For Always

Chapter 1

LIVERS

Beau

I never thought I'd be excited to see a snake headin' my way. Yet, here I sit on my tree stump, waitin' with anticipation. As he slithers closer, I slowly move toward him, anxious to see which one of us will get to strike first. It's sad that this is probably gonna be the highlight of my day.

He spots me, hissin' the usual warnin' that would send most men runnin'. I jump in front of him, causin' him to strike. When his bite doesn’t make contact with anything, he stops and looks straight at me, probably ponderin' his sanity. I move slower, not wantin' to frighten him, and lay down on the ground, blockin' his path to the river. He slowly moves forward, flickin' his tongue out at me. When he gets close enough to realize his tongue ain't makin' contact with nothin', he moves on—right through me.

It always feels weird to have another livin' thing take up the same space as me. Like when it storms and ya don't make it outta the fields quick enough and your hair starts to stand up on end. It's an odd feelin'.

I’ve often wondered what animals are thinkin' when they encounter me. They can obviously see me, but that's about it. The most fun I've had since my death, as far as animals are concerned, was with a skunk. I think it sprayed me so much that I emptied out its stink tank. But just like the rest, it moved on after a while.

I have the most fun with those that I like to call livers—people who are lucky enough to still be alive. I'm jealous of livers and like to annoy 'em whenever I get the chance, which is almost never. Since my family had to move away after my pa died, not many livers have come around.

There was this one family, a husband and wife, who I grew rather fond of. They had money and brought all sorts of odd things with 'em that I'd never seen—lights, bathtubs, outhouses inside the house, and strangest of all, boxes that ya could hear livers talkin' out of. Sometimes, I’d make their lights and talkin' boxes turn off and on, which usually made the wife scream out loud. Scarin' the dickens outta that woman, which made her husband think she'd gone insane, wasn't nice, I know, but it provided me with the only interaction with livers that I was capable of. I eventually decided to scare her husband, too. They moved out after that. A couple of families came and went, but none ever stayed. I believe word of my presence got out after a while ‘cause my home stayed empty for a long time. That’s when Nellie Reed moved in.

When she first came to look at the house, I didn't pay her no mind. Livers would look, probably out of curiosity, but usually never returned, so I was a bit shocked when I saw her movin' in. Either she was very brave or just plain crazy. I'd soon find out that she's a little bit of both.

Nellie's first night in the house, she seemed on edge… like she knew somebody was watchin' her. I didn't wanna scare her right off the bat, so I just continued to spy.

She was a small lady, maybe in her late sixties, with long grey hair that was pulled into a braid on each side, which reminded me of how my little sisters used to wear their hair. She wore a long, brightly printed dress that flowed out around her when she danced, which she did quite a bit. She wore eyeglasses, but they had no rims and were slightly tinted a violet color. She was the oddest liver I'd ever seen.

That night, I waited in her room for her while she got ready for bed. I stood by the window lookin' out at the river that I still had a love/hate relationship with. Lost in thought, I didn't hear her comin' up behind me. When I did, I quickly moved so she wouldn't go through me as she opened up the window, which flooded the room with sounds of frogs and crickets. I'd always loved the sounds of summer.

As she turned around to head towards her bed, she stopped, lookin' like she’d forgot somethin'. Then she turned towards me, lookin' straight in my direction, and said, I know you're here. I've felt ya followin' me all day. I know you're just curious, but it's startin' to freak me out just a bit. Please leave so I can sleep in private. And with a slight smile, she turned and got into bed.

I was shocked, to say the least. Nobody but Ma had talked to me since I died, and she only did it outta habit. Despite my surprise, I did as I was told and left her room. One thing was for sure, though—I'd be waitin' for her bright and early the next mornin'.

* * *

I came in when the sun came up and waited in the livin' room for her to wake. When she came down, she didn't say a word to me at first, even though I knew she knew I was there. She sang some country song the whole time she made breakfast and didn't acknowledge me until she sat down to eat.

My name is Nellie, by the way. She told me that she knew I was a young man and that I didn't mean her no harm. I'm just concerned as to why you're still here.

