Chapter 8
“Do you believe in ghosts?”
Eddie laughs and leans forward on his side of the booth where they’ve chosen to sit at a public diner for breakfast.
“I like Casper. He’s cool.”
“…no, I mean, actual ghosts,” Billy fidgets across from his boyfriend; taking a hard stare at his plate of maple syrup dripped waffles & homefries.
“Spirits..?”
Eddie takes a moment to consider. He pops a chunk of pineapple in his mouth.
“Well if we’re going to keep seeing each other,” Billy continues nervously, “I have to be honest with you. It's only fair.” His mind falls upon Agatha Harkness. The ghost witch who meant everything to him.
“Agatha hasn’t been a ghost very long, because she was actually a witch when she was alive…”
He’s rambling.
Eddie narrows his eyes at him. Dude, what?
“It’d be easier if you just saw her, for yourself, babe. She’s way better than Casper!” Billy exclaims.
Then he looks around as if there were dust particles the sunlight had caught in the air.
“Come out, Agatha! Say hi!” Billy yells cheerfully.
The boys wait several seconds. The diner goes about its business with people eating and ordering.
“Nothing's happening,” Eddie clears his throat.
“She’s really shy at the moment,” Billy grimaces, feeling humiliated by Agatha’s cowardly behavior.
“Which is totally unlike her. The complete opposite.”
“Riiight.” Eddie tries not to judge and rises up from his seat.
He leaves to go use the bathroom.
Agatha instantly “poofs” in Eddie’s place at the booth, rubbing her hands mischievously.
“Wow-you literally could have appeared five seconds ago,” Billy greets her with annoyance.
“I’m not your ghoul gerbil, bub! I'll appear when I want on my own goddamn time!” Agatha snaps. Her mouth bares out in a sneer. With her hair now a silvery white, she looks older and more cankerous than ever before.
“I-I’m sorry, okay? I just wanted Eddie to meet you,” Billy winces.
“It’s not Eddie we’re after,” Agatha scowls. “It’s that snot-nose brother!”
“Maybe Eddie could help us? Did you ever think of that?” Billy demands.
“Telling your lolliboy everything would take an entire week to get him on track! The less outsiders, the better!” Agatha objects.
“He’s not an outsider, first of all,” Billy argues, making Agatha roll her eyes. “Or my… lolliboy… please don’t ever call him that again.”