Chapter 23: Memories and pain

Davis’ Pov

As Emily left my room, I sighed, I stared at Elizabeth's picture on the wall, her gap teeth and dimples made me smile.


I took a deep breath. “We really miss you.” I stared at the picture of us at Emily's birthday party years back.

When I remembered what had happened last night between Rebecca and I, I headed to her room. I knocked gently. Seems she was still asleep. I was about to leave when the door burst open. She was wearing shorts and a singlet. “Hey, about yesterday, I guess you were drunk. So what I said about firing you I apologize for that. Today is Emily's birthday so we should all be happy.”

Rebecca smiled. “Thank you very much.”

I left her presence, heading to the kitchen. I had to see what they were doing, this was what Elizabeth does but since I am now the father and mother at the same time to Emily I need to do both duties to make her happy.”

On entering the kitchen, I was greeted by the warm aroma of baked pancakes. Emily was in the kitchen with Olivia, I watched her, as she giggled happily.

“Hey Kiddo, Happy birthday.” I said to Emily again in front of the workers.

Emily ran towards me, she wrapped her arms around me. “I won't accept that wish fully if you don't get me a phone.”


Everyone in the kitchen laughed at what she had said. “Sweetie, I told you I'll get you something else.”

She left to meet Olivia since I wasn't ready to grant her request. “Can you help me tell Dad to get me a new phone?” Emily said to Olivia, who was busy baking a cake. She backed it well as if she was a professional. I watched as she derived Joy in doing that.

Looking at Maria I remembered she had to explain to me why she had left the house the other day, without informing me. And about her strange movement in the house. “Maria, I'd like to talk to you later.” I said.

“Emily won't you come with Daddy.” I said, about to leave the kitchen.

She hurriedly ran after me, breakfast was served shortly and Emily and I sat on the table. I couldn't help but glance at Elizabeth's picture on the wall. I pushed the sadness aside, ready to focus on making this special day for Emily.

I smiled. “Do you know what mom will say on a day like this?” I asked.

“What will she say?” Emily asked.

I watched her, she was eager to hear what I was about to say. “She'd always say love is long but life is short. Wherever she is now she'd want us to make this day special full of love.”

Emily smiled, it was as if Elizabeth was enjoying the happy moment with us.

“Where do you want to go today?” I asked.

It was as if she had been waiting for me to ask that question. “I want to go to the park, get ice cream and watch a movie. It won't be bad.”

“We can't do the three today, so you'll be picking two out of the three you mentioned.”

“No Dad, I'm not skipping any of them, can we do all three.” She pleaded.

“But firstly, keys finish breakfast then have a small party at home then I'll take you anywhere you wish to go.”


Olivia's Pov

It seems I and Maria are now on good terms. As we prepared for Emily's birthday party we chatted.

“I really can't believe that.” I said. “You mean you see ghosts and stuff?”

Her smile grew wider. “Why are you surprised? It's normal to have the ability to communicate with the dead and see them. It's just a gift, one that has been passed down from my family in each generation.”

I was shocked, I was about to say something but she continued.

“Should I say it's just like a curse that has haunted me for years, I don't enjoy seeing all of that. We don't want any of it but we keep seeing it.”

“You're lying right, this can't be true.” I said.

But she laughed. “I know it's hard to believe, I'll prove it to you one day. You will hear their whisper.”

“I don't want any of that.” I said, laughing. “But does Davis know anything about this?”

“Yeah, before his late wife Elizabeth employed me to work here I told her everything, I didn't keep any secret from them.” Maria said.

I felt a hint of guilt as she said those words. I knew I was keeping a little secret from Davis. I tried to push that thought aside.

I continued to ice the cake. Emily had told me she wanted it pink. “Isn't this perfect?” I said, showing the cake to Maria.

“Wow, you're good at baking.” She said,

“Yeah, I learnt it from my mom while growing up, she owns a cafe and that's where I practically learnt how to bake.”

“Wow, it's nice you grew up with your mother by your side.” Maria said, I noticed she had a frown on her face.

“Is your mother late?” I asked.

“They both passed away, they had an accident when I was four and my brother and I were the only ones who survived the accident.” Maria said, tears flowing down her cheeks.

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to remind you about that.” I said.

She smiled, “it's fine, you won't understand how hard it is to live without both parents who left nothing behind when they were alive.”

I saw the pain in Maria's eyes though she was trying to hide it badly. I knew how painful it was to remember things like that.

Her tears continued to flow but she smiled through them. “You know I still feel like they're with me sometimes, just that I feel alone sometimes.”

I wrapped my arms around her, putting the cake down. “This is like your family now, don't think you're alone.”