Chapter 25
ϕVeraϕ
He was such a brat. But still, he made days worth it ever since I met him. But I was dreading school tomorrow. I secretly wished I would get super sick so that I wouldn’t have to go.It would just be putting off the inevitable though unfortunately. That tree house though, it was intriguing. Actually, had Zak not been with me, I probably would have avoided it or at least been hesitant about climbing it. I wasn’t scared when he was around me. ironically with him being a ghost, I felt a strange sense of serene safeness around him. It would be a shame leaving him home while I went to school every day. It made my stomach drop just thinking about it. I finished up my shower and got dressed, and wandered back to my room, finding Zak waiting for me. I jumped on my bed and plopped down crisscross applesauce, my body bobbing a few times until I came to a stop and patted my bed. Zak floated over and sat in the same style in front of me.
“I have something I want to discuss with you.” I said seriously, but nervously.
“What is it?” Zak tipped his head a little.
“Well, I mean, you know I start school tomorrow…” I started.
“Yes.” He nodded. I fidgeted with my sleeves and got quiet.
“I’m scared to go.” I admitted.
“Why? You’re such an interesting person Vera, there’s no way people wouldn’t like you.” He said. I smiled a little and made quick eye contact.
“Thank you, really, but the way I met you was different. You’re different. We’re different than normal situations. I’m really lucky to have found you.” I felt myself blushing and I tried to force it away as I continued. “So anyway I wanted to ask you, if, um…come with me.” I said quickly. He was quiet for a moment, but then smiled.
“Like, go with you to school?” He asked. I nodded.
“It’s up to you though, I understand if you don’t want to.” I chuckled. “I mean, it’s school after all. But, I think it’ll make me feel more at ease if I know you’re with me.” I said.
“Actually, I was hoping you would ask.” He said, grinning. “I would love to see what’s happened to the school, and of course I’ll support you!” He said. I smiled, relieved.
“I’m really glad I can have my best friend with me.” I said.
“Best friend?” He asked. I laughed.
“Yeah, best friend. And how many people can say they are best friends with a ghost? Only the most bizarre and messed up kind of people.” I laughed and Zak laughed with me. This was nice, I just wished it could last. We calmed down and I looked at him. I wanted to touch him. Like, actually touch him. “Do you think, we would have been friends, had we known each other back then?” I asked suddenly. Zak’s face got a bit serious, but maybe it was more nostalgia. He nodded.
“I have no doubt that we would have been friends. Just as long as you would have talked to me first though.” He said. I frowned.
“Why?” I asked.
“Because I’m scared of cute girls.” He smirked. I burst out laughing and shook my head.
“And I’m scared of handsome boys so guess what, we are both out of luck!” I shot back at him and he pushed his glasses up and tipped his head away. “Aw, getting all shy on me now?” I grinned. It wasn’t often I realized that I was able to embarrass him or catch him off guard. Wait, were we...flirting??? My smile fell a bit and the doorbell rang and I jumped.
“Vera! Can you get that dear?” I heard mom call from somewhere downstairs. I motioned for Zak to follow me and he did before I opened the door I turned and blinked and he disappeared. When I looked back I came face to face with camouflage and a set of dog tags, backpack and duffle bag. I looked up and saw my father beaming down at me, holding yellow roses.
“DAD!” I yelled and jumped into his arms. He laughed and hugged me tightly. Why had no one told me he was coming back?
“Hi sweetie.” He said. It was strange to hear his voice, I hadn’t heard it in person for almost half a year. I heard Mom greet him and we all hugged.
“Surprised Vera?” Mom asked.
“You knew?! And you didn’t tell me?!” I asked. She chuckled and nodded.
“I hope you’re not mad at me.” She added
“Never mom, I’m so happy. Dad look at this house, do you like it? We are going to stay here, right? And not move right?” I said quickly.
“Whoa squirt, do you like you're school that much already? Made tons of friends?” He asked. I shook my head.
“I start tomorrow, but I love the house, and everything in it, so we can stay here, right?” I asked.
“If you really like it, then of course. I’ll do what I can to make sure my post won’t be changed.” Dad said. I felt a cold hand on my upper back for a moment and then it slowly went away.
“Thanks Dad.” I said. “It means a lot.”
