the Bridge

Julie

-Ugh, i don't know how i always end up crying.-says Flynn as she wipes away her tears.

-'Cause It was beautiful-Reggie sobs-I mean, they're married, happy and together. How could you not cry?

They're both crying over "Tangled". It's been Flynn's and I's favourite movie since It came out, and It always helps when our mood is down. But today...It didn't help much. Not me, atleast, but Reggie seems to love it.

-Well, i loved this time we spent the two -she stops for a moment to correct herself- i mean, the three of us today, but i gotta go. I got some homework to do and some projects to finish. I love you, disappointment. Oh, bye Reggie!!!- she says goodbye as she disappears out the door, and Reggie waves at her

-That was quite an experience. You've got to show me more movies, Julie. I think i can get used to sitting in a couch for hours watching stories being told through this type of animation. It all seems so real. I want to touch her hair. Do you think there's someone in the world that has that much hair? Oh, and living in a tower? IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WOODS?

-Reggie, if that person you're discribing existed, it's probably being held hostage.

-Oh, well, in that case, i hope they don't exist.

I laugh. He's so innocent.

-C'mon, where are the guys?

-They left me alone, again. Luke's probably looking at the streets of Hollywood, and Alex, with Willie.

I'm thinking of something to do that we are both going to like. Maybe some cooking. No, they can't eat. Another movie...? No, it's going to take too long. Oh, maybe....

-Reggie, do you want to paint our nails?

He looks at his hands, and at mine, and smiles. Then, he nods in agreement.

Alex

-It's getting late, you should probably go.

-Do you want me to tell you about the club?

I totally forgot about that.

-Yeah, of course. It's bad, isn't It?

-...kinda. It's what i've found.

We sit at a bench nearby, and we look at eachother, preparing for what he's about to tell me.

-Okay, i've done some research. Since you arrived from the afterlife, a lot, i mean, a LOT of souls have joined the club. An incredible amount of ghosts. And i think i know why: Caleb can only possess anyone if he has enough energy to do it. I-i mean, he needs to collect enough souls...

-...so he can have enough power to get into somebodys mind. -i finish for him

Willie smiles- Yeah, exactly. And, listen, i think that's why he's so cool with the fact that you're still under your own wings. Because he knows he can manipulate that much ghosts to be under his club. It's that or disappearing.

-So, what you're telling me is we need to find a way to stop ghosts joining his club? And then what? he won't stop 'till he has us, Willie. He'll find another way.

There's no point at all for trying. He'll keep coming at us until we're on that stage singing under his name.

-I know, i know it's not that simple. But, you've got to find the way to be in his club. At least one night, okay? Singing in his stage, making him believe he's got you. And when you have them all together, the four of you can do what you do best. Singing together. Rock the crap out of the souls at that club! And then you'll be free. We'll all be free.

-You're sure this is going to work?

His smiles fades in a way i wouldn't want to.

-Not really. But i think it's better trying. It's all a suposition, but it's an avance. We had nothing, and now, we have a whole plan. I'm trying...i don't want to lose you, Alex.

Ush, i get nervous when he tells me this kinda stuff. I don't know what to say, or how to react, or what should i do, or what to do, or...

-You won't -i find myself comforting him-I think it's a good plan. You know him better than we do. And it's been three days since i can touch and be touched and i don't get used to It. It's better than nothing.

We keep starting at eachother and smiling for a few seconds. But it's time for me to go. I've got a band waiting for a plan to get ourselves out of this.

Luke

I make sure the paper with the song written on It is tucked and hidden in my pockets before puffing into the studio....

...but there isn't anyone. I guess Julie's at her house, maybe the kitchen, eating...

...but she isn't there either. Okay, i think i can poof into her room. Wait, no i'll poof IN FRONT OF her door. And this time i'll knock.

Inteligent guy.

I hear some giggling behind the door, and i knock to hear a complete silence.

Julie slightly opens the door, and i smile. She smiles too, and tells me to come in.

As soon as I walk in, a strong scent of nail polish and acetone hits my nose. I haven't smelled this since my cousins' princess-themed parties.

All to see Reggie sitting in the chair of Julie's desk, looking at his fingers while his eyes are sparkling.

Julie goes back to what she's doing, and she keeps painting her nails.

-What are the two of you up to?-i ask them.

-Hey dude! Julie was just painting my nails. It's pretty modern, you should try.

-What color are they?

-They're black! Pure Rock'n Roll.

I smile at Reggie, who keeps looking at his hands. Then, i look at her. Her tongue is out, and she might not notice, but when she's focused, a wrinkle forms on her forehead too.What's on her mind? I wish I could peek inside her head.

-And what colour are yours...?

I smile at her, getting slowly closer.

She smiles back, closes the nail polish bottle and looks at me, showing her hands- Shimmery blue. I'ts been ages since i last used this shade. Do you want me to paint yours?

I would love to. Black nails suit me. But with time i've learned that painting your nails and playing guitar are two non-compatible things.

-Not really, they would get ruined with the guitar strings. But, thanks, though.

