Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/13850085.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Underage
  Category:
      F/M
  Fandom:
      Beetlejuice_-_All_Media_Types, Beetlejuice_(TV_1989)
  Relationship:
      Beetlejuice/Lydia_Deetz, Beetlejuice_&_Lydia_Deetz, Lydia_Deetz/Original
      Character(s)
  Character:
      Beetlejuice_(Beetlejuice), Lydia_Deetz, Charles_Deetz, Delia_Deetz, Betty
      Juice, Ginger_(Beetlejuice), Juno_(Beetlejuice), Jacques_LaLean, Bertha_
      (Beetlejuice), Prudence_(Beetlejuice), Original_Characters, Judge_Mental
  Additional Tags:
      Hurt/Comfort, Emotional_Hurt/Comfort, Angst_and_Hurt/Comfort, Fluff_and
      Angst, Fluff_and_Smut, Smut, Eventual_Smut, Shameless_Smut, Sex,
      Hormones, Teenage_Drama, Teenage_Hormones, Fluff, Angst, hard_decisions,
      Drama, Betrayal, Consequences, Growing_Up, Coming_of_Age, Bad_Decisions,
      Anger, Magic, Family, Love, Trauma, Loss, Marriage, facing_facts, Hurt,
      Comfort, Emotional, Emotions, Emotional_wreckage, First_Time, First
      Times, Exploration, First_Kiss, First_Meetings, First_Love, My_First
      Fanfic, Romance, Drama_&_Romance, Teen_Romance, Eventual_Romance
  Stats:
      Published: 2018-03-03 Updated: 2018-03-27 Chapters: 15/? Words: 33229
****** Catch 22 ******
by GhostlyHauntings
Summary
      Not much has been said about how the duo met or what happened after
       the cartoon, but Lydia Deetz was about to make some choices that
                   would haunt her for the rest of her life.
      Life is hard for those who don't fit in, and harder still for those
                            who don't have a life.
       But, in the end, things like wanting to be loved & accepted is a
                    universal desire for all beings, right?
Notes
     I'm very excited to finally upload this fic as my first story on
     here.
     In time, I will draw this as a comic, but for now, I wanted to share
     it in this form.
     I hope you enjoy it as much as I have been when writing it. Please be
     gentle...
***** Beginnings *****
[Fic Cover]
                                        
                                   Chapter_1
                                  Beginnings
 
 
"My name is Lydia Deetz and I am currently a miserable, utterly depressed
twelve years old.
My life is a very lonely one and you'll find I'm nothing like the others in my
school. I have not one friend and everyone, including my dad and his wife,
think I'm weird.
Why, you may ask? Then I guess I should explain a few things about myself
first.
When I was six years old, my family was in a car accident.
It was late, snowy, December night and we were coming home from a fun day full
of Christmas shopping. My father hit a patch of black ice and lost control of
the car. In the blink of an eye, our car went off the road, and tumbled down
into the woods. When the car finally stopped rolling my dad woke to discovered
that my mother and I had been flung from out of the vehicle. I was told that my
mother must have died instantly but I'm not sure if I totally believe that. He
found us not too far from each other and when he came upon my little body in
the snow; he feared the worst and rightfully so. I was dead.
But, unlike my mother, I was more fortunate… My father was able to bring me
back. He carried me for miles, in the freezing weather and snow, until he could
flag down a passing vehicle.
I was in the hospital for four months.
My father held onto what little sanity he had left, in the hope that I would
come back to him.
While I was no longer dead; I was in a purgatory known as a coma. For two
months, he paced by my hospital bed, too afraid to leave me for one second in
the fear that I would be gone once he did.
He told me once, that when I woke up from the coma, it was one of the happiest
days of his life.
Although, he was overjoyed I was back, he was never the same after the
accident. His nerves were shot and he struggled every day to find a way to try
to cope. He focused on me and my happiness to distract himself from the anxiety
that threaten to completely consume him.
When I was in the hospital, I was able to make friends with other little kids
who would come to visit me. This made the grownups very nervous and they forced
me to go through more tests than I could count. Finally, I understood why they
were upset and worried. They couldn't see the other children like I did.
I learned very quickly how most people are afraid of things they can't see.
The future being another invisible beast that some people would fear just as
much of the idea of a ghost haunting them.
As time went on, I became more and more isolated from other people except for
my father. It was partially because those "scary" things fascinated me and most
of society was repulsed by it. I slowly pulled away from the ugliness of that
society and I immersed myself in the things that gave me joy. I found comfort
in the in the scary, supernatural, and the unusual. Things, like the dead, were
honest and true to their nature at all times… even if they were trying to
deceive the living.
I became obsessed with trying to seek out the scary things, the macabre, and
mysteries in life. I began to feel a kinship with them. As time went on, I felt
more and more like the walking dead or even a spirit because most people either
ignored me or completely avoided me.
Which leads me to who I am now… a depressed preteen who struggles to find any
shred of happiness in the mundane life around me. I admit, there were so many
times I've fantasized about ending my life and it would be so much easier if I
did. Only, I knew I couldn't do that to my father. I couldn't take him down
with me.
Still, I had my own little self-destructive habits, like often forgetting to
eat. It was just too easy to do when I was completely consumed by my
depression. The days that I didn't forget, were filled with forcing myself to
eat. It was hard to find the will to do so.
In school, I was totally isolated, so not many people would have even notice my
eating habits… well, until one day; the day I collapsed when I got up to
sharpen my pencil.
The rumors spread quickly and I couldn't escape them. I was accused of being
anorexic and bulimic. They began to relentlessly tease me about that, and with
my naturally petite build, it only fueled the rumors further. I just couldn't
win.
My dad decided we needed a change, a quieter life, a fresh start for me, and
moved us to Peaceful Pines. I started going to an all-girls school but this
didn't fix any of the teasing.
I was still the creepy girl. Still the easy target."
***** Square Peg *****
Chapter Notes
     Just wanted to add a little note here and share with you that this
     story has some nods to the movie-verse but it will be mostly focused
     on the cartoon's story line and premises. I love both the movie and
     the cartoon and they are incredibly dear to my heart. Also, I will
     never acknowledge Delia being called "mom" or "mother" like Lydia
     does in the cartoon. Haha.
                                   Chapter_2
                                  Square_Peg
 
 
Lydia walked in through the back door of her home while slowly dragging her
backpack along the kitchen floor. One of the shoulder slings, attached only at
the bottom of the backpack, now pathetically trailed behind her.
Her dusty black cat, Percy, perked up from his nap when he heard the nearly
detached piece snake by in front of him. He playfully began to bat at it,
completely unknowing of the full extent of damage that had really been done
that day.
Charles was reading his newspaper in the corner of the room at the kitchen
table. When his daughter didn't greet him, like she regularly did, he lowered
the paper to look over to her.
"Hey pumpkin. How was school?" His voice hinted at his concern but he was
hoping that she just didn't see him there.
"Just lovely." Lydia grumbled. She really didn't want to talk about it.
His eyes settled on the backpack's broken sling and he got up to walk over to
her to examine it.
"What happened?" He asked as his hand was affixed to his jaw in quiet
contemplation. He could clearly see that it had been cut.
"I snagged something. It's an easy fix. So, I'll just sew it." She didn't stop
while she continued to head to the stairs. She was hoping with all hope that
he'd buy it, so that she could be in the cocooning comfort of her room.
"That doesn't look like a snag. Lydia, are you being teased again?" He followed
behind her, very concerned, knowing something must've happened.
Delia, his red headed and capricious wife, poked her head out of one of the
rooms when she overheard the conversation.
"Lydia being teased again?" She drew her words out to emphasize her dismay.
Lydia stopped walking. She knew they wouldn't relent unless she said something
to them. She stared at the floor in the hallway, hoping beyond hope for some
comfort, and some acceptance from them.
"I am." Without turning around, she quietly replied.
Delia waltzed over to her dark-haired stepdaughter.
"Well it's no wonder Charles! She's so gloomy all the time AND she's always
wearing such gloomy clothes too!" She pulled on Lydia's near-black cardigan to
show as an example.
"I don't see anything wrong with her clothes." Charles said, confused while as
he tried to figure out what exactly was wrong with the picture being presented.
Lydia stood, unmoving, hoping Delia would just get it out of her system and
move on to the next sparkly thing that would steal her attention.
"Of course you wouldn't! You simply don't know the first thing about fashion!
Have you even bothered to look at the other kids her age? If you did, you would
seen that Lydia sticks out like a sore thumb!" Delia rolled her eyes, with one
hand on her jutted hip, to accentuate how annoyed she was.
Lydia finally turned around to face them both. She had had enough and her
disgruntled expression had caught Charles's attention.
He squatted down to meet Lydia face to face.
"Well, what if you tried some more cheerful attire pumpkin? Maybe then you
could blend in with everyone else." Charles grasped to find anything that would
help his daughter. He never knew if he was doing the right thing for her and
his anxiety compelled him to question every decision he ever made. He felt
desperate to find any way to make her happy.
"A smile would help too!" Delia pondered distastefully, as she looked to
Lydia's face.
Lydia sighed loudly in reply. Yup, she reaaaally had had enough.
"Would you be willing to try? For me sweetie?" Charles begged her, giving her
chin a gentle byt loving knock with his knuckle.
"Ok daddy. Only for you." She conceded glumly. She tried to attempt to smile
for him and succeeded enough to fool him; even though, she still felt
absolutely empty inside.
"New wardrobe tiiiiiime!" Delia kicked up and heel, singing out, as she threw
up her arms up over her head excitedly.
 
 
 
 
"Delia bought me a bunch of new clothes and I was true to my word. I tried as
best that I could to do what they suggested in the hopes to get rid of this
emptiness inside. I was desperate.
Sadly, new clothes can only cover what's on the outside and not what is truly
on the inside. People will always seek to see past an exterior, especially if
it was glaring different from them.
Nothing changed, and the other girls had begun to make fun of me for my new
clothes too. They said I looked gross and ridiculous.
I had one bully who was worse than the rest. She claimed she was the most
popular girl in school. She was blonde, tan, filthy rich, with a sense of
entitlement and ego that held no bounds. Her name was Claire Brewster and she
was my polar opposite."
 
"Like, you can put lipstick on a pig, Lydia Deetz, but a stinky, grody pig is
still, like, totally a barf-o-rama pig." Claire stuck a finger into her open
mouth and pretended to gag.
The whole classroom began to laugh with her as Lydia sank into her chair. She
wanted to disappear and this neon pink sweater made her feel like she was
flashing sign, advertising the freak show that she was.
Claire took advantage of Lydia's reaction and went in for the kill.
"I think I like the stupid creepy clothes on you." She feigned kindness and
twirled over in front of Lydia's desk.
Lydia looked up at the blonde in front of her. She was confused but she knew
this wasn't good. The rest of the classroom hushed and listened.
"You, you do?" Lydia said quietly as Claire sat on Lydia's desk and began to
buff her nails.
"Like, duh! Of course, I do. It's just proper etiquette to dress in black for
when you're in mourning, like everyone knows that!" Claire glanced over her
shoulder and gave her a sympathetic frown.
"But, I'm not in mourning." Lydia's voice was still tiny but the whole room
could hear everything crystal clear.
"Surely, you must be, since your taste in fashion died long ago! Fer sure!"
Claire hopped off of her desk laughing loudly and once again, the classroom
joined in.
Lydia wanted to scream or cry... maybe scream and cry but she knew it would
only fuel the onslaught of insults. She knew Claire was just waiting to break
her in every way until there was nothing left of her.
.
"The lesson from that day was burned into my soul:
That it didn't matter how I act, how I looked, or what I liked; I was going to
be bullied because I was different and was always going to be different.
The bullying was becoming more than I could bear and I  was reaching my
breaking point.
After one particularly rough day of their abuse, I was walking home when an
epiphany struck down upon me like a bolt of lightning. I had suddenly realized
the futility of fighting it all. But instead of letting it pull me down again,
I found a new strength and identity in it.
It was at that time, I resolved that if I was going to be teased for being me,
then I was going to dress how I loved to dress! I was going to embrace being
weird and be true to what was natural to me.
I was always going to be an oddity, an aberrant, and bizarre to the rest of the
"normal" world and I was now fine with that.
On that day, I discovered self love for being strange and unusual.
Because being different was a reminder of why I didn't want to be anything that
was called normal. I had learned, "normal" people hide away too much and aren't
honest. I wanted to true to myself, just like the creatures in my movies were.
"
***** Like Black on a Raven *****
                                   Chapter_3
                             Like_Black_on_a_Raven
 
 
It was a new day and Lydia was filled with a sense of rightness as she slipped
on her black cardigan. This suited her much more than the bubblegum pink,
bedazzled sweater that her step mother had insisted to get her.
Delia's argument was; "This color simply screamed to be worn by you, Lydia! It
perfectly compliments your skin tone and I would know best because I am an
"arteest"!"
Lydia glanced over to the offending sweater that she had thrown into the back
of her closet, and stuck her tongue out to it disdainfully.
She took one last moment to look in the mirror, giving an affirming nod, before
she made her way downstairs to start her day.
Delia was washing a bowl in the kitchen sink when heard footsteps coming down
the stairs. She smiled to herself as she stepped out of the kitchen, wiping her
hands dry on a kitchen towel while greeting Lydia cheerfully.
"Gooood morning! Lydia, are you ready to go?"
"I am." Lydia smiled, while smoothing down her cardigan once she made it to the
bottom of the stairs.
Delia stopped every thought and action, when her eyes landed on Lydia's attire.
Her brain seemed to reboot, assessing what was before her, and came to the
conclusion that she wasn't pleased one bit.
"Where's the clothes I got you?! Just look at you! You're totally
unapproachable Lydia! You'll never make friends looking like THAT!" Delia
yelled, hurt by the child's choice to not use the clothes that she had so
generously chose for her.
Charles bolted out of the kitchen when he heard Delia blow up. He was still
gripping his favorite, cheesy looking, coffee mug. The mug had a cheerful
looking rainbow that connected two happy looking clouds. The word "SMILE" was
emblazoned, in bold black font, underneath and was being sheltered comfortably
by the colorful arch. In his haste most of the coffee had tragically dribbled
out leaving a dotted trail from the kitchen to the hallway.
"But I don't want to make friend or fit in! I want to be me!" Lydia yelled back
to the red-head. She couldn't stand it. Why couldn't they let her be who she
wanted?
Charles walked over to his daughter and put his hand on her shoulder. He hoped
she'd calm down and understand what they were trying to do.
"Pumpkin, we have been talking and we were thinking that perhaps it would be
best that we start taking you to go see a nice therapist. I've already
scheduled an appointment for next week." Charles smiled to her as best he
could, to reassure her that it was for her own good.
Lydia's blood stopped. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Were they
really that desperate to change her? Her blood started to flow, once more, but
then quickly turned to a boil.
"I'm not going! You can't make me go!" This was too much for her and she going
down without a fight!
"Now see here young lady! We most certainly can." Delia put her hands on her
hips and squinted her eyes. Lydia knew she was just trying to flex some
authority but she had NO RIGHT to force her to do anything.
Lydia had had enough. How could she make them understand just how much she
didn't want this?
"No! I'd rather kill myself than go talk to someone who will tell me to change
who I am!" She screamed and whirled around to stomp back up the stairs.
Delia spun to face Charles as she roughly grabbed and shook her husband's
shoulders.
"See! She is suicidal! We simply MUST do something!" She pleaded with panic in
her eyes.
Charles sighed and put his head down feeling utterly defeated.
The preteen stopped in her tracks. Her feet felt like lead and wouldn't move
from the step she was on. She had never known that it was possible to get so
angry in her life as a rage filled her.
"At least if I was dead I wouldn't have to deal with you people!" Her face was
deep red as she leaned over the banister and roared to the parental figures
below.
Lydia suddenly realized what she had just done and the things she had just
said. Her rage immediately switched to grief and shame and as fast as she could
up, she ran up the remaining stairs, bolted down the small hallway, and
immediately locked her bedroom door behind her. She could barely breathe as she
held her weight against the door.
Her whole being hurt and she had to let it out. Her canopy bed gave her an
enticing embrace when she flung herself upon it. Promptly, she released
everything and let her sorrow flow.
Her tears and sobs surged forth intermittently, in long bursts, throughout the
day until the sun melted away on the horizon. Exhausting herself was the only
way she could fall asleep and get away from it all.
It wasn't a long rest before she awoke to her mouth and throat feeling parched
and sire. She lifted her head, looking out towards her widows walk, and saw
that it was now night. Her eyes burned and blurred her vision while her heart
felt as rough as her throat. She needed water but, unfortunately, that meant
she would have to go downstairs. The thought of seeing them, upset her and she
didn't want to start crying again, or worse, get into another fight.
Lydia crawled over to her bedside table to check the time on her coffin alarm
clock. While it wasn't too late, she began to pray that they both had gone to
bed early. She mustered her guts, corralling them as best she could, so could
be brave enough to go downstairs to quench her desert like mouth.
She cracked her door open to just a slit, so she could spy down the hallway,
looking for any evidence of movement. Luckily, she didn't hear or see anything,
but she wasn't going to risk being caught. As stealthily as she could, she
slowly tip-toed down the stairs, but just as she was about to make it to the
bottom; she heard a sound come from the living room.
It was a voice that caught her attention. She listened carefully, and
recognized right away that it was her father talking on the phone. She could
hear him clearly and she could even tell he was pacing back and forth. Sitting
down, she quietly listened in.
"I'm sorry for calling you so late in the evening but this is important. I
desperately need your help. I'm worried my daughter is going to harm herself. I
don't want to do it but Delia and I think we should commit her until she's
better. I need your advice. Yes. Yes. Oh. Good. You say that place is good?
Will they really be able to help my little Lydia? Oh thank you." His voice
shook with a mix of guilt, panic, and then relief.
Lydia had heard enough, as her tears blurred her vision as they flowed down,
uncontrollably, once more. She couldn't believe her ears but she did indeed
hear what her father said. She was soon going to be imprisoned and ripped away
from everything that she loved.
She sat up stiffly and made a decision right then and there.
She rushed, quickly and as quietly as she could back up the stairs and began to
put her plan into action. From the back of her closet, she snagged her camping
backpack and, in a frenzied blur, she began shoving clothes into its belly. For
the next stage of her plan, she had to be patient, as she sat next to her
closed door and listened closely.
After she was completely satisfied, that everyone had gone to bed and was
completely asleep, she glided back downstairs to get the rest of the supplies
she needed. It was hard to keep quiet, as her hands shook and her breath was
ragged from the fear of being caught. She ran to the cupboard and
indiscriminately grabbed canned food before raiding the camping supplies.
And with that, she dashed off into the night and ran in a direction that was
away from town. She wanted to be as far away from "normal" society as humanly
possible.
"The woods are pretty thick and no one really goes in there. So that's it! I'll
go into the deepest part of the woods and never come back. I don't even care if
I die." She huffed as she bounded down the hill.
Standing at the edge of the woods, she gave one long sad and final look to her
house on the hill. It no longer felt like a home to her. Isn't home supposed to
be a place where you feel welcomed, loved, and accepted?
She had only one ally that she thought she could trust completely, but even he
had betrayed and rejected her.
"Oh father…. How could you? Why couldn't you just accept "me" for me."
In this cold and harsh world, she was now utterly alone.
[catch22pg3]
***** Chahnameed *****
Chapter Notes
     One thing I love to do, when writing out a story for any of my fics
     or comics, is researching as much as I can about any subject that I
     address. I had fun time learning about some of the history and
     legends that are a part of what you're about to read. Enjoy!
                                   Chapter_4
                                  Chahnameed
 
