Ghosts of the Past Chapter 1

Sarah

“You know when I first saw her. she was helping her brother with his shoes… the same way you used to help me with mine.” I said.

Flashback:

First days are so exhausting I thought to myself as I was leaving school. I saw this blond girl who looked familiar. I think we were in the same class together. There was this cute little boy standing next to her.

He was telling her about his day, when she suddenly pets him. “Torou, your shoe lace is loss.” She softly said. She carried him and sat him on a bench “it’s okay if you can’t tie your shoe, you know.” She said. “But I can tie it.” He argued.

She smiled gently. “I’ll be here if you don’t know something. We can learn together, how does that sound?” She said.

“You used to tell me that whenever I couldn’t do something... she reminded me of you.”  I said. There was a moment of silent. “You know I fell in love when I saw her that day. You said you wanted to meet the person I were to fall in love with, didn’t you?” I said. I looked at my necklace.

“Why aren’t you here to meet her then?!” I questioned as my tears started falling. “I missed you Alex.” I murmured. I was sitting at the cemetery next to his grave. My cell phone rang. It was Sienna, I wiped away my tears and picked up.

“Hello Sarah, how are you?!” Sienna asked. “Hey I’m okay, how are you?” I replied. I left the cemetery as we were talking. “I’m alright, haven’t you missed your girl yet?” she asked. “I miss her like crazy!! You have an upcoming gig?” I asked. “Yeah, it’s on Friday.” She replied. “Three days, huh?” I said.

“Will you be able to make it?!” she asked. “Sure, Thanks for letting me know about the gig.” I said. “You know we all miss you here.” she said. “Umh”

As the call ended I went back home. I packed my guitar and went to the airport. I no longer need to book a flight. Since dad got me a private jet. So I flew there.

Sienna

Sarah got here the day after my phone call. She IMed(Instant Messaged) me saying that she’s at her house now. I hated the fact that I had to keep this secret from Aseel. “So where is she?” Aseel asked. How in the world did she find out? I thought. “What? Who?” I was totally confused.

“Kate… aren’t you IMing her?!” she explained. “Oh! Aren’t you too roommates?” I wondered. “I didn’t see her this morning.” She explained. So I IMed her, she said she was on her way. “She’s coming.” I said.

She got here a while after. “How long have you been jamming without me?” Kate asked as she walked in. “We weren’t jamming, it was more of a separate practice.” Aseel answered. “So I’m on time.” Kate commented. “Something like that.” I answered.

“So about the gig we’re going to play these songs.” I said as I showed them the list of song. We were going to play 3 original songs and 3 covers. The covers were Eat the Children by Otep, Here Comes the Pain by Slayer and A Beast Am I by Amon Amarth. “Amazing songs.” Aseel commented.

Aseel

I wonder how Sarah will play these songs if she were here. “I want to play lead this time.” Kate stated. Sienna was silent. “No one plays lead.” I argued. “Aseel get over it already, I can play it and you know it.” Kate argued.

I looked at Sienna and she was still gazing that paper in silent as if we weren’t arguing. “Kate it’s kind of a band rule.” I said. “Aseel, we all know it’s kind of your rule… it’s been four year already, you should be more flexible and get over her.” she said. “Sienna, teach that girl some manners already?!” I yelled.

Sienna looked confused. “Did you say something?” She asked. I got irritated. “No leads.” I said. “On what?” She questioned. She was either really not paying attention to our argument or maybe she just lost her mind. “What’s on your mind Sie?” I asked.

“Tariq should play with us on Friday.” She said. “No! No one plays lead, unless it’s her.” I argued. “He was the only musician that she has admired remember? So why not let him play? I mean if she was here she would’ve given him the spot.” Sienna said.

“Just this once…” I gave up on that argument. “Seriously Sienna, why can’t I play lead?” Kate asked. “I’ll let you play lead if you beat Tariq.” Sienna grinned. “That’s just evil!”  Kate complained. I couldn’t stop laughing at her.

