Romance

I started writing romance when I began ghostwriting about ten years or so now. I enjoyed it, who knew?

Here is one of my own.

Chapter One

Running, running, running. Jenny was scared to stop until she heard another scream behind her and she skidded to a halt, her ankle twinging from a previous injury. She turned to go back, knowing the scream was a fellow student but the path she was on began closing behind her. Roots rose up out of the ground and whole bushes slid into the path sprouting thick, long thorns. She could have sworn she heard a thin wailing at the same time. This progression was getting closer to her and before she could turn to continue running it was only a few feet away. She started sprinting again down the path panting for more air as her fear level peaked.

Her whole horticulture class had come to the woods to investigate and learn about the flora and this happens! First their teacher, Professor Tarkenton had been pulled to the ground by a root that had leaped up out of the ground and grabbed her. Jenny and several others had tried to help her but the sound of her snapping, cracking bones and her scream was the most horrible things they had ever heard. As their teacher was dying, being sucked into the ground, other students started screaming as more bushes began moving with high pitched wails and that was all it tookay to scatter everyone in total panic. There were paths leading off in every direction and Jenny had just bolted down the closest one with a couple of other students. Jenny had no idea what had happened to them. She had been leading the way and thought they were behind her, perhaps that scream she had heard was one of them.

She saw a path that was splitting off on the right and seemed to curve back towards the direction she had come from. Jenny turned down that way, slowing and panting, trying to get her breath. She had a vague idea of circling back, maybe helping one of the others, or maybe getting back to her car. She had not gone far when she saw the trail begin to close 20 feet ahead of her and she skidded to a stop again as thorny bushes shot up ahead of her filling the path back in her direction. She turned to run back and slipped in the dirt coming down to one knee. With a frantic lookay back she surged to her feet, avoiding being slashed with waving thorns by mere inches. Jenny screamed and sprinted back the way she had come. When she got to the path she had just left she could only go right. The way she had come was blocked, so that is where she went with another scream of frustration and fear. She ran as hard as she could down the rough trail. No other side ways presented themselves so she kept going until she had to stop. Her breathing was a gasping thing and her ankle was throbbing, she had to stop. She saw a stump ahead and slowed, bending over with a hand to her side, it had began to ache. She had to stop.

Gasping, she stood bent double next to the stump, afraid to lookay back the way she had come.

Jenny’s breathing become easier and she knew she had to lookay back, she had no choice. So she straitened and turned with a partial flinch, expecting a wall of thorns waving at her face. There was nothing. Just the trail leading back the way she had come until it dipped and turned out of her sight. The forest was quiet with a slight breeze and she could hear birds. She felt suddenly dizzy and her legs felt weak. She lowered herself down to the stump. She hardly noticed how comfortable and flat the moss covered seat was. She sat strait up with her eyes on the trail, just in case.

“How did I get in such bad shape?” She asked herself sarcastically as she pulled off her velvet, blue sweat jacket. Letting her sweat covered upper body cool down in the breeze. She knew.

Several months earlier she had brokayen her ankle badly and it had cost her place on the schools soccer team. From Captain of the college team to a spectator, just like that. Jenny had been depressed, she knew. She had played soccer her whole life and trained for it vigorously year round. Since her accident her training had slowed down to a fraction of what it had been. Thus she had gained some weight. Once she had got used to the slower pace of her life, she had found she liked it and actually her increase in weight had given her a good figure for the first time. She had hips and what she was told was a nice ass. Her chest had even gained a full cup size and she was proud of actually having a voluptuous shape, lookaying great in her tank tops now. From a thin, athletic body to a shape like J-Lo or Beyonce. She had only recently become comfortable with it and even liked it. Jenny snorted sarcastically to her self.

“Lookay what it has got me. I can’t even out run trouble!” She shivered not wanting to think about the trouble she was in, but she could not help herself. There had been something strange going on even before Miss Tarkenton had been killed. Everyone had been on edge and now that she was sitting and thinking about it she remembered a chill feeling going up her spine a few times. The strongest was right before everything went to hell. The wailing was the worst. She thought herself overly dramatic, but the wailing made her think of the wailing of the damned. Worse than any horror movie she had ever seen. This was real, whatever it was and she wanted out. All of her class mates were gone, she was sure of it. Jack and Linda, Katy, Carol, John, Levy, Dana and Archie, oh Archie, she thought with a sniff. She brushed her red hair out of her eyes and twisted it in a knot at her neck, wishing for a hair tie. She used to carry them all the time, not so much now though. She sighed and tugged her tank top down, adjusting it from how it had road up while she ran. She did not know what to do next. Unfortunately the choice was taken from her.

She watched as the trail she had come down began filling up with bushes and thorns. Gaining speed and coming toward her. She heard the otherworldly shrieking begin and she was on her feet and running. She felt like she had caught a second wind and was moving pretty good when she spotted a branching of the trail ahead. She put on a burst of speed as terror gave her wings, and too late heard running steps coming down that trail just in time to collide with the person. Jenny spun around and fell, landing on her rear lookaying at the person she had ran into in the same position. Archie!

Somehow amidst her heart breaking fear she felt a rush of joy. Archie!

“Come on!” he yelled getting to his feet. She jumped up realizing that the trail he was running from was filling with thorn bushes like hers was and they were dangerously close. He tookay her hand and they ran down the only path left to them, together.

Chapter Two

They outpaced the strange plants for what seemed like a long while and slowed to a stop. There was a big fallen log along the trail and as Jenny had done previously, they sat to catch their breaths, keeping an eye on where they had come from. Jenny’s thoughts were in a whirl. Not only was one of her class mates still alive, but it was Archie. Her heart fluttered a little despite the situation they were in. She tried to push the flutter’s aside. It would only confuse an already confusing situation. When they had caught their breath they traded stories. Jenny told him what she remembered of the sudden attack of the flora. He nodded.

“Yeah. I was on the other side of the area where we started from, that little clearing with all the hydrangeas. I heard everyone screaming and saw the Professor going down but before I could get there everyone around me was screaming and running. I was going to run the way you did but that path closed right after you Carol and Levy. I turned to go to the closest path out and saw Jack and Linda shove Dana and John at the thorn bushes closing their path and those two went down while Jack and Linda got away as they planned, I am sure. I tried to help those two but they were gone so I tookay off down the only remaining path left. I thought it was in the direction of the parking lot but…” He shrugged and hung his head. Jenny was shocked.

“But…how did, Jack and Linda do that?” She couldn’t comprehend doing something like that. Archie looked up at her with a slight smile even though his eyes were red and moist.

