Dizzy from the flight, I barely had a chance to read the sign above the door as he dragged me inside.
"A psychic? Beej, I don't know about this…what if they exorcise you?"
"She won't."
We went into a musty, incense-filled room wrapped in drapes and throw rugs and pillows. A sparkly-robed old woman sat behind a table and rested her hands on a crystal ball.
"Oh…are you back so soon? And you brought a girl with you? Honestly, I cannot act as a drop point for your escapades!" she reprimanded us. I realized she was blind, as her eyes were clouded and white. I also expected she was yelling at Beetlejuice, since I had never seen her before in my life.
I also wondered how she could see I was female, but then realized that if she could see Beetlejuice as well, she must have some sort of sixth sense.
Makes sense. She's a psychic, after all.
"Sorry Amelia. Can you keep this chick's body fresh for awhile after she kicks the bucket?" he asked, ever the frank one.
"What? Are you joking?"
"Nope. Kid wants to see the Neitherworld. I figure you've got experience keeping your own bag of bones alive while you're visiting; you can do the same for her."
"Keeping my simple, unhealthy body alive is one thing. Keeping a young, vibrant one is another thing entirely. What do you take me for? Some sort of morgue-for-hire?" she berated him.
"Amelia! C'mon, it's not like it'll cost you anything! You owe me."
She made a disgusted noise and told me to sit down. When I did, she took my hand in hers and traced it with her wizened fingers. I became relaxed and sleepy, unaware of anything around me.
I was aware of only three words before I fell asleep.
"Do it now."
My eyes fluttered open and I strained to rub the grogginess away and focus them. When I did, I almost fainted again.
My surroundings were twisted and dark are just plain creepy. I felt my right eye twitch for a moment before I began to scream.
My voice had just barely carried before I felt a hand clasp over my mouth. Beetlejuice appeared in my sight and I eyed him with wide optics.
"Shhh! Do you want us to get caught?! You're an unauthorized ghost! If they catch us, you might never get sent back! Not to mention never getting to move on, either! Completely setting aside why we're here in the first place!" he hissed, looking around warily.
I mumbled behind his hand and he sighed.
"I used one of the old bag's pillows to do the job. Least painful and doesn't leave any mark. Alright?"
I nodded and he took his hand away. "What about my body?" I asked quietly.
"She's keeping it on ice for you."
I decided not to go into it. He gave a last look at the ground and took my hand, pulling me into the air. I discovered I could hover in the air, even if I couldn't steer or fly!
"C'mon, I know a place we can go while we wait to see where your guy is."
