Elements: The Gifted
Chapter 10: The Halloween Banquet

I told Jordan that weshould just keep quiet about what I saw and went back to our dorms. I was tiredfrom all the excitement tonight and fell instantly asleep the moment my headhit the pillow. The next day as Jordan, Morgan, Scarlett, and I entered the gym,we saw Abigail, Madilyn, Sarah, and Panty Less Lacey (a nickname that wasinvented when every male in this school constantly started knocking Lacey’sbooks out of her hands, causing her to bend down and show her bare ass) wereall handing out fliers for the Halloween banquet.

“Here losers,” Abigail said as she handed each of us aflier. She shoved mine into my hands, while smiling maliciously at me. All Icould do was stare at her, dumbfounded. She turned around swiftly, causing someof her curly blonde hair to hit me square in the face and sashayed across theroom to hand out the same fliers.

I was spitting hair out of my mouth as Scarlett narrowedher eyes at Abigail. “God, what I wouldn’t give just to smack that girl. She isso obnoxious.”

I nodded in agreement before examining the flier. Itseemed kind of cliché to me, with the same usual black and orange theme colorsand a pumpkin smiling welcomingly at me. Underneath the pumpkin, in whitelettering it said:

Come one andall to the Halloween Banquet this Saturday at 6 o’clock to enjoy an evening offun as you dress up and hang with friends.

There will bemusic, candy, games and prizes.

It’s sure tobe creeptacular!

“’Creeptacular!” Isnorted. “God, how cheesy can you get.”

“I’m sure Abigail and her groupies helped write all thatcrap,” Morgan said, eyeing the flier with distaste. “It wouldn’t be the firsttime they made crappy fliers.” He turned his stony gaze towards Jordan. “Rememberlast year around Christmas when they made fliers for that stupid Christmas party.”

“How could I? They made me help pass themout.”

“’Come to this holly jolly event.’” Morgan said, in ahigh pitched voice, probably imitating Abigail. I couldn’t help but giggle.“’It will be so much fun and you’ll get to meet the real Santa Clause.’”

“It didn’t say that.” Jordan said blank faced.

“I know. I was just…improvising a bit. But you get thepicture,” he said to me. “They make stupid fliers. And to think – this is justthe beginning.”

Suddenly we heard the sound of a whistle blowing andlooked to see Mr. Howl, gazing icily at us. “Why aren’t any of you in thelocker rooms getting ready for today’s lesson?”

None of us had an appropriate answer to give him so wequickly escaped to the changing rooms.

“That’s what I thought.” I heard him say as Jordan,Morgan, Scarlett, and I split up into two groups, rushing towards the girl’sand boy’s locker rooms to get changed for today’s lesson.

There were only four remaining girls that were stillchanging into their PE uniforms and they were Abigail, Lacey, Madilyn and Sarah.Scarlett and I ignored whatever Abigail said as we entered the changing rooms,while grabbing our PE uniforms, which were black sweat pants and white tank tops.We quickly put our school uniforms in our lockers and made our way back out tothe gym, where Mr. Howl already had the class doing jumping jacks.

I took my place beside Jordan as I started pumping myarms and legs, while jumping in place until Mr. Howl blew his whistle, orderingus to do thirty pushups. At first it was almost impossible for me to do pushupswhen I first got here. Now, it almost seemed effortless. I guess when you do itoften enough your muscles begin to get used to the exercise because the firstweek we did pushup the muscles in my arms ached for days.

When we were done with that, Mr. Howl had us do ten lapsaround the gym. I ran beside Jordan and tried to ignore the fact that my legswere about to give out (although I was more worried about tripping over my feetand busting my head open). I heard a choir of angels singing “Hallelujah” as wefinished the last lap and took a seat at the bleachers as Mr. Howl told us whatwe were doing today.

“Today we will be getting into two teams and are going toplay dodge ball. I take it everyone has played this game, yes?”

Unfortunately. Of course I’m always one of the first toget smacked around with a ball so I won’t be participating in this game for toolong.

“I’m going to choose two team leaders and it’s your jobto serve the ball.”

I felt my heart beating chaotically in my chest. Please don’t pick me, please don’t pick me.I chanted over and over.

“Hmmm…Spencer Mason – why don’t you be the leader for thered team.” I groaned inwardly, but got up from my spot and walked to where Mr.Howl stood, looking sterner as usual. I scanned my class as I stood in front ofthem, my face burning bright red. Why me?I thought.

Of course things only got worse when Mr. Howl announcedthe other team leader. “Abigail Westchester – you’re the captain of team blue.”

“Oh, great.” I muttered.

“What was that, Ms. Mason?” Mr. Howl asked curiously.

“U-uh nothing s-sir.” I stammered.

“Oh.” he seemed bemused. “I thought you said something.”

I just shook my head as Abigail took her place on Mr.Howl’s right, smiling wickedly at me. “You’re teams going down.”

Yeah, I’m not going to argue with her. I know we’re goingdown.

“You girls need to start choosing people for your teams,”Mr. Howl said as he made his way to his chair that stood in the right handcorner of the gym. I watched idly as he took a seat, while pulling out a newspaperthat had been hidden under his chair and started reading. I sighed, feelingtired all of sudden. This is not going to end well.

“Please,” Abigail said a bit too sweetly. “You pickfirst.”

“Okay,” I said, feeling uncertain. What is she up too? Ididn’t have to scan the class to know who my first pick would be. “Jordan.”

Jordan jumped up and rushed to my side, shooting Abigaila look I couldn’t quite decipher. He smiled encouragingly at me as Abigail wentnext. “Cameron.”

I was a bit relieved and not entirely surprised. She was crazy in love with him. Camerondidn’t look to happy about being on her team, but as long as it makes Abigailless cranky.

