Raindrops: A Story of Life and Circumstance ; Chapter Eight: A Ghost in the Sunlight

 
I must admit, Time does fly when you’re spilling your life story to a stranger, or acquaintance, or WHATEVER odd, in-between mode of companionship we’d entered. It was a truly out-of-the-blue surprise when a stray beam of sunlight hit Natalie in the face, temporarily blinding both of us as we’d sat there, talking amiably. 

 To be honest, I was beginning to really like her. Over the course of our conversation, she had inadvertently revealed herself to be who she is: a kind, and loving person. Not that I’d expected any different, but It was a pleasant relief, nonetheless. She tended towards philosophy, had a middling view on the world, and had a genuine concern for those around her. But, in however long we talked, she never once said anything about herself. It was an enigmatic circumstance, indeed, but I didn’t want to ruin her peaceful and content smile. It was something that did not need to be broken, precious and fragile. 

 Of course, though, just as I’d almost managed to bring the conversation to her, the sun had to get in the way. 

 Natalie blinked several times before moving into a more comfortable position. However, as she did so, I trace the source of the stray beam back to its source. I almost groaned at the sight. The sun had begun to descend in the sky, glancing off of the dome-shaped roof of the atrium, and directing itself straight into our faces.  Perhaps, I suppose, it was opportune, because it gave me a minute doubt in my mind that probably saved us much angst and humiliation. I glanced down at my watch and read the time out loud. 

 “1:12, It’s One freaking Twelve” Natalie gulped nervously.  

 “Well then...,” She began in a cool and measured tone, “WHAT ARE WE STILL DOING HERE!?!” she leapt up and we began to frantically gather up books and excess reading material. With a precariously piled arrangement of hard-covered textbooks in hand, we began to, carefully, descend the staircase. Whether Sam was waiting out in the sun or not, I wasn’t going to break MY neck over it. We made our way down the steps, one floor at a time, until we’d eventually reached the bottom. At the end of the staircase, Natalie turned sharply, and I followed her to the bookshelf she’d been eyeing earlier, now very much depleted. She groaned and tapped her shoe as she thought for a moment. 

 “Okay, we’re never going to make it in time if we stand here sorting these back into place. How to do it...” Her face scrunched up for a moment before she finally turned to me, who had been observing the entire process with a mildly amused expression overriding the anxiety. “Okay, here’s the plan.” She plopped her stack onto mine, making me grunt slightly under the load. She smiled apologetically but continued on. “You put these away, and I’ll go talk to Sam.” I turned my head quizzically. 

 “Don’t you want some help getting things up to the dorm, I mean, It’s pretty far.” Natalie shook her head. 

 “No. Between Sam and I, we should be just fine.” She turned around, as if to leave, but called out over her shoulder. “Besides that, I need to apologize to him for last night. He’s probably worried sick right about now.” I frowned as she walked away. She had been rather coarse with him, all because of me... She was right, I would have probably not helped the situation, and I don’t think the burly driver would appreciate being stood up for an hour because we were having some Idle chat. I shuddered slightly, imagining the glare that would have no doubt lain in wait for me. I turned back to the shelf, now completely alone in the echoey library atrium. It wasn’t bad, but as a low thud in the distance signaled Natalie’s departure, I felt much, much smaller. With a sigh, I waddled over to the shelf, gently depositing the large stack of text on the floor. I groaned as the sensation of strained muscles spread up my back.  

 Heavy lifting after sitting around for an hour was not something I would recommend. But, lucky me, I still had to lift each of these weighty hardcovers into place. I looked up at the shelf with mild despair. How had Natalie even got to the top shelf. The massive carved oak bookshelves stretched up for what must at least be eight feet. I sat down on the carpeted expanse that was the library floor, releasing my breath and preparing for the task ahead of me. It occurred to me, then, that I didn’t have the faintest clue on how the books were supposed to be placed. It seemed that Natalie had simply chosen, at random, a variety of different books for her ‘research’, and, evident of that, the bookshelf was riddled with small chunks of it missing, large swaths of emptiness with no formal documentation as to the original configuration. I looked at the books, hoping to find inspiration or clues, but sighed in disappointment. They were all of the same general size and shape, with little variation or context relative to the other books on the shelves. I was truly on my own... 