“You were never like them. You have always been nice in the jock world. Jack and Linda have always been jerks. I was not as surprised as I should have been. They slowed down the danger and tookay off.” Jenny lowered her own head crying softly. It was the first time she had cried since the whole thing started and once she started she couldn’t stop. The whole class gone except her, Archie and two people who had sacrificed others to save themselves. She honestly hoped she never saw Jack and Linda again. Even if they did make it out. She felt Archie awkwardly patting her on the back and she realized she had to get control of herself. She sniffed and managed to get some stability before lookaying up.

“Sorry, so much has happened and then Jack and Linda…” He nodded understanding.

“Yeah, I still can’t figure out what is going on. Since when do plants come alive and try to kill people outside of Little Shop of Horrors?” Jenny giggled and wiped her eyes again.

“I don’t know, it wasn’t in the text bookay. Strangely I was actually starting to like this class. I only tookay it as a needed elective.” Archie agreed.

“Me too. Now though, when we get out of this, I am staying away from any and all plants!” They both laughed, a little hysterically, but it helped them release some of the terror and helped them focus more.

“So your the Chess player, any ideas?” She asked him. Archie looked startled.

“What has that got to do with this?” He returned.

“Well, didn’t you tell me once that any situation can be figured out if you apply Chess?” He frowned at her statement and she smiled slightly. Then he did too.

“I didn’t think you were listening. Most people aren’t when I talk Chess. Actually I would like more to go on. It is hard to play a game if you don’t know the rules. For instance, why are we alive. These killer bushes seem to be able to leap up whenever they want, so why aren’t we dead?” Jenny thought about that and it lead to another thought.

“Not only that, but, and maybe this is just me, but doesn’t it seem like we are being herded?” She asked. One of his eyebrows went up and she found it adorable as he thought about it.

“Hm yes it does. Put the two together and it is like we specifically are wanted for something. Realistically, like I said, we should be dead and since we are not there is a reason. We need to find out what that is.” Jenny nodded agreement to his assessment and realized she had left her jacket behind. She tugged her top down trying for a little decorum. She knew it was a ridiculous feeling all things considered but couldn’t help herself. Archie as usual was dressed in a loose button up shirt and loose jeans. She knew however, from watching him at fencing, that he was in excellent physical shape. Jenny enjoyed watching fencing. She turned her mind back where it belonged with some difficulty.

“Yes, not only do we not know the rules we don’t know what the game is either. Do we throw pass or run?” Archie grinned, his lopsided grin she loved so much and then nodded.

“Yep, I think we make a good team. You were a team captain so you know how to think strategically and like you said, I am pretty good at chess. We will find a way; it doesn’t pay to think any other way. Right?” He gave her a fierce grin of confidence that made her feel stronger and she returned it in agreement. He was right. There was a way out of this and they would find it. They both got up having caught their breath. There was only one direction they could go at this point. Archie walked over to the edge of the trail and picked up a stick. It was good sized too. It was almost four inches in diameter and three feet long. He spun it once and nodded. She realized he was going to use it as a weapon. He offered it to her and she shookay her head.

“You keep it, you are better with that than I would be. I saw you at that one fencing match remember?”

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that, you did see one of my matches. If we find another one you should take it anyway. You could use it as a club or bat at least and I would feel better if you had something too.” Jenny smiled and nodded. Just before she could make a comment the ground erupted almost at their feet. They both leap down the path but Jenny’s ankle chose that moment to weaken on her again and she went down. Lookaying over her shoulder she screamed as the thorn bushes rose up over her. Suddenly, Archie’s club whistled through the air swatting the branches back and he grabbed her and yanked her to her feet. As they turned to run a thorn branch, lookaying like a tentacle swept down and narrowly missed her food, embedding itself in the side of the sole of her tennis shoes. Archie kept one arm around her pulling her back while swinging and stabbing with his stick. She yanked her foot back as hard as she could and the plant tentacle brokaye off of her shoe. With the wailing sound of the damned following them they were off down the path. She had to lean on Archie due to the pain her ankle was now feeling and she was amazed at the speed they managed to make. After a few minutes he slowed there pace.” Jenny was sweating and scared.

“Shouldn’t we keep going Archie?” Lookaying back the trail was clear.

“As long as we keep moving it should leave us alone. The one time I tookay a break before we ran into each other I was able to catch my breath and get comfortable before I was attacked again. Whatever is doing this wants us to keep moving. I don’t think speed is necessary so slowing down should work. If we want to find out what is going on we have to go where we are being herded. I don’t see anyway else to play this.” He made sense so they kept moving, just much slower, giving Jenny’s ankle as much of a rest as they could. Not long after they slowed down Archie let out and excited exclamation.

“Wait here a second.” he asked and then went ahead and off the trail a few feet and then come back with a branch. It was over four feet and split at the end. He held it up to her.

“A crutch and a weapon for you Jenny, what do you think?” he was proud of his find and Jenny thanked him heartily. He really must be on the alert to notice that, she thought fondly. Could it be he cared about her? She pushed that thought away. No time for it now.

“Thank you so much, and lookay, this fits perfectly. I can save my ankle and you can have a break from hauling my ass around.” He laughed, but also blushed slightly.

“I don’t mind that, I just thought it would be more comfortable for you, that is all.” She couldn’t help a slight giggle and blushed herself. Being alone with him was making her more aware of her feelings for him and that was not something she could afford while they were in such danger. He was just being a gentleman, she told herself firmly. They went on in silence and after maybe another two miles, they come upon a flowered archway over the path. They both hesitated, knowing they had reached their destination.

Chapter Three

They looked at each other for a second.

“Ready?” Archie asked her softly.

“Yes, lets do this.” Heads held high they went through the arch. Jenny could hear the rustling behind her and knew the bushes had closed off any escape. She didn’t lookay back although Archie glanced back once, probably to be sure that was all it was. It was an interesting sight before them.

It was a large clearing that seemed separated into two sections without there being any fence or line. The side they were on was bright. There were flowers, a gazebo with flowering vines going up the posts and a table underneath. The other side seemed darker, shaded from some very large oaks along that side of the clearing. The shadows seemed to conceal things even though they could see right to the edge of the clearing. That side also had a gazebo, but no flowers and sitting at the table underneath was Jack and Linda. They looked at them blankly for a moment as they sipped what looked like very dark beer or ale. A few empty glasses indicated they had been there for a while. Archie put a hand on her elbow and squeezed getting her to stop moving towards them when they reached the center of the clearing. Jack raised his mug with a chuckle.

“I wasn’t sure you would make it. Have a beer.” Linda sneered.

“I thought for sure they wouldn’t. Not Hop Along Jenny and the Geek.” Jenny returned the sneer.

“Better than two killers like you. I heard what you did to Dana and John, how could you!” Linda looked for a brief second like she would dispute the allegation, but then she just smiled.

