Last Dance (8 page)

All that was missing was the music.

If this were a movie, haunting music would play eerily in the background as Thorn and I made our way down a dimly-lit street that bordered a graveyard. No stars or a moon, only inky darkness and a drizzling rain that kept falling as if the sky was in mourning. A perfect night to meet a ghost.

“This is totally insane,” Thorn must have said a dozen times. But I noticed an excited gleam in her eyes. “I don’t know why I let you talk me into this.”

“You could have waited in the car.”

“And miss all the fun?” She laughed, holding tight to a blue umbrella. “Still I felt awful lying to my aunt about visiting a friend. She’d freak if she knew what we were really doing.”

“Technically you didn’t lie.” A gust of wind caught my umbrella, but I held on firmly. “We are going to visit a friend.”

“Only you would consider someone dead for fifty years a friend.”

“I consider you a friend, too.”

“Oh, thanks,” she said with a roll of her eyes.

We grew silent as we walked down the narrow country road leading to the park, where the pavilion rose tall and white against black night. We passed wild prickly rose bushes that grew in the ditch beside the graveyard. Through iron fences, pale headstones rose in eerie tribute to those loved and lost.

Beside me, Thorn tensed and I could tell she was nervous. Nona had told me never to fear a graveyard, that they’re only haunted by memories of the people left behind. But I wasn’t so sure …

We stepped through the park’s stone archway onto freshly mowed grass and moved toward the pavilion where a crowd gathered. Their dark umbrellas reminded me of black birds flocking to feast on scattered crumbs. Beyond the pavilion rose a rocky hill that jutted out then dropped off sharply into a canyon. The cliff, I realized with a shudder.

Bright artificial lights caught my attention and I saw Newscaster Heidi under a tomato-red umbrella, checking her makeup in a compact mirror. Her crew huddled under a flapping tarp, protecting their equipment. The last thing I needed was to accidentally get filmed at a ghost festival. If anyone from school saw me, it could be disastrous. So I planned to stay far away from the cameras.

“When will she appear?” I heard someone ask.

“When it’s completely dark,” came a reply. “Any minute we’ll be told to shut off all flashlights and they’ll cut the pavilion lights.”

Thorn nudged me. “What’s that music? It’s familiar.”

“It should be. We heard it over and over at the museum today,” I said, not adding that I’d heard this song in a dream before I even knew Chloe’s name.

“Yeah, that’s it.” Thorn snapped her fingers. “
Dance Away Love
. Kasper was selling the CDs for half price. What a gimmick. He comes off all jolly like a bald Santa, but he’s only after a quick buck. He didn’t even live here when Chloe died.”

“You can’t blame him for being a good businessman. Look, isn’t that him now?”

“Yeah. Talking to that dark-haired woman. She’s familiar. I’ve seen her before.”

“We both have,” I agreed, watching as the woman left Kasper in the crowd and made her way to the raised pavilion. “Only she was wearing a yellow Chloe shirt at the time instead of bobby socks and a poodle skirt. She’s the one who told us about Chloe. The fan club president.”

The woman folded her dripping umbrella as she stepped onto the covered pavilion. She held a microphone and moved with authority. As she took a commanding position, the crowd burst into enthusiastic applause.

“Welcome!” she addressed the audience. “I’m delighted to see all of you here tonight. As most of you know, I’m Monique Montes, President and Co-Founder of the Chloe Club and I’m delighted to see you all again for our Annual Chloe Celebration.” She shielded her eyes from the glare of the TV camera and added, “It’s almost time to turn off the lights and invite Chloe to join us.”

“This is so bogus,” Thorn muttered beside me.

“In a few moments, we may witness an amazing sight,” Monique went on with a dramatic wave of her hands. “Some of you are here for the first time and others, like myself, have been coming every October since Chloe first appeared here nine years ago. For Chloe to show herself, conditions need to be perfect. So close your eyes and push out all thoughts of negativity.”

“That means you,” I whispered to Thorn.

The music grew louder, drowning out the sound of drizzling rain. Monique ordered everyone to turn off flashlights and cell phones. Her tone reminded me of a teacher giving a test as she added, “Our guest of honor is easily startled. So I implore you to keep quiet.”

