Andover, Massachusetts 1753

A breath of wind whispers across the countryside, catching the long tendrils of summer grass in its passing embrace. The lilting sound of laughter hangs in the air, undulating like a ripple across the surface of a pond. Two lovers, hands clasped, run across the shimmering meadow, the girl’s vibrant blonde hair snapping like a candle in the breeze.
Their frantic pace slows as they approach the edge of the clearing, their wide strides slackening into tentative steps into the unknown. The boy encircles his arms around the girl’s waist, eyes glittering with a hint of mischief. With a smile she pushes him away.
“What would your mother say if she saw you cosying up to me, Jacques?” Her voice is light with laughter.
He shrugs. “She’s just going to have to learn to deal with it.”
“Oh really? And what about Daphne? According to my sister, your mother has already proclaimed the two of you to be betrothed.”
Jacques snorts, his head cocked. “I don’t want Daphne; I want you

.”
He reaches out for the girl once more, pressing her against the gnarled bark of an ancient oak. His hands find her face, cupping her chin and drawing her ever closer.
“You’re all I’ll ever want, Bridget. I won’t rest until we’re together.”
Bridget melts against his touch, winding her arms around his shoulders and entwining locks of his raven hair in her fingers.
Jacques traces the arc of Bridger’s neck with his fingertip, burying his face in the tender flesh there. He explores the length of her collarbone with tender kisses, coming once more to a rest on her neck.
A scream slices through the still air, tearing the two lovers apart. They eye one another warily, mouths agape in unison. Bridget bunches her white cotton dress in her hands, the hem dusted with dirt and blades of dried grass.
“What was that?”
As if in answer to her question, another scream rings out, long and drawn out. It’s cut off abruptly, and they’re plunged into silence once more.
“I have to go see what’s happening,” Jacques says, his chest rising and falling in short, panicked pants.
“No, wait,” Bridget’s hands curl around his forearm.
“Stay here.”
Bridget shakes her head, gripping his arm harder. “Don’t leave me here.”
“I’ll be back, I promise,” Jacques plants a hasty kiss on her cheek, his eyes searching hers.
Jacques unlaces Bridget’s fingers from his arm and slowly backs away. She reaches for him in vain, her eyebrows knitted with concern.
“Stay here.”
“Wait!” Bridget calls out after him, but it’s too late. Jacques is already tearing across the meadow, his untucked shirt billowing out behind him like a sail caught in the wind.