 
"I had been wandering for days until I came into a small clearing deep in the
forest. I was finally too exhausted and decided to sit down against a tall
stone that jutted up from the middle of the clearing. It seemed like a safe
place to rest at the time.
I fell asleep quickly, but it wasn't long before I was awoken by a sound. I
couldn't, in my tired state, figure out what the sound was. It could have been
anything and that put me on edge right away.
Immediately, I was worried that I had been tracked down and I wanted to get
away as soon as possible. I jumped up to quickly and began to gather everything
to leave, but no sooner did I grab my backpack... I found myself completely
frozen in place."
.
.
"Oh no you don't. I haven't seen a living soul in near 50 years. I'm going to
have some fun. Bwhahahhaaa." A malicious voice darted around from every
direction, making it impossible for her to pinpoint where it had originated.
There was an energy that had her suspended in the air and she was unable to
move even a single muscle. Lydia was quick to sense what the energy was and she
recognized it right away. She now knew, that it was just a ghost and not
someone looking for her.
She found comfort in that and breathed a sigh of relief while she relaxed her
mind. She quickly brought her attention back tor the specter that held her
captive. She knew she needed to answer them, but, in all honesty, she had no
will to fight anyone right now.
"I don't care what you do. It doesn't matter." She gave a noncommittal sigh.
"Oh?" The voice said toying with her, as another cackle circled around her
ears.
"I'm thinking of all the ways I'm going to torture you. I could easily peel off
your skin, bury you alive, or just wait until you begged to die." Each one of
its lilting words attempted its best to get a rise out of her.
Lydia let out another sigh. This spirit really seemed to like dragging things
out.
"Go ahead. It's not like I have a life anyways." How long was he going to do
this? She had better things to do than listen to this diatribe. He either
needed to get it over with or let her go so she could make a camp before it got
dark.
"Or, I could always make you look like me…" Once again, a cackle rang out, but
this time she could hear it from one specific direction.
She looked, as best she could, to where she thought it had come from. Out of
the darkness, a ghoulish figure came into her view. It's blueish-purple skin
was slowly melting off of the skeletal figure that was shuffling, in disjointed
movements, towards her. Its deep glowing yellow eyes were sunken and they were
focused and sharp upon her.
Still, Lydia gave no reaction. This wasn't anything she hadn't seen before. In
fact, some of her movies were more impressive than this. So, she waited to see
what he'd do next. Hopefully it was more entertaining than a walking corpse.
The figure stopped, stood up straight and looked confused.
"What? Nothing?! C'moooon. You should be screaming your fool head off like any
normal mortal." The rotting ghoul threw out his hands in frustration.
"I've never been normal." Lydia looked away sadly, as his words hit a very sore
spot. Of course, he'd say "normal" like everyone else.
"Maybe I'm losing it?" The ghoul scratched his head perplexed.
She then noticed the change in his composure (or was that decomposure?) and
turned to look back at him. Had she just insulted him?
"No, I'm sure that would have been terrifying to anyone else." She didn't
understand why she was trying to reassure the thing that had just threatened
her life, but she didn't really question it any further.
Snapping his fingers, she fell to the ground with a thud. She lifted herself up
to finally get a better look at him.
He was now squatting down, right in front of her, with confused look on his
now, almost, normal looking face. His skin was a purplish-blue, his eyes were
still yellow but no longer glowing, his blonde hair was receding but the rest
was a little past his shoulders, and his fingertips were, oddly, red. He wore a
striped suit, a loosely buttoned up magenta shirt, a sloppy thin black tie, and
some very pointy black boots. Everything about him was unique and drew her in.
She was instantly intrigued and wanted to know more.
[chapter4image]
"What's your name kid?" He asked, still looking like he didn't know what to
make of her.
"Lydia." She sat up on her knees and tried to present herself in the politest
way she could.
"So, tell me, Lydia, how come that wasn't scary?" He really did seem a bit
miffed. Lydia couldn't help but notice then, how his teeth were green, jagged,
and haphazardly would poke out of his mouth when he spoke.
"Uh, probably cause I've always found things like that fascinating. There's no
way I could ever find them scary." She tried to focus on her hands so she
wouldn't stare too long. Her embarrassment began to rise, expecting him to
tease her like everyone else when they discovered who she really was.
Instead, he plopped his butt in the grass and crossed his legs, as he continued
to analyze the kid in front of him.
"Why are you all the way out here? Are you lost?" He scratched at his face, as
dirt sprinkled of where he ran his nails, while he continued to eye her up.
"No. I ran away. My dad… everyone thinks I'm not normal. They think I'm weird
and they all don't like me as me." She began to tear up and got upset at
herself for feeling so weak. She couldn't even hold back her tears, so how was
she strong? Sometimes she hated herself for that. She wanted and needed to be
stronger.
His face seemed to show a spark surprise as she continued to explain.
"My Dad was going to have me committed. They think that will make me normal.
Nothing is going to help. I'm just not normal. They can't change me into
something that isn't there inside me. It'd be better if I die." She wiped a
tear from her face and was finally able to stop the tears from flowing. Saying
it out loud, brought more pain to the surface, but she was going to try to
prove to herself that she could get stronger.
"Huh. How old are you?" His face seemed to look a little more interested but
she wasn't sure.
"12." She sighs out
He tilted his face to look at his knees as he began to think things over. She
wasn't sure if he was still contemplating going to hurt her or not.
"So, you want to die? You sure packed a lot for someone who wants to die." He
pointed over to her full backpack and he turned her head to follow his finger.
"I don't know. I just don't care." She fell back into the grass and felt like
giving up. She had a deep internal struggle of self-preservation and feeling
absolutely hopeless.
"Seems to me you do, otherwise you wouldn't be here." He leaned on one arm and
began to tap his face anxiously.
But before she could answer him, he suddenly jumped up and began to pat at his
clothes. From his inner most pocket he found what he was looking for and pulled
out a beetle.
"Well, whatever. I'll allow you to stay here. No one hardly ever comes here and
the last fool who did, learned quickly what fear was." He chuckled to himself.
At least she was keeping him entertained. That was the only things she could
guess it was.
Although, something just wasn't adding up to her...
"Why do you like scaring people?" She asked as she tried her best to understand
him.
"'Cause it's fun." He tossed the beetle in the air and chomped it.
Lydia didn't lose heart, or stomach, and continued.
"But, why are you here, where no one comes through, if you like scaring people
so much? Wouldn't it make more sense to be where there are people all of the
time?" She looked confused. To her it just seemed silly and obvious.
"What do you care?" He snapped at her annoyed.
She was taken back from his small burst. She must have crossed a line. I
suppose it made sense since most adults didn't like it when children would ask
a ton of questions. He didn't seem all too different in that department. So,
she kept in mind not to ask him a lot of questions.
.
.
Before it was evening, Lydia had her tent set up. She had gone camping many
times with her father and she was a kid who always wanted to learn how to do
things herself. It was a good thing too, otherwise she would have been fully
exposed to the elements.
The ghost kept his distance, while she was setting up camp, but he never
stopped watching her. He would often recline and float in the air, but he still
didn't say too much to her.
So, she decided take the first step and strike up a conversation. She began
talking about what she was doing and why. It seemed to flow into a natural
conversation and soon he began to crack jokes with her.
She couldn't help but feel that he seemed lonely. He could only assume that he
must have been alone for a very long time.
She was about to start a fire when the sky began to sprinkle down upon them.
She didn't even make it into the tent when a downpour dumped gallons of rain
upon her and soaked her to the bone.
The rain was so cold and with the sun setting, she began to shiver. She didn't
have much to dry off with but she did her best using a spare shirt to soak up
what she could.
The ghost appeared in the tent next to here and kept her company while she
tried to keep warm. She felt weird that she never asked his name. When she did,
he told her he couldn't tell her. She was worried that it was because he didn't
like her but assured her that it was just a rule he had to follow. She was
allowed to guess his name but he tried to make it easier for her. So after a
long drawn out word game, she finally had a name for her ghostly companion.
His name was Beetlejuice.
.
.
The rain didn't let up and most of the day had flitted away. She shivered but
she was happy that she wasn't alone anymore.
"You'll never get warm unless you dry off. What you need is a fire." He began
to chide her.
The teasing was getting old and she flashed him a dirty look.
"How do you suggest I start a fire in this?!" She gestured to the pouring rain.
"Ya know, the Pequot used to build wigwams that you could have a fire inside of
it. It wasn't too hard to build and was kinda comfy." He explained as he's
picked at a piece of lint off his jacket.
"Really? How do you know that?" She didn't expect him to be full of facts like
that. She couldn't help but wonder what else he knew.
"Eh, seent it." He flicked off whatever was on him to the floor of the tent.
"You saw it, in person, like way back when?" She knew this was a possibility
but he looked too modern to be a spirit from that time. Did spirits even change
clothes?
"Yeah, hehe. They would call me "Chahnameed". They thought I was hilarious!" He
leaned back on his arms to relax with smile as he began to reminisce.
"But, why were you there? You're not Native American." She had to pull her
sleeping bag over herself in an attempt to keep warm. Even though she was much
too cold to even speak, she was still very intrigued by him. She couldn't
understand why he stayed with her, a boring girl, when he was much more
interesting by all accounts.
"Hitched a ride with some guy named Block. He and bunch of fur traders came
here to make some easy money. I couldn't pass it up! Only Block knew what I
was, the rest of the Dutch thought I was like them. Made it easy to drive 'em
crazy." He shrugged and looked up to the top of the tent, watching the water
droplets roll down the side.
She tried to imagine what he may have looked like back then. She couldn't help
the smile on her face as she pictured him in pilgrim styled clothes.
.
.
"A couple more days had passed and I found myself comfortable around the
spirit. I found that he really loved to joke around and do silly things to show
off. I didn't mind at all. It was a welcome change of scenery and it helped
keep my mind off of the things that I didn't want to think about."
.
Lydia walked into the campsite and was carrying a bunch of twigs and wood that
she had gathered from the forest. While she was making a nice stack, she
glanced over to the ghost again. She couldn't help herself when she smiled, as
the wonder of having a ghostly-friend kept her upbeat.
Even though he stuck by her, not once did he offer to help her out in any way.
But, it didn't bother her too much, why should he help if he didn't need any of
these things like she did. The help would have been nice but she didn't want to
press her luck and make him upset. She really didn't want him to kick her out.
.
.
Lydia bent forward, to the crackling campfire, lifting herself from the log
that she was using as a seat. She began to prod the fire with a long stick. She
focused her attention on, poking, at a singular log on top of the large fire.
Its ends looked untouched while the majority of its middle of it had been eaten
away by the fire. As she continued to bother it, it split in half and fell down
into the red hot coals. Embers floated up into the darkness of the night, when
the two halves of the log hit the ash.
"So why did the Pequot think you were so funny?" She smiled as the warm glow of
the fire highlighted her face against the black background.
BJ's face lit up, as he jumped to his feet to dramatically weave his story.
Lydia couldn't help but admire him as sat up to watch and listen intently. He
was like an actor getting ready to give his grand performance in front of full
house.
"They liked my pranks! Haha! One time, one of Dutch fur traders got in an
argument with me. I told him that I could eat more than anyone else until I
popped. This big guy thought he could out eat me! So, of course, I challenged
him!
Everyone in the camp wanted to see this. They made it a big event and even
invited the Pequot to watch. They made a barrel full of soup for the contest
and dragged it out for all to see.
Well, of course I downed that soup like it was nothin' and other guy couldn't
keep up!
When he finally gave up, like I knew he would, I had to end it with a big
finale. There was no way I could pass up this opportunity! I just had to rub it
into that asshole's face. I let him know that I could do anything and still
beat him no matter what it was.
He was hopping mad and had the nerve to challenge me again. So, I told him that
if he can do what I was about to do next, then he would be the winner.
I grabbed his large knife from his belt and stepped up onto the table as
everyone gathered round. I held it in front of my huge belly, full of soup,
jiggling about and announced loudly to all that I could pop my belly and live.
Everyone leaned in close and watched as I plunged that knife in deep and pulled
it out!
Soup began splattering everywhere and everyone thought it hilarious... well,
except the other guy. He assumed I cheated, which of course I did, but he
thought I had a bag under my shirt! What an amateur! He jumped on the table and
tried to reveal it but didn't find anything except the wound on my belly, which
was still sputtering out soup.
I gave him the smarmiest of looks as I held out the knife.
He hesitantly took it from me but then looked at me like he was going to beat
me at my own game. Determined fucker that he was..."
BJ stopped abruptly when he spotted a beetle crawling across the log he was
previously sitting on. He smacked it hard, quickly popped it into his mouth,
and crunched away on it blissfully. Lydia, swore that he did all this on
purpose to pause the story for dramatic effect. She needed to know the rest of
the story and here he was acting like he was done with it.
"What happened?!" She yelled out excited.
He shrugged nonchalantly but she was quick to spy that cocky grin he was trying
to hide.
"Eh, He tried to copy me and died of course!" He turned to look at her like
that was the most obvious thing ever.
"How is that funny?!" She almost fell out of her seat and she couldn't believe
her ears.
"Guess you had to be there. Everyone else thought it was hilarious!" He smirked
at her like she was just not getting the joke. She shook her head as she got up
to go get ready for bed. Sometimes he was too much.
.
.
When Lydia awoke the next morning, she found she just couldn't get warm no
matter what she did. Her head ached while her nose just wouldn't stop running.
She got up and tried to go about her day but, by noon, she needed to lay down
again. Her body ached way too much and she was so exhausted to do anything
more.
.
BJ had begun poking her face, in an attempt to wake her up. Lydia felt so loopy
as she opened her eyes. He head was pounding and her ears felt like they were
covered with earmuffs. Everything sounded muffled. She turned to look at him,
and found that he was looking down at her with a look that she wanted to say
was worry. Certainly, she was dreaming.
"Hey, ya know, this isn't good. You've been sleeping for three days already.
Dontcha think you should go home and get better?" He watched her carefully.
"3 days? What? Huh? I don't want to go home. I want to stay with you." She was
so confused. She had only gone to sleep yesterday and so there was no way it
was three days later. He had to be trying to prank her but why did it seem like
he want her to leave?
She inhaled deep to protest but that sent her into a coughing fit. Her head
felt like it wanted to explode with each cough. Maybe he was right, maybe she
wasn't well at all.
"Not much I can do for you. I've seen people die from less." He hid his concern
but even her state she was able to catch it.
She stared at the ceiling of the tent as her body didn't want to move on its
own accord.
"Weeeell, If you die, you won't be able to see me anymore." He looked away to
hide his sneaky smile.
Her body responded to her will as she turned her head to look at him in horror.
She couldn't imagine losing someone so soon when they had just become friends.
She now realized she was being forced to do what he said, even if she didn't
want to do it.
"Fine. I'll only go if you come with me." She sat up shakily. If she was going
to leave, she wanted him to come too. She prayed that he'd agree.
"Alright. Let's pack it up." He starts shoving stuff in her bag.
She stood up, shakily, as everything in her vision began to go white. He
stopped what he was doing to watch her as she began to wobble back and forth.
"Uh, Let's get some food in you first. You need to get some energy in those
bones." He poked her belly which almost made her fall on top of him but he was
quick to catch her. He helped sit her down and turned back around dig in her
back. She watched as he pulled out a can of soup.
.
.
Lydia forced each leg to move forward. They had already made some distance
through the woods but she knew it still wasn't far enough yet. Her teeth
chattered uncontrollably but she kept sweating in spite of feeling so cold. She
lifted her head and spied a large crooked old oak ahead of them. She remembered
passing it on her way into the woods.
She felt like her legs were fifty pounds heavier, than they were, but she took
heart that BJ was walking along side of her... and also that he was carrying
her heavy backpack
She turned to look at him, hoping for some words of reassurance, but he wasn't
there. Her blood froze and she instantly panicked that he had left her. She
whirled around and was relieved to see that he was leaning on the oak tree with
her backpack by his feet.
"Why'd you stop?" She ran up slowly to him. She felt out of breath from that
small jog.
"This is as far as I can go." He said as he pointed to the tree. He didn't seem
too concerned one way or the other.
"Are you tired? Do ghosts get tired." She asked concerned. She was worried that
maybe he caught what she had. Was that even possible? Do ghosts get sick?
"I'm not tired. This is literally as far as I can go. There's a barrier past
this tree that kept me in this area. It's all part of a stupid curse.
Otherwise, I would've left this dump ages ago." He shrugged his shoulders as
she panted from exertion.
"A curse?" She was so confused and knew that the fever was messing with her
head.
"Yeah… I took a prank too far and I kinda started a war. In return I was
banished here, my real power taken from me, and I can't break it unless…" He
abruptly stopped talking and looked like he may have said one word too many.
"Unless?" She questioned in the hopes that maybe she could help him. She
couldn't lose him now!
"Are you a parrot or something?" He laughed as he mussed up her hair.
"I can't lift the curse unless I atone or some sort of bullshit like that. It's
pretty complicated magic." He twirled his hand in a circle while making swirls
and blowing off any seriousness hinted behind any of his words.
"Well, I'm not leaving unless you do." Lydia stubbornly sat by him and leaned
on the backpack, exhausted.
"Guess you're stuck with me then." He laughed again.
But his laughter quickly stopped when he leaned towards her to give her a very
serious look.
"No but really kid, you gotta get home and get better. I'm not going to let you
stay." It was clear he wasn't budging.
Lydia's heart sank. So, he was giving up on her too.
"How much further is your place?" He leaned back on the tree while his
expression changed into something that actually looked like genuine concern.
"Uh, maybe a mile… or two? My house is at the edge of the woods on the hill."
She hugged her backpack for better support. How was she going to do this all
alone?
BJ floated up, until he was over the tree tops and looked around until he
spotted the house she described. He was happy that it didn't look too far.
He landed softly on the ground and held out his hand to her. She took it
weakly, as he helped her get up.
"Well kid, you gotta push through this. You're almost there." He patted her and
motioned to her backpack.
He assisted her to help her put it on but she was filled with such sadness. She
wanted to cry but she couldn't even find the energy to do that... and she
needed all the energy she could get so she could focus on walking home. She
watched her feet, move under her, as she walked further and further away from
her first real friend. She couldn't do this. She couldn't leave things like
this.
She turned around expecting for him to be long gone but she was elated to see
that he still was standing there and watching her. She felt a sudden rush of
energy and took advantage of it. She ran and slammed into him giving him the
biggest hug. His body stiffened for a moment before he put his arms on her and
hugged her back.
"I'll come back and visit you. I promise." With this renewed energy, she felt
like she could make it all the way to her house now. This promise was the most
important thing to her and now it helped to fuel her resolve.
"Sounds good. Now get going and get better." He shooed her off with a smile.
.
.
Lydia could barely open to the door to her house, but she somehow wandered
inside on very wobbly legs. She wanted to drop to the floor and fall asleep
right there. Yeah, that didn't sound too bad.
Charles heard the door open and the soft footsteps come in. His heart almost
exploded as he prayed it would be Lydia as he ran to the hallway.
As soon as he saw her, he immediately embraced her, crying and let go of all
the fears and "what-ifs" that had been torturing his mind for the past five
days.
"Lydia! Where were you?! I was so worried!" He pulled her tighter for fear that
this was all his imagination.
Lydia began to cough and couldn't stop as each cough made her feel weaker that
she already was.
He pulled away and finally saw how flushed and unwell she really looked.
Putting his hand to her forehead, he was horrified to find that she was burning
up with a terrible fever.
"I'm sorry daddy." She felt so ashamed and scared of being sent away.
"Please don't send me away. I promise I'll get better." She begged as hot tears
began to fall.
"Never mind that right now! We got to get you to bed." He lifted her up and
immediately rushed her upstairs to get her into her bed.
.
.
Delia and Charles stood at the foot of her bed and were watching her as she
soundly slept. Both of them looked beyond tired and the worry from the past few
days still had not left their face.
Charles leaned onto his wife's shoulder, completely worn out emotionally and
physically.
"I can't send her away Delia. You saw how I couldn't handle that she was gone
when she was missing. What does that say if she felt like that her only option
was to run away from us? I can't be that kind of father. I need to be there for
my pumpkin no matter what. It doesn't matter to me if she's different." He said
in a soft and exhausted whisper.
"Alright Charles. I'll support your decision but if she harms herself…" She
quietly replied but he didn't even let her finish that sentence when he said
firmly
"She won't! I don't think she would."
 
