by Paula Bianchi –

“I’ll tell you how Lori attached herself to Justin.” Lucy said, then she quickly shared with Kat the story of how Lori came to be in the house, and how she was influencing Justin to do drugs, so she would be able to squeeze through any openings in his aura and attach to him.

“According to Lucy,” Kat began, “a spirit named Lori followed Justin home from school one day while she was still alive. Then when she passed away, Lucy met Lori, and 3 other spirits who were living here in this house.” She shared.

Michael didn’t flinch. Lucy sensed that he was sitting there with an open mind and listening carefully to what Kat was telling him because he wanted to help Justin in any way that he could. He couldn’t deny a feeling deep inside of him that Kat has the answer to making his son better, so he listened more intently.

Emma seemed to be in a bit of a shock from this revelation. Lucy felt her mixed emotions for her brother. But there was a part of her that realized Justin wasn’t acting like himself for quite a while, and now she knew the reason why.

“As Justin sunk deeper into his addiction, Lori patiently waited for a crack in his aura, so she could slip through and permanently attach herself at the base of his neck.” Kat related.

“Can you get her out of him?” Michael asked, knowing without a doubt what Kat was saying was true.

“I can but only with Justin’s permission and help.” Kat answered. “But if he refuses to get help for his addiction, like my brother did, then Lori wins.” She shivered from the memories of her brother’s last days.

“Please, tell me what I should do.” Michael said.

This was new territory for Lucy. She was amazed with Michael’s new attitude about all of this, and she was sure it was going to help him. All he has to do is to get their son to admit that he has a problem.

“You need a plan, and you need to stick to it no matter what excuses or lies he may tell you.” Kat instructed.

“Well, that sure doesn’t make me feel good about all this.” Michael interrupted, as his mind began to come up with the worst-case scenarios of what could happen when he confronts Justin with the fact that he knows he’s been doing meth.

“I’m afraid you’re going to have to give him an ultimatum, so make sure that it’s something you can stick with.” Kat said, as she tucked her red hair behind her ears.

“Like what?” Michael asked, feeling totally lost.

“It’s plain and simple. You’re going to tell him that you want him to go into rehab or you’re not going to help with his legal problems.” Kat said, with conviction. “And if Justin refuses, it’s going to be hard, but you’ll have to show him you mean business.”

Michael sunk back into the couch in defeat. The idea of laying down the law with his son, about something like this, was hard to grasp. In that moment he wished Lucy was there to help him with Justin.

Lucy read his thoughts. “Tell Michael I am here to help him, and I’m not going anywhere.” She pleaded.

“Lucy wants you to know that she’s going to be with you every step of the way.” Kat’s emerald green eyes danced with her psychic knowing.

Lucy put her arms around her husband. Her energy caused a sense of calmness to wash over Michael and he smiled. “I can feel you, Lucy.” He said, as his eyes began to well up with tears.

“Right before I lost my brother, I had found an excellent rehab for him and it has the best rate of success.” Kat reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone to search for the number. “You can call them now and make arrangements for Justin to go there tomorrow. Hopefully, he’ll let us get rid of Lori before he goes. His chances for success will be greater if she’s gone.” She shared.

“How are we going to get Justin to believe he has a spirit attached to him?” Emma asked, knowing full well how her brother felt about the idea of ghosts or spirits. “I’m not sure he’ll believe us.” She shared her opinion.

“Don’t worry. I’ll make him believe.” Lucy said, with conviction.

“Your Mom just told me she was going to help us to convince him.” Kat relayed the message.

Since Lucy’s confidence in herself has been growing stronger, she had a feeling that Justin would be a believer before he left for rehab.

“I should go get Justin now.” Michael said, as he checked the time on his phone.  “I’m sure the sun will be up by the time I get back. Will you still be here?” He asked, hoping she would say yes.

“I can stay if you want me to.” Kat extended her desire to help.

“Yes. I would like it if you were here when I bring him home.” Michael smiled in relief then he got up and strode across the floor into the kitchen to call the rehab.

“I don’t know why, but I have a good feeling about this.” Emma said, with disbelief.

“I do too.” Kat said, patting Emma’s knee.

Lucy had a good feeling too, and a huge sense of relief washed over her. She was so happy that this day had finally arrived because she’s been so worried about Justin ever since she found out he was hanging with the wrong crowd and getting high.

“It’s really happening.” Dobson clapped his hands. “Michael finally knows about Justin.” He bounced around the living with joy.

At first, Lucy was quite surprised to see Dobson acting so excited about Justin, but then it dawned her that he had been witnessing the worst side of her son because her ghostly roommate had never stopped following him. Because of this, he was very aware of Justin’s terrible choices since she died.

“I never expected this to happen so soon after we got rid of greasy Carl and the poltergeist.” Lucy pulled Dobson into her arms and gave him a squeeze. “Now, it’s Lori’s turn to go, and I can’t wait.” She couldn’t hide the excitement in her voice.

