Chapter 29: I am a Witch

How many clothes can four girls wear? I sit on the bench, watching the washer finally spin the last load of clothes. It won't surprise me if the machine starts smoking.

I glance at my cellphone. Aunt Grace had sent me a smiley face but no message. She must know I recognized my lousy Uncle's voice and is testing the water. No messages from Lance or my friends. It is seven o'clock and I have a long night ahead of me with Gwen's chores.

But what else can I do? She has both Ben and Kiarr. A pang hits my middle and I double over, clutching my arms around myself. What if my ghosts are in pain? What if they have already vanished into nothing?

The thought of not ever seeing them, not being able to kiss them one last time or say goodbye feels like a knife to my chest. Panic swells inside me and I can't take a deep enough breath. I've been so stupid all this time. Ben and Kiarr accept me for who I am. They let me be whoever I want, unlike Lance, who tried to keep me in his perfect box.