So am I.

She told me a little about herself, which was surprisin'ly interestin'. She'd lived in Nashville and worked as a songwriter and singer several years ago. She said she even got paid to dance on occasion. The singin' I could see, but the dancin', not so much. She'd never married, but she liked it that way. She did have a son, though, but, like me, he was dead. This made me feel sorry for her, rememberin' how sad Ma was when I died. At that moment, Nellie stopped what she was doin' and looked toward me. Now I was the one gettin' freaked out.

I wanna try somethin'. She moved her plate to the side of the kitchen table and told me to sit across from her, pushin' the chair out with her feet so I'd sit. Do you mind talkin' to me for a few minutes?

This was gettin' odder by the second. But not bein' able to talk to anybody for the past hundred and two years, I was willin' to do just about whatever she asked. So, I sat down across from her, waitin' to see what she was gonna do next.

Okay, I can't see or hear ya, but I can kinda feel ya. She put her hands on the table, palms up. Now, I'm gonna ask ya a question, and if the answer is yes, just touch my hands. This should be the easiest way for ya to communicate with me without usin' up all your energy.

My energy?

I can sense that you're a boy. Still pretty young… late teens, early twenties, maybe. Am I right?

For the love of all that's holy. Freaked and slightly in awe, I slowly raised my hands and placed them in hers. Yes, I'm nineteen. I pulled my hands back and waited for the next question.

She smiled. I thought so. Okay… did ya die here… in the river?

I placed my hands in hers again. Yes,. savin' my little brother, Thomas. He was only eight and he was drownin'.

I felt tears start to well up in my eyes, which I hadn't felt in a long, long time. I don't know why tellin' her this made me so sad, ‘cause I did save Thomas. My family was so grateful, and Ma said I received great honor from the town of Dandridge. I brought my eyes back to Nellie and she looked sad, too. I quickly removed my hands, not wantin' her to feel my pain.

After a moment, she smiled again and continued her questionin'. Do ya mind me bein' here? I know it used to be your home at some point. Do ya care to share your home with us?

Us? She was the only liver I saw. I put my hands in hers again, lettin' her know I was glad she was here.

She smiled like I’d made her day. I'm so glad ya don't mind. I would've hated to have to get the local church leader down here to get rid of ya. She laughed at herself, but what she said made me wonder. Could she really get rid of me? I might like that, dependin' on where my next stop would be.

As she unpacked, she continued to tell me about her life and her family. She liked country music, which I was thankful for. The last family had listened to what they called 'crooners'. I'd have to go outside every time the radio came on. But Nellie… she was different—a wild one. So was I, but not the way she was. I’d never once run around in public naked, streakin’, as she called it. I hoped she'd given up that habit.

She told me about her sister that was back in Nashville, and her teenage granddaughter that would be movin' back in with her as soon as school was out. That got my attention. Now I realized what she'd meant by 'us'.

Nellie must've sensed my excitement at this latest bit of news ‘cause she started to smile. Now, you better not go botherin' Malyn. She's a sweet little girl and… well, she's not a little girl anymore, I don’t guess. More the reason for ya to stay away. But seein' as how Nellie smiled when she said it, I assumed she didn't really mean what she was sayin', so I still had hope I’d be allowed to introduce myself to her.

Malyn Reed. I learned she was sixteen, smart, and from her picture that sat on Nellie's hutch, absolutely beautiful; and she would soon be comin' to live with us. I couldn't wait for her to get here. But wasn't long before my excitement turned to despair when I remembered one very important thing—I was dead.

Chapter 2

GOODBYE NASHVILLE

Malyn

Today had to be the longest day of my life. Every class seemed to drag on forever. I thought I’d be sad, leaving my school and all my friends, but I was wrong. I’d miss my best friend, Melissa, who I call LeLe, but I know we’ll still text and talk, so it shouldn't be too bad—I hoped.

I wasn't gonna miss my big school, though. And I couldn't wait to see Grandmama. She'd been gone to East Tennessee for two months, now, which seemed like two years. I liked Aunt Margaret and her family, but it just didn’t feel like home without Grandmama there. She called before school this morning and confirmed my plans for the trip to our new home later. It was only around a four-hour drive, but you’d think that I was traveling across the country.

