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Elle's first instinct was to swat his hand away from Isobella. Though, that was mother's instinct. She watched as Conley's ghostly form bent down, kissing Isobella on the forehead, then lifting up to kiss Elle's cheek. "Ive missed you." He said.

 

Elle sat there, frozen in place. She wasnt sure if she should run or hide. She was sure that Conley wasnt really there. He looked so pale- almost see through. Though, she could feel his kiss, his soft lips on her cheek. He was real, to a certain extent. He smiled at her, waiting for her response.

 

"Im here Elizabeth." He reassured her.

 

"N-no. No you're not. This isnt real. This cant be real." She said softly, looking down at Isobella. "This cant be real."

 

Conley's slim, long index finger reached to Elle, lifting her chin so she was looking at him. "Why cant it be real?" He asked her.

 

Elle stared for a moment, inhaling his scent, his cologne, his shampoo. His smelled just as he had thirteen years ago, before his coma. "I-i dont understand. How are you here? Why are you here?"

 

Conley sat on the edge of the bed, releasing her chin. He stared at her for a long moment before inhaling, preparing to speak. "I have unfinished business." He said, as though it were such a minor detail to his presence.

 

Elle wasnt buying it. "What sort of unfinished business?"

 

He had hoped Elle wouldnt question that- she could see it on his face. He cringed at her question. "Eh... Thats not important right now, hun. We can discuss that when you go home tomorrow."

 

"How do you know that Im going home tomorrow?"

 

"I eavesdropped on the nurses." He said, smirking then chuckling gently.

 

Elle stared at him for a moment, not wanting to let this go. "What unfinished business?" She asked again.

 

"Elizabeth. Let it go for now."

 

Elle shook her head from side to side, her bottom lip puckering. "Please?"

 

Conley sighed, unable to resist that face. Then, his face was stricken with sadness, and quite possibly fear.

 

"Bryan's still alive."