Chapter Text
Laura dragged the back of her hand across her forehead in a meager attempt to wipe away the sweat that had started to gather upon her brow. She took a gasping breath as she turned to use both hands to lug her enormous suitcase along the pavement, already weighed down by the rucksack strapped to her back, which was almost the same size as herself. The hot summer sun beat down harshly upon the city of Styria and Laura questioned for the umpteenth time in the last few minutes why she hadn’t just caught a cab from the train station instead of walking the distance to her new home.
She had quickly whipped off her jacket as she left the station, hopelessly trying to shove it into her suitcase which was already ludicrously overloaded, the jacket was left half hanging from her now partly open suitcase.
A vibration in Laura’s back pocket made her pause again, pushing her case upright so she could reach for her phone.
LaF: Are you here yet, roomie???
It was LaFontaine. They had been Laura’s good friend since they had lived on the same floor at university and now they would be Laura’s official new roommate.
Laura: Be there in 10!
She typed out a quick reply; though if she made it there in ten it would surely be a miracle. Gauging she’d better push on, she wasn’t too far from LaFontaine’s place from what she recalled from her prior visits to see them in Styria.
This was finally it, a fresh start. Laura had just acquired a new job as a reporter at Silas, a newspaper here in Styria, a dream job of sorts for her. She was out from under her father’s watchful eye once more and best of all, she knew exactly two people in the whole of the city! Why was that a good thing? It meant no one dead or alive would know anything about her…. or her ability.
She marched on, her suitcase wheels starting to squeak under the weight of its contents. Remembering the somewhat familiar roads that led to her new home, Laura took a right into a residential looking street, smiling at a friendly looking elderly woman as she past.
The rucksack on her back was starting to cripple her; Laura mentally chastised herself for bringing all of those unnecessary items with her on her first trip here. Did she really need every season of Doctor Who with her in her new place? All of those books she just couldn’t let go of?
Not too far now, she reassured herself, wiping her brow once more and pulling the collar of her thin shirt away from her neck. She paused again momentarily to catch her breath, glancing up and down the quiet road. Lots of quaint looking old houses lined this street; Laura didn’t like old houses, too much history lay beyond their doors.
A figure caught her eye across the road, a man leaning up against a tree, mumbling to himself.
Laura sucked in a breath when she noticed the telltale unnatural glow that surrounded this man. She grasped hurriedly at her suitcase handle; she most certainly did not have time for this!
Pulling her luggage along quickly and peering back once again at the man, she must have drawn attention to herself as he was looking at her now with interest. Laura grimaced as she made blatant eye contact with him, turning and picking up the pace in an attempt to flee.
She was not doing this anymore, she had promised herself. This was a fresh start, a new life!
“Wait! Wait a second!” Laura heard a voice yell behind her; she ignored him, hoping he’d give up. Please, Laura prayed, please leave me alone!
A snapping sound made her falter and her suitcase dipped to one side as one of the wheels gave up the fight. Not one to immediately give in; she tried to keep on, pulling madly at the heavy case.
“Please, Please just wait!” the voice said a mere few feet behind her.
Oh crap…
Laura closed her eyes briefly and released a heavy breath; well she could hardly ignore him now, she didn’t want to do this but she was still a nice person.
She turned just as the fellow was reaching her, “What?” she said sharply.
The man smiled, not fazed by her demeanor, he looked older up close; she noticed he was missing one of his bottom teeth. Laura almost felt a little guilty, this guy looked sweet.
“You can see me, Miss?” he asked, looking elated.
Laura had to stop her eyes from rolling, she just nodded in defeat.
“How? How can you see me? No one ever sees me!” He laughed.
Laura wanted to run away, this wasn’t her thing anymore!
“What do you want from me?” She asked curtly, ignoring his questions, glancing around to make sure no one was watching.
“What do I want…? What do you mean?” He asked with a confused smile.
Laura huffed out an exasperated breath, “You’re still here for a reason right? Something left undone, something left unsaid…. what is it? I really don’t have a lot of time,” She reached down, picking up the broken wheel from her case and glanced back down the street behind her warily.
The man nodded slowly when she returned her gaze to his, he was staring at her with wide eyes, “Yes… well it’s my wife.”
“Your wife, what?” Laura said, urging the gentleman on.
“She doesn’t know, it’s buried in the yard. I buried it in the yard.” He said sadly, glancing down toward the ground.
“It’s buried in the yard? Is that what you want me to tell your wife?” She said hopefully. If that was all then this was an easy case, maybe she would help him.
