Page 36 of In All My Dreams

I convinced Georgia that going into her mother’s office was a good idea, that it would make her feel closer to her, even after death. Just like sneaking into Irene’s untouched bedroom had always brought me some sort of solace. Being around her stuff made it feel like she was still there with me after she died.

The first time Georgia saw her was the same day I snuck into her mother’s office with her. Georgia left screaming, and her mother has tortured her from that day on. Coming during the night and leaving Georgia in hysterics and tears as I held her through the aftermath, night after night.

I thought she had finally released her grip on Georgia the day she finally escaped this graveyard when she left for college all those years ago. The nightmares stopped then.

Until I was selfish and thought I could finally be with Georgia, the way we always promised each other. When I followed her to California six years ago, not knowing that I was dragging her mother’s ghost right along with me.

How do I tell the woman I love that I’m the reason she’s being haunted by her dead mother’s ghost?

17

Georgia

Nine Years Old

Istare at the willow tree from the comfort of my bedroom, hating the sight of it just as much as I hate the stupid lake that lies beyond it.

My mom’s been dead for six months.

My best friend has been dead for three years.

The lake and willow tree are both reminders of the two worst days of my life.

Two gravestones, with no names carved into them. Instead, those names are carved into my heart. Ripping it to pieces with each reminder that they are both gone.

I miss them both every day, so much.

But I miss them more today. Because today is my birthday. The first birthday without a hug and kiss from my mother. The first birthday without being smothered in her favorite perfume.

Another birthday where I age one more year, and my best friend stays stuck at five.

There’s a soft knock at my door.

“Come in,” I try to shout, my voice clouded by sadness as Mrs. Foster enters the room.

“Happy birthday, sweet girl,” she says sadly. A fake smile tugs on her lips as she comes closer and wraps me in a hug.

“Thanks,” I say lifelessly.

Mrs. Foster tuts under her breath and pulls me away from her so she can see my face. “Oh, hunny, I know today must be so hard for you. But your mother wouldn’t want you to spend the day sad like this. She was my best friend, and I know she’d hate to see you this sad on your birthday. Your birthday was her favorite day of the year, you know?”

I roll my eyes, refusing to respond. My mother didn’t even want me to have this birthday.

“Well, when you’re ready, I made your favorite cake, and I even made some banana bread muffins for breakfast,” Mrs. Foster says, smiling at me with that sad smile of hers. The one that matches Ian’s nowadays.

“Thank you, Mrs. Foster. Did my dad leave already for work?”

Mrs. Foster gives me a look full of pity. The same looks that everyone gives me now that my mother is dead. “He had to gointo work early this morning and handle some things. I’m sorry, Georgia.”

I feel like someone is trying to yank my heart right through my skin.

He never came in and wished me a happy birthday.

He’s always made me happy face pancakes for my birthday.

I miss him so much, and he’s not even dead.

“Chin up, Georgie. It’s your birthday!” Ian pushes past his mom and hands me a yellow sunflower. “Happy Birthday.” He smiles, making my own smile sneak out.

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