Second Chances

by Aaron Brinker

  Jake smiled and gave Dave a sideways glance. “And the rest of the family. Has he been holding up all right?”

  Dave pursed his lips. “As good as can be expected. Things have been a little complicated around here lately.”

  Jake looked at Dave curiously. “Family arguments?”

  Dave smiled and let out a nervous laugh. “Actually, no. I wish it were that simple. We have a ghost that’s been haunting us.”

  Dave and Jake walked through the house towards the doors leading to the backyard. When they stepped through the glass doors, Jake saw that they had the umbrella open for shade. Everyone was sitting underneath it. “Hey everyone, figured I would stop by for a chat.”

  Chaun stood and shook Jake’s hand. He smiled ear to ear. He then said, “Thanks for finally coming by.”

  Jake looked towards the ground. “Yeah I know. I should have at least called.” He looked back up at Chaun with a sheepish smile. “Sorry man, work’s been crazy lately.”

  Chaun laughed and smacked Jake’s upper arm. “It’s okay. I’m just giving you a hard time. It is good to see you.”

  “Likewise.” Jake laughed slightly. “Your dad was trying to tell me you guys are being haunted. You guys don’t believe in the paranormal. I should know better than to believe your dad…always trying to prank someone.” Jake smiled thinking that Dave and Chaun would reveal it was all a joke.

  Chaun looked at Dave with a serious expression. He looked back at Jake. He bit his upper lip in slight frustration knowing that getting Jake to believe the truth may take some time. Jake’s smile changed from one of fun and games to a smile of disbelief. He looked around to see if anyone was grinning at the joke. Jake was dumbfounded to find that every single face was serious. Chaun spoke up, he motioned to the seat in front of Jake. “Please have a seat.” Jake sat down next to Sam.

  “You mean to tell me you guys have a ghost?” Chaun nodded. “Do you see a form moving through the house like a mist?” Chaun shook his head slowly from side to side. “What the hell does it do?”

  “It moves shit from time to time…” Chaun looked down and then back up with a look that portrayed great discomfort. His eyes narrowed to a squint expecting Jake’s reaction. “and possesses people.”

  Jake shook his head while laughing nervously. “You’ve got to be kidding me. I still don’t believe it. Who does it possess?”

  Chaun shrugged and raised his hands, palms skyward, and let them drop. “Whoever it wants. The majority of the time it possesses Sam.”

  The next voice Jake heard came from the highchair next to him. The voice was high pitched. The instant he heard it, he felt chills down his spine. “Jake…” Jake turned to see Sam staring directly into his eyes. He had never seen eyes that dark. “believe it.” He then watched the blackness of Sam’s eyes fade as if it was mist on water being replaced by the blue of Sam’s eyes. For Jake, everything went black. For everyone else, they watched as Jake’s head slammed into the table as he feinted. Denise rushed over and within a few minutes had Jake awake. Michelle had gone in for a damp rag.

  Jake rapidly blinked as he came to and cradled his head in his hands. His head throbbed with pain. “What happened? I remember seeing Sam talking to me, then everything went black.”

  Dave responded, “You fainted. Do you believe us now?” Jake slowly nodded his head.

  Michelle handed him a cup of water, and he took a sip. “Who is it?”

  Dave shook his head. “We still haven’t figured that out.”

  Jake’s brow raised, and his voice grew anxious. “I’m pretty sure that would unlock some answers.”

  Chaun nodded his head. “I fully agree.”

  21

  By the middle of October, the leaves on the trees had begun to change, Sam had grown a little bigger, the air grew colder, and the entity had kept to its regular routine. Denise became anxious about the evening that she and Chaun were about to spend together. Dave and Michelle had offered to watch Samantha while they were gone. She walked around the grocery store wondering how things would play out throughout the evening.

  No matter how much she tried not to think about Chaun, he was always there. Her days were brighter when she was able to be around him or even hear his voice. She got in line at the checkout lane and slowly made her way forward. She had gotten enough to fill a hand basket. Denise had not realized that the person in line had already checked out. The cashier looked at her and said, “Ma’am? Ma’am. Ma’am!” Denise came back to reality from her daydreaming about Chaun. “Are you okay?”

