#misguided ghost

I nodded and held up a pile of papers while I was reading through an article for a different location. Zak took them from me and sat down in his newly claimed spot in my office. Once I finished the article and highlighted what I thought stood out, I looked over my laptop at him. “Why did you want that one? I’ve done research on like 10 other locations that came in before them,” I asked, curious because he hasn’t before asked me for information on a specific site. Zak sighed and looked up from the papers. “The owner emailed me last night, then called me this morning. I guess the activity is really becoming too much to where it’s affecting his business. He was hoping we could investigate it sooner rather than later,” Zak informed me. I nodded. “Ok so, I researched that one on Friday and from what I can remember the reports are kind of crazy. Are we going to go?” I asked, taking a sip of my tea. Zak smirked at me. “Crazy is what we do here Mia. Nervous?” he asked. I laughed at his tease, as I knew now he didn’t mean anything by it. “Put me in coach,” I smirked back. Zak let out a chuckle and with a wink, left my office to presumably tell the others. ~ ~ ~ Two days later we were all at the airport, waiting to board. I had just met Jay Wasley and he seemed nice. Our flight was at 6:30 in the morning, which means I had woken up at about 3:30 to make sure I was ready when Zak and Aaron picked me up at 4:30. I was listening to my music while everyone did their own thing when Nick walked up to me and nudged my foot with his as he sat across the aisle from me. I opened my eyes and saw him holding out a tray of coffee, with one marked as a decaf pumpkin spice latte. I smiled and reached for it. “Bless your soul sir,” I said, Nick laughed and handed everyone else their drinks. Zak came over and sat next to me. “So you do drink coffee?” he asked, taking a sip of his. I smiled and shrugged. “Decaf when I know I can handle it,” I informed him. He gave me a quizzical look. “What do you mean by that?” I sighed, debating if I should tell him the whole truth. I didn’t mind talking about my anxiety, but it was also a conversation I try to avoid at times. “Caffeine messes with my anxiety. In grad school I developed really bad separation anxiety from my family. I had no one in San Francisco and apparently that is not good for me. I was already stressed out with school that everything just came to a head and I actually would get sick all the time and lost about 20 pounds. It was to the point I would shake and feel light headed when I didn’t eat at regular intervals. I stopped drinking coffee and I was able to manage it better. Turns out I always had separation anxiety when I looked back to elementary school with my mom. No one just really talked about it then,” I looked down at my coffee, unsure of what his response would be. “Do you need to eat something now? I can get you a bagel or something,” Zak asked softly. I looked back at him and he looked a bit concerned. I laughed lightly. “No, I’m better now. I gained a few pounds back when I got home from school and it helped. Also keeping myself busy and being around friends takes my mind off of it so, hence why I can drink decaf at least. Thank you though,” I smiled at him. “Oh so we’re friends now?” he teased me, and I bumped into his shoulder. “Well I was talking more about Aaron, but I guess I would consider you an acquaintance” I teased back. Zak put his hand to his heart in fake hurt. “Ow! Ok, I see how it is.” He laughed. “But seriously, that doesn’t sound great. Why chose to come to Vegas and leave your family again?” “It was time to branch out again. I don’t want my anxiety to control me, and it honestly isn’t as bad as others. I’m lucky that way. Plus, I figured a three in a half hour drive from home was better than a seven in a half one so I thought I would give it go,” I explained. Zak nodded. “Well, thanks for sharing that. I’m sure I didn’t help in the beginning,” he said, looking a little upset with himself. I was starting to see the guy away from the cameras that Aaron had told me about, and I wanted to see more.             “Not really. But you’ve gotten better,” I smiled at him. He chuckled and took another sip as our boarding time was called out.         

    Perks of traveling for the Travel Channel, business class seats! Instead of being crammed in a three-seat row, we had spacious two seat rows and I was ready for our nonstop four-hour flight to Atlanta, Georgia. I sat next to the window as Aaron sat next to me as our tickets stated. Zak and Nick were in front of us, with Billy and Jay across the aisle. Aaron settled into his seat, then turned to look at me. I was staring out the window, but I could feel his eyes on me. I turned to him and raised my eyebrow. “Can I help you?”      

