章 13: Chapter 13: Questions

Alessa pushed Nikhil away with a start. She wasn't sure if what she'd just seen was the ghost himself or just a figment of her guilty imagination, but either way, she couldn't go through with the kiss.

Nikhil looked at Alessa, bewildered. Fortunately, Alessa was too tipsy to feel more than a tinge of embarrassment, but she did feel sorry for the hurt she saw in Nikhil's eyes, which were brown once more.

"I'm sorry, I can't," was all she said, and she pushed past him, heading for the stairs. Janie noticed Alessa's abrupt departure and made to follow, but Alessa waved her off. She needed to be alone.

Bounding up the stairs, Alessa stumbled and caught herself against the rail. The room was spinning, but not so pleasantly anymore. She staggered into her bedroom and closed the door behind her, sliding down to the floor with her back against the wood until she sat on the carpet, her knees pressed against her chest.