Three – Not so Easy of a Request

He’s gone crazy. Keith thought as he watched Laverne kiss Cara. He had no idea what Laverne was trying to do. He looks so innocent, but, a devious little creature in reality. Keith thought.

Evan and his friend looked really shocked. And Evan, in particular, looked really angry. He pulled Laverne away. “You’re coming with me.” He said angrily as he pulled Laverne out of the house. Keith was getting really angry, Laverne looked like he was in pain and Keith wants to shove Evan away. “What are you doing?!” Evan shouted angrily.

“You’re angry? Wow…” Laverne reacted nonchalantly. Keith was scared and worried about Laverne’s emotionless face. “If there’s anyone who should get angry it’s me. You told me that there’s nothing between the two of you, that you’re going to clear the misunderstandings! But you have no plan on doing that, do you? You were even kissing her!

“Let me explain…” Evan said desperately.

“No. There’s nothing to explain. You could go back to your Cara, I don’t care anymore.

“What the hell was that?!” Cara shouted as she walked out of the house. She walked towards Laverne and then raised her hand. Keith was alarmed and he moved swiftly, he brushed his hand all over Cara’s arm and she froze.

“I told you, we’ll play a game. All three of us.” Laverne grinned. “Only the three of us, plus Evan’s stoned friend saw what really happened. By now everyone should know that you and I kissed.” He said looking at Cara. “You’ll probably tell them what really happened, but I would tell them that you forced yourself onto me, no I don’t even have to say that, they would just assume that, I bet.” He said with a grin. “The three of us would be part of tumultuous love story, but the circumstances are a bit different than what they  know.” Laverne continued and then looked at sharply at Cara. “Who do you think would be the bad guy, the innocent cousin who kissed his cousin’s girl or the witch that cheated on her boyfriend with his own cousin?” He then looked at Evan. “You know what, it would be even more dramatic if they find out that all this time it’s you that’s cheating on me with her.

Evan was shocked. “You wouldn’t tell anyone, would you? Laverne let’s talk, please…” Evan trailed off. Keith was really pissed off. How could Evan even think of his career at that moment?

Laverne turned around and walked away. At first, Keith thought that Laverne was going frighteningly crazy at that time, but once he fully saw Laverne’s face he understood. Laverne was just really hurt. Seeing Evan act so sweet and close to Cara must have made Laverne fully accept and realize that he was being cheated on the whole time. Keith saw Laverne’s eyes, and his heart broke when he saw tears falling. Laverne was silently crying as they walked away. It must have hurt him, even more, when Evan didn’t run after him.

Keith remained silent, he didn’t know what to say, he didn’t know what he could do. If only he could touch Laverne, then he would hug him at that very moment, but, he was a mere ghost, and his touch would only pass through Laverne.

Back in his hotel room, Laverne locked his self in the bedroom. Keith tried his best to give Laverne space, but he was too worried. When Keith took a peak, he saw Laverne lying face down on the bed. Keith could hear the muffled sound of Laverne crying.

Laverne kept crying the whole night. Seeing his lover cheating on him first hand was something that would break anyone’s heart. Keith knew that Laverne was hurting really bad. He must be feeling like hell at that moment. Every moment that passed that Keith watched Laverne cry felt like an eternity to him. He wanted Laverne to calm down, to stop crying, he couldn’t take seeing Laverne cry that much for that damn Evan any longer, but Keith was helpless. He didn’t know what to do to make Laverne feel any better. In the end, he just waited until Laverne finally calmed down.

“Say, Keith, I went crazy, didn’t I?” Laverne said after calming down a bit.

Keith couldn’t answer at first. He didn’t want to make Laverne even sadder. “Yes.” Keith said in a sad tone.

“It’s just that when I saw Evan kissed Cara, something in me snapped. I can’t just let things end without a fight. I knew that he’s been cheating on me, but still, I wanted to hold on, I didn’t want to lose him. I just couldn’t let them go that easily. I was thinking; why should I be the only one to go crazy? I came here to fight for Evan, but, it looks like I already lost him.” Laverne said looking at Keith.