      “You and Zak seem to be getting cozy,” he whispered with a smirk. I looked toward Zak and he had his headphones in so I don’t think he heard. Looking back at Aaron, he had a look on his face like he knew what I was thinking.             “We’re just becoming friends. Leave it alone,” I whispered hissed at him. Aaron rolled his eyes but kept his smile. I laughed and shook my head, looking back toward the window. I felt him shift next to me and when I turned to look, he was leaning forward tapping Zak on the shoulder. I stared at him thinking he wasn’t doing what I thought he was. Oh…but he was.      

      “Bro I need to talk to Nick about something. Mind switching?” Aaron asked Zak. Zak looked at me as I tried to hid in the hood of my jacket and hoped my cheeks weren’t too red. I wanted to shove Aaron.     

        “Not at all,” I heard Zak say. I looked up as they switched and Aaron winked at me. I shook my head slightly, then tried to smile when Zak took a seat. “Hope you don’t mind,” Zak said with that charming smile of his. I shook my head and smiled back, bringing my knees up to my chest as we got comfortable and ready for takeoff.      

       About an hour into the flight, I had drifted off to sleep only to be woken with a start when the plane became bumpy and the captain came over the speakers to ask all passengers to put their seatbelts on. I looked around with wide eyes and Zak must have realized I had no clue what was going on. “Hey, hey it’s ok. We just hit some turbulence,” he said, reaching for my hand. I let him intertwine our fingers as my heart started to slow back down. I smiled lightly at him, slightly embarrassed by my panic.        

    “Sorry,” I said quietly. He smiled and shook his head.      

      “Don’t be,” he stated, and went back to looking at his phone. I looked down at our hands and I could feel myself start to blush. It was strangely comforting knowing he was right there. I squeezed his hand reflexively as the plane gave another jolt. It’s not like I’ve never been through turbulence on a plane before, but it still didn’t mean that I liked it. Zak gave a reassuring squeeze to my hand and put his phone down, shifting his body so he was facing me more. “Why don’t you tell me about the history of this bar we’re going to,” he asked lightly.             “I’m ok, honestly,” I said, feeling bad I took him away from what he was doing before. Zak smiled.       

     “Who said I was doing this for your benefit?” he winked. I rolled my eyes but smiled none the less. I quietly began listing off what I remembered about the site, Zak asking questions here and there. Thirty minutes later the seatbelt sign was turned off again but Zak didn’t let go of my hand, and I would be lying if I said that didn’t make me feel like there were butterflies in my stomach.             About an hour later, we were getting ready to land. Only then Zak let go of my hand to put his backpack away and I couldn’t stop myself from feeling slightly disappointed. Though we had started talking about the location, we then started talking about music and concerts we’ve been to, and just life in general. We were really starting to get to know each other, and I was happy he was trusting me enough to open up.       

      Once off the plane, we claimed our luggage and all the tech equipment, heading off to the rental car area. Because there were 6 of us and many bags, we ended up with two SUVs. Billy and Jay in one with all the tech equipment, and the rest of us in the other with the luggage. I sat in the back with Aaron as Nick drove and Zak was in the passenger seat. I was watching Aaron as he was trying to hid his phone from me, but kept looking up with a goofy smile. I laughed at him as my phone and Zak’s both rang with a notification. Aaron gave me a huge smile as I looked at him suspiciously. “I’m scared to look at that,” I whispered and Zak shot around.     

        “Dude, seriously?” he didn’t seem mad or irritated, just slightly chuckled and shook his head. I looked between the two of them. Oh God…I picked up my phone and saw the Instagram notification that Aaron had tagged me in a post. I opened it up and my jaw dropped. Crap…

Aarongoodwin: The newbie can’t handle early morning travel #ghostadventures #travelbuddies #adoptedlilsis

Above the caption was a picture that Aaron shot over his head with him making a laughing face. I was fast asleep on Zak’s shoulder, with my knees curled up to my chest and leaning in his direction as well. Zak looked unphased, face in his phone, not noticing what Aaron was up to. To be honest, the picture was cute. But I was slightly mortified. What is Zak thinking? What are the fans going to think? Aaron just posted the picture two minutes ago and it already had over 400 likes and 53 comments. But one stood out.

Realzakbagans: What can I say? I make a good pillow. I looked up to see Zak watching me. When I caught his eyes he winked at me, then turned back around. I laughed and shook my head. 

NotMiaThermopolis: OMG! @realzakbagans sorry! @aarongoodwin I hate you. #notamorningpersonBoth Zak and Aaron checked their phones at the same time. Zak let out a bark like laugh as Aaron yelled “Hey!” Nick stopped at a red light and turned toward us.     

