Bound Angel Bound Demon (22 page)

Chapter Thirty Eight

The day went quickly, luckily for Gary, and he managed to hold himself together. Alex’s dad was also staunchly calm; he was using his wife’s grief as a way of deflecting his own feelings.

A
s the wake ended, and people began to say their goodbyes, Gary felt exhausted, but tried not to show it. Marie was right, he needed to be strong and just get through the day, it was about saying farewell to Alex.

Only Alex’s parents and Marie
remained in the house now, Marie was tidying up in the kitchen. It was time for Alex’s mom and dad to go to the airport.

Gary walk
ed them out to say his goodbyes. Marie stayed inside, busying herself with the dishes, wondering whether it was the right time to tell him the truth about Alex.

She was
lost in her thoughts and didn’t notice Gary come back in.

“Leave
the dishes Marie, I’ll finish them off later, it will give me something to do,” said Gary.

Marie jumped at the sound of his voice.

“Sorry Marie, I didn’t mean to scare you,” said Gary.

“No
, I didn’t hear you come in that’s all, I was miles away”, said Marie still stacking the dishwasher.

“Marie, you’re
as bad as I am, trying to do things to stop yourself from thinking. I forgot you must be needing to grieve as well, you’ve been running around after me and everyone else all day, and not had time to stop and take in today for what it’s about,” said Gary.

“No
, I’m fine, I just want to make sure everything is ok before I go.”

“Look if you want to stay and clean
up, I may as well help you. I can see you’re not going to go until you’ve finished,” said Gary warmly.

“Look you go and have a bath and shave
, I’ve nearly finished here anyway!” said Marie, trying to avoid having to chat with him until she’d thought things through.

“Marie
, what is it? There’s something you’re not telling me.”

“It’s
nothing, it’s just been a long day, that’s all.” Marie put away the last of the washing up and turned to Gary. She could feel him trying to read her mind.

“You miss her too don’t you?”

“No, I mean yes, of course I do. Gary can we just leave it alone tonight? I’m tired and I don’t want to get into anything just yet,” said Marie getting flustered.

“Marie, sit down, you’re not making any sense and I know you too well
not to realise something’s up,” said Gary. He poured them both a glass of wine and came and sat on the chair in front of her.

Marie took a deep breath and took a sip
of the wine. She wasn’t sure this was the right time.

“Come on
, what is it, is it about Alex, are you finding it hard without her?” asked Gary, his eyes not moving from her.

“No
,” said Marie taking another drink.

“Come on Marie
, you’re not normally lost for words, what is it? You’re worrying me now,” said Gary, his voice becoming sharp.

“It
is
about Alex, but not what you think, I didn’t want to talk to you about this until I knew it was the right time, but I don’t know when the right time will be,” said Marie.

“Marie
, please, what is it?”

“You remember when I did that true love spell with
Alex, she said she told you about it.”

“Come on Marie
, hocus pocus and all that. I know you’re a bit different but if you’re going to tell me that it’s your fault that she’s dead, I’m here to tell you that it’s not; and your bloody spells or whatever wouldn’t hurt a fly,” said Gary trying to control his anger.

“I know you
’ve never believed in magic Gary, and that’s why I wanted to wait to tell you the truth,” said Marie getting upset.

“The truth
is that Alex is dead and gone, and it was nothing to do with your spell,” snapped Gary.

“No. T
he truth is, yes Alex is dead, but no she’s not gone!” shouted Marie. “See, this is why I didn’t want to do this now,” she cried.

Gary just looked into his glass. “What are you saying
? That she’s still here, that she’s not dead, that I didn’t hold her hand while she died?”

“Look Gary, what I’m trying to say is
that she’s here in spirit and as a ghost,” said Marie wondering how he’d react.

“
That is really funny Marie. The joke’s over now and I think it’s time you went, we’ve both had an upsetting day and I think we need space for a bit.”

“I’m not leaving until you believe me
. This is important for both of you. That spell I did must have made her spirit stay, because of the love you both have for each other, she came to you last night when you were upset in your bed, you said it yourself, it was as though she was there,” said Marie.

“Don’t be silly, I was upset
, I was tired, she wasn’t really there,” he said, beginning to wonder.

“Look the only way
to prove this is to show you, you need to concentrate and let her know you need her and she will come.”

“Marie I’m not doing this with you, I’m tired
. Please Marie, leave now, this is just too much,” said Gary.

“No
, not until you see for yourself. Alex if you can hear me please show yourself, I know you’re here,” shouted Marie.

Gary looked around waiting for a flash of light
ning or something. “See, nothing, Marie you’re upset I know, but this is getting silly, now please just go.”

