Emmeline had finally returned to a more normal (whatever normal is for the dead) state around 1:00 o'clock in the afternoon. She sat up from the bed slowly and put her hand to her head. Did she have a headache? She dismissed the idea as quickly as it formed that would be ridiculous, right? She noticed Gregory sitting on the edge of the bed bent over with his head in his hands and his elbow on his thighs.
"Gregory?" Emmeline whispered. Her voice sounding weak even to her own ears. 'What is going on with me' was rattling around in her brain.
Gregory's head shot up and he looked at the woman in front of him. What was wrong with her? He attempted to mask his concern but, Emmeline could see it written all over his face as easily as one would read from a book. "Are-Are you feeling better?" He spoke quietly afraid his voice would cause her to pass out and leaned closer to her.
Emmeline reached for his hand outstretched on the bed and held it. "I am fine, just a little tired is all." She managed a smile and squeezed his hand. "I think I was just unprepared for it this time but when I try again-"
"ABSOLUTELY NOT!" He said firmly. "Emmeline, I don't think that is a good idea. I actually think it is worse than a bad idea, its terrible."
"But-"
"Absolutely not and I'll tell that boy if he cooperates with you and does that again, it will be his hide! No." He cared for her too much to see her in such a poor state.
"Okay, okay." Emmeline held up her hands in mock defeat, "I won't ask the boy." She paused for a moment "yet."
"Never."
"I want to try again, but I think I pushed myself too hard."
Gregory shook his head. He really didn't want her to behave so foolishly again, but there was only so much he could do. He would make sure she thoroughly threatened Matthew so the boy would think twice before performing that stunt again.
Emmeline looked at the wall clock. "They should be home soon right?"
"Actually Matthew is staying later for soccer practice, I think he was invited to join the team."
Emmeline considered this and nodded her head. It was good he was doing normal human things. Emmeline had the resolution to try harder and practice leaving the estate. She wanted to see him play too! She was jealous of the time that Gregory and Ania had away from the Octagon House. Emmeline looked up and noticed the worry on his face. She would try again in a week or so and slowly build up a tolerance. She couldn't help but feel weird about the entire situation, why is she not allowed to leave the Octagon House? What is her connection to this place? Somewhere in her memories the answer was hidden.
"Oh, were you dreaming?" Gregory asked curiously.
Emmeline squinted her eyes, "No I don't think so, why?"
"No reason."
"Why are you lying to me?" Emmeline questioned.
"You were just talking in your sleep is all, nothing of any importance. Just figured you must be dreaming which is obviously very weird for a dead person to do."
Emmeline nodded, "Mm, true." satisfied with his answer. She stood up and headed downstairs and started to prep for dinner. As she was prepping dinner, he went and drove to the school to pick up the two kids.
She was busy preparing for the meal and noticed the clock, what was taking them so long she thought to herself. But just as she was thinking that the car pulled in. She smiled and headed to the front door to meet them. Emmeline had a feeling that both Ania and Matthew would be worried about her.
When both of them saw Emmeline standing on the porch they came rushing over.
"Are you feeling better Emmy?" Ania asked nervously.
"Much better Ania, much better."
Matthew pulled a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers with a pink ribbon tied around it, "For you, I hope you feel 100% you soon!"
Emmeline took the flowers and a wide smile was plastered on her face. "Thank you, just what I needed to brighten my day. I already feel better than I did moment ago, thank you."
The little family headed into the house and to the dining room. While the ghosts didn't need to eat, they often joined Matthew for his meals. Sitting down like any normal human family. Gregory sat down at the head of the table. Ania went served the meal while Matthew put his book bag away. Emmeline went and grabbed the rose colored vase from the window sill and filled it with water before arranging the bouquet of wildflowers neatly within the vase. As she was walking towards the table to set it down her vision faltered and her hands lost control.
CRASH
Broken shards of glass, water, and wildflowers dotted the floor. Emmeline just stared at the mess before her trying to understand how it had fallen. Something was seriously wrong with her. "I'm sorry." She said to herself her vision blurry. She blinked several times until it turned to normal. "I don't understand why that happened." her voice unsure.
All eyes moved from the broken vase to Emmeline who flickered twice before returning to normal.