I felt my cheeks burn when he winked at me. I tried toignore him as I called Scarlett next. I heard her squeal in delight as shequickly came to my side, hugging me in the process. “Thank you, thank you,thank you. I’m so glad you picked me next. Otherwise, Abigail would have.” Sureenough, as I looked towards Abigail, I could see a look of loathing spreadacross her face. Jeesh – it’ Scarlett, not some pro-dodge player. Unless I’mwrong and Scarlett’s really good at dodge ball, which I didn’t believe.Scarlett dislikes sports as much as I do. There’s no way…

“Madilyn.” Abigail said, still throwing me dirty looks.

I glared in return. “Morgan.”

“Lacey.”

“Alicia.”

“Jamie.”

On and on we went until it came down to the two lastpeople. And that was Amy Thompson – an ice user like me – and Alex. I feltashamed of myself. How could I have forgotten about him? He should have beenone of the first people I should have picked. Not that he’s good in sports oranything like that, but because he’s always picked last and I know – fromexperience – how hurtful that can be. Then again, he can be so quiet that youforget he’s here.

Everybody was holding their breath as they waited for meto pick. I didn’t have to think twice.

“Alex.”People from my team were flabbergasted, while others like Jordan, Morgan, andScarlett remained impassive. They didn’t seem surprised by my chose.

Now Alex on the other hand looked completely taken aback.I guess he thought I was going to choose Amy over him, which was absurd. I likeAmy a lot. Although she may not like me very much after having chosen Alex overher, giving her no chose but to play for Abigail’s team. I smiledapologetically at her, which she ignored. Yep. She is definitely mad.

Oh,well.

Alex walked towards our team. I wasn’t surprised when hewent to the very back of the group, trying to keep a wide berth from the restof us. Oh, Alex, I thought sadly. Keeping your distance is never going to getyou anywhere.

“Alright,” Mr. Howl said. “It’s time to play dodge ball.Remember, there will be no cheating, no fighting, and no magic involved as weplay this game! We are here to have fun and just let off some steam. Now, Iwant the red team on the left side of the gym and then the blue team on theright.”

My team and I quickly moved to the left as Abigail andher team got into positions on the right side of the gym. Mr. Howl handed us both a dodge ball – whichfelt unsafe in my hands – before holding his whistle to his lips. The soundfrom the whistle seemed to ricochet off the stone walls, causing some studentsto cover their ears. We both instantly threw the dodge ball at each other, butto my dismay, I ended up hitting Amy instead, probably causing her to hate meeven more. Sure enough, she glared at me before stalking back to the bleachers,never taking her green, piercing eyes off me. Jeesh – talk about overreaction.

It didn’t take long before I was out, and withuncontained happiness, I skipped over to the bleachers and sat down. I notedwith surprise that Scarlett was still in the game and doing exceptionally well.No wonder Abigail gave me the death stare earlier. She was pretty good.

Only three people from my team sat on the bleachers. Theyseemed a bit disappointed that they weren’t still in the game. Well, maybeexcept Alex. He seemed just as thrilled to have evaded such a tactless game.

By some impulse I couldn’t understand, I started walkingup the bleachers to where he sat and took a seat by him. He seemed to pretend Iwasn’t there.

I sighed, exasperated. “What’s with the silent treatment?You’ve been ignoring me almost a month now. What gives?”

Still no answer. His blue eyes continued to starestraight ahead, watching the game.

“Is it because I called you Alex that one day?” I thinkhe rolled his eyes, but I’m not sure. I couldn’t really tell from this angle.“Okay. Is it because I picked you last for our team?”

“Do you ever shut up?” he asked, finally turning to lookat me. I tried to read his face, looking for any sign that showed he was mad.He looked more annoyed then anything.

“Not really.” I answered.

“No, I’m not mad that you called me Alex. Why would I bemad about that? No, I’m not mad at you for picking me last. Sadly, I’m used tothat.”

“Well, I was going to pick you,” I said hastily, tryingto explain myself. I blushed, feeling embarrassed. “But I—“

“Forgot about me. Yeah, I’m used to that too.”

“I’m sorry.”

For the first time since I’ve met him, he smiled gentlyat me. “I know.” I was completely taken aback by his words. I didn’t know whatto say. “I could see the guilt plain as day on your face. Including thatannoying empathic look you gave me. So you don’t have to explain anything.”

I sighed, relaxing slightly. “So you’re not mad.”

He frowned. “What part of this face shows that I’m mad?”

“Besides the scowl?” I asked teasingly. “None I suppose.”

It worked – he smiled. “You think you’re so funny, don’tyou.”

I just nodded, smiling in return.

I was just about to say something probably even moreidiotic when the sound of a whistle echoed loudly in the gym, causing both Alexand I to cover our ears.

We looked towards Mr. Howl as he gestured to the leftside of the gym, where Scarlett still remained. “Team red wins!”

People from my team, including Jordan and Morgan, whoopedloudly at this news. I was so proud of Scarlett and a bit grateful that shehelped win the game. Even though I really don’t care much about sports and Ithink they’re a punishment for clumsy people like myself – some part of mehoped that we would win, just so I could rub it in Abigail’s face. Sure enough,Scarlett and the rest of our team started singing “We Are the Champions” byQueen, while making loser signs with their thumps and forefingers at the blueteam. Watching Abigail getting all huffy puffy was just enough to make this daya good one.

During lunch we told Miaand Gabrielle of our victory during PE.

“Well,” Morgan said, a bit gruffly, after Gabby and Miawere done congratulating us. “We would have never won if it hadn’t been for…”he took a deep, unsteadying breath. “For Blackthorn.” He seemed to cringe as he choked on her lastname.

Everyone gaped at Morgan except Scarlett. She smiledsmugly. “Aw. Thanks Grey.”

