"Damn will you two shut off that game and get ready. You are going to miss your own graduation, Teddi Graham Lachlan," Kristen stated as she stood with her hands on her hips staring at the sisters as they dueled over a PS2 game on screen.

"Uhhhh. Give me five more minutes. I'm finally beating her," Teddi replied as she tried to stretch and look around Kristen standing in front of her view of the TV screen. No sooner had she said the words to Kristen than Sam shouted at the top of her voice as her player reigned victorious over the match they were having.

"Well shit. Now look what you made happen," Teddi said as she threw down the controller and glared at Kristen.

"It's just a game. Now get your ass up and get dressed or I'm leaving you here to wallow around by yourself." Kristen turned and walked back toward their bedroom. Teddi grimaced toward Sam who smirked at her as she stood to follow Kristen. Sam reached out, turned off the PS2, and stacked the controllers neatly away. She stood and wandered back to the guest bathroom to check out her own appearance.

Glancing at her watch, she noted they had less than forty-five minutes before they would need to swing by the dormitory to pick up Grace Rockefeller. She would be part of their graduating group as her family would not be present and she had no one to go with her to graduation. Sam and Grace had been out to dinner several times since Cinco de Mayo and found that they enjoyed each other's company.

The conversations were brisk and filled with challenges as they usually disagreed on issues, which led to some stimulating conversations. Grace had been busy with finals and preparations for graduation and simply did not have time to pursue the relationship any further than the light dinners. Sam was willing to be patient as she sensed this was going to be much more than a casual fling. Her feelings for Grace were already much deeper than she had felt toward anyone in a long time. After graduation, Sam hoped she and Grace would have time to spend together to see where it would go.

*****

Teddi was throwing slacks over the bed as she removed several pair from the closet, still undecided which ones to wear. She was moaning under her breath about how stupid it was to worry about clothing that would not be seen since she would be covered from her neck to her boot tops. Kristen turned toward her from the dressing table and said, "Stop. That's enough. Put on the black slacks, the ones you just draped over the chair, that dark blue shirt that you like, your black belt and black boots, not the cowboy ones but the dress boots. That should get you by without overheating under your robe."

Teddi walked over behind Kristen, tilted her head back toward her and kissed her firmly on the lips. "Thanks babe. I don't know what the heck I'd ever do without you. You keep me grounded. I love you baby."

Kristen reached back over her head and pulled Teddi into one long lingering kiss as they shared the feelings between them.

"All right babe, I'll finish dressing now," Teddi remarked as she backed away from Kristen.

Kristen turned back to the mirror to refresh her lipstick that had smeared during the last kiss. She was ready as usual and just waiting on Teddi. It had been interesting living with Teddi the last three months but a time that she would not have given up for the world. As the days passed, their relationship and love for one another grew stronger.

Each day was exciting as they continued to learn each other's habits and personalities. It was a relationship of give and take, perfect harmony. Kristen thought back to their vows and their promises of love, devotion, faith and honor. She found when one loved with their whole heart; it was easy to have those elements in their lives. She and Teddi loved each other endlessly.

Teddi stood after slipping on her boots and walked back over to Kristen. She held her hand out toward Kristen as she rose to follow her from the room. They stopped long enough in the living room to grab Teddi's cap and gown and to follow Sam out the door.

Teddi and Kristen climbed into the backseat together, leaving the front seat for Grace as they headed toward the dorm to pick her up. All three women were thrilled that Grace would be with them today. Over the past several months, the four had drawn closer together and when they planned anything together, nothing was settled until each one of them was consulted.

*****

Grace picked up the letter from her parents one more time. On Grace's special day, they would not be present to celebrate her accomplishments. They would miss the top honors she was receiving. They would miss the awarding of the Graduate Academic Scholarship that she earned from the college for having the highest graduating average. Unlike all the other excuses she had heard before, this letter finally voiced the true reason why they no longer participated in her life.

Daughter,

Your father and I will not be attending your graduation as long as you continue to participate in the lifestyle you have chosen. Having a relationship with your same sex is abhorrent to your father and me. Until you come to your senses and change your sexual preferences, you are no longer our daughter. We cannot condone your behavior and until you give up that lifestyle, do not contact us or expect to hear from us.

