Talking to Dead (The Banshee Series Book 1) Read online

  ****

  “Mum, dad, I’m home!” Azalea called stepping into the house. Shrugging off her coat and slipping out of her shoes she looked around and was greeted by silence. ‘Strange’ she thought. Her parents were supposed to leave in the evening and they should be at home by now. Walking around the house she couldn’t find them, not until she stopped in front of their room.

  “She’ll be so upset,” Mr. Monday’s voice rang out. Confused, Azalea leaned closer to the door and listened.

  “I know but we have to do it,” Mrs. Monday replied. “I can’t live in peace with her in the house, knowing she knows when someone will die. Ireland is the best place we can send her. My great aunt lives there and I already talked to her. Azalea will live with her and go to school there. The plane ticket and her schooling are already paid. We can’t just take it back and let her live her. What if something happens to Lee and she knows it?” Anna continued.

  Dread filled Azalea. ‘They’re sending me to Ireland, away from my brother Lee?’ She thought. Azalea could not believe her ears.

  Having her mind wrapped in her thoughts she didn’t notice her parents opening the door. Their gasps pulled her out of her thoughts and a frown slipped on Azalea’s face. The guilt on her parents’ faces confirmed what she had heard.

  “Azalea…” Anna started feeling guilty for doing what she did. She loved her daughter but still she couldn’t live peacefully with Azalea around.

  Still not sure she had heard right, Azalea asked, “Is it true?” Azalea feared the words that she would hear would hurt her more than actually leaving her home.

  Sighing in defeat Mrs. Monday said, “It’s true and I’m sorry.” Tears filled Azalea’s eyes and she ran to her room. The second she entered the room she noticed that all her things were packed and the room was empty. At that moment anger replaced sadness and she stormed out of her room straight to her parents’ room.

  “How could you! You packed my things and bought a plane ticket to Ireland without even telling me! Ugh,” Azalea stomped. Mrs. and Mr. Monday were shocked by Azalea’s outburst.

  “I already said I’m sorry. I know it sounds bad right now, but after a while you’ll get used to living there and you’ll love it. I lived there for a summer when I was younger and I loved it. Ireland is a beautiful country and I hear that the school you’re already enrolled in is great and that the students there are very kind,” Mrs. Monday explained trying to calm her daughter.

  “Yes, mum it sounds bad alright. If you had all this planned for some time why did you hide it from me? Why not tell me the truth?” Azalea demanded not calmed down a bit.

  “We didn’t plan on keeping it from you, it just happened. You don’t know how many times I had the words on the tip of my tongue but just couldn’t say it,” Mr. Monday explained covering for his wife.

  “Was I supposed to believe this lie?” Azalea asked trying to sound innocent. She couldn’t believe her parents and their lies.

  “I’m telling the truth honey. Look, I don’t want you to leave this country with us fighting,” Mr. Monday said. Taking a deep breath Azalea calmed down. When she saw the look on her father’s face she knew he really wanted that. Nodding she hugged him.

  “I’m sorry honey. I will miss you and I don’t want you to go,” Mr. Monday said and then whispered something into Azalea’s ear.

  “Your mother and I got into a huge fight over this and I swear I never agreed to it.”

  “I believe you, mother always was like that,” Azalea whispered back and stepped back. “Now that we’re all happy, why don’t we leave and head to the airport,” Mrs. Monday said almost heartlessly.

  Chapter Five – Ireland

  Arriving at the airport Azalea’s gut clenched. Her father talked with her nonstop like he was trying to make his last memories with her. Anna just listened with a frown on her face. Azalea’s brother Lee wasn’t with them and Azalea wondered where he was. She saw him the last time before he left school and he said goodbye like he knew she was leaving.

  “Dad, where is Lee?” Azalea asked already missing her brother.

  Frowning her father looked her way and answered, “You’re mother thought it was the best for him to stay at his best friend’s house tonight. I, of course, disagreed thinking you deserve to say goodbye to each other.”

