A/N: Thanks for your reviews; sorry for the delay!

Chapter 4

"What am I supposed to do while you're sleeping?" Sarah McKenzie asked as Johanna ushered her into the guest room that night.

"Rest," Johanna replied as she turned back the covers on the bed for her.

"I'm not tired."

"You are, you just don't know it," she remarked. "Besides, you can use some time to yourself to think about how we're going to get you out of this predicament."

"Oh what's the use," Sarah said petulantly as she flopped down on the bed; "There's nothing to be done; I'm going to be stuck here forever."

"With that attitude you might be," Johanna replied.

Sarah frowned at her. "What attitude would you suggest that I have?"

"Your more upbeat, positive one…you know, the one you browbeat your grandchildren to have."

"That's different."

"I'm not sure that it is. Come on, Sarah; I know you're feeling down and that you're worried but we'll get it figured out."

"I'm not so sure about that."

Johanna sighed. "If nothing else; I'm sure this has taught you about minding your boundaries."

The spirit's eyes narrowed. "Oh like you always mind your boundaries."

"Sarah; I'm not the one who ticked off the highest power to be that there is…so…I think you better start bringing your attitude down a few notches."

Sarah huffed a little, sadness marring her features. "What am I going to do while you're sleeping? Give me a real answer; not one about my attitude."

"Let's start with what you're not going to do," Johanna stated. "You're not going to go downstairs and play with the stove or microwave. You're not going to try and use the computers. You're not going to unlock the doors and go outside."

"Well if you're going to take all the fun out of everything why don't you just chain me in the attic?" Sarah replied.

"Don't tempt me."

"Don't be mean, Josie. This wasn't my idea."

"I know it wasn't…but you've been pretty damn sour all night, Sarah. No matter what Jim and I tried to do to make you comfortable or to help figure this out, you railed against it. Quit honestly, you were being a pain in the ass…and we're not the ones who put you in this situation."

"I'm sorry," her grandmother remarked. "I didn't mean to be that way…it's just how I feel lately."

"We're going to have to change that if we're going to get you back where you're supposed to be. As for tonight, there's a TV in here," Johanna said, moving to the dresser and picking up the remote that was beside the small TV. She turned it on and carried the remote to Sarah. "Here are the buttons to change the channel; these buttons are for volume…but don't go turning it up sky high just to see how high it will go…because then I'll be very angry and you won't like that. The volume it's at right now is acceptable; a notch up is also acceptable…not any higher."

Sarah nodded. "I understand."

"I put some magazines on the nightstand for you to look at; you might find them interesting."

"I'm probably not in need of decorating tips," Sarah said as she glanced at the cover of Good Housekeeping. "It's not like I have a home to decorate."

Johanna rolled her eyes. "Then don't look at those articles."

"I probably don't need health tips either…considering it's far too late for it," Sarah remarked; noting the caption on the cover about living your best and healthiest life.

"Fine, Sarah; don't look at the magazines then. I just thought it would be something to keep you occupied and that you might gain some insight into the modern world. There are some books on the bookshelf over there in the corner; maybe something there will be more to your liking."

"I don't know if I feel like reading."

"Then watch the TV."

"Can't I play the candy game on your phone?"

"No; I'm not letting you have my phone all night."

"Why not?"

"Because I make sure it stays charged and is nearby in case Katie would need me in the middle of the night. Her pregnancy makes her nervous and sometimes she needs extra reassurance."

Sarah sighed a little. "Fine…what about that other thing the candy game is on?"

"No; I'd rather you not use electronic devices when you're unsupervised."

"I don't see why."

"Because you'll tapping things that you shouldn't, and God only knows what kind of trouble you'd get into."

"But, Josie…"

"No, Sarah. Read or watch TV; that's all I can offer you for now. Hopefully in the morning we can start figuring out how to check things off your to-do list."

"I think it's going to be hard to do."

