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So Julie can touch them now… Alex is sort of freaking out; he’s on the runway as Luke would say. And speaking of Luke, he’s probably with Julie, somewhere, and that leaves Reggie, watching as Alex paced around the studio, plucking mindlessly at his bass.
Alex poofed out to “get some air.”
He left Reggie alone, who in turn, couldn't help but feel a little useless. After all, what could he do? Alex was in a mood and Julie was busy with Luke, leaving him with no one to really talk to. He sighed, adjusting the strap of his bass. The sound of Alex's frantic footsteps and the worried hum of his own bass had been a strange sort of comfort. Now, it was just silence.
Reggie began to wander the studio, his fingers trailing over the various instruments and equipment. He ran his hand over the drum kit, the silent cymbals a stark contrast to Alex's usual energetic drumming. He picked up one of the drumsticks, tapping a soft beat on a snare drum, the sound echoing a little too loudly in the quiet space. He missed the chaos, the noise, the feeling of the band all together.
“Oh, hello,” Ray appeared silently, or Reggie was too caught up in his own thoughts to notice him pulling the garage door open only to be stopped in his tracks by the sight of Reggie.
Reggie spun around, trying to see who Ray was talking to. He was alone, though, and Ray's gaze was fixed on him.
Reggie froze, his mind racing. Ray could see him? This was a whole new level of “whoa.” He'd been seen before, sure, but never by someone who wasn't a fellow ghost or someone who could literally see ghosts. He backed up a step, dropping the drumstick with a clatter. His heart, or what was left of it, hammered in his chest.
“Reggie, right?” Ray took a step towards him, putting a hand out. “Julie didn’t tell me you were visiting. Is it just you or are the other boys here as well?”
Reggie swallowed hard, his voice a small squeak. “Yeah. I'm Reggie.” His hand met Ray’s, shaking it gently - he let out an internal sigh of relief that they’d actually made contact, it would be hard to explain if his hand had passed right through.
“I don’t know about the guys,” he continued, figuring it best to not say they’re here just in case they can’t be seen. “We came separately.”
“Oh, that’s too bad,” Ray said, his hand dropping. “I was hoping to meet them. Julie talks about you guys all the time.” He smiled, a genuine, warm smile that made Reggie’s ghostly heart ache. “It’s good to finally put a face to the name. You know, she’s so talented, but she’s really come into her own since you boys came along.”
“That’s good to hear,” Reggie said, his voice barely a whisper. He couldn’t bring himself to look away from Ray’s kind eyes. The warmth radiating from him was a little overwhelming. He felt a weird lump in his throat.
Ray chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “I think you guys have had a great influence on her. She’s so much more confident now, so much happier.” He gestured around the studio. “I know she’s always loved music, but now… it feels like it’s her whole world again.”
Reggie felt a rush of pride, a genuine, powerful feeling that swelled in his chest. “We’re just happy we could help,” he said, his voice a little stronger this time. He was still trying to process the fact that he was having a normal conversation with a living , breathing person who wasn’t Julie, but the feeling of being seen and appreciated was just too good to ignore.
Ray nodded, his smile widening. “Well, you’ve done a great job. I’m glad you’re here, Reggie. Even if it’s just you for now.” He paused, his expression turning a little more serious. “I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but… you look a little down. Everything alright?”
Reggie’s smile faltered. He hadn’t realised his feelings were so obvious. “I’m okay,” he said quickly, maybe a little too quickly. “Just… a lot on my mind, you know?”
Ray’s gaze was understanding. “I get that. Sometimes, you just need a bit of space, a bit of quiet. It’s good you came here. This place has a way of helping you think.”
He walked over to the soundboard, his fingers moving over the dials and sliders. “Can I get you anything? A drink? A snack?” he asked, not looking at Reggie.
Reggie’s eyes widened. A drink? A snack? That was a human thing. A human gesture. “Oh, no, thanks,” he stammered. “I’m good.”
Ray finally turned back to him. “Did you travel with your parents or a guardian, by the way? Or at least do they know you’re here?” he asked, a gentle but firm tone in his voice.
Reggie’s mind went blank. The question hit him like a physical blow, a sudden reminder of everything he'd lost. A lump formed in his throat, bigger and more painful this time. He shook his head, unable to form words.
