Eira doesnt see Jack as she gets off the plane and grabs her suitcase off the luggage rack.

Damn it... I hope he hasnt forgotten me already... that would just suck... maybe traffic or a funeral.... He said he would be here...

She sighs and starts to pace thinking she should find a place to sit. The airport was crowded so Eira moves towards a window and sits on her suitcase. She gazes outside deciding to give him a few minutes before she starts calling. Watching a plane take off Eira's mind starts to drift when she is startled by her phone beeping at her with a text from Jack.

Turn around Beautiful...

Eira starts to grin as she slowly stand and turns. “Jack....” Tears starts as she feels his arms go around her. “I missed you so much...”

“Not as much as I missed you...” Jack leans down for a kiss, capturing Eiras lips. “Mmm... we better go before we get arrested... wheres your stuff?”

Eira laughs, happy to be home and happy to be with Jack. “Over there...”

Jack lifts the suitcase and then acts as if his arm is hurt, “Whats in here? Bricks? I think my shoulder broke..”

“No, no bricks and you are not hurt...” Eira grins as she swats at him. The pair laugh and joke as they head towards the parking lot and Jacks truck.

Eira takes her seat on the plane and sends a text to Jack before they take off..

Only another 3 hours, I cant wait to see you, among other things...

As the flight attendant instructs everyone to fasten seat belts and the engines roar to life, Eiras mind is elsewhere. She gazes out the window and tears fill her eyes. Saying goodbye to Sybil and Saint was so much harder than she thought it would be. The medium had arranged a going away dinner for her which Jeanette attended. The evening had been fun, the women talking of other things that were important to them, not just Eiras studies. Saint had taken a spot near Eiras feet and stayed there most of the evening.

When Jeanette got ready to leave, she gave Eira a long hug and pressed a small cloth bag into her hand. “You keep this close to you. Inside is powerful magic, special stones, powders, it will protect you and allow you to contact your guardian angel.”

Eiras eyes went wide, “Did you make it?”

Jeanette nodded, her expression serious at first, then her face split in a wide grin. “I want to hear all about your first night back home. Call me... love you...” and she was gone.

Saying goodbye to Sybil and Saint proved much more difficult and Eira couldnt stop the tears. Sybil hugged her, kissed her head, and told her to stop, which had Eira smiling through the tears.

Sybil handed Eira a card. “Here are my numbers, the house phone and my private cell. Call me any time with any questions or problems. I will do my best to help you. Enjoy your young man. Bring him to meet me sometime...”

“I will..” Eira promised. She hugged the woman who started as her teacher and ended up her friend then hugged Saint, took a deep breath and headed for her plane.

Her thoughts coming back to the present, Eira sighs. This is going to be the longest flight in history....

(Text of an email from Eira to Jack)

Jack -

Sorry I haven't written in a while, things have been hectic here but I've been learning a lot.

From the beginning:

Sibyl realized pretty early on that she couldn't teach me much about spirit possession, so she reached out to an expert. Her name is Jeanette Duval; she's a Vodou priestess from New Orkeans. Incidentally, that is the correct spelling - "Voodoo" is something that was invented by Hollywood; Vodou is a religion.

Anyway... Jeanette is an expert on Vodou, both the Haitian version and our own homegrown flavor. She also has expertise in other Afro-Carribean religions such as Santeria, Candomble, and Palo Mayombe. You'd like her; she's really pretty and about as unpretentious as you can get. She arrived about ten days ago looking like anybody in shorts, sandals and t-shirt. She likes music and dancing - the girl can really move her ass! - ice cream and hot guys and going barefoot, and Saint's nuts about her. When you get past the surface, though, there's a kind of calm, quiet, earthy wisdom about her. She didn't say much the first couple days, just sat in on my lessons with Sibyl, taking my measure, I guess. On the third day, though, she had some specific suggestions for me. See, (I probably should have mentioned this earlier) possession is integral to Vodou, central to it, really, especially in Haiti. In Vodou, the worshipper is possessed by the loa, spirits that are less than gods but more than just human spirits. Hmmm... let me see if I can explain that.

