The next day Everly went to work a little later than normal. The good thing about owning your own business is that you can open and close the shop whenever you want. She was about ready to leave the house when she suddenly heard drumming from the basement. And it sounded aggressive. She knew it was Alex. She remembered the many times she would find Alex aggressively drumming to get his anger and frustration out.

She quickly made her way to the basement and down the stairs. Sure enough, Alex was behind the drums and beating on them aggressively. From where she stood, she could faintly see that his eyes were teary. She walked down the rest of the way and went over to the couch that was by the door. "Alex," He didn't hear her, too wrapped up in his anger. She didn't want to touch him and make him have a panic attack. That's happened once or twice. She sighs and walks over to him, putting her hand on his shoulder. "Alex, calm down." She told him firmly.

His head snapped up and his eyes met hers. Everly didn't even realize she had touched him until he looked down at her hand and then back at her with wide eyes. He was a ghost yet she could still touch his shoulder. Neither one understood how or why it could happen, maybe because they're related? Or that's the best they could come up with. "Ev, what are you doing here?" He asked her, his voice hoarse.

"I was about to head to work when I heard your drumming. You okay?" She asked, removing her hand.

He nods. "I'm fine."

"No, you're not." Everly shook her head, pulling her hand away to take the drumsticks from him and he let her put them away.

"Everly, it's nothing." Alex insisted.

"No, Alex, I'm your sister. I know when something is wrong and right now, there is something bothering you. So please, just tell me what it is." She pleaded, eyes full of concern as she looked at him.

Alex sighs heavily, his shoulders dropping. "It's a long story."

"I got time." Everly said softly. She wanted to help him out the best she could. She had always had a soft spot for her brother and he could never say no to her. It was always a struggle between the two. Alex would insist he was fine, Everly would worry and try to get him to talk, and Alex would finally crack and talk to her. "What's going on, Alex?" She asks. "And don't lie to me, even if you did I would know." She added, seeing he had started to protest.

"Alright, fine." He huffs. Everly knew he hated admitting defeat, especially to her. She gave him a smug smirk and sat down on the couch, Alex sitting next to her. "Okay, so I met this ghost boy, his name is Willie. He showed me how to be a ghost and we hung out and had fun, but then earlier today he said we never should've met. It just sucks. I liked him."

Everly nods in understanding, looking at him with sympathy and giving him a soft smile. "Alex, I'm sorry. If it makes you feel any better, I think you're pretty amazing and you deserve someone who makes you happy. And I know you don't want to hear this probably, but it sounds like Willie isn't the one for you. And one day, you'll find that person."

"I hate it when you're right." Alex mumbled, looking down with a pout.

Everly chuckles and smiles. "Yeah, I know." She then sighs as she looks at the clock on the wall. "Okay, well I gotta head to work. I'll see you later." She hesitated, but then she reached out and tried to hug him. She knew it wouldn't work, but she tried anyway. But she was shocked and surprised when she was actually able to hug him.

"How is that possible?" Alex asked in surprise.

"I figured maybe since I could touch your shoulder I could maybe hug you. I'm so glad I can." Everly admitted. She didn't realize how much she needed a hug from her older brother until now. She hugged him tightly, burying her face into his chest. He hesitated before hugging her back. She didn't think she'd ever have a hug from him again, so this meant the world to her.

"Me too." He whispers, hugging her just as tight as he realized this was real and not some dream. His sister was really here, he was hugging her. It didn't feel like a normal hug, it was weird since he was a ghost and she was human. But the warmth and love were still there and it felt great. He wished he could hug her longer but the hug ended and they had to pull apart. "Well, um, I'll see you later. Thank you." He told her.

"Anytime. You're my big brother and I love you." She replied with a smile.

"I love you too." Alex smiled back. Everly headed upstairs and Alex watched her leave. Then he sighed and poofed to the studio.

****

In class today, Reggie had popped up by where Tessa was sitting like he usually did. She honestly didn't mind him showing up when she was in class, as long as he didn't distract her and get her in trouble. So far, she was lucky and hadn't been caught. Reggie would usually just sit quietly and pay attention. He had admitted he liked hearing what they were learning, especially music and history. Tessa had even started bringing the textbooks and notebook to the studio for him to look at and read. Everything had changed so much since 1995 and Tessa figured if Reggie wanted to catch up, then she could help him out. She found it sweet that he wanted to learn more and she was more than willing to help him out.

