Ghost 5 – Plz forgive my grammar.
CHAPTER 1
"It's good to see you Essie," Natalie said brightly and hugged her tightly
"Nice to know some things don't change," She said warmly
"Have you seen the guys yet?" Natalie asked
"No, and don't go telling any of them yet," Essie said quickly
"Ok," She promised
"So fill me in on the gossip, I've missed loads in the passed two years," Essie asked
"The Sons of Ipswich have got cuter since you've left," Natalie said thoughtfully "Pogue is still going strong with Kate, Caleb had a brief romance with Kate's room mate but they split up,"
"Why?" Essie asked curiously
"No one knows," she replied with a shrug "Your ex is with a transfer student, and that's about it,"
"Nice to know that very little happens here," Essie said relieved
"Was your aunt happy to see you?" Natalie asked
"Yes she was," she answered "Anyway speaking of my aunt I've got something to do,"
"There's a party tonight perhaps I can see you there?" Natalie asked
"Don't worry Nat, I'm still the party girl I used to be," Essie grinned
With that Esther left her friend's dorm and got in her black convertible, she slipped on her sunglasses and headed for her aunt's mansion.
"Guys have you checked out some of the exchange students over from England yet?" Reed asked excitedly "There's this one chick with short brown hair and green eyes and she looks hot,"
Caleb looked at him curiously.
"Is Essie here?" he asked
"We would have felt something if she was home," Pogue answered
Reed look longingly at the party down below.
"Let's drop in," he said mischievously
With that his eyes turned black and he jumped.
"Right behind you man," Tyler said excitedly
"Tyler!!" Caleb growled
"Come on Caleb, let the whole mess with Sarah go and who knows you might even find someone else tonight," Pogue said comfortingly
Caleb sighed.
"After you man," he said in defeat
Pogue's eyes turned black and he fell off the cliff, Caleb followed suit and summoned enough courage to jump.
Essie looked around at the various people around the different bonfires.
"Take it Aaron's still a prick?" she asked gesturing towards a guy with curly hair
"Yep," Natalie replied "Watch out for Kiera though, she's a bitch,"
"Don't worry I've had my fair share of cat fights," Essie said with a smile
"So who are the people with you over from England?" Natalie asked
"I don't know much about those four girls, kids at my school say they're witches," she explained "I blame Harry Potter personally,"
"Just wait till they get a load of the real deal here," Natalie said excitedly "Who's that guy?"
Essie pointed at a blonde haired guy who was making his way over to them.
"Jake...He's an absolute dickhead," she mumbled
"Every school has their Aaron's I guess," Natalie said with a shrug
"Hi Esther," Jake said politely
"Jake?" she replied
"Who's your friend?" he asked
"An old school friend from here," Essie answered
"Nat this is Jake...Jake this is Nat," Essie said brightly
The two of them smiled at each other and said hello.
"I think your boys want you Jake," Essie said gesturing to a group of lads calling his name
Jake left them by the bonfire.
"I still can't believe you haven't told the Sons you've come home," Nat said in disappointment.
"I thought it would be a nice surprise," Essie replied
"Speaking of surprises," Natalie gestured to the four figures walking over a hill.
Essie smiled to herself.
"Yep they definitely have become handsome guys," she said with a smile
"Come on," Natalie said grabbing her arm.
"Hi baby," Kate Wenham said excitedly
"Hi," Pogue said before kissing her
"Hi Kate," Caleb said
"Caleb," She said kindly
"Don't I get a hello?" a girl with cropped brown hair asked
Caleb stood frozen to the spot and stared into two familiar green eyes.
"Essie?" Pogue asked
"Good guess Pogue," she said proudly
Pogue gave her a warm hug.
"It's good to see you," he said gently
"Oh my god," Tyler exclaimed "Why didn't you tell us you were coming home?"
"Thought I'd surprise you," she answered
He threw his arms around her and hugged her.
"Jesus Christ Essie?" Reed said in shock "When did you get that body?"
"Hard work and exercise Pondweed," Essie replied
"You cut your hair too," he said in surprise and tugged on her fringe
"My friend back in England did it," she answered
"You even sound English," Reed said annoyed
"Back in England people think I'm American," Essie said annoyed
Reed gave her a brotherly hug.
"Caleb," She said softly
"Essie," he said even softer
At first there was some awkwardness between them.
"Would you two just hug each other already," Pogue complained
Caleb held her close as he hugged her, her hair smelt of roses which he found intoxicating. She had blossomed into the girl he always dreamed she would be, the young woman he saw the day he fell out of an apple tree and cut his hand, he found it quite hard at first to wake himself up and let her go.
