CHAPTER 10 | A FANTASTIC IDEA

LORENZO'S POV

I walked towards where she's dancing with a friend I guess, I have no idea what I will say to her or if she will like to talk to me considering the fact that I acted crazy the last time we spoke. I will just wing it and follow her lead.

"Hey, Echo right?" I said as I intentionally bumped into her just to get her attention. I know that her real name is Laura but I still need to stick to the name she gave me just to avoid tipping her off.

"Yeah, Lorenzo. I didn't expect to see you here." She pointed out and I am so upset that she's still holding on to Echo's identity.

"Yeah, my friend invited me out. I am still trying to get used to the city."

"Oh really, you will love it here. It's a beautiful city and I can be your tour guide if you want." She offered and I am glad because I need her close so that I can find out what she knows about Echo and her situation.

"Oh, I will love that Echo, how about you give me your number and I will take you up on your offer." I said as I gave her my phone.

"Of course." She collected the phone and inputted her contact number. "One more thing Lorenzo, I prefer to be called Laura. I mean Echo is my name but the name is a little weird, so I prefer to be called Laura." She pointed out.

"Oh I see... well, Echo is a beautiful name." I noted when I noticed Echo frowning beside me. "But I will stick to Laura as you wish." I saved her contact as soon as I got back my phone, I can't afford to lose her number.

"Yeah, I prefer it. Anyways, feel free to call me anytime."

"Of course, thanks."

I made my way to the restroom just to give Laura the impression that I was actually going somewhere before I bumped into her.

"What are you going to do next?" Echo asked when we got to the restroom.

"I have no idea but the important thing is that we have her contact now, so I will think of something. Maybe I can make friends with her and we will take it from there." It's actually a crazy situation because all I know is that I want to help Echo but I have no idea how to go about it or what helping her entails.

"Thank you... Thank you for everything." She suddenly said even though I am yet to do anything.

"You don't have to thank me, I haven't even done anything yet but don't worry, I will do everything I can to help you." I assured her. "Now, go and do whatever you have been doing, I need to go back to my friend but please, stop staring at couples kissing." I pointed out.

"Why? If they wanted privacy, then they shouldn't have kissed in front of everyone." Well that's a fair point.

She vanished and I decided to take the advantage that I am in the restroom to ease myself before returning to Jayden.

"What was that about?" He asked as soon as I sat down.

"Sorry, it's been a whole lot of drama. Anyways, Echo is the ghost and she saw her friend Laura that stole her identity, so she came to inform me. I want to figure out the connection that Laura has with Echo's death and I can't do it without making friends with her, so that's what I went for." I summarized briefly.

"Wow, I can't believe all of this is happening for real, I have only seen it in movies. It's really mind blowing." Up until I experienced it, I have only seen it in movies and in books and I considered it as a made up story.

"I am even more blown away, I can't believe that this is happening to me. It is mesmerizing, scary and intriguing all at once." I don't even know if I am glad about the situation or not.

I mean, it's fucking cool to be able to see and talk to her but it's really disheartening seeing her in this position everyday and not being able to help. I wish I could actually bring her back to life or at least help her understand what happened to her, how she died, when she died, why she has remained a ghost and every related question.

"It's amazing and you know what, I think it's a blessing that was specially made for you, which is why you happen to be the only one that can see and interact with her. I have been thinking of something, I think there is a purpose for this craziness." He pointed out while looking thoughtful.

"How do you mean?" I asked curiously because I am honestly curious about why I am the only one that can see her, although I don't consider it a blessing.

"Is she with us right now?" He asked while looking around and his question piqued my interest, I feel like he is about to say something sensible because why else would he be wondering if she's listening.

"No, why?"

"Good, a thought just crossed my mind." He said as I signaled the bar man to get me another drink. "You know how you moved here looking for a fresh start and a big break in your career." He pointed out and I nodded. "Well this is it, first hand experience of a new mind blowing story, something unique and fresh." He pointed out and I suddenly realized what he is suggesting.

"Are you suggesting that I publish her story?"

"Yes, exactly that. Her story, all your findings while trying to help her uncover her truth. It's like killing two birds with one stone. You will help her figure out her life, her situation and possibly help her come back to life or die for good instead of lingering as a ghost and then you can document everything down as your original story... It's a win win." I mean it's a fantastic idea.

The story is actually the big break I have been looking for and it will be a bestseller, it's going to be phenomenal and at the same time, I will be helping her like I intended to.

"It's actually a great idea, I like it. I just need to tell her about it and get her consent." I pointed out.

"I don't think that's necessary, she might not want you to publish her story besides you might find out something while helping her and she can just stop you from publishing or she can start controlling the informations you give in the story. Look, I will suggest you do this without her knowledge so that you can freely take the story to any length without limitations, besides she's a ghost, what can it hurt?" He actually has a valid point.

I don't think she will be offended that I published her story without permission because at the long run, I am helping her out of the goodness of my heart and there is nothing wrong with benefitting from the situation.

"I don't even know why it crossed my mind, I have been looking for a hit story to come up with and frankly, there is nothing better than this. This is the story that will set me apart from all the regular authors, I am finally going to be famous." I said excitedly.

I am so glad that he thought about it because it could have been a waste and she might have even decided to publish her own story if we eventually figure out a way for her to stay alive... Her situation is actually something the world has to know about and I am glad to be the one to tell the story.

"Well thank God it's not too late to start writing, start writing as soon as possible and make sure that she doesn't find out." He instructed but that part might be a little difficult considering how she's pops up unexpectedly, it will be difficult to hide it from her.

"I will do my best to make sure she doesn't find out." I pointed out.

"Find out what? What are you guys talking about?" Echo suddenly asked and I am so glad that she didn't scare me this time or listen to everything we have been talking about.

"A friend, now mind your business." Jayden looked at me weirdly but he later realized that I was talking to Echo.

"But I am bored, let's leave please." She whined.

"You know what Jayden, we have to go now but don't worry, we will hang out again soon but just the both of us." I said while giving Echo a pointed look.

"Alright cool, don't forget what we talked about." He said as I got up and brought out my wallet to pay for our drinks.

"Of course, I will start working on it immediately."

"Good, my regards to Echo, good night." Jayden said and Echo's face lit up as soon as she heard what he said.