Chapter XIX

Despite it going completely against her normal routine, Lilly Harper found herself constantly glancing in her bedroom’s mirror to make sure she looked okay before pacing around once again. Normally, she couldn’t care less about how she looked and would only spend a few minutes making sure she was at least presentable before going out so it completely threw her off guard to find herself suddenly anxious about whether she looked okay or not. She had already combed her hair multiple times that night and even put on an old Christmas colored hairpin, thinking it made her look a little bit cute. In addition, she had tried tying her hair up in various styles but had wound up hating all of them, resulting in her leaving it hanging down to her shoulders like it always did.

God, what the hell is wrong with me?! It’s not like I’m going out with some big shot CEO or something! I’m going on a friendly outing with Eric Reiner of all people! He’s not going to give a damn about how I look!

Yet even consciously knowing that, it didn’t change the fact that she was still unusually anxious about her appearance. When Eric had first asked her to go to the Christmas tree lighting with him the previous week, she had been excited but otherwise didn’t see it as anything special. In fact, Eric had explicitly said they weren’t going on a date. Yet, as the days went by and Saturday got closer, she started getting a bit nervous about it and, come twenty minutes until they were supposed to leave, she was a nervous wreck. She had never felt that way before and so she had no idea how to combat it. Instead, all she could do was pace around the small room, occasionally glancing in the mirror again.

Clothing wise, she had opted to wear jeans paired with a black shirt and her red jacket which she knew wasn’t the cutest thing she could have worn but, since she wasn’t somebody who typically gave a damn about fashion in the first place, it was the best she could come up with on such short notice.

Well, whatever, she thought with a huff. It really shouldn’t matter. It’s not like Eric pays attention to clothes anyway.

“For god’s sake, who are you and what have you done with my sister?”

At the sound of Alexa’s voice, Lilly turned away from the mirror to see her sister standing in the doorway to their bedroom, leaning up against the frame with a clearly bewildered look on her face.

Lilly scowled, sticking her gloved hands into her jacket pockets. “And what do you mean by that?”

“What do you think I mean?” Alexa asked incredulously. “My little sister, who has never once willingly left the house outside of cross country in her life, all of a sudden is going to a Christmas tree lighting with a boy nobody knew existed. Then I walk into our room to see her pacing about like a panicked schoolgirl going on a date with her crush. I’m starting to suspect aliens replaced you with a terrible clone or something.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Lilly grumbled. “Laugh it up, why don’t you. And it’s not a date.”

Alexa snorted. “That I believe. What I also believe, however, is that you wish it were.”

“Not in the slightest,” she retorted. “Eric and I are just friends and that’s never going to change. The guy’s insane, after all.”

“So I’ve heard.” Alexa then straightened her posture and walked into the room, folding her arms across her chest as she regarded her little sister. “In fact, I thought I had heard the name Eric Reiner around school once or twice so I asked my friends about him and apparently he and the rest of his ‘Magic Club’ are infamous for believing in, well, magic. So, Sis, how on earth did somebody like you end up hanging around with them?”

You wouldn’t believe me if I told you, she internally mused.

She wasn’t terribly surprised that Alexa was able to get information about Eric and the others. She was right in that the club was fairly infamous at West Wilham so it wouldn’t have taken her much effort to investigate him, something Lilly had known would happen from the moment Eric turned up at their house the previous week.

She instead simply shrugged. “Good question. I’m still not sure. I am just a clone, after all. Maybe ask the aliens.”

Alexa scowled. “I’m being serious, Lilly. I mean, don’t get me wrong here. I’m thrilled that you’ve made some friends and that you’re actually going out but...it’s just such a drastic change in so little time that I’m a bit curious, is all. I mean, what about Eric and that club was so appealing that it even got through your lethargic personality?”

The younger girl stared at her sister for a moment, not sure how she could respond in a way that would get Alexa off her back about the whole situation. Aside from just coming out and revealing the gem to her, which Lilly was very much against, there wasn’t any real explanation that would suffice. So, instead, Lilly decided just to smile and shrug.

“Well, Sis, I guess it was just magic,” she said.

Alexa rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Don’t tell me then. Keep your secrets.”

With that, her older sister turned and began making her way to the door before stopping and turning her head once more.

“Have fun at the lighting,” she said curtly, then turned back and left the room.