  “Oh, okay,” Azalea sighed. “How long till I board?” she asked after a few moments silence. The whole atmosphere was awkward. Before either of her parents’ could answer a familiar voice from behind called her.

  “Azalea!” Lee's voice rang through the airport. Turning around her brother ran straight into her arms. Happy tears filled Azalea’s eyes and she couldn’t stop them from falling. She was so happy her brother was here.

  “What are you doing here? I thought you were over at your friend’s house,” Azalea asked Lee. Looking at her handsome brother she smiled. ‘I will definitely miss him,’ she thought.

  “I was over at Charlie’s but Grandpa stopped by and said you’re going away and since I didn’t want you to leave without saying goodbye I asked him to take me with him,” Lee quickly explained running out of breath. For a five-year old he was trying to be strong and he tried not to cry even though he felt like he would.

  “Grandfather?” Azalea asked confused looking around and tried to find him.

  “Yes, he is also here but he just went somewhere,” Lee answered also confused by his grandpa’s disappearance. Dismissing her confusing thoughts Azalea turned her attention back to Lee.

  “I’m so happy you’re here,” she said to her brother and hugged him tight again.

  “I’m happy, too,” Lee continued. “But why are you leaving? You’re the only sister I still have.” Saying that Lee’s and Azalea’s eyes filled with tears. While Lee’s tears were because he felt betrayed by his two sisters since he was too young to understand Holland’s death and Azalea’s leaving, Azalea’s tears were the result of guilt.

  Just as the voice coming from speakers called for those who are leaving for Ireland, Azalea’s grandfather appeared with so much luggage it looked like he was moving too.

  “Hi darling,” Franz said smiling at Azalea. Confusion filled Azalea’s mind again and she tried to understand her grandfather’s actions.

  “What are you doing here with all that stuff?” she asked him trying to make sense of the situation.

  “I’m here because I’m going to Ireland with you,” Franz explained, smiling perceptively.

  "You are?" Azalea asked suddenly overjoyed.

  "Yes, I am. I was thinking how long it has been since I saw my sister and when I realized I haven't seen her for ten years I knew I had to go with you. I was also a little concerned how you will feel in the new environment without anyone you know and I realized you would be very sad and stressed so I jumped in. I Hope you don't mind me coming with you," Franz explained.

  Without voicing her thoughts she hugged Franz and almost cried again. ‘Why am I so emotional today?’ Azalea wondered stepping back from the hug.

  “I’m okay with you coming along,” Azalea answered to the previous answer.

  The last call for the Ireland flight was heard and Azalea and Franz hurried to the gate. Of course, Azalea had to say goodbye to Lee and her father. She felt guilty for not saying goodbye to her mother. Even though she made plans behind her back more often than was necessary, she still loved her.

  Azalea nervously sat in her seat waiting for the plane to take-off.

  “Don’t be nervous,” Franz said, calming his granddaughter. It was obvious that Azalea was nervous not only because of being on a plane but also because of leaving her family.

  “I’m not nervous,” she said trying to sound brave.

  “You don’t have to act all brave, you know. That’s not you and don’t pretend to be someone you are not,” Franz said encouragingly.

  The plane finally took-off and after a few minutes she fell asleep, exhausted from all the drama.

  ****

&n
bsp; The jerking of the plane when landing woke Azalea and Franz up.

  “I believe we are here,” Franz said more to himself than to Azalea. She just nodded and gripped the seat arm harder. The jerking became harder and she squeezed her eyes shut.

  When the plane finally landed Azalea relaxed again. It took a few moments before they left the plane and stepped onto the ground.

  “Ahh,” Azalea sighed, finally completely calm.

  “It wasn’t that terrible, was it?” Franz asked Azalea. She just glared at him and went to find her luggage.

  Just as she found it a horribly high pitched voice called her and Franz’s names.

  “Azalea! Franz! Over here,” the lady called and waved them over. Franz grinned finally recognising his sister and walked towards her.

  “Is that your sister?” Azalea asked making a face. Nodding Franz glared at his granddaughter.