        “Will someone please fill me in?” he asked. Zak showed him the post and he started laughing. “Ok, that is a cute picture though. I will have my two cents in about it once we get to the hotel.” I looked at Aaron and shook my head as he gave me puppy dog eyes.          

Startled, I shot up in bed, my heart pounding in my chest. I starting looking all around my room, and it seemed liked the shadows were moving around me. Putting on my glasses, I turned the bedside lamp on and looked around trying to calm myself. I couldn’t figure out why I had woken up, all I knew is that I felt absolutely exhausted. I laid back down hoping I could fall asleep again. No use. My eyes popped back open and I could not settle down. I looked at the clock and it read 3:30. “You’ve got to be kidding,” I whined and huffed out. I sat up and was completely on edge, apparently what had happened on the lockdown affected me more than I hoped for. I wasn’t sad or scared, just restless and agitated.

Deciding to give up any sort of sleep and not being able to stay put in the room as it was starting to creep me out, I slipped on Zak’s jacket, put my slippers on and grabbed my book. I didn’t want to wake anyone and worry them more. They all deserved some sleep after helping me. Grabbing my phone and room key, I walked out to the hotel lobby. Behind a rock wall divider was a cute little sitting area with two couches and a few over stuffed chairs. There was a fire place with a fire still burning, and I sat on the couch beside it, hoping the heat would help relax my tense muscles. I opened my book and sunk down into the couch, allowing myself to get lost in the literary work of Kevin Kwan.

Between looking at social media on my phone and reading my book, the next thing I knew it was 7:30 in the morning. My phone began to ring and I looked to see Nick calling me. “Hello?” I answered quietly.

“You could not have slept through all the knocking. Open your door,” Nick sounded exasperated.

“I’m actually not in my room,” I said slowly, feeling bad he had been knocking to no one. There was a pause on the other line.

“Where are you?” he asked, sounding unsure if he wanted to know the answer. I rolled my eyes, he didn’t think I went and slept with someone did he?

“Lobby. Next to the fireplace,” I answered. Nick told me to wait and he hung up. I went back to reading for about five more minutes.

“So do you want to tell me why you are down here at 7:30 with your pjs on?” Nick asked when he got to me. I sighed and sat up.

“If you must know, I woke up at like 3:30 and couldn’t go back to sleep. So I came down here thinking the fireplace would be nice,” I closed my book and looked at him.

“You haven’t gotten much sleep then have you?” he asked, probably trying to figure out when I actually went to bed.

“I mean I fell asleep at like 9, so it wasn’t like I didn’t get any sleep,” I shrugged.

“Are you ok?”

“I’m fine,” I smiled at him and he returned it. “Why were trying to wake me up?” I asked.

“Oh yeah,” Nick chuckled. “I was about to make a coffee run. The guys are starting to get up so we can head home. I know their orders but I wasn’t sure of yours. Aaron said tea, but I wasn’t sure if that’s what you wanted right now so I was going to ask.”

“Actually, coffee sounds great right now,” I said standing up and going with Nick to get everyone’s order. Luckily there was a coffee shop in the same parking lot as the hotel. Once we had all the orders and walked back to the hotel, I went to my room to change and pack. I had packed mostly last night, so it was mainly just getting my toiletries together and making sure I had everything. I was double checking the bathroom when there was a knock at my door. I answered to Aaron’s big smile.

“Ready to go?” he asked, coming in.

“Yup, just one second,” I said, zipping up my suitcase and grabbing my coffee and purse. Aaron eyed my coffee.

“Nick told us he found you in the lobby. How come you didn’t wake one of us up if you couldn’t sleep?” he questioned me. I shrugged but smiled at him.

“You guys did so much for me yesterday. I didn’t want to be annoying and call any of you at 3:30 this morning,” I replied. Aaron nodded.

“You know you could have though. Its not like any of us sleep the greatest after lockdowns either. No one would have minded.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I grabbed Zak’s jacket off the bed as we walked out with my stuff.

“So…still have his jacket huh?” Aaron nudged me with his elbow. I felt my face getting warm.

“It was comfy and I tried to give it back but he told me to keep it for now. I’ll give it back to him,”

“Sure Jan,” Aaron smirked. I choked on my decaf coffee and started to laugh once I stopped coughing, smacking his arm. We reached the guys in the lobby as Billy was checking us all out. I smiled at Zak and walked over to him.

“Are you ok?” he asked. I nodded and held out his jacket.

