Chapter 2: Lisa Stays

James stood up and looked around. "She is here. I can feel her! She is in my room. In my car. In my classroom. On my bed when I am asleep. Even in my dreams.  She is with me always. I can't take it anymore. She keeps me only for her even in her spirit.", James paused. "Noel, I love her so much. I thought that I will never get to love anybody else after she passed away. For a year or so, I tried my best to forget. To understand that the only way I can move on with my life and let Lisa go - is to forget". Whenever I try, Lisa does something to remind me of her, of what we promised to each other. To tell me that she is still here and has never left.", James said.



I was speechless. I didn't know how to answer. James was staring at me sad but angry. Sad for Lisa's death. Angry for Lisa still being with him. I was confused. Until James said, "I finally met someone months ago Noel. I have not introduced her to the guys and to you because everywhere I looked reminded me of Lisa. I had to start from scratch. To start all over again. If need be, to forget all that Lisa was connected to. That was why I had to distant myself from all of you. I met somebody who, like others, I thought will not help me forget. But Sandra did. I met her and she opened my eyes again. She showed me that I still had a life to live."

"James, how is Lisa still in the picture? I mean, she passed away two years ago. Do you mean she appears to you?". James looked at me with that stare. "She hates me, Noel. She hates me now for breaking our promise.", James said.  "You mean the promise that you will get married?! How can that be?!", I replied. "You tell me dude. How can that be?".  James still stood up placing his arms on his hips as he shook his head as if he has surrendered to the fact that he cannot move on.

"I have to go, Noel. I have to get back home. But I know that when I do, Lisa will get to me again when I am alone in my room. When Sandra calls, Lisa will make me feel and see her anger.", James said.  I didn't know what to say. Should I tell my friend to go and hire a psychic? A paranormal scientist? A priest? I didn't know. "Argh! Thanks, Noel! Don't you tell the guys I cried on you. I will kill you if you did.", James smiled. "Of course! What are friends for?".  James turned away while I watched him go towards his car. I couldn't move. I didn't know what to think. James turned and waved at me before he entered his sedan. Next thing I knew, James sped away.

Two days later, I received a phone call. "Noel, Noel!!! Are you there?!", James screamed. "Man, I am here. What's wrong?", I replied.  "Get your ass here! Please! Come to my house now!". He dropped the phone.

(End of Chapter 2)