Chapter I

I slung my backpack over my shoulder and paused to examine myself in the mirror. I let out a sigh, tucking a strand of wayward frizz behind my ear. I tugged self-consciously at my oversized Nirvana t-shirt, fleetingly wondering if I should change into something more girly. Abandoning any sense of style, I decided to go as is. Today wasn’t the day to say au revoir to my tomboy side.
I could hear the clatter of dishes getting put away in the kitchen, my Mom’s subtle way of letting me know breakfast was ready and that she better not have to walk all the way up the stairs just to tell me so. Communication in this household was down to a fine art.
I cast one, last sweep over my bedroom, making sure I’d packed all the necessary textbooks before making my way down the hallway. The smell of slightly over-cooked toast laced the air; cooking wasn’t my Mom’s finest suit. She could get you off murder in a courtroom, but when it came to preparing the evening meal for the family she was a lost cause.
My Mom’s head snapped up as I approached, and her face twisted with a frown. “Sam, I buy you so many nice dresses. Why do you have to wear that?”
I mock glare at her, trying to conceal the smirk that was desperately attempting to break free. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’m planning on dying my hair black and getting a tattoo,” I pulled up my sleeve and jabbed at my shoulder. “I’m thinking a massive scorpion battling a dragon right here.”
Mom shook her head, dumping two slices of overly-buttered toast on a plate. “You know, you should consider becoming a comedian.”
I take the toast off her and slide into a nearby barstool. “Dresses are lame, Mom. I wouldn’t want anyone thinking that I’m an actual girl or anything.”
Mom smiled, pulling my hair out of its ponytail and draping it over my shoulders. “You are a girl, Sam.”
I pushed Mom away, my mouth brimming with toast. I glance up at the clock, a feeling of dread descend. “Is that the time! I’m going to be late!”
I jumped to my feet, the barstool screeching as it flew backwards across the tiles. I grabbed my other slice of toast to eat on the bus and ran for the front door. Mom yelled something at me as I fled, but I didn’t hear. Probably the obligatory ‘have a nice day’ that she can’t bear to not say.
I made it to the bus just in time, and shouldered my way through the bedlam that was the morning bus ride and to my seat. I had to duck to avoid a flying apple core that threatened to hit me in the face, before pulling my knees up to my chest and plugging my iPod into my ears. Even at full volume the music did little to drown out the chaos around me. It never ceased to amaze me how swiftly teenagers regressed into complete, total animals.
I had to do even more shouldering past obnoxious farm animals to get to home room, where I made a bee-line for my unofficial official seat in the very back. Ms Jones scowled at me when I failed to remove my iPod, so with over-exaggerated hesitation I put it back in my bag.
The bell let out a shrill squawk to herald the beginning of yet another school day, and the rest of home room flooded in, led by Lacey Milton doing her trademark flounce. Instead of simply sitting in a chair like the rest of the plebs, she insisted on instead sitting on top of a desk and slinging her blonde curls over her shoulder. Ms Jones shot her a disapproving look, but didn’t ask her to move. Ah, to be Teacher’s Pet.
Roll-call dragged on, as did the half an hour that consisted of home room. To be fair, it was mainly muffled chatter among everyone, while the teacher thumbed through a magazine with a disinterest look etched on her face.
Geography passed in much the same way, since it was so near to the end of term and Mr Andrews had just about run out of steam from dealing with the same kids for ten weeks. Every now and then he’d silence the growing cacophony of chatter and tell everyone to get back to study. As always I sat alone, sketching out various depictions of a zombie Apocalypse. Mr Andrews thought I was the most studious student in class; in reality, my geography book was page after page of drawings and doodles.
Finally the bell tolled for lunch, and I made my way out into the hallway, twisting the hem of my shirt between my fingers.
I felt a pair of warm arms wrap around my waist, followed by a firm chin on my shoulder.
“Are you avoiding me, Sam?”
I spun around, electricity pulsating through me. Jake Turner stood before me, a whimsical kind of amusement dancing on his face.
Jake had been my best friend for all intents and purposes for as long as I could remember. He lived on my block, and my mother had always insisted on setting up ‘Play Dates’ with him as a desperate attempt to get me to socialize (I had been awkward and shy even then). It wasn’t until I turned thirteen that I started to see Jake as something more than a friend. For the first time those soulful, blue eyes made something stir deep inside me that I’d never experienced before. Unfortunately for me, Jake showed no signs of feeling the same way. At all.
“Don’t scare me like that!” I cried, slapping him on the chest. “Of course I’m not avoiding you, you jerk.”
“Yeah? Well why haven’t I seen you all day?”
I rolled my eyes, and continued my trek down the hallway. Jake followed after me, and we were soon walking at a steady pace side-by-side.
“We never see each-other on Fridays,” I said, rather matter-of-factly. “You know that; none of our classes are the same.”
“Yeah, that’s what, ‘The Man’ wants you to think, Sam. Your mind is so weak.”
“Oh really? Please, enlighten me and my weak mind.”
“Kindly; ‘The Man’ makes you believe that you have to blindly follow whatever you see printed on your timetable. In reality, you can go to whatever class you like, and see whoever you like.”
I snorted. “And what happens when my teachers realize I’m missing?”
“Who cares! At least you’d be with me.”
“Why don’t you ever disobey, ‘The Man’”- I gestured with my fingers to show the words were in quotation marks - “And come visit me instead?”
He shook his head forlornly. “Sam, Sam, Sam, you are so naïve. Really.”
I hit him hard in the arm, and he made an over-exaggerated wince.
“So, you coming to this party tonight?” He asked, raising his eyebrows.
“Amy’s party? I guess.”
“You guess? What else have you got to do tonight? Sulk in your room?”
I pouted. “Actually, I’ve got some really important, uh...”
“Sulking to do?”
I laughed sarcastically.
“Seriously Sam, come. Don’t bail on me again.”
I bit my lip.
“Please?”
He looked down at me with those big, irresistible blue eyes of his, and I knew he’d won.
“Fine.”

***

It was only 8pm, but there was still that one drunkard passed out on the lawn with a pool of vomit beneath his sweat-laced face.
I groaned inwardly, not wanting to be here at all. But, I’d promised Jake, and a promise was a promise.
I made my way towards the house, tip-toeing around discarded beer cans and trails of toilet paper. A failed attempt to tee-pee the house, I supposed.
I opened the door tentatively, an internal debate raging about whether or not I should text Jake and tell him I’d suddenly come down with a severe case of stomach flu and leave. But there was still that little voice inside me that told me I shouldn’t disappoint him again.
So inside I went, although no-one noticed me. The music was at full-volume, and the front room was a blur of people milling around, laughing and cajoling.
I scanned the room for Jake but found him nowhere.
Typical

, I grumbled to myself, closing the door behind me and weaving through the sea of people to find the drink table. He always does this; begs me to come and then leaves me hanging.

I poured myself a beer, but didn’t plan on drinking it. I’d just carry around the glass and pretend to be a bit tipsy - I never let myself actually get drunk. I certainly wasn’t into drinking, but at my high-school, if you didn’t drink, you weren’t cool.
“Sam! Sam, over here!”
I turned abruptly, searching the pulsating mass for the source of the voice.
“Sam!”
I saw a hand appear above the crowd, beckoning me over. I made my way through the sea, apologizing to all the people I had to squeeze past.
“Sam, there you are!”
My face fell when I realized it wasn’t Jake. It was Johnny, my chemistry partner.
“Oh, hey John.”
He threw his arms around me, reeking of booze. He was clearly drunk, and his voice was husky from drinking too much.
“I’ve missed you so much Sam,” he slurred, rubbing his face against my shoulder and breathing deeply.
I pushed him off me, trying not to look too disgusted. I barely knew the guy, after all, and he was acting like he was my best friend. A prime example of why I didn’t like to drink.
“Hey, have you seen Jake?” I asked, trying to steady Johnny as he swayed and laughed.
“Uh,” he seemed to be in deep thought, although I couldn’t be sure. “Jake... No, I don’t even know the guy.”
He laughed again, and wrapped his arms around my waist.
He’s a Hugger