“Thanks for letting me borrow it,” he took it from me tentatively, almost like he didn’t want to take it back. I looked at him, trying to read his expression but he quickly put a smile on before I could question him.

“No problem,” Zak said in a low tone. He grabbed his suitcase and started walking toward the van. Did I upset him somehow?

We all piled into the van, ready for the drive home. The drive was quiet for the most part, everyone doing their own thing. I was trying to read my book, but kept looking up front to where Zak was gazing out the window, extremely quiet. I would hear Billy say something, with him only mumbling in return. Had I upset him somehow? Maybe he was tired? I kept questioning myself. Four hours later we found ourselves back in Vegas, and turning into my apartment complex. I hopped out as Aaron helped me with my bag. “If you need anything, and I mean anything Y/N, you call me. Alright?” he asked. I nodded and gave him a quick hug, yelling bye and see you tomorrow to the guys. I walked into my apartment, and set my bags down. I started to do laundry and think of what to make for dinner. I was craving something comforting, and comfort food to me was Mexican food. Growing up Hispanic, my house was always filled with delicious Mexican food. My mom is a great cook, and I was trying to follow in her footsteps. Realizing I had all the ingredients to make some chicken enchiladas, I got to work. As I cooked though, the silence of my apartment started to creep up on me. I turned on my Spotify, but I couldn’t shake a creepy feeling. I kept reminding myself that nothing harmful happened to me on the lockdown, so why was I feeling so spooked when I was by myself. Maybe it was just the fact that I had an experience, and it was sticking with me. I hoped it went away soon. I was feeling a bit better than last night at least.

The timer went off on my enchiladas and I jumped. Taking them out of the oven, I decided that I really did not want to eat by myself tonight. I picked up my phone and went to my contacts. A part of me wanted to reach out to Zak, but I wasn’t sure what he would say after the way he acted this morning. So I went with a more reliable source. “What’s up Y/N” Aaron answered on the second ring.

“Nothing. Just wondering if you have had dinner yet?” I asked. I heard him chuckle.

“Should I pick something up on my way over?”

“Well that was easier than expected. Here I thought I was going to have to bribe you with homemade enchiladas,” I laughed.

“What! I will be over in half an hour,” Aaron said, then hung up. I went about setting the table that I hadn’t really gotten to do yet. I was glad that I could rely on Aaron. At 6:30 he showed up and I served us the enchiladas with a salad on the side. “These are great kid! You can bribe me any time you’d like,” Aaron said through a mouthful of food. I laughed and nodded.

“Thanks for coming over. I didn’t really feel like eating by myself,” I looked down at my food.

“It’s no problem. I understand. You’ll eventually get used to lockdowns, but all of us know it takes a while. No judgement here,” Aaron replied. He put down his fork and looked at over to me. “Why did you call me though?”

“You said if I needed anything to call you. And I figured if you really wanted to be my big brother you should know I can be a handful at times,” I shrugged, making him laugh.

“Why didn’t you ask Zak?” Aaron went back to eating. “Not that I mind. It’s just that you two seemed to be getting closer. I’m sure he wouldn’t have minded having dinner with you.”

“I think I may have upset him unintentionally. He seemed a bit disappointed when I gave him his jacket back earlier,” I told him. Aaron looked back at me and smiled kindly.

“He can be moody Y/N. I’m sure everything is fine and tomorrow it’ll be like nothing happened.” I smiled back at him and we finished eating, changing the topic to tv shows we liked. Around 9pm, Aaron left and I showered and laid down in bed. I hoped Zak wasn’t mad at me. I thought I was being responsible giving him his jacket back. I would have kept it in a second if I knew how he would have reacted.

~ ~ ~

           I woke up the next day feeling refresh after finally having a decent night’s sleep. After getting ready quickly and texting Aaron for Starbucks orders, I arrived at the office right on time. I passed out the coffee’s to Nick, Aaron, and Billy who was in today going over evidence from the lockdown, and then found myself in front of Zak’s office. He was staring at something on his laptop, so I knocked on his door frame. “Can I come in?” I asked. Zak looked up at me and nodded slightly before going back to his work. I walked in and set the coffee on his desk.

           “What’s this for?” He asked gruffly.

