Chapter Three

The school day went by slowly, you were restless. Everywhere you went someone was introducing themselves and trying to be friendly. You didn't want any part of it.

Part of you wanted to feel bad. But at the same time, you didn't ask them to be nice. The classes were a drag. You didn't bother with paying attention.

Peter made you sit with him and Ned at lunch, you took a nap. You could tell he was trying.

"Finally, it's over." You felt a wave of relief wash over you.

"Come on, it wasn't even bad. That was a pretty easy day to start on." Peter protested, leading the way home.

"Whatever, Parker."

"You know I'm right"

"If it makes you feel better, I can pretend you're right." You put your hands in the pockets of your jeans.

You walked in silence for a while, until you spotted a psychic. The store's outside had flowers and jewels, it would work. You needed answers.

"I'm gonna grab dinner for later, see you at 4?" Your eyes never left the shop.

" Alright, see ya!" Peter didn't question you, continuing on.

Walking through the doors you were blasted with strange smells, decorations, and music.

"Ah, I see you are in need of some help. Am I correct? I could sense your energies as soon as you opened that door." A gorgeous woman appeared from behind a plant, her curly hair flowing behind as she walked.

"I guess you can say that. How much does it cost?" Your eyes danced around the shop in awe.

"For you, it's free. I've never seen this before. I am Eve. " She smiled brightly, motioning for you to follow her.

She sat down in a chair, another across for you. The lights were dim, it felt unreal.

"So tell me, did something happen? You don't become a bridge by snapping your fingers." Eve asked as you sat down.

"Oh god, where do I start? Long story short, my dad's a psycho scientist. He wanted to make a human-bird hybrid, experimented on me and my sisters. They all didn't make it. Once it was my turn, the same happened. He was ready to give up. My heart stopped,"

"I remember voices, complete darkness, then I woke up. My dad was celebrating. It was a success. He sent me here to keep me away from the competition. But I've been hearing things, people calling to me. That's why I came here." You finished, tears threatening to fall.

"He was not a good father, he did not treat you well. Am I correct?" Her dark eyes stared into your own.

"I don't really want to talk about that." You quickly shut that idea down.

"Fair. After listening to your story, I have a hunch. It seems that when your heart stopped, you were already a spirit. But then, you fought back. Bringing yourself back into the spirit world. You were stronger than your siblings,"

"I think I may be of assistance to you if you are interested. It would consist of daily talks, readings, and exploration. It would be an honor to work with you. Plus, you would not have to pay. You are not just a customer." Eve smiled, waiting for a response.

"Actually, that sounds good. I can't deal with this alone. Thank you so much." You genuinely smiled, this woman was a blessing.

Finally, someone who actually understood your struggles. Looking at your phone you realized it was already 3:30, and you still had to grab dinner.

"I have to go, but I'll see you tomorrow. Your shop is on my way home from school." You grabbed your backpack, speed walking to the door.

"Excellent. I'll see you tomorrow." Eve opened the door, letting you out.

'That was a success, I'm actually in a good mood. This is rare.' You thought to yourself.

Halfway to the apartment you spotted a pizza place, perfect. You went in, bought a pie, waited, and brought it back with you. Easy peasey.

Peter was walking out the door as you arrived on your floor.

"Oooo yes! Pizza!" Peter exclaimed, taking the box from you.

"Did you bring gloves, or do you need to borrow some? I found a box under the sink yesterday." You asked, unlocking the door to reveal P/N.

"Um Parker, let me take him out. You can wait in there." Leashing your dog you quickly went outside.

As always he did his thing, happily coming back up.

"Alrighty, lets start. Do you want to start on that half and I start on the other?" Peter asked, petting Squish as he circled his feet.

"I'll start by the kitchen." And then you were off.

Peter played music from his phone, having extra hands really does help.

"Hey CJ look at this." Peter beckoned you over to his spot on the floor.

Looking over his shoulder you saw a small picture of your family, a white substance all over it.

"Wow, she cut 8balls with our picture. Thanks mom" You grumbled, taking it from him.

In a split second you shredded it, throwing it in one of the garbage bags.

"Sorry CJ, I didn't realize that. You okay?" Peter walked over to you, he could tell you were upset.

"I'm fine. She was a bitch anyways." You mumbled, returning to your work.

God the place was disgusting. Whether it was the paraphernalia, junk, or just plain trash.

After five hours you were done, trash bags stacked in a corner. The only things remaining were furniture and stuff of value.

"I saved this for when we were done," Peter began, pulling something out from behind his back.

"Look at this record player I found! And some vintage vinyls! We have to listen to them."

"Fine, but I am not dancing." You tried to hide your smile, his happiness was contagious