He frowned, but didn’t reply as he went back to eating.

“So I was thinking,” Gabrielle said. “That maybe weshould go into town and go costumes shopping. Since the Halloween banquet isthis Saturday, we might as well get it over with.”

“Do we have to wear a costume?” Scarlett asked.

“Well no, but you’re going to stick out like a sore thumbif you don’t.” She looked at Morgan then, while rubbing her elbow in his ribsplayfully. “Huh buddy.”

He just scoffed and continued to ignore her.

“I don’t think Halloween and costumes are my thing.” Isaid.

“Are you not going?” Jordan asked, perplexed.

I bit my lip, feeling conflicted. In all honesty, Ididn’t want to. Of course, I couldn’tbring myself to tell my friends that.

“But you have too.” Mia said. “Besides it wouldn’t be thesame without you. You’re like…the stick in our group. Or the rock. I’m notreally sure which.”

I grimaced. “Gee thanks, Mia. I feel even more compelledto go to the Halloween banquet now.”

Scarlett patted her friend on the back gently. “You poorblonde.”

Mia was still staring at me. She seemed confused. “Wereyou being sarcastic?”

“Yes.”

“Oh. Okay. Well…I still want you to come.”

“I might.” Though I wasn’t going to make any promises. Iwonder if I can talk to Alex and see if maybe I could hang out with him whilethe banquet is going on. I’m almost positive that he won’t go. It doesn’t seemlike his thing.

“Well, come with us anyway and buy a costume just in caseyou change your mind.” Gabrielle said.

“I think you’re forgetting that I have no money. Andsince my mom is in the Powerless world and is unable to give me money—“

“I’ll buy one for you,” She interrupted me hastily. “It’sno problem. I have more money then I need anyway. I’m with Mia. I really wantyou to come because she is right. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

“Hear, hear.” Jordan said in a way of agreement.

“Alright.” I agreed, but turned towards Jordan, narrowingmy eyes at him. “But don’t make me doanything that I don’t want to do.”

“Like…”

“Like make me go dancing. There is no way in hell.Besides,” I said, crossing my arms. “I don’t dance.”

“I believe it.” Morgan said, talking with his mouth full.We were all used to it by now that it didn’t faze any of us. “The way you arein PE,” he shook his head sadly. “Nobody within mere inches of you will survivethe catastrophe that you’re sure to cause.”

“Hear, hear.” Jordan said again.

“Will you stop that?” I demanded. Jordan was smiling hugely,his face amused. “It’s annoying.”

“Hear, hear.” Morgan said, smiling impishly.

I made a loud, exasperating sound, causing some people inthe nearby tables to turn and look at me oddly. “You Grey boys are too much.”

They both smiled widely at that statement.

When I got back to my roomlater that evening, I threw my costume on my bed and went straight to my deskto start on my homework. Jordan said that we would meet later and do thepatrolling thing, which gave me a little time to catch up on some stuff. I wasnearly done with everything when I heard a knock at my door. I got up andopened to see Jordan, covered from almost head to toe in leather, with hisChinese sword strapped to his back. He looked badass.

“Areyou ready to go kick some demon butt?”

No. “Yeah, just let me get dressed real fast.”

Jordan closed the door behind himself before walkingaround, scrutinizing my room. “Huh. I never would have pegged you as the girlytype.”

“Why?” I thought it was obvious. My favorite color waspink, I loved flowers, and I had thing for romance novels and movies. Not tomention, I can be very prissy.

“I don’t know. You just…don’t act like normal girlssometimes.”

I grabbed the leather pants and the white tank top I woreyesterday from my hamper, while kicking the bathroom door closed behind me. Iquickly stripped out of my uniform and into my fighting clothes.

“I’ma normal girl.”

“Not always. Most girls talk about clothes and boys –you, well, hardly talk at all. Real girlsblabber all the time.”

“Um, it’s called being shy.” I said as I came out of thebathroom. I closed the door behind me. “A lot of girls are.”

“Not Alicia.” He said dreamily.

“Yeah, well, I’m Spencer and she’s Alicia. We are bothtwo different girls.”

“No kidding.”

I rolled my eyes, but didn’t reply. I was ready to go andget this night over with. My Sais were already strapped to my hips, ready forbattle. I hadn’t used them yet against a demon, but I was ready too. Ishuddered involuntarily, thinking about last night again and the hooded figure.

As if by reading my mind, he asked the unspoken questionthat was still lingering in the back of my head. “You don’t think we’ll see him tonight, do you?”

I shrugged, nonchalant. “Who knows? But if we do we’llrun back to the academy with our tails between our legs.”

“I still think we should tell headmaster Death. He wouldwant to know about something like this, especially if it involves a student.”

“I will soon, but not right now. I have other things toworry about besides Azazel stalking me.”

For once, Jordan didn’t scold me for saying his name.Instead he stared at me in disbelief. ”Are you serious? The most feared man inEden is after you and you’re more worried about other things!”

I didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”

“What is wrong with you? Seriously. Most people in yourshoes would have been running for their lives by now. You don’t even look thatworried.”

“Because I’m not. Why should I be scared? I mean, I wasscared last night, but what is the worst Azazel can do. Kill me?” Jordanwinced, but didn’t reply. “People die every day. It’s just how it is.” Hedidn’t even try to hide the fear in his eyes. I sighed. “The more you fear him,the more you’re letting him win, Jordan.”

“You’re not afraid?”

“Oh, I am. But I’m more pissed off then scared. He is the reason why I didn’t have a dadgrowing up. Azazel is the reason why my dad is not here. I think my hatred forthe man overrules any type of fear.”

“Wow.” Jordan said, stunned. It was quiet for a couple ofminutes. “Yeah, that proves my theory.”