 
 
Lydia awoke the next day, feeling incredibly grateful for her very comfortable
and warm bed... especially, after her experience from the past 5 days. She
already felt healthier and so she dared to get out of bed. Her legs were now
much stronger with no hint of the wobbling she was fighting yesterday.
She needed to look outside and so she made her way to her widows walk. The
woods were, of course, still there but somewhere out there, he was too. She
wanted to get back to him as soon as possible. She had to keep her promise.
Delia stepped into the room and was happily surprised to see Lydia standing by
the French doors.
"Lydia! I'm glad you're feeling well enough to be up." Delia walked over to her
with a big smile.
Lydia turned around and smiled at her. Maybe Delia would be sympathetic to her
wants?
"Thank you. Would it be ok if I go outside for a walk?" She sheepishly asked
hoping her step-mother might give in.
Delia began to think on it but then gave a small smile back. It was a smile
that Lydia knew as a "no" but 'I'm not going to outright say it's a no, and be
the bad guy, no'.
"Hmmm. Why don't we give it a couple more days and then see, ok? For now, let's
just take it easy." Delia shifted her weight as her cheerful voice made Lydia's
head begin to ache.
"Look! I rented some of those spooky-ooky movies that you seem to like so
much." Her stepmother quickly redirected the conversation and help up a few
videos to show her.
"Ok. Which ones?" Lydia sat on her bed. She was just happy that Delia was
trying not to make things harder on her, for her sake. For Delia to acknowledge
her macabre tastes without any hint of distaste was a big step.
"Uhh…" Delia read the cover of the movies. "'The Gore Horror' and 'The Thing
From The Dirt 2'"
"Freaky! Thanks. Did you want to watch them with me?" Lydia excitedly held out
her hand as Delia gave them over with an awkward smile.
"Uh, maybe next time."
***** The Butterfly Effect *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                   Chapter_5
                             The_Butterfly_Effect
.
.
"When I was well enough, the first thing I did was go back to Beetlejuice. He
was actually surprised I came back.
After that, I would go and visit him as often as I could. I finally felt like I
had someone who understood me and didn't judge me.
It wasn't long before my dad began to notice the changes in my demeanor. In
turn, he didn't press me as much when I got home and even Delia gave me a lot
more space.
It was lovely.
I began to really enjoy life again. I found renewed passion in my hobbies and
everything that I did.
I was happier and I found a confidence within myself that I never knew that I
possessed.
In school, I found that the bullying didn't bother me like it used to and it
 gave me the opportunity to see the people around me with new eyes. I saw how
there were other outcasts like me at school, and I made it my goal to help them
too.
I knew all too well what it was like and that is how I made two new friends;
Bertha and Prudence.
Bertha was a tall, gangly, boy obsessed, brunette who had an unfortunately
large overbite but she was kind and honest.
While Prudence was a very meek and tiny red headed girl with large glasses,
reveled in being a true book worm, with a generous heart, and love to learn.
We were drawn to each and formed a quick bond. We knew we had each other's
backs no matter what. I knew that Claire or anyone else, didn't matter anymore
and I was happy to stand out in my own way.
My life was just getting better and better."
.
.
.
Lydia leaned casually against the large stone in the clearing while Beetlejuice
floated close by listening to her every word. This spot was quickly becoming
her favorite place in the world.
"Sounds like that Claire deserves a taste of her own medicine. Whatcha going to
do to her? Poison her lunch, set a trap in her locker, make an elaborate 20
part plan to lure her in as a friend and then literally expose her to the whole
town?" His excitement grew at the thought of all of the mayhem and revenge that
could happen. He just wished that he could do it himself.
"Beej, no. I could never do something to harm anyone else. That's just not who
I am. For now, I'll just ignore her." She rolls her eyes with a smirk. He sure
got creative with his ideas, didn't he?
"That's no fun." He grumbled.
"Your idea of fun involves oubliettes, Sicilian Bulls, Iron Maiden's, and Judas
Cradles." She giggled out. By this time she knew him better and she also knew
how to give it right back to him.
"Hey! You forgot the harmless ones like possession, haunting, conning,
extortion, terrifying, pranking, and evisceration." He began to count them off
on his fingers acting quite injured that she would forget some of the vital
stuff.
"Evisceration, is hardly harmless." She folded her arms unimpressed as she
watched him float past her.
"It is to me." He smirked.
She got up from the grass and sighed.
"Unfortunately, I need to go home now. I just wish there was a way that you
could come with me. It really bothers me that there's nothing I can do for
you." She sighed once more, and stared out to the sky while watching the clouds
move along the sky. When he didn't say anything she turned to look back to him
and saw that Beetlejuice looked like he had something milling around in his
mind.
"What is it?" She walked closer to him and as he lifted his eyes up to her with
a very serious expression.
"Actually, there is a way you can help me." His eyes didn't leave hers as he
spoke.
Her face lit up. Here was her chance to help him!
"What is it?" She leaned forward, excitedly, in his direction. She was trying
to keep from jumping up and down in her excitement.
He folded his arms and legs as he floated down a little lower. He still looked
a bit concerned and she wasn't sure if she liked such a serious expression on
him. Still she wanted to help him no matter what and his silence was driving
her crazy.
"Well?" She yelled loudly, scaring a pheasant up into the air, from it's safe
grassy home that wasn't too far from them.
She grabbed a hold of his arm and hoped that would pull him out of his thoughts
enough to answer her.
"Ah, never mind! I was probably wrong anyways." He blew it off, as he turned to
give her that cheeky smile but she wasn't buying it.
"Liar!" She now shook his arm he was being such a bully.
[chap5]
"Telllllll meeeeeee!" The suspense and mystery was killing her.
"Ok, ok." He raises his arm in a shrug.
He stood on the ground and lifted a hand to his chin. His pose reminded her of
that famous statue, "The Thinker" as he looked off in thought before he finally
spoke.
"There's a way that we can break this curse... but we would have to have
something to replace it. The Neitherworld is very strict about making sure
there is an equal give and take."
She listened carefully, completely enraptured with fascination, as he continued
to explain more. He began to pace in front of her as he continued.
"You see, I could call up a case worker, if you were willing to make a contract
with me and they would let us know all the terms. We just have to let them know
what we want front it." Something in his voice warned her from following
through but she ignored it without a second thought.
"Well, that doesn't sound so bad. I'd be happy to do it." She beamed happily.
It sounded so easy and it was something she could do. Why didn't he bring this
up before?
"Ah, Ah, Ah." He tutted his finger at her and she took a step back.
"Things aren't that easy. You see, babes, there's always a catch, a fee, an
exchange attached to it all and you gotta be willing to accept it, no matter
what." He gave her an unimpressed look which told her that this wasn't the
first time he's had to deal with this sort of thing before.
"Then let's do it! I'd do anything to help my best friend!" She grabbed onto
him, pulling him into a hug. She didn't care about any payment or whatever he
was saying. She was just happy that now she could do something to help him out
the way that he helped her.
She wanted to give him the freedom that he had given to her.
'
'
'
"I was brought before the caseworker, Juno, who would create our contract and
then explain the terms and requirements for it.
BJ would be granted partial freedom and I would become his fetter. I would be
able to summon and send him back by saying his name three times.
His name, was the key, in this contract and it was also part of his power.
Beetlejuice didn't seem surprised at that so I was left with the understanding
that most of his pther contracts were similar to this.
If I was completely willing to become his fetter and fulfill the contract to
the full satisfaction of the court; then he would be given absolute freedom and
his full power would be restored.
It was then that I was informed what the price would be for me to fulfill the
contract. If we had met all of the terms and requirements by my 18th birthday,
I was to wed Beetlejuice and if I didn't, then the contract would be considered
broken.
There were, of course, repercussions installed, in case the contract was broken
or if the  terms or requirements not met. We were informed that Beetlejuice
would be banished forever and I would never be able to see him again.
I saw no problem with anything in the contract and was still willing to help
out. Why would it bother me to marry my best friend if it helped him? So, I
quickly, and very happily signed the contract and sealed my fate."
Chapter End Notes
     I hope you enjoyed my first installment of chapters. Please review or
     let me know what you think if you are enjoying the story so far. I
     hope there is enough interest in it.
     I have more ready to post, but I'm currently drawing more images to
     add to the chapters.
     I'll be sure to post more chapters soon. They're all ready to go but
     I wanted to space out my posting instead of dumping too many chapters
     all at once.
     MUCHO LOVE! -Rebekah
***** Two of Cups *****
                                  _Chapter_6_
                               _The_Two_of_Cups_
.
.
"We had many happy years full of laughter and adventures beyond belief. I
couldn't imagine my life getting better.
The contract had a strange effect on Beetlejuice's magic. One side effect
being, it made him prone to puns. He'd instantly transform into whatever pun or
turn of phrase he'd utter but I actually loved it. It was funny and he seemed
to love making me laugh too.
I suppose it made sense how words spoken would have such power over him, much
like when I would call out his name. It's just the way life has always been….
Spoken words have always carried powerful magic within if you know how to use
them.
I grew up quickly, not noticing how fast time would pass, and it wasn't long
where I was beginning my journey to adulthood."
.
.
.
Lydia woke up earlier than normal on her normal "sleep in Saturday" but it
didn't seem to bother her today. She felt charged up and ready to face anything
that came her way. Perhaps it was because the weather was changing. Warmer
weather, green grass, and flowers sang of how summer would soon be here but not
until Spring had her chance on the dance floor. The bright morning light poured
in from her large French Doors, filling the room with its warmth.
"With BJ gone today, I will have to figure out what to do with myself." She
smiled to herself sitting on the side of the bed.
"I haven't taken a long bike ride in a while and I really miss it. I think
that's what I'll do! I'll make it a goal to explore places I haven't been today
but I better bring a lunch." She stood stretching.
Lydia happily peddled her bike down the long, winding, and hilly roads. She
felt totally invigorated as her sundress and hat moved in the warm breeze. It
wasn't long before she saw an overgrown gravel parking area, with a sign that
said. "Eagle Creek Trail." It piqued her curiosity and she knew she needed to
go explore it.
She walked her bike through a tunnel of trees until she came upon a
surprisingly clean and paved pathway. She felt like she stepped through a magic
tunnel and was rewarded with something she had been searching for. She hopped
back on her bike and pedaled along the trail, enjoying the scent of the cooler
air from the earth hidden away in the shade, the evaporating dew, and other
scents of the woods. These scents were an amazing perfume to her.
She wasn't sure how long she was riding before her tummy soon began to rumble
loudly to protest. It was just too easy to lose track of time on her bike.
"I've seen benches along the way so I'll stop at the next one to have my
lunch." She smiled happily to herself as she kept her eyes peeled for any bench
or places to stop and eat.
"There's one!" She beamed as she saw one coming up on the right.
Parking her bike, she sat down and pulled out her small bag that carried her
lunch. She removed the sandwich she made, which was sealed safely in its own
bag, and set it gently to the bench. and a picked up the juice pack she
thankfully remembered to grab.
Looking up to the canopy she felt her whole being filled with nature's beauty
and it's calming silence. Closing her eyes she let it take over, as she lifted
her juice to her mouth and began to drink in deeply with a smile filling her
heart and face.
A sound made her open her eyes quickly. Looking down curiously at her but
directly above her, was a boy who looked about as old as she was. He had long
blonde hair that was about long as BJ's, his build was thin but not twiggy, he
was wearing large black headphones from which she could faintly hear music
coming from, a blue and red long-sleeved flannel over a faded black band T-
shirt, grey jeans with holes in the knees, and an utterly fascinated expression
that reflected in his blue-grey eyes.
[chapter6]
Lydia's body immediately reacted to the sudden shock of seeing someone looking
down at her so closely and spit out the large swallow of juice she had in her
mouth. Which, promptly sprayed all over the boy's face.
"Ah! I'm sorry. You startled me!" She jumped up apologizing.
"It's ok! It's my fault. I should have said something. I didn't mean to sneak
up on you." He wiped his flannel on his face in an attempt to dry it.
He lifted his head to look at her flashing a kind smile as he took his
headphones off and rested them on his neck.
"I'm just not used to seeing anyone else use this trail." She could see he was
slightly taller than her now that she was standing.
"I've been walking it for years and it really surprised me when I saw you." She
watched him gesture to the pathway as he continued.
Lydia smiled back. This boy had such a gentle energy and she felt oddly
comfortable around him. It was so unusual for her to feel that and so it drove
her curiosity forth as she made a bold decision.
"I'm having lunch. Did you want to join me?" She gestured to the spot next to
her on the bench.
"If that's ok." He watched her sit down. He seemed very polite especially for
someone who was just deluged with a mix of spit and juice.
"I wouldn't offer if it wasn't." She lifted her sandwich and held out to offer
the other half as he sat next to her.
With a thank you, he took up her offer of the half of her sandwich. He began to
analyze it, as if he was trying to figure out what is in it. She found it cute,
but she also knew that too many other people made the same kind of sandwiches
that she liked to make. So she couldn't fault him for it.
"Peanut butter and honey." She smiled whiles chewing a bite.
"Ooh. Ok. I've never had one before. Thank you very much." He took a bite and
she watched to see if he had a reaction. Thankfully, he seemed to enjoy it.
It really was a magical path, wasn't it? Not a soul to be seen and then
suddenly a kind boy her age showed up in the middle of nowhere. It was almost
as strange as meeting a ghost in the woods. She laughed in her head at her
unusual luck.
"Do you live close by?" She asked wondering where he really came from. If he
says a fairy circle, she probably would be inclined to believe him. He seemed
to have an interesting aura about him that she couldn't help feel something
supernatural... even if it was very faint.
"Mhmm." He said still chewing. He swallowed then spoke, trying not to be rude.
"I live a few miles away. We live kinda outside of Eagle Hill and this trail is
really close my house."
Drats, nothing supernatural about him after all. One could always hope.
"I'm Lydia by the way." She brushes off the crumbs that fell on her dress.
"I'm Allen. I haven't seen you around school. Do you live in Eagle Hill too?"
He said as he revolved around to look at her.
"No, I'm from Peaceful Pines. I go to Miss Shannon's School for Girls." She
stood up and put on her sun-hat. She didn't even realize how far she must've
traveled until now.
"Wow, I'm surprised you're out here then. Isn't it a ways?" He stood up too.
"Not really. I mean, I don't mind taking long bike rides. I find it very
relaxing." She went to pick up her bike as she looked to her bike, like it was
an old friend.
"That sounds like me when I take my walks. I just lose all track of time when
I'm out here." He laughed. She turned her bike to face the direction of the
trail that she had yet to travel.
"So where are you headed now?" He asked, as she walked her bike over to him.
She looked up the trail and took in a deep breath. She felt better after eating
and wanted to keep moving and exploring.
"I figured I could explore this trail some more. Did you want to walk with me
since you seem to know it well? I don't mind walking along with my bike. Maybe
you can show me your favorite spots." She begins walking her bike down the
trail. She really wanted to know more about him and perhaps there were hidden
troves that only the "natives" new about.
"Sure. I'd love to." He caught up quickly to walk alongside of her bike.
"How old are you Lydia?" They were further along the path when he turned to
look at her.
"I'm sixteen too but I turn seventeen in December. What about you Allen?" She
was happy that he was now asking her questions. For a while it felt one sided
and she was worried that she was boring him.
"I'm sixteen as well. I turn seventeen August. That's cool we are the same
age." He replies. Because she went to an all-girls school, she never had much
of a chance to be around boys her age. She heard Bertha talk about boys all the
time like they were this magical beast that needed to be tamed. There's no way
that could have been true.
"So, what's your favorite thing to do besides riding your bike?" He asked her.
"Well, hanging out with my best friend, Photography, designing fashion, having
adventures, and Sewing." She looks up while thinking. That is a hard question
isn't it? How do you categorize your life to bite sized pieces while also not
letting on how strange you really are?
"I'd love to see some of your work sometime. Do you have a lot of friends?" He
really seemed interested in her.
"No. Not really. I have like maybe three friends. I'm considered the weirdo in
my town." She giggles. Did she really seem like the type to have a lot of
friends?
"Why?!" He looks to her confused.
"Really? You can't see why?" She deadpans. He had to be joking.
"No." He was still confused.
She looks pleasantly surprised.He really wasn't! Wow. Now, how to word this...
"I just don't fit it with "normal" society. I get teased a lot." She smiles.
"Me too. Why else would I spend my weekends alone, exploring nature, and taking
walks?" Allen looks down towards the path.
"Why? You seem normal enough to me." Now it was her turn to not believe him.
She looked on down the path ahead of them but she still listened carefully.
"Normal on the outside." He smirks.
"I don't have any real friend. I have a lot of people I'm friendly with and
know but I can't consider them friends. It's just, I find it hard to connect to
people my age or people in general. I've always felt different and, Uh, that I
can't seem to let anyone else in besides Oma & Opa. So I'm really good at
faking it." He looks a little embarrassed now.
"Faking it? Are you faking it with me?" She whirled suddenly to look at him
while giggling. She couldn't resist teasing him. She just hoped it wouldn't be
taken as an insult.
"At first… but not now. I'm sorry. It's honestly very embarrassing to admit
that I do it." He blushes a little.
"So who's Oma & Opa?" She saw how uncomfortable he was and decided to ignore
it.
"Oh! They're my grandparents. Sorry, they came from Holland and so I tend to
use a lot of Dutch words. They've always mixed Dutch and English and so I grew
up with it." He stops to examine a low hanging branch. There's an empty cocoon
on it.
"So, you're pretty close to your grandparents?" She comes over to examine it
too. It was pretty rare to see a monarch cocoon on a tree like this.
"Oh yes! In fact they adopted me when I was 4. My parents didn't want me. It
was a mess but it was the best thing to happen to me. They're amazing!" He
beams.
"I'm glad to hear it." She smiles. She could see how much he loved and admired
them.
.
.
.
After a little while of walking, Allen led her to spot that he told her was his
favorite spot in this whole area. They sat rock outcropping that opened up to
the valley and hills below. She loved the view and soon they were both
comfortable enough, laughing and having a great conversation, while looking at
the stream below.
"I never asked you what your hobbies are?" She tried to compose herself from
the laughter.
He tried to stop laughing but finally he leaned back on his arms looking out to
the woods before them.
"Exploring, as you can see. I love to read. Like, I really love to read. I love
listening to music. Uh... Wow. I can't think of much else. It must make me
sound boring." His face gets a little worried.
"We read to know we are not alone." She smiled towards the sky.
He stopped and looked at her surprised when she swiveled to look to him.
"Yes?"
"C.S. Lewis?" He asked still a little unsure if she was quoting or if she was
speaking about him.
She began to laugh and she just couldn't help herself.
"Yes! I'm surprised you knew that one. How about this one? 'The woods are
lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep and miles to go before I
sleep.'" She tested him.
He answered almost immediately.
"Robert Frost! I feel such a kinship to his work. I also love Muir!" His smile
was infectious as he shared more about his passions.
"Wow! You're good. Sorry for testing you. I sometimes can remember the weirdest
things. Typically, you'll find me quoting Shakespeare when I get annoyed."  She
clapped happily and loved it all.
Allen looked like he had an epiphany. He looked forward and took a deep breath
and then spoke gently.
"From women's eyes this doctrine I derive:
They sparkle still the right Promethean fire;
They are the books, the arts, the academies,
That show, contain, and feed all the world."
He then looks incredibly embarrassed. "Shoot, it's nourish, not feed!"
Lydia looked to him dumbfounded.
"No, that was cool! I can usually only remember a line here and there. So, I
applaud you good sir! I am truly honored because as it was said: Give every man
thy ear, but few thy voice." This was so fun. She's only been able to have this
much fun talking to someone when it was with BJ.
 