, I thought to myself, prising his groping hands away. I liked to give drunks various ratings, and Johnny was definitely a Hugger. At least he wasn’t trying to force his tongue down my throat.
I left Johnny slumped on the stairs, and continued my search. Some faceless drunk spilled the contents of his cup on me, but I didn’t stop. If Jake wasn’t here, that was my cue to leave. I wasn’t about to stay here without reason.
I made my way into the kitchen, a room that was crammed from wall to wall with people. Packets of chips lined every counter, surrounded by hordes of ravenous teenagers. This really was a nightmare.
I pushed past them, not even sparing the time to apologize. I spilled out onto the patio, breathing in the icy Autumn breeze. At least it was quiet out here, and devoid of people. I pulled my phone out, and scrolled through the names until I found Jake's.
Thanks for abandoning me

, I typed, gritting my teeth as I did so. This party is totally killer.

I fired the text off, and shoved it back into my pocket. A few seconds later, I heard a phone go off. But it wasn’t mine...
I walked around the edge of the patio, and found a bench. On it was Jake. And on him was Lacey Milton.
I gasped, which seemed to snap the two out of their lustful embrace. A pang of hurt and betrayal surged through me, and I staggered away. Tears streamed down my face, and I wiped them away with my sleeves. I slipped back into Amy’s party, ignoring Jake’s pleas for me to stop.
I had to get away, I had to forget the image of Jake and Lacey that was burned into my mind.
A few people pointed and sneered when they saw my tears, but I paid them no heed. I charged up the stairs and locked myself in a bedroom. I crumpled to the floor, burying my face in my hands.

***

An hour later, I re-emerged. My face was puffy and tear-stained, but by now everyone was so drunk I didn’t think they’d notice. I stumbled down the stairs, my hurt at Jake’s actions fading into anger. He’d made me come to this party, and then he’d hooked up with Lacey Milton.
I’m never speaking to him again.

I found myself in the dining room, and took a seat at the table. I sank into my arms, closing my eyes and trying to forget the roaring din around me.
I felt a soft tap on my shoulder, and I looked up. It was Johnny, looking highly concerned.
“I saw you run off before, are you okay?”
He was still swaying and slurring his words, but at least he wasn’t trying to hug me.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I sighed, knowing I could never tell anyone how I was truly feeling.
Johnny stared into his cup, long and hard. It was almost like he was Narcissus, trapped in his own reflection.
“Here, have this,” he said, thrusting the cup in my direction.
Usually I would have refused, but I needed a little pick-me-up. People drank all the time to drown their sorrows, right? Maybe I should give it a go.
I took the cup, and flashed Johnny a grateful smile. I raised it to my lips and took a hesitant sip. A wave of burning liquid rushed down my throat, and I coughed until my eyes watered.
“What is that?” I managed after some time.
“Rum and cola,” he beamed. “Mostly rum.”
I nodded, and took another sip. This time it wasn’t as vile.
“Hold up a second,” Johnny said, before rushing off into the crowd of people.
I shrugged, and continued to down the drink. There wasn’t much left in the cup, so it didn’t take me long to finish.
In what seemed like a matter of moments, Johnny had reappeared, grasping two full-to-the-brim cups in his hands. He gave me one, spilling at least a quarter of it on me as he did so.
“How much have you had to drink tonight?” I giggled, mopping up the spilled alcohol with the bottom of my shirt.
Johnny’s eyebrows knitted, and he fell back against the chair as if he were exhausted. “Too many to count,” he said, before dissolving in a cavalcade of snorts.
I nodded, and knocked back as much of the cup’s contents as I could in one go. My body’s first reflex was to choke, but I forced it back. I couldn’t get that image of Jake and Lacey out of my head, but I desperately needed to.
Before I knew it, I’d downed three cups of Johnny’s toxic elixir, and was starting to feel its effects. A subtle warmth was surging through my veins, and suddenly the room was much too hot. I took off my jacket, and melted into the dining chair.
I don’t really remember what Johnny and I talked about, but it must have been funny because I couldn’t stop laughing.
The room was starting to spin by the time I started on my fourth drink, but I could still see Jake clear as day when I spotted him standing in the doorway, Lacey hanging off his arm.
I can’t tell you what was going through my mind at that moment, but all I know is I was filled with such an intense rush of hatred that words simply wouldn’t be enough to convey it. I gripped Johnny by the neck, and planted a sloppy kiss on his lips. The kiss was awkward, and not at all pleasant, but when I peeked out of the corner of my eye, I could see that Jake was horrified.
He finally retreated, and I let go of Johnny. He collapsed back into his seat, a satisfied grin etched on his face.
“That... Was amazing,” he breathed.
I felt the complete opposite.