  She gave and apologetic grin. “Yes, I’m sorry. I'm all right.”

  The cashier looked at Denise without a hint of judgment in her eyes. “Is it a guy?”

  Denise looked at the cashier and saw that she was smiling. She seemed to be about the same age as Denise. “Yeah. I can’t stop thinking about him. Every time I try to think about something else, my mind automatically goes to nothing but him.”

  She grinned as she began scanning Denise’s items. “Sounds like someone is in love. Have you asked him out yet?”

  The cashier noticed the longing, sad, far-off look in Denise’s eyes. Denise shook her head. “Not yet. I’m letting him take things at his own pace.” The cashier gave her a skeptical look. “It’s kind of complicated. His wife had been killed in a car accident about a year ago. I met him while he was in the hospital. I was one of his nurses.”

  The cashier’s eyes widened as her mouth dropped open. “Are you talking about Chaun Hutchins?”

  Denise’s right brow lowered. “Yes, I am. Do you know him?”

  “I graduated with him. How is he?” Her face portrayed genuine concern.

  Denise responded, “He’s doing okay. He is living with his parents for the time being.”

  The cashier frowned as her face turned red. “I felt so bad when I found out what had happened. Someone like Chaun didn’t deserve that kind of trial. He always was a sweetheart.”

  Denise smiled. “He still is.” Her brow furrowed. “Did you ever meet his wife?”

  Her expression grew angry. “Unfortunately, yes. I don’t like to talk bad about the dead, but she was a real bitch. At the class reunions, everyone would talk about her and agree that Chaun could do better. He hardly talked with her around. She would yell at him and demand stuff from him. From what I had seen of her, she never treated him like a person.”

  Denise was hurt by this news. Hearing about Chaun’s poor treatment from an outside perspective made the reality that much harder to bare. “I kind of figured that from some of the behaviors I’ve noticed in him. He always apologizes for the smallest things. I’m just hoping I can pull him out of the mindset that she had on him.”

  The cashier smiled, “If I know Chaun, he’ll bounce back in no time. That’ll be five dollars and twenty-three cents.”

  Denise removed six dollars from her purse and handed it to the cashier. “Here you go hon.”

  The cashier handed her the change. She smiled. Her face portrayed caring and understanding. “Have a good day sweetie. Tell Chaun and his parents that Melissa says hi.”

  Denise returned the smile and nodded as she grabbed her bags. “Thank you. I will. Have a good day hon.”

  “You do the same.”

  22

  After Denise had been at Dave and Michelle’s home for about a half an hour, a knock was heard at the door. Chaun said he would answer it. He got out of his chair and walked to the front door. He came back into the room, “Denise.” She looked up at him. “Are you ready to go?”

  “Yeah.” She stood up. Chaun walked over and helped her with her coat. She turned to Dave and Michelle. “It was good talking with you.”

  Dave responded as he gave her a polite smile. “Denise, it’s always a pleasure.”

  Denise walked to the front door. She was ecstatic when she noticed that a limousine was parked in the driveway. It was a thing of beauty. This wasn’t any regular car style limousine. It was a black Lincoln Navigator. Michell
e spoke from behind her and Chaun, “You guys have a great time. If you need anything call us and if something comes up here we’ll call you. I love you Chaun.”

  “We will. I love you too, mom.” With that, he began walking towards the limo with his hand gently on the small of Denise’s back. She almost cried that someone would think highly enough of her to rent a limo for the evening instead of driving. They walked to the limo, and the driver opened the back door for Chaun and Denise. They both climbed in and looked around when they sat down. The driver climbed in and rolled down the window separating the seating areas.

  He spoke with an even tone. “There are drinks in the mini fridge, and a bottle of champagne already chilled. Where are we headed tonight? I know you’ve reserved my services for the duration of the evening.”

  Chaun smiled and spoke with a respectful light-hearted tone. “Indianapolis, please. What is your name sir?”

  “Samuel, sir.”