“What theory?”

“That you are definitely not like other girls.”

We patrolled all throughHallowville, looking for any sign of demonic activity, but also kept an eye outfor the hooded figure – or Azazel, whatever you want to call the bastard. It’sstill hard to believe that I saw him. Death’s words from the night I met himstarted running through my head. Well,you haven’t met him. And when you do – you’ll never forget him. Deathhadn’t been exaggerating about Azazel being memorable. I wondered if he knewwho I was. If I didn’t hate the guy so much, I probably would have beendemanding answers about my father. If anyone knew him best, it was him.

Jordan and I were just about to giveup hunting when a demon materialized out of nowhere, staggering towards us fromthe shadows. It was tall, dark, and ugly asmost demons are. I almost mistook it for a person at first. From a distance,anyone would have mistaken it for a human. Of course, looking at it up close,you could definitely tell it wasn’t.It stood about six feet tall, with its arms hanging limply to about his hips.Its skin was so gray and its hair so black that it almost looked like it hadcome from one of those old black and white movies. It’s long, tangled hair cameto about its waist and it’s unattractive features like it’s eyes, nose, andlips looked practically morphed together. I noted that its eyes were the colorof onyx. The way it shuffled towards us made me think of a zombie.

“What the hell is that thing? Is ita demon?” Because at this point I was kind of unsure.

“Yeah,” he said, not taking his grayeyes off the creature that was still stumbling towards us. “But be careful. Ifthat thing bites you then you’re in trouble.”

“What do you mean?” I asked. “What will happen?”

“Well, let’s just say zombies do exist because of these demons. One bite and you’re one of them –one of the non mortuus.”

“What does that mean?” It was Latin – that much I knew.

“It’s means undead. It’s also the name of the demon.”

“Great.” I was proud to hear that I was able to still usesarcasm. I figured with the dilemma we were in that my witty thoughts had runaway screaming, leaving me alone with nothing but a panic-stricken mind. What arelieve. “So what do we do? How do we kill it?”

“The way you kill any zombie,” he said. “By beheading itor a blow to the head. That usually gets the job done.”

“So you’ve killed this kind of demon before.” I said withrelieve. Suddenly all my worries seemed to dissipate until Jordan saidsheepishly, “Well…not exactly—“

I cut him off, feeling outraged. “You mean to tell me you’venever killed an non mortuus before!”

My loud voice must have startled the demon because now hewas charging at us, its arms flailing behind him as he ran. “Now look what youdid.” Jordan snapped. “You pissed it off with your loud, shrilly voice.”

“MY VOICE IS NOT SHRILLY!” I yelled, feeling quiteoffended by that statement. Besides I had a normal, high-pitched girl voice.There was nothing shrilly about it. “And what about you? You probably scared itwith your low, guy voice.”

“That didn’t make any sense.”

“I’m not shrilly!”

The demon yowled and gurgled as it attacked us, causingboth of us to forget what it was we were arguing about. We took a couple stepsback as Jordan and I unsheathed our weapons, watching the demon closely as itstared at us with craze-filled eyes. I noted that its dark eyes kept flittingto the weapons that we had grasped in our hands. I didn’t like the calculatinglook it had on its face.

“I thought zombies were supposed to be slow and stupid.”

“Zombies are slowand stupid, but this isn’t exactly a zombie that we’re dealing with here. It’sa creature that creates zombies. The non mortuus is why zombies exist in thefirst place.”

“Well, excuse me,” Isaid, not liking his attitude one bit. “How was I supposed to know that? Andit’s not like I didn’t know zombies existed until you told me they did exist about five minutes ago.”

“Spencer,” Jordan said, sounding tired all of sudden.“Don’t make this harder than it already is.”

“I’m not trying to make it hard. I just don’t like yougetting mad at me.”

“I’m not mad at you! What made you assume that I was madin the first place?”

“Now look what youdid,” I said in low, grumbling voice – trying to imitate his voice fromearlier. “You pissed it off with yourloud, SHRILLY VOICE!”

The demon seemed to howl as my voice rose at that lastpart. Jordan stared at the demon in front of us, eyeing him wearily. “Stop it.”he said. “You’re scaring him.”

I looked away from Jordan and at the non mortuus. Sure enough it was trembling. “Maybe it’s cold.”

Jordan looked back at me blankly. “Yeah. That’s exactlyit.”

I sighed, exasperated. I could not believe this! Here wewere in the middle of the street, having a heated argument over something sosilly, with a zombie demon standing only a couple inches away from us, and yetwe were more focused on yelling and making smart remarks at each other! Iwondered why it hadn’t tried to attack us. We were completely oblivious to itspresence. All it had to do was walk right up to one of us and feast to itshearts content. Hell, we probably wouldn’t even notice. But no. It just stoodstill as Jordan and I continued to argue, looking back in forth as if watchinga tennis match. At one point I could almost say it looked amused if I couldhave read its face properly.

“Why are we still arguing about this? It’s ridiculous,”Jordan’s face went from angry to curious, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Is itthat time of the month?”

I growled. “No, it’s not that time of the month!” Althoughit was, but I wasn’t going to tell him that. I was unconsciously flailing myarms in the air, my Sais still in hand. “Why do men always think that when agirl is in a bad mood that they instantly assume she is on her period? MyGod—“I felt one of the Sais fly out of my hands, while also hearing the sound of something collapsing to theground. Jordan and I both turned slowly in the direction that the demon hadbeen in and saw it lying flat on the ground, one of my Sais protruding from itsforehead.

“Well,” Jordan said, breaking the eerie and somewhatuncomfortable silence. “That’s one way to kill the non mortuus.”