Chapter II

I ’d been conscious for a good two minutes before I was actually awake. My mind was clouded with a thick fog, which seemed to spread to every limb of my body. My head was thumping, and as I eased my eyes open, I was assaulted by a violent surge of white light.
I groaned, and rolled onto my stomach. All my senses seemed to be heightened; the cars on the road outside sounded like freight trains roaring through a construction yard, the stench of stale beer hung in the air like a tangible mist, and of course the light... The light of day was almost too much to bear.
I staggered to my knees and crawled around on the floor. A wave of nausea coursed through me, but I fought against it. No way was I going to vomit here, wherever I was.
I collided with a piece of furniture, and I used it as a prop to help pull me to my feet.
My head was spinning, and I had to steady myself against the wall just to prevent falling over.
I took the momentary lapse in my quest to try and figure out where I was. I cast my mind back to the night before, but the entire thing was so hazy. The last thing I remembered doing was kissing Johnny, and after that things just became shap-snots, fragments of a drunken night.
My purse was still slung over my shoulder, and for that, I was grateful. I rifled around in it until I came across my phone.
15:35?! Mom’s going to kill me.

I put the phone back in my purse, and finally registered my surroundings. I was in a bedroom which I guessed was Amy’s, on account of all the pink objects lying around. There were three other people in the room, who looked almost as bad as I did.
I slipped out the door, and tried to make my way down the stairs without tripping.
I failed.
I landed at the bottom of the staircase with a loud thud and a curse, before heaving myself to my feet once again. The house was a tip; Amy was in for it big time.
I stumbled out into the afternoon sunshine, keeping my head down. I wasn’t about to call my Mom and ask to be picked up, so I decided on walking home instead. It was only a mile or so away, not that much of a stretch.
My phone buzzed with a call from Jake, but I ignored it. If my phone’s Call Log was anything to go by, Jake had called seven times already. And my Mom had called twenty-nine times.
Great, just great.

I knew it was a bad idea to come to this stupid party. Curse my infatuation with Jake! It always made me do things like this.
I found my compact mirror in my purse, and surveyed the damage to my face. My eyes were puffy and blood-shot, and my mascara was smeared half-way down my cheeks. I really did look like a mess.
By the grace of God there was a tissue in my bag, and I managed to remove most of the offending make-up. Next, I needed to start on my story to Mom.
My phone buzzed yet again, and I angrily declined the call.
Leave me alone, Jake. I don’t want to talk to you.

I texted, taking my fury out on the buttons of my phone.
What’s the big deal?

He sent back. You’re acting like you’re my girlfriend or something.

His words struck a chord, and I felt my heart constrict. I switched my phone of and shoved it back in my purse. A single tear trailed down my cheek, but I’d have to wait until I was home again to give into the grief and frustration.
My hangover was rising in intensity now, and I felt as though my brain was going to burst out of my skull entirely.
After what seemed like an eternity, I finally made it home. All I wanted to do was go back up to bed, but I still had my Mom to deal with.
My hands were shaking as I opened the door, and I peeked my head around it to make sure the coast was clear.
It wasn’t.
“Samantha Louise Lorden, where have you been?”
I bit down on my lip, looking sheepish. My mother stood before me with a look of thunder on her face. Her hair - which was wild at the best of times - hadn’t even been brushed, which only added to the look of insanity she now had.
“I was at Jake’s,” I shrugged, pushing past her and starting up the stairs.
“All night? What about Amy’s Party?”
Crud. I’d forgotten she’d dropped me off there.
“It was a total flop, so Jake and I bailed,” I said, trying to look convincing. “We went back to his and watched Zombieland.”
My mother seemed to falter, and her expression softened. “Why didn’t you call? I was so worried.”
“Well, I sent a text. I guess it didn’t go through.”
“Oh, I’m sorry Sam,” she said, advancing towards me and extending her arms for a hug. “You know I always think the worst.”
I held my breath so she wouldn’t detect the booze, before slipping away from her grasp and going up to my bedroom.
“I’m just going to do some studying!” I called down to Mom, throwing my purse onto the bed and slipping out of my Converse sneakers. “And I won’t want any dinner!”
“Okay honey!”
Her reply was permission for me to lock my door, and burrow under my duvet fully clothed. Sleep claimed me in a matter of seconds.

***

When I awoke, my room was bathed in darkness. My bedside clock claimed it was 7:43, but the remnants of my hangover still persisted.
I turned my lamp on and fished out a packet of paracetamol from my bedside drawers. I popped two, before dragging myself out of bed.
I switched my computer on, and rubbed my temples while I waited for the pain-killers to kick in.
I logged onto Facebook, and saw I had a message.
It was from Jake, of course.

Sam, what’s gotten into you? Tell me what’s up, please? I need my best-friend back... I want to tell her all about this amazing girl I met last night. Her name’s Lacey, but I think you know that. You have Home Room together, don’t you? Anyway, I’m off subject. She’s incredible, Sam, the most amazing girl I’ve ever met. I want to ask her to be my girlfriend, but I need your advice. I don’t want her to just be some random chick I hooked up with, y’know?

I groaned. My worst nightmares were coming true; Jake was actually into this girl. And to top it all off, he wanted my advice! But, he was right. I was acting like a psycho, and I was risking losing the most important person in my life because of it. So I sent off a reply, inviting him to spill all, then I pulled out my diary and told it the truth.