Your Mother.

Grace threw the letter down and watched as it filtered to the floor and slid beneath the edge of the couch. A single tear rolled down her check and dropped off the end of her chin. She walked over to the mirror where she wiped her face. She did not want Sam to know that she had been crying. She walked back over to the couch and picked up the letter, crumpled it into her fist and threw it into the trash before the others arrived. She glanced around one more time, making sure that the room was tidy as she got her emotions back under control.

Sam hopped out of the car and sprinted up to Graces' room. With a fast staccato beat, Sam called out, "Hey Grace, shake a leg. Let's go. Teddi and Kristen are sitting in the car and want to get there a little ahead of time."

Grace opened the door and smiled up at Sam, holding out her gown for Sam to take as she closed and locked the door. Sam slung Grace's carefully pressed gown over her shoulder as she reached out and took Grace's hand in hers. She could see the redness in Graces' eyes as she stared into their hazel depths. Her heart ached for the pain she knew Grace was feeling over her parents not being present. Sam lifted Grace's hand and brushed her lips over the back of her fingers.

"Grace, have I told you how proud I am of you? Lady…you've done an incredible job in college and you should be elated over what you've accomplished," Sam spoke quietly to Grace as they walked toward the car.

"I know, Sam. I worked hard to achieve the goals I've met. I was hoping this would help my family see me in a different light. I guess it doesn't really matter," Grace said with resignation.

"Babe, turn it around and know that what you've done will always benefit you. I'm proud to know you and proud to watch you receive all the honors you've earned. No one can take that away from you. Now let's hit the road. If Teddi sits much longer, she may decide it isn't worth her time to dress in a gown and walk," Sam stated as she stopped, opened the car door and helped Grace inside. She opened the back door and passed Grace's gown to Kristen.

Grace said quietly, "Sam, you are way too good to me but I love it." She tucked in her skirt as she pulled the door closed, ready to move into her future.

*****

"Teddi, God damn it. Stand still or I'm going to get a stapler and nail the damn cap to your head," Sam said impatiently as she helped Teddi robe up for graduation.

Teddi snapped to attention and refrained from twisting around again to see what Grace and Kristen were doing.

Meanwhile, Grace had slipped into her graduation gown and Kristen was helping her settle the golden honors stole and cord on her gown. Grace wore two sets of honors; one for having the highest overall academic average and the other to represent the college Presidential colors for the scholarship she had received to continue her doctorate studies. When Kristen finally got Grace's stole fastened to her fastidious satisfaction, she stepped back saying, "Sam, what do you think? Look ok?"

Sam, with her hands still pinning Teddi's cap in place, turned toward Grace. The sight astounded her. Grace was stunning even dressed in black. Her long red hair flowed to the neckline of her black gown and simply blazed with color. Her hazel eyes were clear and bright. She blushed slightly from the stares turned in her direction. She had a slight smile on her lips, which Sam suddenly had a burning urge to kiss.

"Shit! My scalp is NOT a pincushion," Teddi said as she slapped Sam's hands away.

Sam had forgotten what she was doing and had jabbed the pin into Teddi's head. Kristen noted Sam's distraction and rushed over to Teddi to complete the task.

She nudged Sam aside as she laid her hand on Teddi's arm, keeping her from reaching up and snatching her cap off before even getting into the graduation hall.

Sam walked over to Grace and lifted both hands up into hers. She leaned down and placed a pair of kisses onto the backs of her hands. Grace blushed but was thrilled at the attention Sam was freely giving her. It was a soothing balm to her troubled soul.

"You are so beautiful. My God, I'm so proud of you, Grace. I wish I could take you out of here and show you how much." She bent closer and kissed Grace on the forehead, knowing any other kiss would blemish the carefully applied makeup.

Grace squeezed back on the hands that still held hers. Her breath caught in her throat as an overwhelming wave of emotion for Sam swept over her. What a time to feel like this, when I can't follow through, Grace thought to herself as she wished she could simply throw her arms around Sam and lose herself in kissing her.

