13. Foster
13
FOSTER
A t Archer House, I parked at the curb.
Whew. Raina sat up straighter in the passenger seat and wiped her hands over her stomach. I m kind of nervous for some reason. And I m not sure why. Think it ll freak Oaklynn out to see me as a—whatever I am?
I shook my head slowly. I m not sure why it would.
Does she even know we re coming?
Nope. I opened my door.
At the sidewalk, Raina appeared at my side, and this time I didn t even bat an eyelash.
I wish I could at least change clothes. She tried to iron down her jumper with her hands as she started up the walk barefoot beside me. It s really embarrassing to show up wearing the exact same thing I wore the last time I was here.
I glanced over, but when my gaze lingered a little too long on her legs, I tore it away, clearing my throat. Under the circumstances, I doubt she ll mind.
Yeah, but she s just so freaking beautiful. I always feel second-rate around her. And now I m going to be all self-conscious from wearing the same outfit three days in a row and—oh!
I looked at her again, only to flinch in surprise when I found her in a peach spaghetti strap and jeans with sandals on her feet.
She looked at me and nodded, as if completely impressed. Well, is that cool or what? I had no idea I could just poof anything I wanted on me. And then she changed her outfit again, popping into black shorts and a cream long-sleeved shirt, one side hanging off her shoulder. Wicked.
I laughed. But it was nice to see her enjoying the little things.
She d changed twice more by the time we made it to the back door. Pausing with my hand on the handle, I glanced over with my eyebrows arched sternly. You ready to go in now, or do you need to try on another dozen outfits first?
She popped back into the peach top and jeans she d originally willed into existence. I m good. Let s go.
Shaking my head with an amused smile, I opened the door and let her go first. She looked so real as she passed by; I swear I could just reach out and touch her.
Inside the kitchen, we found only Alec sitting at the table, eating a bowl of cereal and watching videos on his phone.
Ooh. Who is he? I never met him before. What a cutie. Is he one of the seven, too?
Yo, I greeted when he looked up and bobbed his head at me in greeting while Raina went straight to him, looking completely intrigued.
Would you just look at this gorgeous hair, she murmured in awe, trying to touch it. These curls are to die for.
This is Alec, I told her. Alec Younger. He s a freshman at Haverick and a film major.
Really? Cool. Raina plopped down to sit on the tabletop next to his phone. So he s going to be, like, an actor?
Director, more like, I answered while Alec merely lifted a curious eyebrow and glanced around the kitchen to see who I was talking to.
And this is Raina, I told him. So far, only I can see her.
Ah. Nodding his head once, Alec waved at the air. Hello, Raina. Welcome.
Thanks, she told him with a bright smile, only to lift her eyebrows when he inadvertently glanced in her general direction. Oh my good God. Those are some blue, blue eyes. I think they re bluer than yours, Foster.
Wow, I told her as if offended before hitching up my chin at Alec and translating, She said she likes your hair. And eyes.
As I headed toward the cabinets to fetch a mug, Alec smiled jauntily and brushed a hand over his locks, making them bounce. Really? Thanks.
But almost immediately, he went back to watching his video. Raina watched along with him, swinging her legs as she did. I shook my head at the pair before turning my back to them so I could slot my cup under the Keurig machine to make myself some of Oaklynn s French vanilla cappuccino.
While I waited for my cup to fill, both Alec and Raina laughed over whatever they were watching.
Ooh. Play it again. Play it again, Raina urged.
So I glanced over, saying, She wants you to play that one again.
To which, Alec whipped his head up in alarm. Say what? he demanded.
Raina, I answered, tipping my head in her direction. She s sitting right there on the table beside you, watching the videos over your shoulder, and she liked that one. She asked you to play it again.
But—
Oh my God, it was so hilarious, she told me, holding her stomach as she laughed some more. There were these card reader prompts, asking for a donation to save a dog. And the dog died because he— She broke herself off to giggle hysterically, too tickled to finish telling me what the video had actually been about.
When she slapped the table beside her in glee, I lifted my eyebrows. You thought a dog dying was hilarious?
Whoa! Alec lifted both hands and pushed his chair back away from the table before popping to his feet. How the hell did you know the video was about that? You were all the way across the room with your back turned.
I blinked at him dryly. Because Raina just said so.
Alec spun toward the table dramatically. Holy shit. Someone else is really in here with us?
I lifted my hands in dismay. Dude. What the hell did you think was happening when I introduced you two and said only I could see her?
I don t know! he cried. I thought you were trying something new.