"That's probably true but we'll manage," Johanna assured. "There's a pen and paper in the nightstand drawer; maybe you should make a list of things you need to do or experience so that you can wrap up your unfinished business."

"You're in a hurry to get rid of me, aren't you?" the spirit asked.

"It's not that," she said honestly. "It's just that I don't know how to do this anymore than you do…and I'm not quite sure I understand all of it. Can just Jim and I see you or can everyone?"

"Everyone," Sarah answered.

"See that's one problem we could run into…how am I going to explain you if someone comes by? I know Jim and I said we could pass you off as a niece or cousin but some people aren't satisfied with simple answers; they want to know who in the family you belong to and why you're here."

"People are quite nosy, aren't they?" Sarah commented.

"Yes, they are…and if it comes up; I'm sure I'll think of a story to tell about you…but I know it's going to be uncomfortable for both of us. I love you and I always enjoy your visits but you have to admit that this is…very different."

The spirit nodded. "Yes, I know it is…I didn't want it to be this way. I know it happens but I never expected it to happen to me."

"You've seen it happen before?" Johanna asked.

"Oh yes; it's not so uncommon."

"So they all come back, right?"

Sarah sighed a little. "Well…most of them do."

"Most?"

"There are a few that are still out there trying to solve their dilemmas."

Johanna wasn't sure she liked the sound of that. "How long have they been out there?"

"There's one that's been out there for at least forty-five years now."

"Oh my God," Johanna muttered.

"He's a stubborn sort of character," Sarah stated, anxious to ease her granddaughter's dismay as she surged to her feet and paced the room. "He's not a typical case…some do take quite awhile…but others are back in a matter of days or weeks…and I know, weeks aren't ideal either…for either one of us," she said, surging to her feet. "Oh, Josie; what am I going to do? How could I have ever gotten myself into such a mess?"

"I think it's just a genetic trait in the women of this family," Johanna replied as she moved closer to her. "We all get ourselves into trouble in one way or another…but we usually find a way out of it after some time."

"As much as I like being here with you and wanting to be a part of this world…I admit that I don't want this to take too long. I…I'm afraid."

She brushed her hand against the other woman's back. "It'll be alright, Sarah; we'll get you back. Let's just settle down for tonight and try to figure things out tomorrow…we'll do better after getting some rest, okay?"

"If you say so."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Do you have to go to bed already?" Sarah asked. "I'm really not tired."

"But I am," Johanna replied. "And so is Jim. He's waiting for me."

Sarah sighed heavily. "Can I at least have the kitty in here?"

Johanna smiled softly. "I'm afraid Scarlett's already settled into the chair in our room."

"I just can't have anything it seems."

"That's not true; I've fed you all day long and you have a nice, safe place to stay with someone who loves you. I know you're afraid…but it's going to be alright…and if we can't exactly figure it out…is it possible that someone up there might be able to help us? I can't imagine that Grandpa is going to want to let you linger too long."

"I don't know if they can help me or not," Sarah admitted. "I may have crossed too many lines."

"I don't think your…what do we call it? Your…misdeeds…are so terribly bad. Everyone gets jealous and defiant once in awhile…especially in our family. We'll find away to take care of your unfinished business and you'll be contrite and apologetic when you get back there…won't you?"

"Oh of course," Sarah said with a nod. "I'm very sorry now."

Johanna nodded. "Crash landing onto a porch in the middle of the night will do that to a person."

"I'd rather not remember that," her grandmother stated as she rubbed a hand against her backside.

"Get some rest, Sarah," Johanna told her. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Josie," Sarah called after her.

"Yes?" Johanna asked as she paused at the threshold of the room.

"I'm cold," she admitted. "I'm not used to feeling a difference in temperature and when I do, I get quite cold."

Johanna assessed the old fashioned green silk dress that her grandmother was wearing and nodded. "I'll find you something warmer to put on. I'll be right back."

