Ghost

Chapter 7: Moment

Nick and I were about to leave school when we heard some commotion outside.

Trey was surrounded by the football team as well as a few other people from our school.

"We all know that we would not have made it this far without Nick. He was the best captain this school has had," he told the group. I elbowed Nick's ribs, he stayed stoic as he stared at the group. "I am going to try my best to lead you as captain and I know Nick wouldn't want us to quit or back down. He would want us to win. And we will. We'll win all our games with Nick in our hearts."

The crowd cheered, a few clapped Trey on the back. He was made captain. I looked at Nick who gave nothing away. I did not want to talk to him in front of such a big group and risk being targeted again, instead I put my hand in his and began dragging him away. I didn't pull back when Nick intertwined our fingers and squeezed. It was as if that was the only thing keeping him from breaking. He kept losing everything. Every day he lost more and more. It was heartbreaking.

I began walking to the movies for my shift. Nick remained silent. As soon as I felt like it was safe to speak, I did. "Talk to me."

He shook his head. "It feels like everything that was about me is slipping away and soon people won't even remember me and I can't do anything to stop it. It's like I'm sinking and grasping for air, but I just sink deeper and letting this darkness swallow me. It's suffocating."

"Hey, hey, hey," I stopped walking turning to face him. I squeezed his hand tighter. "That's not true Nick. Don't you dare think like that. Your parents will never forget you. Trey looks like hell, it does not seem like he will forget you. And... I won't forget you. It's not like I get to meet a ghost every day."

Nick let out a chocked sound that was supposed to be a laugh.

I ran my thumb soothingly on his hand. "You can get through this. You are Nick Leighton. People would kill to be you."

Something about that line made me pause. The amount of people that would benefit from him gone was endless.

Nick seemed to no longer be listening. Instead, he was looking down an empty road with furrowed brows.

"What do you see?"

Nick opened his mouth and closed it. "I'm not sure. I feel like I should follow it."

"That leads to the highway."

He shook his head. "Let's just go to the movies. I want to see the candy girl in action."

I ignored the weird feeling and walked to work. I changed into the uniform in the washroom before stepping out to a wolf call. I threw Nick an unimpressed look.

"You look good in uniform Candy Girl," he teased.

"Oh shut up," I whispered underneath my breath. I forced a smile on my lips when a few customers walked in. I helped them before we were left alone again.

"You know you are pretty in your own way," he said, from the look on his face it looked like he meant it. I rolled my eyes in response.

"Hey, I mean it," he said looking offended. "I'm not calling you hot or anything—"

"Geez thanks."

"No, no," he shook his head. "Let me continue. I'm being honest, you're no Amelia but you have your own charm."

I let out a scoff. "I don't know whether that's a compliment or an insult."

He gave me a sheepish look. "Compliment. You are attractive, but I dunno... being with you. It's nice. Makes you more beautiful."