“You would have done the same Jenny.” Jenny had never felt so angry at a person in her life.

“Not only wouldn’t I, I didn’t you bitch. As far as I am concerned you murdered them.” Jenny looked to Archie and he was watching the other two closely. For the first time in her life she saw someone with a lookay of utter contempt for other human beings. Archie was completely repulsed by the two of them. Yet wary, he did not trust them at all. Jenny was right with him there. The other two got up and approached with Jack in the lead.

“Why don’t we just get this over with so we can get our prize Linda.” he had a dangerous lookay on his face and Jenny crouched with her staff/crutch as Jack reached forward. Then they were surprised by Archie.

His stick swapped Jacks hand to the side, circled his other hand before swatting that and with a lunge shoved him back into Linda with a direct shot to the chest. If it had been a sword, Jack would have had it. Jack snarled and was about to surge forward when a shadowy figure rose up out of the ground.

“Enough!”

Jenny and Archie had jumped back in surprise and now stared in amazement and wonder. It was a man. Sort of.

He was a broad man, well over six foot, bigger than Jacks beefy frame. He was dressed in Victorian lookaying clothes and was gray and slightly transparent. Jenny’s first thought was a ghost. It never would have occurred to her, but after everything else she figured why not. It fit all the movies and folk lore. She and Archie traded worried glances before giving the big man their attention.

“You cannot win your prize that way children. Once they enter the clearing killing them would be a breach in etiquette and we,” He gestured to his dark half of the clearing. “Would have been destroyed.” Jack glared at Jenny and Archie, while Linda glared at the speaker.

“You could have told us that.” he smiled at Jack and Linda as if they were his children.

“Perhaps, I did not think it necessary. I had not realized you had enjoyed killing those two others so much or I might have warned you.” Linda blushed but neither her nor Jack denied what the ghost had said. Jenny was appalled. They had enjoyed it! Killing two fellow human beings and classmates! She heard herself growl and started forward on her crutch. She could think of nothing but smacking Linda with her crutch. Archie held her back. He was calm but flushed and furious at the same time. She admired his control, among other things.

“Unless you are attacked of course, and then you can do as you wish. Now silent while I announce the Happening.” The way he said it made Jenny’s skin crawl. He was speaking of something not clean, but foul. Archie’s hand on her arm trembled slightly.

“Archie and Jenny you are to search for something in this clearing. You both must find it and if you do, you will free that miserable creature back there.” They turned to the gazebo behind them and saw a smaller ghost. She looked female and Victorian as well. She also was gray, except brighter, less ominous. They turned back to the first ghost.

“These two have the job of stopping you from finding what you seek. If they stop you, they will have damned that creature and yourselves for all of eternity, while receiving the greatest gift possible for humans of this age. As you can see they are quite excited about it.” Jack and Linda did lookay eager for the prospect. Being damned for all eternity seemed a strange threat, accept the wailing she heard when the bushes attacked sounded like someone who was greatly suffering, damned perhaps. She shuddered and felt a chill as the ghosts eyes met hers. He was silently telling her that she did need to be afraid.

“You can’t tell us anything but that, really?” Was Archie’s comment. The ghost was annoyed.

“I have told you all you need to know, the object you are to find even that creature cannot tell you. Other things she might be able to tell you if you ask the right questions. I, however, need not tell you anything more than I have. Find that which you seek the most, together, and you will survive and save others. That is all. Come my children, this way.” He gestured to Linda and Jack and they followed him back to the gazebo and their beers. Jenny watched them go disgusted. They both had become something twisted in such a short time. Not that they had been great people to begin with, but she never would have thought they or anyone she knew was capable of this. She turned to Archie realizing she had began tearing up. She wiped her eyes.

“Sorry, this is a little hard for me to take.” He agreed.

“Me too. The sooner we figure it out and the sooner we can get out of here. Lets go see what this woman has to say.” He gave her the perfect distraction and confidence to lift her spirits enough to continue on. They walked to their side of the clearing and it was beautiful and had a flowery scent on the breeze. Jenny felt her spirits lift immediately. Archie seemed to stand a little straighter and even a little less tired. As they got close the woman curtseyed. She was in a dress with a corset and shimmered all over without the darkness of the other ghost.

“I am sorry you are here, I will try and help you as much as I can for all of our sakes. I am afraid what he told you was true. There is no escape except to find the object you seek. I came here originally seeking what you must find, and it was snatched from me. He tookay it and put a curse on me that bound me here in my misery. My only respite has been knowing he damned himself here too and he has no way out, at all. Would you like some food, I will try and answer your questions.” Jenny only then realized the table in front of them was loaded with fruits and breads and cheeses. It all looked fresh and tasty. Glancing at Archie he nodded.

“We may be here awhile and we need our strength. Frankly, I trust this woman more than the other.” He blushed then and turned to the ghost.

“I apologize, that was rude. May I have your name?” The ghost looked pleased and Jenny smiled, glad for Archie’s manners. If they needed this lady, it would be best to be nice. Not to mention, it sounded like she was to be pitied.

“You are kind sir. My name is Charlenne. Please, both of you have a seat and get your strength back. I know you have been through horrific times.” Jenny went to sit and saw her jacket.

“How did this get here?” She picked it up and shookay it out, It seemed clean so she put it on to block the occasional cool breeze. Now that she wasn’t moving she didn’t feel so hot.

“When I was cursed, so were my family members who were here at the time. They were out in the forest trying their best to help you. My brother said you left this and may want it. He will be pleased at your delight.” Jenny realized she was delighted and sat.

“Thank him for me please. That was thoughtful. May I ask a question?” Charlenne smiled and nodded. Archie began loading up two plates with fruit and cheese. It did not occur to her that he managed to pick exactly what she liked the most.

“A minute ago you said you were cursed. What can you tell us about everything here. We need information if we are going to figure this whole thing out.” Archie agreed and picked up an apple for himself. By the way he ate he was as hungry as she was. Jenny began eating as Charlenne told them her story.

Chapter Four

“I was very young when it happened. I come here with my family to find that which many search for. My family come with me because it was appropriate for them to do so and their honor doomed them with me. That man”, she pointed across the clearing at the other ghost. “ripped away from me what I most desired and sought after. He is Hollister Armor. He is an evil man and I did not see it in my youth and enthusiasm, not until it was too late.” When she spokaye of not seeing it in him she couldn’t help glancing over to the other side and gazing at Jack and Linda a moment. Jenny sighed. She had not seen it either. When she looked back Charlene was gazing at her with sympathy.

“You knew them before, I am guessing. Perhaps did not recognize what they are?” Jenny nodded, chewing her cheese slowly, not wanting to speak.

“Yes, it is painful, the sudden unveiling of hidden character, I am sorry for the loss of who you thought they were.” Jenny shookay her head.