Same day after practice I went to I went to Sarah’s house. I just sat outside her house for few hours. Lots of memories came in mind. I’ve been doing that for the past four years…

Sarah

I stood farther in the back as I watched her play. She’s incredibly improved since their last gig… they all did. Tariq is just as amazing as ever though I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. Even though they played six songs time seemed to have flown in an instance.

I wonder why we broke up in the first place. I’m still as madly in love with her as I was back then. I got home took a bath and brushed my teeth. I was home alone of course. So there was nothing interesting to do. I walked outside the bathroom when I was drying my hair with the towel.

I looked towards my bed and froze in my place.

Aseel

The gig was a success. I went to Sarah’s place again after the gig. As I was sitting outside going through memories of the past I realized something. It’s been four years and no one ever entered that house… like no one. I want to be close to those memories of her.

I sneaked in the house. It was empty. I went to her room and lay on her bed. I can still smell her scent on the pillow. I wanted to feel her in my arm. I held my urge to cry. I heard the bathroom door open. I wanted to get out but I was too caught up in the moment.

I hesitated to look but I looked anyways. It was her!!! “Sarz!” I murmured. Am I hallucinating now? “Seel” she murmured. I don’t know how I got out of bed and hugged her… I just now that she’s wrapped up in my arms now.

“That can’t be a hallucination, right? You’re actually hugging me, right?” Sarah whispered. “Umh.” I replied. She kissed me violently. “I was waiting for you.” I whispered. “After all I said?” She asked. “Umh, I knew you didn’t mean any of it.” I said as I held her necklace.

“Can we stay like this for a while?!” She asked. I nodded. We cuddled in bed. “You’ve cut your hair.” I commented as I ran my fingers through her hair. “Umh, you grew your hair long.” She said as she ran her fingers through my hair.

We cuddled like that till morning.

Sarah

“Hey Sienna, Aseel is at my place.” I said through the phone. “Great!” she said. “Was it you that told her I was here?” I asked. “Nope.” She answered. “Aha…” I commented. “You’ll stay here now right?!” she asked. “I’ll stay as long as she wants me too.” I answered.

I ended that call with Sienna and went back to bed. It’s been almost a week since that encounter. While we were cuddling in bed, someone was knocking my bedroom door. I totally forgot that it was the 16^th of the month.

Aseel woke up. “Who’s there?” she asked. “It’s my dad.” I answered as I was going towards the door. “Hey wait, I should…” Aseel began to say when I opened the door. “Hey dad” I greeted him. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you had company…” he said.

“It’s okay, this is my girlfriend Aseel.” I introduced him to her. He gave her a handshake. “Pleasure to meet you Aseel.” He said to Aseel. She nodded looking at the ground. Adorable!! I thought. “Sarah, it is okay if you want to have lunch some other time.” He said as he pets me.

“I want to have lunch with you today, you don’t mind if she joined right?” I said. “Not at all, the more the merrier.” He said. “Sweet!” I commented. “I’ll wait down stairs.” He said as he left. “Your face is still red.” I laughed.

“Your dad just saw me half naked in our first meeting.” She covered her face. “Couldn’t you wait till I get some pants on?!” she asked. “No, and you’re not getting dressed.” I said. “But your dad.” She said. “He doesn’t mind. We’re having lunch here anyways and I’m making it.” I answered.

“Alright.” She said. We went down stairs to the kitchen. I started making lunch and she helped me with the dishes. Dad was in the living room working on his laptop. “It feels like old times…” She commented, “I know.” I replied.

As we were having lunch with my dad, “So Mrs. Aseel are you living here?” he asked. “No, I was just spending the night.” She replied. “Why aren’t you moved in yet?” he asked. I like how fast dad wants things to move.

 “I actually live in an apartment with a roommate and we split the rent… I can’t suddenly leave without finding her a new roommate first” she explained. She’s just as thoughtful as ever I though. “Does Sienna know her?” I asked. “Yes, she’s actually a band mate.” She explained.

“Oh, you play in a band Mrs. Aseel?”  Dad wondered. “Yes, I play the drums.” She answered. She was suddenly more comfortable talking to my dad. “Why don’t you ask Sienna to find her a roommate?” I asked. “I can do that.” She answered.