 
Walking along the trail once again and they came upon a break in the trees,
that opened up to large green field. She took a deep breath and was overwhelmed
from the beauty of it all. The sky was filled with cotton candy colored clouds
that floated along slowly as they contrasted the azure blue sky. The sun was
starting to tuck itself comfortably down into the jagged horizon of hills and
small mountains.
"Wow! It's turning into such a pretty sunset." She beamed but then froze with a
sudden realization.
"Oh gods! The sun is going to set soon! I need to get home." She quickly got
onto her bike and turned to say goodbye to Allen, but he was the first to
speak.
"Did you want to come to my house? We are actually really close to it now and
I'm sure we'd be happy to give you a ride. It's pretty dangerous to bike in the
dark and I'd hate to have anything happen to you." He offered while pointing
down further on the trail.
"You sure it'd be ok? I mean, it would give me the chance to call my dad and
let him know I'd be late. But, I don't want to get you in trouble" She worried
her lip as she watched a car's headlights snake over a distant hill. It was
getting dark fast.
"Of course it would be fine. In fact Oma will probably have dinner ready. I'm
sure they'd love to meet you. It'd be awesome if you could join us." He
appeared excited at the prospect and swung his arms to his sides.
"Ok." She agreed feeling a sudden relief that she didn't have to bike home in
the dark.
***** Alle Beetjes Helpen *****
Chapter Notes
     I apologize to any readers from the Netherlands. I do not speak
     Dutch, but I have been trying my best to understand the language as
     well as I can. If you find any mistakes, please message me and let me
     know and I will fix them immediately. Thank you!
     Looks like Lydia has a new friend... I wonder how BJ will take this?
                                  _Chapter_7_
                             _Alle_Beetjes_Helpen_
.
.
.
.
"Ik ben thuis!" Allen called out opening his front door.
"Welkom thuis Minj beertje!" A voice called back from the kitchen.
"Oma, I've brought a friend over. Is it ok to give them a ride home? They have
their bike and it's getting dark really fast." Allen asked as he lead Lydia to
the kitchen.
Oma popped her head around the corner from the kitchen looking surprised. Her
eyes landed on Lydia. She suddenly felt like Oma looked into her soul without
even saying a word. She felt like this lasted 5 minutes when in reality it was
but a second. Lydia wasn't sure if this meeting was going well until Oma gave
her a warm smile and suddenly welcomed her in with a big hug.
"Je bent welkom!" Oma said while still hugging Lydia. She could see where Allen
got his smile and kind disposition.
Oma was a very tall woman who had to be at least 5'10, she was built strongly,
even for her age, her voice was gentle and kind, her grey hair was short but
styled in a modern way, she exuded nothing but a welcoming energy that felt
very comfortable. It made her wonder how tall Allen would be in time.
[page7]
"You did not tell me you had such a pretty friend. Were you hiding it from
Oma?" Oma turned to tease Allen and giggled.
"Nee Oma, I just met her today. Let me introduce you." Allen laughed out. 
Lydia could already see their dynamic and how organic it was. It made her smile
just watching them.
"Oma, this is Lydia." He smiled while he introduced her but then suddenly
realizes something.
"Uh I'm sorry, I don't know your last name." He leans towards Lydia
embarrassed. Lydia gave a giggle back that he felt embarrassed about that.
Lydia extends her hand to Oma.
"Lydia Deetz. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"So polite!" Oma beams.
"Lydia Deetz, you must stay for dinner. Ja? We are happy to take you home."
Lydia felt a wave of relief go through her knowing that she had a sure way
home. Her mind then went to her father. She really needed to let him know where
she was. Who knows if he was fretting that she wasn't home now that the sun had
set.
"Please, may I first use your phone. I'd like to tell my father where I am and
ask permission if it's ok."
"Of course!" She points to the phone on the wall. Lydia thanked her and walks
over to the phone.
"Beertje, I like her! Bring her over more." She playfully jabbed Allen. Allen
ignored her comment and changed the subject.
"Where's Opa?" He asked looking around.
"At work. He will be home soon. Now go set the table." She shooed him off.
Lydia was sitting across from Allen at the dining room table. A mountain of
food was on the plate before her but she tried her best to try to conquer it.
Opa smiled down at her in his seat at the head of the table.
Lydia was able to finally able to see all of his features now that he wasn't
running around after he got home. Opa was also a very tall person and Lydia
could only guess he somewhere around 6'4", his build was very large but he
wasn't fat, by any means, you could tell that he once was a very muscular man.
Lydia had no doubt he could still hold his own if he ever got into a scrap. His
face showed his kindness in his deep wrinkles from his smile lines. He would
chuckle often and Lydia guessed his usual disposition was one who liked to make
others laugh. His nose was long and rounded at the end, his ears stuck out
slightly, and he had a full head of grey hair.
"Deetz Ja?" Opa's deep voice asked. Lydia looked up to him again and went to
answer but Oma spoke up before she could say something.
"Ja, Deetz! Komt ze uit Peaceful Pines? Ik ben hier helemaal bekend. I sink dey
are on my route." Oma answers him.
"Ja Oma, she is from there. You'd have to ask her about that though." Allen
answered Oma while Lydia was now trying to figure out what had been said about
her through all of the context clues she was given.
"Is your vader Charles Deetz?" Oma then turned to Lydia. Lydia tried not to
look too surprised but that was very direct and dead on. She couldn't help
noting how Oma tried her best to not have a heavy accent with her like she did
when she said things in English to the others. She knew that she must've been
trying to make things easier for her. She loved noticing little details like
that.
"Yes. He is, why?" She replies politely but still very curious as to how she
knew.
"Den, dat es goed! I have Deetz's on mijn route. Oma can easily take you home."
Oma clapped her hands together. Oh! Look at that. When Oma got excited her
accent got heavier. Lydia just loved how spirited the two grandparents were. It
was very infectious.
"Oma en I work for de Post Office. Oma delivers mail." Opa stated proudly as it
answered Lydia's question that she had in her mind.
Under the stars in the night sky, Lydia stood next to her father at the bottom
of their long driveway next to Oma's car. Leaning down for a better view of the
occupants she was saying her goodbyes.
"Thank you for taking me home and for the lovely dinner. I hope we can do it
again. I'll call you soon Allen."
"Ja, you must come back. Allen will like dat, Ja? Oma will stop by on mijn
route to say hallo too." Oma beamed to her happily and Allen waved while
nodding his head in agreement.
She was so happy to have this chance meeting and make new friends. Charles
hummed happily to himself as he waved goodbye with his free hand, as his other
was holding a small plastic container, when they drove away.
They turned around to begin their short trek up the long dark driveway
together. Each step was marked by the crunching of the gravel beneath their
feet. Charles's mood was apparent as he was smiling when he said.
"They seem really nice!" He giddily opened the container he had been cradling
protectively and pulled out a windmill shaped cookie.
"You're just happy they gave you cookies!" Lydia giggled as she exposed his
true intentions. She found her dad was too adorable whenever he was given sweet
treasure.
"Don't tell Delia." He gave her a stern look that transformed quickly into a
worried-happy smile. She put her arm around him and laughed. His secret was
safe with her and he knew it. She couldn't take away something that brought him
such immediate joy.
"My lips are sealed!" She made a fluid motion to indicate a zipper being pulled
closed across her mouth.
***** Chapter 8 *****
                                  _Chapter_8_
                                _Hey_Jealousy_
                                       .
.
It was such a beautiful day full of sunny blue skies. Lydia sat in the grass,
enjoying the good weather and good company with her best friend who was
disguised as the family's handyman. BJ was digging into the flowerbed to create
space for the new flowers that were patiently awaiting to be planted. She
gently separated a flower from its plastic sheath and readied it to hand to
him. She loved moments like this. She could be with him without worry or
revealing his true nature as long as she didn't look overly familiar with him.
"Oh! I forgot to tell you. Yesterday I made a new friend when I went on my bike
ride. Actually, I met their whole family. They're all so sweet!" She turned to
him and held out the flower for him to take when he was ready for it.
He discovered a large juicy worm in the dirt and held it up, as he began to
salivate.
"That's great babes! Maybe Betty will have to meet her so we can all hang out."
He licks his lips.
"Him." She corrected. "His name is Allen. He is very kind. I think you'd like
him." She pet the flower while smiling. She was so happy and glad she could
share this with him.  Things have been so great lately and she couldn't help
how wonderful she felt.
The worm fell back to the dirt, and began to squirm away as quickly as it
could.  Beetlejuicen immediately spun his head completely around to face her.
"Him?!" He sputtered in disbelief. Surely he heard her wrong.
"Yeah." She looked confused as he suddenly got in her face. He sure was acting
weird. She really hoped that he wasn't going to make this into a big issue.
"You can't be friends with a guy!" He practically squealed as he threw up his
hands in the air dramatically.
"Why not?" She looks at him suspiciously and leaned back giving him space. Yup,
he was going to make this an issue.
[chapter8]
"Cause… cause he's a GUY!" He held out his hand and chopped his other hand down
upon it a couple times to emphasize his point. Why did she just not get this?!
She rolled her eyes and groaned. He was going to make a big deal of it after
all.
"So what! You're a guy and you're my friend, so why can't I be friends with
whoever I want?" She set the flower down and was trying her best to keep calm
with a smile. She learned long ago that she had to be the adult in this
friendship, but it got old very quick.
BJ began tripping on his words, struggling to try to find any good argument
back but he just couldn't. He was too upset to even think straight!
Lydia stood up and brush off the dirt. This was too much for a nice day.
"I'm going to be hanging out with him again soon and I thought you'd be happy
that I made another friend." She had enough of this silliness for today. She
really was disappointed and upset that he wasn't happy for her. Sometimes he
could be so transparent.
"I gotta go!" Bj yelled as he poofed away.
She put her hands on her hips feeling very frustrated. Why did he always let
his emotions get the better of him? Why couldn't he just be happy for her?
There went her "nice day together" with him. On top of it, she is the one who
will have to finish his job that Delia hired him to do. This sucks!
"Dummy." She said under her breath.
.
.
BJ appeared back at the Roadhouse. He stood, clenching his fist with a look of
total disgust. His mind was reeling with so many scenarios, of Lydia with
a guy, that further drove him up the wall. A deep anger started from his toes
until it reached the top of his head and he started to fume until his emotions
boiled over with an explosion.
"A guy. A GUY!" He pulled his hair angrily. This will NOT do. Somebody, might
have to do something about it.
***** Getting to Know You *****
                                  _Chapter_9_
                             _Getting_to_Know_You_
.
.
.
It appeared that Beetlejuice was going to try to give him a chance, for me but
he put in as much minimal effort as he could. Still, it made me happy to see
that he was trying. 
I wanted all of my friends to meet Allen. I was so overjoyed when I was allowed
to schedule a sleepover, with my father's strict supervision of course, so
everyone could meet.
Bertha and Prudence both seemed very interested in Allen and asked him a lot of
questions. Through their questions, I was able to learn more about him and it
amazed me how effortlessly Allen fit in while being able to keep the
conversation fluid.
I was the only one who could see that he was wearing his mask; even if, at
first, I almost didn't see it because he was so subtle and good at pretending.
It was his camouflage that helped him fit in and be normal, so he didn't stand
out and become a target. It kept him at a distance from the rest of the world.
Otherwise, he felt much too vulnerable. It made me wonder why he was that way
and I hoped that one day he could share those things with me. He couldn't let
anyone else in, but, with me, he was comfortable enough that he never felt the
need to hide. I felt so honored that he trusted me so much. I saw him for him
and he saw me for me, and I liked him more for it.
He wasn't the only one wearing a mask that night. Beetlejuice had finally
agreed to come, disguised as Betty, but only after I had to beg him. I wanted
ALL my friends there. My only wish was that we could all harmonize and deepen
our friendship together.
Sadly, Betty stayed on the sidelines and didn't contribute much, if at all, to
the conversation. It was so unlike him to not want to be in the limelight with
such a big opportunity to showboat.
[chap9]
There were a few times I would catch Betty rolling their eyes when Allen would
make the others laugh. It was clear he wasn't impressed.
It made me sad but I also understood that my friends didn't have to be friends
with each other. As long as they were happy for me and I didn't interfere with
our individual relationships, then it was all good.
So I kept that in mind and took BJ's bad attitude in stride. Besides, BJ's
flippant attitude was typically the norm with other people anyways.
The sleepover went without a hitch and I was hopefully that things could move
forward smoothly from then on.
Sadly, that was the last time Beetlejuice ever joined us in a group when Allen
was there. No amount of begging or cajoling would change his mind.
.
.
Another month had passed since I first met Allen and during that time, my
friendship with him had already formed a close bond.
We hung out whenever our schedules would allow and sometimes we even got
together for group activities with Bertha and Prudence.
We would go to movies, study, take walks, or just visit each other at our
houses.
Oma and Opa were very kind to me and were very quick to offer up anything they
could do to help in anyway. I think it's because they were so overjoyed that
Allen finally had a friend. I found out later that I was the first person he
ever brought over to visit them. I felt so honored but couldn't help but feel
sad for Allen.
One particular weekend that I was visiting, we decided to take a long walk. We
had to be walking for hours talking about everything and nothing at all but
when we got back to his house, Allen noticed that there a strange car there. It
wasn't often that they would have guests over, so he felt a bit worried about
it. As soon as we stepped in, Opa flung Allen over his shoulder and ran outside
with him.
The look on Allen's face, at first, was something akin to terror. Opa plopped
him next to the car and announced that the car was his. He almost fell over
from shock and surprise. It was an older, red, used compact car that was still
in very nice shape. It was even the "sporty" model and Opa gushed about all of
its features to him as he stood there gobsmacked.
He later confessed to me that even though it really made him happy; it also
made him feel incredibly guilty. It was shortly afterwards, that he found a job
working at a small dime store in Eagle Hill. His plan was to pay the car off
but he worried they wouldn't accept it. He told me that he never wanted to be a
burden to anyone ever.
I could see how much he admired them and wanted to emulate them in every way.
That situation, and his confession, so profoundly revealed to me his authentic
character and I had great respect for that whole family. They were a bona-fide,
although unconventional, open minded, and altruistic family that one would only
read about in books. I didn't realize that such honesty and kindness could
actually happen in real life. I thought I was the only one who strived to live
like that
***** Ice Cold *****
Chapter Notes
     Beetlejuice sure has been behaving hasn't he? He's not one to let
     that happen for too long.
                                 _Chapter_10_
                                  _Ice_Cold_
.
.
.
BJ rested his arm on the ledge of the mirror and tapped his fingers on his
face. He was completely and utterly annoyed at the sight he had been,
imperceptibly, watching for some time from behind the mirror. Lydia had been so
distracted to even sense his presence for the majority of the day so far. You
see, Allen was visiting and he certainly did NOT want to interact with HIM.
He watched on as the two teens were looking through the photos that were
scattered all over her bed.
Allen held up and began to examine one particular photo of a big ugly bat.
"This one is neat! How do you take such awesome pictures? Where do you even
go?"
BJ couldn't stand it and mimicked Allen's words. Ugh! Why would she want to
hang with such a goody-goody like him?! He really thought she would have been
bored of him by now. Yet, here she was, smiling at HIM, and she was actually
acting like she LIKED being with him. Not HIS Lyds. She needed excitement. She
needed someone with a disgusting sense of humor.
Someone dark and paranormal and not some stupid mommy's boy who probably
couldn't stomach anything that THEY had gone through.
Lydia leaned back on her arms and sighed happily.
"My friend BJ and I go on trips and I usually end up spotting things like
that." She was so happy that she could share these things with him. It was
quite freeing not to hide it. Although, how would he even react if he found out
that her best friend was really a ghost?
"I'd love to meet him! He sounds really fun from what you've told me." Allen,
lifted up another picture and smiled. She really was talented and all of her
photos were very unique.
Bj wanted to puke and pretended to gag himself. How disgusting and NOT in the
way he liked.
Lydia suddenly got excited. Here was her chance to show him as she handed Allen
another photo to look at.
"Here's a picture of him."
BJ jerked his head in their direction. What?! She's actually showing him?! What
the hell is he going to say?
Allen's eyes lit up.
"Woah! I didn't expect him to look like this. I love the stripes. How did you
guys meet?" He found this so interesting and it was no surprise to him that her
best friend was as unique as she was.
BJ couldn't pull his attention away. What was this little shit up to?
Seriously, what is his angle?
Lydia's face softened as she began to reminisce as she spoke.
"He works for my family as the handyman. We struck up a conversation and became
friends after that. He loves weird things and has a twisted sense of humor too.
Wait, I think I told you that already. But anyways, I think you'd like him as
well!"
Granted, she didn't tell him everything but it was all the truth but not in
chronological order.
Allen watched her reaction and was filled with happiness for her.
"I think so. He seems really cool." How lovely it was that she had that. He had
always wanted that with someone and he hoped that one day it could be like that
with her.
Lydia began to gather all of the photos and he joined in to help. He handed
Lydia the rest of the photos and she put them into the shoebox that the photos
called their home. This was so new to him and he couldn't get enough of it all.
Lydia gave him a cute little smile before detoured to her closet to put her
treasure away.
BJ's scowl morphed into an evil little smirk.
"You want cool? I'll give ya cool, kid!" He aimed his finger at the object of
his discontent. Magic zapped from his finger and infused the area around Allen.
The temperature around him began to drop and became increasingly colder. His
breath was now visible and marked the freezing temperature that began to
permeate inward.
His teeth began to chatter uncontrollably and he looked around trying to figure
out what was going on.
"I think there's a draft or something. I'm freezing all of a sudden!" His body
shivered in an attempt to generate body heat.
"Really? It doesn't feel cold to me. I can shut the window if you want me too."
She exited her closet trying to feel if there was maybe a draft. She made her
way over to Allen when she couldn't find any unusual temperature changes by the
closet.
Her eyes looked in horror when she was able to assess what had just transpired.
Allen was literally frozen in his spot and wasn't responding to her at all. How
they hell did this even happen… wait… this was clearly the calling card of a
certain ghost.
Beetlejuice couldn't hold back his laughter any longer. This was the funniest
thing that had happened all week. His cackle resonated throughout her bedroom
bringing her full attention and anger to hyper focus on his coordinates.
She snapped her head towards the mirror as her voice curdled with asperity.
"Beetlejuice! What are you doing?!"
The jig was up and he let himself become visible once more.
"Just chilling out babes!" Seriously how could she not find that funny?!
"Fix it, now!" She demanded while pointing to the Allen-cicle before her. Her
frustration was growing and her usual aplomb was about to thrown out the
window. Luckily he was quick to notice this.
"Alright, Alright! Sheesh." He relented, grumbling, and released Allen from his
stasis.
It didn't take long for Allen to thaw as Lydia began to rub his arms in the
hope to help kickstart his circulation for warmth.
"Are you ok?" She asked looking up to his face and she continued to rub his
body. She felt terrible that he had been victimized for the amusement of
another.
"Y,y,y,Yeah, I, I, I m,m,must b,be catch,ch,ching a c,c,cold or
ss,s,something." He bent forward as his body continued to spasm with his
shivering.
"Here, let's go outside in the sun to warm you up." She gestured to the door
and aided him up to guide him out of her bedroom. She flashed a quick nasty
look to the mirror before she exited. She was NOT happy, and BJ better believe
that this was not the last of the words that she had in store for him.
Seriously, how could he be such a child sometimes?!
 