He smiled again; he looked like he might even cry, although Laura was almost certain he wasn’t able to. “Yes, could you please?” He asked a little desperately.
She smiled at him then, she had been a little harsh. Just one time, one good deed and then no more, she decided. A one time deal.
“Where is your wife?” She asked, trying to give off a friendlier air.
“We live down here…” he said, urging for her to follow, “Well…” he turned back to face her, “She lives down here...” he added, sadly.
Laura offered the fellow a sad smile, and moved to follow him, at a slow pace, as her suitcase really did not want to follow.
“What’s your name, sir?” Laura asked, falling into step beside him.
“Peter, my name is Peter.” He met her gaze; “It’s so strange… talking to someone, having an actual conversation with someone again.” He said merrily, “It’s been so long, who are you? How can you see me?”
“I’m Laura and well… it’s sort of what I do…” she said with a shrug.
“What I did!” She added quickly, “Not anymore, which is why…. when we’re finished here, Peter, you can’t tell any of your ghostly friends that you saw me or that I spoke to you. Promise me, okay?” Laura held out her pinky finger towards the gentlemen as they walked.
He chuckled warmly at her and raised his pinky towards hers, his hand giving off an ethereal glow; their pinky fingers met and Peter looked momentarily surprised.
Laura shrugged with a smile, “Didn’t think you could touch me?”
“No, I guess not…” He responded in consideration.
“Oh, you can, you’re real enough to me, Peter. I can’t even count the amount of times I’ve been attacked by the dead. It’s a rough business.”
“Here it is,” He pointed at a little house, with a cute porch, loads of potted plants were dotted around, it looked very pleasant and well kept.
Laura stood at the gate, fiddling with the latch, ”Okay, so you want me to tell your wife that you have buried it in the yard…anything else?” she said promptly.
“Err… Tell her that I love her!” Peter added, walking right through the gate and Laura rolled her eyes, lugging her suitcase through the gate behind her.
Great, another I love you. Nothing ever changes.
She took a deep breath, preparing herself before reaching for the doorbell, as usual she didn’t know what to expect and things never usually went smoothly. She wished she didn’t have her suitcase, if she needed to run (which she occasionally did) she’d have a hard time getting away.
There was some movement beyond the door and then it was pulled open to reveal the very same elderly woman that Laura had greeted only 10 minutes previous.
“Oh, hi.” Laura said awkwardly, giving a wave and feeling rather lame, moving to rake her sweaty hair back from her face.
“Hello again, dear. Is everything okay?” The lady said in friendly recognition.
Laura felt some immediate relief at her tone, she just hoped this lady believed her. She glanced over at Peter who had moved to stand next to her and he nodded so Laura continued.
“Your husband-” she gestured towards him even though she was well aware this lady could not see him. “-has asked me to tell you that it’s buried in the yard.”
The lady frowned, “I think you have the wrong house, my dear, my husband is no longer with us,” she said with a sad smile.
“Oh, I know that,” Laura added quickly before the woman had the chance to close the door, “Peter wanted me to tell you, it’s buried in the yard.”
The elderly lady frowned and paused for a moment before responding, “That’s not funny, Miss, why would you- who put you up to this?” She asked with confusion. Laura hated this part.
“Maam, I swear I am not lying…. I am a mediator.” Laura didn’t know why she even bothered trying to explain, this lady would have no idea what that meant.
“I don’t know who you think you are-”
“Peter, please give me something here…” Laura said, glancing at him expectantly, making the elderly woman pause, and give Laura a look as if she thought she was crazy. She must have looked foolish, holding a conversation with no one.
Peter smiled, “Tell her, her garden is still as beautiful as ever.”
Laura grimaced for a second, “I’m not sayi- erm…”
She huffed and turned to face the elderly lady; she was looking at Laura like she was unstable, like she’d love to slam the door.
”Peter says…your garden is still as beautiful as ever.”
“My gar…” the woman paused, glancing to the floor. “Did he- is he here now?” She started to look teary eyed. Laura felt relief, she believed her.
“Yes, he’s right here,” She gestured to no one.
“Oh, Peter! Tell him- tell him I love him, that I miss him everyday!” She said, tears now beginning to stream, she was leaning heavily on the door as if she needed the support.
“He can hear you maam, he can always hear you.” Laura smiled at her. “And he loves you too, very much.”
This was always Laura’s favorite part, it almost made it all worthwhile… but she couldn’t keep this up. This was a one-time deal.
