Chapter 7:
Disclaimer: I don't own Ghost Whisperer or its characters. This is an AU since in my version Jim doesn't die and doesn't take over Sam's body.
With the help of Rick and Melinda I got what I needed before the full moon. The hard part was finding the right spot to set it up without harming others. I could go to the cemetery, but I don't want to disturb the dead. I don't want to do it in the apartment, it'd cause to much trouble and maybe some damage. Melinda suggested the empty field on the edge of town.
"Are you sure this is what you want?" Rick asked Saturday afternoon. I was putting the supplies in his car. He was joining me so I wasn't alone. He was also going to call Melinda if there was any trouble.
"I am. I need to do this, I need to get rid of him. I can't continue being hunted and haunted by him." I said looking at Rick. "I am tired of fearing for my life and those I care about. I don't want to lose you."
Rick hugged me to him. This has to be just as hard on him as it is on me. I have been so focused on me the last couple of years it's hard to remember that this stuff effects those around me. I hugged him back.
"If this is the best way to do it, then who am I to stop you?" I smiled as I let go of the hug.
"I just have to get my book and then I'm ready." I said heading back to the apartment.
As I entered the guest room that has become my witchy room, I felt a presence. It wasn't Leland's energy which I took as a good sign. I walked to my desk to grab my Book of Shadows. The pages started moving causing me to stop. After a few seconds that felt like moments the pages stopped. With a sigh I approached my now open book.
"Handfasting? I don't have time for this." I muttered closing my book as I picked it up and heading back to Rick and the car.
Several hours later Rick and I were sitting in the empty field. I was finishing setting up for the ritual as Rick talked about a ghost problem of Melinda's.
"No way," I laughed as Rick recounted a joke he told her, "you didn't seriously say that to her."
"I did. In hindsight maybe it was in poor taste." He said.
"Just a little. Your brain to mouth filtration doesn't work does it?" I laughed. His laugh is something I love hearing. "So what is she going to do about her ghost? It seems like its determined to stay."
"I don't know. Maybe after this you can help her?" I nodded in agreement.
"Ok, you know what to do?" I asked sitting down next to him.
"Yea, be quiet and if it goes south call Melinda." I smiled as I squeezed his hand.
The ritual started off normal enough. As I continued the more Leland tried to stop me. I remember reciting the spell, then I remember being out of my body looking at Leland.
"You think you're so smart. That you can get rid of me." He mocked me.
"You've been blinded by your desires. You haven't even listened to what I'm saying." He stopped and listened to my physical body.
"No, what are you doing?" He screamed at me. I smiled.
"Cutting you off." I said. Big mistake. Leland attacked me. It caused my physical body to react. I saw Rick catch me as Leland started to overpower me. I couldn't let him harm me physically.
I used my astral strength and pushed back at Leland. I needed to stall just long enough to finish the spell. It worked, he grew weaker. I took the opportunity to return to my body. I finished the spell and felt Leland and his energy snap. I looked at Rick before passing out.
"I'm telling you Rick, she's fine." I heard a male voice say.
"Why hasn't she woken up then?" Rick's voice was full of concern.
"Maybe the ritual took a lot out of her and her body is trying to rest." A female voice this time. Where am I? Is Leland gone? I opened my eyes and groaned as the bright light hit my eyes.
"Leah!" Rick's voice was full of surprise. I put my hand up, feeling for Rick's face. I smiled as I cracked my eyes open enough to see Rick's blue eyes staring at me.
"Rick." I whispered. "What happened?"
"You passed out as you finished the spell. I called Jim and Melinda to help." Rick said.
"Leah," Jim said coming into view. "Think you can sit up?"
"Yea." I said. With Rick's help I sat up. Melinda set a glass of water on the coffee table.
Jim checked me out, checked my vision, asked a bunch of questions about my memory, if I was dizzy. I finally put my hand up, halting the questions.
"I appreciate it Jim, but I need to just sit a minute as I get my barring again."
"Right, when was the last time either of you ate?" He asked standing up.
"Lunch before heading to the field." Rick answered.
"That was over twelve hours ago. No wonder you're moody and she's got to be on the verge of starving." Melinda said.
"I've gone far longer without food." I said picking up the glass. "But I won't say no to a Melinda meal."
"I'll be right back." Melinda said with a smile. I set the glass down and rested my head on Rick's shoulder. He held my hand and kissed my head.
"I'm glad you're alright Sunshine." He whispered causing me to smile. Melinda returned with a plate of food. Rick and I shared, making sure each other got enough.
"Why don't you two stay here until morning? It's late and we have an extra bed." Jim offered. We agreed, I really didn't want to move, but I knew Rick and I both needed rest and we were in no shape to drive.