It had started out like any other day, but I soon found out I was sadly mistaken. I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock buzzing and I hit the off button. As soon as I started to get dressed my brain finally started to work and I realized it was Saturday. I listened carefully for any sign of life in the rest of the house and it was dead silent. Creepy. I glanced over at my Nightmare Before Christmas alarm clock, 6:30. Whoa, a new record for me. Mom would have been proud of me I thought and as soon as I finished it the pain stabbed me. My eyes got heavy and I was getting ready to wipe them. Mom had been dead for a month now, and even thinking about her brought tears to my eyes. Then a thought hit me. Go see mom. I didn’t actually mean see her. I meant go visit her…at her grave. I put on a clean pair of jeans, a gray t-shirt, and a black hoodie. I ran down the stairs to the living room to find my chucks and work my way into them. My chucks were dying and I knew it. I loved them so much I put duct tape on the huge hole. Pathetic, I know. I opened the door and the fresh, cold air hit me. A slight grin reached my pale face. I headed out and closed the door behind me. Dad would never know I was gone and I’m pretty sure Ally (my new step-mom) wouldn’t give a damn. I started walking towards the cemetery, my legs already knowing the way. This early in the morning usually I’m still trying to remember to breath, but this morning I found myself wrapped up in my own thoughts. My father, Victor (Vick) started dating immediately after Mom died. I wondered if Dad ever did love Mom. Dad and Ally had been dating for about 2 full weeks and they already knew they wanted to get married. I don’t think Dad cared what it looked like, that he was getting married after his “love-of-his-life” was dead. The sad part is that Dad showed no sign of sadness when he found out Mom had died. He frowned and that was about it. Next thing I knew, he was going out with Mrs. Barbie Doll. Oh, did I mention that Ally is the trophy wife type of person? It’s actually kind of scary. I was so wrapped up in my thoughts that I didn’t notice I was already at the cemetery. I stood in front of the entry and looked around. Nothing had changed since my last visit. The church was still badly in need of repair with the broken window and doors hanging off the hinges. The really old gravestones that were near the church were covered with moss. I walked over to Mom’s gravestone and kneeled down in front of it. The roses, Mom’s favorite flowers, were still there and I smiled. Before I knew it I was crying and wishing Mom were still alive. I would do anything to have her back.

“Mom, why did you have to go?” I asked.

“I’m so sorry that I left you. I still love you,” a soft voice said.

At first I thought I was hearing things. But the voice had been so clear. I looked around and there she was. Clear as ever in the clothes she worn when she died, blood everywhere.

“Mom!” I cried out. I ran to her, being greeted to a huge loving hug.

Mom was still thin as ever and her hair still smelled of hazel nut as always. The only difference was that she was covered in blood and she wasn’t as strong as she had been when she was alive.

“Wait…I don’t understand…I thought you were…” I started but it was still hard for me to finish it. The pain still hurt.

“Dead?” Mom said with a sweet laugh.

I nodded and felt the tears rolling down my cheeks. Mom wipes them off and I feel how cold her hands were. I shivered and I guess it was noticeable.

“I’m sorry. Gotta get use to the coldness when you’re dead. Leslie, I think its time we talk”, Mom says gently.

Half of me wanted me to sit and talk with my dead mother but the other half of me wanted to run away and hide in a dark corner.

“’Bout?” I mumble, wiping my face dry.

“About…well…your ability” Mom says not looking at me.

“What ability?” I asked.

It was dead silent (no pun intended). I thought Mom hadn’t heard me and I was about to repeat myself when Mom let out a sigh and said “You’re ability to see ghost”.

