The Guidance - By Marley Gibson Page 0,52

jeans and T-shirt, but now's not exactly the time for the adults to be playing Match.com. I need them to focus.

"All good, I hope," she says, now with a hint of a smile.

Oh. My. God. Are they flirting with each other? I have to stop this.

"Look, Courtney was an idiot. She brought this on herself by pretending she's got these supernatural powers. It's all an act to show me up and get attention." I shove my hands into my hair, messing up the lovely do Taylor styled for me. "I frickin' hate this. It's asinine. I don't know how to get her to quit competing with me over something I'm still trying to understand myself. Everyone here at the party thinks this was some sort of play we put on sheerly to entertain them for Halloween. This is serious shit though." I pause and cover my mouth. "Sorry, Father. Serious stuff, I meant."

He smiles at me. "No worries, Kendall. The word shit is in the Bible"

Loreen pulls me into a side hug. "Tell me what happened."

I relate the whole thing with the street ghost and what he said to me. He's doing this for fun and sport. He's got a chip on his shoulder the size of Stone Mountain, Georgia. I don't know exactly why, but it's there.

"Good, Kendall. You're really strengthening your gift. The time will come when you'll be able to help this soldier cross," Loreen says. "I believe that. And I believe in you."

Clearing his throat, Father Mass crosses his arms over his muscular chest and says, "Loreen, don't you think you need to be more responsible in your guidance of Kendall?"

She stabs her fists to her hips. "I guide her just fine, thank you. I always tell her to be smart and to protect herself through prayer, meditation, and holy water before she goes on a ghost investigation."

He furrows his brow. "This wasn't an investigation, though."

"What do you suggest she do, Father? Bathe in holy water every day in the event that she runs into a situation she can't handle? She's still a teenager trying to get through school and the social scene. It's hard enough on her as it is."

"Which I realize," he says. "It's a good thing that her faith is so strong and she has support from you, me, and her family."

"Exactly," Loreen says, seemingly proud that he recognizes her as a positive influence in my life.

Jason comes up behind me and wraps his arm around my waist. We're joined by Taylor and Ryan, Celia and Clay, and Becca and Dragon. Dragon's gotten a good kick out of all of this, but I also think he's a little buzzed off the flask inside his leather jacket he's been nipping from.

"So, everything okay now?" Celia asks.

"That's one way to stop a party," Jason teases.

"I'm fine," I say, although I am pooped by my contact with the soldier.

"Well, Stephanie, why don't you take Courtney upstairs and get her settled," Miss Evelyn says.

"Aren't you going to call the girl's parents?" Loreen asks.

"I already tried. They're out for the evening," Miss Evelyn notes. "I left them a voice mail saying Courtney's staying here."

"As if they'll care," Courtney mutters. I don't think anyone but me actually picks up on it.

"I guess my work here is done," Father Mass says. He ruffles my hair. "Next time, don't wait so long to call for help. I'm here anytime, Kendall."

"Me too," Loreen adds.

"I did the best I could, considering the situation."

Jason snuggles me to him. "You did perfectly fine, Kendall."

We watch as Stephanie escorts Courtney up the staircase to her room. Miss Evelyn claps her hands to get the attention of the onlookers in the adjoining rooms. "I'm sorry, everyone, but the party's over. Thanks for coming."

I stand gripping Jason's hand, getting strength from his touch, while I watch fellow students file out of the house. Over by the base of the grand staircase in the foyer, I see the Union soldier standing there, leaning against the banister with his ankles crossed. He's whittling something with a knife and smiling like a Cheshire cat.

Stephanie's party might be over, but this spirit's festivities have just begun.

Chapter Fourteen

After Holy Eucharist on Sunday morning, I borrow Mom's car, pick up Celia at the back of my driveway, and then head over to Stephanie's house. Miss Evelyn answers the door wearing a cheery yellow dress that contrasts with the leaves outside that have begun to change color and fall to the ground.

"Hello, girls," she says