Sarah watched as her granddaughter moved across the room; leaving her alone in the unfamiliar space called a guest room. She frowned; her chin trembling with emotion. She hadn't felt this alone since…well…since she had crossed over to the other side. Back then she had been ushered into the arms of her maternal grandmother who had been tasked with teaching her how to maneuver in the spirit world; how to look after her loved ones left on earth and reuniting her with the sister she had lost as a child. She was introduced to other ancestors…made friends…and welcomed her loved ones when they came to join her. Now she had been tossed out on her backside…left alone again with the exception of Johanna. The situation wasn't ideal for either one of them; she knew that all too well. A sigh crossed her lips for the thousandth time that day; what a pickle she had gotten herself into. How was she ever going to get back? It seemed like an impossible task that was far too hard to tackle.

"Here, Sarah," Johanna said as she entered the room with a soft pair of plum colored pajamas. "These will keep you warm."

Sarah glanced at the garments in her granddaughter's hand. "I've never worn pants before."

Johanna's brow rose. "Never?"

"Never."

"Well…there's a first time for everything," Johanna remarked. "You wanted a taste of the modern world; this can be a new one for you."

Sarah worried her bottom lip. "Yes, I suppose so…"

"There's nothing wrong with wearing pants," Johanna assured.

"No; not for you…but I've only ever worn dresses."

She sighed softly. "I understand…but you said you were cold so I thought you'd like something warmer to wear. I don't have any floor length nightgowns; I don't like those. I like shorter nightgowns."

"Yes, I know…I've seen your taste in nightgowns," the spirit remarked.

Johanna's brow rose. "What of it?"

"Nothing, darling; it's just that I couldn't see myself wearing those little things you wear…they don't look like something a grandmother to be would wear."

"Good, I don't want to look like a grandmother," she replied. "I want to keep my husband enticed and interested for as long as possible."

"I don't think you need to worry; he's always been quite enamored with you."

"I want to keep it that way. But if you don't want to wear the pajamas you don't have to…I just thought they'd help you feel warmer."

"I guess it wouldn't hurt to try them," Sarah replied after another moment's debate. "I have always wondered what it would be like to wear pants."

Johanna smiled a little. "Then this can be the first thing we mark off your list."

"Yes, I suppose that's true. You'll have to unzip me," Sarah said, turning her back to her granddaughter.

Johanna caught hold of the zipper and carefully lowered it, being mindful of the aged material. Sarah shed her dress and laid it over the chair in the corner of the room.

"What the hell are those?" Johanna asked; pointing at her grandmother's lower body.

Sarah glanced down in the puzzlement. "They're my underwear; what do you think they are?"

"Those are underwear? They're almost down to your knee!" Johanna exclaimed.

Sarah put her hands on her hips; clad in her old fashioned lingerie. "I'll have you know that my underwear was the height of fashion. I paid a pretty penny for these."

Johanna laughed. "I'm glad they're not the fashion now; I don't think I'd like that."

Sarah's chin jutted up a notch. "I'll have you know that these were the finest underwear that money could buy."

"That may be but they're not going to be comfortable under modern clothes, Sarah."

Sarah's eyes widened. "I can't go without my underwear!"

"I wouldn't dare even suggest it," Johanna replied. "I bought some new pairs the other day when I was out shopping; they were on sale. I'll get you a pair; I'd say we're about the same size."

"Oh dear," the spirit said worriedly as she picked up a throw and wrapped it around herself.

"It'll be fine, Sarah," Johanna said as she left the room once more.

Sarah paced the room, wrapped in the soft white throw, her teeth worrying her bottom lip. "Don't be angry with me, Patrick," she murmured. "I know you prefer women to wear dresses no matter how modern of times it is."

The light on the nightstand flickered and her heart lightened; he was there…not where she could see him but he was near enough to let her know he was around. "Oh, Patrick," she murmured with anguish. "How will I ever get out of this mess. You're right, I always spite myself."

