Chapter 15
ϕVeraϕ
Tell my mom? I wonder how she would take it. I mean, she did believe in things, but I don’t remember her ever telling me that she’s had any experiences. But, after everything that had happened, I figured she would give me a chance to speak. “Meet me in my room Mom!” I called down to her. I motioned for Zac to follow as I went down the ladder and into my room. When I walked into my room, Mom was standing there looking confused.
“What is it sweetie?” She asked.
“So, um, you know the cold spots that are in the house, and some of the noises?” I started slowly.
“Yes?” She blinked.
“It’s not because it’s an old house. Its kinda haunted.” I said. She was silent for a moment and I continued. “While I was in the attic, I met a boy…” I said. She closed her eyes and sat down on my bed.
“So...the rumors are true?” She said softly.
“Wait...wha-” I was cut off by a voice beside me.
“Yes, I am still around ma’am.” Zac said and I jumped.
“Will you not do that?! I’ll have a heart attack!” I clutched my chest and Zac just smiled but looked at mom.
“Oh my, hello there young man…” Mom looked at Zac. “You really weren’t kidding Vera.” She said to me.
“I’m afraid not Ma’am.” Zac said politely. “My name is Zachary. And if you’ve heard the rumors, then I must confirm them. I’m guessing you’ve heard about how I died?” He asked. My mother nodded. That was one thing I hadn’t brought up. I didn’t want to seem like a jerk, but I was curious.
“Are you like, a local legend or something?” I asked, and then it hit me. “Mom! You knew about this place being supposedly haunted already?! Why didn’t you tell me?!” I asked.
“I didn’t want to make you worried or nervous about the move anymore than what you already were. That’s why we got the house for such a low price.” She answered.
“I wasn’t exactly friendly to some of the people who came in here as pranks and dares.” Zac put his hands behind his back.
“So...” I hesitated, not wanting to ask. But I did. “...how did it happen?” I asked.
“He was a hero, and saved a little girl from a burning building down the street years ago.” Mom said.
“A-A beam fell on me, broke my back and I had severe burns. I didn’t make it through that.” Zac pushed his glasses up, seemingly embarrassed by what my Mom had said.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” I said simply. I didn’t know what else to say, what do you say to someone who just told you about their death?
“It had to be done. I couldn’t let her stay in the house, it’s alright.” Zac said. I still felt kinda bad.
“Well, I apologize for intruding. I hope we won’t be a bother…” Mom said.
“Oh no, you aren’t. It was just a surprise when I saw things being brought in. There hadn’t been so much energy in here for many years.” Zac looked at me and smiled. I blushed slightly and looked quickly back at mom. Even though he was a ghost, he was still pretty cute. I didn’t deal with cute people well. And the way he pushes his glasses up sometimes, no! Don’t think about it! What the hell am I doing?!
“If there is anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask, we will be happy to try and help in any way we can.” Mom said.
“Thank you Ma’am.” Zac nodded at mom and she stood up.
“Well! I need to see to dinner! Thank you for letting me know what was going on. Your father, I’m not sure how he is going to take it, but we will see when he returns, ok Vera?” She asked.
“Yeah…” I trailed off.
“Be seeing you!” She said before leaving the room.
“Well, that went better than expected.” I said and sat down on my bed. The information I just learned continued to echo in my head. It must have been a painful death, and something he could have avoided. I’m not sure how many people now would show such chivalry, and selfless in the face of that situation. I wondered if people thought of him as more than just a legend, and appreciated such a sacrifice. But I doubted it. The world is a cold place and time continues, even when others don’t.