 From upstairs, I heard a small tinkling sound as someone played the high notes on the piano. I stared up in curiosity. I hadn’t seen anyone else up there. Cautiously, and curiously, I turned towards the source of music, straining my ears. As if in recompense, another trill sounded, a soft melody played at the upper reaches of the keys, as a small, bouncy melody began. To my surprise, a soft voice began to sing along with it, a clear soprano, high and wistful. Together, they fluctuated along the ranges and octaves. It was entrancing, hearing the voice and chords strain the edge of the audible range. My body was inclined to simply sit there, transfixed by the beauty of the two, but my mind had other ideas.  

 Slowly, I rose, repressing the urge to gasp at my soreness. I made my way over to the staircase, quietly praying that It wouldn’t creak of make sounds. Thankfully, the stairs seemed fairly new, and no sound escaped as I wordlessly made my way up the stairs, floor by floor. As I approached the third floor, however, some small, infinitesimal sound was emitted as I accidently kicked the next stair up. Immediately, the music stopped, and I felt a painful throb coming from my toe. I cursed under my breath and nearly ran up the next few steps to apologize to whomever I had disturbed.   

 Unfortunately, whoever had been playing the piano and singing was nowhere to be seen. The bench was still tucked in place, as it was when I’d left. Quietly, I looked around, feeling slightly guilty at scaring off the mystery player.  

 “Hello?” Nothing. The air echoed in a long silence and I peered nervously around. I strained my ears, trying to get a hold on any noises outside the normal range. Nothing. No footsteps on floorboards, no hurried breathing, no hair rustling, just silence. Cautiously, I approached the piano, and felt the keys. They didn’t seem oily or warm, as they sometimes did after being played. The air, however, still echoed with tension, as if the fear was still lingering. Quietly, I drew myself onto the bench, and placed my hands over the keys. The world seemed to take a breath. I played a note, the sound echoing forlornly. Nothing happened, and I played another. From somewhere in the library, a lone voice mirrored it, fading and warping in an ethereal way. I froze, and it cut off sharply, silence returning. I took a deep breath, and started playing a very basic, and sad melody. Slowly, tentatively, the voice rejoined it, and the two parts began their strange harmony.  I didn’t stop, keeping up the melody as the voice wavered around me.  

 Slowly, I trained my ears to try and determine the direction of the voice. I could hear it only in the distance, a small ways away and to the left. I didn’t dare turn and look, but If I had to guess, they were hiding behind one of the large oak shelves. I didn’t want to scare them any further though... Maybe they were just shy? I picked up the tune, adding in the optional soprano, and the voice immediately switched to the higher piece. It was almost ethereal, hovering in and out of my hearing range, but still omnipresent, as If I could feel it throughout me. As I played on, the voice began to edge closer incrementally, as if trying to come forward. I took a deep breath but did not stop playing, if they wanted to come see me, then so be it. I wouldn’t stop them. I began to near the dramatic finale of the piece when a small rush of air told me that the person had stopped behind me.  

 “Excuse me...” A very quiet and tired voice rang from its direction. It was clear, and ringing, like a bell, and It jolted me slightly. The person, if a person it was, had come up to me, and It would be rude not to answer them. I took a breath and turned around to greet them, mustering the best smile I could. And promptly fell out of my chair at the sight before me. 

 A very tall, thin girl stood before me, almost airy in stature, her long, white hair cascading down to her knees. She was pale, much too pale, her skin glowing a pearly opalescent hue in the faint light. The effect of the light on her skin made her appear as if glowing herself, something that had sparked my reaction. Paired with her pale cherry-blossom-pink eyes, and she looked as If she’d stepped from the words of some horror novel. However, as I came to my senses after the initial fear, I began to feel deeply ashamed. Her eyes were very sad, and distant, as If she’d seen my reaction before.  