“No one saw Chloe last year,” Reporter Heidi shouted with a silver flash of a microphone. “Can you comment on that?”

“How can anyone explain the unexplained? Although, you may remember, it didn’t rain last year.”

“Well it’s raining now.” Heidi’s golden hair glowed under camera lights. “Does that mean we’re in for a real-live ghost show?”

“Not without quiet and total darkness,” Monique retorted.

Heidi got the message, and the camera lights flashed off. But I noticed a faint red glow and suspected they were still filming with special night cameras.

Monique stepped off the pavilion, snapping open her umbrella and melting into the audience. Someone shut off the music. Around us voices faded to silence.

“Do all these people really expect a ghost to come on schedule?” I whispered to Thorn, my umbrella lightly tapping hers as I leaned closer. Even with a jacket, damp cold chilled me.

“Looks like it,” she said with a nervous glance around. “Don’t you?”

“It’s always unexpected when I see a ghost.”
And a little scary
, I thought to myself.

“Well I don’t expect to see anything. This is commercialism at it’s worst,” Thorn said so loudly that someone nearby shushed her. She lowered her voice only slightly as she added, “Someone dressed in a sheet will appear, convincing everyone they’ve seen a real ghost. Then they’ll rush off to buy more souvenirs. I’ll give it twenty minutes, then I’m out of here.”

I didn’t blame her for being skeptical because I had my doubts, too. And my fingers were so numb I could hardly feel them holding my umbrella. If anything was going to happen, I wish it would happen soon.

I got my wish.

Something in the atmosphere changed. Lights flickered on and off over the pavilion. Flash, flicker, flash … then total darkness. For a moment, everything was silent and eerily still. Then a mist rolled like gray clouds over the pavilion. Pinpoints of lights swirled into a foggy shape that swirled and swayed with unearthly life. And confusion rippled through the crowd.

“It’s her!” someone behind me exclaimed.

“Where?” several people asked.

“On the stage!”

“But there’s nothing there!”

Oh, but there is
, I thought as a luminous shape hovered over the center of the pavilion. A misty girl with caramel brown hair and a mid-length full skirt.

“Chloe,” I murmured.

“Do you really see her?” Thorn asked in a puzzled tone. “All I see is fog.”

“It’s Chloe all right.”

Around me people chattered excitedly, some able to see Chloe and others not. The ghostly figure twirled, then slowed to a stop and lifted her arms towards her spellbound audience. I sensed sadness, longing … and anger.

“She’s looking for the guy she loved,” I whispered to Thorn. “James.”

“And I’m looking for her, but I can’t see anything.”

“It takes a lot of energy for ghosts to materialize and even then only some people can see them. James is probably dead, so she won’t find him. Not in this world anyway.”

But even as I spoke, I felt an inner tug. A connection to Chloe that bound us together across space and time, like an invisible cord. The intensity of it scared me.

Okay, I’m here.
I called out to her with my mind.
Now what? Why have you been in my dreams? What do you want from me?

She threw out her arms and twirled—faster, faster, faster. Although I stood still, some part of me moved with her, spinning with grief and confusion. Together, we were trapped in a hopeless dance of heartache.

In my head, I heard her cries,
James
…
James
…
James.

The crowd had quieted. Light sprinkles splattered on umbrellas while everyone stared at the pavilion—spellbound. I’m not sure what they saw, maybe no more than night mist. But there was a hush, as if everyone was holding their breath. Waiting.

Thorn leaned close to me. “What’s happening?”

“She’s dancing on the pavilion.”

“Chloe?”

“Yeah.”

“You’re kidding, right? There’s nothing there.”

“She’s like a faint mist. I can see right through her.”

“Well I don’t see anything at all. This is bogus.”

“It’s real. Maybe you don’t see because you don’t believe. Chloe led me here because she wants something …”

“What?”

“I don’t know …” My head throbbed. “I can hardly think … I have to go to her.”

“Don’t be crazy.”

“Too late,” I said with a wry smile.

