The Boy on the Other Side

by Aki_kaze

  Keith wondered if Sam had a dream. If yes, what would he want to become?

  The boy returned to the classroom before the break ended. There weren’t many people there because most still remained at the gym. Some of his classmates turned to look at him briefly before getting back to what they were doing. He walked over to sit in his seat and prepared the next subject’s materials. Everything seemed back to normal. He didn’t receive that much of attention, nor he was despised like before.

  There was still some time left before the class began, so Keith plugged in the earbuds and played a song. Students started to fill the classroom again. When the boy whose seat was in front of him saw he was listening to music, he asked,

  “What are you listening to?”

  Keith heard the voice but didn’t think it was directed to him. He was gazing out of the window. The other boy poked at him which made him jolt.

  “Sorry,” his classmate quickly apologized. He put his two hands up, showing that he meant no harm.

  “It’s alright… you were speaking to me just now?”

  That boy looked around and found no one else. He then looked at Keith again and gave him a shrug.

  “Well, I’m sorry,” Keith continued, “it’s just a song.”

  The boy still looked at him, his brown eyes full of interest. Seeing that, Keith held out one of his earbuds and asked,

  “Wanna hear it?”

  “Nah,” the other waved his hand as refusal. He smiled broadly and introduced himself, “I’m Billy.”

  “Keith,” he replied.

  “I know your name,” Billy said.

  “And so do I,” Keith quipped. He turned off the music because the other seemed like he wanted to continue the conversation.

  “Actually, I’ve been wanting to talk to you. I don’t know why other people treated you like that. Some people started it, and then everybody joined in. I don’t get it why they don’t talk to you.” Billy furrowed his eyebrows. He then leaned in closer, afraid of other people hearing them. “Anyway, is it true? That thing they say about you?”

  The boy let out a discreet sigh. So, this guy talked to him because he was interested in his supernatural quirk. Timely, the school bell chimed. And promptly the teacher entered the room, saving Keith from the awkward situation.

  Today as well John didn’t ride the bus back home. John’s friends were talking so loudly that Keith who was sitting in the front row couldn’t help but get to know about his cousin’s dating life. It seemed like that hot cheerleader was also interested in John. The two had been seeing each other since the summer break. Keith never thought John would have a romance, too.

  “Alice can’t believe he got a girlfriend,” Alice said when they entered the house, “Alice even thought you’d get one before him.”

  He only gave her a wobbly smile.

  Alice looked for Diane who was watching the TV in the living room. She brought up John as soon as she saw her mother. Keith softly shook his head and left for his room.

  Sam was still by the window. His gaze lingered not outside though but fell downward like the spirit was looking at something. Keith studied it for a while, but the noise from closing the door drew Sam’s attention.

  “You’re back,” Sam greeted.

  “I am,” he put down his backpack on the desk. He pulled out the brochures he obtained today and climbed the bed. “Come take a look.”

  Sam sat cross-legged next to him, eying the documents with curiosity.

  “You’re going to college?” Sam asked.

  “Yeah. Have you ever thought what you’re going to do when you grow up?”

  The blonde rubbed his chin before giving an answer.

  “My dad worked at the bank. So, I was taught that it’d be better not to follow his step or have a job which directly have something to do with financial stuff.”

  Keith gave a small smile at that.

  “But I haven’t really thought about it,” Sam added, “what about you? Have you come up with anything yet?”

  “My dad wanted to be a pilot,” he replied, “but I don’t want to. I just want to graduate and get a stable job. So that I don’t have to depend on others.”

  The boy went through the brochures, one after another. He had no great dream or something like that, so nothing he found really interested him.

  “If you get into college, you won’t be here any longer, right?”

  Keith’s eyes shot up at Sam. He totally forgot about that. The spirit though only gave him a smile.

  “I’ll be waiting for you here anyway. At least Diane won’t have to worry about you not coming back home.”

  Strangely, Sam’s word gave him firm assurance. But he still couldn’t decide on where or what to study. The boy sighed.

  “I still got time. Who knows, perhaps I’ll end up in a university nearby.”

  The city he lived in at the moment had no university. Yet, the nearest one wasn’t that far away. A public bus could reach it.