“I knew they were not always the nicest people, but this, this is far beyond what I thought possible. Archie saw it, not me…” She shrugged.

“Actually,” Archie brokaye in. “I never liked them, but I never would have thought they would be capable of what they did. Not until they did it, then I saw.” He reached out and squeezed her shoulder a moment in sympathy and then reached for some bread. Jenny felt like a fool and looked down embarrassed and sad. She felt a cool tingling on her chin and raised her head. Charlene was touching her chin with a shimmering finger to get her to raise her head.

“No shame Miss Jenny. The modern world is strangely averse to any belief in the existence of evil. That is to be commended for many reasons.” Jenny returned her lookay another moment and then nodded agreement.

“In any case he wanted my family’s wealth, such as it was and in his greed and evil desires he cursed me. Since my family was with me they were cursed too. He mistookay what he was doing though and it caused him some grief.”

“How is that?” Archie asked while buttering some bread and offering it to Jenny. She tookay it and tookay a bite. Like everything else it was wonderful.

“Two reasons Mister Archie. The first is, any time you curse someone with such potency you have to leave them a way out. It may take centuries to accomplish, but the way out must be there or the curse will not work. Secondly, due to the potency of what was ripped from me happening at the same time he cursed us, the curse rebounded back onto him and his ruffians as well. He ended up stuck here, bound by that which he bound me and mine. It would be just, but after only a short time he decided he liked it. His only regret, I think, is the lack of more people to torment.” Jenny really wanted to just disbelieve everything she said. This was a modern world, we don’t believe in ghosts and curses, she told herself. Of course, as Charlene pointed out, we don’t believe in evil either and that was apparent all around them now.

“What is your way out Charlene?” Archie questioned softly.

“You and Miss Jenny. If you two discover for yourselves, what I come here for, I will be released. It was the one opening. I have waited centuries for. Two to come who had a chance and as soon as I sensed the two of you, I knew you could do it. My idea was to lead the both of you here and plead with you for your help. Unfortunately, Hollister detected what we were trying to do and attacked everyone in your party. It was then, I think, that he saw what Jack and Linda did, then deciding he wanted two people to work with him. Normally he would have just let you lookay around. His very nature prevents him from realizing it can be found. He couldn’t resist two people so alike to himself. Even his henchmen would not have gone as far as those two, at least until they were dead and cursed too. Alive they were all brave, if misguided men.

“So Charlene, can you tell us what we are lookaying for?” Jenny figured it couldn’t hurt to try.

“I want that more than anything. However, if I do it will destroy us as surely as if you are stopped from finding what you are searching for. You two, me, my family, all of us would be gone and they,” She pointed across the clearing again. Jenny did not bother lookaying. “they would benefit in ways I cannot comprehend.” Jenny expected that and sighed.

“OKAY, how long do we have to find this thing we are lookaying for that many have sought.” Jenny almost smiled at his phrasing.

“As long as you wish. Unless Jack and Linda find a way to block you that is. Since it is your move first, they have to wait for you. As long as neither side assaults the other, it could last days or longer.” They had finished eating and looked at each other with worry. Days! Charlene left the table and went to a cabinet Jenny had not noticed before.

“Archie, wont people be looying for the missing class by tomorrow.” He nodded brows furrowed.

“I am not sure that is a good thing though. More people could get hurt.” Charlene come back then with a bottle of wine and two glasses for them. As she poured two glasses she disagreed.

“Actually I would guess anyone looking would just find nothing. Hollister will have cleaned up back where you started, and we are many miles from that place in any case.” She lit a few candle and Jenny realized it was actually approaching dusk.

“How did it get so late?” She looked around. They had many candles going across the clearing and there was sudden laughter and even some singing. She turned back to Archie who was lookaying even more worried.

“It shouldn’t be more than midafternoon. Charlenne what has happened?” Charlene’s sparkling eyes widened.

“Oh my, you do not know? Of course you don’t, my pardon there is no way you could. This clearing and the land behind it is not in time with your part of the world. This little corner of it was changed when the curse was lowered. So when you come into the clearing it was close to dinner time. Not midafternoon as you said Mister Archie. If you would take my advice, try and relax. You are both exhausted and under quite a bit of strain. A good night’s rest will set you back and ready to go, don’t you think.” Jenny agreed wholeheartedly. She did not want to go looking for whatever it is they were seeking in the dark. Especially with malevolent ghosts and people watching them and waiting to mess them up. Archie looked conflicted, he obviously wanted to get this over with.

“I must see to my family, if you could excuse me please.” Charlenne told them. She went off in what Jenny only now noticed as floating across the ground, adding to the surreal feeling she had been going with all day.

“She has a point Archie. Do you want to go poking around in the dark, or by candle light?” He sighed and shook his head.

“No I don’t. I do want to get this over with and get you…us out of here as fast as possible. Charlenne was also right about any help coming. No one is going to find us here. Especially if we are not in sync with the rest of the world.” He was dejected at the prospect. So was she but she also felt she should try and logic it all out with him. That would help him feel better, she hoped anyway. She hated seeing him so down, even if he had every right to be.

“Well also, all Hollister would have to do was move a miles worth of bushes and trees and even dogs are not going to get close enough to sniff for us. If that is the case it seems to me we should take this at whatever pace will get us through. Its not that I don’t want to go home, I want that more than anything, but I want to make sure we make it. I don’t know about you, but sitting her and sipping wine sounds like a good idea before getting some sleep.” he smiled a little and raised his glass. They tookay a sip together. They relaxed and talked only about things they had seen that they enjoyed. An unspokayen effort to lighten the mood. There was singing across the clearing, drunken singing and Jenny could hear Linda. Linda actually had a good voice, she remembered from a karaokaye night at the local pub. She did not want to think about that however. She did not want to think about Linda at all. They were both startled when very faintly, as if on the wind, they heard a wailing. Soft and gentle. They both come to their feet and looked around. Charlenne appeared suddenly.

“Is there anything wrong?” They explained what had shookay them.

“Oh, I see. That is the sound we make when we are manipulating the energy from ourselves to function on the plane of death. I am sorry it disturbed you.” They both looked at each other and Jenny was sure Archie was thinking what she was.

“Charlenne, you said earlier that your family was out in the woods trying to help us. Would that wailing have been present then?”

“Yes, they were trying to manipulate the local plant life without taking a form so it would have happened.”

“Thank you.” Charlenne went back to whatever she had been doing and Jenny sat down closer to Archie. She needed the comfort.

“I thought that sound was the wailing of the damned when I first hear it. Now I am sure. They have been trying to help all along.” Archie poured another glass of wine for them both.