Kristen and a still grumbling Teddi, walked up to join Grace and Sam. Grace turned toward Teddi saying, "Are you ready Teddi Bear?"

"Of course, Lacy Gracy. Let's get this monkey show on the road." Teddi replied sarcastically.

*************

As Grace and Teddi went in one direction, Kristen and Sam headed back around to the front of the hall. They walked along in quiet companionship, both caught up in their own thoughts. Sam glanced briefly to the side as she thought she saw two figures moving past them. Not seeing anything, she shook head as if to clear out the cobwebs. I swear I'm still seeing things. I have to have my eyes checked. She said in conversation with herself.

The two spirits continued soaring past Sam and Kristen and headed to the balcony of the hall. Perched on the railing, they paused to watch the women entrusted in their care. The younger spirit dab at her face as if tears were really leaking down her cheeks. Her older companion looked quizzically over in her direction.

"Oh, I know there are no tears but the feelings are still inside of me. I'm overwhelmed that all the work we've done this past year is finally ending," she said to her companion.

"Yes, my dear. I understand perfectly. In a sense, I want to see everything fall into place, yet I don't want our assignment to ever end. I simply love these charges we've followed so closely," the older ghost replied.

With a deep sigh, both women turned back toward the front of the room as the graduates began marching into the room. Amid the clapping and catcalls, the graduates lined up on stage. Grace stepped forward and slightly away from the rest of the men and women. They could see Teddi, still jerking on her gown and trying to tilt her cap in a cocky manner.

The hall became quiet as the ceremony began. Grace spoke for the graduating class before their guest speaker rose and took the podium. Sam's chest swelled with pride as she watched how poised Grace was before the massive crowd jammed in the hall.

Finally, the presentation of the diplomas began. Grace and Sam stood in place, clapping as Teddi triumphantly held her diploma over her head before walking to the back of the line. Sam remained standing, waiting for Grace to walk over to take her award from the college president. As he reached out to shake Grace's had, Sam lifted her hand to her mouth and let loose with an ear-splitting whistle, letting Grace know that she was watching her from the audience. Grace missed a step and side stepped slightly as she looked out over the crowd and noted Sam standing in place, towering over those seated around her. She forgot about her parents not being present as her heart filled with emotion directed toward Sam.

The young ghost lost her perch on the railing, startled by the unexpected whistle. She fell face first, unable to untangle her wings from her robe as the ground rush up below. She squeezed her eyes shut, not wanting to see anything below her. Just as she reached impact zone, she felt herself being swept up by loving arms and carried high up in the air.

"You didn't think that I was going to let anything happen to you, did you?" The older ghost murmured to her as they moved even higher to the round stained glass window behind the stage.

Nuzzling her partner's neck, the young ghost wrapped her arms around her and replied, "There is never a doubt in my heart that you'll always be here to catch me when I stumble. However, why did you have to wait so long?"

Her partner chuckled and kissed her gently on the cheek, her lips touching nothing but the ghostly vapor of their images. It was during intimate times like this moment that she missed not being of earthly substance.

Meanwhile, the hall was emptying out. Sam and Kristen lingered in order to wait for Grace and Teddi. They both laughed as they watched Teddi trying to pull her gown over her head as she walked toward them. Only problem, she had forgotten to remove her cap and there was no way the gown was coming over her head until she removed the square shaped cap.

The gown flipped over her face and obscured her vision. She stopped still. Sam and Kristen could hear mumbled words from beneath the gown as they drew closer.

"God damn sack of shit. If I ever get out of this mess, I'll never be caught with anything that's skirt shaped again." With a loud ripping sound, Teddi tore the offending gown from her body and flung against the wall.

"Ahhhhh…now that's better," Teddi stated as she stood in her polo shirt and dress slacks. "You ladies ready to go? Sam's going on to Grace's to her change for the cookout and bonfire." Teddi asked the group standing around her staring at her with amazement on their faces.

"WHAT!!!!" Teddi asked as she reached out without stopping her exit and took Kristen by the hand.

The ethereal spirits had been ease dropping on the couples, just as they usually did.

