Page 61 of Ghoul Kisses

I sit with Jessie on the back porch with a glass of peach soda in my right hand. I’m at my home; the house I grew up in. So many bad memories are here, but it doesn’t feel as empty and cold as I remember it. I sense warmth, love, and peace. The sun sits high in the sky. Atlanta weather is blazing. I wipe the sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand. The smell of fresh cut grass and charcoal lingers in the air. My old dog, Rust, wags his tail and his tongue hangs out from his mouth. I named him that because his coat is a light red color. I love my golden retriever. Gently, I pat my lap. He barks and makes himself comfortable on my legs.

“You need to go back Sarah, Eric needs you,” Jessie says, sipping her sweet tea.

“You know about Eric?” I ask, surprised.

“Of course, I do. He is the first man you’ve loved… I mean creature,” she giggles at her own words.

“No, I want to stay here with you, in paradise. I’m happy here. No more sorrow.”

“Your mission is not complete,” she answers, Jessie looks the same as the last time I saw her; tan skin, jet black hair, and puffy cheeks. She looks more like dad, or that’s what mom used to say. I continue to stroke Rust as he licks my face. I miss him so much.

“Which is?” I drag out the words.

“You’ll figure it out soon enough,” Jessie murmurs, and tears fall down my cheek.

“It’s not right, you died and I lived. Mom didn’t treat you right. She left you stuck raising me.” Pain constricts my throat, but I needed to say those words. Her hazel eyes narrow and she plays with her fishtail braided hair; she always wore her hair in that style.

“You’re my baby sister, I don’t regret what I did for you. I’m mad at you for not going back to that hunky piece of ass, Eric,” she says through her southern accent.

I’d rather stay here with her.

“You need to go back to him. He needs you,” she says with a smile.

“He also will help you complete your mission.”

“What mission?”

“You will find out soon.”

White light ripples through the sky, and I cover my face to keep the light from blinding me.

“Go!”Jessie yells.

“Wait! Will I see you again?” I ask as tears glisten in my eyes.

“Yes, in here,” she places her right hand on my chest.

“Now go!”she screams. A white light engulfs me.

My head hurts and my vision is fuzzy. I look at the ceiling. Something is in my throat. A lady pulls it out and I gag. Pain radiates in my skull. God, my head hurts like hell. I glance around the room. I’m in a hospital room. The medical equipment hums, and a nurse stares at me. She checks my blood pressure and my heartbeat.

“Your vitals are fine. The doctor will be in here in a few minutes,” she says, leaving the room. Eric walks into the room. He’s lost weight since the last time I saw him. His beard and hair have grown out. He has dark circles under his eyes.

“Why are you staring at me?” My voice is hoarse. He pulls me into a hug, planting kisses over my face as tears fall from his eyes.

“Where am I?” I ask.

“Swedish Medical Center.”

“Do you remember what happened?” he asks.

“I remember going to Vanessa’s condo, then her body went through a windshield,” I say, placing my palm over my mouth. Panic bubbles in my chest. “Oh My God, I have to check on her, I have to get to her, she’s dead.”

“Vanessa is okay,” Eric assures me.

“What? How?” I ask, shockingly.

“Vampires have healing ability. They can’t die unless they are shot with a Mercury bullet or getting their head cut off,” he says. I feel so relieved.

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