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I was waiting to wake up from this weird frightening dream and look back at and laugh. But that didn’t happen. I was still standing there with my dead mother, in the freezing cold, at the old graveyard. Now was my chance to run away and definitely call my self-crazy but my legs weren’t working. They were probably shocked as the rest of me was. I guess from the terrified look on my face gave Mom the signal to grab my hand and guide me to the church. She was able to walk through it, as most ghosts could. I went through the human way, doors. I saw her over at the piano trying to play a tune but she wasn’t solid enough or strong enough to push the keys. I barely remember this church. All I knew it as was the place where Mom was buried. I never went to church and I don’t think I ever will. I sat down in one of the many seats and stared at Mom, waiting for to explain. She got up from the piano and sat down next to me.

“Maybe I should start at the beginning” Mom said.

“That would help,” I agreed.

“Ok, well you were about 7 when you first received the gift. You would be out in the yard talking to someone, it worried your father. We thought nothing of it until you came in one day and said “Grandma still loves you Daddy”. You’re father looked at you as if you were the devil. I don’t think you’re father has ever gotten over that. A year later, you woke up crying and came into our room saying, “Make the voices stop”. Right then I knew you were able to see ghost. I saw how terrified you looked and I knew I had to make it stop”

“How?” I asked.

“I…well…I did a spell”

“Mom, are you a witch?!?!” I asked shocked.

Mom nodded.

Had Dad known? Is that why he didn’t love he anymore? Because she was a witch?

“So…you put a spell on me?” I asked, still trying to get over it.

“Yes. I did it so you wouldn’t be able to see them anymore. Not until you were ready. Well I guess you’re ready” Mom said looking at her pale hands.

We were both silent for a minute then I asked, “How come I have this ‘ability’?”

“I’m not sure. It could be because you have witch blood in you. Or some spirits want you’re assistance”

“Assistance such as…?” I asked, but afraid of the answer.

“You know why ghost are still locked to earth?” Mom asked.

I shook my head.

“Either they have ‘unfinished business’ or some are just scared of the after life” Mom explained.

“Why are you still here?” I asked looking at her.

“Oh, I moved on. I just came back to talk to you” Mom said.

For that I was grateful. “I don’t want you to leave,” I said through tears.

Mom smiled and said, “I know. I don’t want to leave you again”. And for a second she looked so upset but she fought it back and put on a fake smile.

There was a moment of silence and then Mom jerked her head to the left and sighed deeply.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“I’m needed elsewhere. I promise I’ll be back,” she said and she locked eyes with me.

I nodded and then watched her disappear into thin air. I stood there staring at where my dead mother once stood. When I couldn’t take the coldness anymore I had nowhere else to go but home.

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By the time I reached my destination it was already 8. Had I spent that much time at the commentary? Sure didn’t feel like it. Dad was already up and was reading the newspaper. Barbie-Doll was trying to make eggs and failing miserably. I ran up the stairs before either of them could notice I was there. I was still cold, so I left my hoodie on and collapsed on to my bed. I wanted to fall into a dream-less sleep but I knew that wasn’t going to happen, so I decided to star up at my ceiling and try not to go crazy. Should I go talk to Dad about this? I asked myself. No, he would think I was going crazy, the small voice in my head said. How do you know? He might actually except me and talk to me, I argued. Damn it! I was talking to myself again and to make it worse I was arguing too.

“Oh, great job Leslie. Now Dad will be positive that you’re crazy,” I mumbled to myself.

“Believe me, you aren’t going crazy,” a voice said and this time it wasn’t Mom’s voice.

I nearly jumped off my bed. My lamp almost fell but the owner of the voice caught it just in time before it could hit the ground. I gasped and my hands clutched into tight fists.

“No need to get scared” the voice said. I look up and noticed this time I was talking to yet another dead person, but this time a teenage boy about the same age as me.

“I wasn’t scared” I lied. I didn’t want to look like a complete idiot to this guy.

All he did was smirk. I noticed he was wearing a black t-shirt, blue jeans, and black Vans.

“So…what’s your story?” I asked. I looked for any signs of what caused his death but found none.

“I um…well…er….I….”, he started to get uncomfortable and even blushed.

“Look its cool. You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to” I said, but I did want to know his story.

He looked grateful and nodded.

“So…um anyways…” I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do anyway. Help dead people? Sounded fun!