"Come on, babe," the older spirit motioned as she watched the four leaving together. "Let's get to Grace's apartment before them and make sure everything is in place as best we can."

"I'm right behind you," the younger one replied as she slyly twirled around and raced in front of her partner, wanting to be first in the apartment.

As Sam and Grace walked out of the hall together, they were surprised by a sudden updraft of air hitting them head-on. Looking around, neither of them could see any signs of wind in the space surrounding them. Sam looked off in the distance but failed to see anything that would have created the disturbance in the air around them. She shrugged her shoulders as if to say 'oh well' and continued toward the parking lot.

********

The ghosts raced toward the apartment, realizing they had very little time before the women would be there. Without breaking flight, they passed through the outer wall, into the hallway, up the stairs and back through the inner wall into Grace's apartment. They looked around at the neatness of the rooms.

"Man, this reflects Grace all the way through," the younger ghost commented.

"You're telling me? Not a speck of dirt out of place." The older ghost flitted around the room looking for any means that would draw Grace and Sam closer. Then she saw it. A single crumpled sheet of paper, thrown discarded into the trashcan in the living room.

She knew without reading it that this was the reason for Graces' tears earlier today. She flipped it out of the trashcan, making it land in the corner of the couch. It was noticeable against the dark surface of the couch but only if someone was sitting down.

"There. That should give Sam an idea of how to reach out to Grace," she said to her partner as they moved toward the windows. They heard the key in the door as they merged with the sunbeams flowing through the large picture window.

As the door opened, Grace half turned toward Sam saying, "So, I have about an hour to change and get ready for the cookout and bonfire tonight?"

"Give or take a few. I told Teddi I'd call right before we left to pick them up." Sam replied as she followed Grace inside.

Once inside the apartment, Grace reached out her arms to take the gown from Sam.

"Have a seat, Sam. I won't be very long. Let me change and I'll be right back out," Grace stated as she headed toward her bedroom. "There's cold beer in the fridge if you want a drink. Help yourself."

Sam's eyebrows rose as she grinned and helped herself to a beer. Popping the top, she rambled back into the living room and sat down on the couch. Looking around, she was once again amazed at the serene atmosphere that Grace had created in her apartment.

She noticed a crumbled piece of paper on the end of the couch that appeared to be out of place in such a neat and orderly state. Leaning over, Sam picked it up. Without even thinking about it, she spread the sheet out and read the words that were typed on the wadded paper. Her heart plummeted into her stomach. She read the words that Graces' mother had written to her. She read them a second time and realized this was the reason Grace had been crying when she picked her up earlier. Her parents abandoned her at time that should have been one of the happiest moments of her life.

Sam's heart cracked as she thought of Grace. She pictured her beauty, her brains and the witty encounters she and Grace had engaged in over the past few months. How could any not love her for who she is and not what they expect her to be, she said pensively to herself.

Sam's pulse raced as she realized where her thoughts had gone. What is this? Damn, what am I saying? Sam's mind raced with an array of questions, which she was unable to answer.

Her beer remained untouched as she realized just how alone Grace was. All she wanted to do was pull her into her arms and hold her tight. Only problem that came to mind was she did not know if Grace was ready for a relationship with her. They had fun together and the few times they had kissed, she was sure something flickered between them. They never really spoke of how they felt toward one another. Sam wondered if she misinterpreted the budding relationship growing between them.

Grace walked into the living room wearing skintight jeans, form fitting tee shirt and a pair of Doc Martin's. She left her hair loose, brushing against her shoulders. Her eyes shone with excitement as she realized she would be spending the whole day with Sam. She had been looking forward to this time as much as the actual graduation. Her palms were sweaty with nervousness as she moved toward Sam.

As she got closer, she realized Sam was lost in thought. It was then she noted that Sam held the letter from her parents in her hand. "Oh….." Grace groaned as she saw it.

She stepped back not sure how to respond. Tears welled up and slowly tricked down her cheek as shame flooded her entire being. Her hand rose and covered her mouth as she tried to hold back the sounds that welled up in her chest. She turned to run back into the bedroom but stopped abruptly when Sam jumped up and grabbed her by the arm.