 “I’m sorry for scaring you.” She intoned, quiet and trailing, as if she’d not intended to do anything of the sort. I suddenly felt very, very bad. My reaction was totally irrational, and very out of line. I stood up and raised my hands in a sign of peace.  

 “No, don’t be. I should be the one apologizing. I shouldn’t have reacted like that.” She smiled faintly, but the look of tiredness didn’t leave.  “And, um...” I stuttered slightly, “You didn’t scare me, I was just startled.” She shook her head slightly, dismissive. 

 “It’s fine. It happens all the time. I really should be more careful about accidentally sneaking up on people.” She chuckled wearily. “I guess most people aren’t used to seeing me popping out of nowhere.” 

 I laughed nervously, unsure of what to say. I trailed off as I examined her more casually. Even if she was as white as a ghost, she played it up well in her fashion choices. All of her clothes complemented her unique color scheme, very pale creamy beiges and the same flower petal pink of her eyes prominent in her choices. However, even with the colors, I could tell why people might be afraid at first. She was very... otherworldly in appearance. 

 “I’m really sorry I scared you away earlier. I was just curious.” She beamed quietly, even if the smile never reached her eyes.  

 “It’s not your fault. I saw you two leave, and then I heard the door shut. I assumed you and the blonde one had left.” I blushed slightly.  

 “Were you... Watching us?” I felt rather uncomfortable at the thought. How long HAD she been listening? She appeared frightened, her eyes widening. 

 “I’m sorry, but I heard your music and... I felt a little envious. It was so pretty. I was going to introduce myself, but then Everyone else ran up and I lost the nerve...” She trailed off rather sullenly. “I kept waiting for them to leave and you to keep playing, but then you sat down with her and started talking. I didn’t intentionally eavesdrop, if that’s what you mean.” 

 I froze, and she quickly took a few steps back, body language in every way defensive and reprobate. I loosened up quickly, confused at her reaction. Did she think I was going to attack her? I took a tentative step towards her, and she continued back until she was against the bookshelves. She crumpled up into the floor quietly, despite my most reassuring smiles. I was a little peeved, massively mortified, and maybe even a little angry at her, but I wouldn’t go so far as to hit her.  

 “Hey... Don’t be... I’m not going to hit you or anything. I really didn’t want to scare you, and, I mean... I guess it’s okay that you overheard us.” I heard short, stunted breaths from her as she sat on the floor, and my guilt ballooned. I wasn’t quite sure what to do. Should I approach her, or stay where I was? She didn’t seem to want to be close to me, or at least she was afraid to get too close.  

 “I shouldn’t... I don’t think I should have. I... um...” I stared at her, not quite comprehending her dilemma. I didn’t even know what exactly was going through her mind at that moment. As far as I was aware, I hadn’t intentionally been threatening to her. But she was kneeled over on the floor, acting like the headsman’s blade hung over her. A small rush of cold air blew past us, and It had a nearly instantaneous effect on her, shivering and terror melting away. 

  Her eyes slowly climbed upward, but they were distant, and she seemed lost in her own little world. She eventually stood up, not looking at me, but past me. calmly, and without any hint of the fear she’d exhibited earlier, she walked right past me and to the piano. My eyes followed hers, but all I saw was the piano, empty and silent. Not knowing if she wanted me to follow her, I stood still as I watched her approach the silent instrument.  She ran her fingers lightly over the keys before turning back to face me.  

 “You said you don’t usually see people, much, yes?” I nodded slowly. I had told Natalie about my self-enforced isolation. “And you have lost many, have you not?” Again, a nod. She tilted her head quizzically at me, as If I was missing something very obvious to her. “Why do you speak so honestly to Her, Madeline?” She turned back around and tapped one of the keys on the piano. In addition to the note she’d played, another two came out, forming a minor third, low and melancholy. Still facing the piano, she continued. “I saw how you spoke to her. It was different, was it not, from how you might speak to someone else?” I was slowly getting rather creeped out. Why exactly did she care? It wasn’t really her business. I opened my mouth to tell her as much, but a slow draft of wind stopped me. I looked, and she had lowered her hands over the piano, and she once again tapped a key. With a solid note reminiscent of a gong, it echoed throughout the room. “I know the pain you are feeling, Maddie.” An eerie silence followed, punctuated by a roll of thunder. 