  “Nice to meet you, Samuel. My name is Chaun.”

  Samuel dipped his head respectfully. “Likewise, sir. If you need to speak with me, just pick up the phone.”

  “Will do. Thank you, Samuel.”

  “You’re welcome sir.” Samuel turned and rolled up the window. He backed out of the driveway. They were on their way to Indianapolis. The ride to their destination was uneventful. Chaun and Denise drank a couple glasses of Champagne and snacked on fruit. They talked the entire way down, including where they had decided to go for dinner.

  Chaun told Samuel what restaurant at which they wished to dine. What he said next surprised Samuel, “When we get there, if you’re hungry, I want you to feel free to go in and order something to eat. The dinner will be on me.”

  Samuel was awestruck at Chaun’s gesture. He smiled in disbelief. “Thank you, sir. That is kind of you.”

  When they arrived at the restaurant for dinner, Samuel parked in front of the door, walked around and opened the door for Chaun and Denise allowing them to exit the vehicle before closing the door behind them. “Thank you, Samuel. If you want to eat, I’ll let the hostess know that I’ll pick up the check.”

  “Thank you again, sir.” Samuel walked back around the limousine, got in, and drove off to find a place to park.

  Chaun and Denise entered the restaurant. Chaun looked at the hostess and spoke, “There will be two of us tonight. If the limo driver comes in to eat, could you please tell his waitress to put his food on my bill?”

  The hostess nodded, “I can most definitely do that sir. Table or booth?”

  Chaun looked at Denise. She turned to the hostess and said, “Booth, please.”

  The hostess turned, retrieved two menus and two rolls of silverware, and escorted them to their booth. “Here you are, and your waitress will be right with you.”

  Chaun gave a polite nod. “Thank you, ma’am,” Chaun said. “Do you want an appetizer or just the entrée?”

  Denise opened up her menu and began to look it over. “Let’s just have the entrée. We probably will want to save room for snacks at the game.”

  The waitress arrived at the table. She was probably in her mid-forties. “Good evening. My name’s Dorothy, and I will be taking care of you two this evening. Can I start by getting you something to drink?” She turned to look at Denise.

  “I’ll have an unsweet tea,” Denise said.

  “I’ll have the same.”

  “Two unsweet teas, I’ll be back with those in just a few minutes.”

  Chaun smiled. “Thank you, Dorothy.”

  “You’re welcome.” Dorothy walked away from the table.

  Denise continued to look at her menu when she asked, “What are you having?”

  Chaun’s tone was positive yet determined. “I’m thinking of having a steak and shrimp. What are you thinking of having?”

  Denise’s voice sounded distant. “I’m not sure. It all sounds so good. I may go with the grilled chicken.”

  “That doesn’t sound like a bad choice,” Chaun said. Denise looked up at him and smiled.

  Dorothy returned to the table and placed their teas in front of them. “Here you go. Are you ready to order or do you need more time?”

  Chaun looked at Denise and nodded. Denise looked at Dorothy and said, “I think we’re ready. I’m going to have the grilled chicken breast with the steamed vegetables.” Dorothy scribbled on her notepad.

  Dorothy stopped writing for a second as she turned to Chaun. “I will have the steak and shrimp with a baked sweet potato.”

  “How would you like your steak cooked?”

  “Medium well, please.” Chaun handed the menus to Dorothy. “Thank you ma’am.” He smiled at her as she took the menus from Chaun.

  She smiled and winked at Chaun. “You’re quite welcome. I will get these put in and bring them out when they’re ready.” Dorothy walked away from the table once again.

  Chaun looked at Denise. “I don’t know about you, but it’s nice to get away from everything for a while.”

  She let out a sigh. “I agree. Work has been a bear lately.”

  Chaun shook his head and reached across the table taking Denise’s hands and holding them in his own. “I can’t imagine some of the issues you deal with at work. I know that nursing is one of the higher stress occupations.”

  Denise nodded. Her expression was sullen. “That it is. There are times when it’s really rewarding, and there are also times when it almost breaks you.” Her eyes looked into Chaun’s and her face and tone brightened. “So what’s it like not having to work?”