"It's good to see you," she said quietly stepping away from him.
"Hi Caleb," Kiera interrupted
"Hey Kiera," Caleb muttered
"Did you have a good summer?" She asked
Kiera quickly turned round and looked at Essie.
"Esther wow look at you," she said bitchily
"Give it a rest Kiera," Caleb warned
"Why don't you," Aaron snapped
"Guys do we seriously have to do this, I came back only this morning," Essie said sternly
Caleb put his hands up in defeat.
"Just looking out for a friend," he said with a smile
"You posers me wanna a puke," one of Aaron's guys muttered
"What was that?" Reed barked
Pogue held him back quickly, within seconds the boy was puking over Aaron's back.
"Aargh!!" Everyone yelled in disgust
Caleb shot Reed an angry glance.
"Heads up everyone the cops are coming," Came the warning
Everyone scattered.
"You guys want a lift?" Tyler asked
"No thanks, we're good," Essie replied then looked at Natalie and Kate.
"Come on Essie, it'll be like old times," Reed pleaded "You girls don't mind do you?"
"No," Kate said with a shake of head
"Go ahead I'll take Kate back," Natalie said reassuringly
"Ok," Essie said in defeat and tossed Natalie her car keys "I'll pick them up later, be nice to that car,"
Caleb opened the passenger door of the Jeep and held out his hand for Essie.
"Ladies first," he said politely
Essie smiled at him before accepting his help with getting into the car, she looked across at her car and saw Natalie having trouble with getting it started, the police sirens were getting closer.
"It won't start," Nat yelled
"We can give you lift," Tyler called
"I'm not leaving my car there, think of the explaining I'll have to do," Essie said quickly
"The cops are getting closer," Tyler muttered
"Caleb get out the car," Essie said quickly
"Allow me," Reed said before jumping out the car
They watched him walk over to the opposite car and lift the hood up within seconds the car was starting.
"Thank you," the girls said gratefully
"Your welcome," Reed replied
With that he walked back to the Jeep.
"Move over man," He said getting in the driver's side
"Come on man, this is my car," Tyler complained
"Move over," Reed said insistently
"Jesus Reed," Essie moaned
Reed revved up the car and they took off through the woods.
"So this is what you've guys have been doing while I've been gone," Essie said annoyed
"Nothing wrong with having a little fun," Tyler replied
Caleb looked out the back window.
"Oh Jesus we better pull over,"
"Pull over? Come on Caleb," Reed complained
Caleb looked at Essie.
"It's your call," she said with a shake of her head
"Ok, lets head for the light house," Caleb said promisingly "We might as well have some fun tonight,"
"That's more like it," Reed said excitedly
Essie belted herself down tightly as they car flew over bumps and mounds and then landed on soft sandy ground, Reed picked up speed.
"Is everyone ready?" Reed asked
Reed and Tyler's eyes went black.
"It's gonna take all of us Caleb," Pogue urged
Pogue looked at Essie who rolled her eyes.
"Alright," she moaned "I can only do this for a couple of seconds though guys,"
"Caleb?" Pogue asked
Caleb blinked and his eyes turned black.
"How come your eyes don't change?" Pogue asked
"Two reasons, one I'm a woman and two I've already ascended so your eyes don't need to change," she explained "But I can make them change if you want?"
The cop car was closing in, Reed put his foot to the floor.
"Whoawh!!!" Essie screamed as the car took off and flew over the cliff and into the night.
She opened her eyes and found herself gripping Caleb's arm and burying her head in his shoulder.
"It's ok," he whispered
"I hate that part," she said calmly
"Can't we go once around the harbour?" Reed asked
"No," Essie said firmly
"Oh," Reed moaned
With that Reed turned the car around and landed it behind the cop car that had stopped just short of the cliff, they laughed at the shocked looked on the cops faces before Reed spun the car round and headed back for town leaving the cops to watch them leave in shocked silence.
"Brilliant Reed," Essie said still recovering from her laughing fit
"Where to Essie?" Reed asked
"I've got to get my car back," Essie replied
"Spencer it is," Reed said in a relaxed voice
Essie sank back in her seat.
"It's good to see you boys," she said happily
Pogue and Caleb each gave her a squeeze.
"It's good to have you back," Tyler said proudly
"Looking like a supermodel and not a dumpling," Reed added
"Men in England actually prefer full figured women who actually eat solid food," she explained "I just needed a little toning,"
"You look gorgeous," he complimented
"Oh Reed," Essie said warmly
Caleb didn't like the thought of Reed flirting with her, he couldn't help but feel annoyed.