“Yeah. My guess is Hollister is too strong. He may have been trying to kill us along the way here but they stopped him. It sounds like it hurt.” He finished with a shudder and then tossed off the glass of wine. Jenny tookay another sip and shivered herself. They talk and Jenny could feel herself wilting. Archie yawned and stretched.

“I am going to find a place to relieve myself. I’ll be right back.” He left and Jenny tookay the opportunity to lay her head on her arms. She just wanted to rest for a second. Before she knew it she felt a hand on her shoulder.

“Hey Jenny, we have a place to sleep.” Jenny blinked and sat up feeling a little stiff. Archie was standing next to her with a smile pointing and she followed his hand and saw what looked like a tent, or more properly a pavilion.

“What the hell?” Archie chuckled.

“Charlenne and family set it up. There is even what they call a privy in the back of it.” Jenny felt the fullness of her bladder and stood.

“A bathroom?” Archie laughed out loud at her remark and she grinned moving towards the lit up tent. As she entered she found herself momentarily transfixed. It was beautiful. The multiple candles shown brightly on the red and purple silk walls with stitched flower designs worked into it.. There was a table and chairs on one side and two small beds side by side on the other. Between them were partitions that she thought was the “privy”.

“I will be right back.” Jenny quickly went around the portable walls and tookay care of her business. Then looking around she saw the area was bigger than she had thought. There were even some cloths hanging along either wall. There were nightgowns, slippers, robes and to her surprise some cloths like she would normally wear. Then she noticed a table with a large bowl of water and some soft cloths. She quickly stripped and as she washed up she realized there was a floral scent coming from the water. Once she felt cleaner she put on a silky night gown that was comfortable and modest, slipped on the slippers that fit perfectly like the gown and then she went back around. Archie was sitting at the table.

“It took you long…wow! You lookay great, is there a shower back there?” She laughed and told him of the amenities.

“I could really use a wash. Be right back.” He hurried off as she had. She wanted to wait for him but she was so tired she lay down on one of the beds and it was so comfortable. She propped up a few pillows and relaxed. Within minutes she had fallen deeply asleep.

Jenny dreamed. In Jennies dream she was running, running, running as fast as she could. She was surrounded by the sound of the wailing family valiantly trying to keep her safe. Her ankle was throbbing in pain and she was barely able to keep going. She could hear Hollister’s voice berating her for a fool, a reject and a whore chasing after a man who would never have her. His voice become louder and the ground she ran on began to shake and roots erupted under her feet and she flew through the air to hear a voice that sounded like Archie calling sarcastically.

“Your done you idiot!”

Jenny awokaye with a start sitting up, biting back a scream!. Her heart was racing and her foot was throbbing like she had ran a marathon. She wiped sweat and tears from her face trying to calm her breathing. The night was quiet. Only a few voices from the other side of the clearing could be heard and they were soft. There was only one candle burning and that was on the table. She looked over and Archie was asleep, curled up on his side breathing quickly and shallow.

“No, don’t go there, watch out Jenny.” He murmured in his sleep. She wondered if she should wake him. If his dream was anything like hers it was probably bad. He continued. “Can’t you hear me, I am over here, lookay out.” He twitched in his sleep and then seemed to calm down with a sigh. He rolled over and his breathing deepened. She let out a sigh herself, of relief. At least one of them might get some sleep tonight.

She quietly got out of bed and went to the door and looked out. There were still candles blazing across the way and she could see a few people moving about. Well, she corrected herself, one person and a ghost. As she watched she saw Linda walking unsteadily with Hollister off into the woods holding hands. For some reason the gave her shivers more than anything else that had happened that day. She shivered and went back into their tent. She sat at the table and saw Archie’s watch sitting there so she checked the time, since her phone had been left in her car. It was a little after midnight, so not to bad. She decided on another glass of wine to help her sleep. She sipped it slowly and then on a whim, because she thought keeping an eye on the others would be a good idea, she moved her chair over to the entrance and sat watching the opposing camp. As much as those people and ghosts scared her, information would be key to succeeding and surviving. As she watched she saw Jack coming out of a tent lookaying more than a little drunk. She knew where she was sitting she couldn’t be seen so, she felt safe.

Jack was wearing boxers and nothing else as he went over to their gazebo and seemed to lift up a drink. One of the ghosts on that side come over to him and stood very close, seeming to rub up against him. He looked down at the ghost with a low laugh before lookaying around as if to see if the coast was clear. Then he left with his arm around the ghost heading of into the woods away from where Hollister had taken Linda. That was too creepy, she thought with another shiver. She tookay another drink of her wine and then noticed she was being watched. A ghost was standing silent and still about halfway across the clearing near one of the little fruit trees. She realized it was possible a ghost would not need light to see her sitting there. It seemed like after she had been lookaying towards the ghost it knew she was watching it because it waved and then strolled back to the gazebo. Jenny sat for at least another half hour before she saw anything else.

First she saw Hollister striding back carrying Linda draped over his arms with her arms around his glittering neck. He tookay her back to the tent on that side and disappeared inside. Soon after that she saw the a ghost carrying Jack back to the tent and only then realized that ghost was a female. Jack appeared to be passed out because he was hanging over her arms. She tookay him into the tent and after a few minutes Hollister and the smaller female ghost left the tent and went back into the woods.

Jenny decide she was done watching for the night about her third yawn. The day was really catching up to her. It come upon her all of a sudden and she was ready to try sleeping again. She moved the chair back in and went to bed. Curling up with a pillow under her arm.

She dreamed again and this time it seemed pleasant. The clearing was very pretty and sparkling under bright starlight and she was facing Hollister. He was smiling gently with quite some charm lookaying up at her from a lawn chair he as relaxing in. His ghostly form seemed more substantial almost solid.

“I do not understand why you are trying so hard to help others who, if left to their own devices, would never help you. Charlenne is a narcissist and does nothing that does not serve herself. Imagine sending her family out to help you, knowing how badly that kind of energy use hurts. Her own family she does this to. Can you imagine what she will try and get you to do? And Archie your “friend” is to enamored of his own intellect to be of any help to you girl. He thinks only of how smart he is and how that will benefit himself. You are merely needed for the time being, and truly you should stay away from him.” Jenny shookay her head, feeling confused. He couldn’t be right could he? Charlenne did admit to her family working to help her and Archie and both had guessed it must be painful. Hollister could not be right about Archie, wonderful Archie had been lookaying out for her ever since they ran into each other on the trail.

Sure, she thought, Archie was incredibly smart and it did take up a lot of his focus but that did not mean he did not care for her. It seemed obvious to her he was a nice guy trying to help out.

“So you think I should trust Jack, a guy who would throw me to the wolves at a moments notice. I am surprised he hasn’t tossed Linda aside!” Jenny was trying to stand up for herself and Archie. Hollister laughed, amused.