Okay, ya have your bus ticket and know where to catch it, right? Grandmama was scared to death I was gonna get on the wrong bus and end up in California.

Yes. I have my ticket and I know when and where to go. Margaret is taking me to the bus station and said she’d sit with me until my bus arrived. That seemed to pacify her.

Okay. I paid extra money so ya could ride on a nicer bus. I think it even has a TV so ya won't get bored, but call if ya need me. I'll be right here all day till ya get here. Just call when ya get close and I'll be waitin' on ya. I love ya.

I love you, too.

She had always taken good care of me and made sure I had everything I needed. But she also made sure I wasn't spoiled. She said she couldn't stand rotten kids and that I was not allowed to become one. Even though she had money, she lived a modest life. She said people left her alone that way.

I had packed up all my stuff earlier that week so I’d be ready to go as soon as I got out of school. My bus left at four o'clock, so that gave me an hour to get to Margaret's, get my bags, and head to the bus station. I was excited about my trip. I’d never ridden on a bus like that before. It was my idea to take a bus and it took some convincing with Grandmama before she agreed that it was the best option. I didn’t want to worry about her driving all the way to Nashville just to have to turn around and drive all the way back.

Margaret met me at the door when I got home and said the car was loaded and ready for us to leave. I thought she was anxious to get rid of me until I looked at her. She looked like she was about to cry.

What's wrong?

I'm just gonna miss you. Nellie moving away was tough enough. Now, you're gonna be gone, too. We like having you here. Margaret loved her family. Grandmama was the only sibling she had and I know she hated it when she moved away. She cried the entire first day that Grandmama left. I did, too, but knew it wouldn't be long before I'd be right back with her, unlike Margaret, who thought she would never see her again.

You know she'll be back before too long. She loves the music here too much to stay away. That was true—she wouldn't be able to stay away from Nashville for too long.

I know, but I still hate y'all being so far away, she admitted as her eyes dropped to the floor, probably hiding tears. She turned and headed into the kitchen to get her keys. You have everything? Your toothbrush? All your clothes? The ones hanging in the laundry room? All your stuff out of the bathroom? She kept on naming everything I owned, and some things I didn't.

Yes, I’ve packed everything. If I forgot something, I'll just go shopping and replace it. Maybe I should forget a few things on purpose, I joked, trying to lighten the mood. It didn't.

I learned more about Margaret on the ride to the bus station than I thought possible. She didn't stop strolling down memory lane until we sat down to wait on the bush. Then, she just looked at me, smiling a sad smile, like she was trying to memorize my face.

Stop, I fussed, half laughing, but serious. You’ll see us again. I wouldn't be surprised if Grandmama visited you at least once a month to get her Nashville fix. She loves you, too, you know. I'm sure she misses you just like you do her.

I know. I'll go home and call her and let her know you're on your way. You know how she worries about you. She was quiet for the first time since we left her house. I think your bus is ready. She helped me get my stuff loaded and hugged me tight. Call me when you get home.

I will. I was finally let go and stepped back to look at her. Thank you for letting me stay with you. I would've hated to switch schools before the end of the year.

You're welcome at my house any time. Now, go on or you're gonna miss your bus, then Nellie would kill us both.

I waved bye as I boarded the bus. Once I walked up the steps and looked up, I’m sure my mouth fell open. Grandmama was gonna get a big hug for this one, since it had to be the nicest bus available.

I found a comfy seat near the middle and was lucky enough to have an empty seat next to me. The TVs were playing a movie, but I didn't really pay attention to what it was. I took this time to catch up on what my friends were doing online and say bye to everyone that I didn't get to see at school. LeLe was logged in, so we messaged back and forth until Nashville was out of sight. When I was done messaging everyone, I set my phone aside and looked out the window for a while.

Tennessee was beautiful. I loved the hills, the mixture of city and country, and the people. Grandmama said I was gonna love Dandridge. It was a small, historic town nestled near the lake and mountains. It being an historic town, and me with my special ‘gift’, made me a little nervous, but I tried not to think about it. Grandmama was happy there, so I assumed it would be okay. Then again, I think she could live anywhere and still be happy.