The warm sun began to permeate deep into Allen's body. His shivers were now
gone as he continued to soak in the warm atmosphere and company. That was just
the strangest thing. He never had that happen before and he hoped that,
whatever it was that he had experienced would never happen again. He hated
feeling cold, especially when it sank into his core like that. He tilted his
head to look over to Lydia who was sitting nearby. Her big black hat shaded her
while a breeze gently played with her hair like it was infatuated. He saw how
her face held on tightly to a pensive stare as she looked out to the town
below. He couldn't help but imagined that she had come to life from some
Romanticism era painting.
[chap10-1]
It wasn't long before she felt eyes upon her and she shifted her attention to
where it came from. She discovered Allen smiling at her and it helped ease a
little of the worry and guilt that was eating her up inside.
"Any better?" She asked him while hoping to keep her thoughts off of certain
things.
"Yeah. Thank you." He replied smiling as he closed his eyes. He was so
comfortable right now. 
"I'm sorry about that." She says resting her head sadly on her knees.Nope, the
offending thoughts just wouldn't leave.
"It's not your fault." He couldn't help but sense her energy. She was just
radiating her emotions like the sunshine and she didn't even realize it.
"I know but…" she looked away. She was so ashamed that she couldn't finish that
sentence.
Allen wanted to find something to distract her and began look around for
something to focus on. He turned his gaze to the house and something caught his
eye.  In Lydia's window, he saw a shadowy male figure looking down at them.
"Is your dad and Delia out shopping still?" He asked, while still looking up as
the figure stepped back out of view.
"Yeah. Why?" She rotated slightly to look over to Allen when she noted the
sound of concern in his voice.
"This is going to sound weird and forgive me… but, is your house haunted?" The
tone of his voice was serious when he faced her again.
Shock washed over her with a realization of what he may have actually seen.
What?! Oh no! Did Beej seriously… 
She spun around to look up to her window but, of course, no one was there. She
watched for a little longer until she turned back to Allen. Her head was
reeling with things to say. What in the world could she say to him to explain
away if he really did see Beetlejuice. But, what she wasn't expecting to see,
was Allen looking downward and he was the one who appeared to be very
embarrassed.
"Sorry, that must sound so stupid." He apologized.
She narrowed her eyes but she had to get to the bottom of this.
"What did you see?" She was intent on trying to find out how much he saw before
she could even give him an answer.
"Uh, I didn't get a good look but I thought I saw a person upstairs in your
room." He sheepishly replied as he played with some grass hoping that she
wouldn't think the worst of him.
She slapped her forehead. He did see Beej but he must've not seen him clearly.
Oh gods that moronic ghost of hers!
She rotated her head slightly so she could only look at Allen with her eyes.
She didn't really want to be fully looking at him when she explained things.  
"Yes, the house is haunted." She let out a sigh. Now he was going to find out
how weird she really was. She really, really hoped he wasn't going to distance
himself from her now.
"Oh good!" He exhaled relieved but then he was instantly filled with panic.
"I mean not good your house is haunted but good because I'm glad I wasn't
seeing things!" He waved his arms frantically trying to correct the situation 
He did't want her to misunderstand him. 
Lydia couldn't believe her ears. This was a total relief and she just had to
laugh at it all.
"I know the feeling." Oh good. She couldn't believe her luck but now she needed
to do some damage control and also chew a certain spectral someone out.
"I'll be right back, I have to go to the bathroom." She smiled embarrassed but
she was thankful for his understanding.
 
 
Her bedroom door slammed with a bang as she stomped in. Although she couldn't
see him, she knew he was there and he was listening.
"Beej! I'm telling you now that I will not tolerate you pranking my friends!"
She was -this close- to screaming at him but she knew that her voice would
carry outside and embarrass herself further.
Beetlejuice faded into the mirror laughing under his breath. He saw the
vexation in her face and decided to change his tactics.
"Aww but they make it Soooo easy!" He whined hoping she'd understand his
plight.
"I want you to go home! I'm more than angry with you for what you did." None of
his normal arguments and excuses were going to work on her today. She put her
hand on her forehead just completely exasperated.
[chapt10image2]
"But baaabes! I wanted to be with you today." He pouted pathetically as he gave
her his best puppy-dog eyed stare, and as an added bonus, he threw in a lower
lip quiver. He was a betting man and knew that she was a sucker for him looking
pathetic.
"No! Not after that stunt." She grumbled, turning away from him, as her anger
bubbled just under the surface and held her resolve firmly.
He let out piteous whine, to add to his efforts, in the hopes to sway her but
she had had enough. That was whine was the final straw that threw her patience
right out the window.
She whipped around and Beetlejuice witnessed the sternest face that he had ever
seen her wear, in all the time he had known her. "Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice!
Beetlejuice!"
 
 
Lydia bounded down the hill to where Allen was laying patiently. In her hands
were two glasses of lemonade that she carefully kept from spilling even in her
haste.
"Here, I thought maybe you were thirsty." She was hoping this would make up for
her being gone longer than she thought she would be. Plus, there was the whole
ordeal that he had just endured... ugh.
"Thanks! Your dad's lemonade is really good." He took the glass politely and
promptly drank deeply from it.
"Dad likes to juice the lemons himself. He says it's relaxing." She giggled,
only because she enjoyed watching her father go through his "happy ritual". She
pictured the whole ordeal.  A table full, of half cut lemons, her father's face
in complete concentration, as he put his full effort into eking out every drop
of juice in the citrus juicer. She couldn't help but think he was projecting
all of his anxiety into those helpless lemons.  It was if he was extracting all
of what that was really hidden within himself.
"I'm not complaining." Allen said as he took another a sip. His comment pulled
her out of her funny memory and brought her back into the moment.
He gently set the glass down on a level spot in the grass and turned his
attention Lydia.
"Hey, Uh, Lydia. I was thinking about what we were talking about before you
went inside." He began to fidget with his shirt as he hoped to address
something that had been weighing on his mind.
"Yeah?" She held her cup to her face, letting its moisture dampen her cheek. It
felt good on the warmth that radiated off her blush. She must look like a total
ditz today.
"Can I tell you a secret?" He couldn't bear to look at her, otherwise he didn't
think he could follow through.
"Of course. I won't tell anyone." She took another drink trying to keep the
mood light but she listened intently.
"As insane as it sounds… I am able to see spirits. I have always have been able
to see them. Oma calls it "a gift" and it is inherited from her side of the
family. Along with seeing spirits, we are able to sense things from others,
like emotions and thoughts. I hope you don't think I'm crazy." He said looking
into his lap. What was she going to say? It was crazy wasn't it. Seriously, she
will think it's too weird even for her.
Her answer was instantaneous.  She began to choke and cough, as the lemonade
she had been drinking ejected in a full spray and doused him thoroughly.
Her horror was apparent on her face, as she assessed the damage she had done.
He was dripping, his wet hair clung to his face, with his damp arms raised away
from his body. His reaction was one that Lydia was not expecting at all, as he
immediately began to profusely apologize to HER.
"I'm sorry! I know, it's insane!" He waved his arms frantically as he closed
his eyes feeling too embarrassed for words.
Now it was her turn to apologize. "No, no, no! It's not that! I'm so sorry!
Hurry, let's get you cleaned up."
 
 
Lydia walked out of her bedroom closet and held out a shirt to Allen. "I hope
this shirt isn't too small. It's my biggest one. I'll be sure to get your shirt
back to you after I do laundry."
He stood shirtless, in the middle of her room, towel drying his hair. He stood
up straight and held out the towel to her as he took the shirt from her.
"Thanks. And thanks for letting me wash my hair." He was thankful for her being
understanding about wanting to wash his hair and was very glad to wash off that
stickiness.
Lydia couldn't help herself as her eyes curiously wandered all over Allen's
exposed skin.
"It's the least I could do. I'm sorry." She held the towel tightly to chest and
looked down to it as a newfound sense of guilt washed over her. Seriously,
Lydia, why do you do such dumb things?!
"You just seem intent on soaking me! Will this be a habit of yours?" He
laughed, trying to lighten the mood, while pulling the shirt on over his head.
"I hope not! I'm so so so sorry!" She laughed nervously, trying to hide her
worry. Gods, she couldn't believe she did it again. Really? AGAIN!? UGH!
"No, really it's ok. I said something strange. You can just forget about what I
said. It was dumb anyways." He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. Her
reaction to his confession was pretty clear that it was not normal or an
acceptable thing for him to say. That'll teach him for trying to share that
with anyone. He really was stupid, wasn't he?  He let out a small sigh.
"Actually, about that... I guess now it's my turn to confess. I was pretty
shocked, well because… because I've been able to see spirits most of my life
too. So, it's not strange to me since, I am strange myself. You're the only
person I've been able to tell this." The words felt so silly coming out of her
mouth and she could see why Allen would believe it sounded dumb to her.
He looked at her surprised. He couldn't believe what she had just said but his
body moved on its own and in a blink he embraced her in a hug.
"You're the only person I've ever met who thought I wasn't weird! I can't
believe you're like me!" His joy couldn't be contained as it burst forth into
laughter.
Lydia joined in his laughter and felt such a kinship to this person who held
her in his arms. It was so freeing and she understood his feelings all too
well.
"I'm so happy!" She said in her laughter.
Allen stopped to look at her as a blush rushed to his face, and in that moment,
Lydia found his lips on hers. Her eyes grew wide as saucers, from the sudden
contact, and all thoughts that she had melted away into nothingness.
He pulled away quickly when he finally realized what he had just done. His
whole face suddenly glowed with a bright shade of red from embarrassment.
"I'm so sorry! I don't know why I did that just now. All I could think about in
that moment was kissing you and my body acted on its own." He was ashamed of
his lack of control, and he worried that he had just ruined his first
friendship. His shame grew to an intolerable level when there was no reaction
or comment from the girl still standing next to him.
He watched her carefully as his panic began to take over.  That was, until she
finally she looked up at him with a big blush of her own.
"It's ok. I, Uh, liked it." She said bashfully. Her heart wouldn't stop
thumping as a knot in her throat kept it from coming up. She was surprised she
could even speak.
It was as if fireworks exploded within his heart as he felt a rush of
excitement and his joy returned in full force. He really hoped that he didn't
mishear what she had just said.
"Really?!" He asked in total disbelief. This day was too much like a dream to
be real. There's no way right?
"Yeah. I, uh, wouldn't mind if we did it again." She blushed harder and looked
away.
This was all so new and she liked the feelings she was feeling. Although, she
certainly could do without the embarrassment that came with it. She wanted to
feel that rush again. She wanted to get close to him again and he seemed to be
acting like he was fighting those same feelings.
She took the risk and leaned forward to his lips.  Contentment and closeness
that she had never experienced before began to flood through her. It felt
euphoric... maybe even addicting.
She slowly moved away from his face and got instantly lost in his blue eyes.
Why had she never noticed just how blue-grey they were? It was like she was
looking at him for the first time and she drank in every detail of his face,
his scent, and his energy.
"I have to go. I don't want to, but Oma is expecting me home for dinner." Allen
stepped back further with a big smile and contentedly sighed as he reached down
to grab his bag.
"Ok." Lydia said as she mindlessly played with her hair as she watched him get
ready to go. He pivoted around to head out the door but then he suddenly
stopped. This woke her up a little more from her daze and she gave him her full
attention.
"Lydia?" He shifted to look at her, but when his eyes fell upon her, it
triggered a sudden wave of bashfulness to wash over him.
"Yes?" She was rapt in the beautiful moment they had shared.
"I like you Lydia. Like, like you like you." He was embarrassed and hesitant
while he was hoping for a reply. This was scary, but so exciting, as he felt
his heart pound in Lydia's shirt that he was wearing.
"I think, I like you too." She blushed back. Had the temperature suddenly
turned warmer and why did she feel like her body was jelly?
"Can I come over tomorrow?" Allen's smile dazzled her as he was now dressed in
complete happiness.
"Tomorrow won't work but this weekend I'll be free." She stepped closer to him.
She found the distance between them so empty, and she was drawn to him. She
didn't want him to leave her yet.
"This weekend then." He repeated, as his face spoke of the same desire that she
felt.
For the third time, they were locked in a kiss, and it spoke its own language
of desire, hesitation, and excitement. The lingering flavor of lemonade only
added to sweet and sour feelings they had as he had to leave to go home.
 
