Epilogue: 2020
I've lived in the Murder House almost two whole years now and I still couldn't get over the fact that I basically lived in a house full of ghosts. They were my friends and family but dead all the same. I kept working on my documentary until it was as good as it was going to get. I submitted it to my boss who, for the first time, appraised my work without a single complaint. In fact, he flipped through the minimally bound papers with raised brows I knew meant he was more than impressed. He showed it to the higher ups who didn't hesitate to find a publisher for me. It felt great. For once in my life I reached my goal without my father holding me back. I did it. It was hard work, both physical and mental, but I came out a better, stronger person for it. Needless to say it was a big hit once it was selling. I made sure to include my mom in its wealth so that she could live comfortably. I also took the time to visit her regularly. She told me she was proud. When I was putting the book together I only used the real names of those who had already been revealed on the news.
I changed the ones still undiscovered for the protection of their identity and out of respect. Anyone who read it didn't focus so much on names as much as they did the stories behind them anyway. They were far more interested in how I even acquired such information. It blew their minds that after years and years of death I walked in and out of the house like nothing at all had happened there. I was crazy to some and a mystery to others. It didn't take long to hit popularity highs and everyone knew my face. That in itself was something I wasn't familiar with and in a way presented a challenge I hadn't had before. But with support from my ghostly family and Tori I was able to get past it all. I had done multiple signings already but tonight I would be going live for an interview. Tori was ecstatic and helped me get ready. Now that all my things had been moved to the house it started to look lively. My style fit with it but added a more modern touch. No one had any complaints.
Tori practically dressed me up and promised she would gather anyone who wanted to watch the interview in the living room where a forty two inch TV sat. That was something else I had added to the house. More technology. There was now internet and cable which the older ghosts liked to fiddle with. They never took an interest in the living until I exposed them to it in a way no one could, now that trust between us was established. So after Tori made sure I looked breathtaking she kissed me goodbye and I left. By the time I reached the studio it took another half hour of prep time before we were ready. But soon, the time came when I was seated on the plush couch while the host sat at his desk. The cameras rolled and I was introduced. Question after question was asked and the audience was even given a chance to ask me things. I let myself relax and just be me; snarky, blunt, sarcastic humor, and all. They seemed to love it. After quieting the crowd the host turned to me.
"I think what everyone really wants to know is if you're single or not," he began, the crowd cheering. I chuckled and shook my head.
"Of course we'd come to this," I mumbled.
"I mean, living in the famous Murder House, communicating with the dead, enduring multiple injuries. How can you not have everyone vying for your attention? You're like a local badass," he stated to the hoots and cat-calls of the audience. I waited for them to fall quiet before answering.
"Nowadays the place isn't nearly as threatening as it used to be. I think I'm to blame for ruining that aspect of it," I joked.
"Oh, so it's perfect for inviting people over now? Like throwing a party or…inviting someone after a date maybe?" he hinted. The audience cheered again and I laughed.
"No, no dates," I told him. The crowd pouted and made sounds of disappointment but the host gestured for them to fall silent. Before continuing I looked directly at the camera.
"I'm too in love with my work and the people who made all this possible to need anyone more. Let's just say the late Victoria Vega was my inspiration to even think of achieving this goal. When I heard about her passing away I just had an urge to solve the mystery of that house, and maybe even ease her spirit. So, I'm thankful to her most of all," I said, allowing my words to soften with the mention of my love. Hopefully she was watching right now and could hear my love for her. It was all for her. The audience awed at my tender words and the host nodded slowly.
"She touched us all indeed. It's a shame she died so young," he commented.
"It is," I agreed, suddenly needing to get home and see her.
"It was nice getting to talk to you, Jade. I hope all goes well from here," he told me, standing. I stood to take his hand and shake it.
"It was nice talking to all of you too. Don't lose your humor, it's the reason I even agreed to be on your show," I teased him, with my signature smirk in place. He laughed and so did the audience.
"You're cheeky," he remarked with a smile. I shrugged.
"I try," I answered.
"Jade West everyone! Author of Life After Death and current owner of the Murder House!" he announced one last time. The audience's applause followed me out and the cameras cut out to commercial. Backstage I was offered a water bottle I took with thanks. I met and held conversations with a few VIP guests then I was finally on my way home. I got out to stand in the front yard and looked up to see Tori happily smiling at me from a window. She was waiting for me like a dog awaiting their owner. As soon as I opened the door to step inside she jumped into my arms and I spun her around. She kissed me firmly and then hugged me close.
"You're so sweet, Jade," she told me, referring to what I said about her. I scoffed and rolled my eyes but answered honestly.
"I said it from the heart," I replied.
"I know. I could practically feel it," she said, meeting my eyes.
"You've given me so much Tori. I'll only ever love you," I stated sincerely, brushing her nose with mine. She grinned and leaned in to kiss me when an impatient meow stopped us. Binx was up on his hind legs, kneading into the side of my leg. I used to have to stop him because it irritated my leg but now it wasn't a problem. He looked up at me with his luminous yellow eyes that stood out against his pitch black fur and I chuckled.
"Just like you to need my attention too," I directed at him. Tori picked him up so that he was level with us. I pecked Tori on the lips and then ruffled Binx's ears. I wrapped my arm around Tori's waist and she leaned into me. We took the stairs up where Tate and Violet appeared to congratulate me. I fell comfortably into their presence and silently thanked Victoria Vega again for a life I hadn't anticipated but loved all the same.