The light flickered once more and she had to blink back tears. "Don't give up on me, darling; I'm going to get back home…somehow."

The lamp flickered three times and she smiled. "I love you too, darling."

"Alright, Sarah," Johanna said, carrying a shopping bag into the room and closing the door. "I found the bag I was looking for; let me see what we can do for you."

"I'm not sure I like this," her grandmother admitted.

"You'll feel like a modern woman," she replied. "You might like it."

"I'm not so sure anymore…everything is so different…and with my very limited abilities I feel quite lost."

"Don't worry, it'll be alright. Here's a pair of underwear you can try," Johanna said, holding out a pair of black bikini style underwear.

Sarah looked at her in horror. "I can't wear those!"

"Why not?"

"Because they're…well…they're practically indecent!" Sarah exclaimed.

Johanna laughed. "How are they indecent? I gave you one of the most sedate pairs of underwear I've bought. I skipped the lacy pairs and gave you these."

Sarah took the garment in her hand. "I can't wear there…they're positively scandalous. Where are the rest of them!?"

"They're all there…you've seen modern underwear before."

"Yes; once or twice but jeepers creepers, I can't wear these. They're not even cotton or silk."

"No; they're microfiber."

"What's microfiber?"

"It's a synthetic material; much lighter and softer against the skin in my opinion," Johanna explained. "I assure you they're not scandalous."

Sarah shook her head. "I can't put those things on…absolutely not. I'd feel positively naked."

Johanna sighed and took the underwear from her hand and dug through her shopping bag once more; her hand wrapping around a pair of navy blue boyshorts she had bought. She still couldn't believe that Katie had talked her into trying this style but she had; telling her they'd be more comfortable with workout clothes and that she wasn't too old for them like she thought. Her daughter had been right; she did like them, especially when wearing workout clothes. Perhaps they'd be more to Sarah's liking. "Here, try these instead," she said; holding them out to the horrified spirit.

"What are those?"

"Underwear; just a different style…we have many different styles of underwear now…if you think bikini underwear is scandalous, I'd hate for you to see a thong."

"What's a thong?"

"You don't want to know…I don't think you could stand the shock."

"In that case, maybe I don't want to know…but I don't know about these either, Josie…and they look so small."

"They stretch, Sarah," she said, stretching the material to show her.

Sarah's brow rose. "Isn't that something…and they go back the way they are now even after you wear them?"

"Yes…I think you'll feel better in these; you'll feel sufficiently covered…just try them okay?"

She hesitated for a second but then accepted the pair of underwear. "Alright; but turn around."

"I already planned on that," Johanna replied as she turned her back to her grandmother who moved across the room to huddle in the corner as she discreetly shed her late 1920s bloomers while keeping the blanket wrapped around her as best she could. She then pulled on the pair of boyshort underwear she had been given. They felt odd to her…but not uncomfortable as she had thought they would be…and she did seem to be sufficiently covered where it counted, she mused…and she had to admit that it was somewhat nice not to have all that material on her legs…and this new material Johanna spoke of was lighter and…and they probably were positively scandalous…but damn it she liked them!

"These are rather nice," Sarah remarked.

"They fit alright?" Johanna asked.

"Yes, I believe so…they're actually very nice…still a bit brazen but desperate times call for desperate measures," her grandmother remarked. "You can turn around."

"So now you're calling my underwear brazen?"

"Well, dear; I've seen you fold laundry…some of your underwear is a bit…brazen and practically indecent."

"It is not!"

"It is."

Johanna shook her head at her. "Well no matter what you think of my underwear, at least my bras are actually supportive; yours doesn't look too supportive…it looks like it's one step away from a training bra."

"Don't sass me, kitten," Sarah retorted; "Your bras are indecent too…some of them look like you don't even need to put anything in them."

"Those are padded bras, Sarah."

"What do you need padding for?"

