Page 136 of Ghost

Mason had noticed the others in the room, who could not see or hear Francis, simply smiled.It seemed obvious to him that Lizzie’s family knew of her ability and took it in their stride.Mason also noticed that when Lizzie stood up, everyone else did as well.

There was a knock on the door, which was still standing open, and Nick and Patty appeared.“May we come in?”asked Patty, who looked shocked to see everyone laughing.“Must have been some joke.”

* * * * *

Patty and Nick had brought lunch, which Ellen had arranged of course.Everyone sat in the dining room and had a sumptuous seafood meal along with a heaping platter of antipasto.

There were stories and memories shared.Gossip exchanged and overall, a good time was had by all.Ellen and Lizzie decided to have Francis’ father’s remains found and then moved to Hobonny.Francis made the request that he be placed next to him.

It was getting dark when all the Royales left, Lizzie looking tired and frail as she slowly made her way down the steps.When standing on the sidewalk, she turned to gaze upon Francis, Ellen, Mason and Gerald.Nick and Patty had left hours before.“I can die and rest easy now.Just seeing Francis has taken a great burden from me.”

Fred and Martin helped their great-grandmother, grandmother and mothers into the car.“We’ll be back to fetch ya’ll day after tomorrow.Thank you all.Your family has done so much for us.The good Lord always provides for good people, and y’all are proof of that,” Martin said, wiping a tear away before it could fall.“G’night, y’all.”

“We’reallfamily,” Ellen replied.

Once the Royales drove away, they all returned to the parlor where Francis’ remains lay.

“I feel at odds knowing that my body, or what is left of it, is lying right before me,” Francis said quietly.

Gerald stood next to Francis.“I know exactly what you mean, ol’ chap.It is very disconcerting.I remember my own funeral.”

“Now, that’s not something you hear every day,” Mason chuckled, Ellen joining in.

The two ghosts turned to look at them both and smiled.“No, I suppose not,” Gerald said.

Ellen straightened herself even more.“Now then, down to some business.Francis, you need to reconnect your spirit to your remains.You will still be here, but you are now attached to this house and not yourself.”

Francis crossed his arms and looked at his cousin.“And please, pray tell, how am I supposed to accomplish that?”

“Look deep inside yourself and concentrate on where you actually are, physically,” Gerald explained.“You may have to concentrate, like meditation, and it could take a while.”

“Just as Gerald said,” Ellen added.“But you need to do that before we go to Hobonny.”

“How will I know I have done this?”Francis asked, looking somewhat intense.

“You’ll know,” Ellen answered.“You may experience flashback moments from when you were alive, and some can be rather unpleasant, I’m afraid.”

“All right.I can do this later tonight, I presume?”

“Of course.”Ellen patted Mason’s forearm.“When Mason here goes to sleep would be the perfect time.But youhaveto do it.Understand?”

* * * * *

Mason and Francis layin Francis’ old bed, both staring at the ceiling.

“This will be the last time we will be in this bed together,” Francis stated softly.

“Can we please not...do that?”Mason rolled over to stare at Francis.Francis had also turned onto his side so they could look into each other’s eyes.

Francis nodded.

“Are you looking forward to returning to Hobonny?”Mason asked, a slight smile on his face.

“More than anyone could ever know.”Francis had a twinkle in his eye.“There are so many things that I want to show you.”

“I’d like that.”Mason shifted slightly, adjusting his pillow.“That was very sweet of you to buy Lizzie that house.”

Francis smiled.“I loved her so much.When Uncle said that he was selling the property, I immediately thought of Lizzie and her family.I also didn’t want my uncle to know that I was buying the home.He would have wanted to give it to me or greatly reduce the price, and I had more money than he did.”