Indwell (Chasing Natalie's Ghosts)

by Nicole Smith

  “Why, you do my darling,” he said this as he looked into my eyes. I gasped, I couldn’t move, I was frozen. Was he serious? He bought me a beach house?

  “What?” It was all I could manage to say.

  “Well I saw how much you enjoyed the beach in South America. I just wanted to give you a place like that here. I want you to be that happy here,” he spoke so calmly.

  “I am happy wherever you are,” I told him. Hayden opened the door for me as I tried to stand, my knees were weak. He quickly grabbed my hands and pulled me close to him. I wrapped my arm around his waist as he walked me to the front door. He unlocked it and picked me up.

  “I know we haven’t exactly made our relationship official, but in my heart I have already made a commitment to you.” He kissed me and entered the house. I was in shock as I looked at the beautiful view that was along the entire back wall. It was all windows. It was evening but the moon was bright and the sky was clear. I could see the waves.

  “Oh my, Hayden,” I stammered. He set me down, still holding my waist he watched my reaction with a smile on his face.

  “I hoped you would like it.”

  “How could I not. This feels like a fairy-tale. I always knew you were my knight in dark shining armor, but this is too much.” I was feeling light headed. Hayden walked me to the comfy sofa by the back window. I felt exhilarated and exhausted at the same time. I wanted to jump, laugh and sleep. Is that possible? I could feel tears pouring from my eyes. I couldn’t stop them if I tried. Hayden gently wiped them from my cheeks.

  “I want you to feel rested and relaxed here because this is your home. It is in your name. Not just from me but from Clive and Elizabeth as well. I don’t know how you did it but they really do love you. I correct myself. I know exactly how you did it. You have done it to me as well,” he smiled as he told me this was a gift.

  “Oh Hayden, what have I done to deserve you. Please, show me around. I want to see all of it.” I grabbed his hands as we walked over to the kitchen. The windows again had an amazing view of the ocean. I couldn’t wait to see it in the morning. We walked back through the living room and he showed me the master bath. It was as big as some of the bedrooms I’ve had in the past. The tub was a whirlpool with another amazing view of the ocean. There was a shower and a double sink. The counters were marble. I had never seen such opulence. There was one spare bedroom, but he led me straight to the master bedroom. I stopped breathing for a few seconds I think.

  “Oh Hayden, please don’t wake me if this is a dream,” I said as I gasped for air. He held me tighter, leading me to the middle of the room. The walls were white and the silk pillows and bedspread matched the ones in Argentina.

  “That is so sweet Hayden. I absolutely love it,” I said trying to hold back my tears again.

  “Will you come to bed my love?” he said as he stretched out on the white duvet and rested his head on the red silk pillows.

  “Absolutely!” I answered, not hesitating for a second, I was right beside him. I would never let him go.

  19. A NIGHTMARE

  In the morning the sun was shining in through all of the windows in the bedroom. I was so delirious, I forgot for a moment where I was. Hayden wasn’t there beside me either. I bolted up and looked around the room. I jumped out of bed and realized I was naked. I grabbed the top blanket and wrapped it around me. I walked out of the room and into the main living room. The windows caught my breath again. I was so awed by the view I couldn’t look away. I called Hayden’s name. Where was he? I shook my head and walked out onto the deck. The sun was breaking through the clouds. I looked at the beach. There he was. I was certain it was him. I watched him run towards me. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He was so strong yet so graceful at the same time. I sighed as I watched him. I was so lucky. He ran right up to me and kissed my hands as he held them in his. He had beads of sweat on his forehead but he smelled like the woods I used to play in when I was a little girl. I breathed him in and sighed. I was so happy he was here with me.

  “Good morning, my darling. How did you sleep in your new bed?” he asked so sweetly.

  “I slept very well thank you. I didn’t have a single nightmare, if that’s what you’re wondering, only sweet dreams of you,” I said as I forced a smile. It hurt to lie to Hayden, but I couldn’t tell him about it.

  “Are you hungry? I had the fridge filled with fruit and yogurt, even your favorite vanilla soy milk,” he quickly changed the subject. I had a feeling he knew more than he was saying.

