Author's Note: I just wanted to thank those of you that have followed the story and wrote reviews. It means a lot to me! I was really nervous posting this story. 🙈

So here are two new chapters. Are you ready for Zak Bagans? 😉

Chapter 5: Zak Bagans

All 6'0" of this tall, dark and haunted man had stepped into the room, and Good Lord, he was beautiful. Man…he's better looking in person, I thought, trying not to blush.

He was wearing his traditional "all black" attire - baggy, black jeans, and a long sleeved black shirt - his dark hair perfectly sculpted into his trademark style. Noticing his clothing immediately makes me realize that I too, am wearing all black. I hope he didn't take it as some sort of sign of obsession with him.

He was looking at his phone, which had a set of earbuds plugged into it. He took the earbuds out of his ears as he tapped the screen on his phone. Whatever is running through his mind, I could tell by looking at him he was in a dark mood.

"Hey bro! You won't believe this! This is Alicia Wilde, the applicant for today. She worked on 'Uncharted' bro!" Aaron exclaimed excitedly, motioning to me, and apparently hadn't sensed Zak's mood like I had.

"Oh, really?" Zak replied, not sounding at all impressed.

He walked to his desk, not looking at me, or stopping to introduce himself.

As Aaron saw him approaching, he got up out of the chair and moved to sit on the edge of Zak's desk, one leg bent along the edge, the other stretched out casually.

I noticed that now Aaron seemed to be noticing Zak's mood, and was wondering what was going on.

Zak sat down on the chair, setting his phone and earbuds aside. He kept his eyes down on his desk, avoiding looking at me. My social anxiety started rearing its ugly head.

What's wrong with me? Do I look weird? Do I smell? I questioned myself, and grimaced slightly at my foolishness. Aaron seemed perfectly fine around me.

Zak picked up the printout from its folder and leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his massive chest. I see his eyes quickly scanned the printout.

With his attention diverted, I studied his face. He looked tired, no…downright exhausted. He had dark circles under his eyes, and his eyes looked swollen. Almost like he had been crying, but I can't bring myself to imagine Zak Bagans crying.

I sat nervously, but quietly, as he read the printout. The room is dark and filled with nothing but tension. That, combined with the look on Zak's face, I knew this was not going to go well.

I swallowed nervously.

"This would be quite a job change. Going from a Motion Capture Artist to a Paranormal Investigator," Zak finally spoke, tossing the paper onto the desk and finally looked up at me, still with his arms folded. Good God, his eyes. Those beautiful, hazel eyes...

"Why the change in career?" Zak questioned, keeping his eyes on me. I felt like he was staring into my soul. Damn…he's intimidating. I thought, as I shifted slightly in my chair, doing my best to remain calm.

"Need a change of pace. Change of scenery." I replied.

I really hoped he wasn't going to try to get my whole life story the first time we met each other. I wasn't ready to open that door yet. I shouldn't have to.

Zak studied me briefly before he asked, "Why? I would think being a Motion Capture artist for video games would be a fairly interesting job, and differ from day to day."

What is this guys problem? I thought.

"It was." I replied, then added, "But I also have an interest in the Paranormal."

"Well, I would hope so, since you're applying for this job," Zak replied swiftly.

"Bro…" Aaron said softly, looking at Zak with a bit of a "what the hell?" look on his face.

Zak ignored him.

"Have you had paranormal experiences?" Zak asked.

Oh hell…

"Yes," I replied. You're not getting the details outta me pal.

Zak's eyes narrowed.

"Like what?" He asked.

I couldn't help but narrow my eyes slightly.

"I see things. I hear things." I replied.

Zak chuckled.

"Generally, that's what most paranormal experiences are," Zak said, rather sarcastically.

I normally was horrible with confrontations. I'd had low self-esteem all my life, and being shy didn't help. But Zak was really pushing my buttons the wrong way. The interview had been going so well…

"Obviously," I retorted. "But you asked me a question and I answered it," I added.

There, take that, sarcastic bastard.