Part of Lilly did feel bad that she couldn’t tell her sister the truth but she also knew that she wasn’t obliged to do so. Alexa didn’t need to know about the stone and so, she could be curious all she wanted but Lilly wouldn’t ever indulge that curiosity. Even though she knew telling Brad about the gem had been far less risky as opposed to telling Alexa, Lilly simply didn’t want her family getting dragged into it. The stone had nothing to do with her and she planned to keep it that way.

Lilly sighed, then turned and grabbed her phone from the top of her bed and slid it into the back pocket of her jeans. Then, with one last look at herself in the mirror, she turned and walked out into the hallway. Her parents and sister were sitting in the living room when she passed by so she said goodbye and hurried to the front door, though she didn’t miss the sly grin from her father on the way out. Normally, he would have made some comment about her going on a date to mess with her but, instead, he and her mother merely waved and told her to be home before ten. She couldn’t help but suspect that they, much like her sister, thought she was actually going on a date, and so, were refraining from teasing.

Well, I guess if that’s what it takes to get out of here quickly then I guess I’ll wait to correct them until I get home.

Lilly stopped by the front door to put her winter boots on then went through the front door and out into the hallway. There was nobody around so she was able to get to the elevator without having to socialize with any of their neighbors. She and Eric had decided to meet in the lobby and walk to main street from there but since she was heading down a bit earlier than she needed to, she expected to have to wait a little longer for him. Therefore, she was surprised when the doors opened and she immediately noticed him standing by the front desk, chatting with the night receptionist, Mr. Esteban.

“Yes, in fact, I would even check to make sure there are no dark spirits infesting it,” Eric was cheerfully saying to an exasperated looking Esteban. “I’ve heard of a few occasions where spirits take up residence in the attics of unsuspecting victims. In fact, they might be the source of the plumbing problems as well.”

Oh, you’ve gotta be kidding! How is he able to go up to random people like this?

“Is that so?” Esteban murmured. “Well, I appreciate the advice, kid.”

“Oh, don’t mention it,” Eric replied with a chuckle. “I only wish I had the necessary talismans to help in its extermination, but alas, I’ve never been able to get my hands on any. They’re quite rare, you see.”

Esteban only seemed to be partially listening when he glanced over and saw Lilly standing just outside the elevator, staring at the two of them in a mix of bewilderment and embarrassment. Eric followed his gaze and, upon seeing Lilly, smiled even wider.

“Ah, you’re here early,” he greeted with a laugh.

Lilly nodded awkwardly, noticing the cocked eyebrow Esteban had as he looked between the two.

“Um, yeah,” she stuttered. “I thought I’d come down a little early. I’m surprised you’re already here though.”

Eric shrugged. “Eh, I didn’t feel like hanging around at home so I thought I’d just head over. Luckily, I had Mr. Esteban here to keep me company.”

The receptionist, who had already turned back to work on his computer, merely grunted in acknowledgment of his name.

“But anyway, you ready to go?” Eric continued.

She quickly nodded, wanting to rescue Esteban as fast as she could since she could tell the man just wanted to get back to doing his job.

“Yeah, let’s get going,” she replied, walking forward to start heading toward the front doors of the building.

Eric immediately moved to follow after her, calling back over his shoulder, “Take care, Mr. Esteban. I hope you get that plumbing problem dealt with.”

The man didn’t even grunt this time as Lilly and Eric both walked through the doors and headed out into the chilly December night. They took a left in the direction of mainstreet and Lilly immediately noticed a group of friends on the other side of the road, chatting excitedly. She realized they were probably also heading to the Christmas tree lighting, recalling that Eric had said it was a pretty big and traditional event for the town. She couldn’t help but to tense up at the thought of so many people being there and part of her wished she had just turned Eric down. However, the other part was oddly excited to hang out with him and get to see the lights and decorations that she heard were pretty famous as well.

“Your building’s receptionist is a pretty nice dude,” Eric said cheerfully as they walked. “If not terribly talkative.”

Lilly glanced up at him and smirked. “Well, it’s possible that he is actually talkative and just didn’t want to talk to the random kid who walked up to him, yammering about dark spirits or whatever.”

“Nah, that can’t be it,” Eric replied wryly. “After all, I was only trying to help him with his plumbing problems.”

The girl cocked an eyebrow. “How did you even know he was having plumbing problems? I doubt he told you.”

“Oh, he didn’t. I just heard him on the phone with his wife when I walked in,” Eric explained. “Thought I’d give him some advice. When I was younger, my mother once told me that dark spirits tended to be the cause of household problems. Apparently they’re a mischievous bunch.”

Lilly stared back at him in bewilderment, finding herself uncertain how serious he actually was.

