"So what you're telling me is there's a ghost named Ace Finnegan, residing in that mansion on Willow Lane and you're helping him find his killer alongside Levi."

I nod. "Yes."

She takes a sip of her coffee and places the mug on her nightstand. "Okay, I believe you."

Yes! "Wait, why do you believe me? You haven't even seen any evidence or..."

"Marie... I'll say this again... I live in Moorwood. I've seen a lot of things... this is just normal information." She leans on the headboard and stretches her arms out. "My question is, why were you keeping this from me?"

"Well he didn't exactly say I couldn't tell anyone... but I felt it would be wrong," I mutter.

"You're too much of goody two shoes."

My ringtone interrupts our conversation. To my dismay, it's my stalker again. But I'm happy I'm not alone this time. "Look." I show Gaia the screen. "It's the person I was telling you about."

She takes it from me and answers the call. "Gaia wai-"

"Shhhh," she silences me as she holds the phone to her ear. Just as I told her, the chilling exhales echo through the receiver.

"Hello?" she says.

As though this person didn't hear her, the sinister breaths continue, devoid of any discernible words. "Okay, can you like stop panting and speak? I can practically smell your stupid breath from here," she snaps.

I gasp. "Gaia-"

"You should at least let me know what you want— money, my head, but no, you're just breathing. Best believe we're on to you bitch and when we find you it's all over."

She hangs up and throws the phone at me. I catch it and glance at the screen. "What did you just do?" I panic.

"We have to let them know we're not scared."

"But I am scared. Maybe it's easy for you to say because you're not the one being stalked here."

"This person might not even be here, okay? Most likely this person's in Egypt or something and is just calling you to torment you."

"Well, I hope you're right." I glance at my phone again and see a message plastered on the screen. 'I can see you.' which was typed by my stalker.

I squeal and throw away my phone. "He said he can see us Gaia," I cry out. "You're too frigging gullible," she sighs and picks up the phone. "If he can see us then why doesn't he give us a sign."

Suddenly a loud thud breaks our conversation. Gaia furrows her brows and slides off the bed. "What was that?" she muses as she slinks to her window and parts the curtains aside. "Maybe it was just a blinded bird," she mutters.

"Yeah a bird, it was a bird," I agree, not wanting to look at any other theories.

Another loud thud against the window makes Gaia flinch and sends my heart beating into my throat. Immediately she shuts the curtains. "It was a rock," she concludes. "But I don't know where it came from."

"Meaning?" I ask.

"Meaning this person might not be in Egypt after all."

•••

Gaia and I decided to hit Starbucks right after Mae changed my bandages. Walking down the street, I spot Tristan approaching the building with Jack on his back. "What's up with these two," Gaia mutters.

"Yo," Tristan smirks. "Gaia what happened to your friend?" he asks, nudging his head in my direction.

"May I ask the same about yours?" she replies, defiantly crossing her arms over her chest. Jack's head is drooping over Tristan's shoulder, his eyes closed. Did he get beaten or something?

"I asked first," he retorts.

"Fine, it was a lynch mob," she replies.

"A lynch mob? How is that-"

"I've answered your question. Now it's your turn," she intervenes.

"Okay, okay, Jack and I were racing each other and I forgot he-" Jack slaps his hand over Tristan's mouth, his eyes fluttering open. "I told you not to tell anybody," he mutters drowsily. "Now put me down."

Tristan lets him go and he lands on his feet, swaying around until he finally regains balance. "Hey Cassi... I haven't seen you in a while," he slurs and extends his hand for a shake.

Before our hands can meet, he doubles over, clutching his chest and coughing violently. Startled, I take a step back, my eyes widening in alarm. His coughs grow more intense and I notice specks of crimson stain the pavement. Panic washes over me as I realize something is seriously wrong. "J-Jack what's happening?... are you okay?" I stammer and rush to his side, placing a hand on his back as he continues coughing, his face contorted with pain.

"So you're not gonna tell us why your friend is exhibiting symptoms of pregnancy?" Gaia asks.

"Yeah I don't think this is a symptom of pregnancy... and also he's a male," Tristan clarifies. "But he actually-"

"Sh-Shut up... Tristan y-you idiot," Jack utters, gasping for breath. He straightens himself up and wipes his mouth. "I'm okay," he insists and limps into the building.

We all glance at each other, besieged by confusion. "He doesn't want to hurt his ego," Tristan says. "I don't think it would be nice for me to tell you guys what's going on. I'd rather you hear it from him."

Gaia grabs my shoulder. "You can do that Marie, while Tristan and I order the food."

"What? Do you think he'll tell me?" I ask.

"He will trust me." They walk into the building and I trail behind them. "They have chemistry," Gaia tells Tristan.

"W- What are you talking about? We're just friends," I defend.

Tristan glances at me with a smug smirk. "I agree... they do have chemistry. But let's make sure Mia doesn't find out about that," he says.

"Pfft, what can Mia do," Gaia snorts. "Marie, go meet Jack in that booth over there and probe him for answers."