Zak didn't flinch in the slightest.

"Well, perhaps you could elaborate on these experiences?" Zak said, looking at me intently.

I had to force myself not to look away.

"They happen randomly. I usually see a manifestation of some kind. At times, it'll talk to me," I replied, figuring that should be enough detail. But once again, I misjudged him.

"So you actually see a figure?" Zak asked, seeming slightly surprised.

"Yes," I responded simply. Please don't ask more…

"Someone you know?" Zak questioned, his eyes staring through my soul again.

I couldn't stop myself from hesitating slightly. I know a quick flash of sadness appeared on my face, but I acted like it didn't happen.

"No," I tried to say convincingly, but I noticed my voice had gone quieter.

Zak studied me for a moment, and I know he could tell I was lying.

"This job is personal," Zak stated. "It deals with people's emotions. We interview people at every location. We have to get them to open up to us. Share their personal details. If we don't, we can't connect with them. We won't know what we're walking into. If we don't get people to open up about their experiences, regardless of how painful or terrifying they might be, the show doesn't connect with the audience," Zak explained. Although it sounded more like a lecture.

I had seen the show. I'll admit, I hadn't watched it from the beginning, as I hadn't heard of it right away. But I watched the last two seasons with each new episode that aired, plus I had seen plenty of re-airings of episodes from various seasons. I had also seen, and now continued to watch, 'Ghost Adventures Aftershocks'. I knew how the show worked.

"I know that," I responded softly.

Damn it. I was losing my nerve.

Zak narrowed his eyes slightly. That wasn't the answer he was looking for.

"I can't have someone on the team who can't get personal or show their emotions," Zak stated.

I felt this opportunity slipping from beneath my fingers.

"I can get personal. I can show my emotions," I said, trying to sound tough about it. But I could feel the tears coming on.

"I'm not going to be play babysitter to someone overly emotional either," Zak states, no emotion in his voice at all.

Oh, that does it.

My pain and upset almost immediately turned to anger. How dare he call me "over emotional" when he knew nothing of my life? Of what I've been through?

There was no way in hell was I going to let this guy make my cry now.

"Look, I can get personal and show my emotions. I may be 'overemotional' at times," I started, making quotes with my fingers. "But I've had plenty of encounters through out my life where people have laughed, scoffed, or just plain rejected me for telling them the full details of my paranormal experiences." I continued.

I felt my emotions heightening, and I thought I detected a slight change of emotion on Zak's face. But it was too late for him now. He had gone too far.

I stood up.

"I am more than willing to share my experiences, but not until I'm ready. It's too personal, and too painful. Considering the experiences I've seen you go through on the show, I would think you of all people would understand that. I applied for this job because I want answers. I want to know why I'm having these experiences when others don't. I want to know why I've had to be haunted all these years!"

Damn it, too emotional Ali.

"And taking my previous job into consideration, I know my way around electronics," I said, quickly changing topic. "I can handle a camera. I can film. I can edit. I'm a fast learner, and love learning new technology. But I guess I was wrong, and this job isn't for me." I said, turning toward the door and started to walk toward it.

I heard movement behind me.

"Alicia, wait," I heard Aaron say, his voice full of sympathy.

I felt my eyes start to water.

Damn it.

I looked back at him regardless.

"It was nice to meet you Aaron," I said softly, not acknowledging Zak further, and quickly turned and left the room, letting the door slam behind me.

I walked toward the door leading to the hall, eager to get out to my car. To get away from anyone who could see me.

"I'll look forward to seeing you again dear," I heard the receptionist say.

I glanced at her, dumbfounded. Surely she must have been able to see the interview didn't go well?

"I'm pretty sure I'm not getting the job," I said softly. Holly smiled at me.

"I wouldn't be so sure about that," she said, winking at me.

I looked at her a moment longer, then simply nodded.

I turned to the door and walked out into the hall. I headed to the stairs, not daring to look at any of the glass panes as I passed them. I didn't need or want to see my sister's triumphant face.