He’s joking, she tried to convince herself. I think…

However, wanting to change the subject away from her building’s receptionist and his plumbing problems, Lilly decided to steer the discussion somewhere else—to something she had been meaning to ask him for quite a while.

“You mentioned your mother,” she said. “Are you guys close? I mean, you hardly ever talk about your family and, now that you’ve met mine, I think it’s only fair that you tell me about yours.”

For a moment, she noticed Eric’s smile wavering and part of her feared she shouldn’t have brought it up. But, before she could apologize, he returned to his usual self and replied.

“Yes, we were very close,” he responded softly.

She immediately cringed and wished she hadn’t asked the question.

“Were?” she repeated. “So…?”

“Well, you see…” he began hesitantly, “when I was around seven years old, she went out one day and never came home.”

Lilly exhaled softly, realizing now why Eric was so reserved about his personal life.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” she whispered. “I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

He merely brushed her apology away with a smile. “Don’t worry about it. It’s not like she was killed or anything. She’s just…somewhere else. Someday…she’ll come home. When she’s ready. I’m certain of it.”

There was a glimmer in his eyes that told her he genuinely believed that his mother would, in fact, return. Though, considering that she had been gone for almost a decade, Lilly found the possibility unlikely. However, she refrained from saying so and instead nodded along with him, determined not to press the conversation any further.

“Well, I’m excited to see the lights,” she said awkwardly in her attempt to change the subject. “I do love Christmas.”

“As do I,” he replied. “Such a festive time of year.” Then, as if remembering something, he turned to her and smiled warmly. “By the way, I like your hairpin. I’ve never seen you wear anything in your hair and I must say, it looks very cute. Good choice of festive colors too.”

She almost tripped over her feet at the sudden compliment and, despite the cold, she felt her cheeks start to burn.

He actually noticed?!

She did everything in her power to keep from letting him see her pathetic reaction as she mumbled a quick “thanks”. It was then that she realized all her earlier nervousness had vanished the moment she saw him.

If only it could have stayed that way, she silently complained.

Eric didn’t appear to notice anything as he rambled on about why Christmas was the best holiday and Lilly silently followed beside him, oddly content just listening to him talk.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

***

“There they are,” Damien greeted with a wave. “Glad you guys could make it.”

“I hope Eric didn’t talk your ear off the whole time, Lilly,” Liz added with her typical grin.

Lilly couldn’t help but to smile as she and Eric walked up to the couple, both of whom were wearing ugly Christmas sweaters and Santa hats, while holding steaming cups from the coffee shop they were standing just outside of. Liz even had a Santa beard around her mouth that Lilly couldn’t help but to smirk at. The crowd was mostly centered around the street so the sidewalks weren’t terribly crowded. Lilly and Eric broke free from the large group of people gathered on the road and made their way toward their friends.

“Talk her ear off?” Eric growled. “I wouldn’t dream of doing such a thing!”

Liz cocked an eyebrow as she reached up to stroke her beard. “Oh really? Right…of course. What’s wrong with me? Why would Eric Reiner of all people yammer on about nonsense for hours on end. That surely doesn’t sound like him.”

Having gotten used to it, Lilly found Liz’s snarky remarks oddly amusing and she even found herself laughing softly.

“Don’t worry, Liz,” she assured. “Eric was fine.”

The tall boy laughed smugly. “See, dear Liz? Now, apologize for offending me!”

“Ha! I would never,” Liz snorted. “She’s probably just being nice. Wouldn’t want to insult her date, after all.”

“It’s not a date!” Both replied in unison and Lilly instantly cringed at their almost identical response.

It was now Liz’s turn to grin smugly at them and even Damien seemed to be holding back a laugh of his own.

Jeez, does the whole club really think we’re going on a date? Please let at least Vinny have some sense!

Though, the moment she thought it, she realized just how ridiculous the thought was, for Vinny Mickelson was often the most chaotic of the four. It was then that she remembered that he and Alice would be there, so she briefly glanced around for any sign of them. While she couldn’t make out anybody that looked like them, she was able to properly take Main Street in for the first time and she begrudgingly admitted that it lived up to the hype.

Every store on each side of the street had some form of Christmas decorations whether it be a tree in the window, icicle lights hanging from the roof, or even candy cane lights on the windowsill. In addition, almost everybody in the crowd was wearing an ugly holiday sweater and/or a hat. It almost made her feel underdressed even though she knew she wouldn’t have been caught dead wearing a Santa hat or an ugly sweater in public.