  “She might be different but please don’t make that face ever again.”

  “Fine,” Azalea sighed and followed him. The second they came closer Azalea’s great aunt pulled Franz into a hug and squealed. ‘For goodness sake, she acts like a teenager when she is really 65 years old,’ Azalea thought, trying not to make the same face again.

  “You must be Franz’s granddaughter, am I right?” the lady turned her attention to Azalea. Before Azalea could nod, her great aunt pulled her into an awkward hug.

  “Welcome to Ireland. I hope you will grow to love this place just like I did. My name is Leticia,” The lady said and led them to her car.

  Chapter Six – New School

  The first week went past quickly and it was Monday again. It was Azalea’s first day at her new school here in Ireland and Azalea was nervous about meeting new people, especially since she had never had a friend before and she didn't know how to make a friend.

  "Azalea, you'll be fine," Franz said to her, noticing her nervousness. "You're a beautiful girl inside and out and I'm sure everyone will love you. Now remember, don't tell anyone about the gift and try to make some friends." Hearing that, Azalea nodded and stepped out of the car.

  Looking around she noticed the students staring at her and that made her uncomfortable. She had never experienced being a new student and most of the time the children in her old school ignored her.

  Trying not to mind the stares, she stepped into the school. Looking around she didn’t notice a person standing in front of her. Bumping into the person woke her from her dazed thoughts.

  “Um, I’m sorry,” Azalea mumbled not glancing up. She figured that if she made less contact with the other students, they’d ignore her.

  “It’s okay,” a guy’s voice replied and that got her attention so she looked up. Glancing at a gorgeous guy she could hardly think. Never had she seen such a handsome guy before and it literally took her breath away. “Are you okay though?” the guy asked her and she could only nod being in such a shock.

  After a few moments of silence she stepped back a few steps and apologized again.

  “No need to apologize. Neither of us were looking where we were going,” the guy said not introducing himself. Azalea noticed that and realized she hadn’t introduced herself either.

  “Okay,” Azalea mumbled in response and then gathered her courage to introduce herself.

  “I’m Azalea Monday. I’m new here so I was wondering if you could show me where the school office is.” Her American accent surprised Lucas and he couldn’t help but smirk. He liked hot chicks with accents and even though he had a girlfriend he wouldn’t mind spending a night with her.

  “It’s nice to meet you, I’m Lucas Sloane and sure I’ll show you where the office is,” he said and led her to the office. Azalea’s courage disappeared again and she could only nod. She had never been all that shy and she wondered why her mind was reacting that way. Once they were standing in front of the office Azalea forced a smile on her face and turned towards Lucas.

  “Thank you for showing me the office,” Azalea said and stepped in without looking back at him. For Lucas it was very unusual when a girl didn’t look back at him and wink before she left the room. Frowning at Azalea’s strange behaviour, he went to his classroom.

  Finishing at the office Azalea headed towards her homeroom. Not knowing what to expect she stepped into the classroom. Azalea didn’t like the stares she got when she stepped in and all she wanted to do was crawl into a hole and close her eyes and ears.

  Wrapped in her own thoughts she didn’t hear the teacher calling her. When the teacher finally got her attention Azalea blushed terribly.

  “I believe you’re the new student the headmaster told me about?” The teacher asked Azalea. Suddenly Azalea’s throat dried and she couldn’t force the words out of her mouth. Azalea just nodded and blushed even more.

  “Would you mind introducing yourself?” the teacher asked. Azalea nodded again and didn’t utter a word. The class laughed at her silence wondering if she was mute.

  The laughter angered Azalea and she looked up holding her head up high. But she still didn’t utter a word. Not until she saw a light flicker behind all the desks. Having her attention she wondered what it was and once the light flickered again a person appeared.

  Trying not to release a gasp she quickly told the class her name and asked the teacher where she could sit. The teacher pointed to an empty seat next to a girl and Azalea took it. For the next thirty minutes she sat in silence listening to the teacher and waiting for the bell to ring. When it finally rang Azalea stood up trying to get away as quickly as possible. She had never believed in ghosts but it was the second time she had seen something like that and Azalea started doubting her beliefs.