“No, I…” he started, then stopped, his voice failing him. He looked down at the floor, suddenly feeling very small and very alone.
Ray must have seen the change in his expression, the way his shoulders slumped and his hands clenched into fists. His own expression softened, the concern deepening. He took a step closer, his voice low and kind. “Hey, it’s alright. I didn’t mean to pry. I just… I need to be sure. I want to make sure you’re safe, that’s all.”
Reggie looked up, meeting Ray’s eyes. The genuine worry in them was disarming. He was used to Julie’s concern, but this was different. This was a father’s concern. And it felt like a dagger to the heart.
“I-I’m an orphan,” he finally managed to say, the words catching in his throat. It was the only answer he could give, the only truth he could offer without revealing the whole, impossible story. It wasn’t a lie, not exactly.
Ray’s face fell, his eyes filling with a genuine, heartfelt sympathy. He reached out and gently rested a hand on Reggie’s shoulder. “Oh, son. I’m so sorry. I had no idea.” His hand was warm, a comforting weight that made the lump in Reggie’s throat grow even larger. “I am so, so sorry. I should never have asked.”
Reggie shook his head, looking down at his feet. “It’s okay. You didn’t know.” He wanted to poof out, to escape this overwhelming wave of empathy and sadness, but he couldn’t bring himself to. Something about the touch, the kindness in Ray’s voice, held him captive.
“Well,” Ray said, squeezing his shoulder gently before letting go. “You’re staying for dinner. No argument. You’re not going anywhere, and that’s final. I’m making my famous pasta.” He smiled, a soft, encouraging smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. The concern was still there, a deep well of it that made Reggie feel seen in a way he hadn’t in a very long time.
Reggie looked up, a small, genuine smile finally gracing his face. “Thank you,” he said, the words full of more meaning than Ray could ever know. “That sounds… really great.”
Alex walked back into the garage then, his eyes widening as he took in the scene. Ray, Julie’s dad, was there, his hand on Reggie's shoulder. Alex's mind raced, trying to figure out what was happening.
Ray looked up and saw Alex. His smile returned, bright and welcoming. “And you must be Alex,” he said, gesturing for him to come in. “I was saying to Reggie, I didn’t know you boys were visiting; did you just get here? Reggie mentioned you were coming separately.”
Alex froze in the doorway, his eyes darting between Ray and Reggie. “Uh, yeah,” he stammered, stepping inside and pulling the garage door down behind him with a low rumble. He wasn’t sure what to do. His heart pounded in his chest, a frantic drum solo to the anxious silence in the room. He shot a questioning look at Reggie, who just offered a small, apologetic shrug.
Ray didn’t seem to notice Alex's distress. “Well, welcome, Alex. It's so good to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you boys.” He moved towards the soundboard again, fiddling with a few knobs. “So, you're both staying for dinner, right? I'm making my famous pasta.”
Alex's mind was racing. What was happening? “Dinner?” he repeated, his voice sounding squeaky to his own ears. “Oh, uh, I don't think we can…”
He trailed off, looking at Reggie for support, but Reggie just gave him a look that said ‘don't mess this up.’
Ray chuckled. “Nonsense. I won't hear a word of it. You boys have done so much for Julie. It's the least I can do.” He looked at Alex with the same kind, understanding eyes he had just shown Reggie.
Alex looked at Reggie again, who was now giving him a silent, pleading stare. Alex’s mind was still trying to catch up. He had left to cool down, poofing out to get some space, and in the span of a few minutes, Ray had somehow appeared, found Reggie, and invited them to dinner. This was a lot. Too much. The panic he’d been trying to outrun came rushing back.
“Alex?” Ray’s voice was soft and soothing. He took a step closer, his hands held up in a placating gesture.
Alex flinched, taking a step back as if to escape. He looked from Ray to Reggie, his eyes wide and frantic. His shoulders were hunched up around his ears, and he felt a cold sweat break out across his back. He didn't know what to say or do. He was spiralling, and he knew it. He just couldn't seem to stop.
“I-I just… I don’t think we should,” he said again, his voice cracking a little. He was about to poof out again, to get away from the overwhelming kindness, the sudden, impossible closeness.