I roll my eyes. "Just order me a strawberry Frappuccino and two muffins."

"Will do," she replies.

With that, I swivel the other way, approaching a vacant booth by the window. There, Jack sits with his head against the window and his arms twisted around himself. I slide into the seat across from him. Don't screw this up, Cassi.

I look at him, observing him closely. His skin is pale and his brown eyes heavy as they gaze out the window. He wasn't beaten 'cause I can't see any bruises. What else could be the reason for this terrible condition he's in?

He glances at me from the corner of his eye and I quickly divert my gaze, whistling a tune as I glance around the store. The ceiling has never looked prettier.

He takes my hand, making me release a startled gasp. "What happened to your arm?" he asks, bringing my hand up to his neck.

His skin is burning up. Very badly.

"U-Uh I... fell... down the stairs," I stutter, trying not to get lost in his hypnotic gaze. "I don't think falling down the stairs could give you a black eye," he chuckles.

"Well, it did," I quickly defend.

"Okay then, I believe you," he says. "I hope you've been taking good care of yourself."

"Y-Yeah I have."

He slips my bracelet off my wrist. "This is pretty," he remarks as he puts it on. "Um someone gave it to me," I say, not sure if he's listening as he admires the bracelet on his wrist. "I'm keeping this," he states.

"What? No way, I got that as a gift!" I snap.

"Oh... so you want me to give it back?" he asks.

"Well yeah, I just told you it's a gift."

"Oh okay," he mutters and takes it off, stretching it out to me. About to take it, he moves it further away. "You mean you want it back?" he asks, flabbergasted.

"Aren't you a guy? What business do you have with girly charm bracelets."

"Is it bad to like girly things?... just let me have it," he entreats and pokes out his lower lip. "Well... okay," I mumble. I still have like three others in my room anyway.

He slips it on with a satisfactory smile. "Don't worry, I'll keep this well." He then presses his palms against the table, pushing himself up to his feet. "Excuse me," he says before leaving.

I completely forgot to ask him why he was coughing out blood earlier. I watch him as he walks into the men's bathroom. I almost wish I could follow him in there. Just to know what's wrong with him and not for any other reason.

Meanwhile, Gaia and Tristan arrive with the food. "What did he say?" Gaia asks, setting a tray on the table. "Well... nothing... I kind of got distracted," I mumble sheepishly.

"Distracted by what? His eyes? And you'll tell me there's nothing up with you two," she snaps.

"There isn't, Okay?" I take a muffin and stuff it in my mouth. "It just slipped my mind," I mumble.

The bathroom door swings open and Jack comes out, ambling towards the booth. "He's coming," I mutter.

We all remain quiet as he takes a seat beside Tristan, picking up his latte and taking a long sip. Gaia nudges my shoulder and points toward the front counter. There, I see Carter Williams sitting on a stool, talking to one of the barristers. When did he get here? It's like everyone I hate decides to come to this place when I'm here.

Seeing him reminds me of his little assault back at that party. I release a low growl and clench my fist. "Why are you staring at Carter like that?" Jack asks, his cheek resting in his palm.

"Oh nothing... he just borrowed my math note and didn't return it," I lie.

Gaia turns to me. "I thought you said he tried to get into your pa... nts," she pauses, realizing what she just said.

"Are you serious?" Tristan asks mid-laughter.

"Is that why you had no shoes and your gown on backward?" Jack chuckles and takes another sip of his latte. Heat rises in my cheeks as I recall my encounter with him that night.

"Whatever," I sigh, shifting my gaze out the window. "I'm over it anyway."

"Over what? What if he banged you?" Jack asks. "You know that would have been bad, right?"

"Well, what do you want me to do about that? It's not like I'm capable of hurting him or anything. Besides... I'm used to being treated that way," I mutter.

"Now do you think we're just gonna let him off the hook for what he did?" asks Tristan. "I heard the back of this building is good for giving people a good thrashing, what do you say Jack?"

Jack nods in reply. "Yeah, I'm up for it."

"He's coming," Gaia alerts. I turn my head, my eyes immediately locking with Carter's, a smug smirk plastered on his face. I shoot him a withering glare which he seems unfazed by.

Then as if guided by some unseen force, his steps falter and he stumbles forward. His frothy latte flies out of his grasp, the contents splattering across the floor. I've never seen something more satisfying than this.

"Whoops," Jack chuckles. "You should watch where you're going next time."

Carter scrambles to his feet, furious as he takes in the sight of his ruined shirt, brown blotches staining every corner. "Jack," he growls.

He lunges himself at Jack but Tristan immediately steps in, getting to his feet as he holds his arm out, creating a barrier between the two. "What are you trying to do? It's not Jack's fault you weren't looking where you were going," he states.

"You're kidding me, right? He stuck his foot out on purpose," he retorts.

"Yes because you're a prick," Gaia intervenes.

"Tristan, can you stop embarrassing me?" Jack whines as he gets to his feet. "Yeah, I tripped you. So what's your plan now? To fight me?"