“I need your help,” the boy said simply.

“Um…ok. What’s your name?” I asked first.

“Alexander Teer”

“I’m Le-”

“I already I know your name” he said quickly.

“Right…” I said. Was I some legend the dead people talked about? Great.

“Will you be able to help me?” he asked, he sounded unsure.

“Well, I’ll try my best. This is my first time,” I admitted. Was it ok for them to know that? Well he did now.

His eyes got wide and said “Your first time?”

I sighed. “Yes. I didn’t even know I could do this until 3 hours ago” I snapped. Last thing I need was a dead guy giving me the 3^rd degree.

“But…I was told you talk to dead people all the time” he sounded confused.

“Well I could but my powers were taken away and here I am now!” I said faking excitement in my voice.

He nodded and I knew I was being unfair, but I mean c’mon! I just found out about this 3 hours ago.

“I just need to find my family, that’s all” he said after a moment of silence.

“They’re still alive?” I asked him.

“Yeah. I got word they live somewhere near here” he explained.

I tried to think of any families I might know with the last name Teer. Nothing came to me but then again I didn’t know many people.

“Ok, sure. I’ll help you find your family,” I said.

Alexander beamed and I smiled weakly. I had no clue how to do this, but I didn’t want him to know incase he freaked and who knew what ghost did when they freaked. I didn’t want to find out.

“Leslie!!!! I need to talk you!!! Please come down!!!” my father shouted.

Shit, what did I do now? I wondered. “Um…listen I gotta go. I promise to help you,” I said and I meant it.

“I trust you” Alex said and then disappeared. It felt weird knowing that a dead teenage boy trusted you.

I ran down the stairs and was greeted to a worried Dad.

“What’s up?” I asked.

“Were you talking to yourself just now?” Dad asked.

Crap, had he heard? I thought I was talking pretty soft. “Um…yeah…I was…practicing for Theater Arts” I lied.

“But you aren’t in Theater Arts” Dad said, confused. I guess Dad knows more about me than I gave him credit for.

“Oh…I’m helping out. You know…extra…that kind of stuff,” I said trying to sound convincing.

Dad still looked worried. “Look honey, I know you didn’t take your mother’s death very well nor getting a new mom-”

“Step-mom” I corrected. Barbie Doll is not and will never be my mother.

“Step-mom. Well, I’m just worried. I have considered you seeing a psychiatrist,” Dad said looking at me still.

“What?!” I asked in shock.

“If you see one he will be able to help you before it gets too serious” he explained.

“Are you serious?!? You sound like I’m some freak? I wasn’t talking to myself!!” I said calmly. I felt like shouting though.

“Honey, no one else was up there with you or answering back. And you were talking about death. I think you need to see someone before this goes too far”

“What if I refuse?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

Dad looked at me as if I really was crazy.

“Dad! I don’t need help!!!” I say getting angry.

“I think you do. How about just one visit and we’ll see what the doctor has to say ok?”

Well I couldn’t argue with that so I nodded glumly and went back to my room, slamming the door behind me. I leaned my forehead against my door and banged my fist against it so hard my hand was throbbing from pain. I felt like crying and I already felt the tears coming.

“Honey don’t cry” a soft voice said and I knew instantly it was Mom.

I spun around to face and Mom and walked over to her to be greeted to a hug. She was still cold but right now I could care less.

“What’s wrong?” she said after I let it all out.

“Dad thinks I need to see a physiatrist! He heard me talking to a dead guy and thinks I need help. Can you believe that!?” I asked, outraged.

“Whom were you talking to?” Mom asked. She sounded more interested in the dead guy more than the fact that Dad thought I needed help.

“Some boy named Alexander Teer,” I said trying to turn the conversation back to Dad.

Mom was silent for a minute the said “Never heard of him”.

“Well neither did I. Can we go back to the fact that Dad thinks I need mental help?” I said getting angry just talking about it.