I used my fire magic toincinerate the monster. It wasn’t easy. The smell of its rotting flesh beingburned had me coughing and gagging the whole time that I practically had tostop every five seconds just to take a breather. It was horrible. When wefinally had its ashes, we put it into a small jar and headed back to theacademy to give it to Headmaster Death. He seemed quite tickled as to how wehad killed the non mortuus.

“Yep,” Death said, with an impish grin on his handsomeface. “The Sais really do suit you, Spencer. Keep up the good work you two.” Ittook everything I had not to roll my eyes at him as Jordan and I left hisoffice.

As we walked through the courtyard together, I suddenlyrealized something: Jordan and I just had our first real fight. True, it wasn’tas bad as most fights go, but it was still a fight nonetheless and I didn’twant to leave things the way they were. After all, Jordan was my best friend.

“Wait a minute, Jordan.” I grabbed his wrist, causing himto come to a halt. We were just outside the building to the dormitories. Jordaneyed me curiously.

“What is it, Spence?”

I sighed in relieve at the sound of his voice. He didn’tsound mad.

“I’m sorry I snapped at you earlier over something sostupid. I don’t like fighting with you. I want you to know that you are themost amazing friend any girl can have. Can you forgive me?”

Jordan smiled gently at me. “Of course, Spencer. Always.And I kind of get why you were so angry and upset. I know battling demons isn’tyour favorite thing in the world. I should have been more understanding so I’msorry too.”

“Well,” I said, swinging our hands playfully togetherbetween us. “You are forgiven my irrational friend.”

“Irrational. Me? Naw, I think you’re thinking of my twinbrother.”

I smiled. “Oh, yeah. How could I forget about Mr. Hothead?How silly of me.”

“You can’t help that you’re messed up in the head.”

“Gee thanks.”

“You are very welcome.”

I continued to smile as we walked hand-in-hand back toour dorm rooms. For some unfathomable reason I felt someone’s eyes on me. Ilooked up at one of the many windows from the fourth floor and saw the figureof someone looking down at us. I couldn’t tell who it was, but I had a feelingI knew who might be.

The next day everybodychatted about the Halloween banquet that was going to take place tomorrownight. I was outside in the courtyard Friday with Mia and Gabrielle. We didn’thave school that day so we just watched as some students started setting upbooths, a dance floor and a small stage where I assumed the DJ or whateverwould be stationed during the evening of the banquet. The black and orangecanopy hanging above the dance floor seemed like too much, but I wasn’t goingto tell them that.

“It looks…good.” Mia said, her voice sounding uncertain.She turned towards us. “What do you guys think?”

“Well, it looks like something a Halloween banquet wouldlook like.” I said.

“Itlooks like a pumpkin threw up all over the courtyard.” Gabrielle grimaced.

Mia and I laughed at that.

“Seriously though,” she continued. “An orange and blackcanopy! Really people?”

“It does seem a bit tacky.” I replied.

“Well,” Mia said. “Regardless of how awful it looks, it’sstill going to be fun.”

Gabrielle smiled, looking directly at me. “Hear, hear.”

I just flipped her off, knowing she was just trying to bea smartass.

She laughed before asking Mia questions about what theyshould do tomorrow during the banquet. I wasn’t too interested in theconversation so I continued with my work after that.

When the day was finally coming to a close, and my friendsand I were leaving the cafeteria after a satisfying dinner, I decided to sneakup to the roof to see if Alexander was there. After all, I hadn’t seen himduring dinner time so I just assumed he ate his meal up there. And I really wanted to talk to him. So Ilied to my friends, telling them that I had an assignment to finish up in thelibrary. Jordan offered to come with me, but I told him that he should just goand hang out with Alicia.

“Are you sure?” He asked, uncertainly. “Because I don’tmind coming with you.”

“It’s fine,” I replied. “And besides you’ll onlydistract me if your there so it’s best if I go alone.”

Jordan was eyeing me suspiciously, which had me wonderingif he was searching through my thoughts to replace out if I was lying or not. Soto be on the safe side, I started thinking about math homework.

“Hmmm…okay. But if you get lonely you know howto contact me.” He left with the others then, pausing every now and again toturn around to check on me, I guess.

I waved and when he and the others were out of sight, Isighed in relieve. Even though I hated lying to Jordan, I knew it was for thebest. Otherwise he would do everything in his power to keep me away from Alexand that was the last thing I wanted. As I walked up the staircase to the topfloor, I wondered something. Why did Jordan and the others think that Alex wasanything like Azazel? I’ve heard that he looks a great deal like his father,but that don’t necessarily mean that he ishis father. From what I’ve heard of Azazel and what I’ve seen from Alex,they seemed like totally different people. Yes, Alex isolated himself fromothers and he acts like a complete jerk, but I know he is a good person atheart. It’s just no one has given him the chance to proof that side of him. Then again, my subconscious said. It would help if he didn’t push everyoneaway. I couldn’t help but agree with her.

When I made it to the top floor, I went straight for thedoor. Again, I was relieved to replace it unlocked. I wonder what Alexander woulddo if the staff suddenly started locking this door, leaving him with no placeto hide from others. What would he do then? I opened the door slightly, peekingthrough the crack to see if he was out there. It was hard at first. It was sodark that it took a second for my eyes to adjust to the darkness. The onlylight was the full moon, shining brightly and giving just enough light to seeon the rooftop. It looked amazing from this view. It was bright and huge,looking very beautiful in the sky where it belonged. My eyes searched aroundthe roof before seeing the silhouette of someone sitting on the ledge of theroof. It was Alex. He had his arms wrapped around his legs, while staring offinto the distance. I wonder what he’s thinking about. I closed the doorsilently behind me and approached him with caution, just in case he tried toshoot fireballs at me.