           “I just got everyone coffee this morning,” I shrugged. His attention stayed on his laptop as he nodded. I took that as my que to leave. Before I stepped out of his space though, I turned around. “I’m sorry if I upset you in anyway. I hope you know I didn’t mean to.” I said before turning around and walking into my office. I didn’t want to see his reaction. I sat down at my desk and started my laptop, getting to work. I snuck a peak at Zak, only to see his head shoot back down to his laptop. Was he watching me?

           We got back to the hotel and headed to our rooms. The plan was for everyone to wash up and change really quick, then meet in the continental breakfast room. The first thing I did when I got back to my room was take my contacts out and wash my face. I didn’t even bother with putting make up back on as I changed into a pair of black leggings, an oversized knitted light pink sweater, and my white converse. I put on my large framed grey glasses and threw my hair up in a ponytail. I grabbed Zak’s jacket and walked over to his room, knocking lightly in hopes that other guests wouldn’t wake up. He answered the door rather quickly and smiled at me. “What’s up?” he asked.

           “I’m just bringing back your jacket. Thanks for letting me borrow it,” I said holding it out to him. Right then though I got a chill and shivered slightly. Zak caught it and chuckled softly.

           “Keep it for now, you seem cold,” he said, walking out of his room so we could go get some breakfast. I slipped it on and internally sighed as I felt its warmth. “Nice glasses,” he smirked at me.

           “Thanks, they have glitter in them,” I giggled. “Same to you.” I had noticed Zak had the same idea as I did and put his glasses on once we got back to the hotel. He chuckled.

           “How are you doing?” Zak asked me. I could hear the concern in his voice.

           “I’m fine. A little emotionally exhausted, but I’m ok,” I answered him, looking down. “I’m sorry about that. I hope you don’t think that I can’t do this. I don’t know what came over me.” I began fiddling with his jacket sleeves.

           “Y/N, it wasn’t your fault at all. You were being affected. Honestly all the information you were able to give us was impressive and I have no doubt that you’re a benefit to this team,” Zak reassured me. Who would have thought two weeks ago he would be the one to comfort me. I looked up at him and nodded.

           When we walked into the continental breakfast room, Billy and Aaron were already sitting with plates of food in front of them. Zak and I went through the buffet line, thankful there was not a ton of people in the room with us. Once we sat down Nick came in and tapped Zak on his shoulder. He whispered something to him quickly, and it seemed like I was the only one who was actually curious at what he said as Billy and Aaron were stuffing their faces. Breakfast was quiet, with little remarks of how good the food was going back and forth. When we all finished eating, it was around eight in the morning. “I know we are all tired, but I want to go over a few EVPs that we captured,” Zak announced. Billy nodded while Aaron groaned and went to fill up his coffee. Nick agreed, and we set off to Billy’s room. Nick grabbed two chairs from the balcony for him and Zak, while Billy sat at the desk and went to work on the digital recorders. Aaron sat on the edge of the bed and I plunked myself down beside him, leaning my head on his arm. I could see out of my peripheral vision Zak glancing at me from time to time. I couldn’t really read the look on his face as he was a bit stoic. He could be worried, I thought. After about an hour of going through some audio evidence, and me falling asleep for about five minutes, Nick stood up.

           “I can’t sit here anymore, do you guys want to go into town?” he questioned, and everyone agreed a little too enthusiastically for my sleepy state of mind. I could sense all their attention on me as I stood up, and I raised my eyebrow.

           “Are you guys planning on leaving me somewhere or something?” I asked. They chuckled.

           “No. Let’s go sleepy head,” Aaron said, leading the way out of the room. We all climbed into the van, the guys quietly talking along the way. I remained quiet, still feeling the emotional drain from the investigation. The van came to a stop outside a cute brick building. I climbed out of the back and looked up, seeing a used book store sign. A small smile graced my lips. I looked over at the guys who seemed to be judging my reaction. “Surprise!” Aaron did little jazz hands. I let out a breathy laugh as I pieced together what just happened.

           “Wait, did we come here for me?” I asked.

           “I found it this morning before breakfast and told Zak. Figured you had an emotional night and this might cheer you up. We got used to your smile over the past few days. Seeing you cry was just sad,” Nick stated. I walked over and gave him a hug.

           “Thank you. I’m about to start crying happy tears cause I’m tired, but I swear it’s all good!” I said, wiping my eye that started to blur. Billy walked over to the door and held it open.

           “After you miss,” he said in a posh accent. I giggled.

