Chapter 3: The Turning Point
Brianna stood alone at the usual pickup spot, her breath sharp in the midmorning air. She wore a white sleeveless top, a short, alluring mini skirt, and thigh-high tights that added a striking edge to her beauty. A small handbag dangled from her wrist as she shifted impatiently, eyes flicking from her watch to the empty road. Richard was late—very late.
With a sigh, she reached into her bag, pulling out a compact mirror. Her flawless reflection stared back—deep eyes, perfect lashes, glossy lips. She smiled, satisfied. But the smile faded.
Suddenly, behind her reflection, another face appeared—pale, wrinkled, hollow-eyed.
She gasped, nearly dropping the mirror. Her hand trembled as she turned swiftly—no one was there.
"Mum?" she whispered, voice fragile.
A gust of cold wind spiraled around her, lifting litter and leaves. The sound of moaning air echoed unnaturally. Then came the voice.
"Looks like I scared you today, daughter."
Brianna turned, and there she was—an old woman floating midair, dressed in faded rags, clutching a long, grim scythe. Her face was gaunt, skin pale as moonlight. A ghostly presence. Her mother.
Brianna slipped the mirror back into her handbag with a shaky breath.
"You seem really prepared for him today," the ghost said, hovering.
"Yeah," Brianna replied quietly. "I want him so badly today, Mum."
"Loneliness has pushed you to the edge."
"It has," she admitted, glancing nervously at her surroundings.
"I can sense him nearby. I wish you luck. Just... be careful not to join me on this side, Bree."
"Mum, not this again," she sighed. "You keep saying that."
"Because I care. And I can glimpse fragments of what's coming."
The ghostly figure dissolved slowly into the air.
A familiar hum broke her trance. Richard's car pulled up.
He leaned over and opened the passenger door. She entered, settling in beside him.
"Hey," he greeted.
"Hey..." she purred, her tone soft and sultry.
He looked at her, taking in the outfit, her delicate perfume, her radiant skin. She was stunning—absolutely magnetic. But he kept his cool.
"Feel like a coffee before work?"
She nodded, smiling brightly. "I'd love that."
---
At the quiet coffee restaurant, sunlight filtered through the windows, casting gold on their table. Richard sipped slowly, watching her play with her hair.
"Remember that play we did back in college?" he asked.
Brianna blinked, then smiled, blushing slightly. "The love story. Of course I do."
"The director contacted me. He's doing a revival in Washington, D.C. Offered me a role. I'll be heading there soon."
Her smile cracked. She froze. "You're going?"
He nodded, eyes lighting up. "It's a big deal. I'm excited."
Brianna bit her lip. "There's something else about today, Ricky."
"What is it, Anna?" he asked, glancing at his watch.
"Today's my birthday. I'm turning twenty-five."
"Oh," he blinked. "Happy birthday, Brianna."
She reached into her handbag and pulled out a small gift box. Inside was a silver necklace pendant. She slid it across the table.
"For you."
He opened it, surprise flickering in his eyes. "I thought I was the one supposed to give *you* something."
"Do you like it?" she asked, brushing her hair back to reveal her neck.
"Y... yeah, I do."
She leaned in slightly. "There's something I've wanted to tell you."
He stood abruptly. "We're late. Let's go."
---
**The Accident**
The car moved through busy highway traffic. Richard focused on the road, while Brianna sat with arms crossed, her mood cold and distant.
"Shall I drop you at the roundabout?"
"No. I'm not going to work today," she muttered.
He noticed her tone. Hurt. Defensive.
"Brianna, listen..." he lowered the stereo volume. "I know you have feelings for me. I know you want us to be more. But I'm not ready."
Tears welled up in her eyes. She stared ahead blankly.
"I'm not ready," he repeated. "Even if you cry. You're just a friend."
She flinched. Her voice cracked. "But... I *love* you, Richard."
"I know. And I made a promise—to your late boyfriend. My old friend. I swore I'd protect you, not take advantage. We can't be together. Not in this world."
A shudder passed through her. Her heart broke completely.
Then she saw it.
Her mother.
The ghost flashed across the road before them, scythe in hand, smiling faintly.
Richard didn't see it. But Brianna did.
She sniffled, her voice hollow. "Then fine. We can be together in the underworld."
"What—?"
She suddenly reached for the steering wheel and jerked it left.
The car veered violently into the opposite lane.
"What the hell, Anna?!" Richard shouted, struggling to regain control.
Too late.
A trailer truck barreled toward them.
"NOOO—!"
The impact was deafening.
Their vehicle smashed, twisted, and rolled into the side rails, flipping off the elevated road.
---
Darkness.
Then—
Pain. Machines beeping. A distant voice.
Richard opened his eyes slowly, bandaged, bruised. The hospital lights were cold and sterile. Tears slipped down his cheeks.
"Easy, man. It'll be alright," said Danny Keith, his close friend, standing beside the bed.
Richard covered his face with a trembling hand. "It's all my fault."
To Be Continued...