“It’s not a fight for love if you’re the only one fighting for it. Before you fight, you must know first where Evan stands.” Keith said as he sat down on the edge of the bed. “Instead of fighting for Evan, why don’t you fight for yourself instead?

“Fight for myself, huh…” Laverne looked so depressed. Seeing Laverne like that was really depressing for Keith.

Keith moved closer to Laverne and then placed his palm, barely, on Laverne’s cheek. He was very careful not to pass through Laverne’s body. Laverne was startled and his eyes widened in surprise. “How does that feel?” Keith asked gently.

“Cold…” Laverne replied.

“Exactly. You could feel many things because you are alive. You feel the coldness because you are still living. And as long as you live, you should fight for your own happiness.” Keith said with a smile. “What would make you happier, to be chained with a selfish man, or to be free to find new love?

Laverne smiled and then tears started falling from his eyes. Slowly, Laverne moved his hand and placed it just on top of Keith’s hand on his cheek. “I wish I could hold you right now.” He said before finally falling to sleep.

There was a faint smile on Laverne’s face as he slept. He looked so peaceful and pure that way, Keith thought. He wondered what made Laverne into such feisty young man. He thought that it would be nice if Laverne was always that peaceful. He didn’t want Laverne to get hurt anymore.

As he watched Laverne sleep, something inside of Keith was starting to change. He didn’t know what came to him, but he moved closer to Laverne and then slowly he leaned closer. And, when he realized it, his lips were already on top of Laverne’s lips.

He was shocked by what he was doing himself as well. He moved away with his hands on his mouth and with his eyes widened. That doesn’t count as a kiss, does it? I mean, I’m a ghost, our lips couldn’t even touch, we couldn’t even feel each others’ touch, my lips would only pass through his… Keith was totally panicking.

The morning came and Laverne woke up all groggy. “This is worse than having a hangover…” He complained. Keith couldn’t look at Laverne at all, he felt really guilty for what he did. “After having good night sleep, I just realized how overboard I went last night. Why did I even come up with such crazy plan…?” Laverne sat up and buried his face on his palms and then shook his head. “Hey, are you alright? You look somewhat sick. Wait. Do ghosts even get sick?” Laverne asked, looking at him.

Keith was feeling really bad and guilty at that time. Even after a whole night of thinking, he still couldn’t understand himself. Why did he even steal a kiss from Laverne? “I’m alright.” Keith said nervously. “What about you, are you alright?

“I honestly don’t know. I have no idea what’s going to happen from now on, I don’t know what to do next, but one thing’s for sure, I don’t want to be with Evan anymore.” Laverne then chuckled sadly. “It’s too tiring. Being with someone who couldn’t even stand by your relationship, being played for a fool, it’s all too tiring for me.

Keith smiled. He was glad that finally, Laverne was seeing some sense. “That’s good to hear. You don’t deserve someone like him.” Keith said. “No one does.

Laverne smiled wryly. “You know, I wasn’t always like this; feisty or strong. Before I hit 15 I was really pure and innocent. I never doubted anyone, I always see the goodness in everyone around me, and I was… naïve.

“What made you change?

“My father left us. My mother found out that he had been cheating for years, so she made him choose and he chose his lover. He didn’t even stay for me.” Laverne said sadly. “Since then I vowed to be stronger, I never trusted anyone that easily, since then. That’s also why I tried so hard to hold on to Evan. I didn’t want to be left alone like my mother. I didn’t understand why she let my father go before, why she didn’t fight for him, but now I think I know.

Keith smiled. He was glad that Laverne was able to open up to him. Slowly, he was beginning to really understand Laverne. But at the same time, he felt sad for him. It must be really painful to lose a father. “Your father and Evan, they both had no idea what they gave up.” Keith said. “They had no idea how precious and special you are. If they knew, they wouldn’t leave at all.

Laverne sighed heavily. “Well, after breakfast, let’s meet with Evan. I want to end things properly.” Laverne said with a nervous smile. Keith hated seeing Laverne that troubled because of Evan.

“Hey, Lav, cheer up!” Keith said with a big smile. No matter what it takes, he would make Laverne happy. “You shouldn’t be sad because of that jerk anymore. Hey, after talking to that guy, should I show around town? I know a lot of good places. What do you think, Lav?” Keith said.