  “If you want stability in life, you need to get into a decent one,” Sam said at once, “I have to say it’s quite rural here. Other cities and other states have much more to offer.”

  “Will you be okay If I have to be away for weeks?” Keith asked although he didn’t seriously consider doing so.

  “I’ve been by myself for two years. I’m going to be okay.” Sam’s voice was distinctly lined with sorrow. Keith placed a hand over the other’s head. The other gave him a faint smile. “You’re the one consoling me now. How the tables have turned.”

  “Shut it.”

  “Well, you’re still the flustered one.”

  Keith yanked his hand back, making a grunt. But he couldn’t fight Sam’s unyielding gaze. He let out a smile at last.

  “What are you staring at?!”

  “My cute boyfriend.” Sam beamed so brightly, and Keith hated it.

  The spirit could sense the eminent danger coming from the other. He quickly moved away and saved himself from the whipping hand which landed hard on the bed instead. Keith hurt so bad that he got tears in his eyes; his right hand hadn’t fully recovered yet.

  “Look at yourself…” Sam said with pity, eying the other’s injured hand.

  “So, working in a bank is no good?” The question made Sam laugh.

  “You’re smart. I think you can handle accounting,” he replied, “How about science and IT stuff?”

  “Scientific field’s also interesting,” Keith agreed.

  “Or a doctor, a teacher, a lawyer, a policeman?”

  Keith grimaced at that.

  “Joining the military?”

  “Me?” He shot back, unbelievable, “I can’t possibly pass their physical test.”

  “Many people go jogging at the park in the evening,” the spirit suggested.

  “I should look for a job that I can work at home.” Keith changed the subject.

  Hearing that, Sam smiled.

  “Can’t live without me, huh?”

  Keith made an eyeroll. Still, it wasn’t like there was no truth in those words. What would it be like to live without seeing Sam’s face daily? If the other were still alive, they could manage a phone call. But Sam was not. Keith didn’t know what would happen to them when the time came.

  That evening, Sam joined the dinner. Keith had to send him a warning glare from time to time, telling him not to rock the chair.

  He asked for Diane’s and Hector’s opinions regarding his future education. After he listened to them reminiscing their past, he couldn’t believe he was soon to become an adult as well.

  “I met Diane when I was in my third year. Diane was just a freshman,” hector told him, his face full of joy. “It was the orientation. I worked in Student Affairs. She came to me to ask for directions. Back then, her hair was longer. She was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen.”

  “Enough, Hector.” Diane took a big gulp of water as her husband roared out a laugh.

  “Studying in class is important,” Hector
went back to Keith, “but, if possible, I advise you take part in extracurricular activities as well. It boosts your cooperative skills and also gets you connections.”

  Keith nodded. He couldn’t imagine himself participating in those activities though. Still, getting into the university was a new beginning. If nobody knew about him being able to see spirits, nobody then would treat him like a weirdo.

  He turned to look at Sam who was listening to John’s talk about his basketball life. Getting into the college meant leaving this house. Be it so, would the two of them really be alright?

  Chapter Forty One

  Nightmare in the Real World

  Weekends were what Keith had been looking forward to the most because he didn’t need to wake up early for school and could spend time together with Sam in his room. The other was in his room every night when he slept. Sometimes, he forgot he wasn’t sleeping alone and woke up to the spirit, frightened. Sometimes, he stole a glance at the other whose gaze firmly fixed on the ceiling, the sight of which gave him chills. He was happy though. Spirits needed no sleep, but Sam kept his word.

  “What’re you going to do today?”

  Sam asked him after he’d got dressed. He wore a casual t-shirt and a pair of shorts, typical clothes for staying home.

  “I don’t know,” he replied, “John had Hector bought him a new game console. But I don’t think he’s willing to share it. He’ll keep it all to himself for a while.”

  Sam shook his head.

  “What?”

  “I got no siblings, so I don’t really understand this stuff. But, if I got him as my brother, I was sure to have a headache.” Sam couldn’t see his cousin any much better despite him having turned over a new leaf. “But Alice is a nice girl. A sister would be fine, I guess. We wouldn’t have to quarrel all the time.”

  This triggered Keith to laugh.

  “You didn’t see how the two of them are going?”