Reggie stepped forward then, placing a hand on Alex’s arm. The touch was solid and grounding, and it seemed to snap Alex out of his panic just enough to stop him from disappearing. He looked at Reggie, who shook his head subtly, his expression serious.
“Alex, it’s fine,” Reggie said softly, his voice low and reassuring. “Ray invited us. It’s okay. We’re staying for dinner.”
Alex’s breathing was still shallow and fast. He looked at Reggie’s hand on his arm, then at Ray, who was still standing a few feet away, his expression a mixture of confusion and concern.
“I just… I can’t,” Alex whispered, his voice trembling. He felt a tear track a path down his cheek, and he angrily wiped it away with the back of his hand. This was so humiliating. He didn’t know why he was reacting like this.
Ray looked at Reggie, a silent question in his eyes. Reggie just gave a small shrug, a silent apology.
“Alex, listen to me,” Ray said, his voice firm but gentle. “Whatever’s going on, you don’t have to tell me. But I would love it if you and Reggie could stay for dinner. You don’t have to eat anything you don’t want to, but if you could just sit down with us, and be a part of the family for a little while?”
Alex stared at him, his mouth agape. A part of the family? The words echoed in his mind, hitting a nerve he didn't know was still so raw.
“I-I can't,” he finally managed to choke out, the words catching in his throat. He pulled his arm away from Reggie, his eyes darting towards the door, a desperate need to escape consuming him. “I'm sorry. I just… I can't.”
He turned and bolted, not poofing this time, but running, a frantic, desperate dash out of the studio and into the evening air. The cold wind bit at his face, but he didn't care. He just kept running, the image of Ray's kind, concerned face and the sound of his voice repeating “a part of the family” over and over in his head.
Ray and Reggie stood in silence, watching him go. Ray's hand was still half-raised, a gesture of comfort that had been rejected. He looked at Reggie, his expression a mixture of confusion and hurt. “What… what was that about?” he asked, his voice low. “I didn’t mean to upset him.”
Reggie sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s not your fault, we’ve all got a difficult relationship with family.” He knew why Alex had run. It was the same reason he had felt that lump in his own throat just a few minutes before. It was the kindness, the normalcy, the painful reminder of a life they could never have again.
“And Alex is… sensitive,” Reggie added, trying to offer some sort of explanation. “He gets a little overwhelmed sometimes; anxiety.”
Ray looked out the open garage door, watching the empty space where Alex had just been. “Anxiety,” he repeated softly, turning back to Reggie. “I get that.” He ran a hand over his face, a weary sigh escaping his lips. “I feel terrible. I didn't mean to trigger anything.”
“You didn't,” Reggie assured him, stepping closer. “Really, it's not you. It's… a lot of things. And you saying that you wanted us to be part of the family… that hit us both hard. It's just… a lot of feelings.”
Ray nodded slowly, the pieces starting to click into place. He gestured for Reggie to take a seat on the drum throne. “Come on, sit down. Let's talk for a minute.”
Reggie perched on the stool, his hands on his knees, his gaze fixed on Ray.
Ray pulled up a small stool and sat opposite him, his elbows resting on his knees. “I'm not going to pretend I understand what you boys are going through,” he began, his voice low and sincere. “I can't imagine what it's like to… well, to be in your situation. But I can tell you this: I've always seen you boys as family. Ever since I first heard Julie talk about you, it was clear how much you meant to her.”
He paused, letting the words sink in. “I know it's a lot to take in,” he continued, “but it's the truth. And I'm not going to stop saying it. Because I think you boys need to hear it. You need to know that you're not alone. You have a home here, with us. Always.”
Reggie felt a tear slip down his cheek, and he quickly wiped it away. He couldn't remember the last time he'd heard such unconditional kindness. It was overwhelming, but in the best way possible.
“Thank you,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “That means… a lot.”
Ray gave him a sad smile. “You're welcome, son.” He stood up, placing a comforting hand on Reggie’s shoulder. “Now, why don't we go find Julie? I'll make sure she knows what's going on, and maybe we can give Alex some space to cool down. We'll leave the studio door open. He'll come back when he's ready.”
