Indwell (Chasing Natalie's Ghosts)

by Nicole Smith

  Hayden pulled into a dark parking lot a few blocks from the club district. He parked and put on black gloves. He opened the passenger door for me. We walked slowly toward the club district, when Hayden tensed suddenly.

  “Quick, follow me,” he whispered, leading me towards the back door of an old warehouse. Three flights up, he opened a door that led to the rooftop. Hayden walked along the edge. At one point he looked down and sneered. I had never seen him look so fierce. I glanced down trying to see what he was looking at. I scanned the street, looking closely at each person as they stumbled out of the clubs. I saw them. They were not living. I could tell by the way their skin glowed under the streetlights. I could tell by the unnatural way their hair blew, in the still night air. I could see, even from this distance that their eyes were focused on the oblivious people walking in front of them. They laughed silently to each other as they pretended to stumble on. I just didn’t understand yet what they could possibly be after. What made them evil? What was driving them? Why did they forget their past lives? Why were they so angry now?

  The leader of the small group was tall and muscular. He was wearing a white tee shirt and dark denim jeans. The only woman in the group was wearing a black silk dress with high stiletto heels. Her long blond hair was straight and her lips were painted a deep red. She was pretty in a gothic sort of way. The other two males that were walking with them were dressed similarly in khaki pants and white tees. The styles were different so as to make them not look identical. One of them had blond hair that hung down to his shoulders. He looked like he belonged on Bondi beach, not here in this cold urban setting. The other male had short, spiky, black hair. His skin was tanned and he seemed to be smiling to himself. I wondered if he could sense that he was being watched. I quickly stepped back from the ledge.

  “Please, keep watching them Natalie. Don’t worry. They cannot harm you when you are with me,” he said, sensing my fear. I leaned back over the ledge and saw them approach a group of young woman. They didn’t show any signs at all that these phantoms had just surrounded them. The men stood beside them grinning. What were they thinking? The leader grabbed one woman’s skirt and raised it up. The woman was startled. She quickly pulled it back down, looking around to see if anyone saw. The phantoms thought this was very amusing. It seemed to start their tirade against these defenseless women. It was quite disturbing the way all three of them terrorized these people. It was obvious they couldn’t see or hear them. They began screaming as all three of them kept pulling on their clothes and yanking their hair. The spiky haired male pushed one of them to the ground and it would seem like she was unable to get up, he would not let her. She was starting to cry. Her friends were screaming in hysterics. Another victim was picked up off the ground and thrown towards a wall. She fell to the ground, her knees and hands bleeding. I had trouble watching. I was reminded of Adam telling me he could have picked up that little boy that fell into our canoe and thrown him into the lake without him even feeling Adam’s hands on him. I couldn’t imagine the fear that these women were feeling.

  The female phantom that was with the others was standing back just watching. She was frighteningly expressionless. I realized what her specialty was when a circle of fire surrounded the scared and helpless woman. I could hear people shouting and running forward, to help. Sirens, help was on the way, I thought. Then, as quick as it started, the fire was out and the poltergeists vanished from view. The woman were left huddled together, shocked by what they had just been through.

  “Hayden, couldn’t you have done something?” I asked.

  “I can’t capture them when there are living people around. I know you think this is disturbing, but the capture would be incomprehensible to them. They will get over this. These ghosts are not very strong yet. They still underestimate their power as the undead usually do. I like to capture them before they realize exactly what they are capable of,” he explained. I felt sorry for them, but I knew they were not physically hurt too badly. They would get over this.

  “Should we look for them?” I asked.

  “No. I know where they will be tomorrow night. This group does not travel far. How are you feeling?” Hayden asked.

  “I’m okay, don’t worry about me. I was all set to see you get those guys though.” Hayden just wanted to take it slow.

  “Natalie, I am sorry I have left out so many details. There is one detail in particular I have to tell you before we go any further. There is a gift I have been given for committing my life to the attainment of the light. I know I haven’t explained all of this to you yet. The light we expel from these souls, the ones that can’t seem to handle their immortality is precious to us, to the Seekers. It allows us to continue to capture them and to release them to their final resting place. They need our assistance and unfortunately it has nothing to do with unfinished business left for them here on earth. The phantoms like Millicent and Joshua, the ones that are in control and wish no harm on the living are simply still enamored with life. This is why we leave them alone. They eventually find their way, as you know. I think you accelerate that process when they meet you. I’ll come back to that another time, I promise,” he explained as I gasped at the mention of it. I really didn’t want to lose them too.

  “I have been given a vial of the light. A very small amount is all we require. This light allows me to see them even more. I can hear them even when they are long distances away. I can sense death approaching. I can feel the Geist’s more and in return they can feel me, which is a benefit. You already have most of these powers without the light. But this gift brings some other physical alterations too. Natalie I do not age anymore and I do not get sick. I am strong beyond what is possible for a human. My speed and agility are vastly improved. I still can’t believe my abilities after all these years. I would like to show you,” he said hesitantly. I was in shock. This was the strangest thing I had ever heard.

