AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Shaking my head, “No, I found a book in her library.”
“Dad, I’ll be back. I’m going out with Fallon.”
A deep voice shouts back, “Ok, baby. I love you.”
“Love you too,” she shouts back while closing the door.
“Where are we going? I have a million questions rushing through my head.” I question her.
“Let's go to the cemetery. It will be easier to explain. It’s after three, so Joanie should be heading back to the house by now.” I don’t question how she knows this. At this point, I really don't care. I need to know if what I read is true.
We walk in silence across the street, up the long driveway and through the backyard to the graveyard. Looking around the area, there is no sign of Joanie anywhere. Harper was right, she’s gone for the day. I follow Harper as she takes the lead through the archway and leads us to a spot under one of the large trees next to a few tombstones. We both sit, leaning against the tree. She clearly has something to share, and I wait for her to begin.
“By now, you know it’s not an accident you’re here. This is our fate, it has always been written for us. Our legacy is our responsibility. We are the town's bloodline. My dad is training me to take his spot as the mortician. In the next couple of years, he will pass the torch onto me and one day, I will pass it on to my kin.” Harper pauses to let me process. Seeing that I am still confused, she gestures to the graveyard around us and continues.
“Your family is responsible for this place, including the spirits that call it home. There are hundreds of years of history here. Most spirits will come out once they feel comfortable with you. Some you will never see; they are too shy or prefer to keep to themselves. It is your job to keep them safe. To keep them happy and to help them transition into the afterlife. This is their home as much as it is yours. My family prepares them so your family can place them in their final resting spot. Your family helps them adjust and takes care of them. The Angel of Death in your backyard represents the extinguishing of a life. It was the original symbol for your family. The Angel of Mercy was added later, and she represents mercy for the dead who reside here. Show them mercy in the afterlife and in their spirit form.” She says all of this while looking forward, not turning her head to face me until now.
“You said something the other day that makes me wonder. You said you were assaulted, but not by Joanie. The spirits here wouldn’t ever violate someone's privacy without consent. Going into the main house is strictly off limits. And Joanie can be very private. So, I guess what I’m trying to ask is… Did you see Merrick?” I look back at Harper, and she appears nervous. Almost scared of what I might say, but there is no point beating around it.
“Yes.”
Harper looks down, and I can tell her mind is racing. “No one has seen him since the night he died. He has never shown himself or even made himself known. Fallon! This is major! We don’t think he’s even appeared for his mom.”
“The guy is a total asshole. He choked me. Threw me against a wall and slapped my face. I’m pretty sure he wants me gone. Which makes no sense, if he knows I can’t leave. He must know that, right?” I intentionally leave out the part where he fucked me. She is still processing the fact that I saw him, there’s no need to drop another bomb on her. Even though I have had several dropped on me today.
She doesn’t respond, so I continue.
“You know, Joanie hasn’t exactly been a ball of warmth. Actually, she’s been a complete bitch to me since I arrived. I don’t understand. If I am her legacy, wouldn’t she be excited that I’m here?”
Harper turns her head, resting it on the trunk of the tree tilted toward the sky.
“I’ve heard talk, rumors, really. That Joanie became obsessed with her duties. They say that’s why Merrick drove off the bridge. Then your dad left, and she only became more invested in it and got more protective. It’s not my story to tell, but even the spirits have seen a shift in her over the years.” She sounds apprehensive, but carries on. “You should hang out here more. Let them get used to you. Maybe they will become comfortable enough to show themselves to you. Then they can explain more to you, or at least more than I can. As for Merrick, if he is showing himself to you, there is a reason behind it. I’m telling you, no one has seen him.”
Shaking my head, “Harper, I need you to focus. You’re skipping the most important part. I am stuck here. I didn’t even get a choice and now I’m supposed to become the keeper of all of this? Which I know nothing about, and Joanie isn’t exactly a willing teacher.” Fuck me, what am I saying? Why do I care that she isn’t a willing teacher? I can’t do this.
“Just spend some time here. The spirits will help you if you let them, but you have to let them in. You have to get to know them and vice versa.” Is all she says.
I can tell her intentions are pure, but dammit, it is pissing me off. I want to know everything now. I need to know more about what the fuck I have walked into.
Blowing out a breath, and still shaking my head, I sigh. “Fine. I can do that.”
This brings a smile to her face. “Good. The Grave keeper and the Mortician. I told you we were meant to be best friends. You will see!”
I laugh at her. Mostly from her excitement, the rest is because that is all I can do. Otherwise, I may start crying, and we decided we aren’t doing that anymore. I am on a mission and I will not rest until I figure it all out.
“I’m going to go so you can start spending time with them, alone. If you need anything, I’m across the street. Even if you don’t need anything, you can still stop by, maybe?”
I can tell she must not have many friends, though her quirkiness is growing on me. “I will. Thank you, Harper.” I say as she stands up. She doesn’t respond, and walks off in the same direction we came.
Ok, let’s spend time with some ghosts.
Chapter13
Merrick
So she thinks I'm a ‘total asshole’. How juvenile.
“Merrick, I know you’re up there! I felt you going in front of me earlier,” Fallon shouts while still sitting at the bottom of the tree. Only because I wanted you to know, stupid little girl.