“Boys I just booked us a major gig!” Luke walked into the living room where Alex and Reggie lounged, a massive grin plastered on his face and his hands moving as he spoke - he was always so expressive, he always seemed to speak with his entire body.
“Luke?” Ray came in from the kitchen carrying two glasses. “I’m glad you finally got here, it’s nice to meet you,” he said as he placed the glasses on the coffee table for Reggie and Alex. “Can I get you a drink?”
Luke stared at the glasses on the coffee table, then back at Ray. He had just walked in, brimming with the excitement of a new gig, and now he was faced with a living, breathing adult offering him a drink. He hadn't been seen by a living person other than Julie in over twenty-five years.
He looked over at Reggie and Alex, his eyebrows raised in a silent, frantic question. Reggie just gave him a small, ‘I'll explain later’ nod.
“Yeah, that’s me,” Luke managed, his voice a little hoarse. He cleared his throat. “It’s… a pleasure to meet you, too, sir. And, I’m good thanks.” He didn't want to blow this. He didn't know how this was possible, but he wasn't going to be the one to mess it up.
Ray’s smile softened. “Please, call me Ray. And I hear you've booked a big gig? That's fantastic news!”
“Yeah, it's a huge one!” Luke’s excitement bubbled back up, and he launched into a detailed, animated explanation of the gig, the venue, and the contact he'd made. He was gesturing wildly, talking a mile a minute, the kind of energy that had become second nature to him over the years.
Ray listened, his eyes twinkling with genuine interest. He even asked a few follow-up questions, showing a surprising knowledge of the local music scene. He was treating Luke like a real person, a friend, an equal. It was a stark contrast to the way most people saw him - or didn't see him - a ghost of a forgotten era.
Meanwhile, Alex and Reggie watched the exchange from the couch. Alex had a drink in his hand that he hadn’t touched, his eyes fixed on Luke. He was still rattled from his earlier freak-out, but seeing Ray interact with Luke so naturally was helping to ground him. Reggie, on the other hand, was basking in the normalcy of it all. He was still processing the conversation he'd had with Ray, but for the first time in a long time, he felt like he was a part of something.
Finally, Luke finished his enthusiastic monologue, a little breathless. “So, yeah, we're booked!” He grinned, his eyes wide and bright.
Ray clapped his hands together, a warm, genuine smile spreading across his face. “That’s wonderful, Luke. Truly. And to celebrate, you're all staying for dinner.”
Luke's grin faltered just a little. Dinner. With a real family. The idea was both thrilling and terrifying. “I... well, I don't want to be a bother, Ray,” he said, his voice a little softer.
“You’re not a bother, Luke. Never,” Ray said, his voice dropping to a serious, sincere tone. “You and your bandmates are family. The boys are already staying, and so are you. That’s final.”
Luke looked at Alex and Reggie, a silent conversation passing between the three of them. Alex gave a small nod, a quiet show of support. Reggie just smiled, a look of pure joy on his face.
Luke finally turned back to Ray, a slow, genuine smile spreading across his face. “Okay, Ray. We’ll stay for dinner.”
Ray’s smile brightened. “Fantastic! I’ll get Julie to set the table.” He walked off towards the kitchen, leaving the three boys alone in the living room.
Silence fell, but it was a comfortable, contented silence. Luke looked at Alex and Reggie, a new kind of gratitude swelling in his chest. “What just happened?” he asked, his voice full of disbelief.
Reggie laughed, a genuine, joyful sound. “He sees us.”
Luke's eyes were wide, and he looked between Reggie and Alex again, a slow smile spreading across his face. “He sees us,” he repeated, as if trying out the words to see if they were real. He looked down at the coffee table, at the two glasses of water, then back at Ray’s retreating form. “He sees us and he offered us a drink.” He shook his head in disbelief, a breathless laugh escaping his lips. “And he's making us pasta.”
Reggie's smile was so wide it looked like it might hurt. “I know, right? And he said we're family, Luke. He said it's our home now, too.” He gestured around the living room, a genuine warmth in his gaze.
