WIP - Another Ghost in Roberto and Delucca’s House?

 “It isn’t Sarah,” Roberto says.  “She would never wear teensy athletic shorts and exercise shirts.

“She blocks me too,” Mr. Julian says.  And when no one understands what he means he says, “She’s very strong. I’m surprised she appeared.”

“It isn’t my mother,” Juniper says.  “She wants to have the body to wear that kind of outfit, but it isn’t her style.”  

The room grows quiet.   Juniper remembers more about her mom’s obsession with becoming thin and her attempts at group exercise before her disappearance from Delucca and Roberto’s party several months ago.  By now, everyone knows the rumor about Chabichou, the yoga teacher and Juniper’s mom, Mrs. Johnson isn’t true.  Chabichou tells people they were never together and seems to spread the news whenever and wherever he can.  Juniper considers this insulting, especially since she heard him say, “Renee is not into exercise.”

Juniper reminds her boyfriend about the gossip.  “Don’t you think Chabichou is suspicious?” She asks.

“Maybe he’s protecting his ego?” Mr. Julian says.

At dinner, the four of them discuss the possibilities of another “ghost” in Delucca and Roberto’s house besides Sarah. Was she an athlete? Or just wearing gym clothes when she died? And why would she be in Delucca’s and Roberto’s house anyway? No one, not even Mr. Julian knows the answer, and Sarah’s not ready to leave.  Mr. Julian has asked her.

The unlikely friends eat at a Greek restaurant.  Here they share stuffed grape leaves, Moussaka, and a plate of mini fried doughnuts for dessert.   It’s the kind of place that still feels exotic in the Avocado Grove where most gravitate towards pizza, burgers, and barbecue.

Delucca whispers to Juniper about her new relationship with Mr. Julian.  “Are you having fun?” She asks.

“Yes, last week we ate Indian food with our hands.”  She tells Delucca she wishes she could afford to take Mr. Julian to a fancier place than a drive-thru burger joint.

“We’re going out of town,” Delucca says.  “Do you want to house sit?”

“Don’t forget about the dog,” Roberto says.  “He’s a puppy, we’ll pay you extra if you take care of him.”

There is chatter for a few minutes about their new pet.  They really bought and from where and what possessed them, after Delucca made up a dog last year.

Characters based on “Girls Outside” from Stories from the Grove by L.A. Wolfe  available at Amazon.