“Hey,” I said, my voice ringing through the quiet night.Alex jumped at the sound of my voice and turned around. I was almost worriedthat he was going to fall off the roof. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startleyou.”

“What are you doing up here?”

“I wanted talk to you.”

He frowned, seeming defensive “And why do you want to talk to me?”

I felt my hand twitch. God, I wanted to smack him.“Really, Alex? Why must you alwaysantagonize everyone that tries to get close to you?”

Alex scoffed softly at that. “Nobody has ever tried to makean effort to get close to me, princess and I prefer it that way.”

“Do you really?” I asked, not truly convinced. “Do youreally like being alone all the time? Because I didn’t when I was. I wishedevery day that I would meet someone who could accept me for who I am. Now that Ihave I’m a lot happier. You will be too if you will only let me in.”

Alex narrowed his eyes at me. I took a couple steps back.I’m starting to understand why people are terrified of him. “Are you and Jaredtogether?”

I was confused. Who the hell is Jared? Then I realized hemust have meant Jordan. “That’s not his name. It’s—”

“Whatever.” He said coldly. He turned around, pointedlyignoring me.

I frowned. “No, I’m not dating him. Why would you thinkthat?”

“BecauseI saw you two holding hands last night. I just assumed. Either way I don’t care.”

So it had beenAlex that I felt watching me last night. My heart started pounding loudly in mychest. I wouldn’t be surprised if Alex could hear it from where he was sitting.My recurring frown appeared once more as I thought of something. Why would heask me if Jordan and I were dating if he didn’t care in the first place?

“Well,”I said, a bit breathlessly. “I can assure you that nothing is going on betweenme and my N’Sync.”

Alex eyes flickered to my right wrist, where the brandingmark of the half star that showed I was connected to another person. “I didn’tknow that you and Jared—“

“It’sJordan.”

“Whatever. I didn’t know that you and Jordan were N’Sync together. I guess itmakes sense, though.”

“What do you mean ‘It makes sense’?”

“It’s just the way you two act around each other, whichbrought on the question if you two were dating or not. But like I said, I couldcare less.”

“I see.”

“So what brought you up here to talk to me? Is itimportant or something?”

I blushed. I hope he couldn’t see well in the dark. “Notexactly.”

“Then what do you want?” he snapped.

I had to blink a couple times to keep from glaring.Fighting will get us nowhere. “I was just coming to ask if you were going tothe Halloween banquet tomorrow.”

I couldn’t understand his reaction. He seemed almost…horrified.“And why on earth would I go to that? It’s a stupid holiday where people dressup and visit strangers for candy. It’s...lame.”

I stifled the smile that was trying to spread across myface. That’s kind of how I felt about Halloween as well. “I couldn’t agreemore.”

“Then why are you asking me if I’m going if you thinkit’s stupid too?”

“Well, I was just wondering. My friends are kind ofmaking me go. I don’t want too, but I figured if you were there we could, um,hang out or something.” Boy, can I ask a guy out, or what?

I waited for Alex to say something, but he just continuedto stare at me wordlessly. Crap. I just made it awkward.

“But if you don’t want too that’s okay. I was justwondering because I didn’t want you to be alone tomorrow—“

“I’m always alone,” he interrupted me, while staring offinto the distance, for once looking very forlorn. I felt my heart beatpainfully in my chest. I was actually surprised that he was showing hisvulnerable side. “I’m used to it. So don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. Youjust…have fun tomorrow for me, okay.”

God, he is so mercurial. I cannot keep up with him. Hedislikes me one minute then he says stuff like that. It’s mind boggling.

“What are you going to do?” I whispered. “Hang out hereall day?”

Alex smiled a tight smile. “Something like that.” Hisblue eyes seemed to shine brighter than the moon as he gazed at me. “Don’tworry about me, Spencer. I’ll be okay.”

I gasped at the sound of my name coming from his lips. Itwas the most beautiful sound I had ever heard. No one has ever said my namewith such meaning before.

Iforced myself to smile. “Okay.” Of course it disappeared as I started headingfor the door, ready to leave when I heard him say my name again.

“Spencer, wait.”

I turned around. He was staring at me in a totally differentway. His eyes seemed softer and his smile more genuine. “Thank you.”

I didn’t say anything. Hell, I couldn’t. Somehow I’d lostmy voice and all I could do was smile back at him, feeling pleased that he wasactually being nice to me. And as we continued to stare at one another in thehuge space between us – I had all of these emotions and thoughts hitting me allat once. I didn’t know what the scariest part was. Part of me wanted to run tohim and take Alex into my arms, while some other part wanted to get away fromhim as fast as possible. And I didn’tknow if it was because of the sudden change that made him seem like a betterperson, or because I was scared of really falling for him. And if that was thecase then I knew for sure I was going to get burned.

I spent most of themorning getting ready for the stupid Halloween banquet. Of course my head wasup in the clouds as I kept repeating last night over and over again in my head.Had I finally gotten to Alex? Did last night mean that we were friends now?Does he feel the same way I do? These were questions I couldn’t stop askingmyself.

I never considered myself one of those girlswho hung out in the bathroom all day, while they did their hair and put makeup on,but that’s what I did. I shaved; blow dried my hair, put my hair up in pigtails, and then got dressed. I wasn’t too keen on makeup. Every time I wore it,my face would itch.