He didn’t know how Laverne would react, but to Keith’s delight, Laverne smiled happily. “Really? That sounds good to me.” He looked better when he is happy, Keith thought. He should always smile like that. “I’m really glad that I have you.” Keith’s heart skipped a beat.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Laverne didn’t know what to expect when he went to the campus that day. He was still pretty angry about everything, but the sooner he talked to Evan the sooner his heart would be at peace and the sooner he could move on.

In the campus, Laverne noticed everyone was staring at him. “It seems that the rumors about last night had started spreading.” Keith said to him. “I just heard someone badmouthing Cara, it seems that you're winning your game.

He walked towards the field, with Keith by his side. He looked for Evan but was surprised to not see him anywhere. Instead, it was Cara who welcomed him. “What are you doing here?” Cara asked in an angry tone.

“Where’s Evan?” He asked coldly.

“He’s not here. Just go away! No one would play your game here!” Cara shouted angrily at him.

“I don’t need to play anymore. You and Evan could play on your own. I don’t care.” Laverne said coldly. He wasn’t interested in talking to Cara any longer.

“What is this? Are you already giving up?” Cara said confidently.

“Whether I give up or not would not change the fact that the whole campus sees you as a whore. You played two close cousins, what a bad girl.” Laverne replied mockingly.

Cara suddenly slapped him. Laverne was furious but then he saw student watching, so he took that opportunity. He touched his cheek and changed into a more innocent expression. “I’m sorry, it’s my fault. If I didn’t drink that cocktail I wouldn’t get drunk, then that whole mess wouldn’t happen. I’m sorry. I should have been more responsible and careful. I just didn’t think that you would suddenly kiss me.” Laverne acted very innocently with teary eyes.

“What? You, what game are you playing right now?!” Cara shouted angrily.

“Hey! Don’t you think you’re too much?!” One student came to Laverne’s side. “How could you shout at him like that? Why are you even the one angry? I heard everything that happened last night and you should be the one apologizing.

“What? Can you stay out of this? You know nothing, bitch!” Cara shouted.

Laverne was pretty amazed by what was happening. His plan was totally working.

“Stop bullying the innocent kid!” The student shouted back. “You know what. No one is really surprised by what you did because everyone already knows what a slut you are from the very beginning! You were trying so hard to hide it, but finally, it’s out in the open!

A crowd started forming around them. “Wow, you did really well.” Keith said. “It looks like there’s no one on Cara’s side.” Keith was laughing. “That’s what you get for stealing someone’s lover.” He said. “Hey, Lav, we should get out of here before things get out of hand.

Laverne sneaked out of the crowd and got out of campus. In the end, he didn’t get to talk to Evan at all. “Well, that was tiring.” Laverne said. “So, when will our tour begin? I’m really bored right now.

“What about Evan, aren’t you going to talk to him first?” Keith asked worriedly.

“After seeing that witch’s face, I lost interest. I’m not in the mood anymore.” Laverne said honestly. “Besides, if I talk to him after what just happened, I might end up overdoing things once again.

He wasn’t in such a bad mood anymore. He couldn’t explain it at that moment, but whenever he was with Keith, he felt happy for some reason. He felt really secure and comforted. Maybe because he knew that Keith was a good person and that he would never hurt him.

“If you say so.” Keith said cheerfully. “You know, music is really comforting when you’re in bad mood. I know a vintage music store, you could listen to great classical music there and it would relax you.

“Hey, are you possibly really old?” Laverne teased. “I didn’t know you prefer classical music, you always strike me as an R&B kind of guy.” Laverne added.

“Why? Don’t you like classical music?” Keith asked.

“I actually love it.” Laverne said honestly. He listens to classical music more than the new tunes. “I just didn’t expect to meet someone who likes classical music like I do.

Keith brought Laverne to a strip mall. They were walking towards the music store when Laverne heard the music from a grand piano. He followed the music and landed on an instrument store. “Ahh… this place. You could try any instrument inside, but if the owner doesn’t like your playing, you'll get kicked out, and you could never come in again, but if he likes your music, he would treat like his own child. He’s interesting.” Keith said enthusiastically.