The elderly woman suddenly surged forward pulling Laura into a tight hug and preceded to cry happy tears into her shoulder. Okay… Laura very much wanted to leave now, she’d told LaF she’d be 10 minutes around 20 minutes ago.
“Well I’ll just be… going.” Laura said quietly, trying to extricate herself from the lady’s grasp.
“No! Come in, please!” She replied, pulling away with a cry.
Laura shook her head, ”Sorry ma’am but I can’t,” She gestured to her suitcase, “I’m new in town, I haven’t even made it to my new place yet.”
“Thank you! Thank you!” she lady said quickly.
“No problem,” Laura responded awkwardly, “Remember, it’s buried in the yard… whatever that is.” She started to back away, glancing towards Peter and noticing he had disappeared. Gone to a better place, Laura assumed, wishing she were able to disappear just as quickly.
Her rucksack bumped her case and she made a grab for the handle, pushing it down the path and through the open gate.
“Thank you!” The lady shouted once more.
Laura crossed over the road trying to get some distance between her and the house and continued on her way.
*
She stood in front of LaFontaine’s apartment building, now her apartment building. She’d been here once or twice before when visiting LaF but had never really paid too much attention to the building. It looked fairly old but not ridiculously so… there shouldn’t be many unexpected guests, Laura hoped timidly.
She lugged her case into the elevator and punched the button for the 5th floor, it was cooler in the building and Laura took a calming breath, she was finally home.
No ghosts in the elevator, no ghosts in the hallway, good start, she mused.
“Laura!” LaF called when they opened the apartment door, pulling her into a hug.
“Did ya get lost?” they asked, gesturing Laura into the apartment and graciously grabbing her suitcase for her.
“I foolishly decided to walk here and my case broke, it took a little longer than I thought.” Laura said, glancing around.
“In this heat, L? Only you.” LaF shook their head with a smile.
“Okay, so this is it!” They gestured widely with their arms, “Your new home…” and Laura giggled.
“How was your dad?” LaF said as they dragged Laura’s suitcase along towards what Laura assumed was her bedroom.
"That suitcase is full of doomsday supplies and bear spray,” Laura responded with a grin and LaFontaine chuckled. “You’d think he’d be better now considering I spent all that time away for school but alas, same old dad.”
“He’s taking it well then.”
“You bet.” Laura nodded.
“…And this is your room.” They pushed open the door to reveal a nicely sized bedroom, already furnished and an already made bed.
“Perry had a lot of fun cleaning the room for you yesterday, I don’t know where she found fresh sheets, they certainty aren’t any of mine.” LaF said, leaning the case against the bed.
“I have some spares,” Laura murmured quietly as she took in the space. “Tell Perry thanks for me, will you?”
“You can tell her yourself, she’ll be over later for dinner, I was thinking pizza. Do you want pizza?” LaF said as if their mind was working to quickly for their mouth.
“Oh, that’s great!” Laura grinned, “Yes, can’t say no to pizza.” She nodded excitedly.
“Cool, well I’ll just leave you to get settled. Welcome, roomie!” LaF said with a smile.
“Thanks, LaF.”
“No probs, L,” they responded before pulling the door shut behind them.
Laura peered around the room once more before removing her rucksack with delight and stretching her back before perching on the end of her bed. She felt sticky with sweat; she imagined she might look akin to a tomato right now.
The sound of a car horn outside drew her attention to the window and Laura stood walking over to glance down into the street below. It was a fairly large window, accompanied by a window seat with a bluish cushion where Laura could imagine herself sitting and staring out onto the street or up at the stars or even enjoying a book.
She reached, opening the window, hoping for a cool breeze to fill the air but only feeling the dry heat of the hot summers day.
A cool shower then, Laura supposed to herself. She turned heading for her joining bathroom but paused and lugged her suitcase up onto the bed, pulling at the zips and then opening the case out.
A shriek left Laura’s mouth when she spotted a figure now lounging on her window seat, gazing out of the window.
Their head whipped around at Laura’s shout and they eyed her warily, looking more than a little surprised themselves to find someone else in the room. Laura’s mouth dropped open as she made eye contact with the woman on the window seat. She was easily the most attractive woman Laura had ever seen. The most attractive ghost she had ever seen!
Laura shook herself, she shouldn’t dwell on such things, this woman was a ghost.
“What- what are you doing here?” She asked, feeling her confidence return as she spoke.
The ghost turned to glance around her to the window as if she thought maybe Laura was referring to someone else and then met her gaze once more.