Thecostume that was sprawled across my bed looked more like a shirt then a dress.I picked it up and held it against my body as I looked in the mirror. Jeesh. I’mgoing to look more like sex on legs then Red Riding Hood. I sighed, and let thetowel slip down my body and onto the floor as I put on the wretched costume.Why had I let Scarlett pick out my costume for me? I should have got Gabrielleto do it. I wanted to gouge my eyes out as I looked at myself in the mirror.Words like The Little Riding Ho keptrepeating in my head. The little red and black dress came to about my thighs. IfI happen to bend over tonight, I’m sure to make some lucky guy’s night. Then Iremembered I had some black tights I could wear under the dress. It’s better than looking like a ho, mysubconscious said. I sifted through my draws and found some tights. As I putthem on, I decided that wearing my black boots would go really well with thecostume. That way I could look like Red Riding Hood – The Demon Hunter. When Ihad my red hood and boots strapped on, and my Sais stashed away in my basket, Idecided it was time to meet up with my friends. I looked at myself one moretime. I couldn’t help but smile at the improvement. Feeling quite satisfiedwith myself, I left my room with uncontained excitement as I went to go searchfor my friends.

I found them easily enough. They were all downstairs,hanging around the fireplace, laughing and teasing one another as they alwaysdo. I walked down the stairs slowly, my hands gripping the banister in case Iwas to trip over my own feet and start tumbling down the stairs. I almost lostmy balance when I saw Alex down there too. He was sitting in a red arm chairaway from everyone, with his feet propped up on the coffee table. He lookedquite oblivious to everything and everyone around him as he had his head bentover something. How odd. He’s neveraround people if he can help it. He’s usually in his room or up on the roof.

“Hey Spencer,” I jumped at the sound of my name beingcalled and looked over near the fireplace where Jordan and the others stilllingered, waving at me to come and join them. I smiled and waved backsheepishly. I wonder what they think of my costume. I hope it wasn’t to much.

As if by reading my mind, Morgan shouted, “Whoa. What animprovement. Mason – you look hot!”

I wanted to frown at Morgan’s words, but all I could dowas feel myself blush. I saw all the people downstairs turn to look at me. Theyseemed to gawk at me as they scanned me from head to toe, making feel even moreself-conscious. I noticed Cameron was eyeing me a little longer than wasnecessary. Ugh. Thanks a lot, Morgan. Ithought sarcastically. Then, by some compulsion I couldn’t understand, I lookedback over to where Alex sat. He was looking at me like everybody else, but hisexpression was a little different, unlike the other boys. His face seemed to soften as he looked at me,his blue eyes gazing at me with…sadness. I did a double take at that. Why washe sad? He smiled a tiny smile at me before going back to whatever he was doing.I don’t understand what that smile was about, but I didn’t like it. Not onebit. Some part of me wanted to march over there and demand what was wrong, butI knew he wouldn’t tell me, even if we were alone. Suddenly I felt exhaustedand just wanted to go back to sleep.

I felt someone grab my wrist and saw that it was Jordan,looking all handsome in a black T-Shirt and blue jeans. His beautiful, longsilver hair was pulled back into a ponytail. He looked really sexy.

I smiled. “Where’s your costume, handsome? Or did youforget it was Halloween.”

He rolled his eyes. “I don’t do the whole-costume-thing.”

“Right, because you’re a tough, badass demon hunter. Howcould I forget?”

He pulled one of my pig tails, which caused me to squeallike a little girl, before leading me back to where our group was seated. Inoted that Alicia and Jennifer were with our group today.

It was great being surrounded by friends. And as thehours went by, I realized that I was really enjoying myself. Of course, when Iwould look in the corner where Alex sat, I couldn’t help but feel like I shouldbe over there with him. When it came time for the Halloween banquet, everyonegrabbed their Halloween buckets, and gathered into groups as we made our wayout to the courtyard. When our group swung through the doors, we all stopped inour tracks, looking at the so-called-banquet in front of us. I had to admitthat Gabrielle was right. It really looked like a pumpkin threw up all over theplace. The black and orange canopy hanging above the dance floor was strung upwith what looked like Christmas lights, making it look even tackier thenbefore. The whole courtyard seemed to be filled with concession stands and gamebooths, all of them having some sort of Halloween theme to them. Everywhere youlooked, there were hay stacks and pumpkins with different carvings. Some werethe traditional, while others tried making cats, ghosts etc. The stage that wasfacing the dance floor had huge speakers, with a song I didn’t recognize blastingat top volume. The music was so loud I could feel the beat under my feet.

“So where too, guys?” Gabrielle asked, looking verybeautiful in her red satin and lace Victorian dress. Her long, brown hair waspulled back in an elegant bun, making her look very much like a princess.

“I want to go dancing.” Scarlett said.

Mia’s blue eyes seemed to widen at Scarlett’s answer.“Ooh dancing. That sounds like fun!”

“Then go dancing,” Morgan said, piqued. “No one’sstopping you.”

Mia just frowned, while Scarlett stuck her tongue out athim. “Take that, Grey.”

“Ooh a tongue. I’m so scared.”

They both glared at him before scurrying towards thedance floor, arm-in-arm, looking like twins in their cat costumes.

“From the back it’s almost hard to tell them apart.”Jennifer said.

“You know,” Alicia said as she unconsciously twirled herbrown hair. “They could almost pass as sisters.” Alicia and Jennifer had dressed up as Disneyprincesses. Alicia was dressed up as Belle from Beauty in the Beast, while Jennifer was dressed up as Tatianna,from The Princess and the Frog. Atleast I think that was the name of that last princess. I only watched it once.

“Those two don’t look anything a like,” Morgan argued. “Mia’s blonde, while Scarlett’s got blackhair,” He narrowed his eyes in Scarlett’s direction. “Like her soul.”

Jordan just face palmed himself.

“Okay Captain Cranky,” Gabrielle said, while grabbing hiseye patch and pulling it back roughly. “Stop being a jerk.” She released theeye patch, causing it to smack him right in the eye. I flinched at the sound asthe eye patch snapped back into place. He yowled in pain as he clutched hiseye.

“Holy crap,” Hescreamed in agony. “Why must you always torture me? You’ve been doing it sincewe were kids. I’m starting to think you’re a masochist.”