"Reed did you make that guy puke?" Caleb asked
"No," Reed snapped "All I did was fix Essie's car, I swear,"
"That was me, I'm sorry," Essie apologised "Saved you two from fighting didn't it,"
"You know Aaron and Caleb have been fighting ever since they were two," Pogue joked
"True," she agreed
"Spencer," Reed said brightly
Pogue, Caleb and Essie got out, Natalie was waiting on the steps with her car keys.
"Drives like a dream," she said with a grin and handed the keys over.
"Not a scratch, I'm impressed," Essie smiled
"See you tomorrow," Natalie said tiredly "Night guys,"
"Night," the boys called
Essie got in her car and Pogue got on his bike.
"Night boys," Essie said to Tyler and Reed
"Night," they said to her before taking off.
"Want a ride Caleb?" Pogue asked
"No thanks man," Caleb muttered "I think I'll go with Essie this time,"
"Suit yourself," Pogue replied "Night Es,"
"Night Pogue," she called back
Pogue put his helmet on and took off for home, Caleb turned on his heel and walked over to the passenger side of the car.
"Do you mind if I have a lift?" he asked
"Get in," Essie said with a smile
Once Caleb had buckled himself in Essie took off toward his family mansion.
"So, what's been going on while I've been away," she asked
"Nothing much," Caleb mumbled
"What was her name?" Essie asked
"Sarah," he answered "How did you know I was seeing a girl?"
"Natalie told me," she replied
"You and Natalie been talking about me?" Caleb asked in surprise
"I've been asking about everyone I've left behind and besides it was just girl stuff," she answered "So tell me about her,"
"She was smart, fun and pretty," he began
"Here comes the 'but' part," Essie muttered
"But she didn't like being scared all the time, and didn't like worrying about what'll happen when I ascend," he finished "I thank my mother for that,"
"I'm sure she didn't mean it," Essie said quietly
"I wish you could have stayed here for your ascension, I would have worn a tux and everything," Caleb said thoughtfully
"I know, but I wasn't born in this country my coven is in England and I had to go there plus I've had to get used to my new powers," she explained "If I recall your ascension happens in a few days doesn't it?"
"Yep," he said quietly
"You've got to remember to be careful that's all," Essie said confidently "You won't like it at first, but you get used to it in time,"
"What was your ascension like?" Caleb asked
"Like I was being burnt at the stake," she answered "I puked moments after I got my powers, all over my new robes too I couldn't handle the force but after the sickness I got used to them,"
"Thanks," Caleb whispered unhappily
"It'll be different for you," she explained "You're a guy,"
Essie smiled to herself and continued to drive.
"So what's England like?" Caleb asked
"Pretty, when the sun decides to shine," she answered "Half the time it's raining, jut like here,"
Caleb smiled to himself, at least she had something that reminded her of home and of him.
"I've missed you," he muttered
"I've missed you too," Essie said seriously
Caleb saw his house peeking through he trees, their conversation was going to be brought to a quick end.
"I've got some errands to run for my mother tomorrow," he said quickly "Want to come with me?"
"Alright," she replied
"Great," he said shyly "I'll come by and pick you up at 10?"
"Why not come over for breakfast?" Essie asked "I'm sure Aunt Sophia would be happy to see you,"
"Sure," he answered
She came to the gates of the house.
"I'll get out here," he said opening the passenger door
"See you tomorrow," Essie said quietly
"Sweet dreams," Caleb replied
Essie gave him a beautiful smile before turning the car around and driving off, Caleb stared after the car until it disappeared into the woods before walking down his drive. Now and again he glanced back at the gates and smiled to himself, she was home and back in his life and this time he had a chance to win her and keep her for himself . Caleb scolded himself for being possessive but he couldn't help it before he had had the chance to admit his love to her and himself she had took off and left him and the others so that she could ascend on her own. He had been in love with Sarah, but not as in love as he had been with Essie and seeing her again had proved that although she had been away for two years he still felt the same about her and saw that his dreams about her had come true, she was beautiful, witty and kind a perfect anchor in case he should find himself turning into a version of his father and in need of someone to save him. He wanted tomorrow morning to come quickly so he could see her again and they could properly talk without feeling awkward and ashamed of their mistakes, he also made a mental note to keep his libido in check too. From the first moment he had seen her again to the moment where she had driven off toward her aunt's mansion he had not stopped dreaming of things he had wanted to do to her ever since he was sixteen.
He opened the front door and was about to go upstairs, when he heard his mother's voice.
