“What about your mom?” I asked.
“That’s a whole other story, but she’s basically a drunk. I constantly had to take care of her and make excuses to cover for her. My dad drinks, too, but at least he works. Mom can’t even function and has been fired from countless jobs. I think Dad works to escape, but that left me to take care of her.”
“That’s terrible. I’m so sorry. Was it all bad all the time?”
“Well, sometimes we had good spells. Dad lavishes my mother with gifts and romantic gestures, and then she’s on top of the world. Every now and then, our family felt normal, for about five minutes, but Dad always crashed and burned and beat the crap out of us.”
“Oh, Hunter, I’m so sorry.”
“It is what it is. I’m just glad to be away from both of them.” He sipped his cider. “I’m gonna live the life I want now. I’m determined to make every second count and not waste a single moment. Maybe that’s why I’m so crazy, so…”
“Over the top?” I finished.
“Yeah, I guess that’s a good way to put it.”
I looked at him and grinned. “I love all your energy and charisma.”
“I’m glad somebody does. You said your mom was always gone?”
“I know how it is when your parents choose their jobs over you. They never wanted a kid in the first place, and I’ve always felt like a burden. The world is passing them by, and they don’t even realize it. They just drop me off at boarding schools. I hate it. I got kicked out of the last one.”
“No way! I can’t imagine you doing anything to get kicked out.”
“Are you kidding? Look at all the rules I’ve broken to hang out with you. I’m bad to the bone.”
“Hmm. I kinda like the sound of that,” he said, winking at me. He then peered at me intently. “Tell me, what did you do to get kicked out?”
“I hated that school, and I was determined to leave and go back to New Orleans for homeschooling. The girls there just didn’t get me. I was bullied and picked on all the time at first. Suddenly, they pretended to be my friends, but after some fun times together, they just turned on me again. They framed me for something I didn’t do, said I started a fire in one of the classrooms, and I was expelled. My parents refused to believe that I was innocent, and I was even forced to sign papers saying I committed the arson. Otherwise, they would have sent me to juvenile detention until I was eighteen.”
“You shoulda fought it,” he said.
“Signing those papers was my only way out. Since I confessed, innocent or not, all charges were dropped. Now, though, the principal here thinks I’m a fire bug. That alone makes me question why they even let me enroll at this prestigious school.”
“So we both have rap sheets,” Hunter said.
“I guess so, on paper at least. Those girls ruined my life. It wasn’t just a stupid prank, because it’s on my permanent record. When I came here, I didn’t trust anyone and didn’t want to get close to anybody. I just wanted to get good grades and do something with my life. I figured this would look good on a college application.”
“So you chose to come here?”
“Yeah.”
“Me too.”
“I think my parents let me because I’d been through so much, getting kicked out of the other school and then Hurricane Katrina. They figured if I chose this place, I might just stay and keep out of trouble. I guess they do love me. They just don’t wanna be stuck with all the work that comes along with raising a child.”
“Then why’d they have one?”
“I was an accident. They both agreed on no children. They gave me life, so I guess I can’t complain, but it’s weird thinking that they didn’t really want me here. My mother told me I was a mistake, unplanned. Do you know what’s it like to hear that?”
“That musta hurt. Parents are supposed to be grownups, but they say and do the dumbest things sometimes.”
“At least I know I was conceived out of love. They do love each other, and I’m glad they chose a positive path for their unplanned pregnancy.”
“You’re here for a reason, Zoey. I believe there is a purpose for all of us.”
“Yeah, I guess. I just need to figure it out,” I said.
He cupped my face. “We’ll figure it out together.”
I nodded, trapped in his glorious gaze. “I feel like I’m waiting for some big storm to pass, but I’m not sure it’s ever gonna happen.”
“That’s okay. We’ll just get soaked and dance in the rain.”
He leaned down and placed his forehead against mine. I closed my eyes and lifted my chin to touch his sweet, warm lips in a tender kiss. Our tongues swirled as the kiss deepened. His mouth covered mine, leaving me breathless and intoxicated. I felt closer to Hunter than any other guy I’d ever been with, and that was saying a lot; I seldom got close to anyone.
Hunter gazed deeply into my eyes. “I love you, Zoey.”
My heart thrummed a million miles a second. Hearing those three magic words for the first time was a big deal. I wasn’t afraid to risk my heart with him. I loved Hunter, and I had to let him know how I felt. “I love you too,” I said.
My lips caught his in another searing kiss. It was a special moment, an emotionally charged experience I would never, ever forget. Our love was far from perfect, and we had many obstacles to overcome, but I was sure we could conquer anything together, just like we’d pedaled up that huge, steep hill. Our fingers intertwined, and I kissed him with every ounce of passion inside of me.
* * *
I pulled my robe tighter around me as I stared out at the moon lit landscape. It had been such a wonderful day with Hunter, and I smiled as I thought back on the moments we’d shared. The bike ride was nothing short of amazing, the picnic was romantic, and the kisses were still warming my lips and my heart. He texted me with the three most beautiful words: “I love you.” My heart started to race as I quickly texted the same message back to him.