“If that’s the case,” I said, leaning towards Jordan,trying to speak softly so only he could hear. “Then it’s no wonder Morgan issuch an ass.”

Jordan nodded in agreement. “It would explain a lot.Although he could have also inherited that unfortunate trait from our father.”

“Really?” I vaguely remember their dad. It was obviouswhere Jordan and Morgan got their good looks from. Jordan and Morgan’s father –Ashley Grey, when I met him at the orientation – mostly kept to himself.Whenever somebody tried to strike up a conversation with him, he would merelystare at them blankly for a few seconds before walking away.

“Oh, yeah. Dad’s always cranky.”

“I’ll show you masochist,” Gabrielle threatened. Morganpaled as he looked at Gabrielle and her terrifying scowl. I’m glad I’m not him.“Pull whatever is out of your butt and start being nice to people. Jeesh,Morgan. It’s no wonder I’m your only friend.”

Jordan and I just exchanged smiles.

Even though the banquet looked awful, I had to admit itwas a lot of fun. We played games, ate greasy food from the concession standsand cotton candy, and did some trick-or-treating. And even though I was havinga blast, some part of me wished to be up on the roof where I knew Alex was –who was probably watching and feeling more alone than ever.

WhenJordan and the others decided to go dancing, I knew that was my cue to leave.

“C’mon Spence,” Jordan said. “It will be a lot of fun.Please.”

I had to look away because he was staring at me withpuppy dog eyes. I refuse to dance. “You have fun with, Alicia. I’m tired anyways.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. Now go and shake that sexy ass of yours.”

“Why Spencer,” he said, grinning widely andbatting his long eyelashes at me playfully. “You think my ass is sexy?” Ilaughed as he turned around and rubbed his butt against my leg.

“Whatare you? A dog? Stop it before Alicia sees.”

“Sorry,”he said in between chuckles. “You’re just so fun to tease.”

“Uh-huh.You have fun. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” I said as I started heading forthe doors.

“Andyou need to stay out of trouble.” Ithought I heard a double meaning in his words, but I’m pretty sure I imaginedit.

“Willdo.”

Hesmiled before rushing back towards the dance floor, probably eager to replaceAlicia and grind his butt against her leg too. I giggled to myself and wentback inside. I should have headed towards the main building to see if Alex wasup on the roof, but to be honest, I was too tired to even do that. When I madeit back to our dorm house, I was grateful to replace it completely vacant. I wasjust heading to my room when I heard a voice.

“Spencer.”

Iturned around and spotted Alex still sitting where I last saw him. He had apencil in his hand, poised over a sheet of paper. Was he drawing? I remember himsaying on our first day in Communications class that he liked to draw.

“Alex.”I was completely surprised to see him here and embarrassed that I hadn’t seenhim when I scanned the room. I figured he was up on the roof, looking downmorosely at all the happy festivities that were going on. “I thought you werehanging out on the roof today.”

Heshrugged, nonchalant. “I didn’t feel like it.” He continued to stare at mecuriously. “Did you, um…did you have fun?”

“Yeah,”I said, a bit awkwardly. “We, uh, had a lot of fun.”

“That’sgood.”

Wecontinued to stare at each other, not really sure what to say. After all, wemostly bickered when we were together. The words “small talk” seemed like acomplete understatement at this point. I noted that Alex had a trash can nextto his chair, filled with overflowing, discarded paper balls. Maybe that’s allhe’s been doing this whole time.

Ibit my lip, unsure of what to say. As I stood there, thinking of something totalk about, I became curious of the picture that was still unfinished in hishands. “What are you drawing?”

Alex’seyes seemed to widen as he remembered the drawing. “Nothing.” He said, quicklyshoving the picture back into his notebook. “I was just doodling.”

Iraised an eyebrow at that. “Really? Well, what we’re you doodling—”

“Noneof your business okay.”

I jumped at the harshness of his voice. It seemedrather loud in this infinite space, or maybe it was just me. It became quietafter that. The only sound at the moment was the constant tick, tick, tick that came from the grandfather clock somewhere inthe room. Alex wouldn’t even meet my gaze as he stared straight ahead, his jawclenched with anger.

“Okay,” I said, my voice cracking in places. I willnot cry. “Sorry.” He still wouldn’t look at me. Instead he closed his eyes,putting his head in his hands, looking very vulnerable as he sat there. Wasthis his way of trying to cope with pain?

Icould feel the tears as they came unbidden to my eyes. I shut them tightly,trying to keep them from escaping. I willnot cry, I chanted over and over again. Iwill not cry. I opened them slowly, thankful that I had some control over my tear ducts. I wasreally proud of myself. Usually by now I’m bawling and running up to my room. Istared at Alex one more time, watching him as he fell apart in that red armchair. He didn’t cry, but I could tell that he was having some major breakdown. Whatever he was drawing, he didn’t want me to know. Whatever he wasdrawing had meant something to him. Or maybe it was something he was having ahard time coming to terms with. Whatever the reason, the picture that he hadbeen drawing, seemed important to him. And he didn’t want anyone to know aboutit – including me.

Iwalked up the stairs, taking one step at time. Why is that every time I try toget close to him, it all falls apart in the end? With that thought stillheavily on my mind, and without farther warning, I started to cry. I was a bitannoyed at myself. I couldn’t wait until I got to my freaking room! Surely hecan hear me because I wasn’t exactly being quiet. Huge, wrecking sobs filledthe corridor as I made my way towards my room. I was just wiping my face when Ismelled something. It smelled foul. I gagged as the smell seemed to intensify,and as I made it to my door, I started to understand why it smelled so bad. Myeyes seemed to widen as l looked at the bloody message – and the dead body of arabbit pinned to my door.