"Well, what does it look like?! And after I'm done beating your stupid ass, you're refunding the money for my latte," he sneers.

"No, no, no way, absolutely not, you can't just fight at the back of the building, that's immature and there are better ways we can settle this, okay? Violence is never the answer," I say, getting to my feet. "Look, everyone is already staring at us like we're crazy people, let's just take our food and leave."

Carter throws me a glare. "Just shut the hell up, do you think anyone here actually cares about what you say?"

"Hey! Watch your stupid mouth or I'll throw a punch at it," Gaia growls as she drags him by the collar.

"Excuse me, excuse me," says one of the employees, coming our way. "Please, you all are bothering the customers, can I know what the problem is?" she asks.

"Well Miss, your prick of a customer tripped me and made me spill my drink. And not only that but he made me stain my Balmain T-shirt, this is designer, you can't just find it anywhere."

"Okay, okay listen," Jack intervenes. "How about this... we fight and if you win, I buy you another drink. If I win, you-"

"You wear my little sister's pink princess tiara for the whole of next semester," Tristan interjects.

"You're kidding, right? How is that even fair," Carter fumes.

"What the hell are you complaining about? If you're so confident you can beat me, you shouldn't be worried at all," Jack states.

"Fine." They shake hands on it and begin marching outside.

•••

No part of the agreement took place. All that's happened since we got outside is Tristan and Jack incessantly kicking Carter between his legs.

"Come on Carter, you're tough, right? Get up and fight me," Jack states, sending his foot into his groin. Carter releases a distressed yelp, as he grips his thighs, agony laced in his expression.

"Okay that's enough," I demand and take Jack's arm. He and Tristan turn to me, looking confused. "What are you talking about? The dude tried to get in your pants," Tristan reminds me.

"Yes but... violence is never the answer," I mutter and approach Carter, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Are you okay?" I ask.

"Get off me," he slaps my hand away and struggles to his feet. "All of you are just dumb pieces of shit!" he yells as limps out of the alley. Okay, now I slightly regret helping him.

Gaia places a hand on my shoulder. "You're way too nice."

"Well, can you blame me? I couldn't just watch him get beaten like that when I know exactly how it feels. And you guys didn't even stick to your agreement," I snap.

"Guilty," Jack chuckles. "Hopefully he's learned his lesson, right?"

"Well, I doubt that," Tristan mutters. "I only came here for a drink and look what I've gotten myself into after promising my mum I wouldn't fight anymore," he sighs. "I'm leaving Jack, you coming?" he asks.

"Yeah, yeah gimme a sec," he wraps an arm around my shoulder, leading me out of the alley. "Are you busy tonight?" he asks.

Sweet biscuits he just asked me if I'll be busy tonight. Is he about to ask me out on a date? But what about Mia? I can't make him cheat! "Uh n-no," I stutter.

"Oh... that's too bad. I would've liked for you to come visit tonight," he slips something into my palm. "Okay Tristan, let's go," he says. Tristan approaches us with Gaia, waving at us before leaving with Jack.

"He told you something," Gaia says. "Spill it."

"Um... he asked me if I would be free tonight."

"And what did you say?"

"That I wouldn't be."

"You know what Marie, you're book smart. But after that, the rest of your brain is jelly," she states and walks away from me.

"But what's wrong with what I said? I was just trying to help him maintain a faithful relationship," I defend."

"Oh shut up and let's go home."

•••

After Gaia's hour-long tirade about how I failed at seizing the moment, we went our separate ways. I would have stayed at her house a bit longer to wait for Mae so she could carry out my checkup, but I was in a hurry to read what was in the paper Jack slipped into my palm.

So I kick off my shoes and fluff on the couch, sucking in a deep breath. For some reason, my nerves are poking at my sides. I have no idea what it is he couldn't tell me in person.

Slowly I unwrap the paper. It's tissue paper and the writing was scribbled down in haste. I have a feeling he wrote this down while he was in the bathroom.

Sorry this was the only paper I could find, I felt really bad when I saw your busted arm and I'm quite certain you didn't fall down the stairs, but I didn't want to intrude on your business. So I wrote this to give you some tips on taking care of yourself (This is so nerdy right?)

First of all, you should start with a balanced diet. It will help the healing process. I wasn't comfortable seeing you eat muffins. Also, avoid any activities that will put a strain on your arm or any part of your body. During this period you should be resting.

Bathing might be difficult so I hope you have someone who can assist you. If you don't my number is on the other side of this tissue.

I stop to smile at that sentence. He has Levi's caring mentality— either that or he's just a pervert. But I always have Margo to help me.

You probably won't call me, but I put it there anyway. Dealing with injuries can be challenging both physically and emotionally, but I'm guessing Gaia will be there to keep you company. If not you can always watch TV or read a book or something. And always stay hydrated. I hope this helps
Xoxo

I put it down, smiling to myself as the thought of him scribbling all this down for my sake flashes in my head.

This is better than a love letter.

Thanks, Jack.