Tessa was currently in the library, working on homework when Reggie had poofed into the library, sitting in the empty chair by her. She was the only one at the table and the table was near the back of the library, away from where the librarian sat at the front. The librarian didn't really care where students sat as long as the students weren't being loud. "Hey, Tess." Reggie smiled, leaning over her shoulder to see what she was working on.

"Hey, Reg. How was your morning?" Tessa asked him, turning to look at him with a small smile.

Reggie shrugs. "It was alright, I guess. Kinda boring. It's better now." He added, a soft smile on his face as he stared at her. Butterflies swarmed in her stomach and she wondered if he meant it was better because of her. Probably not, Tessa thought, but a girl can dream.

"Glad I can make things better for you." She teased, giving him a smirk and he grinned, cheeks turning red. She had noticed his blush and couldn't help but find it cute.

"So, um, what are you working on?" Reggie asked her, wanting to change the subject. He didn't like how nervous she made him feel, no one had ever done that. He had always been a ladies man, a smooth talker, but now with her, his brain just turned to mush and he was left speechless. He didn't even know why he was reacting this way, all he knew was that he didn't like it. Well, not completely. He kind of liked it, but he didn't want her to know she made him nervous.

"Just math. It's the worst." Tessa replies, looking back down at the paper she was writing on. She had written down some notes and was working on an example. Reggie didn't have to be a genius to know she was struggling, he could see the frustration written all over her face. "Math has always been my least favorite subject."

"Same here." Reggie admits. "But I can try to help you." He offered, not wanting her to be struggling alone. He couldn't stand the thought of her being upset, and if he could help, he would.

"You know, you don't have to do that. It's okay. Besides, you've been dead for twenty-five years. The math has changed a lot since you were in high school." Tessa explained, feeling guilty for taking up his time.

"Oh. I didn't even think about that." Reggie replies, sounding disappointed. He knew he wouldn't have been much help anyway, but it had also been an excuse to hang out with her longer. He really liked her and enjoyed spending time with her. "Sorry."

"It's okay." Tessa gives him a smile, hoping he wouldn't feel so bad. "Like I said, you didn't have to help. You can still stay and keep me company though. I like hanging out with you."

"Really?" Reggie smiled at her and his eyes lit up, the guilt disappearing and being replaced with joy.

"Yes, really." She nodded, returning his smile with a smile of her own.

"I like hanging out with you too." He tells her, his face flushing again and the butterflies were back in his stomach. She was so beautiful, and sweet, and funny.

Tessa chuckles, the butterflies going crazy now and she could feel her cheeks heating up. "Good. You can stay here and we can hang out, but no distracting me while I'm doing my work. Deal?"

"Deal." Reggie grinned and nodded. He would be willing to do anything she asked, and he would love to get to spend more time with her. He was so happy she wanted him to stay.

"Great." Tessa smiled, then they both got to work. She continued to do her homework and Reggie watched her curiously, but every now and then she would glance at him and they would share a smile. Reggie was amazed by her skill with working on homework. She was right, it looked like the math now was so much different from his time. He didn't understand any of it and couldn't imagine having to deal with it every day. As she worked on homework, Reggie would make comments every now and then which she didn't mind. She enjoyed his company. She did have to write her responses so it didn't look like she was crazy talking to air, and sometimes when people passed by they would give her a weird look. Thankfully, none of the other students bothered her. They just went about their business and kept to themselves.

Eventually, Tessa was done with her homework. Reggie was so fascinated by her work, but he didn't understand any of it. She found it adorable how curious he was. Once she was finished, she gathered her books and papers and put them back into her bag. Reggie looked at her, furrowing his eyebrows. "Wait, you're done? But I thought you had more work?" He asked her.

"I'm done with what I have. The rest can wait until later." She replies. She would be lying if she said she wasn't excited for the next thing she had planned. She wanted to show Reggie something and hoped he would like it. Only one way to find out. "Now, there's something I want to show you." She told him quietly, slinging her bag over her shoulder and looking around to make sure no one was watching her. Thankfully, they were all too focused on their work to notice her.

Reggie perks up at hearing that, tilting his head to the side and looking at her curiously. "Really? What is it?" He asked her excitedly. She couldn't help but smile at his excitement. Why did he have to be so cute?

Tessa chuckles at Reggie's enthusiasm, finding his excitement contagious. "It's a surprise." She teased, leading him out of the library and through the halls of the school. Reggie followed eagerly, curious about what she had in store for him. She had told him that it was a surprise and he didn't know what it was, but he was excited. He didn't care where they were going or what they were doing, as long as they were together. He enjoyed her company, and she made him feel good. When he was with her, he didn't feel so alone. When he was with her, she somehow made him feel alive again. And he loved it. He wanted more time with her, and he was determined to make the most of their time together.