“Oh honey, you father is just scared that you might need help because of what he did and because I died, so he blaming it on the fact that you talk to dead people but all he knows is that you’re talking to yourself” Mom said simply.

That hurt my head and I didn’t want to think about it anymore. “Ok sure. Should I go and say ‘yeah sure I’m talking to myself and the voices’?” I said sarcastically.

Mom rolled her eyes and sighed. “Just go along with it. Blame it on school or something. You’re what 14? You can think of something to make your life miserable,” she said grinning at me.

“Haha. You should be thanking me that I’m even agreeing to be doing this! I could just ignore the ghost and tell them to get on with their lives,” I said getting pissed now.

“Well, actually you have to. You have no say in the matter. You should be honored that you’re ‘the chosen one’” Mom said.

Now it was my turn to roll my eyes. What a bunch of bull. Be honored? To be a freak? No thanks.

I didn’t want to talk about my special gift right now so I made up some excuse that I had to go. I hated lying to Mom (especially since she was dead) but I was getting pissed and I just wanted some alone time. Mom actually believed me and left me alone (or at least I hope I was alone) to think and just relax. It was only noon and I was already tired.

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I sat quietly on my bed, trying to collect my thoughts. After several minutes of trying and only getting a headache afterwards, I gave up and decided to go downstairs and get something to eat.

“Leslie? Is that you?” Dad asked from the living room.

“Yes Dad” my voice sounded irritated and I didn’t mean it to be so thick of it.

“Honey, I heard you talking to yourself again…are you sure you don’t wanna talk about anything?” he asked.

“No. There’s nothing to talk about” I snapped.

“Was there someone up there with you?” he asked kindly.

“Define “someone,”” I said sarcastically.

“Leslie! Was there a boy up there in your room?!” he asked, getting up probably getting ready to inspect my room.

“Dad, seriously! There isn’t a boy in my room!” I said, getting pissed off.

He didn’t look like he believed me, but nothing was new there. I sighed and then headed towards the kitchen. Thankfully, Mrs. Barbie Doll wasn’t in there trying to cook food. I searched through the fridge and found nothing that interested me. I finally decided to take an apple and head back up to my room.

“Where are you going?” Dad asked. I continued to walk up the stairs.

“To my room” I said, running up the rest of the stairs, not listening to what Dad said next.

I closed the door and picked up my book to read.

“Hello” a voice said. I looked up from my book and saw Alexander Teer standing there looking at me. His deep chocolate eyes were easy to get lost in. I shook my head and tried to concentrate. I never noticed how…nice looking he was.

“Hi” I said. There was an awkward silence until I said, “Do you want to go for a walk?”

“Sure” he said and he disappeared. That was starting to get on my nerves. I looked out the window and saw him standing there. Good thing I could only see him.

I walked down the stairs, still holding my apple. I almost out the door when Dad asked, “Where are you going?”

“For a walk” I said and closed the door behind me.

“Is something wrong?” Alex asked.

“Nah, just my dad being over protected” I sighed.

“Just a sign that he loves you” he said.

“I guess”

I started walking and I could feel him walking near me. Even though I was wearing a hoodie, I could feel his cold arm bumping into mine.

“Where did you grow up?” I asked, trying to get some information.

“I’m not sure,” he said, confused.

“Um…what year did you die?” I asked.

He looked uncomfortable. Then an idea hit me. If his family was around here, there was a strong probability that he grew up here too. So maybe his grave was at the same cemetery my mom’s was.

“C’mon I have an idea” I said and grabbed his hand. It was ice cold, but I didn’t let go. He looked surprise at my action but didn’t let go either. I lead the way to the cemetery, it wasn’t that far.

“Does this look familiar?” I asked, still holding his hand.

“A little” he said looking around.

I walked over to my mom’s grave, Alex following me. I missed her so much, even thought I could still talk to her. It wasn’t the same. I hated my father, for not loving mom when she died and marrying that bitch.

Alex squeezed my hand and said “I know what its like to loose a love one”

I looked at him and smiled through tears. “I guess you’re right. Lets go look for you head stone,” I suggested.