“Wait… you can see me?” The ghost stood quickly, peering at Laura with a raised eyebrow.
A perfect eyebrow, she noted. As she stood, Laura assessed her outfit, loose fitting black tee, skintight black jeans and worn combat boots. Well…she must have died fairly recently, Laura deduced.
She cleared her throat before she spoke again, “Yes, I can see you, why are you here? Did Peter send you? Because I told him not to say a word to anyone! I don’t do this anymore.”
The attractive ghost frowned, confused at Laura’s rambling and did not respond.
“Why are you here?” Laura asked again.
“Why are you here?” the ghost asked in irritated response.
“What- Why are you here, now, all glowy and you know… dead?” Laura asked, “Why haven’t you gone to a better place, heaven…or where ever you guys go.”
A smirk lit up the ghosts face, “Sweetheart, I don’t think heaven is my kinda place.”
Laura huffed and rolled her eyes, “Look, I’ve been in town for an hour and it’s already begun…why are you hanging out here in my room?”
The woman looked Laura up and down, still smiling to herself as she did so, “Maybe I like hanging out in your room,” she responded.
Laura was stunned, was this ghost actually checking her out? The ghosts leering was making her uncomfortable and she remembered the whole sweaty, needing a shower thing. A blush rising in her cheeks, a ghost should not be able to make her blush!
“Seriously?” Laura asked in an defeated tone.
“I live here,” the ghost said, matter of factly.
Laura breathed out a frustrated laugh, “No offense but don’t you actually have to be alive to live here?”
The ghost frowned, looking a little offended, ultimately choosing to ignore her and responding with, “Who are you?” The ghost took a step closer to Laura.
“I don’t really have time to explain, I really need a shower and I really need you to be gone by the time I get out.” Laura said confidently, grabbing a towel from her case.
“Oh, don’t let me stop you, Cutie,” the ghost responded with another smirk.
“That is-” Laura began.
“Everything okay, L? Who are you talking to?” LaF’s voice came from the other side of the door.
Laura whipped around to face the bedroom door in surprise; she had almost forgotten that LaFontaine was in the apartment.
“Um… it’s just my dad!… on the phone!” Laura responded quickly.
“What pizza do you want?” LaF asked.
Laura looked back over the shoulder; the attractive ghost was watching her with folded arms and an amused expression.
“Um…anything LaF, I’m not picky, you know that.” She responded, keeping her eyes on the ghost.
“Okay, shrimp and tuna pizza all round then!” LaF answered, Laura could hear the smile in their voice.
Laura grimaced and she almost gagged, turning and heading straight for the door.
“No!” Laura opened the door to LaFontaine who was chuckling on the other side.
“I’ll just have pepperoni, please.” She smiled at them.
”Alright, L, but don’t be looking some of my seafood pizza when it gets here…” They said as they strolled off towards the living area.
“Trust me, I won’t,” Laura said as she closed her door, turning to face the room.
She was still there, Laura let out a sigh, the unnatural glow surrounding her and the light pouring in from the window lit the ghost up and Laura thought she looked almost like an angel standing before her.
Laura cleared her throat, choosing to whisper now, pointing towards the door, “That was LaFontaine,” she said uncomfortably.
The ghost nodded, “Hmm… I know who that is; they have been disturbing my quiet time for months. It’s you who I am interested in. Who are you?”
“I’m Laura, who are you?”
“Carmilla… and it looks like I’m your new roommate, Sweetheart.”
Before Laura could respond, Carmilla gave one last smirk and disappeared.
*
“This may be the best pizza I’ve ever tasted,” Laura mumbled almost unintelligibly around a mouth full of food. “Seriously this cheese is heaven…”
“It is good, yes.” Perry spoke, eating her own pizza with cutlery, “But we can’t have you reverting back to your old ways, Laura. Cookies and take out will do you no good. I often bring LaFontaine a nutritious meal once or twice a week, I suppose I’ll have to do the same for you.”
Laura blinked at Perry; she felt like she was being reprimanded. They had gathered on the living room floor around the small table to enjoy their meal. The TV acting as background noise as they conversed.
“Perry, you don’t have to do that, I’m perfectly capable of cooking my own meals,” Laura said with a nod of determination. “Although, maybe on Monday, it is my first day… that would be nice… and maybe cookies?”
“Certainly Laura, of course.” Perry said with a smile.
"Yessss!" Laura said happily.
“So, are you excited about your new job, L?” LaF perked up.