 Looking towards the main atrium, I noticed that the sky was darkening as more rain rolled in. That shouldn’t have been. It was perfectly clear that morning. Perhaps some had come around while Natalie and I had been talking. Regardless, I tried to walk by the Strange girl, but she played a series of notes, and my heart stopped in its tracks. It was the beginning to our song. A song he’d written for me, and only me.  

 “I have your attention now, yes?” I quietly made my way over to her. She glanced at me, her pale pink irises almost white in the fading light. The main lighting system was still off for the summer, and I realized that we would very soon be alone in the dark. Something about that unsettled me as I met her gaze. Something ancient and primeval told me to back away. But at the same time, morbid curiosity drove me forward and seated me beside her. She smiled at me, serene, while her eyes had only the tired sadness within. 

 “I heard your story, Madeline Perrine, and I also can probably guess a lot of what you didn’t say to her. Around certain points, your emotions became cloudy and conflicted. I have seen many things, but never have I seen an honest person feel guilt when telling the truth.” I stared at her, wide-eyed, not quite comprehending. She had... read me? She continued to stare into my eyes shortly, searching for something within them, but obviously failing to find it. “I can understand grief, and perhaps even anger, but I did not expect to see guilt.” 

 “What do you mean, you could see my emotions.” She laughed quietly, a double toned sound that echoed around the room. 

  “Well, I will tell you, but I’m not sure you’ll believe me if I do.” I puzzled over that, slightly confused. What was she trying to tell me? “Do you believe in anything, Maddie?” I didn’t quite know how to address that. Sure, I mean, I believed in the sciences, and maybe even in religion, however faintly... But what a strange question to ask. 

 “I suppose so...” She turned her face back to the piano, forlornly running her fingers over the keys.  

 “I am what some would call an Empath.” I fought the urge to roll my eyes. I had seen it all before, the scary costumes and the mumbo-jumbo they called reading. And each time, I’d seen simpletons fall for it hook, line, and sinker. 

 “And I’m a telepath, nice to make your acquaintance.” She glared in my direction, but the expression slowly melted into a disappointed frown.  

 “I thought you wouldn’t.” She sighed and closed her eyes. I tensed up, unsure of what was going on. “I suppose you would if I proved it, would you not?” I groaned inwardly, and A small smile spread across her face. “Yes, I know, you probably are skeptical enough to disprove that. Let’s arrange a demonstration, shall we?” The light continued to dim, until only a thin and hazy grey shone through the main atrium, and the rest was bathed in a semi-opaque darkness.  And in the dead light, I could have sworn that the Girl let out her own pale sheen.  

 “Should I start thinking of a number 1 through 10,000?” She laughed quietly, and all other sound slowly died until it was only our breathing and the rain. 

 “No, not quite. I need you to sit still.” I stiffened, not quite wanting to know what she had in mind. She smiled at me, and a warm feeling uncurled into me. It wasn’t unpleasant. In fact, it was quite calming. My mind slowly submerged in it, a gentle, content feeling overwhelming the anxiety. Slowly, I heard notes beginning to pour out into the room. I looked, somewhat groggily, at the piano keys. Her hands were slowly tracing them, creating the melody I had buried deep within me. It was a shaky joy, but one that slowly faded to a tired emptiness. The girl frowned slightly, and the music stopped. 

 “And that Is what I am worried about.” She continued to look into my eyes, which had most likely revealed the deep, yawning pit they contained. Even if I didn’t want to show anything, the smothering tiredness fogged over all else, and I barely noticed as she started to look concerned. “Are you okay? What’s wrong?” I heard her voice echoing far away... down and down and down... Slowly, the room seemed to get darker and darker, and the girl got farther away. The light finally faded, and I heard the faint echoes of the girl’s worried voice chattering over and over inside my head. Like floating away in a river, I gently succumbed to the warmth around me. 
 