  Chaun smiled. “There are times it drives me up the wall, but then knowing I have a clear schedule to spend time with Sam, my parents, or you is consoling.” He looked down then back up at Denise. “I think I’ll be able to manage without working. Hell, if I get too bored, I can always pick up a hobby.”

  “You could always pick up paranormal investigations.” Chaun looked at her almost angry. He stopped himself from saying anything out of anger when he saw the grin on her face. They both began laughing. He had almost forgotten how good it felt to laugh. It was one of those laughs that brought him to tears.

  He looked down then back up at Denise. “Yeah I could. I’ve had enough experience with it.” He paused for a moment. “What are your thoughts on everything that has been happening?”

  Denise’s face straightened, as she thought of how to voice her feelings. Her voice was soft and distant. “I have no idea. Before I met you and started witnessing and experiencing the events that we have, I didn’t believe in ghosts or entities. I was like so many others thinking that once we were gone our souls went on to different places. I didn’t think that something could be left behind.” Her eyes narrowed. “What’s your opinion of it? Are you handling it okay?”

  Chaun leaned back in the seat. In a more serious tone, he said, “I’m doing about as well as I can be. I know that whatever happens I must remain strong. As for my opinion of the situation,” He leaned forward again. He spoke with a tone that portrayed disbelief. “I was pretty much in the same mindset as you. I believed that once we died, that was it, there was nothing left except our bodies.”

  Her face lengthened and her voice shaky. “Are you scared that the entity will follow through with what it has promised?”

  Chaun looked down at his hands on the table. They were joined with interlocking fingers. He let out a sigh and spoke with a worried tone. “Yes, and it frightens me to no end. If it causes harm to anyone, I hope that it is me. I don’t know who it is that’s haunting us, but apparently, they have a lot of anger towards me for something I have done.”

  Denise nodded her head, glanced down at Chaun’s hands, then back up at him. “Who have you wronged to make them want to hurt you?”

  Chaun's brow raised, and he shook his head. “I don’t know, and it’s bugging the hell out of me. It could be anybody. I was a completely different person when I was younger. In fact, up until high school, I would bully the weaker students.”

  Denise just nodd
ed. “Well, I’m glad you changed.” She was quiet for a moment. Due to her anticipation, her voice became livelier. “On a lighter note, I’m anxious to see the game tonight. It’s been so long since I’ve been to an actual hockey game. I catch them all the time on T.V., but seeing a game live is so much more exciting.”

  Chaun grinned. “I could not agree more. When you see a game live, there are things you can’t really fathom seeing it on the T.V. screen. The smell of the ice and the roaring energy of the crowd are two of the things I look forward to when attending a live game.”

  Denise sat up in the booth a little bit, and her smile widened. “Especially when a fight breaks out.”

  Chaun took a drink from his glass and dipped his head as he set the glass down. “Oh, that’s always a given. I’ve meant to ask you for some time, what are some of the other things you enjoy?”

  Her smile narrowed in contemplation, “I’m trying to think of something I have not yet told you. I love to read.”

  Chaun’s lips pursed. “What genre do you like to read? Do you read simply for surface meaning or analytically?”

  She took a drink. “I like romance, from time to time, but you can never go wrong with the classics. Twain, Faulkner, and Poe are just a few. I love reading stories for the story itself, but I also enjoy reading analytically.”

  “That’s cool. I love reading as well, and like you, I love to read both for the story and underlying meanings.”

  Denise’s smile faded to a look of concern. “Can I ask you a question? If you don’t feel like answering it’s okay, I’ll understand if you don’t want to answer.”

  Chaun looked into her eyes, and his tone was gentle yet serious. “You can feel free to ask me any question you like.”

  Denise nodded, looked down, and then spoke in a hesitant tone. “What was Katrina like? I know that things were difficult from what you told me while you were in the hospital.”

  Chaun’s brow furrowed portraying his attempt at finding the best way to express his answer truthfully. “What all did I tell you?”

  Her eyes looked to her right. “She always had to be the center of attention and have her way, with no regard of how it affected others.”