Laura nodded, swallowing another bite of pizza, “Of course, it’s Silas! I mean come on; I’m a reporter for Silas! It’s amazing!” She said excitedly.
“I hope I’m decent…” She frowned to herself, letting the nerves of the new job fill her up. She had a sudden vision of being fired on her first day.
“You’ll be great, Laura, no question about that.” Perry said encouragingly, pointing her fork in her direction.
“Thanks, Perr,” Laura replied quietly, lost in her own thoughts as she stood from the floor, headed toward the kitchen.
“Oh my g-!” Laura cried, a hand grabbing at her chest in surprise. Carmilla had suddenly appeared standing directly in front of her, she laughed aloud at Laura’s reaction, although Laura was the only one to hear it.
“What is it, Laura?” Perry said, leaning back to peer at her.
She scowled at Carmilla, “Just thought I saw something. It was nothing.” She said through gritted teeth.
Carmilla smirked broadly at her and Laura had to awkwardly walk around her and still make it seem natural.
When Laura returned to the living room, the ghost was gone, though she was certain she was still lingering somewhere in the vicinity.
“Funny you say that, I think this place might be haunted.” LaF said to her, waving their pizza crust around as they spoke.
Perry nearly spat out her soda, “Now, now, LaFontaine, don’t frighten poor Laura.”
“Perr, what if this place is haunted? She needs to know…”
Laura tried to force a laugh but seemingly did so a little too hard and brought a hand up to cover her mouth.
“Wha-come on guys, ghosts don’t- there’s no…” she stuttered out, feeling heat rising in her cheeks.
“Oh…you don’t believe in ghosts, L?” LaF said, sitting up straight and smiling at her with a raised eyebrow.
“No! Its- there’s no-“
“Leave her, LaFontaine. She’s got enough to worry about, not including your ghost stories.” Perry said, patting Laura’s arm reassuringly.
“But Perr you heard-” LaFontaine began.
“No! I didn’t hear anything.” Perry turned to Laura, “Laura, I didn’t hear anything.”
“Okay…” Laura replied, looking between the two of them, trying her best to look confused.
She faked a yawn, she needed this conversation to end now, “Guys, I’m a little tired, I think I’ll just finish unpacking and head to bed.” She said standing up.
“Ooh, do you need any help?” Perry asked excitedly, moving to stand as well.
“No! No… thank you but it’s fine, I’m almost done anyway.” Laura said with a nod, moving to leave.
“Wait a moment…” Perry said standing and moving off toward the kitchen, “I made cupcakes for dessert!”
“Ooh, forget the unpacking!” Laura giggled, heading in Perry’s direction.
*
“Night, Laura!” LaF called as she headed in the direction of her bedroom.
She stopped still upon entering her room, lost for words as she took in the sight of Carmilla, lounging casually across her bed, stunned at her audacity.
“What are- I thought I told you to get lost!” Laura whisper shouted at her, closing her door quickly.
Carmilla turned on her side to face her, resting her head on her hand casually with a smirk.
“So you’re a reporter, Cupcake?” she asked coolly.
“Were you listening the whole time?” Laura asked with irritation, trying to shoo Carmilla off the bed as if she were a cat but she didn’t budge. Irritated by her boots on the bed sheets even though she was a ghost and her boots technically couldn’t dirty her sheets but she was annoyed nonetheless.
“No, I spent some time going through your things,” Carmilla said, gesturing towards the suitcase on the floor which was open and Laura’s belongings looked as if they had been flung in every direction. Newly placed books had been knocked and pulled off of the shelves and her cupboard was wide open.
“What is wrong with you?!” Laura said, as loudly as she dared, moving to try and clear some of the mess. Picking up a shirt and turning to face her again, “You are soo getting exorcised.” She scowled, waving the shirt in her direction as she spoke.
Carmilla initially smiled but then her face dropped to a sad expression, and she glanced down at the bed sheets, appearing to take a breath she didn’t need, “I haven’t spoken to anyone in a long time... I almost feel… it’s nice, to speak to you.” The tone of her voice was so dejected; Laura suddenly felt an overwhelming sensation of guilt as she stared at Carmilla still sprawled out on her sheets.
“Carmilla I’m so sorry, I didn’t think, I never meant to-“ Laura paused as she watched the smirk appear on Carmilla’s face again and then she started to chuckle.
“Hey! You had me feeling sorry for you! You are a b- b- bad person!” Laura snarled, turning and heading for the bathroom, not slamming the door but closing it as harshly as she dared to.