"A surprise, huh?" He repeats, grinning and following her out of the library. She nods in response, a playful smirk on her lips. That playful smirk was so cute, it made him feel all kinds of things. "Well, now I'm really curious." He admitted, chuckling.

"Good. I want you to be." She replied with a grin. The bell had rang signaling the end of school as they kept walking. They headed down the stairs, past the main entrance doors, and onto the front lawn. The weather was nice, and the sun was shining. Reggie couldn't help but think how pretty the sunshine made Tessa's hair shine. It looked like a halo and he was entranced. Tessa noticed him staring and felt her face heat up, looking away shyly. She wasn't used to having a boy stare at her and it was a little intimidating. He was so sweet, and caring, and thoughtful, and so adorable. And he made her feel special.

"What's up?" Reggie asks, noticing the shy look on her face and how her cheeks were turning pink. He knew that look, the one where a person was embarrassed. Why was she embarrassed? Had he done something wrong? He wasn't sure, but he didn't want to see her like that. Not because of him. "Did I do something wrong?"

"What? No, you didn't do anything." Tessa replies quickly, shaking her head. Her heart ached that he thought he did something wrong, she could tell he was genuinely concerned. How could someone be so sweet? You didn't do anything wrong, Reg. Don't worry. You're fine." She assured him, flashing him a small smile.

Reggie sighs in relief, his shoulders relaxing. "Oh, okay." He didn't mean to make her feel uncomfortable, but he was glad she was okay. He didn't want her to be mad at him or feel like he had done something wrong. "Good. Because I would never intentionally do anything to hurt you. I hope you know that."

"I do." Tessa smiles softly, her heart melting. "Thank you, Reggie." She didn't know why he was so worried about her, but it was sweet. And she appreciated it. "And for the record, I would never do anything to hurt you either." She added, feeling the need to say it.

Reggie gives her a soft smile. "Thank you. You're amazing." He murmurs, his gaze soft and full of adoration that made her heart race. He continues to stare at her, mesmerized by how gorgeous she was. He couldn't help himself, he couldn't stop looking at her. She was just so beautiful, and it was hard not to get lost in her beauty. "I really wish I could kiss you." He admitted quietly, looking down at his hands. His face flushed and his stomach twisted with nerves, but it was the truth.

Tessa's heart flutters, a warm feeling spreading throughout her body. Hearing him say that was making her heart soar. It made her feel good and happy. But it was also making her upset and sad and frustrated. They couldn't touch, or hold hands, or kiss. She wished so badly that they could, but they couldn't. It sucked and she hated it. But she couldn't let herself focus on the negative, and instead focus on the positive. She was glad he felt the same way about her that she felt about him. "I wish I could kiss you too." She told him, her voice quiet and soft.

Reggie's heart leapt in his chest, a wide smile tugging on his lips. He knew she felt the same, but hearing her admit it made him so happy. "Yeah?" He asks, his voice cracking slightly and she nods, smiling softly. He could tell she was sad, and he hated that, but he knew how she felt. "Hey, it's okay. We'll find a way." He promised, trying to comfort her. He really hoped he was right, and that there was a way they could be together. He wanted that more than anything.

"I hope so." Tessa replies, trying not to get too emotional. "But for now, let's not focus on that. Let's focus on having fun. So, are you ready for your surprise?" She asked him, changing the subject. She needed to get her mind off of how badly she wanted to kiss him.

Reggie nods eagerly, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "Definitely! Show me what you got, Tess." He had forgotten about his earlier sadness and was now very excited to find out what she had in store for him. Whatever it was, he was sure it was going to be fun.

"Awesome. Follow me." She smiled brightly, starting to lead the way. Tessa had a plan to experience some of the things he missed out in the last twenty-five years, and she hoped he would like it. She walked across the school's parking lot, Reggie following closely behind her. She didn't need to look back to know he was still there, she could feel his presence. Reggie couldn't help but watch her closely as they walked. The sun kept making her hair shine, her smile was brighter than the sun, and her eyes were as blue as the sky. He couldn't believe he had fallen for her this hard, this fast, but he had. She was just so incredible, and he couldn't help himself. He just hoped that one day he would get to hold her hand, kiss her, and be able to show her how he felt. He was lost in his thoughts until Tessa stopped in front of a vintage record store.