"It's midnight mother, shouldn't you be in bed," He asked
"You're going to turn into him," she said in a shaky voice "I know you will,"
"We've talked about this," he began
"Sarah couldn't cope, that's why she left," his mother replied quickly "She wouldn't have coped once you'd have ascended,"
"Perhaps Esther Craven is different," Caleb said firmly
"She's home?" His mother asked
"Yes," he answered "She's a fully ascended witch, in complete control,"
"That's what your dad said," his mother replied
"Come on it's time you went to bed," Caleb said softly
Caleb helped put his mother to bed and went to his room, deep down his mother was right Sarah probably wouldn't have coped she was strong but not strong enough, she wasn't one of them Sarah had demanded to know the truth and once she knew and had started to see the effects of what was happening to him she couldn't stick around at Spencer any longer. Esther could help them ascend and put his fears at rest, more than once he had dreamed that once he ascended he became his father.
"Stop it," he told himself
He lay his head down and shut his eyes and found himself lieing in a forest with the sun pouring in through the trees, he felt someone move next to his legs he sat up and found Essie lieing down with her hands behind her head soaking up the sunshine too he smiled at her.
"Are you really here?" he asked
"Remember when we used to sunbathe like this under the apple trees," she said with her eyes closed
Caleb smiled again, it was only a dream if she had really been here in his dream she would have said yes.
"Yes I do," he replied
She sat up and smiled at him, Caleb knelt in front of her he stroked her cheeks with his thumbs before he kissed her with clumsy passion.
Essie parked the car and placed a hand on the door handle of the front door, with a wink she opened the front and crept in.
"Esther my dear," Aunt Sophia called
Essie crept to the library.
"If you think that invisibility spell is going to work on me then you're wrong," Aunt Sophia said warmly
"It nearly worked," Essie smiled as she reappeared in the opposite armchair by the fire
"It take it you've seen Caleb and his friends again," Aunt Sophia asked
"Yes I did," Essie replied "They were very pleased to see me,"
"Caleb was extremely heartbroken when you left," Aunt Sophia said thoughtfully "He's always had a torch for you even when you haven't seen it, that dear boy loves you so much,"
"Pity that I'm too old for him," Essie said sadly
"Old?" Aunt Sophia exclaimed "When you hit my age my dear then you can call yourself old,"
Aunt Sophia's French accent was always warm and soothing and always helped to calm her troubled mind.
"He's due to ascend within a few days," Essie said thoughtfully "Ironic that I come home now,"
"Perhaps Serendipity is trying to tell you two something?" Aunt Sophia said questioningly
"That me and Caleb are meant to be together?" she laughed
"Perhaps he is to have a fellow witch to love him forever, it is possible," Aunt Sophia said kindly "Look at your parents,"
"My parents are divorced," Essie reminded her
"Yes but in the days when they were just married, you had never seen two people so in love the only problem was your parents let magic and tradition get in the way of their relationship you and Caleb would be different I know it," Aunt Sophia said firmly "Neither of you wants to turn into versions of their parents, and one day you'll need him as much as he needs you,"
The clock on the mantelpiece chimed.
"It's passed my bedtime," Aunt Sophia croaked "I've done enough reminiscing for one night,"
Essie helped her Aunt Sophia to bed before taking a shower, the water was hot and soothing she felt less grubby and more relaxed. She heard someone breathing on the other side of the shower, she turned it off and grabbed her towel.
"Who's in here?" she asked
There was no answer, she shut her and listened whoever it was was standing a couple of centimetres behind her she suddenly got a feeling of who it was, she spun round quickly and found the ghostly apparition of Reed floating off the floor.
"Let me go," Reed complained "I need to get back to my body,"
"You little pervert," she snapped "Just you wait till I catch hold of you Pondweed you are so dead,"
"Alright Alright, I'm sorry," Reed apologised "Can you put me down now so I can get back in my body,"
Essie let him go and watched him vanish.
Caleb pulled away from the kiss with Essie and was about to kiss her again, when he noticed a more human look in her eyes.
"I'm not even going to ask what you were dreaming about," she said with a knowing smile
He shot back from her in surprise before looking at her in concern.
"What's the matter?" he asked "What's happened?"
"Reed decided to come and watch me in the shower," she said annoyed
Caleb felt partly jealous for not having the idea himself but he knew she would kill him the same way she was going to kill Reed when she caught him.
"He does that sometimes usually he's in the girl's shower room,"
"I'll break his legs if he does that again I promise," she swore
"Look just relax go to sleep and I'll deal with him tomorrow," he promised "Sweet dreams,"
"Sweet dreams," she replied
With that she kissed him on the cheek, it was one of the most tender kisses he'd ever had and he kicked himself for not thinking of a way to make her stay with him in his dream for little longer.
"Damn," he cursed and with that woke up