“Then, should I try playing?” Laverne said with a smile.

“Well, it’s not like you would lose anything if you get banned from the store.” Keith said teasingly.

“I don’t know, once the owner hears me play, he might even adopt me.” Laverne replied with a confident smile.

They entered the shop and they saw an old man talking to a young woman. “You are really good, come play again anytime.” The old man said before the young woman left. The shop had an old European theme. There were lots of musical instrument displayed and Laverne was amazed by how high-quality everything looked. “What can I do for you, young man? I believe it’s your first time here.” The old man greeted.

“Can I play?” Laverne asked nicely. The old man looked at him and Laverne showed an innocent expression.

“You could use any piano you like, but don’t go insulting them by playing horribly.” The old man said in a strict tone.

Laverne walked closer to the old man. His gaze was focused on the violin inside the glass case behind the counter. “I want to play that.” He said seriously.

“Ehh... you play the violin?” Keith was amused.

The old man chuckled. “This?” The old man pointed at the violin. “I don’t think this violin suits you. Do you even know what…?

“It’s a Stradivarius, isn’t it?” Laverne said confidently.

The old man started laughing. “You’re good.” He said and then took out the violin. “Here, try to play it, but if you’re not able to bring out its true worth, even if you play good, then don’t plan on coming back ever again.

“Hey, are you sure about this? You might not lose anything, but you would still lose face if ever.” Keith said worriedly.

Laverne took the violin with a nervous smile. “To be honest, the last time I played the violin was when I was 15. I started playing because my father gave me a violin when I was a child, that’s why when he left I also stopped playing.” Laverne said looking at Keith before taking the position to play.

He took a deep breath and then closed his eyes. He reminisced the good times he had when playing, but he couldn’t find the confidence to play again. He didn’t think he could do it. Just holding the violin was making him remember the painful memory of his father leaving them.

“You can do it. I believe in you. I’m sure you could play beautiful music, because you also have a beautiful heart.” Keith said with a smile. “Have faith in yourself, Lav.

That smile, that beautiful smile gave Laverne enough confidence to raise the bow. He started playing and the beautiful sound of the violin echoed in the store. He was playing magnificently. His music was smooth and powerful at the same time, it was simply amazing. Anyone who can hear it would be easily moved. Laverne’s music could easily pierce someone’s heart. All that, he was able to do, because Keith believed in him.

“Wow…” Keith said in awe and then started clapping.

The old man started clapping as well. “You’re pretty good young man. What’s your name?

“Laverne Spence.” Laverne said as he returned the violin.

“Well, Laverne, I am Thomas Green, you can call me Thom.” The old man said. “Ohh that’s right, you might just be the person I am looking for.” The old man said enthusiastically. He took out a flyer and then handed it to Laverne.

“A talent contest.” Keith said beside Laverne’s ear.

“I don’t understand.” Laverne was confused. He didn’t know what the old man was trying to say.

“I’m hoping that you could enter.” Old man Thom said.

“But the audition is over.” Laverne said looking at the poster.

“I’m a good friend with the organizer and I can convince him to let you enter. If I vouch for your talent, then he wouldn’t be able to refuse. I just want people to appreciate classical music more, not those loud noises they call music.” The old man said.

“I don’t know if I can do it.” Laverne said. He was really debating himself on whether he should accept the offer or not.

“Why don’t you think about tonight and come back here tomorrow and tell me your decision.” Old man Thom said with a smile. “But I’m telling you, you shouldn’t let any opportunity to show and share your talent pass.” The old man said with a smile.

“Then… I’ll think carefully about it.” Laverne said and then smiled nervously back. He didn’t have the confidence to play in front of many people. He was afraid that he would just make an embarrassment out of himself. But moreover, he was afraid that the bad memories about his father would return if he plays the violin once again.

“Come on, just accept it. You’re great, I’m sure you could win.” Keith said when they walked out of the store.

