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smiled as he stepped closer. “We all will. You don’t have to worry about that.”
    “Good-bye.” I put up my hand as I slowly started to back up just so we wouldn’t hug in front of Bryce. I didn’t know how he would feel about that.
    “Bye.”
    I walked back over to Bryce and Ellie and they were just parting from a hug. “Well, everything is all set. You should probably get going before you make them angry.”
    “Thank you, mother. I’ll come back as soon as I can.”
    “There’s no rush.” I said as we hugged. “I know we’ll see each other again.”
    “Good-bye, mother.”
    “Good-bye, Ellie.”
    “Bye.” Bryce added as she started walking to the table.
    Ellie smiled while looking back. “Bye, Bryce!”
    Bryce smiled and nodded as she reached Ryon’s side and the three of them disappeared.
    I still couldn’t believe it. She really was grown up but best of all, she was happy.

 
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 7
     
     
    Bryce
     
    I made Naomi wait up with me that night, convinced that Ellie was going to come visit us. She said she would. I just didn’t know when.
    “Are you sure she meant tonight?”
    Before I could even answer I felt that strange presence again and smiled. “Yes. See?” Ellie appeared standing in the room and I stood up. “There you are. It’s about time.”
    Ellie smiled as she walked over. “Sorry it’s so late. I forgot that you sleep.”
    “You don’t sleep?” It sounded odd.
    “No. We don’t eat either. We have lots of free time when you cut out those two factors.”
    “Oh, well that’s fine. I would have waited all night.”
    Ellie smiled again. “I hope you don’t mind, Ryon wouldn’t let me go without him.”
    “He’s here?” I looked around but saw nothing.
    Ellie looked too and sighed. “Come on.” Ryon appeared at her side and let out a breath. “You wanted to say something?”
    Ryon looked right at me like this was something they talked about before coming here. “I’m sorry about my earlier attitude. I didn’t mean to come off as—aversive. I’m sometimes overly protective of Ellie.”
    “It’s all right. I understand why and now that you’re both here, I want to introduce Naomi.” I held out my hand to her and she took it as she got up and joined me. “She’s what you would call my mate.”
    “Oh, you can use that.” Naomi smiled. “I like the sounds of it better. It sounds rough and eternal like you own me.”
    Ryon laughed. “Hello, again, Naomi. It seems we have a mutual interest in the same family.”
    I haven’t mentioned it yet and I knew she was surprised. “You’re mates?”
    “Still getting used to it.” I said.
    “And what’s wrong with me, Bryce?”
    I laughed. “Nothing. It’s just you were there throughout my childhood and apparently have been with my sister through most of it.”
    “Being dead gives us a different perspective on time, I guess.”
    Ellie laughed. “This probably happened because I had a crush on him when I was alive.”
    “You did?” Naomi asked happily.
    “He was there a lot when it came to raising me. I guess I just couldn’t let that go.”
    Ryon took her under his arm and laughed. “I’m glad.”
    We laughed and spent time together until the early hours of the morning. It was difficult but we couldn’t even talk about it with the others that day. It made it easier just to listen to other conversations.
    By the time dusk came, we were completely successful not to mention our night with Ellie even when we spent time around my mother in the lounge.
    “Oh hey, Trever.” Ruby said as he walked in and sat down across from her. “You didn’t happen to see Darius out there did you?”
    “No, I’m sorry I haven’t been able to formally greet my good friend since he arrived with all the other things that have been happening.”
    My mother laughed to herself. “He is not your friend. He hates you.”
    “What?” Trever sarcastically reacted. “What did I do to deserve