Then I handed Thorn my umbrella and took off running. Instead of going ahead to the raised stage, I veered away from the crowd. Creeping low, I stayed out of sight and circled around to the back of the pavilion.

My thoughts were clouded, as if controlled by someone else. My legs moved with a will beyond my own. At first no one noticed me. But when I climbed up on the back edge of the raised platform, startled murmurs rose through the crowd. I floated in a dream; none of this seemed real and my sole focus was Chloe.

“I’m here.” I told her, not sure whether I spoke aloud or in thoughts. My body trembled. I was close enough to touch Chloe, but my fingers would only pass through air. She was as transparent as moonlight.

When I sent my energy out to her, she seemed to grow more solid. Her mouth curled up in a wistful smile and she lifted out a hand toward me.

James?
I heard her somewhere inside my head.

“No, I’m Sabine. You called me. What do you want?”

James
…
James
…

“He’s not here. And you shouldn’t be either.”

Where are you James?

“I don’t know where he is.” I sucked in a cold breath. “But I think he’s waiting for you.”

Her eyes blazed with quick anger.
I waited and waited
…
always waiting
…
for James.

“He’s been gone for over fifty years,” I said more firmly. “He can’t come back, but you can go to him. Look for the light—”

I can’t
…
have to wait
…

“For what? A guy who lied to you?”

No, NO!
Caramel hair rippled in angry waves as she shook her head.
He didn’t mean it
…
know he loves me
.

“It was a long time ago. You’re stuck here because you’re confused. You have to let go so you can find peace on the other side.”

No peace for me or for the betrayer.

“What betrayer?” I gasped. “What do you mean by that? It happened so long ago, you have to understand that James can’t come for you. You’ll be happy if you go to the light.”

There is no light. Only forever darkness.
Thunder rumbled overhead, and her translucent body sizzled as if electrified. Her face sharpened, hardening with icy rage, and a red shape appeared on her chest—a ruby-red heart like the one on the forbidden door.

Frightened, I backed away, but she advanced toward me, her heart now seeping red, spilling around her in a bloody tide.

Soon my waiting ends
, she said ominously.
The betrayer will fall
…
and you’re going to help me.

Before I could say anything else, the overhead lights flashed on.

Blinded by the intense brightness, I shut my eyes.

When I opened them, Chloe was gone.

The lights seemed to break the spell I’d been under, and maybe the audience, too. Everything went crazy. Chaotic voices rose excitedly as people shoved their way to the pavilion. They swarmed forward like an angry mob, shouting and pushing. I blinked, like a sleepwalker shocked awake. For a confused moment I wasn’t sure what I was doing on a stage. Then memory crashed in and I panicked. Backing away, I whirled and leaped to the ground.

Then I ran.

Footsteps crunched behind me, so I ran faster. I kept replaying Chloe’s last words. She was crazy if she expected me to hurt someone. No way!

Behind me, footsteps came closer. Fear choked me and I kept running. I wasn’t even sure where I was heading, just far away.

A rock rolled beneath my foot and I stumbled. My arms flailed, but I managed to steady myself. There was a sound behind me. Before I could turn, someone grabbed my shoulder.

“Let go!” I struggled to break free. “Leave me a—”

“Chill Sabine, it’s just me.”

“Thorn?” I wiped raindrops from my eyes as I whirled to stare at my friend. “Wow, am I glad to see you.”

“You’re soaking wet. Here, take this.” She handed me my umbrella.

“Thanks.” I pressed the release and the umbrella sprang open. I’d hardly noticed the rain before, but now I shivered from the cold.

“Why didn’t you wait for me?” Thorn demanded. “There’s a reason why I didn’t sign up for the track team. I hate running.”

“Sorry … and thanks.”

“What were you thinking anyway?”

“I don’t know.” Shudders rippled through me. “I can’t believe I was up there—the pavilion—in front of people. But it was like I was walking in a dream. I must have been insane.”

“It was weird, but it’s over now. You can relax.”

“Relax? Doubtful.” I gave a shaky laugh, looking around at the rocky ground and realizing with a shock where I was. In my haste to get away, I’d run uphill and now stood mere feet away from a cliff—the deadly cliff where Chloe had lost her life.