He nodded and started searching. It wasn’t long before he spotted it. He called me over; I was looking over on the other side. I came over and started reading the head stone. ‘Alexander Michael Teer. 1987-2001’.

“You died 4 years ago,” I blurted out.

He looked a little shock that it hadn’t been that long. “Do you think they’re still remember me?”

“Of course” I smiled.

“I remember seeing my parents crying and how much that hurt me. It still does. I don’t want to cause them more pain if I come back” he said, talking to himself more than me.

“I think they would be more happier to see you than upset” I said.

There was a long silence until I said, “Lets go try and find where you’re family is”

He nodded and we started walking.

“What was it like to die?” I asked softly. Ever since Mom died, it had been a question I asked myself over and over again.

“For me it was…strange. All I remember is there was a huge amount of pain at the beginning but near the end it went away. It was almost peaceful. But…I heard someone screaming my name. I think it was my mom. Part of me wanted to stay with them and the other part of me wanted to just drift away. I guess the part of me that wanted to stay was stronger. The only thing was when I came back; I soon found out that I wasn’t alive anymore. I tried to tell my parents I was back but they didn’t see me. It was weird standing there, seeing your dead body and how many people it hurt. No matter what I did or said, no one heard me,” he mumbled. That was the most he had ever said to me since we met.

“How did you die?” I asked.

“I just remember getting really sick. Everyone was really scared,” he mumbled.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered.

“We’re at your house…or at least you are,” he said looking up for the first time.

And we were. We…or I….was standing in front of my house.

“I’ll meet you in there” he said and disappeared. I sighed.

I walked up to the door and got ready for 20 questions from Dad. But as soon as I opened the door there was silence. I looked around and noticed there was a note from Dad on the kitchen table. I picked it up and started to read it. ‘Leslie- Your mother and I are going to be out for a while. If we aren’t back by dinner, please make yourself something. Dad’. My eyes darted back to those 2 words, your mother.

“She isn’t my mother,” I said through clenched teeth as I crumbled the paper into a ball and threw it away.

“Who isn’t your mother?” Alex asked. I turned around and he was standing 1 inch away from my face.

“I wish you would stop doing that!” I gasped. I took a step back.

“Doing what?” he asked innocently.

“Appearing out of no where!” I said simply.

“Oh right. Sorry” he said.

I sighed. “Lets go get the phone book”

“The phone book? How will that help?” he asked.

“Hopefully you’re name will come up and the address”

“Oh”

I went to the living room and opened the closet, where we usually kept the jackets and such. I pulled down the phone and book and started flipping through the pages.

“S….SH…SY…T…TA…TE…Teer. Found it!” I said.

“George Teer. Is that your dad’s name?” I asked.

“Yeah” he said, his voice was full of hope.

“1025 Apple Gate Way. Sound familiar?” I asked, writing down the address.

“Yes! I remember the swing set in the back yard I use to go to all the time!” he said getting excited.

“Ok, good. Lets go,” I said and we rushed out the door…or at least I did.

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I was able to find enough money to ride the bus. I didn’t think dead people counted. I grabbed a heavier coat and headed out the door. I knew where the bus stop was, just down the street, but I had no idea when the bus would come. It was getting colder and I was glad I had thought of bringing a coat. The bus finally came after me standing there for 10 minutes.

“$1.50” the bus driver said lamely.

I pulled out a dollar bill and searched my pockets for 50 cents.

“Just sit down” the bus driver said, pissed off for me standing there still trying to find 50 cents. The most I had come up with was 17. I sat down near the end of the bus, trying to find a seat to by self. I sat down; the bus was already moving and stared out the window.

“Do you know where you’re going?” Alex asked me. I gasped loudly and that caused a lot of people to turn around and stare at me.

“Stop doing that!” I hissed. The last thing I needed was to be kicked off the bus for talking to myself.

He looked at me as if I was crazy and just shrugged.