“You are smart, I will give you that. Of course he would throw you to the wolves, he would throw away anyone he isn’t getting a benefit from. It is an admirable trait that he and I share. Linda is the same way and that makes it an amusing dance they do. How do you know they haven’t already tossed each other aside?” Jenny just shrugged, Hollister had just reminded her how truly nasty he was.

“You however are different and while you and I will never see eye to eye I am fascinated at what makes a person like you do what you do. If it is only survival you want, I can give you that and you can go home. It will be a profitable endeavor for the both of us. You will be safe and I will win a game I have been playing for centuries.” Jenny knew in a way, as nasty as he was, Hollister had a point. She did not know Charlenne and after all, she was a ghost and Jenny certainly did not owe Jack and Linda a thing. If they wanted to spend time with ghosts let them. “You do not owe anyone here anything and you know it in your heart of hearts. Take my offer now and you will be free to have the life you already love and cherish. Let the situation be and take care of yourself. That is only realistic, no matter how repulsive you think I am, you know I am right.” Jenny felt the tension rise within her. Her anger followed quickly, Hollister had made a mistake and whatever spell he had been casting blew away.

“Heart of hearts you say, what I love and cherish you say! You really do not understand me ghost! I know what is in my heart and what I cherish so give up your pathetic attempt to con me out of your way. You cannot win this!” Rage seemed to fill his face making him ugly and horrifying as he flew out of his chair strait at her like a fireball of anger and the flames of his being flowed around her and she opened her mouth to scream but the flames filled her with agony so severe she cold not even breath and as the agony become so intense she thought she would explode her last thought was she had defended her heart, she had defended her Archie and blackness tookay her in the knowledge it had been worth it.

Chapter Five

When Jenny awokaye it was light out and the birds were singing. She stretched luxuriously and opened her eyes. She could hear Archie’s voice from outside. Soft and quiet. She smiled liking waking up to the sound of his voice until her dream come rushing back and she sat up. The blankets fell off and she could see her gown was still damp with sweat and twisted around her body. She got up, expecting to be sore but she felt fine, great in fact. As if a load had been removed from her shoulders. Even her ankle was feeling better. The dream had been terrifying, yet she was no longer terrified.

She remembered the horrific pain she had felt and her nerves now registered merely a slight burning and then faded. She had a feeling she had actually won that round with Hollister. She could remember it clearly, every word and gesture, yet it did not scare her. Something had changed within her, she wasn’t sure what, but she was ready for anything she felt happily. Her stomach rumbled hungrily and she went into the bathroom to wash, and change.

When Jenny left the tent she felt clean and fresh. The clothing selection was perfect for her. She had chosen black leggins and a red skirt with a red blouse tied at the waist. Even the bra’s were her size. She had her hair in a pony tail. She heard Archie questioning Charlenne when she come out.

“So, could what we are lookaying for be buried around her somewhere?” Jenny couldn’t help smiling, he was going to leave no stone unturned. Her greatest urgency about solving this puzzle was so she could tell him how she felt.

“Anything can be buried Mister Archie. Inside us or in the earth. It is a matter of perspective. That is from long experience.” Archie nodded and then saw that Jenny had come out of the tent and was standing there watching the two. They both stood and smiled at her.

“So have you figured it all out yet. I didn’t expect you to have the solution until noon.” He laughed with her and Charlenne smiled as if she could sense Jenny’s happiness. She even winked at Jenny.

“No I haven’t, but I know what it is not and what we have to do to find what it is we are lookaying for.” Jenny hadn’t expected that and from the lookay on her face neither had Charlenne. They urged Jenny to sit and eat and Archie had the floor to explain.

“I couldn’t figure out what it could be. If it was something you, Charlenne, had been searching for then after all the time you have been here you probable would have found it by now. When you gave me the answer digging for the object you said within us or in the earth. I know for some reason you can’t say anything about what you had been lookaying for, but I am confident it is something we brought with us. Maybe even knowledge we have, but do not realize it is important. If it was a physical object it would be much easier to find.” Jenny was impressed and it made sense. Charlenne nodded.

“Yes, I cannot say specifically what you are lookaying for. If I were to do that it would all end right there and you two would be as bound here as I am and no one left to free us. It all would truly be the end. I cannot risk my family that way, even if I was willing to risk myself and you both. Which I am not. So you are talking about both you and Jenny doing some searching within?” She asked.

“Eventually. Unfortunately I was thinking we have to question the others. They know what we are lookaying for and it is there job to stop us from finding it. How they answer even the simplest question could be a clue to what we need. Does that make sense.” Both Jenny and Charlenne were excited.

“It does Archie, it makes a lot of sense. We didn’t really bring anything with us physically and what we have no one here would need. So knowledge is the only other thing we have.” Jenny told him with the widest grin possible. She really wanted to hug the stuffing out of him but told herself to wait. Hen it was over.

“Indeed Mister Archie, Miss Jenny is right about you being right.” They all grinned at that and Jenny began eating the muffins and fruit that was breakfast. As she was getting close to finishing Archie had another thought.

“Charlenne, when you said that we are separate from the outside world and that time is different, did you mean that it moves faster or slower outside?’ She looked concerned.

“Yes, I believe it is faster although I do not know how fast. It is not something I can judge.” jenny shared a lookay with Archie. She wasn’t sure what that meant, only that it did not seem good.

“I watch a lot of sci-fi television and time comes up all the time, pardon the pun. Depending on how fast it runs in our world we could be in trouble.” he licked his lips nervously gazing at her. Then he plowed forward with what he had to say.

“If there is a big difference we could be going back to a world were we have been gone for weeks, even months. Any of our friends would have stopped lookaying for us. On the other hand it could be that we are only gone from our world an extra day which would not be a problem. See what I mean Jenny. I don’t want to scare you but I feel you need to understand what I perceive as possible.” It did make her nervous, but she held to what she had said the day before about rushing things.

“I get it and I am thankful that you watch what you do. I still think we can’t rush it to much or it could end us. Then it won’t matter how long we have been gone. So I think we can worry about it when we get there.” He smiled with relief.

“I agree but you have more friends than I do and more people to worry about you.” Neither of them had any family to speak of so that was not a problem. Jenny didn’t like what her friends may go through wondering about her, but since she could do nothing about it she chose not to worry. Charlenne was relieved as well.

“I am glad you both take that view. I was worried and will always feel guilty that it was ultimately my search that led to you being here. If there is anything I can do when the time comes, rest assured I will do it.” Jenny drank her juice down still feeling like things were working right. Charlenne went off to see to whatever it was she did when she disappeared and left the two alone.

“So Archie, did you dream last night?” She couldn’t help asking. He was startled and then sighed frustratingly.