Sam held on and pulled Grace toward the couch where they both sat down. Sam drew her into her arms and pressed Grace's face against her chest as the tears continued to flow. Sam could say little until the initial storm passed. She crumbled the letter tightly as she thought of the damage those few words had caused to the woman in her arms.

"Grace, why didn't you tell me?" Sam whispered softly into her ear.

Grace didn't say anything for long minutes, as she lay limp against Sam, listening to her rhythmic heartbeat. She craved the comfort of Sam's hand sliding slowly over her back in a circular motion.

"I…I don't know," Grace said in a voice so quiet Sam nearly missed her saying anything at all. "How do I tell anyone that my family has disowned me because I love women?"

Grace pushed up and moved back away from Sam as she spoke. "I love women, the way they move, the way they smile, and the way they smell. I love the mystery of women. I love their curves, their lithe forms, and their muscular physique. I love their hands and the feel of their touch. Most of all I love the way they look at me, the way they touch my soul. Sam, I love the very essence of women. No matter how much I would like to please my parents and deny who I am, I can't deny my love for women. It is who I am"

Sam listened as tears began to well up in her own eyes, knowing well the struggle that Grace faced. Grace continued as the dam opened and she could finally tell another person how she felt.

"All my life I have lived in the shadow of my parents waiting for me to meet the right man, the knight-in-shinning-armor. They talked of plans when I would marry, give birth to their grandchildren and live in the perfect white picket fenced house. I, on the other hand, dreamed of the woman that I would one day find, fall in love with and live with the rest of my life." Grace continued as she wiped her cheek with the back of her hand, scrubbing the trail of tears.

"I can't live my life for them. It has to be for me regardless how much I hurt them," she said in a firmer voice as she finally lifted her head and looked into Sam's eyes.

Sam couldn't hide her emotions as she looked directly into Grace's eyes. In less than a minute, sorrow, empathy, caring and love shone from behind her eyes as she lifted a hand and lay it along side Grace's cheek.

"Grace had you not made the decision you have, I'd never have met you nor had the opportunity to know you. I'm not sure exactly what I feel for you, but I know that I have never felt this way toward any other woman that I've met." She slowly brushed her thumb over Grace's lower lip as she continued her quiet confession.

"You are the first person that comes to my mind when I awaken. I see and hear events during the day that I store to share with you. When I climb into my lonely bed at night, your face lulls me to sleep as I wonder what you are doing." With her hand, she slowly drew Grace toward her as she angled her own head lower.

Sam's cupped hand lifted Grace's mouth to hers and she sealed her moist lips over Grace's. Grace opened her mouth slightly as Sam deepened the pressure. Sam tried to convey all the latent emotions that she felt toward Grace in the kiss they were sharing.

Grace kissed her back, realizing this was her knight-in-shining amour, the person she had been waiting for all of her life. Her arms rose and wrapped around Sam as she returned the kiss with her newfound love flowing from her mouth to Sam's.

BUZZZZZZZZZ. BUZZZZZZZZ. BUZZZZZZZZZZZ.

The moment was interrupted by the cell phone that continued to buzz incessantly. Sam drew back and pulled the offending instrument from her pocket.

"WHAT!" She grumbled into the receiver.

Teddi spoke up; "I thought you guys were coming by to pick us up. How much longer will it be before we can expect you and Grace?"

Sam sighed deeply and sank back against the couch, taking time to get her emotions under control. She reached out with her free hand and lifted Grace's hand into hers. She stroked lightly along the back of Grace's hand with her thumb as she spoke into the phone.

"We'll be there within, say…fifteen minutes," she replied as her brow rose in a questioning look at Grace. Grace nodded affirmatively as she wrapped her fingers tighter around Sam's hand.

"Good, we'll be ready. Later, tator," Teddi said as she prepared to hang up.

"Sure Teddi Bear, we'll be there shortly. Don't worry." Sam replied as she pressed the end button.

"Are you okay?" Sam asked without moving.

"As well as can be expected. I want to thank you Sam for being here today…" Grace began.

"Grace, shhhh… I'm right where I want to be." She smiled as finally Grace's beautiful lips creased into a soft smile.