 
It had been about 20 minutes since she had watched Allen drive away. She stared
at her bed's canopy and was replaying every event that happened in the day. Her
thoughts shifted from the blissful moments that she shared to the one's that
she wished had never happened.
"I can't believe BJ did that to him!" She looked unimpressed. How could he have
done that? Well, she already knew the answer to that.
"Sheesh Beej. Can't you even control yourself?" She grunted and wanted to think
of something much more pleasant... like Allen? Oooh, yes.
She rolled over on her tummy happily.
"Eee! I can't believe he said he likes me! Me! Hehe. He's so sweet! If we start
dating, I wonder what dad would think? Though, I doubt he'd mind. He'd probably
tell me to marry him right away so he could get cookies all the time." She
laughed imagining the scene she had just described. Her dad and Delia did tend
to go over the top with certain things.
Suddenly she had been hit by a rogue thought that derailed all of her joy. Her
laughter instantly halted as she sat up quickly. There was something very
serious she had forgotten all about...
"Marriage… oh man… I totally forgot about that is part of the contract. What am
I going to do?!" She felt a cold chill run through her. No, she didn't want to
think on this but the thoughts continued.
She plopped face first down into the blanket.
"I have to marry him but I don't like BJ like that. I want to be able to choose
who I want to marry. I want to love who I marry and not just as a friend."
Those thoughts felt as suffocating as the blanket that was pressed against her
face.
[chapt10im3]
She rolled over, grabbing her pillow, and gripped it tightly to her body.  All
of her thoughts and desires fought a war within her.  She was a jumbled up mess
and she didn't know what to do. She wanted to cry but even that fought against
her.
"I'm just too young to marry. I want to have keep having fun! I want to get
closer to Allen." Her anxiety rumbled through her body like a train.
"Oh why did I agree to it!?" She yelled out frustrated, as she promptly shoved
the pillow on her face. She wanted to scream.  Instead she tried her best to
imagine different scenarios where she didn't have to marry him.
Sadly, in the end, reality won.
***** Chapter 11 *****
                                  _Chapter11_
                             _Not_Like_the_Other?_
.
.
.
Dust, that was kicked up by the broom's bristles, was floating and catching the
sunlight's beams in her darkened room. Lydia hummed along to a tune that was
playing on the radio as she swept her room for a little late spring cleaning.
Her mind danced around as they relived the happy event from yesterday. The kiss
still felt fresh on her lips and she was filled with the butterflies from it
all.
[pg11]
She held up the broom's handle to her face with a big smile as she let out a
tiny giggle to herself. She had already forgotten about BJ's misdeeds as her
mind focused solely on one thing... Allen.
A knock on the glass, woke her mind and quickly brought her back into her room.
She found BJ watching her in the mirror when she twirled around to see him. She
summoned him into her room right away to share in his company.
"Hey! What have you been up to today?" She was genuinely happy to see him and
couldn't shake the gleeful feeling that she carried in her heart.
"Eh, just making a mess of the roadhouse. What about you?" Her goofiness
brought a smile to his own face.
"Just school and here." A blush painted her face as memories of yesterday
filled her thoughts once again.
BJ watched her closely as he tried to figure out what was going on with his
best friend. Although, that blush was incredibly cute on her. He watched as she
skipped over to her school bag and and she pulled out a large textbook.
"I have to do some studying but you can hang out with me if you want. Although,
it might be a little boring though." She brought the book up to her face and
hid her smile that she just couldn't shake. With a dainty hop she bounced onto
her bed and settled in to get comfortable.
Bj hung upside down from the canopy of the bed. "Don't mind hanging around at
all. Better than being home."
He wasn't sure what was up with her but at least she was in a good mood. Things
should get back to normal now right?
Lydia giggled and opened her book. He always knew how to make her laugh and he
was comforting to have around. This was her normalcy and she liked it... well,
there were new things in her life that she wouldn't mind making part of her
normal routine. The rush from the kiss flashed in her mind and she had to force
herself to contain a giddy squeal that wanted to escape.
She took a few deep breaths and opened her textbook to the chapter she had to
study. The words seemed to blur together as her thoughts ran rampant from all
the spectrum. Her life was changing and she was happy about it but she these
feelings were so new. How she felt about Allen felt so right and she wondered
what changed in her that let it in. It was then that she couldn't help but
start to weigh all of her thoughts about how she felt about the ghost who was
floating near her. She stole a glance over her book at him as she began to
analyze it all.
How do I honestly feel about Beetlejuice? I haven't really given him a chance
when it comes to a relationship but shouldn't I feel attracted to him first?
After all these years, all we've done is innocent hugs and kisses between
friends. Shouldn't I feel that desire or curiosity with BJ?
She began to reflect on the past few years, but it felt like too much to sift
through, and she had enough to think about right now.
She shook her head in the hopes to wipe away the thoughts, like they were
written on an etch-a-sketch. Nope! I gotta study. I have no time to think about
that right now.
BJ had fell asleep a chapter ago and would snore off and on but it didn't
distract her too much. She was used to that by now. As she closed her book and
set it to the side, she directed her attention in his direction. She had read
the three chapters that were required, and her mind was tired of trying to
retain all of the facts she had just shoved in there. Hopefully she had enough
room to retain them with all the other junk she had floating around in there,
for the upcoming test.
The ghost let out a loud snort, jolting himself enough to wake up long enough
to scratch his belly before he fell back asleep. He really was so silly and she
was lost in her sense of endearment for him but what sort of endearment was it?
He certainly is cute but more like he's my puppy cute. Still… I should at least
test my feelings out right? I mean, maybe it'll feel the same as when I hugged
Allen.
She continued to think on it. She was driven to test this theory and so she
made a small plan.
OK, Lydia, let's do this.
She coughed loudly and hoped it was enough to wake him. His eyes fluttered
open, as he let out a big yawn. His joints popped when he stretched his arms
out as his feet gently landed on the floor.
"Must've been tired!" He laughed out as he awaited to find out what was the new
plan.
Hopefully it was something fun and not sitting in this stuffy room for much
longer.
Lydia briskly walked over to him and pulled him into a tight hug. Beetlejuice
tried to look at her face, while also trying to figure out what the hell this
is for... not that he minded, but all he could see was her silky, long, black
hair that hid her face away. He could easily get used to this... and why did
she smell so damn good?
"What's with the hug?" He asked as he tried to fight the blush forming on his
face.
"Can't I just hug my best friend?" She hugged him tighter and tried to analyze
everything in this hug. She clenched her eyes shut, to drown out all of her
noisy thoughts that fought in her head. It's not the same at all! And I'm
really trying to try to feel those the same feelings too. Trying to push those
feelings out. It's just not working. What if I should kiss him? Ew, NO! I don't
want to kiss him! Besides, he'd totally misunderstand THAT!
A sudden worry smacked her hard. Oh no, have I been hugging him too long? Is
this weird? Will BJ misunderstand it? I better back off.
Pulling away, she took a large step backwards to put a little bit of distance
between them. She needed to change the mood and quick!
"So, uh, you looking forward to your trip this weekend?" She smiled feeling
embarrassed as a nervous laugh came out on its own.
"Sure, but you sure you don't want to come? How can you pass up the famous mold
tour? I'm sure you'll be bored out of your noggin here without me." Shrugging,
he showed no emotion one way or other about the hug. She couldn't get a read on
it and figured it wasn't worth thinking about any longer.
"It'll be all yours to enjoy. I'm sure I'll find something else to keep me
busy. " Another laugh escaped her as she now felt a wave of relief from his
lack of response. Oh Gods, I'm glad he didn't say anything or try anything. I
couldn't handle that right now.
She let out a yawn and looked at the time. How'd it get so late already? Being
left in her thoughts is a dangerous and time-consuming thing.
"Oh man, I gotta get to bed. I'll have to see you tomorrow before you leave."
"Ok! You rest well kid! G'night!" BJ ruffled her hair playfully before backing
up again.
Yup, this felt "right". BJ is definitely just my best friend. I know what's in
my heart.
"Good night Beetlejuice." She waved to him as he poofed away for the evening.
.
.
The minty toothpaste was refreshing even if she dreaded the cold that came from
it when she rinsed her mouth. She brushed her teeth without too much of a plan
of attack because her mind was somewhere else.
Not even five minutes after Beeltejuice's exit, a panic had begun to build
within her. Her face was filled with worry as she berated herself in her mind.
What in the world did I sign up for?! I know I was just a kid but, seriously,
marriage?! How could I even think for a second that was ok?! It's too soon!. I
don't want to be tied down yet! Ugh, why do I feel like puking?
Even the warmth and comfort of her bed was no match for the thoughts that
continued to assault her mind.
What if… what if I choose to not marry BJ? What will happen? Would they really
banish him and separate us?! But…I promised BJ. I'm obligated to marry him. I
owe it to him. Ugh, why can't she have a normal life that just includes the
supernatural? Is there such a thing? If there was she just couldn't find any
way to balance it.
"At least I have a some time before I'm 18. I don't have to think about it for
awhile right? I really don't want to think about it!" She sighed loudly as she
rolled over to her side to attempt to sleep with the hope that tomorrow would
be a better day.
After all, it was the weekend and she'd be seeing Allen soon enough.
***** Chasing Waterfalls *****
 Chapter 12
 Chasing Waterfalls
.
.
Lydia was doing one final check, again, to see if her outfit looked right. She
pirouetted to see how it looked from behind as well. Ok, she could live with
this outfit. Wait, what if she wore the other dress? Would that look
better? She was just about to go to her closet for the fifth time when she
heard a knock on her door.
"Come in." She answered, stopping to see who it was. How late was it? Hopefully
she still had more time.
Charles walked in and had a funny little smile on his face. "Pumpkin! Allen is
here." He rocked on his heels looking like a like a child.
Okaaaay, what's up with that? She knew he liked Allen but he just seemed too
giddy. Oh well, she didn't have time to change or think on that right now.
"Thanks daddy. I'll see you later." She gave him a quick peck on the cheek as
she ran downstairs.
It wasn't until they had been driving a little, did her thoughts wander and she
thought about her father's behavior again.
"Dad was acting odd. I think he really likes when you come over." She smirked,
looking over to the long-haired blonde boy behind the wheel.
"Really?" He raised his eyebrows as an answer. She couldn't help thinking with
an internal squee. Why did he have to be so cute?
 
Their hands had been interlocked as soon as the stepped foot on the trail. It
was another lovely day and exploring someplace new was becoming a fun routine.
This trail had tall trees on either side and created enough shade to keep them
out of the direct sunlight. There was a consistent background noise that
filtered through the regular sounds of the woods.
The fallen pine needles muted their footsteps as they meandered further along
the trail. It was a comfortable, quiet companionship as they walked along just
enjoying "being" in the moment. Lydia spied another tall stone wall coming up
along the trail on their right.
"I wonder why they put these walls here? They look old." Lydia inquired.
"Oh! I think I saw something on a plaque about this when we entered. It was
something about FDR and the CCC." Allen looked over to the rock wall as well.
"CCC?" She walked ahead to touch the moss and lichen covered stones.
"Uhhh... Civilian... conservation... something?" He tried his best to recall
but he just couldn't remember that last part.
They spent the majority of the morning walking the trails and they had just
finished a small lunch in the large open picnic area. Now they had time to just
sit, digest, and enjoy each other's company.
Their feet were soaking in the moving water as they sat at the bottom of the
tiered waterfalls. She loved this. Today was just so wonderful and she was so
happy to share this with Allen. He felt so alive and he found beauty in
everything like she did.
The cool water felt wonderful and was a great contrast to how it had been
lately.
"I've heard about Kent Falls but never made it over here. I didn't realize how
close it was to us." She looked up to the falls and sighed.
Allen puts his arm over her shoulder and she leaned into it. Both of them felt
embraced by the comfort in that simple act. Allen felt like the luckiest guy in
the world in that moment. Lydia turned her head into his chest and took a deep
breath. This was such a lovely feeling.
"You smell really good." She took in his scent while closing her eyes. She
tried to pinpoint how to even describe how he smelled. It was a mix of his
clean smelling shampoo that always lingered in his silky long hair, a hint of
green colored soap, and a cedarwood based cologne that complimented the scent
of his skin. He smelled so clean and his scent felt like something she could
easily melt into.
"I'm a bit ocd. Especially about being clean." He laughed, but it felt great
knowing that she liked how he smelled.
"That's not a bad thing. BJ has the opposite. He has a real phobia about being
clean." She laughed and her nose scrunched, out of muscle memory, when she
thought about his scent.
"Ew, I can't imagine not showering every day." He really couldn't picture
himself in that state and just thinking about it gave him the willies.
"We don't even have to explore any more today. I'd be happy to stay just like
this." She gave a long contented sighed.
He began to feal his ears begin to burn from his blush.
"That really makes me happy to hear." He felt his heart begin to dance knowing
that she felt the same.
On her hand that was resting behind her, Lydia felt something cold and wet. It
startled her  harshly as the foreign object now began to huff at her.
She bolted up and pulled her hand away, only to find a big black fluffy dog was
happily wagging its tail and panting at her.
[chap12 1dog]
Her heart gushed at how cute it was and she began to coo at it.
"Ooooooh aren't you a cutie!" She ruffled it's fluff on its head as she looked
around to see where the pup had come from.
"Sorry about Bart. He loves meeting new people. Don't worry, he won't bite." A
couple came walking over and one of them held a leash.
That was Lydia's cue to give as much love to this dog as she could. She pulled
the puppy forward and began lavishing the dog with baby talk and pets.
Allen couldn't take his eyes off her. She was more adorable that that cute dog
that she was awarding such affection. Part of him was slightly jealous, as he
wished that it was him she was bestowing such love and cuddles.
"Alright Black Bart, let's go. I'm sure you'll find another victim to plunder
some more love from along the way up the falls." One of the owner came over
laughing and hooked the leash on their furry companion's collar.
Lydia waved, while thanking them for the chance to pet the pup. She watched the
dog walk away, but once in a while it would look back longingly at her. Oh her
heart!
She let out a sad sigh and lowered her head to look at Allen. It was when she
saw his face, did she see that Allen was giving her the same look that she had
given the dog. Except for one difference, Allen's cheeks were red with what she
first thought was a sunburn but she soon remembered that it wasn't there a
couple of minutes ago. It made her stop and feel moved to the core.
Directing her attention on something else, she playfully kicked up some water
from the stream. She felt so giddy, that she couldn't hold back her laughter
when she did so.
"The water is so nice and cool isn't it? I can't believe summer is almost
here." She leaned forward to get a better look in the clear stream. She watched
as a submerged leaf swirled in a circle, between two large stones, from the
water's flow.
There was a quietness filling the space between them which, of course, Lydia
took notice of. Allen had not given a reply to her so she shifted her gaze to
check on him. She watched as his eyes slowly bounced from one spot to another
over the river. It appeared that he was having a hard time settling on just one
thing to focus on. On top of it, she couldn't help but note how his energy had
changed and was now feeling just plain awkward.
"Is everything ok?" She began to worry that maybe he wasn't feeling well or
that maybe she had done something to make it awkward. Wait did she maybe have
something gross on her face that he was too embarrassed to point out. Did
something come off the dog?
"Yeah." His eyes finally found one thing to stare at as he tapped his hand on
the rock they were sitting on. Yup, something wasn't right.
"You sure? Are you feeling ok?" She was going to get to the bottom of this
mystery, like Scooby hot on the trail of a Scooby-snack. She put one hand down
close to him and shifted her weight so she could lean closer to watch his
reaction.
He sensed her coming near and nervously faced her. Within a single breath, he
had both hands on her face as he drew her into a passionate kiss. His lips
pressed against hers with a gentle force and she was blissfully taken off
guard. She let her desire flow from the amorous and deep kiss. He slid his arm
around her back for support and to pull her tighter into his embrace. Her heart
palpitated, fueling her further into the eagerness of matching his fervent lips
and tongue.
His half-lidded eyes needed to behold the scene before him. Hoping with all his
heart that she also enjoyed it as much as he did. She was still leaning
forward, her eyes shut, but a blush was in full bloom upon her pale cheeks.
When she finally opened her eyes, a contented sigh escaped her heart as she
shared with him the most loving smile he had ever seen upon her face.
He almost couldn't bear to witness such adoration in her eyes. He was suddenly
overwhelmed as his nervous energy slipped back into his belly and spread
throughout him.
"Lydia?" He had to look away before he lost his nerve. He ached to share with
her what was perpetually weighing heavily in his heart and mind.
"Allen?" She playfully replied, as she pursued him by leaning in closely to see
his beautiful face. She felt amazing... so ardent and lithe and also felt a
little playful too.
Her head was just an inch away from his when he shifted his face to look
towards her once more. He was absolutely not expecting to see her there. In his
mind he thought she would still be in the spot she was before when he had
turned to look away. A jolt plowed through his whole being and he struggled to
find some support behind him as he fought the sudden fright. Unfortunately, his
support did not hold, and he slammed down fast, hitting the back of his head on
the hard, metamorphic bedrock below them.
A sharp pain shot from the spot that caught his landing and he grabbed it to
try to rub the pain away.
After she examined him and saw that no real damage had been done; the scene
began to replay in her head and she couldn't stop her laughter that bubbled up
at the hilarity of it all.
"Are you ok?!" She laughed out and gasped to catch her breath. She bent over,
hugging her waist, as she, once again, saw it all in her mind's eye.
He joined her in the infectious laughter while he still lay on the hard stone.
He closed his eyes tightly and used the adrenaline coursing through his body to
fuel his resolve.
[chap12_1]
"LYDIA WILL YOU BE MY GIRLFRIEND?!?" In a voice that was very close to a shout,
he yelled... even though he had full intention of trying to sound normal.
 
Lydia stopped laughing and froze. The sound of the rushing water and nature was
the only thing to be heard. Had she just heard what she thought she heard?
Allen slowly attempted to lift himself up and opened one eye hesitantly to see
what her reaction was. He had no clue what will happen next and he was so
scared of what it could be.
Lydia held out her hand and took his to help lift him up. Her hair covered the
majority of her face so he was unable to gage any emotion coming from her. He
dared not look into her heart for fear of hearing what he didn't want to hear.
She wasn't reacting and he began to feel a mix of panic and embarrassment. He
was so nervous.
"I, I, I asked your dad for per, per, permission first and he was f,f,fine with
me asking." He couldn't help stuttering the words that came out next. Maybe she
was just as nervous as he was? That beautiful black hair was still hiding her
face away from him.
She practically attacked him with a kiss. He was utterly derailed from any
thought, worry, or fear with her lips on his. When she finally released him, it
was his turn to be stunned with his eyes closed.
"Allen?" Lydia slowly pulled back, pushing a rogue strand of hair behind her
ear, as she finally spoke.
"Yes?" He answered trying his best not to stutter from his stomach tying itself
in knots.
Allen opened his eyes to find Lydia staring at him playfully with grin that
grew into a big smile.
The sunlight was shining down brightly behind her and he swore that she
appeared to be glowing. He was mesmerized by her and watched as her lips moved
as she spoke to him once again.
[chapt12_2]
"Will you be my boyfriend?" She bit her bottom lip after her question floated
out of her mouth. She lowered her head slightly with a smile and watched for
his answer with her eyes.
In that moment, his brain decided to take a small vacation, so it could
unscramble the meaning of her question that tumbled into his head as one big
messy pile of words. All other functions in his body had halted until it was
back with his brain's final verdict. He blinked, and his face went completely
red.
"I want nothing more!" His reply exploded out like a canon shot.
She was, once again, laughing from the spectacle of it all.
"I'm happy!" She said, tilting her head to the side cutely as her laughter died
into a small giggle.
"I'll do my best to make you happy!" He couldn't stand it! He felt like there
was too much distance between them as he pulled her into another hug.
.
.
.
The sun began to set behind the Deetz's house, filling the sky with swirls of
dark red and oranges. Headlights, competed with the dimming sunlight, that lit
up part of the gravel driveway. Lydia leaned down into the car and sweetly
kissed Allen goodbye. She stood up waving to him, with one arm tucked behind
her back, as he started to make his way down the long driveway, as his car
kicked up a small dust cloud in his wake.
She continued to watch his car meander down the road when she heard the front
door of her house opening up from behind her.
"So, uh, how was the waterfall? I've been wanting to go see it. Did you kids
have fun?" Her father's kind voice chimed up.
She circled around to find him with a silly little grin that he was trying and
failing to hide.
"Yes daddy." Lydia walked by him, smiling smugly, her eyes half lidded as she
watched, out of her peripheral, Charles's reaction to her words. She knew what
he was trying to eke out of her.
Once she was inside, she made her way towards the stairs but he was hot on her
heels.
"Anything interesting happen?" He asked still not giving up on trying to pry
out a certain event that may have happened.
"Hmmm." She toyed with him, like a cat with a string, as she feigned like she
was thinking about it. Her face lit up as she burst out:
"Yup!" Aaaand left it at that, when she revolved around to continue up the
stairs. She was sure to carefully hide her giggle and grin from him.
"Well? What was it?" he continued to follow her and was beginning to sound a
bit desperate.
"Reaaaaally Charles! Just spit it out and ask!" Delia somehow materialized at
the bottom of the stairs, obviously tired of the game they were both playing.
"Did he ask you?" Charles held his hands up to his face and looked as giddy as
a schoolgirl.
"Ask me? Oh, yes. He did." Lydia turns around to face him while feigning
innocence.
"He did! And what did you say?" He began to lean forward in anticipation.
"I told him that I had a lovely time today when he asked if I had fun." She
grinned. Gotcha, daddy. She was having too much fun today.
She made her way up the rest of the stairs and turned the corner absconding
from his sight. Charles felt so disappointed, as he made a u-turn to glumly
walk down the stairs until a voice rang out.
"Oh! And daddy..." Lydia poked her head back around the corner.
"Allen and I are dating now." She flashed him a cheeky grin and disappeared
once more.
Lydia couldn't stop giggling as she made her way down the hallway. She was
about to reach her door when the house boomed with a cheer from Charles.
***** Ton of Bricks *****
Chapter Notes
     Beetlejuice is back... Let's hope things go well.
     Feel free to leave a comment if you're up to it.
                                  Chapter_13
                                 Ton_of_Bricks
.
.
.
"You reallllly missed out on a fun weekend, babes!" Lydia had barely set down
her school bag when she heard Beetlejuice excitedly call out to her.
"Well, I'm glad you had fun. I had a fun weekend too!" She plopped on her bed
looking at him.
She loved moments like this. She knew that the bragging was about to commence,
and she loved how excited he got over things like that. Yup, once again, the
thought of him as an excited puppy popped into her head.
"Pffft. Doubt it could live up to my little adventure! I ended up getting
trapped by Scuzzo, who just happened to be on the same tour! But don't worry
babes, I gave him the old what for. No way he could ever beat the ghost with
the most." He cackled and bragged.
"Well, I suppose that waaaas a little more exciting than my weekend." She
smiled back coyly. Though, I doubt it could have topped her weekend, but she
certainly wasn't going to say that to him.
"Hey, why dontcha say my name so you can see some of the souvenirs I got." He
leaned on the mirror and waggled his eyebrows at her.
Lydia pulled her hair out of the rubber band that was in her ponytail. Her hair
had really grown over this past winter and it was almost past her shoulder
blades. It wasn't just her hair that had grown... she was maturing and filling
out, in all the right places, every day and her beauty was beyond compare.
Beetlejuice was stunned, totally caught off guard, as he watched this moment
pass in slow motion. She was just too damn pretty for her own good.
[Chap13 1]
"Did you hear what I said?" Lydia stopped and asked a little suspicious of his
sudden silence.
"Huh?!" He didn't even register that she was talking as he was busy
staring. Woah, better keep that in check!
"I said I can't tonight. I'm heading out with Allen soon. He will be picking me
up in an hour. Did you want to keep me company?" She removed her school blazer
and even she noticed that her bra was slightly visible through her white
blouse. She wasn't quite used to wearing the sexy bras that she had been
purchasing in secret. Most of her teen life was relegated to wearing sports
bras and she didn't feel she had much of a chest to even highlight anyways. But
now, sports bra didn't serve her well and, admittedly, it was a big boost to
her confidence when she noticed that her bust size had been growing and wasn't
stopping yet.
"Uh. Yeah. Sure." He looked surprised. Damn, she mentioned him again.
 