           “Why thank you kindly sir.” I walked in with the guys behind me. The store had two floors and smelt of dusty paper, I smiled. All the newer, more popular books were down stairs. I wondered around a bit, until I reached the stairs at the back of the store. The guys had all gone into their own sections to look around as well, so I slipped upstairs peacefully. They had remembered what I said about loving to go to used book stores when I would travel, and I thought that was so kind. The upstairs held the discounted classics, mythology books, and ancient writers, aka, my favorite section. I slowly walked from section to section, picking up and flipping through titles that piqued my interest. There was no one on this level, so it felt nice and peaceful. With an armful of books, I settled on the floor in one of the back rows. There was a window letting in natural sunlight and it warmed my skin nicely, nothing like the coldness I felt last night. I ended up lost in my own literary world until I heard someone clear their throat. I looked up quickly to find Zak smiling down at me. The look in his eyes though were something else, like he was trying to be gentle, like he was staring at a wounded animal and wasn’t sure how to approach it. I don’t know what is worse, him giving me a hard time, or looking at me like I could break any second so he had to be soft. “Stop looking at me like that,” I spoke quietly, returning my attention to my books.

           “I’m not looking at you in any certain way,” he copied my tone, moving over a chair to sit in front of me.

           “Yes, you are. You’re looking at me like I’m a wounded animal who needs help. You have been since everything happened in the lockdown. I…”

           “You aren’t smiling. Not really at least,” Zak cut me off. I furrowed my brows.

           “What do you mean?” I asked, confused.

           “Over the past two weeks that we have known you, you always seem to have a smile on your face. Seeing you that upset last night was unnerving. And even now when you smile, it’s not the same,” I could feel by face start to flush at his words. I looked down hoping I could hide it. Zak sighed audibly and continued. “Look Y/N, we help each other out in this group. We aren’t just work friends, we’re family. And when we see a part of our family hurting, we try to cheer them up. The moment you accepted the position, you became our family. So accept the fact that we’re trying to cheer you up. It doesn’t make you seem weak, if that’s what you are worried about,” I nodded and smiled softly, a real smile.

           “What book did you find?” I asked him. Zak shook his head in disbelief at the topic change, but smiled anyways.

           “A hardback Dracula. Only $5” he chuckled.

           “Aren’t used book stores the best?” I questioned, motioning to my stack of growing books.

           “How many do you have there?” Zak asked, getting up and offering his hand to help me off the floor. I took it and he pulled me up easily.

Once we got to the location, we all piled out of the van and met with the property’s owner. Billy, Aaron and Nick got the cameras rolling while I just did whatever they asked me to. As I held a camera Billy had handed to me while he set up the mics, Zak walked over to me. “Are you ready for your introduction?” He asked. I felt my heart start to beat quicker. This was actually happening.

           “I already looked like an idiot in Aaron’s insta story. This can’t be much worse right?” I fake laughed, realizing I was actually nervous. Billy took the camera from me and then handed me a mic, telling me how to put it on. I kept fumbling with the clip, my hands shaking slightly, almost dropping it.

           “Here, I got it,” Zak said softly, taking it from me and helping place it. “Relax, you’re going to be great. And I will cut you off if you start rambling,” he reassured me. I laughed quietly at that and nodded. “Seriously though, I need you to breath Y/N.”

           “I just don’t want to disappoint you guys,” I spoke quietly. Zak chuckled.

           “I hardly doubt that.” I looked up at him to see a genuine smile on his face. I took a deep breath and nodded, smiling back.

           “Alright, we are good to go,” Billy called out.

           “I want to do the intro, then introduce Y/N to discuss the history,” Zak said, giving me one last smile, then walked toward the warehouse. I watched from behind Billy as Zak introduced the location and a few reasons as to why we were here. “I now want to introduce the newest member of the Ghost Adventures Crew. We were in need of a historian, someone who could focus specifically on the background of the locations we investigate. So if she would come over here, that would be great,” Zak motioned for me to join him as Aaron panned his camera toward me. I smiled softly, looking down as I walked over to Zak to make sure I didn’t trip over a rock. “Everyone, this is Y/N Y/L/N. Say hi Y/N,” Zak smiled. I turned toward the guys and gave a little wave.

           “Hi,” that was all that I could think of saying at the moment. I think the guys could feel my awkwardness because they all gave a chuckle.