The crowds were all centered around a giant, nearly twenty foot tall Christmas Tree in the middle of Main Street. Though it wasn’t lit yet, Lilly could see the elaborate decorations all across its branches, as well as the massive star on the top. She could only imagine just how beautiful it would be fully lit.

“Well, I’m gonna head inside and grab some mochas,” Eric said, bringing her out of her thoughts. “You want a white chocolate, Lilly?”

She looked back at him in surprise. “Uh, yeah, thanks but…how did you know that’s what I usually get?”

The boy grinned. “I heard you talking to Liz about it the other day. Never forget, dear friend, that in the clubroom, my ears hear all.”

“It’s his way of saying he’s a chronic eavesdropper,” Liz interrupted.

Eric briefly eyed the girl with obvious distaste before turning back to Lilly.

“Though, if you want something else, that’s fine, too,” he added.

She quickly shook her head and returned his smile. “No, white chocolate would be great. Thanks. Here, let me get you some money.”

Just as she was about to reach into her pocket for her wallet, Eric quickly put his hand up and clicked his tongue.

“Absolutely not,” he said. “Tonight, you are my guest and so, I shall be the one to pay. No arguments allowed.”

“Uh, guest?” Liz cocked an eyebrow. “I think you mispronounced ‘date’.”

“Shut!” Eric commanded, before he turned on his heel and went into the quaint little coffee shop, leaving Lilly staring after him once again in bafflement.

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to him, she told herself. But at the same time, I can’t say he isn’t charming in his own weird way.

“Well, I gotta say,” Liz began, her earlier joking tone suddenly turning more casual as she looked over at Lilly. “I’m honestly happy you came, Lil’. I know you hate going out anywhere so I imagine Eric must’ve really twisted your arm to get you out here.”

Lilly chuckled softly.

Even she knew that should have been the case. Just months earlier, she would never have fathomed leaving the house to go to something as benign and crowded as the tree lighting. The fact that, not only did Eric not have to convince her, but all he did was simply ask was baffling to her. It really put into perspective how much the Magic Club was changing her.

And I’m not even that upset about it. After all, I’m having fun, aren’t I? The time I’m spending with them up in the clubroom have been some of the happiest days of my life. I have friends—people who care about me and who I’m realizing I care about, too. And maybe…

She slowly turned her head to look through the window of the coffee shop to see Eric standing in line. He must’ve realized she was staring since he glanced back and grinned cheerfully back at her.

…I could actually have something more than just simple friendship.

“Twisted my arm?” she whispered. “No. I wouldn’t say that. To be honest…I just thought it would be fun.”

Liz and Damien both eyed her wryly and she was sure they could see through to what she was actually feeling. But, unlike moments earlier, they didn’t tease her about anything.

“Well, I’m glad you’re here,” Damien said. “And I know he is, too.”

“I’d hope so,” she replied, returning their grins with one of her own. “He did invite me, after all.”

Damien laughed at her comment and shrugged. “Fair point.”

After a few more moments of waiting, Eric emerged with two steaming mochas and handed her one. Then, together, the four of them moved off to find a spot in the crowd so they could watch the tree lighting.

***

Hand in hand, Alice Mendez stood with Vinny Mickelson in the crowds surrounding the enormous Christmas tree in the center of town square. It wasn’t illuminated just yet but she knew it would be soon and, once it was, it would be an absolutely beautiful sight. She had come to the event every year since she was born and it still never ceased to amaze her at how stunning the tree could be. She used to go with her family, then when she hit middle school she started going with friends, but that year, she was with Vinny on their first date together.

Ever since the night she found out about The Switch, Alice had been unable to keep Vinny from her thoughts for very long. The way he spoke and the confidence with which he carried himself were far from how the rumors around school portrayed him. He was funny, and clever, and just an all around nice guy. Despite not knowing him very long, he treated her like a good friend.

After she and Jay learned the truth about the stone, she found herself drawn to the Magic Clubroom to hang out with Vinny. That was especially true when cross country ended and she had more free time after school.

They also began talking more in the few classes they had together, which she knew had been drawing the curiosity of the student body. It was as Lilly had said on the phone: the Magic Club was infamous in their grade. The names Eric Reiner, Vinny Mickelson, Elizabeth Tao, and Damien Clark were known by almost everybody and they were individuals that were said to be best avoided. They were supposed to be obnoxious, creepy losers who believed in magic.

But nobody really understands them, she had realized. Sure, they’re a bit out there but that isn’t really a bad thing. And I mean, magic does exist so it’s not like they were wrong.