  “Well, John mostly started it,” the spirit stated firmly. It seemed like he had a predilection now.

  “I’ll go find something to eat downstairs.”

  He reached the first floor the moment John left the house. He then went into the kitchen and found Diane and Alice there. His aunt was making breakfast while Alice was waiting at the table. The girl got dressed as if she’d be going out today.

  “Are you going anywhere today?” he asked.

  “Yes. Alice wanted to go to the doll fair at the mall. You want to come together?” Diane invited.

  Keith shook his head. He’d heard the girl talking about the event since they were on the school bus. He didn’t think he was interested in it.

  “Oh… Are you fine staying home alone? Hector got an urgent meeting, and John got new games to play with his friends. He just left.”

  “No problem,” Keith responded in an instant. He tried to conceal his eagerness, but it seemed like he didn’t do it well because Alice turned to give him a knowing smile. He quickly changed the topic. “What’s for breakfast?”

  “Smoked salmon sandwiches. My special,” she said, her voice proud.

  Keith eyed the meal before him, sweat dripping down his face. It was completely the same as that which he saw in his nightmare.

  “Nobody’s coming for me, right?”

  “Did you say something, dear?”

  “No. Nothing.” He took a seat and started his meal. It was far more delicious than that in his dream.

  “Get ready after breakfast,” Diane said to her daughter. She then turned to Keith, her face clouded with concern. “There’s some food left in the fridge. But if you want something else, call for delivery.”

  “It’s okay. I’m going to be alright.”

  “You don’t have to worry about him, Mom. He must be glad he gets to be by himself at home sometimes,” Alice said aloud. She put away the plate and rushed upstairs, probably to fetch her favorite backpack.

  Diane’s gaze followed her daughter. She shook her head when she saw that the plate was left in the sink unwashed. She then turned back to Keith.

  “Well, that’s right. You’re at that age when you need some privacy. If you want to know something, you can ask Hector. It might be more comfortable for you to discuss this stuff with a guy. But, if you don’t mind, you can ask me, too. I’m also quite experienced.”

  That made him choke on his food. He pounded his chest, his hand finding the water glass. His face now flushed hot. He was lucky Sam wasn’t there, or else he might have suffered a teasing grin from that guy as well.

  “What are you talking about?” He still felt the heat on his face.

  “No need to be shy. It’s something natural.” She let out a laugh. When she heard Alice’s footsteps, she got up. “No one’s bothering you today. So, enjoy yourself.”

  Keith’s mouth was shut tight. He didn’t dare say another word.

  “Enjoy what?” Alice asked innocently.

  “Let’s go.” Diane led her daughter by hand out of the kitchen. They said goodbye to Keith before leaving.

  The house fell silent as soon as the door was closed. All Keith could hear was his own chewing noise. He grabbed the sandwich plate and moved to the living room. He turned on the TV so that it wouldn’t get too quiet. After he finished his breakfast, he sat there watching the series now playing on the screen.

  Soon, Sam turned up in the room.

  “Nobody’s at home?” The spirit seated himself next to him.

  “No. Today we can talk to each other freely.” Keith smiled at the other.

  “Then come here.” Sam beckoned him to move closer.

  “What is it?” the living boy asked, leaning in closer, his hand resting on the armrest.

  The spirit traced his finger from his earlobe down to the chin tip. The cold presence urged him to slightly raise his head. He knew what would happen next. He’d been waiting for this moment for a long time. He wondered, how would it be to have a taste of those lips? He told himself to keep looking at the other. But when their faces drew closer, almost closing the gap between them, he shut his eyes helplessly.

  What he felt on the lips was more than mere cold presence like when Sam kissed him on the cheek or the nape. But he reasoned it must be just his imagination. The other moved a hand to the back of the boy’s head, fondling with his hair. That made Keith’s eyes fly open. Sam had never been able to touch him like that. The feeling was novel.

  “Sam.”

  His voice was filled with wonder. His hand reached out to touch the other’s face, which gave him a smile in response.

  “Sam…”

  Keith repeated the name, as if he couldn’t believe he was now touching the spirit. There was no gap left between his hand and where it touched. He was really making a physical contact with the other. The skin wasn’t warm, but the smoothness at his fingertip was totally tangible.