I lifted my eyebrows at him. Seriously?
Since when do you see ghosts? he demanded, backing away from the table slowly. And why are you being so blasé about it? Plus, why the hell did you bring it here ?
She s not a ghost, I argued. I mean, I don t think she is, anyway. She s unconscious at the hospital. She s that friend of Oaklynn s that was in the car accident?
Alec squinted in confusion. That one she wanted to set you up with?
Yes. Raina, I explained. She appeared to me on the night of her accident, and since last night, she s been stuck with me, not able to move more than a couple hundred yards away. So I m starting to think I can see people who aren t quite dead but also not quite alive.
Alec simply blinked at me before uttering, No way.
Yeah. I m pretty sure I could see Hudson for a few seconds there when he died too. He was standing next to Faith when I was giving him CPR. And bro… Why do you look as if you re going to bolt at any second? Raina is the furthest thing from scary there is. Think cotton candy, baby kittens, rainbows, and unicorns. She d fit right in.
Excuse me, she retorted in offense. I think I have a little more teeth than that, thank you very much.
No, I told her sympathetically. You really don t.
Oh yeah? Just watch this. She hopped off the table and reared her leg back before trying to kick Alec right in the shin, only to plow her foot through his leg instead, losing her balance in the process, and falling flat on her ass.
My mistake, I deadpanned. You re truly terrifying indeed.
Hmph. After picking herself back up, she crossed her arms over her chest and turned her back to me moodily, trying to appear upset. But then the drink that was filling my cup seemed to interest her, and she forgot she was miffed as she wandered over to investigate. What re you making anyway? I wish I could smell it.
On the other side of the room, Alec kept transferring his gaze from me to the empty space where I was looking at Raina. What is happening right now? he finally demanded just before Oaklynn entered the kitchen, yawning.
Morning, she said, looking weary and worn, even as she gifted me with a tired, apologetic smile as if still sorry about blaming me for Raina s accident. Hey, Fos. What re you doing here?
Someone wouldn t let me sleep in, I grumbled, crossing my arms over my chest and sending an accusing look toward Raina, right before Oaklynn walked through her.
Oh yeah? Who was that? she asked as she spotted the cappuccino I d just finished brewing. Ooh! You made my favorite drink for me. What a doll. As she picked up the cup and took a big sip, I opened my mouth to tell her that had been for me , but Raina finally found her voice.
Oh. Oh ! She just walked right through me. She started to brush her arms down as if she d been slimed. Then, she shivered and hugged herself. I feel so violated.
Are you okay? I asked.
As Raina mumbled, Yes. I didn t even feel it; it was just weird, Oaklynn whirled with the cup half-lifted to her mouth.
Yeah. Why? Oaklynn asked, shooting me an odd look.
Uh. Still by the table, Alec spoke up, I don t think he s talking to you.
Oaklynn frowned at him, then glanced at me suspiciously, before slowly returning her attention to Alec. Then… Who is he talking to?
Shit, I said, running a hand through my hair. I was really hoping you d be able to see her.
Oaklynn froze. See who?
Raina, I answered.
Slowly swiveling her attention around the room, Oaklynn looked toward Alec again, who only shrugged back. Then she took in all the cabinets and appliances before returning her gaze to me.
So when you say Raina, do you mean my Raina? Raina Bollen?
Yes, I said with a wince before motioning to Raina, who was still hovering against the cabinets, hugging herself. She s standing right there.
Oaklynn glanced toward where I was pointing, and then returned her gaze to me, squinting. Say what now?
So I spent the next couple of minutes explaining to her and Alec about my new shadow.
In response, Oaklynn merely looked at me as if I d lost my mind. Then she backed toward the exit of the kitchen, so she could yell into the rest of the house, Faith! I need you in the kitchen. Like, right now , please!
Faith s busy, Hudson called in reply. Try back in twenty.
But Oaklynn merely shouted, Faith! Now !
Coming, Faith finally answered.
To which Hudson hollered, Even though I was already trying to make her come.
Ignoring him, Oaklynn returned her attention to me. So…
I lifted my eyebrows, waiting for her to actually ask something, but all she did was shake her head as if lost.
Alec, however, murmured, This is so cool. You can see people stuck in the in-between. You think you re supposed to be, like, her spirit guide that helps escort her back to life again?
I… Shaking my head cluelessly, I admitted, I have no idea. But I kind of hoped not because I didn t have a clue how to do that.
Just then, Keene skidded into the kitchen, out of breath, and a worried Damien was hot on his heels.