Alice spared a glance up at Vinny, who was grinning broadly as he looked at the tree, as if in childlike anticipation of it lighting up.

She smiled, too, finding the warmth of his hand in hers comforting. To her, it didn’t matter if she got lumped in with the club. For all of high school, Jay had been her only close friend and she knew he wouldn’t think less of her for wanting to date Vinny. Now, she was actually becoming close with Lilly and even found the other three club members to be strangely fun. So, she didn’t really care what the rest of the school thought.

At the end of the day, she was happier than she had been in a while and that was all that mattered.

“I’m really glad we got to do this,” she said softly.

The boy beside her turned his head at the sound of her voice and laughed merrily. “Definitely. I always thought this event would be perfect for a date so I knew once there was a girl I liked, I’d have no choice but to ask her to come with me.”

“Well, I’m happy that girl was me,” she replied. “And you’re right. It is a pretty romantic event.”

“If not for the hoards of people,” Vinny added with a glance at those crowded around them. “Maybe after this, we ought to stop for a coffee or something. Find somewhere a tad more private.”

Alice nodded. “I’d like that. It sounds fun. And I think I know a good place to…”

She trailed off as she noticed a few snowflakes begin to slowly fall down in front of her. When she looked up, she realized that it had begun to snow, the delicate puffs of white swaying in the soft breeze. Despite the chill, she couldn’t help but to feel cozy, bundled up in her coat with Vinny by her side.

She slowly turned her free hand up so her palm faced skyward and watched as a few flakes settled onto her skin, melting away within seconds due to her body heat.

“The snow’s pretty, isn’t it?” she said happily before lowering her hand back down to her side.

“Pretty?” Vinny muttered with a dubious look. “I dunno about that. I’d probably go with cold or depressing myself.”

She rolled her eyes and laughed. “Oh don’t be like that. It’s not depressing. It’s fun.”

“Fun? Really?” The tone of his voice seemed to be a teasing challenge for her to prove what was actually fun about the weather.

“Yeah, fun!” she stated. “I mean, haven’t you ever had a snowball fight or built a snowman or…made a snow fort?”

“No, no, and no.” He answered each of her questions with a shake of his head. “That sounds like what the protagonists of a terrible holiday romance flick would do.”

She felt herself turn slightly red since it was exactly those types of movies that she had been thinking about.

“Oh, whatever,” she huffed. “Be that way then. But I promise you, with me, you’ll have to learn to like it. In fact, the minute there’s enough snow, you and I are going to build a snowman!”

He shrugged. “Okay, sure.”

“Eh?”

She had expected him to complain or refuse so his immediate response threw her off.

“What?” he asked with a sly grin. “Thought I’d say no to a fun afternoon with you just cause I don’t like the snow? Have more faith in me, Alice my dear.”

“Uh, well…shut up.”

She couldn’t contain her smile and so, she merely stuttered over her words as she tried to respond. Not wanting to look him in the eyes due to her own embarrassment, she looked away into the crowd. However, she immediately wished she hadn’t as her heart suddenly felt like it skipped a beat.

There was a girl her age further into the crowd staring directly at her and, when she turned her head that direction, Alice found herself looking into the girl’s eyes. Instantly, the girl turned away, leaving Alice feeling suddenly sick to her stomach.

“You know her?”

She felt even worse at Vinny’s question, having hoped he hadn’t seen the brief visual exchange with the girl.

“Uh, a bit,” Alice replied, turning to look back up at Vinny’s inquisitive features. “She and I were…friends when we were smaller.”

His expression turned from one of confusion to one of bafflement.

“Friends? You…with Rina Davens?” he asked bewildered.

Alice instantly tensed even more. She had hoped Vinny either wouldn’t have recognized her or wouldn’t have known who she was. Clearly, she had been unlucky on both fronts.

“Um…yeah, a long time ago,” Alice admitted, reaching up to brush some snowflakes from her hair.

Vinny snorted. “Was she less of a bitch back then?”

As much as she hated hearing Vinny talk that way about somebody she once considered a friend, she knew it was probably deserved.

“So you know her?” Alice asked hesitantly.

“Do I?” the boy scowled. “I was in a group with her for a project back in Sophomore year and the entire time, she looked at me like I was scum of the earth. She thought she was the queen of the damn world and did her best to push the work onto me and the other poor soul stuck with us.”

Alice cringed. “Yeah…I guess I can see that. Sorry.”

“Ah, don’t apologize,” he immediately replied. “Not like it was your fault. And anyway, I got her back. I made the shittiest presentation that class has ever seen and got us an ‘F’ on the assignment. That sure taught her.”