  “Thank you for being so thoughtful, I am hungry actually. Oh, um, I couldn’t find my clothes I’m afraid, so I threw on this blanket,” I said grinning.

  “I went to the liberty of having a few suitcases sent here for us, they are still in the living room. Allow me to carry them to the bedroom. I want you to just relax. No worries about phantoms and hunting either, okay?” he ordered as he tilted my face to look at him. I had forgotten that Carlos and Elizabeth would be here in a few days. I couldn’t rest, I had to train and plan how I was going to defeat Adam if he planned on taking me. I knew my eyes deceived me but Hayden didn’t want to talk about it now. He kissed my forehead and lowered his eyes.

  “I’m going to shower and dress, I’ll be out soon.” He turned and walked inside.

  I hoped he wouldn’t be angry with me. I was only trying to help, considering I was the cause of the trouble that was brewing. When I was dressing Carlos sent me a message which I had promptly deleted after I read it. He needed me to know that Adam has set up a few different crews. Apparently he has collected many followers over the last month. Adam has ordered them to find me. Any piece of information was worth something to him. He has told them that I was the Seeker’s new weapon, that I would be able to capture all of them and end their afterlife. Carlos wanted me to know that the message went out that I was wanted alive. It was a warning actually, that if I was to die or was hurt than Adam would end their afterlife himself. Adam needed me alive and in one piece, but he did not care what happened to Hayden. I have put my beautiful Hayden in danger now too. How true all of this was I didn’t know, but I couldn’t take any chances.

  I lied to Hayden when I told him I had slept well. I didn’t have my screaming fit this time. Instead I shook silently in fear as I listened to Anton’s words of warning. He told me hiding with Hayden here on the beach was a good idea for now, I had to stay here until Carlos and Clive arrived. Clive was on his way too? They had to capture Adam. He was spreading too many rumors and doubt was growing in the thoughts of too many phantoms. He was trying to create an uprising, a riot against anyone, living or undead that could see and hear them. He was even beginning to let it leak that the `beautiful new Seeker’ was able to feel them intensely. `She can touch your skin. She can smell you and she can feel the pain you inflict upon her.’ I was stone cold as Anton told me this.

  Why has he turned on me? What did I do to him? All I had wanted was to join him and I proved it by trying to end my own life. Was this not proof enough? I had no intention then of living with Hayden, that was a complete surprise and it came after Adam tricked me. He told me he loved me.

  I was so confused and frightened. I no longer knew him. He was no longer my Adam. I would not shed another tear for him. My Adam must have left and this new childish and irresponsible monster has taken his place. An abomination is how Clive had spoken of them, he was right.

  “Come get me,” I whispered. I was enraged now. I was ready to see him. I was ready to give Clive what he wanted. I’m going to capture Adam myself. I stared at the ocean as I sat on the bed. I was strong enough now. I had to seek revenge for his slander. He will have to explain himself before I give him away though. I don’t think I can continue living if I don’t hear his explanation. It won’t change anything I just had to hear it from him. Anton wouldn’t have lied to me. It was a great effort for him to have been able to send me this message. I knew it wasn’t easy. I was so grateful for it. He was gone as soon as he told me all he cou
ld. He was only visible in my dreams now. He seemed so far away, I missed him. I promised myself I would not cry. I would not worry Hayden more than I already have. I was just so sorry he was in danger because of me.

  Hayden and I spent the day exploring our new neighborhood. I was thrilled by how secluded our beachfront home was. I didn’t want to go back to the city at all. I could watch the waves roll onto the shore for hours. Hayden was so happy that I was content here. I think he thought that maybe I would forget all about hunting Adam and his crew. I really wished I could, but innocent living people are being tormented because of me. Hayden has been threatened because of me. How could I possibly be so selfish? I had no choice but to fight. I just hoped Carlos would be here soon, before it was too late.