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 It was a cold, clear morning in June. All of the lights of the bustling Metropolis had yet to awaken. And yet, In a small cemetery outside of the city, we stood vigil over a set of still and impassive stones. I kneeled beside the four, quietly sobbing, while the he sat quietly by me, letting the tears fall.  
 
Engraved on each of the stones was a Name. Each of which signaled a pang of heartache and sorrow for all who beheld it. And, so it was for us. We had seen them many times. In many conditions. It was something that bound us here, in the dim morning light, when not even the birds had begun to sing. I always preferred visiting them like this. No one around but he and I, when I could stop smiling for a while, and let the grief and anguish billow out. I had cried here, kneeling, many times. Every week since the accident had happened. 

 “I know. I won’t leave, Luke. We need each other.” He nodded, and, together, we faded into the grey mist, stray rays of morning sunlight falling upon the wreath of flowers carefully lain on each stone. 

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 The first thing I felt was the soreness. It blanketed everywhere on my body.  The still sound of rain on glass followed shortly, mirroring the slow fading memories of my subconscious. Slowly, I opened my eyes, and found a dull grey ceiling overhead. Streams of light danced across it from the window, which let in a small steely-blue glow into the room. A gloomy silence hung in the air. Groaning, I propped myself up in the bed I was laying in. The layout was familiar, and I recognized the hideous shades and coloring. I was back in the dorm somehow. I tried to get out of bed, but cussed quietly when I felt the spike of pain run up my legs. What did that girl do to me? 

 The last thing I could remember was Her smiling and playing the piano. But surely, that would not have made me pas out, would it? I shook my head, feeling slightly woozy. Something was not right. I heard raised voices approaching from the direction of the door, and I associated one of them with Natalie. And, on cue, a very determined and angry looking Natalie stormed in through the door, relief flashing over her as she saw my half-hearted attempt at a wave. 

 “Oh, thank god you’re okay.” She rushed over to the bed and threw her arms around me. I grunted at the slight pain that caused, but she either didn’t notice, or was too much relieved to care. Slowly she pulled back and looked me over, as If trying to figure out what had happened. Behind her, I saw a familiar thin figure walk through the door, her pale white hair waving in the breeze of the door opening. I grimaced and Natalie looked toward her with the full lethality able to be mustered by her steel irises. Predictably, the girl stepped back, but the look in her eyes wasn’t so much fear as worry and shame.  

 “Hey, It’s fine Natalie, she can come in.” Natalie nodded, not breaking the lock on the pale girl. 

 “She can, but unless she wants me to throw her out the window, I think she can stay on that side of the room.” The girl nodded, and sat down on the bed leaned against the far wall. “Now,” Natalie began, her voice a venomous whisper, “I would very much like to know who the hell you are, and why you knocked out my best friend.” I warmed a little at that. I’d only known her for a day or two... But whatever confusion I’d suffered was quickly overruled as I took in the Girls reaction. She scrunched down, not meeting our eyes as she spoke quietly. 

 “My name is Minnette Greene, and I didn’t do ANYTHING to her.” She rose to meet Natalie’s disbelieving glare. I stared too. She had most certainly done something. And whatever it was left me feeling sore and achy. Even as they spoke, my arms were shaking from the effort. 

 “Yeah, sure, cause people just Pass out for hours like that.”  Minnette looked up in panic. 

 “We were just talking about the piano, and She played for me. Then she passed out. I didn’t do anything!” I frowned deeply and settled back into the pillows, the effort of keeping up becoming too much. Natalie worriedly looked at me, worry in her eyes breaking the solid wall of steel. She sighed and pulled the coarse blue blanket back over me. 

 “You feel okay, Maddie?” I laughed shakily, but the effort made me wince and grimace. 