What? What happened? Keene demanded as Damien went to Oaklynn to personally check her for damage.
From the counter, Raina brightened and pointed. Ooh! I know them. That one s Oaklynn s boyfriend. And he… She took a moment to squint a little more thoughtfully before she tipped her head and murmured, He slept with my sister.
I called for Faith, not you two , Oaklynn told the both of them.
Yeah, but you were using your something-paranormal-just-happened voice, Keene countered before he pulled open a cabinet and reached inside to grab a cup, extending his arm right through Raina s neck as he did.
Ugh! No ! she squawked and ducked away from him only to accidentally move through Damien s elbow in the process. Too many people. Too many people.
Come over here, I offered helpfully, waving her forward. No one will invade my space, I promise.
Okay. Thank you. As she hurried to my side to keep from getting impaled again, both Damien and Keene blinked at me as if I d lost my mind.
Finally, Keene shook his head and demanded, Who the fuck are you talking to?
Car Accident Girl, Alec spoke up, summarizing for me. Her spirit has somehow tethered itself to him, and so far, he s the only one who can see her.
Absolute silence filled the kitchen before Damien glanced at his girlfriend in dismay. So even you can t see her?
While she shrugged and shook her head, Keene squinted in question. Car Accident—you mean, Raina? Kinsey s sister?
I grimaced at the mention of Kinsey but then nodded. Yeah.
Faith finally swept into the kitchen with Hudson hobbling in on his crutches behind her, grumbling about not getting any early-morning nookie.
What s going on? Faith asked, lifting her hands in question.
As the room flooded with various explanations about what had happened, I glanced over at Raina who was still hovering directly beside me, attempting to stay out of everyone else s way.
I was really hoping at least Oaklynn and Faith would be able to see you too, I mumbled miserably.
She bit her lip and sent me a sad glance back. Yeah.
So the chick you met on the beach house roof really was a ghost? Faith asked me with lifted eyebrows just before Hudson added, Unless he s still hallucinating.
But I shook my head. I don t think I m hallucinating. She knows way too much about her life. I was able to look up details online and find her father s business from what she gave me. How could I make that up? Then I glanced at Faith. And how could she be a ghost if you two can t see her, especially since her heart s still beating?
It s like I said. Alec nodded enthusiastically. He can see people stuck in the in-between.
Faith s cat, Salem, came moseying into the room, shimmying between legs as she meandered along to rub her tail against just about everyone she passed until she came to me…or rather, to Raina.
Pausing in her tracts, the feline looked up at the ghost.
Hey, kitty-kitty. Raina crouched down to extend her hand in greeting.
But after Salem sniffed her fingers, she hissed before whirling away and darting right back out of the kitchen.
Okay, so Union s definitely not hallucinating, Alec announced.
Damn. Does she know about her sister? Keene wondered, which made me clench my teeth and send him a glare as Raina popped back to her feet to shoot me a questioning glance.
What about my sister?
I turned my gaze to her and swallowed before answering everyone else. I was hoping Oaklynn would be able to tell her.
Tell me what ? Raina asked a little more urgently.
Oaklynn lifted her face in surprise. Me? Why me?
I sent her a prodding glance and gritted out, You guys are friends . I just met her.
Meanwhile, Raina started to sort through the puzzle pieces on her own. Wait, wait, wait, she announced aloud, lifting her hands as the wheel in her brain started to whirl. I was with Kinsey that night. She and I saw Damien and Hudson standing right over there together when we walked into the kitchen. Pointing to where Damien and Oaklynn were standing now, she directed her finger to the door that led into the garage next. Then Keene came in through there, and almost as soon as he and Kinsey met, they went off together to hook up. After that, I met that other guy—Parker—and he—wait. She turned to me, blinking in confusion.
She was in the car with me, she said as she started to nod slowly. I followed her into the back seat as we left here to go meet you at the other party. But then… Her brow furrowed. I don t remember anything else.
She looked up at me, squinting. How could she have been in the car with me when the car accident happened, though? You said I was the only survivor, didn t you?
I opened my mouth, except no words came.
The rest of the kitchen fell silent as my friends realized from my expression that Raina was learning the truth at that moment.
Foster, she said very slowly and very calmly. Where is my sister?
I fisted my hand and pressed it to my mouth. Not sure how else to tell her, I simply shook my head and whispered, I m so sorry.