Being an entertainer when she was younger gave her the opportunity to travel all over the states. At some point during her travels, she became pregnant with my dad. She said she had hand-picked my dad's father for his good looks and intelligence, but said he was not daddy or husband material. She said she had more fun with him than she would have had going to a sperm bank. It was at this point in her story that I stopped her and said that was all I needed to hear.

She did well raising my dad by herself. They never went without and always lived in a nice house. When she had a gig out of town, Margaret would go with them to watch my dad while she sang. He grew up to become a star basketball player and got a scholarship to college. That is where he met my mom. I only remember her through pictures and stories. She died of cancer when I was two.

Grandmama said that he worked a lot more after that. Not that he didn't love me or that he loved his work more, but that he was just so lost without her—work was his escape. And work was what took him from me. He had taken a business trip to New York City in 2001 and was in the wrong place at the wrong time. They never did find his body in the rubble of the World Trade Center.

I remember bits and pieces of my life with my dad, but it almost seems like a dream. I remember Grandmama crying as she tried to explain that he was gone. I didn't understand that when she said gone that she meant forever. After months of her sadly having to tell me over and over that he wasn't coming back from his trip, that's when it finally sank in. He really was gone.

I was suddenly startled out of my day dreaming by my phone, which I had forgotten to put on silent. Hey, Grandmama. I'm still about thirty minutes or so away from Knoxville.

Well, I was just callin' to see how your trip was goin'. She was really calling to make sure I was still alive. Is the bus nice?

Oh, yeah, the bus is great. I owe you big time.

Yes, ma'am, you sure do. I could tell she was smiling when she said it. But we'll settle that when ya get here. I'm gonna go ahead and leave here in a bit and head to the bus station. I don't want ya gettin' there and havin' to wait on me.

Okay, just be careful.

Oh, I'm always careful. I love ya and I'll see ya in a bit.

I love you, too.

I was excited to see the house. She had sent me pictures of it and it looked beautiful… in that big, old, spooky sort of way. My room was decorated in a Victorian style, which I loved—girly, yet grown up at the same time. There was also a little river on the property that she said you could hear from the house. She already had a hammock hanging in the back yard, which I was sure I'd be spending a lot of time in. It seemed like a charming country getaway and I couldn't wait to soak it up. I was so over living in that big city.

When the bus pulled into the station, there she was, waving like she was not only welcoming me, but the entire bus home. You couldn't miss seeing her with that bright moo-moo-looking thing she was wearing. I didn't realize just how much I had missed her.

She met me with a big hug that was stronger than what you’d expect from such a small woman. Once the welcomes were done, we unloaded my stuff from the bus and headed home.

I can't wait for ya to see the place.

I can't wait, either. I’m a little nervous, though, especially with it being such an old town with a lot of history. Should I be? She knew what I meant.

A smile came across her face and she shook her head. Even though she had answered my question, I felt like she really hadn't, so I pressed her further. So, the house is okay? Free of… you know. Sometimes I hated even saying it.

"I don't know if I’d go as far as to say that, but there's no reason to be nervous, so don't worry."

Oh, lord. When you say don't worry, that's exactly what I do.

She grinned at me and continued to sing the rest of the way home. As we pulled up in the driveway, I was immediately in love with the house. It looked like a fancy, cream colored dollhouse that I would’ve begged her to buy me when I was little. It was an old, two-story house that had a porch that went all the way across the front. The shutters looked original to the house, with scroll work around the top of them. The Victorian grandeur of it didn't do anything to abate the spooky factor, though.

Don't worry about gettin' your stuff, yet. Let me show ya around first.

Sounds good to me.

She let me in through the side door, which led into the edge of the kitchen and dining room. The kitchen was fully equipped with an island and a breakfast bar, which I wasn't expecting in such an old house. I knew she’d done a lot of remodeling, but I didn't know she’d done that much. The kitchen flowed right into the living room, which was open and airy and had French doors that opened into a sunroom. It was beautiful. She took me around the island, past a small bathroom, and down a short hall that led to what was supposed to be a parlor. It looked like a disco library. This was definitely Grandmama's space. It had memorabilia from her past performances, as well as some of her hippie stuff, and a lot of books.