Johanna rubbed her fingers across her forehead. "Let's save the discussion of different bra types for another day; I'm tired…and I think I'm getting a headache. Try the pajamas on."

Sarah picked up the pair of plum colored pants that had been tossed on the bed and pulled them on. "My goodness, this feels odd," she declared.

"You'll get used to it."

"I'm not so sure," Sarah said as she pulled on the matching top.

"Are you uncomfortable in them?"

"No…it just feels…naughty," she admitted.

"Naughty!?"

"Don't laugh at me!" Sarah chastened as her granddaughter laughed.

"I'm sorry, Sarah; but you're making it so easy," she laughed. "I assure you that pants aren't naughty. You're fine."

"They feel like they're molded to me."

"Those pajama pants are made like leggings, they hug your legs."

"And your bottom," Sarah remarked, rubbing a hand against her backside. "I don't know what Patrick would think of this."

"I think he'd probably like it," Johanna laughed. "Now he can tell what you have back there."

"Oh hush!" her grandmother chastened. "I'm not cut out for these modern wardrobes."

"You're fine…do you feel warmer?"

Sarah nodded. "Yes; I do…which is amazing considering how small the underwear are now."

"As long as you have underwear on, you're fine."

"If you say so."

"Go to bed, Sarah," Johanna said with a sigh. "Please stay out of mischief…watch TV and behave, okay?"

"I will do my best."

"I guess if that's as good as I can get, it'll have to do," she remarked. "See you in the morning."

"Goodnight, Josie."

Johanna left the room and closed the door behind her; hoping Sarah would stay in her room for the night and not roam the house while they were asleep. She made her way to her own bedroom and got ready for bed under her husband's watchful gaze.

"Are you finished running back and forth now" Jim asked.

"Yes…I just remembered that I left my shopping bag in there but I don't care…she can root through it and acquaint herself with modern fashion."

"Is Sarah settled in for the night?"

"She's settled as much as she can be…and wearing pants for the first time."

Jim chuckled quietly. "How does she like it?"

"She thinks it's naughty."

He laughed. "Well that's something I've never heard it described as."

"Me neither…but we are talking about a woman who told me that my underwear is brazen and indecent."

Jim shook his head. "Only when I pick them out."

She smiled as she dropped her robe on the foot of the bed before climbing in on her side. "Well that's true," she said before kissing him.

Jim wrapped his arm around her as she snuggled into his side. "What are we going to do about her, Jo?"

"I don't know…we have to try to help her get her unfinished business taken care of so she can go back. I don't know exactly how but I'll have to try and figure it out."

"This could put us in some awkward situations if she's seen here or out with us."

"I know…but what can I do?" Johanna asked. "I can't toss her out in the street; anything could happen to her out there."

"I know…it's just an odd situation to be in."

"There's no denying that," she remarked. "Not just in the fact that we have some odd version of a ghost running around here but that she's having a bit of culture shock, so to speak. I think I might be too…I've never seen underwear from the late 20s before."

Jim chuckled softly. "What did you think of them?"

"I think I'm very glad to be from the era I am…and you should be too; they're so not sexy," she laughed.

"So much for the wildness of the twenties," he said lightly.

"Yeah; maybe it wasn't as wild as we were led to believe."

Jim breathed deeply. "She can get back to where she needs to be…can't she?"

"She says she can…but this snit she's been in has to be fixed. I'm afraid Sarah can' get out of this one with an apology. She has to find a way to experience the things she's been bitter about."

"That sounds easier said than done."

"I know," Johanna murmured; "But we'll have to try…what choice do we have?"

"I guess we really don't have one at the moment. Maybe things will look better in the morning."

"I hope so," she replied; but deep inside she wasn't so sure. How did you help a ghost finish their unfinished business? Better yet, how was she going to keep her out of mischief while she was there in her new form for an extended stay? She breathed deeply…why did these things always happen to her?