"In the time of scary things, you always hope the one you love will be there… but what happens when you just want them to leave you alone?"
Chapter Thirty-Two
I heard more voices.
"…How long has she been out?"
"I dunno Edward. She's just tired… always being watched. She needs a break. I can watch her… you guys go to the movies…" Emmett argued. I would be eternally grateful that he was on my side just this once.
"Just go. I can look out for her. She just wants some peace and quiet." Emmett said and he sounded annoyed. I didn't dare wake up.
"Come on Bella. Open your eyes. Help him out." Keenan said.
He's not really there. He's not really there. He's not really there. I kept repeating that over and over again in my head. He wasn't there and when I opened my eyes I'd see he wasn't, but not until they left.
"Alright… Call if you need something." Jasper finally said and they all left and I slowly woke up. No Keenan.
"How long was I out for?" I asked as I sat up and realized it was dark out.
"You've been out since last night… it's eight-ish." Keenan and Emmett said at the same time. I sighed.
I needed to figure out why Keenan kept popping up. I couldn't handle it. I needed to know… I needed someone I can trust.
"Emmett…" I started. I locked eyes with Keenan.
"Yeah Bells?" he asked.
"Can I trust you?" I asked. Emmett looked at me and Keenan looked sad.
"Don't do it Bella."
"Of course Bella… What's going on?" Emmett asked now completely focusing on me. I wasn't sure what to say. Keenan looked sad and hurt and Emmett was worried.
"How do you know you can really trust this guy? Bella, I'm only here for you." He kept repeating that as if it would unlock all the answers I had. But he's here for me… that's great but what does he want… I've seen enough movies to know that when people start seeing dead people they are (1) going crazy or (2) the living person needs closure. Well I got my closure, so I must be insane.
"Um… Emmett have you ever lost a family member?" I finally asked.
"Um, no Bells I haven't… why?" he asked.
"I'm not sure… just wondering I suppose." He seemed confused. I couldn't. Just the way Keenan had warned me against saying anything made me think he knew something that I didn't.
"Now… where's the remote." I said looking around the couch for it. Emmett looked worried.
"Bella, its right there… on the table." Emmett said and he looked at me strangely. I blinked and saw it.
"Oh… huh…" I said and shook my head. I flicked channels but my head started to hurt. I rubbed my temples.
"What's the matter?" Keenan asked. I looked up at him. I couldn't answer.
"I've got a bad headache." I was barely able to get the words out. My head was pounding. Even the lights hurt my head. I grabbed the remote out of Emmett's hand and clicked it off.
"Can you get me something…?" I whispered. Emmett left and headed upstairs.
"Bella… are you sure there isn't anything I can't get you?" Keenan asked.
"Keenan, I need to know why are you here?" I asked.
"I don't understand… and… I'm happy to see you but I don't get why?" I asked. My head was about to explode I needed to do something.
"I told you, I'm here for you Isabella Morgan." He said. I couldn't sit there any longer. I ran upstairs to the bathroom just in time to vomit. My head hurt that bad.
"Oh Bella!" Emmett whispered as he held my hair. I sat crumpled around the toilet lying on the floor. I was taking deep breaths. I slowly got up and brushed my teeth. I sat back down on the floor and pressed my face to the cool tile.
"Bella, what's the matter? I need to know how you're feeling…" Emmett begged. I could tell he was struggling to keep from calling everyone.
"I… I have such a bad headache and I don't know what to do… I got one once after Keenan died…" I whispered.
"Call the others they'll be upset." I whispered as to rub my head. I was sitting on the floor of the bathroom in the dimly lit light of a night light. Emmett left. I stood but fell back to my knees and started to vomit. Someone came and held my hair. I'd have to thank Emmett for this.
I was leaning over the toilet when I heard footsteps. They got back fast…
"Here Bella, I brought you some water." Emmett said. I was finally able to pull my head out of the toilet. Keenan was standing next to me. He smiled.
"Thanks Em," I whispered.
"Bella, you'll be okay. This will pass." Keenan said as I drank.
"I called Jazz; they're on their way home. He's picking up some headache medicine because we… oblivious don't have any." Emmett looked down.
"Em, I'll be fine… I feel loads better already." I said my voice sounded stronger. I was able to stand. I flicked on the light as I brushed my teeth.
"Bella, you shouldn't lie to him. They should know the truth about how you are feeling. They'll figure it out sooner or later." Keenan said. He sounded just like he had when they were kids.
"I'm going to let you wash up and stuff." Emmett said after a few heart beats of thinking. He closed the door and headed down stairs.
"Keenan, how can I tell them the truth when even I, do not know what's going on?" I asked. "Give me some answer… please." I whispered.
"Bella, I can't." He whispered. I sighed. I splashed water in my face. I turned and Keenan looked sad. I started walking over to the door and he pulled me in for a hug. He was dead. He wasn't supposed to be able to do that. I shouldn't be able to smell him… or feel him. I looked up at him. He leaned down and gently kissed me. I stared at him for a long minute and then I felt the bathroom and headed down stairs.
Hit or miss?