Ready to see your room?

I nodded as we headed back into the hall toward the stairs, which were nestled right next to the living room across from the bathroom and seemed to have the original wood work and spindles. I ran my hand up the smooth rail until we reached the top, where there was a bathroom that she informed me would be all mine. We turned left and she showed me her room first. She had her own bathroom and closet that she had remodeled from one of the old spare bedrooms.

Nice, huh? she asked proudly.

Pretty snazzy, I agreed.

Then she motioned me back into the hall toward my room. She’d already gotten most of my things brought over when she moved in, so all of my furniture and belongings were already here. She had added some new Victorian things as well, but it all blended together. I loved it.

After standing there looking at everything, I felt an arm come across my shoulders. Well, what do ya think? Ya gonna stay?

I don't know. Let's look out back and I'll let you know, I teased.

She took me outside through the door in the sunroom. It led out onto a huge back porch that had not one, but two porch swings. There was also a table and chairs, several potted plants, and three ceiling fans. I looked at her approvingly as I walked down into the yard and slithered into the hammock. I literally had to slither to keep from falling out the other side.

After lying there for a few minutes while she piddled in the yard, she strolled over to me and smiled. Well, I guess the look on your face answers my question. I knew you'd like it.

"No, I don't like it—I love it. You couldn't have picked a better place for us."

With a nod and a smile, she turned and headed back around the house. Your stuff ain't gonna carry itself in! she yelled over her shoulder.

I reluctantly and slowly climbed out of the hammock and headed toward the car. I was admiring the flower beds that she’d always loved to work in when, for a split second, I thought I saw someone out of the corner of my eye by the edge of the house. I turned to see who it was, but when I looked, they were gone.

I shook my head and kept on walking. Oh, great… here we go.

Chapter 3

INSECURITIES

Beau

When Malyn got outta the car, I about died—again. She was beautiful, with long, dark, straight hair that glistened like water does when the sun hits it. She was short and appeared to be thin, but it was hard to tell ‘cause her clothes were so baggy. She had on a pair of jeans with the legs cut out of 'em, which was odd, but looked good on her. Her shirt was bright orange and looked like she stole it from a pretty big fella. Her skin was pale, like a porcelain doll, which really made her light brown eyes stand out. I'd never seen anybody like her in my whole life.

I tried to stay hidden from her like Nellie told me to do, but I wanted to follow her so bad. I wanted to hear how her voice sounded, how she talked. I didn't know why I had to hide in the first place. It's like Nellie forgot that livers can't see me.

I watched Malyn go in the side door, but I stayed outside. I was afraid that if I snuck in Nellie would know I was there or that Malyn… I don't know. Maybe Malyn was like Nellie and would know, too. That would be nice. But, even so, I stayed outside and waited. Even though I knew Nellie couldn't do nothin' to me, I had respect for her, so I did as I was told. If she wanted me to stay away, I would.

When I heard 'em comin' outside, I moved to the side of the house so I could watch 'em and hear what they were sayin', but stay out of the way. Malyn went straight to the swing that Nellie had attached to the trees. She seemed to have trouble gettin' in it, which almost made me laugh out loud. After a few minutes, I heard Nellie say somethin' about her likin' it here and I listened for her response.

"No, I don't like it—I love it. You couldn't have picked a better place for us."

I agree. Nellie couldn't have picked a better place. For once, I didn't want to scare the intruders away from my home.

Nellie turned and headed back toward the car. When she fussed at Malyn to help carry her stuff in, Malyn slowly tried to get up from the swing. She was finally out of it and walked down the path near the flower garden when she stopped to look at the flowers. I leaned around the house to get a better look at her when, all of a sudden, she turned towards me. I wasn't used to bein' seen, so I was slow to hide till I realized she was lookin’ right at me. I moved like lightenin' back around the corner of the house to hide, wonderin' what made her look my way. Then I heard her mumble somethin' to herself as she walked away. Here we go again? What was that supposed to mean? Did she see me? Is that why Nellie said to stay hid, ‘cause she can see me? I had to know.