Chapter III

M onday at school was Hell, literally. It was Halloween, meaning the entire placed had been decked out to look like ghoul’s haunt. Of course, I hadn’t gotten the memo. I was wandering around in jeans and a T-shirt while everyone else was in costume.
I spied Jack leaning against his locker, and I ran up behind him and pushed him roughly on the back. He spun around, looking more shocked than usual, his blue eyes ablaze. I looked around him and saw Lacey there, looking highly amused. A pang of inferiority made my lower my gaze.
“Hi Sam,” Lacey trilled, flipping her blond ringlets off her shoulder.
She looked like a porcelain doll, a sharp contrast to my mousy features and dark auburn hair.
“Hey,” I said weakly, forcing a smile. “Jake, can I talk to you?”
“Now?” He looked panicked, before lowering his voice to a whisper. “Can’t this wait?”
I scowled. “Fine.”
I turned to leave, but Johnny stood in my path.
“Hey babe!” He cried, flinging his arms around my waist and drawing me in for a tight hug. “I’ve been looking all over you.”
I shot a glance over my shoulder to see Jake looking very, very entertained.
“Oh, hi Johnny,” I wheezed, ducking out of his grip. “How are you?”
“A whole lot better now that I’ve got you again,” he beamed, resting his arm over my shoulders. “The best girlfriend in the world.”
My stomach lurched.
Johnny was dressed as a vampire, and he pretended to drink from my neck before erupting into hysterical laughter.
Girlfriend?! How drunk was I?

“You guys are dating?” Lacey shrieked. “That’s great, we can double date!”
I winced, and turned to smile sarcastically at her.
“Lacey and I are dating now, too,” Jake said, filling in the obvious. He looked far too happy to be sane.
“I think we should all give Amy a thank-you card,” Johnny laughed, wrapping my hair around his fingers. “She’s the ultimate match-maker!”
What a mess.

***

My cousin Danielle looked like a Cheshire Cat.
“So let me get this straight,” she said, taking a sip of her milkshake. “You’re in love with Jake?”
“Yes.”
“Who’s in love with Lacey?”
“Ya-huh.”
“And Johnny’s in love with you?”
“Pretty much.”
“Damn girl, you know how to dig yourself into holes.”
“Danielle! So not helping.”
Danielle was my confidante incarnate when my diary simply wouldn’t do. I was just thankful we didn’t go to the same high-school; I don’t know who I would turn to if I couldn’t talk to her.
“So what are you going to do about it?”
“Break up with Johnny, I guess. I mean, it’s not that he’s bad-looking or anything, it’s just that my heart belongs to someone else.”
“No! Don’t do that!”
I was genuinely taken aback. “Why not?”
“Because you’ve got to make Jake jealous. How are you going to manage that when you’re single?”
“... How am I supposed to make him jealous when he’s head over heels with Lacey?”
“Be the seductress.”
I raised my eyebrows at her.
“Summon your inner siren!”
“You’re insane.”
“C’mon Sam, you’re a hot piece of ass.”
I rolled my eyes.
“You could lure Jake over to your side if you just put your mind to it.”
“Is that so?”
“I guarantee it.”
Before I’d even had time to reply, Danielle had leaped to her feet, grabbed me by the wrist and dragged me from the store.

***

“I look ridiculous.”
Danielle had spend the better part of the afternoon giving me a, “make-over” but I’d only ended up looking like a stripper.
“Sam, you look like a babe. If Jake isn’t blown away by this, well... He simply can’t be straight.”
“And you’re an expert, are you?”
“I’m never short of having men fall at my feet, am I?”
I rolled my eyes.
“Honestly, Sam, wear this to the double date tonight. You’ll knock his socks off.”
“This better work, Danielle. Or it’s your neck!”
“I get it, I get it, my neck’s on the line. Need a lift?”
“Yeah, okay.”