“Let’s get out of here.”

Thorn nodded, and we made a wide circle around the festival grounds to the road. “You okay?” she asked gently.

“As okay as anyone can be after acting like some kind of one-girl freak show. I can’t believe I went up in front of people! What if the reporter filmed me? The last thing I want is to have people know about me—what I can see. But I didn’t have control, like I wasn’t even me.”

“I couldn’t believe it when you jumped up and started talking to yourself.”

“I was talking to Chloe.”

“If you say so,” she said doubtfully. “Did she talk back?”

“Yeah, but not aloud the way we’re talking. It was like she was inside me. Yet I saw her, too, and felt her emotions.”

“She’s possessing you?”

“It’s more like she’s forcing me to help her. Only I’m afraid of what she plans to do. I could have found out more only the lights went on.”

“From what I could tell of the angry crowd, the lights were supposed to stay off. Whoever turned them on should have his face smashed.”

“Any idea who did it?”

“Beats me.” Thorn shrugged, stepping around a deep puddle. “I’m still ticked I couldn’t even see the ghost. All I saw on the pavilion was rain, mist, and you. Are you sure you were talking to Chloe?”

“Definitely.”

We lapsed into silence as we headed to the car, my emotions raw and anxiety growing. I felt sorry for Chloe; it must be horrible to be trapped in limbo. It was obviously confusing her into paranoid accusations. Was James the betrayer? If so, then why was she still speaking of loving him? She was clearly one messed-up ghost.

Why can’t I have a normal life without weird stuff?
I thought angrily.
It’s like trying to put together a puzzle with half the pieces missing. And I don’t know where to look for the missing pieces.

That night I plugged in my nightlight and sank under my covers, weary and exhausted. I wanted to sink into peaceful oblivion. So I curled deep under the covers and closed my mind to all things mysterious.

“That includes you, Opal,” I added in a whisper so I wouldn’t wake Thorn.

Don’t get uppity with me young miss,
came a sharp reply.

“Oh, so now you’re around?” I pursed my lips angrily. “Where were you earlier?”

Time and space rules don’t apply here, so there’s really no answer you could comprehend. Though I’m always close to you.

“So why didn’t you help with Chloe?” I demanded silently.

You’ll have to be more specific. I’m not all-knowing, although I do possess vast stores of knowledge.

“Why is Chloe bugging me?”

Why not you? You have gifts that can do much good. When a lost soul seeks help, it takes a strong person to put aside fears and offer assistance.

“I don’t have time to deal with a psycho ghost. No way am I going to help her get revenge. That’s crazy! Besides, I’m going home tomorrow.”

Every action you take is your own choice and I will never utter a word to influence your decisions. I won’t mention the joy of putting others’ needs above your own. Or how the act of offering help unselfishly can be its own reward.

“The only reward I want is my grandmother to be healthy. Which means finding the charms. Tell me where they are and I’ll do anything you want.”

I cannot tell what I do not know.

“Then I’ll find out on my own!” I sat up in bed, punching my pillow. “I don’t need you! Just leave me alone!”

The shake of her head held regret. Then her image faded and she was gone.

Fine! She could stay away for all I cared. If she wouldn’t do what I wanted, then I wouldn’t do what she wanted either. After one more trip to the retirement resort, I was out of here.

Good-bye Pine Peaks.

Good-bye Chloe.

* * *

I awoke to sunshine and a refreshing sense of new beginnings, as if last night’s rain had washed away all night phantoms. With renewed energy, I slipped into jeans and a sweatshirt. Just a few more hours until I would be back home with Nona, where I belonged. And tonight I’d attend my first dance with Josh.

I was feeling so good, it was a bit of a shock to come downstairs and find Thorn sitting meekly in a chair with her expression downcast and her shoulders hunched. Her aunt stood over her with folded arms and a stern expression. Something was up. And it didn’t take long to find out.

“Sabine, please join us,” Mrs. Matthews said briskly. “This concerns you, too.”