As he stood up to take the glass from Marie
he felt something or someone touch him on the shoulder, he turned around and saw Alex standing in front of him.

Chapter Thirty Nine

“Sit down Gary, before you fall down,” said Alex.

He
sat down without saying a word, he still couldn’t believe his eyes.

“It’s ok I’m still try
ing to get used to this myself. Marie was trying to tell you the truth, but being the stubborn person you are Gary you wouldn’t listen, you can be a right arse with people sometimes,” smiled Alex.

Alex
spoke to Marie, “Sorry, I know you said stay away, but I could sense something wasn’t right, and it’s lucky I did.”

“
No Alex. You came here last night and I told you not till he was ready. Ok I don’t think he would have ever been ready for this, but still. . .” replied Marie.

Gary
still couldn’t speak, he just watched Alex and Marie talk.

Marie looked at Gary. “I’m sorry Gary, I know this is a lot to take in
, but now you can see for yourself that she is here and it’s all because of how much you love each other,” said Marie handing Gary another drink.

“This can’t be real, I can’t understand this
, I watched you die, I. . .”

Alex took
his hand, “I’m real Gary, and I’m here because of you, if it’s what you want,” she said.

Gary looked at
her hand, then up into her eyes.

“Alex
, it’s you, it’s really you,” he exclaimed.

Alex kissed him
. She had wanted to for a while, but hadn’t been sure if she could do it so he would feel it, but she felt the tingle like when she normally kissed him, but something more.

“Gary
, love, I will never leave you, unless you ask me too,” she said.

“Leave me
, why would I ask you to leave? I was lost, when I thought I’d lost you.”

“I know
. I wanted to show you I was still here but I was trying to understand this myself,” said Alex.

“Look you
two need to talk. I’ll leave you but I’ll be back tomorrow, I’m sure you’ll have questions by then, but for tonight you need time to both come to terms with this,” said Marie.

Marie kissed Gary on th
e forehead and hugged him. “I’m sorry Gary,” she whispered, and left.

The room fell
silent, Alex sat down on the sofa waiting for Gary to speak.

Gary couldn’t look at her, part of him was frightened this was all a dream
, part of him was scared of what it meant; was he going mad because of his grief and desire for Alex?

“Gary, p
lease look at me, I’m here. I didn’t understand it myself, I don’t think I fully understand it still, but I’m here for you,” said Alex.

Gary looked up with tears in his eyes, “I just don’t know what to say about all this Alex, where to start
. Who else knows about this? What happens now? My mind is swimming, I’m happy you’re here, but scared you will leave, or that this isn’t real and I’m having a break down, that this is all madness just in my mind.”

Alex didn’t get up from he
r seat to comfort him, she wanted to try to answer some of his questions. “Let me tell you my understanding so far, and maybe it will make you feel better somehow. First of all, only Marie knows, she said it was best for the time being that way, and I understand you’re scared but I think I’m stuck here because I need you, and you need me,” said Alex.

“But how long for?” Gary asked.

“That I can’t answer. As far as I know, forever, or maybe until you don’t need me anymore, look that doesn’t matter, all that matters is that I’m here and we can learn about this new existence together, if you want. If you don’t want to, I will go, and leave you to move on with your life. This is all up to you Gary. I’m happy to do what you want and you know that. I always did before, so no need to stop now.”

“How long h
ave you been back?” Gary asked.

Alex smiled at the question
, “I don’t think I ever left. It was all a bit of a blur, I remember lying in your arms and then everything went blank, next thing I know I’m next to you in the hospital, then I ended up at Marie’s. At the beginning, there was a lot of going backwards and forwards between you and Marie, but I have been training, which you should be pleased with,” she laughed thinking of what she’d just said.

Gary
looked at her: she was really there sitting in front of him, he wasn’t crazy, and she was willing to stay with him, if he wanted her to.

“So you
came to me last night?”

“Yes
, like I said, I’m here because of you, I believe I sensed your need for me, or heard you. They seem both the same thing, come to think of it, and then I just closed my eyes and I was with you.”

“Why didn’t
you let me know sooner? Why did you let me go all that pain?” Gary couldn’t help it, he was angry and upset.

“I’m sor
ry, but Marie didn’t want others knowing. It was too risky. I was still trying to control appearing in the right room. I knew Mom and Dad would be here and I couldn’t appear in front of them, they couldn’t take it, they need to move on with their lives without me.”

Gary went quiet
, not sure what to say next. Alex moved closer to him and held his hand.

“Gary
, all I know is right now, at this moment, I want to be with you. I want to spend the night with you, if in the morning you find this too much, I will go, but please let me stay just for tonight!”

Gary looked Alex in the eyes and
leant forward to kiss her, but stopped.