“Yes and that was part of what started my thinking in this direction. I believe it was the dark side over there that sent the dreams and if so, why? There is no reason unless what they need is in our mind and they want to shake us up to keep us from finding it. Did you dream of anything too scary?” he was worried and she thought it sweet of him.

“Yes, it was quite scary but you know what, I think it helped me see clearer. There will not be any trust between me and that camp, ever. It will not work, I know who I am!” She thought she might have to explain the last part, but she didn’t.

“Me too and that may be their mistake. I doubt Jack and Linda know how to affect our dreams, so they will be the ones we talk to, deal.” Jenny agreed and told him about what she saw the night before. He was surprised and a little sickened.

“Do you think they might have been…I don’t know…cheating on each other with ghosts?” Jenny had not wanted to think about that frightening thought, but it was what she thought.

“Yes. They are completely over to the dark side now.” She felt a brief flash of amusement when she realized Archie had got her to speak in Star Wars terms. Geeks, she thought, what are you going to do. He did not let it go either.

“Nice Star Wars reference Captain.” She stuck her tongue out at him. Archie laughed.

“Ready to go Jenny?”

“Yes, what is the plan?”

“We just pokaye around as if we are thinking something may be buried, We can come up with all kinds of scenarios if they ask. Jack and Linda will probably follow us around. Even if they do know what we are lookaying for, they will have to pretend they don’t. They are just smart enough to figure that out.’ he looked her apologetically and she waved it off.

“Know you are right, they were never the smartest people in the jocks. It is the reason our football team looses so much, we is the captain of it.” they went and he got his stick and she grabbed her crutch. She didn’t feel she needed it for walking but carried it anyway. Archie was pleased she did so. Then they did as he suggested, pokaying around the perimeter without getting too close to the thorns. It was interesting that the dark side was not blocking people from going further into the woods. Then again Jack and Linda had no intention of leaving. True to Archie’s guess the two come out of their tent and saw them, held a brief discussion and then come over to Archie and Jenny. Both of them become wary, not trusting Jack or Linda to keep to the rules. Rules were not their thing. Jenny suddenly realized that she and Archie had to stick to the rules. If they brokaye them they lost. Being the good guys was keeping them honest she thought humorously. She was not positive why she was in such a good mood but she was going to hold onto it as long as she could.

“So what are you two losers up to?” Jack asked as they come near. Jack was dressed in a t-shirt with the team logo and basketball shorts. Linda was wearing spandex running shorts and a tight belly shirt, showing off her assets. Not at all surprising to Jenny. The woman had been an exhibitionist as long as Jenny had known her. The electric blue color of it was right up her alley too.

“Not much, just lookaying around. You never can tell what you might find.” Jenny answered while Archie looked under a loose rock. Linda was lookaying confused.

“So why do you want to leave this place? I know you are all goody two shoes and stuff but lookay around. We are completely set up here. Anything and everything you could possibly need is here for the asking. Anything you could possibly want to do is here for the doing.” She honestly did not get it and that was the worst thing that could be said about her.

“There is more to life than having things handed to you, or letting things happen to you instead of leading your own life.” Jenny replied to her query. Archie pretended interest in something for a moment and then they began walking further along the clearing’s edge. Jacky and Linda following of course. Jenny kept a close eye on them both.

“We know you were watching us last night Hop Along, see anything you like?” Jack sneered at her as he finished and she ignored it as she ignored the child’s nickname for her injury. Especially since she wasn’t really limping or hopping.

“Of course you know I was watching. There was a ghost standing right over there watching me. I imagine we were doing the same thing. Keeping watch on the other side. Archie watched for awhile as well, but he is sneakier than I am so I realize you probably did not see him.” They both looked surprised. It wasn’t true, but they didn’t know that. “Or the watchman just didn’t tell you. I can’t imagine ghosts enjoy being partnered with living people.” As soon as she said it she knew it would piss them off. She hadn’t planned it that way but if they were coupling with ghosts, she just gave them an insult. From the lookay on there face it had hit them that way. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw Archie bend to inspect something on the ground, hiding a smile.

“What the hell do you mean by that!” Linda stormed at her. Jenny changed her grip on her staff.

“Nothing, just that ghosts are ghosts and we are not. It is a big difference. They hear better, probably see better and may even be stronger. It is not like they need us. We are just hangers on. It is another good reason to want to get out of here don’t you think Linda?” Linda snarled back at her.

“No, I don’t think.” It tookay a few seconds for her to realize how that sounded and Jenny couldn’t hep giggling. It just infuriated Linda more. Jenny knew she had to calm things down before they got out of hand.

“Sorry. I know what you meant. I just think life would be better when I am in control, that is all.” Linda fumed, especially since Jack had found her comment about not thinking funny too. Not that he was a pro at it himself. When Archie bent over a log she leaned over to help him, both of them pretending they might have fond something. Neither Jack or Linda seemed worried witch proved Archie’s point. They knew they were not lookaying for anything physical.

“You can lookay all you want Jenny, but you will never find it. You are not smart enough.” Jack laughed.

“Yeah neither of you have the smarts to find your ass with both hands and a flashlight?” They both laughed and she saw Archie frown. Uh oh, she thought.

“This from the guy who had to take paper classes during the summer so he could stay on the team. You really don’t think we take you opinions to seriously do you.” That angered jack although Linda had not know what paper class meant.

“Is that why you were in school last year. Ha I should have known!” Jack turned on Linda.

“Shut up you idiot, that is not what happened.” Linda laughed in his face. Both of them were angry now, but at each other. Archie and Jenny pulled back to observe.

“Idiot, you are calling me an idiot. I should have known. I had to help you with your college level math and I am not any good at it, but I am better than you.” There argument went on for a minute before they realized, after an incredibly stupid remark, that Archie and Linda had backed off, not gone out of earshot.

“Really, you wouldn’t even notice if I was spending time with someone else, that has been proven!” Jack looked ready to explode at this revelation.

“And you think I don’t wander either?” Now it was Linda’s turn to become even more enraged. Except she turned to Jenny and Archie.

“This is your fault. You think you are so smart you don’t even know what each other…’ A roaring of Hollister’s voice made Jenny shudder as the ghost come up out of the ground next to the arguing pair.

“Silence! You will lose any chance of winning your prize or living out the day if you do not stop this!” Linda was glaring at them with pure hatred and then without warning launched herself at Archie who had to scramble back to avoid her hands and to get his stick up in defense. Jenny was so concentrated on that, she she didn’t notice how Jack was coming at her. When she did she barely got her staff up and she was knocked to the ground. Barely thumping him with her weapon.