  Hayden held my hand as we took an evening walk along the beach. I had butterflies in my stomach. I was feeling the calm before the storm. I knew Hayden was feeling the same way. He kept squeezing my hand and looking ahead. He wanted to say something but he didn’t know how to start. I wished I could help him but I didn’t want to worry him more. I didn’t want to hear him tell me that I was not going to be a part of this battle. He had no right to tell me this considering it was all about me, but I knew he would try. I didn’t want to fight with Hayden. I owed him too much.

  I could hear them in the shadows as we approached the back of the house. They have found me. They were watching me from the cliffs. I assumed they would probably send someone back to report to Adam now. I think there were four of them off the beach, hiding in the shrubs on the cliff. I could hear the air move around them. I could hear their energy. They were excited. What had Adam told them to do? I glanced at Hayden. His face was blank. He heard them too. He was well aware that they were there for me. We turned without saying a word and walked calmly towards our new home.

  He smiled as we walked in and closed the door. Once we were inside I heard Clive and Carlos walk out of the kitchen to greet us.

  “Good evening gentleman,” Hayden said, not taking his eyes off me.

  “Hello Hayden,” Clive replied with tension in his voice. He had the same blank face Hayden had. Carlos smiled and winked at me. I knew he was ready to fight. I couldn’t help but smile back. I knew Hayden witnessed this mutual response. I was thrilled Carlos was here and ready to face this abomination with me. I needed revenge for my broken heart.

  “How was your trip?” Hayden asked, looking out the windows onto the beach. He could see them getting closer. Clive and Carlos stepped back into the kitchen, trying to hide from the windows. They didn’t want Adam to know what he was facing yet.

  “Uneventful,” Clive responded, following his gaze. I wished they would stop this game and come out with it already.

  “Is Elizabeth here?” I asked, looking at Clive.

  “No, I felt she would be more useful back at the Inn.” I was surprised by this. I guess someone had to arrange the transportation of the globules once we were finished. I was so anxious, it was hard for me to just stand here and listen. There were two more outside with the original four. Adam was coming. I could hear it in their breathing. They were scared. They wanted me but didn’t like the unknown. They knew Hayden was here and they suspected there were more but they were unsure of their own senses. They didn’t know if these visitors had power over them or not.

  I could feel their anxiety, they wanted to see me. They were curious too. I was shocked that I could get so much from them. They needed to know if I would be able to feel them like they were warned I could. They had never come across anyone like me before. They were like children on Christmas morning. The ghosts that had ventured down to the beach were having trouble waiting for Adam. I believe they wanted a sneak peak. Their agitation was growing.

  “Come to me,” I whispered. Hayden swirled to look at me. Clive was by my side and Carlos was behind me.

  “What are you doing?” Clive asked, confused by my behavior.

  “They can’t resist. They want me,” I said looking out the window again.

  “Adam has already been informed and he will be here soon, but these phantoms want a sneak peak before Adam takes me away,” I laughed. I glanced at Hayden. He was in shock by my demeanor.

  “I’m sorry to be so bold but I think it might be the best way to catch them. Use me as bait. All of them out their just want a chance to see me,” I said as I walked closer to the patio doors.

  “Wait Natalie, we need to have a plan,” Clive was trying to stall me.

  “Are we prepared for transportation of the globules?” I asked.

  “Yes, the GTV’s are in the entry way,” Carlos informed me.

  “Then what do we have to plan? I will be the bait. Allow them to come to me. Once you can see them near me then they are all yours,” I explained, simply.

  Clive and Carlos agreed but Hayden quickly blocked my way.

  “You don’t have to do this. We know they are there. They know we are here to capture them. I don’t think they’ll just come out of hiding.” He didn’t understand why I wanted to do this. I smiled at him. I picked up a Kris that was on the shelf by the door.

  “Yes they will,” I told him as I walked out with Carlos close behind me. Hayden kept the door open so if we were able to capture them, they would have a quick run to the GTV. He kept his eyes on me. I could feel them. I knew Clive was off to the other side of the trees. He would watch for their escape. I wasn’t afraid as I walked closer to the ocean. I knew they were close.