“And yes I know where I’m going” I snapped. Some people where still staring at me.

“Are you sure?” he said. He now sounded amused.

I just nodded then scratched my head to cover it. I looked around and no one was staring at me anymore. Then I looked over to my side and saw Alex still sitting there, looking amused.

“What’s so funny?” I asked.

“Its just…I don’t see you the type to see dead people. Never mind help them,” he explained.

“I did threaten my mom that I would ignore you guys but then she went on about how I should be honored and all that bull,” I mumbled, trying to sound as soft as possible.

“You were able to see us when you were little right?” he asked.

I nodded then added “But I hardly remember anything”

He just nodded once and then said, “We’re here”

I looked up and noticed that we were. I waited until we stopped then headed up towards the front of the bus. I swore I head the bus driver mumble “Crazy”. I walked off the bus and saw Alex standing there.

“Did you hear what the bus drive said about me?” I asked, hurt.

“No. What?”

“Called me crazy” I said, walking towards the house.

“No!” he said sarcastically.

“Shut up” I said and started mentally reading the numbers of the houses.

“Its that one” he said quickly and already disappeared. I sighed and hoped to God that he was right.

I knocked on the door and it just occurred to me that I had no clue what to say. After a few seconds the door opened and showed a medium sized man with brown-graying hair and classes. I was hoping this was George Teer.

“Um…Hi. Are you Mr. George Teer?” I asked kindly.

“Yes…” he said, sounding unsure.

“Well I um…you see…I…” I started but Mrs. Teer interrupted.

“George?! Who is at the door?!?!” but she came anyway to the door and had a confuse look on her face.

“I know…knew…your son, Alex Teer. I was hoping I could talk to you about him” I said kindly, hoping for a yes.

“A friend? What’s your name?” Mrs. Teer asked.

“Leslie Black” I told them.

“He never mentioned a Leslie…to us anyway,” Mr. Teer said sadly.

“We weren’t really close friends. Um…Can we talk?” I plead. This was not going to be easy.

“I suppose” Mr. Teer said, opening the door wide enough for me to get in. We headed towards the living room and sat on a soft chair, opposite the couch. Mr. And Mrs. Teer took the couch.

“I know this must be really hard but…I can talk to spirits that are still with us that need to move on. You’re son was one of them. He told me-” I started.

“You talked to our son!!!” Mrs. Teer exclaimed.

I nodded.

“Can you talk to him right now?!?” she asked, voice full of hope.

I looked around the room and saw Alex standing near the staircase, leaning against the wall. His eyes were full of emotion, happiness and sadness.

“He’s in this room,” I said.

They both looked around, in home of finding him.

“Can…can you tell him…that we love him…so much” Mr. Teer said, eyes filling with tears.

“Alex?” I asked. He came over to my side.

“Yes?”

“They want you to know that they love you very much,” I said glancing to Mr. Teer’s face to Alex’s.

“Tell them I know and that I love them too,” his voice said cracking.

“He knows and he loves you too,” I told them.

They looked so happy. I looked over to Alex, waiting for him to finally disappear and move on. But nothing happened. There was a long silence, Mr. And Mrs. Teer crying because they were so happy and Alex standing there wishing more than ever that he could be with them right now. Then my cell phone went off.

“Excuse me” I said, reaching for my cell phone in my coat pocket. I got up from the chair and walked into the kitchen.

“Hello?” I asked, I hadn’t glanced at the caller ID. I should of.

“Leslie? Where are you?!? Do know what time it is!? You could of at least called or leave a note or SOMETHING!!!” Dad’s voice filling into my head.

I sighed and then said “Sorry Dad. I didn’t watch the time. I’m a bit busy-”

“Doing what?!?!” he asked me.

“Helping a friend,” I said simply.

“Well, get home now!!!” he yelled.

“I kinda need a ride then…” I said. I knew I didn’t have enough money for a cab.

“Where the hell are you?”

I recited the address and told him what the house looked like.