  “Yes, I would like to see that but we are on a roof so I don’t think I want to see any speed up here and um, about the not aging part. Can you tell me more about that Hayden?” I asked nervously, looking back over the ledge. He laughed lightly.

  “I’ll tell you all about it soon, but please don’t worry about me Natalie. My reckless days are over now that I have you to take care of,” he said, holding me close. He kissed me and jumped. My eyes shot open and my mouth dropped. I was too shocked to scream. I finally managed words.

  “Hayden! No!” I was barely audible. He was already up on the rooftop across the street. I fell to my knees, in awe of what he had just achieved. Before I had time to regain my composure Hayden was back again, beside me. He helped me stand. I didn’t realize I was shaking as he reached for my hands.

  “I’m sorry Natalie. I didn’t mean to scare you. I just had to show you the power the light can give you. It will help you when you decide to accept the path that you have been called for,” he explained.

  “I will be given the light as well?” I asked, surprised.

  “They have been aware of your abilities for a long time. We’ve been waiting for the right time to approach you. The Seekers had to believe you were ready for it. They are unfortunately, fully informed of your past emotional instability. Please don’t be angry with me. I am not a pawn, I am not using you I swear on my life, I love you Natalie. Trust me when I tell you that they have known about you longer than I have known you. Please believe me Natalie. I would never put you in harm’s way. I believe you are ready to accept this opportunity to advance your talents in ways you have never imagined,” he continued on. I was lost. The thought of Hayden being ordered to bring me in hurt, deep in my chest was a numbing pain. I was having trouble breathing. I prayed he was telling me the truth, that he did love me. My anger started to rise though. I could feel a burst of heat rising to my head.

  “Who the hell are `THEY’? How have they known about me?” I cried. I was shaking with rage now. Hayden was taken aback by my anger. He looked at me seriously.

  “Once I e
xplain who they are, you can never return to the life you used to know. You will have to follow them. They will take care of you but you must follow their orders. Believe me when I say they are not the enemy. Their only goal is to rid the population of the undeserving phantoms that roam freely, unchecked and act without consequence. In return for their capture you are justly awarded. Not only will your material needs be taken care of, you will stay young Natalie, forever. You will stay as lovely as you are now,” he said this last part smiling, his intensity fading.

  “How old are you?” I asked. I was unable to absorb all he was saying. I had so many questions. He looked wary of this question.

  “I love you Natalie, so I will answer all your questions, but not now, not here. I think we have done enough for tonight. I need to get you home,” he said wrapping his arms around me. I allowed him to lead me down and back to the car. We drove in silence. I stared straight ahead. I was completely unaware of my surroundings. I was lost in my own thoughts. Hayden glanced at me a number of times, trying to gather my mood. I didn’t want to talk with him yet. I needed to collect myself, I had to be strong. I had to ask the right questions. Hayden had shocked me. Had he betrayed me? He seemed to know everything about me before we even met and he never let on. Why the sham? He knew I talked to ghosts. Damn it, he knew I loved ghosts. Did he not think I could handle him? I glared at him. He was so damn beautiful. It didn’t help my anger. I smirked and immediately regretted it because he noticed and smiled. His hand gently caressed my knee as he always did when we were driving. I tried to look angry again. When we reached the apartment he quickly raced around the car to help me out. I tried to move faster than him but it was impossible.

  Once we reached the solitude of his apartment I raced for the bedroom and closed the door. Thankfully he didn’t follow. He allowed me my space. He knew I would eventually confront him. He waited patiently for me. I changed and rested on his exquisite bed and stared at the painting of the woman in the black robe. She was young and as I looked closely I realized she was very strong. Her muscles were very well defined for a woman, but not in a vulgar way. They fit her body perfectly. I wondered if I would look more like her if I decided to accept this role and all the benefits that came with it. What did I really have to lose? My family wasn’t close. I would still be able to see my mother. She wouldn’t question me. I did want to finish high school someday. I guess I could in my own time, if it’s true that I won’t age. If it wasn’t for Hayden I really don’t know where I would have ended up. I have no ambitions for college or a particular career. There really is no decision to make here. I just need some more answers from Hayden.

  I walked out into the living room wearing Hayden’s robe again. I had one of my silk gowns on underneath. I felt strong and comfortable. I was ready for his answers. My face was blank. I didn’t want to show him how afraid I still was. He looked anxious but pleased I was coming to him. He moved so there was room for me on the sofa beside him.

  “Hi,” he said simply. I could hear the anxiety in his voice. He was worried too. This made me feel better.

  “I have some questions I need answers to before I can continue any further. I don’t think the answers you give me will change my decision but regardless, I need to know,” I told him keeping my face blank. His lips curved at the edges, wanting to smile but knowing he shouldn’t.

  “I will truthfully, tell you all I know,” he replied gravely.