           “She has a master’s degree in history and has done some great background research on locations we are considering. So Y/N, why don’t you tell us a little about this place,” Zak filled in. I smiled and started giving the background. I was now in my element, speaking about history. I tried to ignore Nick moving around to get different shots while I talked and focused on the most interesting and important facts of the place. I realized I was talking too fast when I glanced at Aaron and he made a motion with his hand, mouthing ‘slow down’. I let out a nervous laugh and apologized if I was going to quickly, then finished what I was saying.

           “So yeah, that’s pretty much the background on this place,” I concluded, putting my hands behind my back because I could feel them shaking still. Zak gave a deep laugh.

           “Wow, that was a lot to take in,” Nick laughed.

           “Sorry if I talked too fast,” I apologized. Then I realized they were still filming. I looked at the camera and said sorry again.

           “You’re fine, that was impressive,” Zak stepped in. I smiled as we all started walking into the warehouse with the property owner. As we went along different hallways, Zak would ask me if I had any information on different spots or hauntings that the owner brought up. I would chime in when asked, but stayed quiet else wise and stuck by Aaron and Billy. We were on the second floor of the warehouse when I started to feel a bit uneasy, like we were being watch. Zak mentioned that he felt that way out loud and we all agreed. Zak and Nick continued interviewing the owner when we got to a doorway. I stopped and looked in, taking a step forward and standing in the door frame. I couldn’t hear the guys talking anymore, just the sound of my own heartbeat. I wonder if they kept walking? I didn’t bother to look though, as my eyes stayed glue to the interior of the room. It was empty with some graffiti on the peeling paint walls. Without realizing it, I felt a tear drop down my cheek, then another. In what felt like a matter of seconds, I was crying. Why was I so upset? I wasn’t sad when we walked in here. I will admit that I am a crier, no matter what feeling I have. Loved one died, cry. Angry or upset with someone, cry. Confused, cry. Happy cute commercial, cry. You get it. But this was different. In the blink of eye, I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness. And I just stood there, glued to the floor.

           I thought I heard my name being called, but it sounded as if it were far away. I couldn’t bring myself to leave the door frame, let alone look around. Suddenly, there was a hand on my shoulder, making me jump. Whatever trance I was in had gone, but I still had tears running down my face. I stepped out of the doorframe and backed right into a hard figure. The hands on my shoulders steadied me as I turned around to find Zak and the others, looking at me with concern. “Mia what’s wrong?” Zak asked softly. I shook my head and quickly wiped away my tears with my sleeve.

           “I don’t know,” I said softly, my voice barely coming out. Zak reached out, but I took a step back trying to compose myself. I felt like if someone touched me right now I would break. I knew the cameras were still running, so I turned away slightly to try to pull myself together.

           “That happens a lot in this building. In that room,” The owner spoke up. “Especially to females,” I nodded and tried to think of what would have happened there, then it came to me. The widow.

           “It’s her,” I said, looking at Zak. He gave me a confused look.

           “Who?” he asked.

           “Lucy Varna. The widow I told you about yesterday. She died in that room, from grief and loneliness,” I connected the dots. “I think that’s what I was feeling because I honestly have no other reason to be crying right now.”

           “Did you hear us calling for you?” Nick asked, eyebrows furrowed.

           “Vaguely. It sounded like you guys were far away. I didn’t even hear you walk over to me to be honest,” I confessed. The guys nodded their heads, the owner speaking up again.

           “I’ve seen other women become the same way. They don’t know where they are for a moment and completely disregard anything others say until they are actually moved away from the spot. Some crying, some going catatonic on us,” he said.

           “Lucy must be reaching out to other females thinking they will understand her pain more. But why is she still here?” Zak asked, turning to me. I thought back to my research yesterday.

           “Her husband and son were killed in a freak snow storm while they were staying here when it was a hotel in the 1800s. They never returned and she kept paying to stay, hoping they would return. They weren’t found until the snow melted two weeks later. She stopped eating and drinking, basically starving to death in her grief. She must still be waiting for them to come back,” I informed everyone.

           “Wow,” Aaron breathed out.

           “Well Y/N, we know where you are going tonight,” Zak spoke, putting his hand on my shoulder. I smiled weakly at him, letting out a nervous laugh.

~ ~ ~        

           We spent the rest of the day doing interviews and marking the place for x-cams. Friday morning came and we got breakfast together, preparing for the lockdown. I was nervous, but trying not to show it. I basically just did what was asked of me to help set up, and then walked around in the dark with a camera as we began the investigation that night. We were getting some great evidence, and I had been with either Zak or Aaron the whole time. Around 2:30 in the morning, I was walking with Zak on the second floor. “Alright Y/N, I think it’s time you check out that room by yourself,” Zak said, looking over at me. I looked at him through the night vision on the camera and took a deep breath.