Sam moved abruptly until she was standing beside the couch, pulling Grace up with her. "You ready to put up with us the rest of the day?" She asked as she slid her hand behind Grace's back and guided her toward the front door.

"Always," Grace replied as they walked out of the apartment.

The two ghosts stood quietly as the sun began to lower in the darkening sky. Their souls bled with Grace's pain but were soothed knowing that Sam would be present to guide Grace through life and to give her the love she so deserved. They knew this relationship was more than either woman would ever expect to find with anyone else. Love would follow and enfold both of them within its arms as together they will face the world as a couple bonded for life.

The apartment stood empty as the shimmer of the ghostly forms passed back into the evening air. They would check one final time on the two couples that touched their souls over the past months. They clasped hands as together they rose to their watchtower to look down upon the happy scene that lay below them.


Finale:

"Well dear, it looks as though our work here is finished. It's time to move on." The older ghost remarked as they sat on either side of the weather vane watching the dying embers of fireworks slowly falling from the black night sky.

"Yes, honey, it does. Sam and Grace have finally found in each other what they have been seeking most of their lives. It's in their hands from this point forward." The young spirit replied.

"You're right. Love crept into their lives when they weren't looking and has blessed them for eternity. It's time for us to go. Come babe, away we go." With that, the two spirits locked hands and in a flaming burst of light, joined the remaining fireworks, looking like a flaming comet soaring upward into the sky.

As they flew into the bright colors, the younger one said. "If only we could live and love again, just for a little while. I bet that we'd have made the best couple around in terms of loving one another."

"Oh my God. It's like déjà vu all over again. I'm not SO betting with you on this. Ummm….maybe I should since in our current state there's no way in Hades you will EVER win this bet," her companion replied as she bumped gently against her.

As they soared off into the distance, the gentle badgering between them continued.

*****

Meanwhile, the mustang convertible peeled around the edge of the cliff on Highway 1 hundreds of miles north in Maine far away from the celebrating couples. Its tires slid close to the edge as the speed increased on its downward journey. Both occupants were too shocked to say a word as the one driving struggled to keep the car on the road. Their brakes had failed not long after the beginning of their deadly downward trek along the curving seaside road. As hairpin turns screeched by, they could see the ocean crashing upon the rocks below them. Silent prayers were issued as danger and disaster stalked their every move. Finally, it happened. The car missed a turn and shot nose first over the edge of the road. For a number of seconds it seemed suspended in midair before it began its final descent to the boulders below. The older woman reached over and grabbed the hand of her companion.

In the seconds left before the final metal-wrenching crash, she said to her companion, "I will love you forever, even in death. You have been my shining light, the heart of my soul. Together forever." She looked into the frightened eyes of her love as the ground met the underside of the car.

The noise of the crash reverberated throughout the night air, startling the birds nesting among the rocks. On the beach, a lone figure watched as the car disintegrated before his eyes. Lights from above began to sweep across the rocks as others had seen the deadly accident. Men were already scrambling down the cliffs to see if anyone had survived the crash. Sirens could be heard in the distance as help raced to reach the women pinned within the car.

Death stalked close in the blackness of the night, waiting to make its claim or either or both of the women. Death was greedy and wanted them both if it could have them. On the beach, Goodness looked on and knew that a mistake had been made and it was not time for these two women to cross to the other side. Their spirits were weak and nearly gone. Help was needed immediately or it would be too late and they would be lost from life forever. He summoned up all the strength in his spirit and called forth the only two female specters that he knew could step in and fill the void of the souls that even in these waning moments were nearing final crossover into the spirit world.

As the two ghostly spirits soared into the air among the fireworks, a pull on their celestial beings drew them both away from the lake and off into the night at a rate faster than normal. The ground raced by beneath them, as they were pulled northward by an unknown force. Within seconds, they could see the cliffs and ocean appearing beneath them. They took in the scene of destruction before their eyes. They could also see the celestial bodies of both Goodness and Death hovering over two gurneys being transported hand over hand back up to the road and the waiting ambulances.

