Free Haunting Leigh: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy (Literal Leigh Romance Diaries Book 4) by Melanie James Page B

up.
    “Hello? Hello? Leigh?” It was Gertie.
    “Back here in the bedroom,” I replied. Gertie walked in through the door and was surprised to see my bedroom was quite crowded.
    “What happened?”
    “It’s kind of a long story, but Hunter needs our help right now. Oh, and meet Hunter’s parents, Max and Millie Kovacs.” Gertie hugged them both.
    Gertie bent over Hunter and looked at his head. “Is he going to be all right? Holy fractured craniums! He looks like he’s been kicked in the head by a mule.”
    “It’s not his head that’s the problem. I accidentally unloaded my magic power on him, both barrels. According to Marie, I’ve knocked his ghost out of his body. We are trying to figure out where it is and get it back into him before…” My words trailed off because I couldn’t bear to vocalize my fear about Hunter’s ultimate fate if left in his condition.
    “Oh no! How can I help? Just tell me what to do.”
    “Max and I were just about to leave so we can go get a Ouija board. Marie said we would need it to find his ghost. There is one more thing she said.” Again I paused. It was hard to tell her without voicing the idea that we may be facing a hopeless cause. “She said something else, but don’t freak out on me when I tell you.”
    “I’ll try not to.” Gertie reluctantly replied.
    “She said his ghost was taken by another ghost or ghosts.” Gertie winced when I told her, but she remained calm.
    Millie interjected. “Gertie, we’ll need you here tonight, along with Leigh’s other friends. The more people we have at the séance, the better chance we’ll have of finding him.”
    “Leigh, would you mind if I came with you two to get the Ouija board? There is something else I need to talk to you about.” Gertie asked.
    Now I was worried. What else could go wrong? I nodded and before long we were heading out the door, opting for my car instead of the broom. While I drove, Gertie told me what was on her mind. “I stopped by the school early this morning. I was surprised you weren’t there.”
    “Really? Did you forget something in the classroom?”
    “You could say that. The students told me that I could keep the golem decoration we made. I wanted to get there early before anyone else arrived at the school. When I arrived, I sort of crash landed right outside the library. I heard someone talking and I couldn’t help but listen to what they were saying.”
    “Who was it? What were they talking about?”
    “It was that librarian, Clarice. She was talking to a man that I think you told me was the principal. The other person was a woman that I know was the superintendent. I know it was her because I saw her picture on the wall outside of the office. They were talking about you. I heard Clarice say you were promoting the celebration of religious holidays. And something else, she said you were proselytizing your faith in the school. I’m not certain, but doesn’t she mean that you are preaching religion?”
    “What?” I nearly slammed on the brakes. I knew Clarice was after me for letting the students enjoy Halloween. “That bitch! Halloween is not a religious holiday! And me preaching religion? Seriously? She is flat out lying!”
    Max had been quietly soaking in the conversation. Finally he had to point out something that I think I knew but didn’t want to admit to. “I hate to tell you this, but you’re wrong, Leigh.” I truly despise being told I’m wrong after going on an energetic rant. “Halloween actually is a religious holiday. It is based on ancient druid religion and Pagan beliefs. They called it Samhain and today people that practice Wicca and Pagan beliefs celebrate the Samhain holiday. So technically, the librarian is correct about Halloween.”
    “Fine. I unknowingly promoted a holiday that could be construed as religious in some abstract way. It certainly is a far cry from attempting to convert the entire citizenry of Lincoln Park into being Paganish or Witchian