  Getting away from that room she dreaded the next day when she would step into it again. Before she could walk to the chemistry classroom a girl stopped her. With hands on her hips and a glare on her face she looked like a crazy person. Confused, Azalea stepped back.

  “Who are you?” Azalea asked and the girl snickered.

  “Who am I?” the girl asked in a high pitched voice while a crowd gathered around them.

  Azalea noticed Lucas standing in front of the crowd smirking. Frowning she realized that he did something. “I’m the one who you should fear around here,” the girl said smirking. “I heard that the second you stepped into my territory you flirted with my boyfriend,” she said emphasizing on the boyfriend line.

  “Me, flirting with a guy?” Azalea asked almost laughing. All the fear she felt a few seconds ago disappeared and it was replaced with courage.

  “Believe me when I say that, but I never flirted with a guy in my life and Lucas probably lied to you.”

  “So you do know Lucas…” the girl stated with a smirk.

  “Yes, I do know who he is because he helped me find the school office. Nothing more, nothing less, just that,” Azalea said now fuming but she wasn’t the only one.

  Obviously neither Lucas nor his girlfriend was used to people who would stand up against them. Noticing their anger Azalea smirked held her head high and left the hallway. But the girl insulting her still didn’t admit her defeat and called after her.

  “Remember my name, b****! Chelsea is my name!” she yelled and stomped when Azalea didn’t even show any interest in who she was. She just entered the classroom and sat behind the desk waiting for the teacher.

  Chapter Seven - Ruby

  The next two hours were torture for Azalea. It wasn't the subjects that she didn't like but the stares of her schoolmates. They didn’t just stare at her because she was new but also because of how she dealt with Chelsea and Lucas. Azalea noticed that most of the students were glaring at her meaning they liked Chelsea and were angry at Azalea. But Azalea also noticed that no one talked to her. ‘Am I a freak?’ she asked herself. The second she shook those thoughts away a girl entered the classroom loudly and woke her up.

  “Hello b***** and d*****!” she called and grinned. Azalea flinched at the words the girl used and mentally shook her head. The girl looked around a
nd when her eyes found Azalea she smiled. “There she is! I was waiting to talk to you, my friend,” the girl said to Azalea taking a seat next to her.

  Azalea looked at her strangely. “You wanted to talk to me?”

  “Yes you. You, my friend, just told Chelsea to piss off and that gives you my respect,” the girl said grinning. Azalea was surprised by her saying that but still smiled.

  “Thank you, I guess?” she said and the girl grinned.

  “Name’s Ruby and you are Azalea?” Ruby asked offering a hand.

  “Yes, it is, and nice to meet you Ruby.” Azalea took her hand and shook it. That was the beginning of their friendship. Just then the teacher walked in and the class stopped talking.

  ****

  “So… how was it?” Ruby asked at their lunch table.

  “How was what’” Azalea asked not knowing what Ruby was talking about.

  “How did it feel when you stood up to Chelsea? No one ever talks to her like that and it was a complete surprise for all of us,” Ruby replied.

  “I don’t know… It felt good?” Azalea answered but it sounded more like a question than a statement.

  “You don’t know? How can you not know?! The girl’s crazy and a Barbie bully and you don’t know…” Ruby sighed.

  “You’re terrible,” Azalea stated with a chuckle and ruby laughed too. After they sobered, Ruby started asking again.

  “So where do you live?” she asked and Azalea sighed with a smile.

  “I never met a girl that talks this much,” Azalea continued. “I live with my great aunt and my grandpa.”

  “Oh… Where is your family? I mean parents,” Ruby asked frowning. ‘Why does the girl live without her parents at this age?’ she asked herself.

  “My parents and my brother are still in America. My sister Holland died a few months ago,” Azalea explained. The answer surprised Ruby and she couldn’t believe it.

  “Why are you here though? Why aren’t you in America?” Ruby asked confused.