 “Yeah, just fine...” My voice trailed into a wispy sigh, and Natalie’s look of Worry redoubled. She took in a breath and pulled out a small mobile phone. “Hey,” I whispered angrily, “I thought you were in the strictly no-phones side with me.” She frowned and placed in to her ear after dialing a number. 

 “It’s not mine, it belongs to the RA down the hall.” After a moment, a soft click picked up on the other end. “Hey Sam,” I frowned slightly. Why was she calling him? “We need you to come get us. Maddie can’t walk, so I’ll need some help carrying her.” A quick babble sounded on the other end of the line, and Natalie’s face wrinkled in consternation. “No, she’s fine, I think, but I want to get her back to the room just in case.” With a decisive motion, she closed the flip phone and glared once more at Minnette, who had all but shrank down into the bedding. 

 “Look, Minnette Greene, I don’t care who you are, or what you say. If you hurt her, it will not be pleasant for anyone. Understand?” The white-haired head nodded slowly. 

 “I’m sorry, but I really don’t know what happened.” She started to quietly sob, which had no effect whatsoever on the Death written plainly in Natalie’s eyes. 

 “Well,” she began, her voice harsh and ominous, “I don’t either. But It will not happen again. Ever.” With a panicked expression, and tears running down her face, Minnette rose from the bed and ran out of the room. Natalie sighed and laid down beside me, her eyes still full of worry and fear. “Are you sure you’re okay?” I nodded slightly, feeling slightly annoyed, and also slightly thankful for her care. I didn’t usually get sick, but It would appear something had gotten me down. 

 “You don’t have to baby me. I’ll be fine.” Natalies eyes sharpened.  

 “No, you are not fine, and no, I am not babying you. I leave for five minutes and you fall unconscious for an hour and a half. What am I supposed to do with you?” I shrugged. 

 “Relaxing, sewing, dancing, coffee, I’d be amenable to just about anything.” She frowned, as slight crisp edge to her frustration. 

 “Good to know you can crack a joke after scaring the living daylights out of me.” I shrugged again and moved closer to her. She sighed and wrapped an arm around me, putting her head on mine and breathing out slowly. “Don’t scare me like that, would you? It was horrible when that... Girl...” She said the word with a ferocity and loathing I felt shocked to hear coming from a sweet person like Natalie. She glared at the door, as If she could still see the long white hair billowing from her hasty escape. “I... I didn’t know what to do when she ran up to me and told me you’d passed out." Quietly she took several more breaths in and out. 

 “Why do you bother?" I asked wearily. “We’re practically strangers." She laughed quietly to herself and ruffled my hair, eliciting an annoyed glare from me. 

 “I think we’re way past strangers. I’ve ended up in bed with you twice in twenty-four hours. And besides, you don’t typically tell strangers your life story, do you?” I nodded in reply. I didn’t know what we were. But whatever it was, it felt good to be there, in her arms, while the rain fell outside. Slowly, time ticked by and we laid in companionable silence, watching the drops roll off of the window pane. 

 After a while, a slow knock sounded on the door, and Sam walked in, escorted by a pale and worried RA. They looked at us-- and I don’t care what they were thinking—and slowly grimaced. Natalie got out of bed and slowly climbed over me to be on the floor. She faced Sam and motioned him over. Obediently, he walked to the bedside and picked me up. His grasp was firm and unyielding. Although normally this might have felt safe, the wary glare he directed my way made me feel slightly vulnerable again. If he had any misgivings about me, he kept them to himself. After Natalie had handed the phone back to the RA and assured her I was perfectly fine, we made our way down the stairs, the three of us.  

 Natalie never took her eyes off me the entire journey. And by extension almost, neither did Sam. His glare was divided however. When Natalie looked at me, he would get more on edge. I didn’t know what exactly he was thinking, but I did not want to be on his bad side. Six-foot-tall men with rich connections were not particularly good enemies to have. Regardless, he remained silent until he set me down in my bed, eyes carefully impassive as he turned and nodded stiffly to Natalie.  

 “Call me again should you need me." And without another word, he left. I sighed and closed my eyes. It was going to be a long day.