Vodouisants believe in one supreme god that is remote and uninvolved with this world and its people. Below him are the loa, human spirits that have evolved to another, higher level - something like the saints in Christian theology, and especially Catholicism. The loa are involved with the world and its people and they use possession as the medium by which they communicate with their worshippers.

Anyway... I'd been working with Jeanette for a little less than a week. All the experts say the same thing, essentially - let go of your ego, your sense of self and just go with the flow. (I paraphrase, omitting whole volumes of pomposity.) Of course, these "experts" never tell you HOW you're supposed to do this....

Anyway, I was practicing with David (our resident ghost, remember?) and trying out some of Jeanette's suggestions - and David was suddenly inside me, smooth as silk.

 Ummm... that didn't come out quite as intended.... :-)

It was weird... It was like watching TV... I could see and hear, but it didn't seem real, like I was getting it secondhand. I nearly panicked then, but I remembered what Jeanette said, that I'm always in control. And I thought, this is David, he's my friend... and the panic just kind of melted away.

 David stayed in my head for about fifteen minutes that first time, but we kept working at it and I eventually got to where I could "host" him for about an hour. Longer than that isn't healthy; hosting a ghost burns your energy at an amazing rate. I'm always hungry and tired after a sitting.

A couple of days ago, we all went to the cemetery - Sibyl, Jeanette, David and Your Humble Servant - and I opened myself to the spirits. This is the equivalent of putting down a can of tuna in a room full of hungry cats. The dead, as it turns out, don't just want to talk to the living; they want to feel alive again, if only for a few minutes. Most of 'em are pretty nice about it, but there are always a few assholes. (If you were an asshole in life, you'll more than likely be an asshole in the afterlife - do you find that to be true?) There were a couple who didn't want to leave when I said "time's up". I finally had to boot their ethereal asses back to the Great Beyond.

On a more earthly level, I can't wait to be back home - and back in your bed - our bed. No more holding back; I want you so bad I ache with it, and my toys aren't making a dent in it. Whatever you want, lover, however you want it - just ask, and I'll do it.

 I love you, Jack, forever and ever.

Kisses -


Eira

Eira sighs as she opens her suitcase and starts to unpack. She hadnt really expected to miss Jack so much and so soon.

Her mind slips back over the events of the day, saying goodbye to Jack at the airport, the flight to Boston and meeting Sibyl and Saint. Sibyls favorite cab driver had approached her as she was claiming her luggage and asked if she was the girl Sibyl was waiting for. Eira smiled and nodded and was soon introduced to Sibyl and her dog Saint. As Eira shook her hand she was surprised at the slim still beautiful woman before her. Were you expecting the wicked witch? Whats the matter with you? You should know better than that by now... Sibyl chatted on the ride through Boston, telling Eira about the shops, her house, the proximity to the beach. Noticing Eiras quietness, Sibyl asks, “I take it there is someone you are missing...”

“There is...but how did you...” Eira is puzzled, not thinking she had given herself away so easily. “The sigh when I mentioned the beach. I remember those days, the walks on the beach, the moonlight...” Sibyl sighs herself then takes a deep breath. “Well, we will just have to keep you busy. I assume you have one of those fancy phones so you can keep in touch?”

“I do. And I am looking forward to all you can teach me. Jack has helped me some, explaining what I was seeing...”

“So his name is Jack? The grave digger?”

On the ride to Sibyls house the two women talked and became acquainted. Eira found herself genuinely liking Sibyl and enjoying their conversation. Eira watched out the window as the cab pulled off the main road and onto a long drive. At the end stood a tall two story house, colorful flowers outlining the stone path, worn smooth over the years, the porch light on, although it wasnt quite dark yet. As Eira stepped out of the cab she could smell the sharp tang of the ocean air. I wish Jack were here...