***

If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s the puppy-dog look. But there seemed to be an abundance of it at this table; the way Jake and Lacey where gazing into each-other’s eyes was enough to make my stomach turn. I could feel Johnny staring a hole in the side of my face, but I refused to give him eye contact. No way, no how, could he ever get the impression that I was somehow into him.
I cleared my throat. “So, this is awkward.”
Jake broke his Lacey trance just long enough to cock an eyebrow in my general direction.
I cleared my throat again, this time much more obnoxiously. “Look, this isn’t much of a double date if there’s no talking going on...”
I tried to add a hint of laughter to my voice, but I still came off sounding bitter and vindictive.
Jake let out a long, exasperated sigh, just so that there was no mistaking the annoyance I caused him.
“Well, what do you want to talk about?”
My mouth gaped open and closed; I had no idea. What was there to talk about with the man you’re in love with and his girlfriend? Not to mention Johnny...
“Um... Uh... Well... Where did you guys meet?” I felt the regret of my freshly-spoken words hit me like a ton of bricks, and my cheeks flushed with embarrassment. I was an idiot.
“Are you kidding?” Lacey asked, giggling.
“Well obviously you guys met at school,” I said, trying to salvage the situation. “But how did you... Meet?” I groaned inwardly.
Jake smirked. “I’ve always seen her around in the halls and such,” he said, returning his gaze to Lacey once more. “But I never worked up the courage to ask her out until Amy’s party...”
Lacey let out another of her trademark giggles, and entwined her fingers with Jake’s. Johnny seemed to take that as an invitation on my part, because he snaked his hand over to my knee and squeezed in lightly. I swatted him away perhaps a tad too harshly, the disgust etched plainly on my face. Johnny let out a pitiful little yelp, and I felt a twinge of guilt for leading him on.
“So Sam,” Lacey said, setting her piercing eyes on me. “I need to go to the bathroom... Come with me?”
I was struck by the absurdity of her question, but neither Jake nor Johnny seemed to think the suggestion was in any way odd. I shrugged meekly, and slid out of the booth to follow her.
The diner was crowded with Saturday night traffic, and it took a lot of dodging waitresses and squeezing past chairs to actually reach the bathroom.
Once inside, Lacey made a bee-line for the mirror, and I hovered uncertainly beside her, wondering what she was doing. She applied a lick of cherry gloss to her lips, and pouted at her reflection. I had to stifle a snort.
“Johnny seems nice,” she said, peering at me from beneath her mascara-laden lashes. She leaned back against the counter and inspected her nails.
“Yeah... He’s great,” I replied, trying to muster as much as enthusiasm as was humanly possible. It wasn’t convincing.
Lacey sighed. “Let me just cut to the chase here, okay Sam?” She narrowed her eyes at me, and I nodded for her to continue. “It’s fairly obvious that you’re into Jake.”
I tried to protest, but she merely raised her hand to silence me.
“It was cute while you two were kids, but you’ve grown up now. You need to start acting like it.”
My heartbeat suddenly seemed very loud, and I had to put my hand against the counter to steady myself. “How do you know?” I whispered.
“It’s pretty obvious,” she said, smiling. “The way you always follow him around, or do whatever he asks. And the way you always stare at the back of his head in class, even during exams. It’s sad, really.”
I felt a rush of dizziness overcome me. “You’re not going to tell Jake, are you?”
She stared at me in disbelief. “I, a total stranger, know about your infatuation with Jake, and you don’t think that he hasn’t realized? Give the guy some credit.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose between my thumb and forefinger, trying to squeeze out the information my brain had just absorbed. This couldn’t be happening.
“Look, if it’ll make you feel any better, I’ll make you a deal.”
“Well?”
“I won’t tell Jake... If you back off and leave us alone.”
“Excuse me?”
“Sam, Jake’s with me now. He doesn’t want you, he wants me

. Why can’t you understand that?”
I stared at her with wide, disbelieving eyes. Was she really trying to tell me I couldn’t see my best friend anymore?
“You’re crazy if you think I’m ever going to stop talking to Jake,” I spat.
"What is wrong with you? Can't you see that Jake's just using you? You're handy to have around, handy for doing homework, but nothing more. You're nothing to him, Sam. Accept it."
"You bitch."
"It's the truth."
"You can say whatever you like about Jake, but you're not going to make me stay away. I've known him his whole life, how long have you known him? Five minutes? You're just a passing fad."
Lacey’s expression darkened, and for a moment, her pretty face seemed somewhat ugly. “Your choice.”
With that, Lacey breezed from the bathroom, her blond ringlets bouncing furiously on her shoulders. I ran after her, desperate to stop her before she got back to the table and told Jake everything.
"Lacey, stop!" I called over the chaos of the dinner. "We need to talk about this!"
Lacey turned and scowled at me, and I felt my pulse accelerate in my ears. I felt like my whole world was crumbling down before my eyes, and there was nothing I could do about it.
“Oh, look!” Lacey trilled, shooting a glace at me over her shoulder. “Food’s here! What perfect timing.”
I gaped at her in confusion, but she just smiled at me as if the conversation in the bathroom had never taken place.
“What are you looking at, Sam?” Johnny asked, patting the seat beside him. “Sit down and eat.”

***

I could feel the heat radiating off of Jake’s body, and I was overcome with an urge to reach out and touch him. The fact that I couldn’t made me want to scream.
“Is Lacey okay with you being here?” I asked, perching uneasily on the side of my bed.
“Why wouldn’t she be?”
For a moment, I was seized by the insatiable desire to tell him everything about Lacey’s cruelty, about the hatred that thrived beneath her innocent blue eyes, but the way Jake was looking at me made the words stop dead in my mouth. I couldn’t shatter his happiness, not now.
“Oh, I don’t know,” I said, forcing a smile. “So what did you want to talk about?”
“It’s Lacey.”
The breath caught in my throat, and I wildly hoped he was going to tell me it was over.
“I think I...”
“You think you what?” I snapped, impatience washing over me.
“I think I’m in love with her.”
The blood drained from my face, and I felt my shoulders sag. Great, just great.
“And... And you think she feels the same way?” I asked, hating myself for uttering those words.
“I hope so!” He said, rising from the bed and wringing his hands together. “I mean, we’re great together, aren’t we? She’s funny, smart... Everything I’ve ever wanted.”
I felt his words sting; why couldn’t I be everything he ever wanted? Wasn’t I good enough?
“So what are you going to do about it?”
“Tell her, obviously.”
My heart constricted, and I felt myself launching to my feet to face him. We were so close I could feel his breath on my face, but he didn’t seem to notice.
“Do you think that’s such a good idea?”
His eyebrows pulled together, knitting in place. “What do you mean?”
I took his hands in mine, trying to ignore the electricity that resulted from his touch. “What if she doesn’t feel the same way?”
I felt him pull away, and he turned his back to me. “Do you really think she doesn’t?”
“I couldn’t say... But it hasn't exactly been a very long time, why do you want to rush things so much?”
Jake sat on the bed once more, and looked up at me with uncomprehending eyes. “But what if she doesn’t

feel the same way?”
“Don’t worry about it, Jake,” I said, trying to sound as if I was scolding a foolish child. “The time will come to say the L word, but maybe let her say it first? You don’t want to scare her off...”
“You’re right Sam, you’re always right. I knew there was a reason I kept you around.”
He swept me into a hug, and I felt Lacey’s words ring in my ears; you’re nothing to him

.
I swallowed back the threat of tears, and melted into Jake’s embrace.

