinda got carried away…..yeahhhhh anyways hoped you liked! I'll get chapter 5 up as soon as I can!

Love you!

-MIKI-