The Mysterious Life Of Lorelei Jones

VIII

Joel returned with the first aid kit and tried to patch Lori up as best as he could. “****, Lori. How did this happen?”

“I-I honestly don’t know. I was sleeping last time I checked.” Lori said.

“Something happened. I’ve heard of sleepwalking, but this is ridiculous. I mean, look at the closet door. It’s in pieces. You’re all bloody, and you have bruises all over you. Con, any ideas?” Joel asked.

“N-No. I don’t think anyone broke in here. Our security system is good; No one would’ve gotten up here unnoticed.”

Joel looked at both of them. “You both are hiding something. Don’t lie to me. Both of you are bad at it.”

Connor and Lori looked at each other.

“Oh, for ***** sake!” Thomas said, pushing Joel onto the bed. “There!”

Joel sat up and was on his feet in seconds. “W-What was that?!”

“Joel, I, um, don’t know how to tell you this,” Lori said.

“Tell me what? How did I get over here? What pushed me?” Joel asked.

“Lori can see dead people and talk to them. Some are strong enough to affect things in our world. Thomas was the one who pushed you. He died a week ago.” Connor said.

“Are you high? Ghosts aren’t real. Lori can talk to ghosts? Prove it.” Joel said. He crossed his arms and waited.

“Thomas, can you do something?” Lori asked.

“I’m not a toy for your amusement,” Thomas said.

“Can you just do something? We need him to believe us.” Lori said.

“Ugh! Fine.” Thomas pushed over a lamp, and Joel nearly fell over. “Happy?”

“What the **** was that?! Holy ****, you can talk to ghosts. How did I not know this?” Joel asked, moving away from the broken lamp. He was scanning the room, expecting to see something. “How did he find out before me?”

“I found out when we were kids. When I was over her house. Mom took me to Charlotte for a conference. I met Lori when our parents left us with the other kids that were dragged there. She was by herself. I sat with her, and we talked for a while. We decided to ditch the group leader who was watching us. We went to play hide and seek in the hotel. I found her after a while. She was getting hurt by a spirit. It was mad that she couldn’t help it. I tried to help her. That’s why I was in the hospital when you and dad came.” Connor looked at Lori. “And before you say it. No, I don’t blame you. I wanted to help you. I’d do it again.”

Jel sat on the bed, holding his head in his hands. “What the hell? Lori, have you been going through this all by yourself? How long has this been going on?”

“Since I was little. I might have been able to do this for a while. I just thought they were imaginary. It wasn’t until one hurt me that I knew it was real. Now, this spirit is actively killing people around town. Four people died today, including two kids.”

“When did that happen?” Connor asked.

“Ten minutes ago. I was there when it happened. Kind of. It talked to me. It said it would keep killing people. It said it wanted to show me something.” Lori put her head in her arms. “O told you, Connor. It’s because of me that people are dying. It basically admitted it. It wanted to meet me.”

“Anyone want to fill me in on what “It” is?” Joel asked.

“I don’t even know. It’s not a regular spirit. It’s something evil. Something darker.” She looked at Thomas. “That black cloud was it. It was in my apartment. It was at the campus. I bet it’s at the mall right now.” Lori said.

“Black cloud, huh? Wait, so ghosts are real? How about vampires and werewolves? I know this sounds like I’m joking, but I’m serious.” Joel asked.

“Anything’s possible. I don’t really want to go looking for vampires and werewolves right now.” Lori laughed.

“Well, what’s the plan? We finding this ******* or what?” Joel asked.

“No!” Connor and Lori said in unison.

“What?” Joel asked.

“You’re not getting involved. Sorry, buddy. Not happening.” Connor said.

“I don’t remember asking for your permission. I’m helping. No way can I ignore her getting hurt.” Joel looked around. “And to whatever pushed me, If you lay a finger on her, I will end you.”

“Joel, he’s already dead. I don’t think he can get much more ended than that.” Connor said.

“Don’t tell me you can see them too?” Joel asked.

“No, I can’t. Lori’s the only one.”

“That’s a relief. I thought I was the only one without a cool talent.” Joel said. “It doesn’t matter. I will be there for you too, Lori. I can’t let Connor have you all to himself. Plus, the more manpower, the better. Whatever attacked you won’t get away with it.”

“And what can you do? You’re just a regular person. Just like this idiot.” Thomas pointed to Connor. “You can’t do anything special.”

“WHO ASKED YOU?!” Joel yelled.

Lori looked up. “Who are you talking to?”

Joel felt his heart quicken. “I-I don’t know. I got really mad out of nowhere. That was weird.” Joel felt his heart rate slow down.

Lori heard what Thomas said. “Thomas, apologize to Joel. Now.”

“What for? It’s true. He’s nothing special. Neither of them is anything but ordinary. You’re the only one who can do anything. I don’t need them. I need you, Lorelei. Stop wasting time with them and do what you promised.”

“DON’T TELL HER WHAT TO DO, YOU ******** Joel yelled as he punched Thomas in the face with enough force to make Thomas go through the bedroom door. Shattering it.

“Joel!” Lori yelled as Joel fell to the ground unconscious. She ran to him.

“What just happened?” Connor gasped as he ran to them. “Lori! What the hell just happened?!”

“I think Joel just punched Thomas.”

“The spirit?! How can he do that?”

“Joel’s like me,” Lori said. “He can hear and apparently feel spirits. I can’t even touch them. That’s incredible. I thought I was the only one. Joel, what are you?”