I climbed into bed and snuggled under the silk sheets and luxurious blankets. Drifting to sleep was not a problem; the trouble was staying that way.
A few minutes later, my eyes fluttered open to the sound of scratching. I threw off the covers and listened intently. “Mice?” I whispered to myself.
I walked to the wall where the noise was coming from and pictured a happy little family of rodents nestled snugly together behind the stone. “Go to bed!” I pleaded, tapping the wall.
I blew out a frustrated breath, none too happy that I had to share my room with nocturnal animals. The moonlight beckoned me to the window, and I walked over to look out at the stunning grounds. There was something calming about the quiet night and the big, full, silvery moon hanging in the sky. The branches were swaying gently in the wind, whispering a chorus. But then I saw it.
I jumped back and gasped as a black-hooded figure materialized below. When I blinked and looked again, it was gone. I glanced around as a shiver slid down my spine. “What the heck was that?” I whispered. I bravely looked out the window again, but whatever it was had disappeared. I turned on every light in my room and pulled the shades down. I debated whether or not I should wake someone up, but the thing wasn’t exactly in my room this time.
Even though it hadn’t specifically invaded my privacy, I was afraid to go to sleep; I certainly did not want to wake up and find a stranger lying next to me again. I sat in my lounge chair and eventually dozed off.
Chapter 16
The next day, I walked into the kitchen and poured a glass of juice.
“I’d love some of that, my dear,” an eerily familiar voice echoed.
Startled, I almost dropped the glass. “William!”
“My apologies. I did not intend to frighten you.”
“I have nothing to say to you unless you have some answers for me, William.”
“Would you go for a walk with me?”
“Seriously? Perhaps you’ve forgotten, but you’re…a ghost.”
Two of my classmates walked
in and laughed at me.
“Who are you talking to?” Jenna asked.
I looked at William, stumped.
“They can’t see me,” he said.
“And what are you looking at like that?” John said.
I smiled. “Nothing. I was just talking to myself. I’m sick of this watered-down juice, aren’t you? I’d kill for a soda.”
John chuckled. “Tell me about it, but did you say something about a ghost?”
I laughed. “Huh? No! I said, uh…I want a roast. Sorry. I guess I shouldn’t complain so much.”
“Rita’s great, but I’m dying for some of my mom’s home-cooked food,” Jenna said.
“Good. I’m glad it’s not only me,” I said, then walked out with a nervous smile on my face.
“You forgot your juice,” William said.
“I’m too freaked out to drink anything,” I whispered.
“Get your coat. We must go for a walk.”
I frowned. “You’re persistent…and bossy.”
“That I am.”
“I’ll gladly talk to you if you promise to give me some answers.”
“Walk with me, and when we come back, I shall give you a clue as to whether or not your thoughts about the matter are correct.”
“Gee. How generous of you.”
“I am afraid it is the best I can do, milady.”
“Fine. Let’s go take that walk.”
“I’d love to,” Hunter said from behind me.
“Huh?” I said, spinning around. “I was, uh—”
“Sorry. I shouldn’t have sneaked up on you.” He pulled me close, brushing his lips sweetly across mine.
“If he joins us, we have no deal,” William said.
I blew out a long breath. “It’s William.”
William touched my shoulder. “If you mention me to him again, I will go, and your questions will go unanswered. He mustn’t know I’m here.”
“What about him?” Hunter asked.
“Well, uh…I’ve been trying to figure out how he fits into this puzzle. There’s so much going on, so much to sort out. Would you mind if I went for a walk by myself, to clear my head a bit?” He kissed me. “I get it. I’m gonna watch a movie with the guys, and we can hang out afterward.”
“I’d love that. Thanks for understanding.”
He kissed me softly again and turned down the corridor to the room with the television and DVD player.
“There,” I said. “I got rid of him for you, Your Highness.”
William motioned me forward. “Very good. Come now.”
I ran upstairs and grabbed my coat, wondering if I was some kind of lunatic for going on a stroll with a ghost.
Outside, William was waiting for me on the path, and I hurried to catch up with him. “This way, milady,” he said, grinning.
“You act like this is some kind of game,” I said sternly, “but I’m playing by your rules. You had better tell me something when we get back.”
“We shall take a casual walk, and when we return, I might give you a hint.”
“You might? You will, or the deal’s off. I just hope there’s no one around to see me talking to the air.”
“What do you see in Hunter?” he asked.
“Is that why you wanted to talk to me, to question me about my love life? Look, buddy, you’re way too old for me, and I mean that literally. Besides, I’ve never had a thing for invisible men.”
“I am not interested in you romantically, Zoey, though it does flatter me that you would think so.”
“So what is it then? You just have a thing for girls playing piano in their nightgowns?”
“I would like us to be friends.”
“Hmm. Last time I checked, friends don’t usually sweep me away in the middle of the night, let other spirits inhabit my body, then make me black out.”
“This is supposed to be a nice walk, a calm conversation,” he said.
“You’ll have to forgive me. I’m only human, after all, and all this ghost nonsense is ticking me off, especially when you won’t give me any answers. I don’t know what’s going on.”