"Surprise!" Tessa exclaims, gesturing to the record store with a grin. "I thought we could explore this place together. It's filled with music from different eras, and I know you love music. Plus I've been meaning to get some more records so maybe you can help me pick something out?" She rambles nervously. "That is, if you want to." She hated that she rambled when she got nervous, but she couldn't help herself. She hoped Reggie didn't mind.

Reggie looks at the record store, a huge smile on his face. His heart swelled with love and affection for her. She was so thoughtful and sweet, and she knew exactly how to make him happy. "You're kidding? This is amazing, thank you!" He gushed, feeling his heart swell. This was probably the sweetest and most thoughtful thing anyone had ever done for him. He couldn't believe she was doing this for him. He didn't know how he could repay her, but he was willing to try.

"You're welcome." Tessa blushes, the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. "You deserve to be happy." She murmured shyly, her face still flushed.

Reggie's heart skipped a beat at her words. He was overwhelmed with gratitude and affection for Tessa. Nobody had ever gone out of their way to make him feel special like this before. "Tess, you're incredible." He breathed out, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.

Tessa beams at him, her own happiness reflected in her eyes as her heart skipped a beat. "Come on, let's go in and find some music together." She opened the door to the record store, and they stepped inside. The vintage atmosphere, the smell of old vinyl, and the nostalgic tunes playing in the background created a cozy ambiance.

The two spent some time wandering around the store and looking at all the albums. Reggie was in awe at the selection. There were so many new ones and even a lot from his time. "I don't even know where to start." He said in amazement. Tessa chuckled and began browsing the shelves. She was looking for a specific record, one she knew Reggie would like. She also grabbed her phone, pretending to be facetiming someone so she wouldn't look crazy talking to thin air.

"There's a lot to choose from." She replies. "Let's see..." She picked up a vinyl, flipping it over and checking out the song list.

"Hey, I like that song." Reggie says, pointing to the cover. Tessa glances at him, surprised to see him standing so close. He was looking over her shoulder and pointing at a song. If they could touch, she would be feeling his breath against her neck, his body pressed against her. Just thinking about that made her heart pound. He was so close. "I honestly like all these songs, I think you would like them." He continues, oblivious to her flustered state.

"Um, yeah. They sound great." She agreed, her voice coming out shaky and she hopes he didn't notice. Reggie didn't seem to notice her nervousness, instead looking through the shelves again and humming along to the music playing in the store. Tessa tried to focus on finding a record, but Reggie's close proximity was distracting her.

Reggie eventually picked out a few records that caught his eye, and Tessa found the one she was looking for. She held it up excitedly. "How about this one? It's a classic from your time." She suggested, handing him the vinyl.

Reggie's eyes lit up as he took the record from her. "No way! You like The Beatles too? I love them!" He exclaimed excitedly. His whole face was glowing and it made her heart melt.

"Yeah, me too." Tessa agrees. "I think I'll get that vinyl, I don't have one of The Beatles yet." Tessa decided.

"You don't? That's crazy. Everyone should have a vinyl of The Beatles, it's a crime you don't have one yet." Reggie said in mock outrage, causing her to laugh. He smiled wide at hearing her laugh, his heart skipping a beat.

"Well, now I will." She grins, feeling happy that she had chosen something Reggie liked. "We can listen to it together."

"That sounds great. I wanna listen to all these songs with you, old and new." He replied happily. Tessa's heart melted as she smiled fondly at him.

"Yeah, I'd love to do that. But let's keep looking for more, I wanna get a few more." Tessa admitted. So far she only held two vinyls, but she wanted a few more. There were so many to choose from, she couldn't decide. Reggie didn't mind, he was enjoying this. He loved looking through the vinyls and finding music with Tessa. The two of them spent more time in the record store, picking out a variety of albums from different genres and eras. Reggie was fascinated by the vast array of music that had been released in the years he missed. Tessa was thrilled to share this experience with him, introducing him to new artists and enjoying the nostalgic tunes together.

After a while, they had a small collection of vinyl records in their hands. Tessa paid for them at the counter, and they left the store with bright smiles on their faces. They went back to her house and began listening to the vinyls together on her record player. As they listened to the music, Reggie's mind was filled with thoughts of her. How beautiful she was, how funny and sweet, and how happy he was to have her in his life. He didn't want to lose her, and he hoped they could figure out a way to be together soon. It was killing him that he couldn't kiss or touch her, but he would wait. He would wait forever for her.

A/N i love tessa & reggie so much. & i wanted to add more scenes with alex & everly to write more of their sibling bond cause i love them too