“I don’t know, Keith. I’m not confident enough, and I’m not sure if I’m really to play again. There’s a big chance that I might remember my father when I play again, and I don’t want to remember that man again.” Laverne’s father left a really big scar on his heart. He left and wrecked their family, he made Laverne’s mother cry and sad, and that’s why Laverne could never forgive the selfish man.

“Do you hate your father?” Keith asked in a careful tone.

“Yes. He caused too much pain for my mother and me. And until the very end, the only person he is capable of caring for is himself.” It was what he was honestly feeling at that time. His heart stopped aching for that man years ago, and Laverne felt nothing anymore for him.

“I see. I would not force you anymore, if it that’s difficult for you. Sorry, I told you that I’ll cheer you up today, but it seems that I made you remember something painful instead.” Keith looked very guilty. “Well, shall we do something instead?

“Sure!” Laverne said enthusiastically.

Keith brought Laverne to unusual places, interesting places that no one really knows of. Laverne enjoyed seeing a different side of the town. He particularly liked the abandoned part of the public park. There was a broken fountain in the middle that turned into a huge flower pot. Vines of plants and flowers grew all over the fountain.

“It’s beautiful.” Laverne said with a smile. “You sure know a lot of interesting places.” Laverne said as he openly talked to Keith. He liked that place even more because there were no people around, and in that way, he could talk to Keith with no worries.

“Well, when you’re a ghost, you could discover many things that are hidden to the living.” Keith said enthusiastically.

“It would be great to play the violin in places like this.” Laverne said with a smile. “Say, Keith, do you really think I should join that contest?” Laverne was sitting on the edge of the fountain as he looked up at Keith in front of him.

Keith gave him a smile. “I think, it would be a great experience for you. But if it would only make you said, then you should not think about it anymore.” Laverne loved how kind and understanding Keith was with him.

“I think, I could play the violin without remembering my father.” Laverne said as he looked at Keith seriously. “As long as you’re beside me.” He smiled. “I really couldn’t play before at that store, but because of you, I gained confidence, because you believed me, and because of your smile, I was able to play again. Thank you!” Laverne’s heart was fluttering at that moment for some reason.

Suddenly Keith turned around. “Stop talking like that, stop saying stuff like that to me.” Keith sounded very nervous but at the same time, he sounded very serious as well.

Laverne couldn’t help but feel that Keith was angry at him for some reason. He felt like he was being told off, being rejected. He didn’t like that. He didn’t want Keith to hate him, to dislike him. Even though they just met and even though their friendship is still very young, Laverne was starting to feel very dependent on Keith, more than he ever felt to any of his friends.

“I… did I say something wrong?” Laverne asked with his head down, hiding the hurt expression on his face. “If I did, I’m sorry. Just, please, don’t be angry at me.

Keith’s back was still turned to him, so Laverne had the confidence to look at him. But he was surprised when Keith suddenly turned around. “Lav…” Keith said gently in a trembling voice. Laverne hadn’t realized it, but he was making a sad and pleading expression. “I’m not angry at you, and I don’t think I can be ever angry with you.” Keith said nervously.

Keith left out a heavy sigh and then kneeled in front of Laverne. “This is really not good for me. I’m a ghost, so I shouldn’t be feeling this way.” Laverne had no idea what Keith was talking about. “I tried my best to deny it, to keep it and hold it in, but I can’t anymore. Because no matter how much I try to keep you out, you keep on breaking in.

“Keith, what are you trying to say?” Laverne was starting to have an idea as to what Keith was trying to say. But he was too afraid to even think of it. He was so afraid because he was starting to feel the same way.

“I can’t tell you, I could never tell you because we’ll only both get hurt if I do.” Keith said and was about to go away.

Laverne suddenly reached for Keith. He placed his hand by Keith’s cheek. It felt cold, freezing cold. “Never in my entire life did I ever felt this strong craving to touch someone, not until today.” Laverne said with a serious but gentle expression. “I want to touch you, I want to feel you, and I want to hold you. You feel really cold, but I am comforted by that cold. Even if we just met, you never fail to make me smile, to make me happy. Keith, do you really have to pass on? Can’t you just stay with me?

At that moment, Laverne had lost control once again. He knew that he had done something crazy once again. But he knew he would regret it more if he hadn't done it.

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