"I wish I could wipe away just one of your tears. Then I'd feel like a person again. Like I'm something more than a bunch of light."
- Jeri- Smith Redy
~~~~~~~~~~~

•Four months later •

Adele's POV

I'm so nervous. I keep rearranging things.

It's unusually warm in the living room. Not overbearingly, just cosy and it calms me down a little.

I don't know why I arranged tonight. The girls at the office are so bitchy but I went ahead and invited them round anyway. It was Perrie, Zayns girlfriend who encouraged me. She said I needed to put myself out there.

I meet them both once a week and it's great. The only thing is that Zayn and Derrick aren't keen on each other so we can't all hang out as much as I'd like to.

But still, I've never had it better, proper friends, a gorgeous boyfriend a stunning flat. I can't believe how lucky I am.

I love this flat and whatever is in it, because I know it's haunted.

I kind of sensed it from when I moved in but it doesn't bother me because it's not a harmful spirit. I just feel it.

Maybe it's just lonely.

There was that night... Despite what Derrick says, I know I didn't imagine that face in the mirror. If I close my eyes I can see it again, clear as anything, that little soft smile he gave me.

I wish I could see him again.

The doorbell rings and I feel my heart thudding as I go to answer it.

~~~~~~

Louis' POV

There are five women in the living room and I'm pressed up against the wall, I don't want any of them to walk into me and get a shock.

I'd normally love this but Adele is really on edge and I can't enjoy it while she's so nervous.

Derrick the prick has just turned up too. Andrea, the chubby blonde woman is swooning over him and I can't even be glad because it's making Adele miserable.

"What's the cat called again?" A thin brunette called Monica asks.

"Um... Mr Tiddles" Adele whispers.

Monica titters to the girl next to her.

"Nice." She smirks.

I'm trying not to get angry. They're all sat on chairs and Adele's sat on the floor, clutching her wine. Its like they're taking it in turns to take shots at her.

Andrea is obviously the 'leader' as they all glance at her with every snide comment, seeking her approval. She's sat with half of her fat arse on the arm of Derricks chair. I'm so tempted to shove her off.

Adele is blushing furiously, obviously trying to think of something to change the conversation.

"So, Derrick, what attracted you to Adele?" Andrea laughs as if this seems funny to her.

I'd hoped that when Derrick arrived things would change and he'd stand up for Adele but so far he's just sat back watching, seated away from Adele.

"Well I guess I must have known how charming her friends would be!" He flashes that perfect grin and the girls giggle.

I hate him.

Adele hangs her head.

I make my way across the room and sit carefully beside her.

I'm here Adele

I wish she knew it.

Andrea launches into a long story about something that happened at the office, some minor mistake Adele made, I watch her thin lips open and close as she gets into the tale. Derrick laughs along with everyone else.

Adele is almost curled up into herself. Why can't she see that this hideous woman is jealous of her? So jealous that it hurts like a physical ache.

Why did she even invite them?

I guess she wants them to like her.

It'll never happen Adele. Not while you're beautiful and kind and they're the opposite.

She turns her head towards me and I know that she's heard, maybe not my words but she knows that I'm here. Her eyes are wet with unshed tears, the pain of humiliation obvious, but she looks grateful, happy to think that I'm beside her.

And that decides my next move.

In the past four months my powers have grown even more. I don't need the dust any more as I create a tiny blue orb.

I send it gently towards her, turning the colour to gold as it reaches her face.

Harry's going to kill me.

Well not literally, but still.

She smiles, eyes sparkling, a genuine happy grin. The gold shimmers and she gasps, raising her slim fingertips towards it.

I'm here. I've told her. She isn't crazy.

"What's that?!" Monica gasps.

Crap. I'd forgotten where we are. I made the little orb disappear.

"What's what?" Andrea snaps. She was leaning into Derrick and is obviously annoyed at the interruption.

"I... Thought I saw something..." Monica is staring slack jawed and I laugh quietly.

"This house is haunted." Adele whispers, still smiling dreamily.

Aw god, no Adele. Don't say that. Don't give them ammunition

Andrea throws her head back and laughs shrilly.

"What are you like Adele? Priceless!" She slaps a large hand against her meaty thigh.

"Did I tell you how I met Adele?" Derrick grins as Andrea shakes her head.

Don't. Don't you dare humiliate her you arsehole

"Well I was just getting ready for bed when I heard screaming from next door. It sounded like a lady in distress so, obviously, I ran down the hallway and broke the door down"

I opened it for you, dickface

A couple of the women look at him simperingly. Adele just lowers her head further, her glossy hair falling in a curtain.

I watch her as Derrick continues talking. It's as if he's telling a tale about a silly child that he's particularly fond of.

"...so I ended up staying on the couch!" He finishes his story with a loud laugh.

"So Adele thought she'd seen ghost that looked like a movie star?" One of the other girls laughs.

They all look towards her and snicker.

Without even being aware of what she's doing, she shuffles closer where she knows I am, seeking comfort.

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AN- Hope you're enjoying this so far, please remember to vote/comment and let me know what you think :D