Vaim

I step into the entryway of my house avoiding a clear view into the kitchen. After my last period, I had a pleasant run-in with my calculus teacher, who informed me he’d be calling my foster mom. I of course couldn’t be any more thrilled, and that is exactly why I am avoiding said woman. 

I head towards the stairway and tiptoe up the steps, making sure not to press the squeaky spots. Once upstairs, I slide into my room and close the door. My ear presses against the door listening to any sounds coming from downstairs: the kitchen sink, something being tossed in a pan and sizzling, and a cry coming from the baby. 

I wasn’t heard. 

I turn to face my room and find September sitting in front of my bed with a newspaper in his hands. “This is an unusual sight, you’re reading the newspaper?”

September nods, ignoring my comment, “Yo, I was waiting for you. Check this out.” 

I set my things down at my desk and sit next to him. He enthusiastically shows me the section he’s reading. It’s the high school side of the town newspaper. At the bottom corner, there was a portion that read in big bold letters, “HOUSE OF LIES: Hoax, and Bullying.”  

“What is it?”

“The anonymous news writer at school is defending Stella. Claiming the video that went around of her screaming and running out of her house to be bullying. It says she was pranked but it doesn’t say how.” 

I arch a brow and grab the newspaper. It doesn’t say what caused the video but it’s definitely about it. “It doesn’t say anything about the so-called prank being a seance.” 

September chuckles, “Well yeah, the whole town has access to this paper with a flick of a wrist. Also, who would believe all the things you pulled that night? No one is gonna let her live that one down. Have you seen the video?”

“No,” I smile against my better judgment, “dammit I shouldn’t be smiling. We didn’t actually mean to scare her. It wasn’t even my plan, Aixen is the real dick here.”

My friend waggles his finger at me, “You should know better, you are the living one.” He says in a poor attempt to mimic Nana which I laugh at. 

“Shut up, I feel pretty bad about it.” I hand the newspaper back. 

“Why were you so mad at her? It’s not like you to take a video of someone like that.”

I shake my head, my smile lessening, “I didn’t.” The thought of Aixen crosses my mind. 

“Oh don’t you dare finish that thought.”

September jumps, tearing off the newspaper’s corner in his fright, “Jesus, Aixen!”

I look up at the bed across from mine. The ghost appears semi-translucent at first before his appearance fully solidifies. A smile slides onto his face as he looks at September, always gaining joy from startling him. 

“I was wondering when you’d stop hiding.” 

Aixen bites his lower lip, takes a pillow, and places it on his lap, “Sorry?”

“Uhuh, way to have my back when I’m getting in trouble over something you did.” 

“Oooooh, this is getting tense,” September gets up, “I get this is a conversation between A and B, but as I C myself getting out of here let me just say, that’s an unfair call Vaim. You are both to blame.”

Aixen smirks. I frown. September leaves. 

I roll my eyes, “Wipe the smirk off your face.” The words are said but a corner of my lips blossoms with a smile. I walk over to the dead teen and sit next to him, “So where did you run off to? I didn’t sense you all day.” 

His gaze looks slightly to the left, just a hairline past me before lining his gaze back with mine, “Nowhere, here and there.” 

I stare at him blankly. 

“I looked to my left again didn’t I? You can tell I’m lying.”

“Yeah.” 

“Dammit, one day I’ll be really good at not doing that.”

“Well before your entire head used to turn,” I laugh, “But really where were you? I could’ve really used some help in Calc today.” 

Now it’s his turn to laugh, “Wipe that fake pout off, you know I’m just as bad in calculus. God, I hate that class.” 

I do stop pouting and lay back with a pillow behind my head. He turns his head so that our gazes are in line once again. 

A voice seeps into my mind ever so softly and slowly, “I didn’t answer your question.” 

“No,” I respond out loud but in a whisper just as soft. 

“Three feet behind you the entire time.” 

Our gazes remain aligned, but the coolness of the room is gone. My face feels hot. His lips part to speak, but a pillow to the face stops him. He breaks out in laughter, and I hit him with the pillow a second time. 

“Sorry, sorry, I just didn’t want to get lectured when you were still pissed off at me.”

I glare at him, but don’t say anything, “I could’ve used your help today.”

“You had nothing you needed help with,” he pushes my shoulder with his own, “Why not just admit you missed me?” 

“Whatever. It’s easy to miss someone who won’t even let you leak in peace.” 

“Okay, one time!”

“What did you do to not let me sense your presence? I can always sense you.”

He smirks, “Well if I told you I wouldn’t be mysterious anymore now would I?”

A knock at the door stops our conversation. 

“Come in.” Upon hearing my words, Nana walks in. Her light pink t-shirt has dark smudges on it and she smells of ashes. 

“Andy?” Aixen and I reply synonymously. 

Nana inhales deeply, her gaze focused on both of us. “Andy.” 

“I said I’m sorry!” Bellows the teen from down the hall. 

“Since his class is canceled until he cools down, would you two like to have a go at it, and try this whole possession thing Aixen has going on in secret?”

Aixen winces and I smirk, sending him a thought of my own, “Aah, didn’t think you’d escape me and her now did you?”