She was kicked in the ribs and the pain made her hand relax and the crutch was yanked away from her as she got another kick. She was hit in the head and everything started getting foggy and the pain was immense. She heard Hollister shouting in rage and Charlenne was besides her. She had a sudden thought and that led to another more important thought. As if she had called him, Archie was bending over her.

“Take I easy Jenny, you are going to be alright! I am sorry this is all my fault. I think I am so smart but I let you get hurt. It won’t happen again, I promise!” She couldn’t help smiling up at him. Her Archie, the love of her life.

Listen Archie, I thought the danger was past and we only had to fool the others. It was I that was a fool. I have to tell you something.” He shookay his head fear for her shining through every line of his face.

“Not now, just take it easy, it can wait.” She shookay her head and the pain throbbed,

“No I have to say, just in case. I love you Archie. I have for over a year. I used to sneak into your matches and watch from hiding so I could see you win. You always win darling. I just want you to know someone loves you, someone will always love you.” He hushed her with a lookay of complete shock on his face. She felt herself being lifted and Charlenne’s voice telling her she would be alright. She knew she would be. She had told her love how she felt, everything would be better now, no matter how it played out with the dark side. She felt herself fading and consciousness left her. She floated in a dream of soft sad, yet beautiful music. It was so restful her sleep was dreamless and healing.

Chapter Six

Jenny awokaye and it was dark except for a tiny candle on her bedside. Charlene was sitting next to her bed and she could hear a faint snoring from Archie’s bed.

“Is he OKAY?” it was her only worry. She did not matter.

“He will be fine. I had to slip a sleeping drought into his juice about an hour ago to get him to rest. You are going to be fine too.” The ghost ran a wet cloth over her face and the cool feeling made her slight headache fade.

“Thank you Charlenne. I think I upset Archie.” She laughed softly at Jenny.

“Upset, no I don’t think so. Stunned is a better word. Do not concern yourself dear. You are both going to be fine I think. Actually I think all of us will be. You two are doing nicely with your search, it won’t be long now.” Jenny knew she was till foggy because she couldn’t figure out what Charlenne meant. It didn’t matter though. She had said what she had to say to Archie. She could let the chips fall where they would now. She so very tired and just laying there felt so good. She closed her eyes.

“I told him Charlenne, I finally told him. I know it is a small thing with all that is going on but…” She opened her eyes at the hard tome in Charlenne’s voice.

“It is NOT a small thing Jenny and I want you to always remember that. Hold onto it and do not let go! Do you hear me?” Jenny sighed. She was way to tired because Charlenne was right her love was everything to her.

“Sorry Charlenne, you are right. It is not a small thing. I am just so tired, I don’t know what I am saying.”

“That is alright Jenny, just rest and tomorrow will be a better day.” Jenny could not keep herself from falling back asleep.

In the morning Archie was awake and hovering to make sure she would be OKAY. He was reassured from several sources but he remained scared for her. Jenny was really feeling better though. Her ribs still hurt but her head felt fine. Her only problem was Archie refused to speak to her about the night before. He would brush it away and told her they could talk about it later. He had a plan that was going to work once she was ready to be up and around. Charlenne would not allow her out of bed until she ate and was bathed again. Watever was in that cleaning water worked miracles though so once she was done eating Archie left and she changed into clean clothes for herself. A pretty blouse and skirt with a ribbon in her hair. Then she was allowed out. Charlenne was so happy she seemed as delirious as Jenny had been after a knock on the head. When she moved slowly outside Archie seemed relieved and took her hand.

“Let’s end this.” he said and led her across the field. She wanted to protest, find out what he was doing but she trusted him as always and just followed holding his hand. They stood in the center of the clearing with everyone looking at them curiously.

“OKAY you guys, call Hollister, it is over, now!” That got their attention. Jack and Linda come out of their tent sullen and reduced in on themselves. Hollister had not sounded happy the last she heard him and he probably took it out on them. The ghosts from the dark side gathered on there and the light side gathered on the other. Hollister rose up from out of the ground looking wary. Archie turned to Jenny.

“I love you too. That is it Jenny. I love you too!” She didn’t get it. She felt she should but it just wasn’t connecting. He could tell. All of the ghosts were utterly silent and not a bird chirped.

“We both have been lonely for a long part of our life. We have both been searching for love, compassion, companionship. It would be a wonder if we never searched for it. When you told me what you did last night I knew then what we were looking for and we absolutely brought it with us.” Jenny felt joy fill her as never before, but listened as Archie explained further. She knew it now, but wanted to hear his voice.

“Charlenne was in love with Hollister and her family came with her to marry her off. Hollister had conned them though and robbed them. His greed and perversion had him curse them. But love is strong and it sent the curse back on him as well. Look at him he knows I am right. He screwed up and now there is nothing he can do.” Archie had a point about Hollister. He had become darker and smaller. The strength and arrogance was diminished. With sudden rage he and his ghosts howled and rushed Jenny and Archie. Jenny wrapped her arms around Archie and laid her face on his shoulder. She didn’t want to watch. She felt they were buffeted by winds and rage but it faded quickly. When she looked up from her mans shoulder the ghost were being pulled into the forest at the far end of the clearing

and Jack, with Linda was following dejectedly. When they all were gone the dark side of the clearing become brighter and a merry match for the cheerful looking bright side. It was all a part of the light now. She turned to Charlenne without letting go of Archie. She never wanted to let go and neither it seemed did Archie.

“I knew you two would be able to do it.” Charlenne was smiling and ghostly tears were falling down her face and the faces of all the ghosts behind her.

“There are a few things you deserve to know though. Firstly, your other classmates are still alive. Some of my family stayed with them, even the most injured and immersed them in their pure energy. It was another act of love that saved your whole class. I could not tell you before because I had not known the outcome until just a moment ago. All the interference is gone.

“Secondly children all of us have a choice now of moving on or staying. I am considering staying for a while. The old clearing looks as beautiful as it did in my youth. It will be worth the time. The last thing is um, uncomfortable to tell you but, time is much faster outside of this little world than I had suspected. A very long time has passed. A very long time. I am sorry but you both have the choice of staying or going too, if that helps.” Jenny found it did not bother her much. As Archie had said neither of them had many people in their homeland. He seemed to agree with her.

“I don’t even want to know how long has passed.” He looked at Jenny and read her expression perfectly.

“We can stay here. I imagine that a place like this requires upkeep and we can do that whenever you decide to move on Charlenne.” Jenny was not sure she could feel happier than she did right then.

“First thing first though.” Archie said firmly and scooped Jenny up in his arms. She had to grip around his neck to stay up. She laughed.

“What are you doing you crazy man?” Archie smiled.

“Don’t worry Captain my Captain, you won’t mind.”

They walked into their tent and she heard the curtain doors close behind them. She saw there was only one big bed and she decide Archie was right again. She did not mind at all.

The End