“Alex
, I want you to stay tonight, stay in our bed with me, hold me tight. I want to forget about death, ghosts, spells. I just want it to be me and you,” Gary stood up and took Alex’s hand.

They went
up to their bedroom. They undressed cautiously and got into bed. Alex held Gary in her arms, stroking his hair, no sex would be involved tonight, Alex still wasn’t sure if it was even possible, but this night was about them needing to hold each other, and showing how they still needed each other.

Without any words they lay in each other’s arms until Gary fell asleep
. Alex still didn’t sleep, she never would again, but she stayed holding him and watching his rhythmic breathing. She knew he hadn’t slept well since she’d passed on. Even if he woke up the next day and didn’t want to carry on like this, at least they’d both been able to hold each other one last time. Tears formed in her eyes, this was another new feeling she would have to get used to, she hadn’t realised she could still have physical responses; it was promising in a way.

Chapter Forty

Gary woke up refreshed, he hadn’t slept that well for ages. He opened his eyes with trepidation, but Alex was still there, sitting up next to him in bed, for a second it was like nothing had happened. The horror of the last few weeks disappeared.

“Morning baby, you look better this morning, but I still think you could do with a good wash and
a shave. The rough look doesn’t work for you. When you’re done we’ll have breakfast.” She got up to get dressed.

Gary lay there
thinking; he knew he couldn’t let her go even if this
was
really weird; he would have to learn how this might work.

Alex returned and gave him a kiss
. “Go and bath, I will make you some breakfast.” Gary did as he was told.

He turned the running water off and climbed in
the bath, the warm water enveloped him, he could hear Alex moving around in the kitchen, he closed his eyes, she was back and he was happy.

He
bathed, washed his hair, and had a shave. He felt much better. He could smell breakfast cooking downstairs, he dried himself quickly, put on some cotton trousers and a T-shirt, and went down to Alex in the kitchen.

She was putting
everything out on the table. Alex looked up and smiled when she saw Gary. “You look a lot better, here eat, I don’t suppose you’ve eaten properly for a while either, and you need to watch your heart and health,” said Alex as she poured a coffee for Gary.

“My healt
h! Don’t you think that’s a bit much coming from you, I mean you’re not of the living,” said Gary, tucking in.

Alex laughed,
“Good to know your sense of humour hasn’t gone, but seriously Gary you need to look after yourself, you could die and not come back like me, and I would be left on my own.”

Gary looked at her
, he could see she was genuinely worried, “I’m sorry Alex, I didn’t mean it. I will look after myself in future.”

“Thank
you,” said Alex as she sat down at the table to join him.

“A
ren’t you eating?” asked Gary.

“I don’t need food now
, or sleep!” answered Alex.

Gary looked at her
, feeling guilty about eating in front of her. “So you just lay there last night watching me?” he asked.

Alex nodded, “It’s funny
, I don’t miss food, or sleep, it’s hard to say why.”

“Alex
, I’m so glad you’re still here, I want and I need you to stay.”

“I told you
, I will do whatever you want, you’re still my master,” she laughed.

“I see all your taste
s haven’t changed then.”

“No, but
I’m not sure if I can meet all my and your needs, that’s something I haven’t got round to talking about with Marie yet,” said Alex.

“Oh right
, but if we can’t, well, I’m just happy to have you here with me, it’s not the end of the world.”

Just then
there was a knock at the door, Gary looked at Alex.

”It’s ok
, it’s Marie, but I can’t answer the door and risk someone seeing me, can I?” said Alex.

“How did you know it was Marie?” asked Gary getting up to answer the door.

“I don’t know, I have this sixth sense I suppose, go on, don’t keep her waiting.”

Gary opened the door and
Marie was standing there with a big smile on her face. “Morning Marie, come on in. Alex is in the kitchen,” said Gary.

Marie skipped past Gary strai
ght to the kitchen and sat down. Alex gave Marie a coffee and sat down beside her. Gary looked at them both as he came in, he was glad in a way for everything Marie had done, but he still needed to know more details.

“Come on then
, how did it go last night? Have you managed to talk things through? I can see by the look of you, Gary, that you’re starting to feel better, so that’s a good sign!” said Marie.

“Well we talked a little
, but mainly Gary slept, but that’s ok, he needed it,” said Alex.

“Let me start by saying
that I talked to Ray this morning and he said Tracey was well enough to leave the hospital. She has a fractured rib, so stills need rest. Ray has sent her to stay with her family until she’s well enough to return, if that’s what she wants to do, which according to Tracey she does,” said Marie.

Gary looked at Alex, suddenly
remembering that terrible night. Alex moved to Gary’s side and put her arm around him.