“Then it’s settled you’re moving in with my daughter.” He said. I laughed. “It seems like my dad likes you a lot.” I whispered. “I’m sorry Mrs. Aseel I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable… it’s just that she’s been alone for so long. I feel guilty that I can’t provide much time to spend with her.” he explained.

“It’s okay Mr. Abdul-Aziz I’ll make sure she won’t be alone anymore.” She said. “Hey, you don’t have to do it just because he asked you to…” I said. I really wanted to ask her to move in but he said it before me. Dad left the dining table to answer a call.

“Baby, don’t you want me to move in?” she asked. “I very much do.” I replied. “For me I just want to be with you anywhere, anyplace, anytime, anyhow.” she said. She touched my necklace. “That’s our vow.” She said.

I couldn’t stop myself from kissing her. “Your dad is still here.” she said and kissed my hand. My dad joined us again at the dining table. “So shall I make the call, to move your stuff here?” he asked. “Sure.” she nodded.

He made the call, and then he said he had to leave for a meeting. We left everything there and went back to my room. “What was it like, the past four year?” she asked. “I turned Goth.” I grinned. “Sexy.” She commented. I laughed.

“No really what happened?” she was serious. “Seven years ago, I lost my best friend Alex… So I spent the last four years, secretly attending your live shows and visiting his grave… and mom’s… so I’m more like a stalker Goth.” I tried to make it sound funny but she didn’t laugh.

“What was Alex like?” she asked. “To me he was the person you are to Tariq… like an older brother.” I tried to explain. Talking about him pained me though I tried to keep my cool. “What about his family? Why didn’t you contact them?” she asked.

“He was an orphan, my dad wanted to adopt him… though he passed away before my dad could.” I said. “May his soul rest in peace.” She said. As we were cuddling there the door bell rang. We went downstairs to get the door. It was the moving agency.

“Its official you’ll be stuck her with me.” I laughed. “Shit! Kate is going to really mad.” She commented. My phone rang it was Sienna. “Hey Sie.” I answered. “Hi, is Aseel still at your place?” Sienna asked. “Yeah, hold on.” I said as I handed Aseel the phone. “Hello.” Aseel answered.

A moment of silent. “I’m sorry… Tell Katie that I’m sorry too.” She said then there was another pause. “Why don’t you come here so we can explain everything?” she suggested. And she ended the call. “Sienna and Katie are coming.” She said.

The moving agency moved all her stuff inside my house. “Shouldn’t we at least get dressed?” she asked. “No, it’s not needed.” I answered. She sighed. The doorbell rang again.

Aseel

Sienna and Kate are here. “Why are you half naked?” Kate complained. Sienna greeted Sarah. “Kate this is my girlfriend Sarah… and our lead guitarist.” I introduced her. “Sarah this is our new rhythm guitarist Kate.” Sienna introduced her.

“Nice to meet you, new girl.” Sarah said. “So you leave the apartment just like that? Who’s going to pay the bills with me now?” she asked. “Sienna, would you think of a solution for my girlfriend?” Sarah asked. “Hmm…” Sienna was thoughtful for a while.

 “I’ll move in with her.” She suddenly said. “What? Wait aren’t you living with Ms. Fatima?” I asked. “That’s exactly why I’ll move in with Kate.” She said. “But you don’t work…” Kate was trying to argue. “I’ll find a job, and then I’ll move in with you.” Sienna said.

“Wouldn’t your princess be upset for make that discussion on your own?” Sarah asked. “She’s engaged to Feras, they’re getting married soon, so it’s okay.” Sienna answered. Sarah sat next to me. “So that’s why she didn’t tag along with you?” Sarah asked.

“Pretty much!” Sienna answered. “Seel did you give her a wedding present yet?” Sarah asked. “No…” I answered. “Let’s prepare her wedding for her, like a present from the band.” Sarah suggested. “She wants a royal wedding… like a real princess.” Sienna said.

“Maybe we can make her a queen or something.” I laughed. “Is Feras really willing to do all that for her? I mean is he really willing to make feel more like a queen?” Sarah asked. “He promised me that he’ll make her happy, and grant all her wishes.” Sienna said.