Chapter IV

I could hear the whispers resounding off the walls, chasing after me, biting at my heels. But every time I raised my eyes from the ground, the faces that greeted me were still as stone, observing me warily as though I harbored some frightening and unknown disease. I knew they were talking about me, but why I had no idea.
I caught a glimpse of Lacey and her friends leering out at me from behind their open lockers, stifling laughs with the palm of their hands. I hesitated as I drew nearer, slowing my pace and scrutinizing their stares. They returned my gaze, unwavering and arrogant, like a silent battle of wills. I cocked an eyebrow and continued my trek.
“So, do you think the baby’s Johnny’s?” I heard a voice say, and I felt myself grow cold.
I snapped my head up in the direction of the voice, and saw a group of girls to my left, their eyes plastered to my stomach. I dropped a hand defensively over it, trying not to tremble.
“I’m not pregnant!” I shrieked, and the din in the hallway ceased immediately. Every one's eyes were on me, eagerly awaiting my next outburst.
“Lacey said you were,” the middle girl piped up, narrowing her brown eyes at me. The way she said it implied that Lacey’s word was law.
I cast a spiteful glance over my shoulder in Lacey’s direction, and she smirked back at me like a cat that had just successfully managed to eat the family goldfish.
“I’m not pregnant,” I said again, fighting to keep my voice level. As I walked away, I heard the same voice mutter, “Yeah, right

.”

***

I found Johnny in the cafeteria, noisily sucking up the last few dregs of his chocolate milk through a straw. Why anyone thought I’d let this goon impregnate me, I didn’t know.
When he saw my furious approach, his face flushed scarlet. But I knew it wasn’t out of embarrassment; it was satisfaction.
“Have you heard what everyone’s been saying about us?” he grinned, trying to wind his arms around my waist only to be pushed away.
“Yes, I have,” I spat, crossing my arms over my chest. “So why are you beaming like a Cheshire Cat about it?”
“Because everyone thinks I’m The Man

! He cried, rocking back and forth on his heels to exaggerate his ecstasy. I rolled my eyes.
“But it’s not true! We haven’t even... I would never even...”
“I know, I know,” Johnny relented. “But please let the boys believe it, just for a while? I’m the only one of them that hasn’t, y’know... Done the deed

.”
I peered over his shoulder at the group of cajoling boys in the background, and raised my eyebrows.
“Please!” He begged. “I’ll tell them you’re not pregnant, but at least let me have the other lie.”
“Not a chance!”
He pouted like a child, and almost looked as though he was on the verge of tears.
“Sam!” Jake’s voiced echoed through the near-empty cafeteria, rescuing me from a highly unpleasant situation. I turned to see Jake striding towards me, looking grave. I braced myself for his lecture, trying not to look as ashamed as I knew I must have.
“Can we have a moment?” He asked Johnny, not even waiting for his reply before grasping me by the arm and dragging me to a secluded corner. I glanced up in time to see Johnny high-fiving his friends like some triumphant victor of battle.
“I’ve been hearing some stuff, Sam,” Jake whispered, his eyes wide. “Some real bad stuff.”
I drew myself up to my full height and stared at him with as much bravery as I could summon. “You shouldn’t believe everything Lacey says.”
“It’s not just Lacey saying it...”
“Oh c’mon Jake, don’t be such a moron. The first person I’d tell if I got knocked up is you

, not some gossip-monger I barely know.”
Jake’s expression relaxed, and he let out a sigh. “So you’re not...”
“No! It’s impossible.”
“Phew! I’m so not ready to be an uncle!” Jake let out a laugh, but I remained stony. Was I really just a sister to him?
“Well, I better go to home room,” I mumbled, letting my gaze drop to the floor. “I’ll see you later.”