  “Good,” I stated, gathering my thoughts together in my head.

  “The first question I need an answer to is the one I have already asked. I need to know how old you are.” He took in a deep breath, glanced at me then stared straight ahead.

  “I was born in 1873,” he answered in a low voice. I couldn’t hide my shock. I swallowed in a lot of air, my head felt dizzy. I looked at Hayden and had to look away. I stood and walked to the balcony. I felt the cool breeze sober me. I walked back in and sat beside him on the sofa.

  “Continue,” I said, trying to remain calm.

  “I began working for the Seekers in 1895. I haven’t physically aged since then,” he continued. His face paled as he spoke. I wanted so badly to scream and run, but at the same time I just wanted to grab him and hold him tight and tell him I was not afraid of him, that I loved and needed him no matter what. A single tear rolled down my cheek. Hayden slowly reached his finger to my cheek and so gently, barely touching my skin, he wiped it away.

  “Well, I knew you were older than me but I just didn’t think it would be more than a century,” I whispered, grinning at him.

  “I’m sorry, I age well I guess,” he smiled sheepishly, playing along with me. I squeezed his hand, restraining myself from touching him more.

  “I need to know how long they have been aware of me. I need to know what they think they know of my history,” I still felt like I needed to know more.

  “They have been aware of you since you were very young. One of the phantom's that was captured by a Seeker told them about you. The spirit was in a small mountain village when he heard that two children had fallen to their deaths. He followed the children, watching as they visited you before they left this world. Clive had to know more about you. They all wanted to know who this little girl was that could talk freely with spirits. They knew it was more than just sensing, so they sent out scouts to watch you over the years and report back with any new developments. You would not have seen them. They can be miles away and still hear you if they need to. They reported back about Elizabeth and the others in your closet when you were a little girl. She had wanted to be your mother. I don’t know if you were aware then about her intentions. They considered tracking her and having her brought in, but you moved so they let her be.

  Then the reports of Cheveyo came in. The Seekers were so in awe of you and Cheveyo. Your relationship was so sweet and so unheard of. They didn’t want to step in. They knew he would never hurt you. What surprised them the most about your relationship was the way it ended. As soon as Cheveyo found out that you were leaving he was able to see his mother clearly. She was able to reach him and show him how to follow her out of this world. Apparently it was quite captivating and beautiful to watch.

  Then even more spectacular, years later you introduced us to Anton. What an amazing story you told and a beautiful soul. He really did love you. You saved him from an eternity of loneliness attached to a rug that was totally forgotten. I know the memory hurts you and I am sorry for that. It was because of you that his parents were able to finally see him and show him how to follow them home. He must have been so torn. He didn’t want to leave you because he knew that you needed him still. He was afraid you would be physically hurt again and the idea frightened him. When you told him you had to move he wanted to go with you but his parents told him that you would be okay, that you had to continue on without him to reach your true potential. I believe they knew what you would eventually become and told Anton this. He was so grateful to you for helping him find his way. This was witnessed by other spirits that were eavesdropping, you were so engrossed in Anton leaving that you didn’t sense the company you had. They vanished as soon as Anton left you. Of course I met you at this time as Millicent told you. I witnessed firsthand your interactions with Bradley. That’s when Clive, the leader of the Seekers, told me about you and your past experiences with spirits. I was captivated by the fact that you didn’t recognize him as a ghost,” he sighed.

  “Then of course, there was Adam. That was a huge mystery to all of us. I told you we were amazed with your friendship with Cheveyo but this relationship with Adam was even more shocking. He loved you so much that his boundaries changed. Before he met you he was being pulled back to his boundary in the city. He was not an evil ghost but he wanted to be. He tried but he was not very good at it. His friends, Millicent and Joshua, wanted him back home and he was losing the fight. My abilities had no effect on Adam once he met you. His friends could no longer reach him. It was unusual because he wasn’t breaking any rules yet his b
oundary no longer existed. He was able to stay with you. He was free to fall in love with you. We were shocked that you returned his love.

  Unfortunately the shockers didn’t end there. The fact that he was able to make love to you stunned us. If this information was to get into the wrong hands, who knew how many phantoms would try and copy him. He had to be stopped. I just couldn’t do it. I decided to protect him instead. I wouldn’t allow any other spirits near you after that. It was becoming a full time job and honestly it still is. That is why I have to leave so often. They are drawn to you more than you know.

  Do you see now? It is because of you that these phantoms are being released from their bonds to this world. It is a good thing, trust me. Your power is deeply respected. It is because of your ability that you are wanted so badly by the Seekers,” he paused, waiting to see my reactions to all he had said. I had gone through so many memories listening to him talk about my past like he was there watching me. I know that they weren’t really there, but they must have been close enough or other spirits were there. I guessed it was similar to how I knew the story of the couple dancing in the restaurant and the picnic horror scene. I didn’t know how I felt about Hayden knowing everything about my life. Did he know everything about my family too?