the duality of self and something else

A sharp, iron dagger is delivered in a neatly wrapped red box on the last night of Hanukkah, along with a neat, handwritten note. 

[pm] But you’re an exorcist, not a monster hunter. Right. What do you think about that whole neighborhood watch thing?

Ugh, every time I think about college I get a little nauseous.

I will. I haven’t done anything stupid in the past… couple months. And no one has chucked me across the gym lately. 

[pm] I think it has potential, but the people involved-- especially that woman in charge-- need to be more educated on what they’re up against, and I’m doubting they’re going to be very willing to learn.

Waiting a bit is okay, too. There’s no rush to figure your life out right away.

[pm] You didn’t answer my question Christ. Alright, I will. Are you planning to do anything based on whatever I may or may not find?

… I like math. That’s really the only thing I’m good at. I would be an awful actor. I have to meet with my guidance counselor about all that crap soon.

More or less, yeah. I’ll have to wear the boot, but I’ll be able to wean myself off it. As soon as it can tolerate my full weight.

[pm] Thank you. Depending on what it might be, possibly. This is still my town, and I want to help keep it safe, too.

There’s plenty of math degrees you can get. Engineering is a good one, and I know UMAC has a really good science college.

[pm] What exactly…. is in it? Do you know? I hope they figure it out too– what do you think would happen if they found out it was something supernatural? I have Granny on the case or, well, I messaged AJ. and I asked my friend who knows a lot about the school enough to know gossip. Why are you curious about the rumors?

If that’s the case, then maybe the next time my parents leave a pre-med program pamphlet on my desk I should loudly declare I’m getting a theatre degree. Or something.That makes it sound like I haven;t heard from your bad half in a bit Yeah. Everything is temporary. 

Speaking of temporary I might be able to ditch the crutches completely by Christmas.

[pm] Nothing good, that’s for sure. I’ve seen water spirits, dark fae, even things I’m not even familiar with crawling in those waters. Many people have disappeared in or around it. It’s not good. Let me know if you do find out anything.

That would certainly show them, but I think you might be more successful pursuing something you love.

[pm] I wouldn’t be surprised. Granny’s always warned me about the lake. I don’t know why Brad Peyton would want to swim in it in the first place. You know, the usual gossip– some people are going total Riverdale (that’s a tv show) and are saying someone murdered him. Like that fisherman from the article did it or something. I haven’t heard anyone outwardly say anything about it being supernatural, but I can ask Granny. 

Or I can find another nosey ghost because she can’t come to school anymore.

Yeah. I hope I beat her too. As long as I beat her, I’m happy– which is probably petty, but it’s good motivation to get all my homework done on time and well.

I oh. Right.  I didn’t mean it like Right. That makes sense. Do You said you would be exorcising that ghost in the chemistry class, what if Mikes ruins it aga I mean

[pm] That lake really is not a good one, and you’d be smart to stay away from it. It was foolish of that kid to go near it, but it’s still a tragedy. I hope they do figure out what happened. That would be helpful, thank you.

I’m sure you will. And hey-- whatever works. Pure spite is what fueled me to get my Anthropology degree, after all.

[pm] I did. Brad Peyton– I didn’t know much about him. Kids at school are talking a lot about it, though. Some of them are hoping the lake dredge goes through.

Ah well, my other stellar grades can probably boost me up. They’re still averaging out the final GPAs of three people– it’s between me, my friend AJ, and that bitch Amanda, the girl I told you about.

Do you ever want to return to the university??

[pm] They’re trying to cover it up, but there’s whispers it was something supernatural. What are the kids at school saying?

Amanda was the rude girl, right? Well, I hope you at least beat her in the running.

[pm] Right. Yeah, of course. 

Yep, as always. It’s a shame I can’t get school credit for my extra circular ghost studying, that’d definitely bump my GPA up enough for the valedictorian position.

[pm] But speaking of weird, did you hear about the kid at the lake? Did you know anything about him?

[pm] Nothing that is attributed to ghosts. Unless you count Granny but She attacked Jeremy  Like… normal weird shit. High school weird shit. As normal high school weird shit can get. 

Great! Awesome. Sounds like a plan! 

[pm] Considering I was home schooled for most of my education, I can’t exactly say I know what you mean by “normal” weird shit, but I’ll take your word for it.