“It’s ok Gary, it wasn’t your fault
, it’s over and done with now, we can’t turn time back, we need to go forward,” said Alex.

“He got me mixed up with Ray you know, I shouldn’t have left you alone
, tied up like that, I’m so sorry,” Gary said with tears running down his face.

“Stop, I’m here for you
, ok not fully how I used to be, but I’m here,” said Alex.

Marie put
her cup on the table and looked at them both. “Gary, stop dwelling in the past, yes Alex is now a ghost spirit of her former self, but together you can carry on as normal, well to some extent anyway,” said Marie.

“I don’t understand,
” said Gary.

”Alex can only be seen by people who have a connection
with her, that was why I wouldn’t let her come here while her parents were around, the stronger the connection, the stronger she is to that person, like with you,” explained Marie.

“You can hold her
, touch her, and I know you are both dying to know, excuse the pun, but yes if you want, you can have sex,” laughed Marie.

Alex looked at Marie and
grinned.

“I love
having you here Alex, I don’t think I’d have been able to carry on without you,” said Gary.

“But
. . .?” said Alex, she was scared he was going to send her away.

“I’m
frightened, what if you can’t stay like this for long, what if you’re taken away again?” he started to cry again.

“Gary, Alex is here for as long
as you need her, she is here because of your need, your love, she will only go when there comes a point when you no longer need her,” said Marie.

Gary felt Alex hold him
tighter, he held her face and pulled her near to him, “Alex I will never, ever, not need you, I will love you forever,” he said and kissed her.

“Right then
, that’s my cue to leave, look if either of you need me for anything just call or pop over, whichever’s easier. But Gary, please don’t cut yourself off from your friends, call Ray, he’s worried,” said Marie as she got up to go.

“But w
on’t Ray see Alex?” asked Gary.

“No
, I told you the person has to have a very strong connection, he may see a shadow, but he will shake it off as soon as he sees it, thinking that it’s nothing but his mind playing tricks, don’t worry, now look after yourself and I want you both to come over to mine the weekend. I’m missing the company.”

Marie hugged Alex and then kissed Gary
on the cheek, and left.

Gary held on to Alex for ages
, not wanting to let the moment go.

“You
won’t lose me now,” said Alex softly.

“This is it
, this is our life from now on, you’re still here and we’ll have each other forever, I still can’t believe it, but I’m not going to question it anymore,” said Gary.

“Well before we do anything else
, I think we need to some catching up, I may be able to go without food and sleep, but there’s one thing I certainly need,” said Alex with a cheeky look. She leant forward and kissed Gary again, but this time with more passion.

Gary responded, tugging at her clothes
and then running his hand through her hair. Alex wrapped her legs around Gary and he lifted her up and carried her across the living room to the foot of the stairs.

“Let’
s take this one upstairs, we don’t want to risk being seen, people will think I’m totally mad,” Gary started to laugh.

“Now th
at
would
be something: to watch you making love with thin air,” answered Alex.

They were in the bedroom, clothes being pulled off
, eager to get hold of each other, Gary wanted to feel her flesh, and then he would know this was real.

Alex lay
on the bed looking up at Gary and he began to kiss her inner thighs. Alex felt a tingling all over, he moved to her stomach and breasts, she was warm to the touch and he was enjoying tasting her. Then he was looking into her eyes, she was alive with her need for him, and he loved it. He entered her and began to slowly build up the ecstasy. She was wonderful, wrapped around his cock, it was like little vibrations were running through her into him, making him want her more and more, she was like his goddess.

He opened his eyes and saw Alex
, she had her eyes closed, feeling his every movement. Her skin was shining, almost shimmering, this was exciting and magical all in one, a fantasy come true. Alex was more beautiful than he could ever remember, her breasts fuller, her lips more luscious, he kissed her and tasted her tongue, he felt like he could have sex forever, it was like Alex had him under a spell, controlling him and giving him everything he needed. She was making love to his mind as well as his body.

He closed his eyes
, feeling every sense come alive,
God thank you for this woman,
he thought to himself.

Gary came inside her, he opened his eyes and he noticed Alex was now on top of him riding him hard
, he was not sure how this had happened, but he just accepted the pleasure not wanting it to stop and not sure where he was getting the energy from.

Alex
had never felt so hungry for sex and love in her life, and now in death she was in total control, her every desire taking control, if she wanted it, she got it. One minute he was next to her, the next she was on him, then it was doggy style, she knew she was in charge now, everything she wanted was happening, and she wasn’t ready to stop yet.

Gary couldn’t believe how many times he
had come, he was normally very much in control to make it last, but he couldn’t. Alex just seemed to release him and then make him hard again and again, time no longer existed.

Alex was his,
but she was in complete control, and he loved it.