Chapter Text
[ i am wondering ]
When Jay learned about what happened at the wedding, of course he felt bad for both Isaac and Nigel. He also felt a little embarrassed about interrupting that big moment.
But with all this ghost stuff going on, Flower returning, Isaac and Nigel's failed wedding, that stripper almost dying and maybe becoming a ghost, Jay didn't know what to do. Yes, he had Sam there to tell him what happened, but it wasn't the same.
Sometimes he was grateful he couldn't hear them. Eight people, talking all the time? Poor Sam. Thor's harrowing stories? He'll be careful near the stairs. But at the same time, he would really like to talk basketball with Pete and Flower. It would be so awesome to play DND with the ghosts and actually get to hear them.
At least dying is inevitable, so he hopes when it does happen, he'll be trapped here with his buddies.
On occasion, when Sam is dealing with a ghost problem, Jay might go to a store or two. He knows what ghosts watch him at home, so it's nice to be oblivious to what kind of dead are looking at you when you run errands.
He tries to stick to thrift stores and Dollar Trees. They were in debt after all. Which is ironic, since they inherited a literal mansion.
At a thrift store weirdly named "Penny's Pennysaver", despite it not advertising at all, Jay was in the jewelry section. He has no clue why he was there, but among the rings, one really stood out.
It didn't stand out in an extravagant, shiny, "look at me" kind of way. It looked very old fashioned, a silver band that didn't need much glamour. As if it only meant what it needed to be, someone's love for another.
The ring seemed like it had been there for a very long time, and it didn't seem like anyone would take it anytime soon. After the events of today, and something about Pete's wife and a British guy, Jay thought it might come in handy to have an extra wedding ring.
Whoops...
[ once more to see you ]
Beatrice had been on this plane of existence for 216 years. For 216 years she had watched the world change. For 216 years she had stayed on Earth. For 216 years she never went to heaven. For 247 years she hasn't seen her cricket.
It wasn't fair.
She was a good woman, wife, and mother. She married a good man and avoided her sinful thoughts. Why hasn't she been released yet? It really wasn't fair.
In some cruel twist of fate, when Beatrice died, her ghost was attached to her wedding ring. As if the universe was mocking her for her foolish marriage.
Before they became romantically involved, Beatrice learned Isaac's secret. She had always been very observant, and she noticed the love in his eyes when he looked at his best friend.
As time grew, they became closer. They heard what people would say about them. Of course. A man and a woman becoming close friends. One thing had spiraled into another, and they began to plan their wedding.
It was silly to wish for, that marrying a man would fix her. But as time went on, she grew extremely fond of her husband. Almost like a normal wife would. Almost.
And of course, the war. Beatrice was beyond upset when she found out he had to leave. She asked him to write to her everyday, and he did. She never took her wedding ring off after that day, she died with it.
She hoped it was the same for him.
Now, in eternity, her favorite ring was on display in a cheap store. All she could do was pray to the heavens that refused to take her.
She noticed a man staring at her wedding band. The ring was certainly different from the rest, but it was in very good condition after all these years. Wait. Hold on.
He took her ring! Was he going to buy it? Perhaps for his lover? But why hers? She had too many questions, and didn't know who or how to ask. This stranger used paper money to pay, and Beatrice recognized only some of the faces on the currency.
Twelve dollars and thirty-two cents. Was that all her marriage was worth to the world?
"Thanks. My wife loves this stuff. Have a good day." The man had a wife? Why would he need to buy another wedding ring? She just noticed the ring on his finger.
The more seconds passed, and Beatrice only became more and more confused. The mode of transport only made the situation stranger.
She misses her cricket dearly. He would be a strong comfort in this confusing mess.