Alice looked up at him, stunned. “What? How does that teach her? What about you? What about the other guy?”

Vinny merely shrugged like intentionally flunking a presentation wasn’t a big deal.

“Relax. It was a photo class so I had almost a 100. Flunking that only dropped me to, like, 95 or something. And the other guy was high on every drug imaginable for most of the time so I doubt he even noticed. But I heard it was enough to drop Rina’s class grade to an ‘F’ and she wound up failing the whole thing.”

Alice sighed, finding herself consistently more surprised with each new detail she learned about Vinny. She was starting to realize just how clever he could be, if not a bit vindictive.

“She’s left me alone since, though,” he mused. “Never would have thought somebody as honest and sweet as you would have ever been friends with her.”

Alice shrugged. “She…was different back then. She used to be real close with Jay and…me.”

She hesitated for a moment before deciding to omit her name. It wasn’t something she wanted to discuss with Vinny, especially not at an event as fun as the lighting. She feared he had noticed the brief second of hesitation but, much to her surprise, before he could say anything, the entire crowd began counting down.

“Ten…nine…eight…”

“Oops, didn’t realize we were already starting,” Vinny said with a laugh.

Alice smiled, thankful to be given an out from the conversation and, with Vinny, she joined in the countdown.

“Three…two…one…zero!”

The moment they cheered the last number, the massive tree before them seemed to explode in various colored lights, going from the bottom and all the way to the star at the top. Some twinkled and some were solid, the light shining off the strings of silver and gold garland. As she had expected, it was a stunningly beautiful sight and one that made her hold her breath in awe. The snow gradually falling around the tree added to the serene feeling of the sight and for a moment, Alice was able to forget Rina and her past. All that mattered was that she was there with Vinny.

And she was happy.

***

With her first date with Vinny over, the following Sunday seemed to pass by in a blink and, before she knew it, she was back at school, ready for another week to get through. She was happy that winter break was just two weeks away but at the same time, that meant finals were also two weeks away and she was not ready to put up with that. She was studying like crazy and she was still struggling in math. Luckily, Ellie has been tutoring Brad Fischer by Lilly’s request and so, Alice had joined in on a few sessions for help.

“I still can’t believe you’re dating Vinny Mickelson of all people,” Jay was saying as they ascended the stairs to the third floor of the school.

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” Alice demanded, eyeing her childhood friend with an inquisitive stare.

He put his hands up in defense. “I’m not insulting you or anything. I just never would have pegged a guy like him as being your type. He’s odd as hell…not to mention a bit scary.”

“Of course you’d think he’s scary,” she snapped. “I still don’t think he forgives you for stealing that stone from Lilly. I’m not even sure I do.”

Jay frowned. “Why not?! Lilly forgives me and I already did what Mickelson demanded! What gives?!”

Alice couldn’t help but to smirk at the memory of Vinny’s punishment. The blonde boy had said he would only be forgiven if he was given free reign of Jay’s body for one hour. Jay had begrudgingly agreed when Alice supported Vinny’s idea. She could still remember the shock on Jay’s, or technically Vinny’s, face when Vinny walked straight up to a senior girl and asked her out, only to be met with a look of utter disgust.

“Yeah, yeah,” Alice said. “Fair enough. You did pay your dues, after all. But regardless, I like Vinny. I think he’s a sweet guy.”

Jay snorted. “Sweet? Sadistic, how about?”

“Shut up.”

They rounded a corner into the hall where their lockers were when they both came to a sudden stop. They usually got to school pretty early in the morning so the halls were relatively empty. But that morning, there were about ten people gathered around the spot where Alice’s locker was.

“What the hell?” Jay muttered. “What’s up with them?”

“I…don’t know…” Alice replied.

It was then that one of the girls in the crowd turned around and noticed them. Alice immediately realized it was Ellie but, before she could say anything, the other girl beat her to it.

“Alice!” She exclaimed. “I swear, none of us know what happened! We just found it this way.”

The other students turned to look at Ellie’s words, parting enough to give Alice and Jay a good look at what had happened. Alice immediately went cold as she and Jay rushed forward to get a better look, ignoring the uncomfortable looks from the other students.

Alice’s locker looked as if it had been pried open and her textbooks were laying on the ground in front of it, pages torn out and scattered about. The few notebooks she left there were in similar conditions. What then caught her attention were the few words written across the inner side of the locker door in dark ink.

Kill yourself slut.