“Sounds more like a Genie.” I laughed. “I know right?” Sarah said then she asked Sienna to invite Razan over. “So Kate what’s your story?” Sarah asked. “What do you mean?” Kate asked. “You have to be as messed up as the rest of us to be here.” Sarah said.

“Yeah, no parents... I’m an orphan.” Kate answered. “Welcome to the band.” Sarah replied. “Sarz let’s get them something to drink.” I requested. We went to the kitchen. “You noticed.” She said. “Yeah, are you okay?” I asked. “I guess.” She said.

I hugged her then kissed her tenderly. “You know my only fear is to lose those memories of him.” She said. “Do you have a picture of him?” I asked. “Yeah.” She nodded. “Let’s put his picture in a place that you can see him everyday…“ I suggested. “I adore you Mrs. Aseel.” She said.

We grabbed some soft drinks and beer as we went back to the living room. “Hey guys, you’re going to stay the night here tonight.” Sarah said. “Why should we?” Kate complained. “For practice of course… haven’t Aseel missed two practice sessions already?” Sarah said.

“Yeah,” Sienna said. The doorbell rang. Sienna went to open it. “It must be Razan, Kiss me.” Sarah said. “Huh?” I was a bit confused. “Kiss me violently, and lower your hand under my waist, you be on top I want to tease Razan.” She whispered. I laughed.

“Kiss me already!” she said. I was latterly making out with her. “You guys are sick!” Kate went to the Kitchen. “You wanted me to come here to watch live gay porn?” Razan said as she rolled her eyes. I couldn’t stop myself from laughing neither could Sarah. I hid my face in Sarah’s chest as I burst into laughter while she was laughing out loud.

“I missed you Razan!” Sarah said. Sarah greeted Razan. “I thought you should learn some moves for your husband to be, you should be on top.” Sarah whispered. Razan’s face went red. She pushed Sarah and hid behind Sienna. “Where is Kate?” Sienna asked.

“Katie we’re done, you can come back!” I called. We all sat in the living room. “So the actual reason we called you in is that we have a wedding present for you.” Sarah began. “Will you trust us with the wedding planning?” Sienna asked.

“If you promise they won’t do anything weird.” Razan was looking at us when she said that. “I promise.” Sienna said. She was never hesitant while talking it’s hard not to believe her. “What about your relationship Ms. Sarah?” Razan asked.

“It’s Mrs. Sarah. I’m already married to Aseel.” Sarah said confidently. Their jaws dropped open even Sienna was surprised. I remembered that we haven’t told her. “Where are your wedding rings?” Razan asked after that shocked moment she had.

“We don’t have wedding rings… we should gets ones though.” Sarah said as she looked at me. “Sure… See Razan, this necklace.” I went closer to Razan so she should read what was written on it. “Read that.” I said.

Forever Sarah's property that’s what’s written on the necklace. “We made our vows that day.” I said. “What about the key and the locket?” Sienna asked. “Her necklace is locked with this key.” I said pointing at the key on necklace.

“I like the idea of the rings, we’ll get those later.” Sarah said. “So technically you’re not married, I mean you didn’t do it in a church.” Razan asked. Sarah laughed. “What gave you the idea that we were Christians?” I asked.

“Aren’t you?” she asked. “No, we’re not Christians… I’m Atheist and Sarah here just turned Gothic.” I said. “So you liked the Goth part?” Sarah laughed. “I told you it was sexy.” I was being sarcastic. “The Gothic part was a joke, I’m Atheist too.” She said.

“Oh!” Razan was almost disappointed. “You see Kate there is a Christian.” I said. “Really?” She asked. “Yeah” Kate nodded. “You’ll make your wedding in a church and all?” Razan asked. “Probably.” Kate answered.

Razan’s phone rang “Hey I’ll go now take care of the wedding plans for me.” Razan said as she left. Sienna walked her to the door. “Sarah I want to challenge you in guitar playing.” Kate said. “Just guitar playing?” Sarah asked.

“Yeah.” Kate nodded.