Alex, however, was still quiet. He picked up the untouched glass of water, feeling its coolness against his palm. He took a small sip, the liquid feeling foreign and real in his mouth. He was still reeling from his panic attack, but a quiet, hopeful feeling was starting to push through the fear. Ray's kindness had been overwhelming, but it was also undeniably comforting. He hadn't just been concerned about Reggie; he'd been concerned about him, too. He'd even offered him a way out, an understanding of his need for space.
“So… what do we do?” Luke asked, plopping down on the couch next to Alex, his excitement returning in full force. “Do we have to, like, sit at the table? Do we have to eat? Can we even eat?” He had so many questions, a mixture of a ghost’s fear of the unknown and a teenager’s awkwardness at being in a new social situation.
Reggie shrugged, still beaming. “I don't know, man. We just… do it, I guess. We’ll roll with whatever happens.” He said the last words with a confidence that hadn't been there just an hour ago.
“Sorry Papa, I was with Flynn and we lost track of time. I haven’t missed dinner have I?” Julie called into the house as she opened the front door, coming in with her backpack slung over her shoulder.
Ray walked out of the kitchen, a wooden spoon in one hand and a smile on his face. “Just in time, mija ,” he said, his eyes twinkling. “I was just about to set the table. And look who’s here.” He gestured to the living room, where the three boys were now huddled on the sofa, a silent, nervous trio.
Julie froze. Her eyes went from her dad to the three ghosts on the sofa, a look of pure confusion on her face. Her backpack slipped from her shoulder and hit the floor with a soft thud.
She took in the scene: her three ghost bandmates, looking more solid than she’d ever seen them, sitting on her sofa, and her dad, looking at them with warmth and acceptance. It was a bizarre, wonderful, and slightly terrifying sight.
“Hey, Jules,” Luke said, giving a small, nervous wave.
Julie blinked once, twice, then let out a breathless, disbelieving laugh. “Dad… you can see them?” she asked, her voice a little shaky.
Ray looked from Julie to the boys and back again. “Of course, I can see them, sweetheart. They’re right there,” he said, gesturing with his wooden spoon. “They're staying for dinner. I hope that’s okay with you?”
“Yeah,” she managed, a wide, incredulous smile spreading across her face. “Yeah, that’s more than okay.” She walked over to the sofa, a spring in her step, and squeezed herself between Alex and Reggie, pulling them into a tight hug. She buried her face in Reggie’s shoulder, a mix of laughter and a few happy tears escaping her. “You guys!” she whispered, a fierce, protective love for them swelling in her chest. “You’re here!”
Ray watched the scene unfold with a soft, knowing smile. He wasn’t privy to the full story, not yet, but he knew enough. He knew his daughter had been struggling, and that these boys had helped her find her voice again. He knew they were important to her, a source of light and happiness in her life. And seeing them all together, so clearly and so happily, filled his heart with a quiet joy.
Luke’s arm went around her, hugging her back with a fierce, almost-desperate strength. “We’re here, Jules,” he said, his voice a little choked up. “We’re really here.” He looked over her shoulder at Ray, a silent thank you passing between them.
Reggie’s arms were around Julie, too, his hug just as tight as Luke's. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling the familiar, comforting scent of her shampoo. He didn’t say anything, but he didn’t have to. The hug said it all.
Julie finally pulled away, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. She looked at Alex, who was still sitting a little stiffly on the end of the sofa, a small, unsure smile on his face. She reached for his hand, and he let her take it, his fingers lacing with hers.
“Are you okay?” she asked him softly, her voice filled with concern. She knew Alex probably hasn’t had the easiest time with this whole 'being-seen-by-a-living-parent' thing.
Alex squeezed her hand, a genuine, albeit small, smile finally gracing his face. “I am now,” he said, his voice a little raspy. He looked around the room, at Luke and Reggie, at Julie, at the open kitchen door where Ray was now humming to himself as he stirred a pot on the stove. This was it. This was the family he had been missing, the home he had been searching for.
Ray walked back into the living room, a wooden spoon still in hand, and smiled at the group. “Alright, everyone, dinner’s almost ready. Julie, can you and the boys set the table, please?”
Julie jumped up, a renewed energy in her step. “Come on, guys,” she said, pulling Reggie and Alex up with her. “You can help me.”