Goodness rushed up to the newly landed ghosts, stating, "There is no time to explain. Their souls are nearly gone. They are not meant to die like this but to live a long, happy and prosperous life together. Death has claimed their souls but their bodies belong to me. Take them. Do not let these women die in vain. Take their place and fulfill their lives as they were meant to be. Hurry there is very little time."

The ghosts looked at one another. It saddened them to know that two lives were lost this night. Yet again, their hearts raced with nearly energized blood as they followed Goodness's instructions and moved closer to the bodies lying strapped to the gurneys.

As the young one moved to the younger of the injured women, the Emergency Tech was saying, "No heart rate, no pulse, start CPR." He began chest compressions as his companion tilted the woman's head back to begin artificial respirations. The young ghost rushed closer as she watched the life slipping out of the woman and head toward Death. Without thinking, she moved closer to where the body was being worked upon. Without hesitation, she drifted closer to sink her spirit into the nearly lifeless body lying beneath her. Life support continued as she settled into her new body, trying to find a way to jumpstart the life from within.

Meanwhile, the older ghost moved to the older woman lying on the other gurney. She was gone and only the shell remained behind. The firefighters were working on the body. Life support was being given here also. Rapidly she entered the flesh and molded her spirit into the empty soul of the body lying so quietly. Having done this before, she was quickly able to become one with the flesh as she felt the heartbeat quicken and air begin to fill her lungs. The firefighters stopped their efforts as they watched with awe the woman open her eyes and look around her. She never spoke but her sapphire blue eyes glared with vitality and inner strength.

Finally, she struggled to rise but was impeded by the strap holding her down. She commanded, "Remove them, please." The straps were released immediately and with some awkwardness and mild dizziness, she struggled to rise. One of the firefighters slid a hand beneath her back to help her sit and finally rise. She looked over at her companion in death and saw that death still drew life out of the body beside her. She staggered over to the gurney and dropped to her knees.

Tears fell from her eyes, the first moisture she had felt in over seven hundred years as she looked at her companion in death lying so still. She picked up one of her hands and drew it gently to her lips. She placed a soft, wafting kiss upon the back of the hand she held as she leaned closer and said, "Baby, don't leave me now. I need you more than you will ever know. You've been my world for so long I can't imagine going on without you. Please come to me, now. Don't leave me alone to struggle without you. I love you, darling. Please, please try."

As the EMTs shook their heads in defeat and rose to move away, she leaned up over her long time companion lying within this new shell. Her tears fell upon her companion's lips as she knelt closer and kissed the cooling lips beneath her own warm mouth.

"DON"T LEAVE ME, LOVE." She demanded one last time. As she kissed her again, a small shudder passed through the still figure lying so deadly quiet. Breath pulled into young woman's lungs as finally she struggled to begin life. With each passing second, she became stronger as her partner held on and encouraged her to breathe.

The EMTs looked on and could not believe their eyes, as they knew with their entire beings; the young woman had been lifeless. They did not see miracles everyday and they knew that this was a miracle before their eyes. They watched, as each minute passed, the young woman grew stronger until she too was able to rise from the gurney, seemingly unscathed. The older woman drew her closer and wrapped her tight within her arms, not wanting to let her go.

A police officer slowly led them back to his car, where he gently sat them in the back seat. The older woman looked down into the emerald green eyes of her companion and smiled. "It seems you've won the bet again. You have a lifetime to show me how well we can love one another." She drew her closer and kissed the top of her head.

The young woman snuggled deeply within her lover's arms and said. "Let's go home darling. Today is the first day of the rest of our lives." The police car pulled slowly away from the crash scene as the loving couple finally shared their first kiss of passion in centuries. Soft, gentle laughter of ecstatic happiness rang out as the car continued out of sight.


The End.

I hope that you have enjoyed the journey of love that the Ghostly N series has provided over this past year. I never expected it to be more than a ghost story for Halloween but the characters took on a life of their own. I believe in happy conclusions and with all the relationships that the duo were able to bring together, I felt they deserved their time in the cosmos to discover love of their own. I hope that you have enjoyed the journey as much as I did.

Shadylady

Feedback can be sent to: the_shadylady_629@yahoo.com

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