I followed her through the throng into the musty classroom. The shape of the room was square, with tables horizontal to the marker board and an aisle situated down the middle of the room. The teacher, an average woman of her late 30s, was just pulling down the projector screen when we came in. The girl I followed down to one of the middle rows, where she sat down in a chair and spread out her stuff to keep other people from sitting near her, putting on her best I am a bitch face. It worked and no one sat down next to her. Seeing that I wouldnt be able to pull out a chair myself, I instead sat on the table in front of the chair next to her and folded my legs. Staying silent as I knew she would probably not acknowledge me, I keenly observed her and the classroom.
"Wait a minute. Why can I sit on the table but not pull out the chair" I wondered. "Whatever, I'll get to that later" I shrugged.
"Alright class, may I have your attention?" The teacher started. "My name is Professor Oreo Rio. yes laugh all you want" she said as a few students burst into laughter. "I will be your occult studies professor for this semester. I know this isnt a required class and many of you came here because it seemed interesting but I would like you to please keep an open mind and to take the class seriously."
My thoughts immediately shook. An occult studies class? And a girl who I just knew could see me? No way?! I watched as the teacher went through the lecture, eventually culminating in a video on the occult and what it stands for and why it should matter to the students. "To finish off for the day, I'll hand out your syllabi's and you can go home." Everyone immediately rushed to the front of the class to get their syllabus. The entire class the girl hadn't looked at me once or even glanced in my direction, confirming for me that she could indeed see me and that she was ignoring me. I understood why of course. If you could see the dead and the dead found out, wouldnt one be hounded by broken spirits for eternity? She inadvertently glanced my way checking to see if id left, then walked out the door with her laptop bag and papers. I followed of course and she led me out of the building. We walked to the student parking lot and she got in her car. Seeing that she was going to leave me in the dust, I quickly passed through the passenger door and sat in the seat, still trying to figure out the mechanics of my existence. Alone, she finally spoke.
"What do you want?" She said exasperated.
"I need help" i said.
"Im sorry, but I cant bring back the dead. You seem like one of the more intelligent ghosts ive seen so why are you following me?"
I paused in my assessment of her. How was I going to explain this. Mistaking my quiet for hesitancy she went on. "If you want, I can help you pass on into the afterlife, otherwise, please leave me be." I thought for a second and then waved my hands no. "I need your help to prevent a death from happening"
"Is that so? Whos death? That twin brother of yours?" She said wide eyed. Normally ghosts ask her to help them live again, not save someone elses life. Ghost are selfish in that way. "Nevermind its none of my business, please go."
"What if I told you that that twin brother of mine is actually a younger version of me? And im the ghost of his future self come back to save myself from dying. At least i think thats my purpose".
"What? That's preposterous. A future ghost isnt possible. You cant be alive and dead at the same time." She hadnt met that many smart ghosts. most of them couldnt pass on because of some unfulfilled wish that had no chance of coming to pass. They normally turned into pranksters that would cause inconvenience to everyone. Mostly they were just menaces, but some ended up turning into harmful spirits. "Nice joke, but please go bother someone else with your pranks. And no, I have to say this because your type always asks, I will not deliver a message from beyond. Im leaving now and so are you." With a final note, she pulls out what appears to be a stamp or a sticker of some kind.
"Wait! I have proof!" He yelled with alarm. As she reached over to tag him with it. Her hand hovers inches from his face. "I can tell you whats going to happen in the future."
"Oh really. Haha fine go ahead. No one can predict the future. Except seers that is, and you are definitely not a seer." She laughed as she spoke.
"Lets make a bet then. If I tell you, not predict, but tell you what is going to happen tomorrow, according to my point of view in my previous life, will you help me save myself from dying?" He said solemnly.
"Hm, alright, but what do I get when you lose?"
"How about I'll leave you alone and not bother you again?"
"Sure, that works. Easiest bet i've ever made."
"How do I know you'll keep your promise?"
"Dont worry, I will. Besides, I dont want a ghost tracking me down everywhere. Exorcisms are a pain in the ass. What will happen then?"
"Where will you be at noon?"
"I'll be in the theater helping out with freshman orientations."
He grinned. "Perfect, tomorrow at noon, five college frat boys will streak across campus before they eventually make their way to the theater auditorium where freshman orientations are still going on. All five will get away from campus security too. It will be the highlight of the week and everyone will be talking about it."
She stifled a laugh. "Okay, if that odd event comes to pass I will help you."
"Ok, where do you want to meet up after your classes then?"
"I'll only meet up of it happens. Otherwise leave me alone. If it happens just meet me in the occult studies class at the end of the class."
"Do you mind if sit in for the class? It seems kinda interesting."
"Sure, and that should be the only place I see you when you fail."
"Alright, see you tomorrow then, whats your name?"
"You wont need my name, as you wont win and you will mind your business when you fail."
Laughing he just got out of the car.
At 5 when the occult studies class started, she sat in her seat, red faced.
"My names Aelita".
"Pleasure to work with you Aelita, my name is...
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