What? she rasped, her eyes widening with wild shock. No. No. Wrapping her arms around her waist, she began to back away from me. That s not possible. She can t?—
Raina, I said, lifting my hand in her direction as I took a step toward her, but she shook her head, and I fell to a stop, letting her process the shock.
Not Kinsey, she started in a choked voice. She s not—no. She s the most alive person I know. She can t be?—
She broke herself off, unable to speak.
The article said she died at the scene, so it was fast, I said, thinking that should be helpful information. I couldn t count the number of times I had suffered through panic attacks when I d thought about Hayes drowning, alone and frightened, unable to breathe, unable to get to safety. It was instant, I assured her. She didn t suffer or feel any pain.
But Raina sobbed, shuddering painfully. Her face turned bright red as if she d forgotten to breathe. Then she bent at the waist, still clutching her middle, and her mouth opened before a magnifying scream emerged.
NO , she wailed loudly, making me suck in a pained breath for her and lurch a step backward, running into the cabinets behind me.
I grabbed hold of the edge of the countertop and clenched my teeth, wishing I could go to her and hug her.
Crumpling all the way to her knees, she sat on the floor of the kitchen and cried out again.
Except the sound was abruptly cut short as she popped out of existence completely.
What the hell? I gasped, leaping forward as if trying to catch her. But she was already gone as if she hadn t been there at all. Raina? I spun in a circle, searching the kitchen.
My friends blinked at me as if I were insane.
What happened? Alec asked.
She—she disappeared, I said, still looking for her. She fell to her knees and started to scream. A second later, she just…disappeared.
You don t think—? Faith started to wonder, only to cut herself off abruptly.
I whirled toward her. Do I think what ?
Well… She winced in apology before answering, If you were seeing her in the in-between, maybe she s not…in-between anymore.
I froze, not even wanting to entertain her suggestion. You mean, you think she just…? I couldn t even finish the sentence. Like the grief from learning about her sister just?—?
Across the room, Oaklynn s phone began to ring.
We all glanced at her, and she grimaced in apology as she fumbled to check the screen. It s just Jay, she said, waving a hand and shoving her phone back into her pocket. I ll call her back later.
But I shook my head. Jaylani was also friends with Raina. What if the call was about Raina? No. Answer it. Please, I begged.
She nodded, giving me a funny look but pulling the phone free again.
Accepting the call, she pressed it to her ear and had to clear her throat before saying, Hey, hon.
A second later, her gaze shot to me, and she gasped before covering her mouth with her hand. Oh God. Oh my God.
I shook my head to deny it, even as tears sprang to Oaklynn s eyes. Okay. She nodded. Okay, yeah. We ll be right there.
When she hung up, she shuddered out a breath and turned to Damien. He took her hand in support, and then she glanced at me. It was about Raina. Jay s at the hospital, visiting, and—and… Shaking her head, she sobbed before more tears gushed down her cheeks. Raina just—she went into sudden cardiac arrest.
She s dead, I said flatly, while everything inside seemed to spin wildly.
She flatlined, Oaklynn affirmed, her voice shaking terribly. They re trying to resuscitate her right now. Turning back to Damien, she clutched the front of his shirt. I told Jay I d go down there to be with her.
He nodded and pulled her into a hug, while Keene backed toward the exit of the kitchen slowly. I just killed her, didn t I? She found out her sister was dead, and she couldn t take the shock.
Keene, no. Alec stepped toward him, but Keene shook his head and whirled away to race off. So Alec hurried after him.
I m going to the hospital too, I said as both Damien and Oaklynn left the kitchen to change.
I felt strangely numb, as if my body knew something big and traumatic had just happened, so it had shut down most of the major sensory perceptions as it transferred over to survival mode.
Want us to come with you? Hudson asked.
Glancing at him, I shook my head. No. I—I m fine. I should be fine, anyway. I mean… I barely even knew her, and that probably wasn t the real her, anyway. Just a part of her spirit.
He furrowed his brows in confusion. What the fuck does that matter?
I wasn t sure. It really didn t seem to matter at the moment. I still felt lost. But rationally, I thought it should make a difference.
So I said, I got this. I kind of wanted to deal with it alone, anyway. I d been the only one to see her; so I almost didn t want to include anyone else in my grief.
He nodded as if understanding, and Faith hurried over, surprising me with a hug. I m so sorry, Foster, she said.
I shook my head, even as I hugged her back. I m fine, I said. It s okay. I m not…
But I didn t know what I was or wasn t, so I gritted my teeth and tightened my arms around her in gratitude before choking out, Thank you.
Because any kind of comforting hug was always appreciated.