Just Lucky that Way by Andy Slayde, Ali Wilde Page A

getting this, Kitty?"
    "It is colder here," Blake said, and Zed shrank in on himself as everyone moved closer, crowding him. This wasn't good; he hated being closed in like this. Yes, claustrophobia was just another problem. Mainly being in situations he couldn't get out of immediately.
    "Back off!" Alex shouted, making his friends pause in their examination. "Give Zed some room to breathe, for fuck's sake."
    "Now you give a shit?" Rhys asked.
    "Fuck off -- and get your hands off him."
    "Get off your high horse, Alex." Rhys wrapped his arm around Zed. "You've done nothing but be an ass all day."
    "I loved you." Icy fingers run down Zed's cheek, chilling his face."Why did you leave me?"
    "I didn't leave you!" Zed shouted, wanting to flee. To get to his car and get the hell out of Dodge. But he couldn't, his 'friends' had him trapped in the fucking barn with a fucking ghost who was crazier than he was.
    "Is she talking to you?"
    "Ask her if she's Opal."
    "Why is she here?"
    "What does she want?"
    "Tell her to go to the light."
    "Shut up!" Alex forced his way through the crowd to stand protectively in front of Zed. "Back. Off!"
    "Fuck, Alex, we're just trying to get some answers," Jon said. "Zed's a big boy; he can take care of himself. He doesn't need you to protect him."
    "I'm warning you... back off."
    Zed knew that tone well. He'd heard it many times before; every time Alex had stepped in and fought off the bullies in high school. Jon had better watch his step; he'd already become acquainted with Alex's right hook. Maybe things weren't as bad as Zed thought, Alex was protecting him. Alex still cared.
    Zed placed his hand on Alex's shoulder. "It's okay."
    "He's mine!"
    Zed watched in horror and Alex was thrown against the wall of the nearest stall.
    "Fuck!"
    Zed wasn't sure whose voice that was, as it was drowned out by the girls' screaming. The light on Kitty's camera dimmed and went out, throwing everyone into gloom.
    Zed cared only about one thing. Alex.
    The voice could go and fuck itself, as could any half-hearted apparitions and Chanel scented cold spots.
    The barn erupted into chaos, everyone suddenly only concerned about themselves, their focus shifting from Zed. Rhys had grabbed his arm, trying to make him leave the barn, but Zed wasn't going anywhere, not until Alex was with him. The panic continued around him until Alex finally looked up at him, from where he'd landed on the ground, and gave a tired smile. Becca, who had been ensuring Alex wasn't too injured, caught the smile and stood.
    "He's all yours. Nothing broken." She glanced to the door of the barn. It was becoming quite dark outside, but was probably lighter than the inside of the barn. "Um... I might just wait for you two, if that's okay."
    "Okay." Zed nodded and knelt next to Alex. He felt surprisingly calm in the aftermath, even though his heart was beating fast. Maybe it was the adrenaline spike calming him. "That was pretty awesome. Didn't know you could fly." Cracking a joke, no matter how bad, seemed the thing to do.
    "I've got moves even you haven't seen yet." Alex winked. "You okay?" He rested his hand on Zed's thigh. "Is she still around?"
    "I don't know. I'm not cold anymore." Zed looked around, not sure what he was expecting to see in the darkness. "Um, can we make up later? I wanna go."
    "Sounds good." Alex slowly stood. "Seems the whole 'ghosts can't hurt anyone' theory is a myth."
    "She's jealous," Zed said by way of explanation. "Apparently I loved her, but I left her." He slid his arm around Alex. "Are you okay to walk?"
    Alex nodded. "That makes no sense. You've never loved a girl."
    "Maybe she's getting me confused with you." Zed gave a small laugh and bumped Alex's hip with his. "I dunno, I think ghosts are easily confused."
    "I don't even want to think about the psyche of ghosts."
    "Can we get outta here?" Becca asked, huddling close to Alex. "I don't want to be here when she gets back."
    "I don't think it works that way." Zed huddled