Her thoughts fade as she settles in her room. The bed is large and cushy, covered with a flowered spread and theres a small desk with an antique reading lamp and office chair. Eira sets her laptop case on it and notices the stack of books. One on hauntings and a couple about mediumship. She moves to the window and opens the curtains. The moon is huge and from her window she can see the ocean, dark and mysterious in the moonlight...

Downstairs Sibyl takes seat in the living room and Saint rests his head in her lap. Sibyl scratches the dogs ears and quietly says, “I think she will do fine. She is missing her love, and we know what thats like, dont we?” Saint whimpers softly as if understanding his mistress' words. Sibyl stands and heads to the kitchen, “Lets make some tea for our guest and help her to feel at home...”

Eira smiles softly as she runs a finger over Jacks lips.

If he only knew how bad I wanted to just jump him... and how bad I want it to mean something to him....

Her eyes move down the length of his body, admiring the muscles, the flat belly, his hard cock... she sighs and closes her eyes, forcing back the desire building rapidly out of control.

He could have any girl he wanted, a different one every night... could it be he really doesnt like that idea? Or is it the curse, and he really is just protecting himself? It has to be hard to watch everyone around you get older and change... what would it be like, to see someone you love die?... and to know it's going to happen to everyone you love... how would you keep from going crazy? I wonder if Kathy would talk to me? Only I dont know how to contact a spirit, they just seem to keep showing up... Is that something this Sibyl will teach me? And how long is that going to take....

Eiras thoughts swirl, confusing her. Every emotion was played out on her face and she opened her eyes to Jack watching her intently.

“What?” she asks.

“You're gorgeous... even deep in thought...” Jack grins at the smile that comes to her face.

Eira took a deep breath and then knocked loudly on the door of the caretakers house on the edge of Pax Aeternum Cemetery. She had two large insulated bags with her and the aroma was making her stomach growl. Her thoughts slipped back to the other day when she had basically invited herself over to Jacks for Christmas. She really wanted to get to know him better and it didnt have anything to do with the medium thing. At the thought she kept her head lowered, not wanting to see if any spirits were watching her from the shadows of the large tombstones.

Finally Jack opened the door. He smiled and asked her in.

At least he answered the door and asked me in.... and actually smiled... So far so good....

“Whats in the bags? It smells great..” Jack leads the way to the small kitchen. It smelled like lemons, and Eira grinned, knowing he had just cleaned it.

“Well... I didnt know what to make that was traditional for the holidays for just two people. So I made lasagna....”

“Lasagna? Really?” Jack asks, a hint of disbelief in his voice.

“Yeah.... I hope you like Italian. I guess I should have asked.”

“Its fine, great... I love Italian....” Jack helps Eira get the food warmed and the table set. He brings out a bottle of wine and two glasses.

The evening was spent talking, getting to know one another. They polished off their meal and started on a second bottle of wine before Eira asked about the medium thing. Jack was quiet for a few moments and he tried his best to explain everything he knew to her.

“I think it would be best if we called in some extra help with this. Rowan can help you with some centering and Alise can see spirits at times....”

“The healer woman? And the the French lady from the tavern? Why does Alise see things?” Eira asks innocently.

Jack smiles, “I think I have a couple more bottles here somewhere.....this is gonna be a long night...”

Eira enters the tavern slowly. The atmosphere seemed charged, electric, most everyone paired off and making the most of it. Eira didnt see any of the college crowd so heads to the bar for a drink.

Monty takes her order and a few seats down the bar Rowan turns in her seat. “Hi Eira!” She waves the girl towards her and notices how she rubs her hands before Monty hands her a beer.

“Whats wrong with your hands? They look swollen too...”

“Its nothing. Just a long day at work...” Eira flexes her stiff and sore fingers.

Rowan asks Monty for her bag which she stores behind the bar when shes there. “I have something in here that might help....” Rowan pulls out a small jar of ointment. “Here it is. Try rubbing some of this on your hands.”

Eira takes the small jar and opening it, smells the contents. “Mmmm... smells good. What is it?”

