Page 62 of A Haunting at Keystone Manor

“They’re the best. And they love you.”

He swallows hard. “I’ve never had anything like that.”

I squeeze his hand. It always hurts to hear his truths. “Well, now you do. They’ve practically adopted you, don’t be surprised if you get the papers in the mail to make it official.”

***

Later that night, I give my parents a brief tour of the house. Mom and I end up back in the living room after dad heads upstairs to watch the nightly news, and Jake heads outside to hide in his gardens. Today went well but I can tell it overwhelmed him. My man needs some alone time to gather his thoughts.

Mom is standing in front of the floor to ceiling bookshelves, wine glass in hand, trying to read the spines of the books. These shelves are home to all of the classics, many not even in English. I’ve never attempted to read any of them though, they’re way too intimidating. I’ll never tell a soul, especially my mother, but there’s a copy of Twilight in here somewhere. I absolutely have not read it, though.

“The décor is interesting. Very Victorian. Everything looks like it’s right out of the eighteen hundreds.”

“It probably is,” I say. “It’s a bit old and outdated, but that’s part of the charm. Plus, it’s haunted, so the décor really sets the tone, you know?”

“I’m glad you found your calling, honey. So, Jake huh? He seems like a lovely boy. Very cute. Did you meet here?”

I debate how much to tell her. “Yeah, I met him here the day he died. His dad used to run the place. He was killed in one of the rooms by… by a bad man.”

“Ahh. I get the sense that he needs a soft hand.” She takes another sip of wine as she sits down on the couch.

“Yeah, he’s been hurt a lot. He doesn’t like unexpected touches, especially from men. That’s why he freaked a little when dad went to shake his hand.”

Mom nods in understanding. “He likes your touch.”

My cheeks heat. “Don’t make me blush! But honestly, it took some work to earn his trust, and I will never do anything to betray that.” I suck in a deep breath. “Sometimes I feel like I’ve failed him, but I’ll spend every day of my afterlife trying to make sure he feels safe and comfortable here. He deserves it.”

“You’re a good boy, Alex. Well, ghost now. God, I still can’t wrap my head around that. My baby boy, the ghost.”

“I’m really happy here, mom. I know it’s hard, but there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

She wipes a tear out of her eye and pats the couch next to her. “Come over here and give me another hug.”

“Now that you know, you guys will have to visit all the time. I’ll keep a room reserved just for you, so you can pop in whenever you want.”

“I’d love that, honey.” We hug for a long time, and maybe cry a little.

***

Jake

The mountain is so quiet at night, the only sound the constant, low chirping of the crickets keeping me company as I work, the ground illuminated by only the moonlight. It feels peaceful. After dinner I practically ran outside, feeling overwhelmed at the events of the day. Knowing me all too well, Alex allowed me to escape without a fuss and assured me his parents wouldn’t take my sudden departure as an insult.

I concentrate on the feeling of the dirt beneath my fingers as I add my new carrot and tomato plants to the garden. I’d love to try my hand at potatoes next, maybe some herbs. Seeing my plants flourishing is the most rewarding thing, knowing I’m able to nurture and protect them. They’re the only things I can protect.

I rub my forehead with the back of my hand. I really should go back inside, but I’m nervous about bumping into his parents again. I’ve never met a family quite like them, and I don’t know how to handle it. They’re too good to be real. It feels like a trap, like one wrong step and they’ll throw me out and forbid me from seeing their son again.

Those stupid thoughts are running through my head when I hear Debbie’s voice.

“Hi, honey! Can I join you out here?” I look up and see her walking towards me with her wine glass in hand. She looks like such a mom. A little round in the middle, soft. Safe. She gives the most amazing hugs. I could hug her every day and never get tired of feeling her arms around me.

“Um, sure,” I say. I don’t know that I want anyone in my space right now, but I don’t want to be rude to her when so far she’s been nothing but kind to me. “I’m making room for some new plants that just came in.”

“It looks amazing. You have a green thumb. Do you take care of all the gardens around here?”

“Yeah, it’s my official job now. I’m pretty new to it, but I like it. Keeps me busy and my mind on the right things.”

“And what are the wrong things?” she asks, catching me off guard.