“So, I just finished talking to one of the counselors at the rehab. Her name is JoAnn.” Michael said, as he joined them in the living room again. “She likes our plan, but she added that I shouldn’t confront him with anger. I should remain calm and right to the point.” He shared.

“When can they take him?” Kat stood up with Emma after he entered the room.

“Tomorrow morning.” Michael answered. “Will that be enough time to get rid of Lori?” He asked.

“That depends on Justin.” Kat answered honestly.  

“Should I go with you, Dad?” Emma asked.

“No, honey, I think you should wait here. I’m hoping Justin will want to talk about everything during the ride home.” Michael stepped closer to his daughter and gave her a hug. “I should be back soon. You coming, Lucy?” He asked, looking up at the ceiling.

“Just try and keep me away.” Lucy said, as she floated out the door before him.

“She said you couldn’t keep her away!” Kat called out before Michael closed the door. “Your Mom is so awesome.” She said, as she was turning away from the foyer.

“Yes. She was.” Emma’s voice trailed off. “I mean is.” She corrected herself with tears welling up in her eyes.

“Would it be alright if I take a nap in the guest room? I’m feeling a bit drained after tonight’s events.” Kat knew she had to stay for Lucy, so she could have a phone line to her family plus a little voice in Kat’s head keeps guiding her to help her new friend.

“Sure. I think I’ll lay down for awhile too.” Emma replied.

They both went upstairs to retreat to their rooms to escape into sleep while they awaited for Michael’s return.

When Michael and Lucy arrived at the police station, she couldn’t wait any longer to see Justin, so she left her husband to go and search for him. She finally found him, and he was visibly shaking as he sat in the corner of a large holding cell trying his best to hide beneath his dark grey hoodie out of fear of the unsavory men that surrounded him.  

Seeing her son in this place, was very concerning, but what alarmed her even more was the ghostly sight of all the spirits roaming around the cell and throughout the whole building. Suddenly, she noticed a familiar specter in the crowd.

It was Grandma. She was standing in front of Justin protecting him from all of the spirits, but she wasn’t alone. She was standing next to a tall, dark, handsome man who was dressed in Indian garb like he was plucked right out of the 1800’s.

“Grandma!” Lucy exclaimed, as she stormed into the cell to help them.

“We’ve got this, Honey.” Grandma said, as she gave Lucy a big hug pulling her into their circle of protection. “Go comfort your son.” She urged.

Lucy quickly sat down next to Justin and wrapped her arms around him. She consciously tried to share her energy with her son in an attempt to calm him down like she did for Michael. She focused only on loving and calming energies to soothe him.

Surprisingly, Justin stopped shaking. She could feel a calmness washing over him.

“I knew he would respond to you.” Grandma smiled.

It made Lucy feel good to know she still had a connection to her son because she thought for sure she had lost it.

“I’m so glad you came to help Justin.” Lucy sighed with relief.

“I’m here whenever any of you need me.” Grandma said, in the most reassuring way.

“Justin!” A police officer called out standing by the cell door, and there was Michael standing right next to him.

Instantly, Lucy could feel Justin’s apprehension over facing his father. “It’s going to be okay.” She continued to send positive energy into her son.

Slowly, Justin stood up and walked towards the door. When he saw his dad, the tears that were gathering in his eyes began to fall. Lucy heard his thoughts. She felt the fear of facing his dad overtake him as he began to shake all over again.

Lucy started to follow Justin, but then she noticed Grandma wasn’t coming.

“I’m done here, Honey. It’s time for me to go back.” Grandma touched on Lucy’s thoughts again. “But Justin’s spirit guide, Hawk, will go with you.” She motioned towards the tall Indian standing beside her. “Always remember how much I love you.” She gave Lucy another hug. “Bye for now.” She said, before she disappeared.

“You go ahead.” Hawk said. “I’ll meet you at your house.”

Lucy nodded then quickly vanished from view. She materialized in the car just before Michael was unlocking the door.

The moment Justin sat down in the car the dam burst and tears came streaming down his cheeks.

“I don’t understand what’s going on with you, Justin, but I’m trying very hard not to be angry with you for stealing.” Michael sat behind the steering wheel of the car hoping he would say all of the right things.

“I’m in so much trouble, Dad.” Justin broke down again. “It’s more than stealing a car. A lot more.” He said, finally looking into his Dad’s eyes.

“I found your box.” Michael stated. “I want to help you, Son, but only if you agree to get the help you need.” He tried to sound like he wouldn’t take no for an answer. “I’ve signed you up for a live-in rehab. I’m taking you there tomorrow.”

Justin didn’t say a word. He just sunk down into his seat wishing he could disappear.

Come back next Tuesday to see just how deep in trouble Justin really is. Thanks for the visit. I appreciate your time in stopping by. Bye for now.

Email: Remyel@hotmail.com

Picture courtesy of: Pexels

If you want to read Lucy’s story from the beginning, click on this link: Lucy in the Afterlife: The Beginning.