“Hydrangea bark and Eucalyptus ointment. Should help the aching and the swelling.” Rowan notices Eiras sidelong glances towards Jacks booth. “I dont mean to keep you if theres someone you want to talk to...”

Eira smiles sadly, “No. I dont think he is going to want to talk to me again. He said some pretty crazy stuff the other night and I… well... I didnt react so well... I just kinda left in a huff.”

“Thats too bad. I thought you guys had hit it off... After you got up off the floor that is...”

Laughing Eira looks over at the booth again. Jack is sitting there with his Corona and across from him that same dark haired woman, barely visible in the shadows, but definitely there.

The smiles leaves her face and she turns back to Rowan. “Who is that woman that sits with Jack?”

“What woman?” Rowan looks around Eira and over to Jack who lifts his beer in a mock salute.

“That one... she's always there with Jack, across the table from him.”

“Well, I dont see anyone there now...” Rowan wrinkles her forehead, her thoughts racing, wondering if what she suspected about Eira was true.

Eira looks to Monty. “Who is that sitting with Jack? Across the table from him...”

Monty glances over and shrugs his shoulders. “I dont see anyone. Can I get you another beer?”

Eira nods and looks again. The woman is still there, looking right at her. What the hell? Could Jack be right? Can I really see something that no one else can?

Monty hands her a beer and Eira asks for a Corona. She looks to Rowan, “I think I need to apologize... something I'm not very good at...” and Eira heads to Jacks table.

Her head down, still unsure of what to say, Eira stops at the booth. She holds out the Corona to Jack.

“This is for you. I'm really sorry about how I acted the other night... in the cafe. I... well... maybe you are right or something... I dont know... but I can see....” Eira looks up and right into Kathys dark brown eyes. She watches as Kathy looks at her then turns her head to look at Jack.

“I told you she can see me...”

Jack nods and watches as Eiras face goes white. He stands and takes her arm, helping her to sit. He hands the Corona back to her. "Drink up, kiddo. I think you need this more than I do."

Eira shakes her head, “No, I am not a medium. I dont see dead people. I read the Runes... that doesnt make me a medium...”

“I know, but theres no other way you could have seen her...” Jack tries to explain.

Standing slowly Eira says “I think I should go... its getting late. ..”

Jack stands, “Let me at least walk you home..”

Shaking her head Eira replies, “No, its fine. I walk alone all the time. Thanks anyway...” and she hurries out of the cafe and out into the night.

Jack sits slowly and sighs. He finishes his coffee and heads home, to the cemetery. Annoyed with himself he thinks, Way to go Jack. Never did know when to shut up... The girl will probably never speak to you again....

Eira slows down as she gets close to her place, only a block or so from where she works. Is he crazy? Or just trying to scare me for some reason? Or is it some new way of trying to pick up a girl? Weird, whatever it is....

Eira smiles and thanks Rowan. She looks to Jack and leaning close kisses his cheek and whispers, “Sorry, I didnt mean to laugh... but it was pretty funny...”

Jack takes a drink and tries not to choke, nods his head, but not before Eira sees the red of his cheeks.

She reaches into a back pocket and pulls out a small business card, lavender in color and embossed with silver rune stones.

“Here... my cell is on there. Call me. I can get you in for a massage...its the least I can do to make up for my teasing...” With a grin Eira returns to the dance floor.

Jack watches as one of the guys lifts her to one of the small stages set up and she starts to dance, her hips moving suggestively. Her eyes watch him, hot and full of desire.

Suddenly Jack feels a hand on his shoulder and turns his head to see Raina, her own eyes taking in the sexy moves. “I think she has the hots for you Jack. Maybe you should take her up on it....”

Eira watches Raina speaking to Jack. She had met her once before, when Raina had asked about the Runes on her business card. Eiras thoughts drift back to Jack, wondering just what it was that had so strongly attracted her to him. Her gaze moves from where Jack was standing with Raina to the booth where he always sat and the woman sitting there in the shadows.