In that moment, Alex appears in the room.

I don't know how we all always manage to appear at the same time.

He takes a couple of seconds to process what he's seeing. Then, he shakes his head and takes a breath.

-...okay. Uhm, i talked to Willie. He....said a few things about this whole situation. He has found out some stuff, and i think we can figure this out.

I'm afraid whatever Alex wants to tell us, it isn't good.

-Say it. After all, whatever it is, there aren't many good options.-says Reggie as he blows his hands to get her nails dry.

We are all paying attention- Yeah, uhm. Well, Long story short, turns out that a lot of souls have arrived at the club lately. And Willie has come to the conclusion that, for Caleb to possess someone, he needs many spirits. So we only have a few paths to choose from...

-Which ones?-asks Julie, worried.

-We can continue with whatever we have going on, or...-he looks at me.

Crap. No, no, no, no. No way. There's NO WAY.

I can't. I promised myself i can't. I can't. There's got to be a way of getting out of this that doesn't involve going into that stupid club. I refuse to make music outside of this band.

I start to panick.

-Wait, so you're telling me there's no way to get out of this without joining his club?

-Luke, calm down. It would only be for a little bit, okay?. Just a little bit.

-But why would you do that? In what purpose?-asks Julie.

-Yesterday, we got to the conclusion that... It is you, Julie-Alex stands up as he looks at her.

-Me? What do you mean..."me"?

-Yeah, you. It didn't take us long to realize that you and the music are what's keeping us here. You're the only thing we need. -I move closer to her and squat down, looking at her. The guys join in and come closer, supporting me.- Look, I don't know what will happen if we defeat Caleb. I also wouldn't want to put you in danger, but if we're going to spend our last moments fighting, I think I speak for all three of us when I say we'd like to do it with you.

I see her almost tearing up. Gosh, she's beautiful. I know the idea of losing this is something that terrifies all of us, but we've got to do this.

I look at her and smile-You mean a lot to us.

-Thanks. And yes, i'll fight. Whatever It takes. But...we need a plan.

We look at eachother for a moment, thinking...

But at that instant, Julie's door opens.

-Heyyyyy, daaaaad!!!-She stands up as quickly as she can, and smiles heavily.

I wish she knew how bad she lies. You can really tell.

-Honey, is everything okay? I thought i heard something.

She looks around, looking desperatly for an excuse. Then, with her eyes, she finds her...metal thing. That laptok, i think. I don't really know.

-i..i-i was TALKING!! With Flynn. She came by earlier and she forgot her...uhm....her...earrings. She just called me.

Her dad doesn't really seem to believe her.

-Great!!...Julie, are you feeling well?

-Me? Yeah, why?

-It's just, hasn't it been a lot lately? I mean, less than two months ago you were playing the piano for the first time in a year...and...well, last Friday you played in one of the biggest theaters of Hollywood. It must be tiring.

I see Julie thinking for a little bit without answering. Then, she raises her head and brings her hands to her throat. Furrows her brows, and coughs

-Yeah...my vocal cords have hurt my throat, and now it hurts. But oh well, don't worry, I'll be better tomorrow for sure.

Is she really...faking being sick?

If she is, i'm going to remember this forever.

-You know you can miss class tomorrow if you don't feel well.

She gives It a thought.

-No, no, don't worry. I'm fine.

-Well, now, take a shower and come down to dinner. It's almost ready!!

Ray closes the door, and Julie turns around. We are all looking at her, surprised and holding our laughs. Did Julie just fake being sick?

-You aren't sick, aren't you? -Asks Reggie.

-No, of course not. But i don't want to have to see Nick-, i mean, Caleb, tomorrow at school. Maybe i'll be ill just for a few days. At least until we can figure this all out. Now, leave, you've heard my dad.

-Yes ma'am!

-Bye bye!!

Both Reggie and Alex leave, but i stay.

it's just....i don't know why? I want to say something to her? What do i say?

-Jules, just so you know. We'll find a way. don't worry.

GREAT Luke. Just what you said earlier. So original.

i turn around to leave, but i remember what i meant to tell her.

-...and, if you have any feelings you want to talk, cry or...write about, you know you can always count with me. I know i'm not that good of a listener butz i-i think i can try.

She smiles at me. I smile at her.

Then i see her getting closer. Whoa, what? She's almost running. Huh?

And she wrappes her arms around my neck. I wrap mine around her waist. And we are, now, as closer as we can get. I can hear her breath, and i smell her perfume. I'm in Heaven.

I hear her whisper "thank you".

Interrupting my thoughts, she lets go. Julie puts the two front strings of her hair behind her ears. She's blushing. Am i blushing too? I think so. Am i?

-Uhm...i'll just...i'm going to..leave you. So you can take a...okay. -And i just puff out to the front door of the garage before i mess It up.

I love having little moments with her like this. I know it was just a hug but, It means the world.

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Helloooo!!! It's been 2 weeks, but next chapter's finally here!!

Are you enjoying It??

Bye bye!! xoxo