I waited until Malyn was busy in her room before I went in and found Nellie. She was foldin' laundry in the main room. I passed my hand through hers to get her attention. She shuddered and smiled but continued to fold laundry.

I wondered when you'd come outta hidin'. I guess I should've told ya before she got here today. I wasn't sure that there was a need to, just yet, though, so I waited to make sure. After talkin' to her when we got up to her room, though, I knew I'd have to talk to ya about her.

I hoped that she'd start makin' sense soon, ‘cause, so far, I wasn't followin'.

Ya know how I can sorta feel things? How I can sense when you're around? She paused like she was waitin' on me to answer her. When she didn't continue, I reached over and passed my hand through hers again. "Well, Malyn can't feel things; she can see 'em. She saw ya today. She said she couldn’t make out anything but a dark shadow. I guess ya moved too quick. But I did tell her about ya. I hope that's okay. I was so surprised by what she told me that I just sat there. Is that okay?"

I touched her hand again. It was more than just okay. I wanted to meet Malyn, but I then I felt self-conscious. What did I look like? What if I was scary? I did drown, so there's no tellin' how I might appear. What if she saw me and I scared her so bad that she wanted to leave? Maybe I didn't want to meet her after all.

So, are ya ready to meet her? She reached down and grabbed another towel. I'm a little anxious, myself, to see how this goes and see if I can find out who ya are.

I sat completely still. I, in no way, wanted her to think I was sayin' yes.

Realizin' that I wasn't answerin' her, she asked again. Do ya want me to introduce ya to Malyn?

No. I don't want her to see me.

I guess Nellie understood that I was sayin' no ‘cause she simply nodded and said, I understand. I'm sure this is all new to ya. Just take it slow and, when you're ready, just let me know. But ya do realize that she can see ya? Unless ya hide forever, you're gonna have to meet her sooner or later.

Right now, I was choosin' later.

* * *

It was dark outside, so I decided to stay out of the house. I figured she wouldn't go wonderin' around outside at night, so I should be safe. I laid on the tree swing for a while, lookin' at the stars. I didn't have as much trouble gettin' in it as she did, but it didn't move around with me like it did her. It's fairly easy lyin' and sittin' on things. Now, tryin' to go through 'em was a different story. It took a lot outta me when I went through stuff. And I could go through almost anything except for the ground. I tried stickin' my foot into it one day just to see if I could, but I couldn't. I couldn't pass through the border of our property, either. I tried goin' with my family when they moved away. I followed 'em for a bit, then I just stopped. They kept goin', but I couldn't. It was the last day I ever saw 'em.

Not wantin' to remember my past and feel sorry for myself, I got up and occupied my time with some of the animals that had decided to wonder out. The night time went by faster than the days did. I guess it's ‘cause it's creepier wonderin' around at night and that's when all the critters came out. There were so many snakes here that I got kinda bored with 'em. I was lookin' for a skunk or a coyote, but none ventured my way. All I got to do was startle a couple of deer that were bedded down in the nearby field.

Before I knew it, the sun was startin' to come up. I went down toward the river and sat on my stump to watch the sunrise and to think. I had a decision to make. I was stuck here. I didn't know why, but I was. I couldn't leave or go anywhere else. She knew I was here and I knew that I wasn’t gonna be able to play hide and seek for the rest of my… whatever this was. So, I guess Nellie was right—there was only one real decision I had to make. Was I gonna meet her sooner or later?

The sun was peekin' up over the mountains when I got up to go inside and see what the livers were doin'. As I turned around and headed up toward the house, somethin' in the upstairs window caught my eye. When I looked up and saw what it was, I froze. Malyn was an early riser.

Chapter 4

GONER

Malyn

I had talked to Grandmama last night about seeing the figure by the edge of the house. She then proceeded to tell me that we weren't alone here. I had assumed as much by the way she acted when I’d asked