  “They’re coming,” I whispered, knowing Hayden could hear me. Carlos stayed back and allowed me to be alone in the open. The first one was newly dead, I could tell by his awkwardness and amazement with everything. He had no self-control yet. He believed completely in all the stories he was told about me. He was drawn to me like I was a link to the living that he desperately needed. I felt no fear as he approached. He did not smile. His hands were out in front of him like he would run as soon as he touched me with his fingers. I did not smile as he stood in front of me. He placed his hand on my arm. He flinched as his skin touched mine. He couldn’t run. He couldn’t let go. I made him remember how it felt to be alive. He reached his other hand up to touch my other arm. He squeezed me gently. I didn’t take my eyes off his even when he started to cry. He was weeping as I slowly embraced him.

  “It’s time to go home,” I whispered. He nodded as I sunk my Kris into his side. He quickly disappeared into this round floating ball of light. I knew he was smiling at me as Carlos took him. He raced to the GTV and was back just in time to see another one approach me. This one was slightly older. He had been dead for years by the confidence he had as he approached me. He didn’t rely on his feet to make the walking motions that the new ones did, this one floated just above the sand. I smiled, remembering Cheveyo showing me that trick once. He preferred to use his feet around me, just like Adam did.

  This ghost was ready for me, if it meant he could touch me then he would face the consequence. He held my face in his hands and kissed me. I was surprised by this. Hayden was beside me in a flash waiting for me to react. I kissed him back as I again lowered my Kris into him. Hayden caught him immediately and gave him to Carlos. Hayden wasn’t thrilled by this. He didn’t want to leave my side now. The look on Clive’s face was priceless.

  “Natalie, I have never seen phantoms so willing to cross over as to welcome it with kisses,” he laughed quietly. There were three more that came at me together. They were bolder. They thought they would be able to run after just one touch, especially if they were together. They didn’t think this through. Carlos and Hayden were just a few feet away, but all they could see was me. I let them run their hands over me. They couldn’t stop as I was easily able to pierce each one on my own. Carlos was moving at full speed as he was able to return in seconds from bringing them inside. He must have been worried I was taking this too far. Maybe I was. I glanced at Carlos then back to the beach.

  I froze. I was immobilized where I stood. Adam was staring at me just ten feet away. I didn
’t sense him coming and I don’t think anyone else did either. I couldn’t smile, I could barely breathe. His face displayed his anguish. I knew he wanted to take me away. He wanted to grab me and run. He also knew I didn’t want to go with him anymore. My heart belonged to Hayden now and he was well aware of it. I could feel his anger, it was surrounding me. I felt silent tears pour down my cheeks as I watched him standing before me. It felt like time had stopped and we were trapped in this moment of despair together.

  “Why?” I managed to ask. I didn’t step towards him like he wanted me to.

  “I thought I could let you go. I was wrong,” he said simply, as though it was obvious.

  “Why did you want to let me go?” I was angry now.

  “After you almost died I realized I had to leave you so that you would keep living. I believed that the only way for you to leave me was if you thought I had left this world,” his voice quivered. Was he remorseful? He never really meant to hurt me. He walked slowly towards me.

  “Hayden, Carlos, please step back. Please,” I begged, not taking my eyes off Adam. I could sense that Hayden didn’t like this but he stepped back. As soon as they did Adam shocked us all. He raced at me and grabbed me. He held me tightly in his arms as he ran towards the woods. I could hear Hayden and Carlos right behind us. I could also hear Adam’s crew ahead of us. He was leading Hayden and Carlos into a trap. Clive was close behind too.

  “No! Stop! It’s a trap!” I tried to scream. I had to believe they heard me. I tried to reach for my Kris, but he was holding my arms so firmly.

  “Carlos, stop Hayden!” I shouted.

  “I’ll be okay, he won’t hurt me,” I yelled. I sighed as I heard their steps retreat. I knew Carlos and Clive where both holding Hayden back. He would never have stopped on his own. Adam had set up hundreds of phantoms to surround the trees. As soon as Adam had passed with me the phantoms would drop from the trees. Hayden was fast but I didn’t think he would survive unscathed by their wrath.