Elizabeth: Part II

(Story begins here.)

Elizabeth looked on at Anton, first seeing his delight before observing his sudden change in demeanour.

``Wait! Don't be afraid! I guess you've found out my secret.''

Anton held back his scream. Curiosity overcame his initial shock, here was a spirit or ghost who was actively trying to allay his fears and converse with him. Surely there was something more? Clearing his throat and steadying his nerves, Anton replied Elizabeth.

``Well, yes. I think you did wake me. I have no idea what you are or who you are, but the fact that you are levitating isn't really helping my nerves at all. Who may you be then? Also, will you harm me in the way... your kind are known to?''

Elizabeth smiled, her radiance obvious even through the near translucence of her entire being, her white frock hanging on her comfortably.

``To answer you, Anton, no.''

``You know my name!''

``Of course I do, Anton. You have been the man I have been waiting for all my life,'' Elizabeth said, before suddenly blushing and realising the faux pas. ``Well, even beyond my life. As you have no doubt guessed, I am more of a spirit than a ghost.''

``Do I... know you? Why would you be waiting all my life for... me, of all people?'' Anton said as he walked slowly towards the grand staircase, his eyes never leaving Elizabeth.

Elizabeth blushed again.

``I'm so sorry Anton, I have been waiting for this day for so long that when I finally see you, I've forgotten myself! I am Elizabeth. I used to live in this house that you are now the master of.

``During my time, you and I were supposed to be married, but on the day at the altar, you didn't show up. I cried the whole night and... died of a broken heart.''

``I'm... sorry?'' Anton said, confusedly, as he sat on the steps.

Elizabeth held on to her flute and started walking towards Anton.

``I was a flute player before I died. Most played the piano back in my time, but I was one of the few who chose a different instrument to learn. I find the sound of a silver flute divine, and you did too. You said that was what drew you to me.'' Elizabeth paused and sighed.

``But that was a different Anton, Anton. You are Anton, a part of the old Anton whom I had waited for at the altar is somehow in you, but you and he are not the same. Besides,'' she sighed once again, ``there's the problem of me now being a spirit.''

Anton looked at her in surprise as her smiling face turned melancholous all over again.

(Story continues here.)