           “What ever you say boss,” I tried to joke through my nerves. Zak shook his head, but smiled.

           “You have a walkie and Billy can see the x-cam we have in the room. If you need us, just shout. I won’t be too far, just down the hallway,” He said. I nodded and watched as he started to walk away. Turning toward the room, I stepped in and stood against the wall. The atmosphere automatically changed, and I could feel the sadness from yesterday creeping up again. Not wanting to look weak, I tried to hold my tears back and started talking.

           “Ok, I feel sad like I did yesterday. I wasn’t feeling that way until I walked in here. So here goes nothing,” I said into my camera. “Lucy, if you’re here can you let me know? Make a noise or something?” There was nothing, so I turned on the Ovilus that Billy had handed me earlier to try to communicate better. “Lucy, my name is Y/N. I know what happened to your husband and son. I’m so sorry, that must have been terrible. I can’t imagine your pain,” I paused. Sad then showed up on the Ovilus. I jumped slightly, not expecting the response. “Are people feeling your sadness in this room?” I asked. At this point I had tears building up behind my eyes and I couldn’t hold them back anymore. I tried to talk, but all that came out was a huge sob. I couldn’t see anything in front of me anymore as the tears started to blur my sight and my back slid down the wall. Sorry I heard again from the Ovilus, but at a distance.

Zak’s POV

           “Zak, you need to go get Y/N,” Billy’s voice came through the walkie. I paused what I was doing and turned back down the hallway toward the room I left her in.

           “What’s wrong?” I asked, concerned. I didn’t hear her call out so I thought she was fine.

           “She just slid down the wall to the floor and is sobbing. I was trying to get her attention but she isn’t answering her walkie,” he informed me. I picked up the pace and slightly jogged over to the room. Whatever was in there wasn’t harmful, but it definitely was able to effect people. I knew leaving Mia there could have this outcome potentially, but I wasn’t prepared for the feeling I got when I found her, knees pulled up into her chest and head down. I could hear her sobbing and she didn’t move as I approached her. Sorry. I looked at the Ovilus Y/N was clutching. Was the spirit sorry she made her feel this way? I crouched down and put my hand on her shoulder. Y/N jumped, looking up at me. I could feel my heart start to break at the sight. Sure, I was an ass to this girl for the first week, but it didn’t mean that I didn’t accept her as part of the team. She was always so bubbly that seeing her this upset was unnerving. “Are you hurt?” I asked her softly. She shook her head as another sob came out. I tried to get her to stand up but when she wouldn’t budge, I set my camera down and picked her up. When I got her out of the room and started walking toward the stairs to get to base, Y/N started to come around more. Her arms snaked around my neck as she buried her head into my shoulder.

           “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

           “You have nothing to be sorry about,” I shook my head, looking down at her. She was shaking slightly. I walked into the room that we had set up base in and set her down in a chair, taking my jacket off and draping it over her shoulders.

           “What the hell happened?” Billy asked me. I crouched down in front of Y/N and couldn’t help but reach out to wipe away her tears. Her Y/E/C eyes finally focused on me and I realized I could get lost in them if we were alone.

           “You need to tell Lucy it’s ok to leave,” she said quietly. I nodded and stood up.

           “Look after her?” I asked Billy. He agreed and pulled his chair over to sit next to her. By this time Y/N wasn’t sobbing anymore, her tears starting to dry.

           I went back upstairs and tried to make contact with Lucy. I told her that Y/N was fine, and she wanted her to know that it was alright to leave. A thank you came through the Ovilus and the atmosphere felt empty again. I met back up with Aaron and Nick as we started taking x-cams down around 4am. We loaded the van up and did a final sweep to make sure we had everything. Y/N had been quiet this whole time. In the dim morning light, I could see that her cheeks were a rosy red. Whether it was from the cold or crying I wasn’t sure, but I couldn’t shake what I was starting to feel for her. She had put my jacket on completely, and it swallowed her petite figure. She looked soft and innocent, everything I’m not. And even with puffy eyes from crying, I couldn’t help but think she was beautiful.

           “You’re staring,” Nick elbowed me as he put the last of the equipment in the van.

           “No I’m not,” I defended myself pathetically. Nick rolled his eyes and chuckled.