“Just exactly what are you doing there?” he asked.

“I told you, you helping a friend!” I said, keeping my story straight.

“Well, I’m busy right now. So you’re going to have to wait an hour,” he said.

Figures. “Ok, no biggie” I muttered. I was hoping that Mr. And Mrs. Teers would let me stay another hour. Dad clicked off and I snapped my phone shut and put it back in my pocket. I walked back to the room seeing Mrs. Teer scanning the room in hope of seeing her son and Mr. Teer was trying to calm her down. I saw Alex sitting next to them, looking so sad.

“He’s sitting next to you,” I said, looking at Mrs. Teer. She gasped and looked to her side, in hoping of seeing her son. She was looking directly at him and it was killing me that she couldn’t see him. I looked over to Mr. Teer and I saw him whispering to him self and rubbing his eyes. He looked angry, with himself. Was it possible that he was the cause of Alex’s death? Or at least he was blaming himself? Maybe that was why Alex couldn’t move on. He felt my eyes on him and trying to act normal but he didn’t fool anyone. He looked scared. As if I figured him out. But I wasn’t even sure if he was the cause why Alex couldn’t move on.

“Honey, have you ever consider the thought that this young lady is lying to us?” he snapped, this time angry with me.

Mrs. Teer gasped (for about the 100^th time tonight) and looked at me. “Are you?!”

“No. I would never put you through this if I was lying” I promised.

Mrs. Teer believed Mr. Teer and me looked angrier that his planned (whatever it was) wasn’t working. Alex looked over at me funny and I could sense the tension forming in the room.

“Mr. Teer? Maybe we should talk?” I said nicely.

“What?” he snapped. His eyes were blood shot and he looked half crazy. I was getting worried. I looked over at Mrs. Teer and she looked scared.

“What’s going on? Tell me now George!” Mrs. Teer whispered, her voice scratchy from crying so much.

“I can…I can feel him. It’s my fault he isn’t here with us now. It’s my entire fault! I could fucking kill myself for what I did to him. It was just…I couldn’t control myself…” he whispered to himself.

“George! What are you talking about?!?!” Mrs. Teer cried. But Mr. Teer was ignoring us both. Either that or he was crazy and didn’t know we were here with him.

“It was…I was so mad. And I had too many beers. I…I just…I saw him and knew he was going to mess up the way I did! And I couldn’t handle seeing him fucking up his life like I did. It was the beer. The only way to make him better was to kill him! So..I…poisoned him. But that was taking too long and he was suffering. Then I hear footsteps and I panicked. I grabbed the gun we keep in the closet for protection and shot my own son! I covered it up and I’ve been…living with this on my chest my whole life! I miss him so much!!” he was shaking by now and was staring at the closet over in the corner. Mrs. Teer looked at him with hatred and shook her head.

“No! No! You…couldn’t of! The doctors said he was sick!!” she sobbed.

Then it all clicked. “Yes, sick from the poison. They must have guessed that the whole from the bullet was the cause of the sickness and took nothing of it,” I said looking at Alex. I would never forget the look on his face; it will probably haunt me forever. It was full of sorrow.

Then he whispered, “Please tell my mom that I love her. Don’t blame Dad and-” but he wasn’t able to finish it. He had disappeared and I had a feeling he wasn’t coming back.

“Alex!” I shouted, hoping that he would come back. I waited but he didn’t. I turned to Mrs. Teer and said “Alex truly wants you to know that he loves you no matter what and don’t blame his father for it” I didn’t want to tell her that he said something else, that would cross line. She didn’t look like she would be able to hand it anyway.

She nodded and whispered a thank you. I nodded and then left. I hoped that the Teer’s got through everything and become a family once more. As I walked outside I noticed I have 20 minutes to kill and it was freezing. I was surprised it wasn’t snowing yet. To keep myself from going crazy (which I was pretty sure was going to happen sooner or later) I called a cab and did small talk with the random driver, praying there weren’t any dead people in the cab with me.

~The End~