 
He watched her as she leaned forward, in her robe, towards the mirror and was
applying makeup. He leaned back in the chair and folded his arms. He had been
keeping her company as she ran around. He had been sitting in that chair and
watching her get ready for the evening. Something had been bothering him but he
just couldn't put his finger on it. Something was off and he needed to get to
the bottom of it.
"You sure are getting dolled up." A small Lydia doll appeared next to him.
"Can't I do things to make myself feel pretty?" A quick glance over her
shoulder to him was all he got.
Huh, she's never taken this long to get ready to go anywhere with me. What is
this feeling?
She spritzed herself with the perfume on her dresser and walks over to her door
to leave the room.
"I'll be right back." He could tell she was excited as she gave him a cute
little smile before disappearing.
When she stepped back in the room, he had to will his jaw to stay shut. He sat
up to attention as he took in how she looked. She could have been mistaken as a
model, wearing a burgundy, low cut, dress and he couldn't help but think it was
a little too short to go out anywhere... unless it was with him.
"Woah! Looking good!" He really was blown away and he was glad he didn't say
that out loud. He didn't feel like being literally blown away right now.
"But aintcha a bit dressed up? Where in the world are ya goin?" He had to ask
cause why the hell would she want to go out looking that slamming.
"Hmm. Out to dinner. Allen made a reservation at a really nice Italian
restaurant." She began putting on her shoes on and looked at the time.
He could even smell how amazing her scent was even all the way across the room.
Lydia jumped up and rushed over to him.
"I've gotta go! I'll see you when I get back." She quickly kissed his cheek and
then dashed out the door.
"Uh. Ok." He wasn't sure what to do with any of these thoughts or what to make
of the whole situation. He just felt off and he wanted to pinpoint why.
Alone in the room and alone in his thoughts. Maybe he could make head or tails
of what wasn't feeling right. A sound caught his ear and he wandered over to
the widows walk and found a red car pulling up to the house. Almost immediately
he saw Lydia run out with the biggest smile and blush he had seen on her
before.
Whatever this was that was sitting heavy in his belly and he didn't like it.
Time seemed to go by at a snail's pace for Beetlejuice. Honestly, how long did
it take to go to dinner?! His eyes had grown heavy as he floated up the to the
ceiling. It wouldn't hurt to shut his eyes just for a moment.
Lydia felt so light on her feet when she slipped into her room. She felt like
her feet would lift off the ground, just like when she was dancing with
Beetlejuice, as she did a few twirls by her vanity. She was a bubble and her
giddiness popped through with a tiny but loud squeal.
Beetlejuice was startled awake by her joyful noise. He glanced at the time and
two hours had already passed since he dozed off. Though his attention was
quickly stolen when he saw Lydia beaming, down below him, and apparently
oblivious that he was still there. Should he say something? Should he try to
scare her? It would be a perfect opportunity for some sort of stealthy trick,
but instead he chose to join in her happiness. After all, he was just happy to
see her.
"Must've been some good pasta!" He laughed.
Lydia almost fell down from being startled out of her thoughts of fun from
earlier. Including the last half hour, or so, of innocent kissing in his car.
"Beej!" She barked out, half angry from the scare.
His laughter burst forth as he accidentally achieved a scare out of her. You
know I love it.
He began to float down but his laughter wouldn't stop, until small purse
collided with his face, which promptly made him shut up.
"Hey!" He eyed her playfully.
She let out a huff and sat on her bed to take off her shoes.
"If you must know, everything about my whole night was great." She feigned that
she just didn't care about anything he had to say but she was happy that he was
still there.
"Well, -I- was bored to death!" He plopped over on the floor and stuck out his
tongue. Finally, a chance to have some fun.
"Hard to do when you're already dead." She was in too good a mood to let it die
now. Now, how did she break this to him?
She began to contemplate what to do next as she chewed her lip a little.
Beetlejuice stood up and immediately recognized that the mood had changed.
"What's up?" He asked, hoping it was because she ate some bad clams, and he
still might be able to see a fun and gross spectacle tonight.
"Beetlejuice, I have to tell you something and I don't want you freak out."
Pure worry began coursing through her veins. Oh gods. Oh gods. Ok I can handle
this.
"What is it babes? You can tell me anything. I'm your best friend." He walked
over to her and put his hands on his hips with a big reassuring smile.
"Alright, I have to do something first. Now remember, you are definitely my
best friend first and foremost and always will be. So, I need you to trust me,
ok?" She put a hand on his shoulder and she had her plan all laid out on what
she needed to do. But first… a precaution.
"Ok" He said hesitantly and not sure what's really going on but whatever, it's
just Lydia. What's the worst that could happen?
She called out his name three times and he felt himself pulled behind the glass
of the mirror. What the hell?!
"What's goin on?" He said utterly confused as he looked around in disbelief.
Now or never Lydia. Brave face and pip pip, right?!
"Beej. Keep your voice down. I don't know if dad or Delia are awake still." She
leaned close to her mirror.
A sigh escaped her and then she tried to gather all of her guts to give him one
the most reassuring smiles she could.
"Beetlejuice, I'm really excited and beyond happy to tell you something. As my
best friend, I hope you'll be happy for me too." She meant every word of it and
prayed that this would go well.
A dark suspicion began to fester within his heart and he didn't like it, but
still he listened.
"So, over the weekend, Allen and I started dating." A worried smile flashed on
her face as she awaited his reaction.
At first there was no reaction, except that his regular pallor drained, until
he was white as a sheet.
She was hoping that was going to be all, but she did not realize that she had
just lit a fuse, that was quickly trailing its way to the TNT that was buried
deep.
She took a few steps backwards as her intuition began blaring warning lights at
her.
Two seconds. It was only two seconds. That was all the time it took before
Beetlejuice fury exploded.
"WHAAAAAAT?!"
She tried to shush him, but it was like trying to protect herself from a
hurricane with an umbrella. She just wasn't prepared.
"You can't do this to me! You're NOT allowed to date anyone!" This was NOT
acceptable to him. She had NO RIGHT to do this to him.
Her faith in him dropped. Wait not allowed?! The more she heard and the meaning
behind his words, the more her own frustration and anger grew.
"I can date whoever I want! You can't tell me who I cannot be with. You don't
own me!" She slapped her chest in defiance and glared at him.
BJ poofed a piece of paper next to him and held it like it was the absolute
proof to end this silly debacle.
"This fuckin contract says I do!" He said tapping it with full, angry, resolve.
"No! It doesn't! It just says I'm obligated to marry you when I'm 18 and I'm
not 18 yet! I have to live my life for me!" How dare he!
He slammed his hand down hard and this caught her attention again.
"You will NOT see him again!" He was warning her, and he needed to be very,
very clear here.
A dark and dangerous look filled his face and Lydia felt immediate fear deep
down into her very core.
[chap13 2]
"I'm warning you, that if you EVER see him again; I will gut him, with more
than just great pleasure, and put what's left into a box.  I will use his
intestines as ribbon and then hand that pretty little present back to you as a
souvenir! I will make him an example of what happens to those who interfere
between us!"
Lydia's horror was suddenly tangible. She knew he was deadly serious and this,
THIS, was unacceptable.
"YOU ARE MINE! You ARE going to be my bride!" He was more than just livid, his
eyes began to glow as his hair began to defy gravity. Lydia saw real evil in
his eyes, in that face that she used to unquestionably trust, but that now face
that reflected back at her was a stranger. That person in the mirror wasn't her
best friend.
Her horror and fear quickly morphed back into anger that began to surge through
her. She wasn't going to go down without a fight, even though she was filled
with fear. She had to do something!
"Don't you dare! If you even look at him wrong, I'll tear up that idiotic
contract and never see you again! I like him, and you have no right to threaten
him! You have no right to order me around!" She was dead serious as her body to
began to shake from the intensity of the moment.
Before he had the chance to say anything back, Lydia touched the mirror and cut
off the magic. It was now just a mirror and her own reflection was the only
thing left to be seen.
.
.
Beetlejuice stood in his room at the Roadhouse. He was more than just seething.
His mind was going over everything that could have happened and how he could
change this.
That was THE WORST thing to happen. She was TOO naive! Lydia was his and NO ONE
was taking his bride to be.
A scream burst from his throat as his energy lost control. Sparks and energy
flashed out of his body as he punched the wall as hard as he could. This will
not be the end if THIS!
.
Meanwhile, at the same time in the Deetz's home, Lydia began sobbing as she
fell to the floor. She was filled with an overwhelming sense of helplessness
and betrayal. Her best friend wanted to control her, to own her, and she was at
a loss of what she could do.
"How dare he! How can he be so horrible?! I don't want to marry him! I DON'T!
He's supposed to be my best friend."
***** Share the Load *****
Chapter Notes
     I feel nervous for them all. Also, I'm trying my best to become a
     better author. What better way to learn than to keep on writing and
     reading. Even if no one reads my stuff, it's something I do for
     myself. :D
Chapter_14
Share_the_Load
.
.
.
The apple orchard filled the night air with the susurration of the leaves in
their timeless waltz with the wind. The night had been peaceful, but still it
held on tightly to the spring chill, in its final defiance to the coming warmer
weather.
Lydia and Allen lay in the middle of the orchard that was behind his home,
watching the sky and the undulating branches, but most of all, enjoying each
other's company. The blanket shielded them, mostly, from the cold earth below
as they lay close to each other enjoying each other's warmth. It was a quiet
happiness that they shared as their bond grew closer with every touch and word.
A deep and heavy sigh escaped from her when she couldn't but help think of the
problems currently derailing her life. Allen, of course, took notice of the
changing mood and looked over to his beautiful girlfriend, who he adored with
his whole being. Although, he couldn't help the worry that he had been fighting
since last Sunday.
"Are you ok? You seem off since we had our date. Is it me? Did I do something
wrong?" He asked her in the hopes to ease this worry that threatened to grow
even more.
Lydia closed her eyes.
"No. It's not you." Of course, he'd notice. His amazing empathy was typically
spot on and it wasn't like she was trying to shield her emotions from him.
She finally opened her eyes as she replayed the event that had been causing her
so much heartache. She might as well share everything with him. She was tired
of hiding.
"I had a big fight with BJ and, Allen, he's terribly jealous of us. I haven't
seen him in over a week but I just can't face him. I'm still too angry at what
he said."
[chap14 1]
"I'm sorry. That had to be hard. You don't have to shoulder this alone. I'm
here for you." Allen scooted closer and pressed his forehead to hers.
"Thank you." She had tears forming and threatening to escape from her lashes
that held them in.
"Is it ok to ask... uh what happened? Why would he be jealous of us?" A list of
confusing thoughts began to fill his head. BJ was her best friend and it didn't
make sense to him.
She pulled away slightly and let out another sigh. Yup, she needed to tell him
everything... Ok, mostly everything. There were some things that she wasn't
allowed to say due to the contract.
"Allen, there are a few things I should tell you first, and that may answer a
lot of the confusion that you may have. This isn't going to be easy for me to
say either, so please just listen. And, uh, there are some things I'm not
allowed to say." Her eyes begged him all of the empathy he had as she sent out
a prayer to the universe that things would go well.
She drew her attention back to the twinkling stars above and let her confession
free to fall wherever it may land. She was leaving everything in the hands of
fate and faith.
"First... uh, BJ is actually a ghost. He's a shapeshifter, a trickster, and my
best friend. I found him when I was at my lowest point in life, and he help
fortify my strength to be me. I'm forever grateful to him for that. That day
you caught that chill? That was him. He had frozen you because he thought it
would be funny. Plus, he's always had an issue with me hanging out with other
friends, instead of him. He's very possessive and so I apologize for all that
he's done." She held her breath and hoped for the best.
Allen did not say anything and, when she dared to peek over to him, she found
him listening intently with some concern. I suppose that's a good sign. I
should continue since the ball had already started to roll.
"Last Sunday, after our date, he was there when I got home. I knew I should
tell him about us, but I was scared of how he'd react. So I sent him into the
mirror... oh.. Wait, I forgot to tell you that I can summon and send him away
with magic. It's all complicated stuff because of rules in the Neitherworld.
Wait.. The Neitherworld is a spirit realm that he lives in. OH GODS. I'm so
confusing!" She began to feel like a big mess until she felt his warm hand on
her shoulder. All thoughts stopped when she saw that Allen was sharing the most
supportive and kind expression on his face. She was, once again, able to gather
her thoughts and continue.
"Ok. Sooooo, I put him in the mirror because he's prone to, uh, getting overly
excited one way or another. When I told him... he wasn't happy to say the
least. In fact, he threatened to eviscerate you Allen! I have never seen him so
angry. I sent him away and I haven't talked to him since.
So, I'm not sure what to do about all this." She felt so defeated as she let
out a long sigh that actually emotionally hurt to do.
Allen leaned forward and met her face once again, and planted a gentle kiss on
her lips. Without a word he had just reassured her that it was going to be
fine. Oh, how she didn't even realize how much she needed that.
He patted at his shoulder and she understood his request. She lifted her head
to rest on the dip between his chest and shoulder. His hands gently began to
pet her long silky hair as he continued to listen to her. Her eyes stared over
to the closest apple tree as be began to examine the craggily veining that
patterned its bark.
"I think I need to have a serious talk with him. If he can't get over this…
then, I don't think I can be friends with him. I really don't want that." Her
heart dropped when she verbalized those words, and it was the last thing she
wanted, but she couldn't have him dictating everything in her life. It wasn't
fair. Why was life like this?
"I don't want that either. Did you want me to be there?" His arms wrapped
around her protectively and he gave her a little squeeze to emphasize his
point. His arms felt so strong but also, she felt like she was drawing strength
from them as well.
"No, but, thank you. I don't want him taking his anger out on you. I forgot how
dangerous he could be. Last Sunday was a harsh reminder. -sigh- I really should
do this alone." She pulled on his flannel shirt and pushed her face closer to
him. His heat, his scent, his comforting energy was just what she needed.
"When do you plan on talking to him?" He wasn't sure of the whole situation and
he would need to take some time to truly process it all, but he found that he
trusted her completely. Hopefully she'd know to turn to him if it got too
tough.
"Soon… just not too soon. I just, I need to be able to think clearly." She let
out another sigh and began to make a final plan. For now, she was just going to
enjoy this moment before she had to go home. Which, unfortunately was soon.
"You're not alone anymore. We're in this together ok? You can trust in me and
so I ask that you put your faith in me too. Even if I'm not there with you when
you do this; I'm there with you and sending you all my support and love." Allen
lifted himself up slightly so that he could see her face clearly.
"How did I get so lucky to have an angel like you?" She watched his gentle face
admire her as his long blonde hair billow in the breeze. A few apple blossom
petals fell out of his hair and caught in the breeze. He pulled back slightly
but then turned to face her again.
She could feel his body tense up and she pulled away from him to give him
space. Something was off with him. i hope it isn't me. Oh please, don't let it
be me.
"I asked that you trust in me and so, I'm putting all my trust in you too.
Lydia, I need to tell you something…" His eyes had the hint of worry but he was
giving everything to her. Everything.
She watched him take a deep shaky breath, sit up and grab his knees.
"We're in this together Allen. You can tell me anything." She sat up to join
him and touched his arm to gently to rub it. When he looked at her, once more,
she saw such pain hiding underneath the smile he gave her.
He rested his head on his knees as pulled his legs tighter into a hug.
"Lydia, I'm not an angel. I'm not even really a good person but I try my best
to be. There are some things you need to know about me and it will be hard to
say because I've never told anyone… anyone at all about what I'm about to tell
you." He bit his lip while concentrating on what he needed to say. His tongue
felt heavy but he continued with a worry. It was such a deep, tangible, worry
as he was about to finally verbalize these things and worry about how she'd
view him after this.
"When I was younger, before I moved here… ok, sorry… I should just say it…" He
struggled with his words and began to get frustrated with himself before he
stood up and began to pace. Lydia didn't say a word as she understood that he
wanted to do this in his own time. She certainly couldn't interrupt him now.
He stopped to pull down a branch in the apple tree near them. He focused on
that and then began to speak softly and Lydia had to strain to hear him. She
didn't want to miss a word. Clearly this was serious.
"Lydia… you know how I'm closed off to everyone but you, Oma and Opa? There's a
reason for that… Before they rescued me…" She heard his breath hitch as he
closed his eyes.
"For the first four years of my life, I was… I was abused. I won't tell you any
details right now… because I can't verbalize that right now. I promise I will
tell you but I can't now." The words brought back memories that he wanted to
forget. Things, feelings, and words that happened in the past felt as real in
this moment as they did when they happened. He started to feel like he couldn't
breath.
His eyes went wide with a fear he had hoped to never feel again, as certain
memories that began to haunt him and pull him away with their long jagged
claws. The darkness hooked deep into his soul as they drug him to a place he
didn't want to be. Why'd he remember that?! No! No!
Lydia watched as he stepped back from the branch and began to shake. Even she
could feel that he was no longer there even though physically he was.
A worry filled her as she jumped up and ran over to help him. She wanted to
help him, calm him, and reassure him like he did for her.
She held her breath and tried to smile as she tried to caress his face. A
sudden pain shot through her arm as he screamed at her, shaking, and his face
was that was of a total stranger.
"DON'T TOUCH ME!" He jumped back and hunched over.
Lydia took a step back, full of worry and fear of what he was going through,
while she absentmindedly rubbed the spot where he had hit her. His whole body
began to shake and he panted heavily, looking like a cornered animal that was
fighting for survival.
She called out to him in the most calming voice she could muster while she
struggled through her own fear. How do you help someone like this? What in the
world happened to him?
"Allen, it's ok… I'm here for you. You can talk to me." She shushed him and
smiled but her voice shook as it gave away her true emotions.
He watched her carefully, as she spoke, but he didn't see her.
 