I gulped and shared an uneasy look with Thorn, who twisted her hair and flushed guiltily.

“I had a very interesting phone call early this morning.” Thorn’s aunt pinched her lips together. “Beth, do you remember Mrs. Snope?”

Thorn shook her head.

“Mrs. Snope works at the library. And she remembers you.”

“Oh?” Thorn glanced down at the carpet as if the floral pattern was fascinating.

“Mrs. Snope was working late last night. And on her way home, she saw you going into the park. Who exactly was this friend you were visiting?” she asked with suspicious emphasis on the word “visiting.”

“Uh … you wouldn’t know her.”

“I’m sure I wouldn’t. But I do know your mother wouldn’t approve of your being involved in occult activities. She is a minister, after all, and preaches honest beliefs, not ghost chasing.”

A minister!
I shot Thorn a startled look.

“Beth honey, I’m sure you had a good reason for going to one of those occult gatherings and I want to hear what it is. We’ve always been honest with each other, I know you wouldn’t lie to me.”

“I didn’t … not really …” Thorn’s words trailed off and she looked so miserable my heart went out to her.

“She didn’t lie,” I said. “It was all my idea.”

“Oh?” Mrs. Matthews’s brow raised as she turned her attention to me. “What exactly was your idea?”

“Uh—going to the pavilion.” I gulped. “We—uh—we planned to visit a friend, but I wanted to see a ghost. So I convinced Tho—Beth to go there instead.”

“I’m sorry, Aunt Deb,” Thorn added contritely. With her hair swept back in little barrettes and not a trace of makeup, she looked young and sweet.

“I know you wouldn’t intentionally do anything wrong, but I’m responsible for you while you’re here and I can’t help but worry.”

“All we did was get rained on. There wasn’t anything to see.”

“Of course not,” her aunt said with a pragmatic wave of her hand. “It’s a lot of nonsense. That’s why Charles and I avoid going into town this time of year. Too much traffic and unsavory sorts milling around, not a healthy environment for two innocent girls.”

I glanced at Thorn, expecting her to scowl at being called “innocent,” but she merely nodded.

“We won’t be around much longer anyway,” Thorn added. “One more trip out to Peaceful Pines, then we’re going home.”

Home.
I smiled slightly, thinking of Josh, Nona, and Penny-Love. I couldn’t wait to get back. In a few hours my life would return to normal. I’d be glad to see Thorn back to normal, too, dressed in black and threatening to smash faces.

After a breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, and strawberries, I tried once more to call Nona. But all I got was one of those fast, busy signals. Like the phone was off the hook or out of order. I tried Penny-Love and her mother told me she was off with some friends.
Which friends?
I wondered, feeling a bit left out. I was tempted to call Josh, but it was still early and I knew he liked to sleep in late.

It was also too early to go to the retirement resort, so I went into my room and started packing. I was zipping my toiletry bag when I heard the phone ring from downstairs. A few moments later, Mrs. Matthews peeked into the room and held out a cordless phone to me.

“It’s for you. A woman.”

“Nona. About time, too.” Smiling, I jumped up and reached for the phone.

But it wasn’t my grandmother.

“Is this Sabine Rose?” An unfamiliar highpitched voice asked,

“Yes.” Something in her tone made me uneasy. “Who’s this?”

“I’m Nurse Eloch from—” Static rippled on the line, making it hard to understand. But my heart lurched when I made out the word “hospital.”

“Hospital!” I choked. “What’s this about?”

The connection worsened and I had to strain to listen. “I had to—found your number in—” Her voice flickered in and out. “—trying to contact you—your grandmother.”

“What about her?” I demanded, gripping the phone tightly.

“I’m afraid I—bad news.”

“About Nona?” My world jolted to a numb stop. “Is she all right?”

“There’s been a car accident—” Static interrupted again, garbling her words so all I could make out were, “injuries—come to—hospital.”

“Ohmygod! Nona!”

“—intensive care—emergency—not much time—”

“Not much time for what?” I cried. “Speak louder! Tell me what’s happened!”

But the static buzzed louder, then a sharp click and a droning dial tone.

The connection went dead.