“I understand. As you say, I, um…get it. Over the years, I have tried to develop, uh…well, I’ve become very hip.”
I chuckled. “Too bad. Your Scottish accent is better.”
“Then you shall have it,” he said, in proper Scottish.
“Good. Now, what’s your story?” I asked.
He glanced around. “This place, Scotland, is my home. I grew up here, hundreds of years ago. My father was devoted to my mother. He fell in love with her in his early teens, and they were inseparable. He was a natural-born leader, hardworking, and very conscientious. He loved horses and owned many of them.”
“He enjoyed riding them?”
“He adored it.”
“Tell me about your mother.”
“She was beautiful, dutiful, thoughtful, level-headed, even-tempered, and very intelligent. She was a countrywoman at heart. She had a strong sense of duty and was very courteous and sweet in public. In private, she had a wonderful sense of humor.”
“I’ve seen pictures. She was a lovely woman.”
“Yes, she was. She gave birth to Isabella, but she could have no more children. I was adopted, and she was happy with the two of us. We were her world, and we had a beautiful life, though I must say it might have been nicer with some of those fancy gadgets you own. My father’s horses were wonderful, but automobiles certainly rival them.”
“But you missed out on the technology, huh?”
“Yes.” He looked away, and sadness consumed him. “I wish I could be human again.”
“Yet you’re trapped here, because of the curse.”
“I’m afraid so. I’d love to feel sunshine on my face again. It is so cruel of fate to tempt me with the sight of it but never let me feel it.” He looked at me, peering right into my soul. “Zoey, do not ever take life for granted. It is such a special gift. Enjoy every single day, for no tomorrow is promised.”
“I know. I almost died in Hurricane Katrina. I thought I would leave Earth that day. My friends didn’t make it, and I was the only one who survived, floating away in a building. I would have died, too, if a rescue worker hadn’t pulled me out to safety.”
“You survived for a special purpose.”
“Hunter said the same thing the other day. I only wish I knew what that purpose is.”
“When King Edward stormed the castle in 1296, I had no idea I would breathe my last that day. I was barely twenty-one years old when my life was snatched away. I didn’t even have a chance to live my life.”
“Why didn’t they take prisoners?” I asked.
“I do not know. They just slaughtered us. I’ll never forget the soldier coming at me with that blade. I fought him the best I could, but then a dozen came my way. I had no chance.”
“I’m so sorry. What was it like?”
“What?”
“Dying…if you don’t mind my asking.”
“I remember floating above my dead body. I could not fathom that I was actually dead. There was a burst of bright light, and then I found myself back in the castle. It was filled with others who had met their demise. I ran outside but didn’t see the battlefield or any soldiers, and no corpses littered the lawn. It was then that I realized I was caught in a spiritual dimension, and we have been here ever since.”
“How are you able to jump into our realm?” I asked.
“Some of us cannot. My father has tried many times.”
“Isabella can.”
“Yes, for brief amounts of time. I am the only one who has been able to linger.”
“And why is that?”
“Because someone from your side is helping me.”
“The principal?” I asked.
“I mustn’t give away all my secrets.”
“It’s Mr. Geo, isn’t it? He was actively looking for The Lady of the Lake and the medallion.”
His eyes twinkled. “Yo
u are a smart girl, Zoey. I have no doubt that you will figure this mystery out.”
“Elizabeth said she can’t say too much because it will curse her forever.”
“Yes. There are many rules for this version of purgatory, and we must abide by them. We are forbidden from giving you specific information about our curse or how to free us. If we do not obey, we will be cursed forever, and none of us wishes to be eternally condemned.”
“So we will have to tread lightly and tiptoe around the facts, like Elizabeth did.”
“She told you about the gold medallion, and that was a mistake on her part. The guardian who watches over us, our warden, has punished her. You will not see her again.”
I gasped and held a hand over my mouth. “Oh no! I didn’t mean to get her in trouble. Is she cursed? Forever stuck here?”
“No, but I am not at liberty to discuss the details.”
“I’ve got to help her.”
“She’ll be freed when you free all of us, but you mustn’t ask for too many details again. She was very fortunate that they were lenient on her.”
“When I was asking her questions, I didn’t know. I didn’t understand.”
“Now you do, Zoey.”
“Why did she lead me to the graveyard?”
“Because that was the only place she could talk to you in private, without other spirits hearing. The new spirits can function in your realm as well as ours.”
“Don’t they want out too?”
“They are not trapped. Only the castle spirits are.”
“Why doesn’t the warden kick them out?”
“He cannot, for he is gone.”
“Oh my gosh.”
“It is pure chaos, my dear.”
“What happened to him?” I asked.
“We don’t know, but the magic trail has led us to believe someone from your side is involved.”
“Who?”
“You must figure that out on your own. I wish I could help more, but I cannot risk it.”
“But it could be anyone, and we need to solve the puzzle, because the haunting is getting worse. Maybe the new spirits are messing with me, not the castle spirits.” My eyes widened in fear. “What if they kill me or something?”
Enchanted Dreams - Book 3 Page 9