 
The sound of a dripping faucet echoed in his, ears as the smell of must and
dampness invaded his nose. The cold and dusty linoleum tile supported his
cheek, but chilled his body, even through his clothes, making his little body
shiver. The last thing he remembered was washing his hands.
He needed to get up but he felt too tired.  His arms didn't want to work. He
wanted to go cover up with his blanket in his closet. He shouldn't be in here.
If he was found... His body reflexively jerked when he heard a shout,
that reverberated throughout the house hold and he knew from the tone, it
wasn't going to be the last. 
The loud voices wouldn't go away. He glued his eyes shut and he was so tired
but he couldn't sleep. He didn't want to see anything as his body ached in this
darkened bathroom. If he shut his eyes, it meant it wasn't really happening.
Still the voices got louder and angrier as his tiny body shot with pain. He
could feel it all, and he slammed his hands to his ears, as he tried to shut
out the sound but it wouldn't stop the pain. How could nothing, feel
everything? He was a horrible thing and he deserved this. Otherwise, it would
be different, wouldn't it? It's his fault. It's his fault. It's his fault. He's
dirty. So dirty.
Only, the voices still came through. It was as if they were yelling into his
ears and if he opened his eyes THEY would be there...
He focused on his breathing, his heartbeat, the sound of his body shaking, or
listening for anything other than THAT, in the hopes to find something to
distract himself.
He listened to the hum of electricity in the walls, but the humming sounded
more and more like a gentle voice calling him. The voice grew closer and closer
until it encapsulated him in a soft, warm, pink bubble. What was this? This...
this was what he had been wanting. This was gentle, kind, and full of love. He
felt like he had been starving until this energy fed him.
He dared to open his eyes, and before him knelt a beautiful, raven haired,
woman in white. She could have been mistaken for an angel for the way she
glowed with a heavenly light. She called out his name calmly, with a loving
smile, and he was drawn to her. She held out her hand to him and spoke quietly,
but it was as if her voice resonated throughout his whole body.
[chap14 2]
Shakily, he lifted his tiny hand and set it into her warm hand that was
extended to him. In that moment his whole world filled with bright light like
he had seen the sun for the first time.
He felt reborn as she embraced him.
 
 
Slowly, he came back to his senses, and immediately, his eyes fell onto where
she was rubbing her arm. A bruise was already forming. A torrent rushed over
him, as everything came back to him and he remembered what he had just done to
her.
He leapt over to her and tried to grab her arm to look at it, but a panic burst
inside of Lydia, as she pulled away from him. He froze when he saw her reaction
to him. A deep lead ball suddenly filled his stomach as guilt and regret spread
through him.
"I'm… I'm.. so s,s,s,sorry… I.. I… I.. n,n,never…w,wa, want, t,t,t" He
stuttered out but he was beginning to lose himself again. Lydia saw this and
pulled him in sweetly while she began to rock him.
"Shhh, it's ok. I'm fine. It's ok. Shhh… Allen. Let's calm down. Ok?" She
continued to rock him back and forth while kissing his cheek. She needed him to
know that he was safe and that she wasn't going anywhere. Thankfully, it wasn't
long before he began to calm.
He let his body give in and he felt like someone had cut the strings to a
marionette. His body felt languid and heavy in the safety of her embrace. She
was what he had always needed but never knew was missing.
When he finally could lift himself, he gently pulled away from her. He felt
like she was so far from him, now that she wasn't holding him but he had to be
strong.
"I'm sorry. I'll try to continue as best as I can. Ok?" His face reflected an
incredible pain and deep love. She nodded to him with a smile and sat back down
onto the blanket to let him continue.
"Ok.." He put his hand over his mouth but then began to speak again.
"I think you… you just witnessed something that can happen to me from time to
time. I don't think about that time because… it makes me do things I regret.
I've done many terrible things that I regret, and Oma and Opa unfortunately got
the brunt of it. When I wasn't emotionally shut down, I was out of control and
violent, but with their kindness and patience; I was able to learn how to
function and accept their love and love them back. Otherwise, I still would be
completely emotionally closed off, like I am to the rest of the world. That's
not normal to not even feel a shred of anything for any other human. That's
just psychopathic."
He sat down by her but gave a little space between them. He still couldn't
trust himself quite yet.
"When I'm stressed out, like really stressed out, I'll shut down, freeze, or I
have this horrifying anger that builds up. I'm terrified of myself, Lydia! I
used to take it out on myself and it's hard for me to feel like I'm a good
person… or even human sometimes. How can I be when I'm like this? I'm unable to
open up to anyone and yet I'm cursed to feel everyone else's emotions? Why do I
even have this ability?! I don't want it." He scratched at his neck nervously
as he continued to try to make sense of himself.
"I know I'm loved, and protected, but I can't shake feeling that I'm absolutely
worthless and a burden. I couldn't imagine what would have happened to me if I
had stayed with my parent's longer than I did…" He let the breeze take his
words as he continued to try to hold it together.
"I think I'm broken." He calmly looked to her with glistening eyes.
Lydia scooted closer to him and leaned onto his shoulder. He fought the
instinct to pull away from her touch but her calming energy seeped into him and
helped him relax.
"I don't think you're broken at all." She lovingly snuggled her head on him.
He gently pushed her away and gave her the most heart wrenching expression she
had ever seen.
"It's not normal for a kid in elementary school to try kill themselves. It's
not normal to try to do it time and time again. Even though I was safe and
loved. Even though I loved them and cherished them too. I still felt dirty and
worthless. I'm a real coward who will always want to run away from everything,
including life…" Allen began to finally silently cry.
She felt a chill go through her whole being and suddenly she was unable to
move. Her heart hurt for him, as she pictured all those happy photos of him,
when he was younger, that Oma and Opa proudly displayed throughout their home.
That happy looking child was hiding away his true self by learning early on to
wear a smile as a mask.
"If Opa and Oma hadn't continued to be patient and loving with me… I wouldn't
have made it. I put them through so much, but they never stopped trying to save
me. I never deserved them. I stopped trying to kill myself and honestly, I
really don't want to die but… I never stopped thinking about it. There's
another voice inside of me… it tells me horrible but truthful things." He
shoved his face into his hands and sobbed silently. She couldn't help her
thoughts as she realized she had never seen anyone cry so quietly. People
always make some sort of noise but he was completely mute as he would lurch
forward in a sob. It's clear that was something he had to learn.
She grabbed him tenderly, as he began shake again, while he quietly cried onto
her shoulder. There were no words that could comfort a soul that was so
damaged. So, she let her actions speak to him as she rubbed his back, holding
him tightly with her arms, and serving him tender kisses over and over.
His voice shook but he sat up looking a little stronger. He wasn't crying
anymore but she could tell he was fighting back the tears as best he could.
"Now… I try my best to prove to the world, and myself, that I'm a good person.
I just hope it's enough to make up for how horrible I am. My whole "nice" act
is just that…an act. It's to hide the horrible person I really am. I HATE
myself Lydia! I'm NOT a good person. A good person doesn't think these sorts of
things. A good person doesn't assume the worst of people right away. A good
person doesn't hide their real self away. A good person doesn't shut out and
lie to the rest of the world. My parents didn't want me because they saw what I
really was. Shouldn't parents love someone unconditionally instead of treating
them like…" He stopped talking and moving. Lydia began to recognize his pattern
now. He would freeze up when remembering certain things. She could see how
stressed out he was by sharing any of this.
She sat up and tried to move forward but he pulled away from her again. She
wanted to tell him how wonderful he really was. That the illusion was actually
the reality. She had to tell him.
"Don't you DARE tell me I'm not… Just DON'T!" He pulled on his long hair and
she realized that he must have read her thoughts. He began to pant but it was
short lived. He tried to take some deep raspy breaths to calm himself before he
sat up and looked to the moon.
That beautiful moon seemed to be a calming beacon for him to focus on, as it
helped him enough, to lose that look of self-hate that had been affixed to his
face for a while. He took another deep restorative breath before he got on his
knees and sat in front of Lydia. He took her hands and rubbed them with his
thumbs before he looked into her eyes.
"Don't, don't worry… I'm not going to do anything. I really do love my life. I
love everything about it right now."
With a free hand he gently placed it on her chilly cheek. She closed her eyes
as his hand's warmth spread through her face.
"Lydia Deetz. I need to tell you… I'm in love with you." His voice was strong
and true.
Her heart leapt into her throat as her eyes shot open to meet his gaze. A soft
smile decorated his gentle and loving stare that permeated her to the core.
It was then that she understood the profoundness of the sentiments behind every
poem, sonnet, and love song that she had ever read or heard. Her heartbeat
quickened as she struggled to find the words to give a reply that could share
the deep ardor that she felt.
In the end, she settled with the most-simple of replies that carried with it,
her whole heart.
"I love you too."
***** Know When To Hold 'Em *****
Chapter Notes
     Time for Lydia to face her best friend. I have such empathy for these
     characters. It's hard putting them through all of these challenges.
                                 _Chapter_15_
                            _Know_When_to_Hold_'Em_
.
.
.
The red marker let out a squeak as she dragged it across the little square. She
had just marked off another day on her calendar and it wasn't getting easier.
She knew the time to face him wasn't something to put off any longer.
[chap15 1]
"I sure hope two weeks has given him enough time to cool down." She slumped
against the wall feeling emotionally exhausted. Even her legs didn't like
carrying this weight and needed to find extra support.
She had decided that today would be the day and she was preparing herself for
battle. Now was the time to fortify her armor and sharpen her weapon. Sitting
at her writing desk she pulled out a long piece of parchment and began to read
it over for the umpteenth time. She had lost count, but she wasn't taking any
chances. This stupid piece of paper controlled their destiny and she was
conflicted with loathing it and loving it.
This was her contract with Beetlejuice and it was etched into her every fiber,
word for word, as it pulled the strings of fate with a sadistic sense of humor.
The time had come, as she hesitantly touched the mirror's surface. Her touch
resembled a large drop of water that had dripped into a placid bowl as waves
rippled outward from the contact.
Her voice was firm and demanding. She had no room for tenderness as this battle
was set into motion.
"Beetlejuice! I know you're there. Answer me."
A few long seconds later, a most bored and uninterested appearing Beetlejuice
faded into view. He did not face her or say a word but instead examined his
nails as if they were the only thing that kept his interest.
"We need to have a serious talk." She said folding her arms. Her resolve was
strong, and she kept her footing rooted as she prepared for any reaction he
would throw at her.
"I haven't the foggiest about what you mean." He shrugged, with an air of
disregard, and the mirror fogged up any view that she had of him.
"You know exactly what I mean." She wasn't playing this game. She needed him to
be totally serious and stressed this with the gravity of her words. Leaning
forward she glared at the fog, as it began to clear, and tried her best to
subdue her anger that threaten to rise. She needed to keep her head clear and
focused.
When the fog cleared, she was able to once again face her bored looking
counterpart.
"Beej, you're just going to have to deal with me having a boyfriend. I have my
life to live and you have absolutely no say in that." She straightened up
quickly, and directed her stern view, in an attempt to try to bait his
attention.
And, it worked. He shot his head in her direction and flashed her a spiteful
glare.
"Like hell I don't! You're mine." He growled.
She knew he wanted to break her mental fortitude, but she wasn't bending.
"Says who? You? I don't control your afterlife so why should you control my
life… and if you dare say the contract says you do, you're sorely mistaken.
I've read the whole thing, through and through, quite a few times and nowhere
does it say that I'm your property." She held up the offending contract and
snapped her hand against it to emphasize every bit one of her words.
"Tsch, you're my bride to be ain't that the same thing?" He smirked and then
leaned forward like he had her cornered.
"And I ain't letting no flesh bag have you, in any way, and believe me, I'll
make anyone sorry to be alive if they interfere with our relationship." He
looked predatory, but this time, instead of being intimidated she let her anger
be fueled by it.
"If you dare to do ANYTHING, I will not hesitate to tear up this contract and
never see you again. He's important to me!" She yelled, gripping the contract
tight, she was willing to do anything to protect Allen and her relationship.
His threats were real, and she wanted to show that hers were as well.
"Pfft" He blew her off.   "As if you would. Our relationship is worth more than
any amount of fuckin' horny, teenage boys that come chasing after yer tail. And
you know it."
That was it. That was it wasn't it? He just doesn't get it does he? 
Still, she will give him a chance to redeem himself. She did value him. She
valued him more than he ever knew, but she wasn't going to be bullied into
anything. Real friends don't do that.
"So, are you saying to me that you will continue to harass, intimidate, or even
hurt him as long as I date him?" She sent glare back to him similar to the one
he threw at her earlier.
"Yuuuup!" He leaned back cockily.
"And are you also saying that you don't respect my feelings for him or what I
want?" She began to tear up. Please let him understand how important this was.
Please let him change his mind!
"Not for him." He fanned his hand in a sweeping circle, while still looking
away, making it clear that he was blowing all of it off again.
"What would change your mind? How can I keep my boyfriend and still  have you
as my best friend?" A tear made its escape down her cheek and betrayed her
strength. Let there be a way to keep them both. Please. Please!
"Nothing and no way!" He rolls his eyes. As if he'd compromise for a fuckin'
flesh-bag that's after his Lyds. Why the hell would he... blechhh.. share her
with anyone?! Them being so close already is too close for HIS comfort. She
might have to be taught a lesson...
 Lydia lowered her head and let the full extent of his words hit her. They sunk
deep into her and she felt like she was thrown into the ocean. That was it...
Oh gods, this was it.  She felt herself break and in that moment, she realized
the futility of arguing with him. Her lip quivered, as if it was a resounding
death rattle to her efforts, and she finally gave up.
"I'm sorry Beetlejuice." She said softly while looking down to her feet. She
couldn't let herself look at him anymore. Those three words carried a weight
that no words should have to have to carry.
"You better be. Hurry and dump the loser, so we can get back to being us." He
turned around feeling absolutely triumphant. He had won, once again, and was
willing to hear her plan on how to fix this fuckin' mess. More of an apology
and groveling would be nice too! He always did love a good boot licking.
Only, he didn't find her standing there apologetic. Instead, she was holding up
the contract with both hands. She was still looking at the floor as her hands
shook while they inched closer to the middle of the top of the paper.
That was the moment when he truly understood what she apologized for and what
was really at risk. His eyes grew wide and he felt like if he moved, it would
startle her, like she frightened animal and she would tear it on accident.
"What the hell are you doing?!" He said with trepidation, trying to caution
her while also trying to calm her from making any hasty decisions.
"Good bye." He could see her tears falling down her cheek as her haunting words
floated to him. This couldn't be. No. No, she wouldn't do this to me!
Slowly, her hands pulled the paper in opposite directions, and a tear began to
spark and ignite, but magically, it didn't burn the rest of the paper around
it.
"Wait!" He slammed his body against the mirror in a panic to get to her. He
needed to physically stop her, but he was trapped behind this damned mirror. He
wasn't convincing her and this was bad. REALLY_BAD!
She lowered her head down again and continued to tear it at a painfully slow
speed. She clenched her eyes shut, as the contract began to light up and spark
like fireworks.  The magic was powerful and she could feel it like it was
tangible.  Her hair whipped around her and her heart felt just as chaotic as
she continued to end it all.  This was breaking her heart too but she had to
follow through.
[chap15 2]
"Babes! Stop! Wait! I'll let you keep him! I promise I won't butt in! STOOOOP!"
He begged her with all his soul, as terror began to sink in. He could feel
their separation grow with every millimeter in that tear. He was losing her!
"What?" He heard her quietly ask but he didn't see her move at all. Something
he said caught her attention, but it did not still her hands. Oh gods, what was
it that made her listen? OH! Maybe it was about that asshole? That had to be
it.
"C'mon! I'll let you keep him! You know, like a pet. Just don't tear up our
contract! Don't I mean anythin' to ya?!  What about all our years together?
C'mon babes! You know I can't make it without you!" He's was beyond panicking
and was now begging her with his hands clasped together. He felt desperate and
he'd do and say anything to keep her in any wayhe could.
She lifted her head to look at him but she still didn't stop her action. She
was analyzing him, as best she could, and trying to use every bit of empathy
she had to sense if he was lying. She would have given anything to have an
ounce of Allen's abilities right now.
"And you won't complain or do anything about my relationship with him?" Ok
Beej, I'm giving you your chance. Please take it. Please show me you're still
my friend. Her thoughts were trying her best to reach him.
"I PROMISE!  JUST STOP!!" He screamed out with a final desperate plea.
She stopped, rolled up the contract, (which had already magically healed) and
pointed it angrily at him as a final warning.
"No complaints, no interference, and no juicing!" Her words were as firm as
steel and she wasn't giving in. She wouldn't hesitate to prove it again.
"Anything!" He said worried that she'd get upset again. He would not be taking
any risks with this scorpion tonight.
"Ok, I'm believing you Beetlejuice. Don't make me regret this." She puts her
hands on her hips, as she released him from the mirror. She hoped that this
would be the turning point for them. Hoping to heal the damage that had been
done.
He slipped through the mirror, like the glass wasn't there anymore, as a wave
of relief went through his body.
She hugged him right away, and hoped that they could now do damage some
control, so that they could get their friendship back on track. They had to fix
things or else... she didn't want to finish that thought. He was probably
oblivious to how hard this was on her too.
"I'm sorry, but I had to put my foot down. This is that important to me
and HE is that important to me." She needed him to respect her feelings. She
needed him to respect the boundaries in their friendship, that were there for a
reason. Contract or not, they were friends, first and foremost, and he needed
to treat her like that.
[chap15 3]
"Don't ever scare me like that again." BJ didn't hear much of what she said as
he held her tighter. He was so focused on releasing all of his fear and shock,
that he had just suffered through, with their embrace. He felt like he could
breath again, if that was even possible.
"I won't, IF you hold up your end of the bargain." She smiled, feeling the
comfort of having her friend again. She began to let herself feel hope. She
knew how important their friendship was to him and how he never wanted to lose
her. It gave her comfort. He was going to be her constant in her life and that
was something she wanted to rely on. She needed him as much as he needed
her. Well, she hoped that was the case.
"Hey, Just don't expect me to be all buddy buddy with him. It won't be
happenin! It just won't." He grumbled out. He didn't want to discuss this any
more than that. She did tend to get preachy and he wasn't in the mood for it at
all.
"Ok." She finally smiled out.
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