***

I had to break up with Johnny; I knew that for certain now. Danielle can bleat all she wants about “making Jake jealous”, but the longer I persist with this façade with Johnny, the more rumours will sprout. The more rumours Miss Back-Stabbing Lacey will sprout. I shuddered a little at the thought of her. She’s the picture of innocence, and yet her heart is as black as coal.
Johnny wasn’t hard to find. He never is, really. Shooting hoops after school has become almost ritualistic for him, even when there’s no-one else to play with.
“Johnny?” I ventured, my voice drowning beneath the heavy thumping sounds of ball against concrete. “Johnny!”
He turned at the sound of my shout. I suppressed my frustration enough to let out a smile, and he grinned broadly in response. “Sam? What are you doing here?”
Johnny let the ball slip from his fingers, and it thudded to a stall at my feet. Before I had a chance to protest, he’d encircled me in his sweaty grasp and lifted me from the ground. I, rather forcefully, made him put me down.
“I was just wondering if you wanted to go for pizza later… Alone.”
He paused for a moment, his grin faltering, before becoming his usual perky self again. “Sure! You seem serious though… Is everything okay?”
I didn’t want to let on too much right here. I thought breaking the news to him in a place filled with his favorite food would be safer than alone on a deserted basketball court. “Are you kidding? I’m fine. Perfectly okay.”
“Cool!” The elation in his voice made me go cold. I felt a pang of guilt in the pit of my stomach, but ignored it. “When did you want to meet up?”
“How’s seven? I have a few things to do first.”
“Sounds like a date!” He winked, and I tried to look amused. The truth was probably more like a grimace.
I left Johnny enthusiastically dunking baskets in order to search for Jake. I don’t know why, but I thought he ought to know I was breaking it off with Johnny. He was my best-friend, after all, and I was supposed to confide in him with everything.
I made my way to his house, a knot of anxiety steadily building. I’d never had to dump anyone before. I didn’t even know where to start. I’d expected to see Jake’s silhouette in his bedroom window, but it was empty. Still, I knocked on the door all the same.
“Oh, hello Samantha,” his mother trilled, her thin lips pressed in a smile. “Have you come to see Jake?”
“I have, actually,” I said, peering beyond her shoulder. “Is he around?”
“No, sorry. He’s with Lacey.”
Jealously surged through me. “Do you know where they are?”
“I don’t, no. Is something wrong?”
Why was everyone asking me that today? I smiled and shook my head. “I guess I’ll just talk to him later.” I said, backing away from the door.
“You’re welcome to come in and wait!”
“No, that’s okay. See you later, Mom!”
Any other time I would have accepted, but I really needed to speak with Jake. A little voice told me Mrs Turner would probably give me better love advice than Jake ever could; she was, after all, like a second mother to me. But what I wanted more than anything was to see Jake’s face, to have his hand on my shoulder and tell me it’d all go smoothly. Or, in his words, a-okay.
I pulled out my phone and hit Speed Dial 1 – Jake. I picked idly at balls of lint on my jumper as the call trilled in my ears, wondering what was taking him so long. He usually answered on the second ring, no later. The call rung out, unanswered. What the Hell

? I called again, this time starting to feel worried. They’re probably just in a movie or something

, I told myself. Stop being so clingy.

But I ignored that rational voice. I sat down on the curb and listened to my second call fade away.
"Hey! This is Jake! Leave a message and I’ll get back to you!"

I groaned, kicking at a handful of stray pebbles at my feet. Third time lucky, I reasoned, hitting the call button again. But this time, the call was cut-off. Jake had cut me off!
I was about to send him an accusatory text, when my phone vibrated with a message.
Sam, stop bugging me, seriously.

My fingers lingered on the buttons, debating whether or not to reply. I considered sending back something equally brash and obnoxious, but decided against it. I shoved my phone back into my pocket and cursed under my breath. Jake would have a lot to answer to tomorrow at school.

***

I hadn’t touched my pepperoni pizza. Instead I toyed with the edge of the paper plate, too afraid to look Johnny in the eye. I fleetingly wondered if it was really necessary to break it off with him, but I knew it was. The relationship was a fake, and I couldn’t do that to Johnny, no matter how irritating he was.
Johnny reached out a hand and lay it across my own, steadying it. I felt an urge to pull it away, but decided against it. I’d let him have this one girlfriend-boyfriend moment, it was the least I could do.
“You seem distracted, what’s up?”
I looked up at him, wanting more than anything to hide under the table and tell him to go away. “We need to talk.”
I saw a worried look flit across his face, before being swallowed up by that face-encompassing smile once more. “Shoot.”
“I know I’ve been leading you on,” I started, biting my lip. “But it needs to stop.”
“What are you talking about, Sam?”
I inhaled sharply. “We need to break up.”
Johnny’s face crumpled. His pizza sagged and then fell from his hands, and yet his fingers remained outstretched, as if still holding it. He looked broken, and I’d been the one that broke him. I felt that guilt rise again, and this time I couldn’t fight it off.
“Why? What… What did I do?”
“You didn’t do anything,” I said, trying to sound up-beat. I attempted to put my hand on his arm, but he drew away. “It’s got nothing to do with you.”
“What, ‘It’s me, not you’? Is that it?” He let out a bitter snort.
“Pretty much, yeah.”
“That’s just what people say when they’re trying to spare hurt feelings. Well, it’s too late for that, Sam. You may as well just tell me the truth.”
“You really want to know?”
“Obviously.”
“There’s someone else.”
His face darkened with an ominous shadow. “Who?”
“I’m not dating anyone else, I didn’t cheat. My heart just belongs to another.”
He let out such a hysterical laugh that I thought he’d actually gone insane. A few of the other people in the restaurant stopped and stared.
“I can’t believe I ever liked you,” he spat.
“Don’t be like that,” I said. “There’ll be another girl out there for you – another girl who deserves you. But that girl isn’t me.”
He shook his head. “Yeah, you bet there is. Next time I won’t go for such a massive whore.”
I felt my mouth drop open with shock, and Johnny brusquely pushed away from the table. He dropped a ten dollar bill on the table and stormed out.
I could feel the eyes of the other patrons burning into me, overtly curious. I hadn’t expected Johnny of all people to make such a scene. A few hushed whispers broke out around me like fires, and I got to my feet. I could feel the tears threatening before I’d even made it to the door.
I stumbled out into the fragmented moonlight, wiping at my face with the hem of my sleeves. I ripped my phone out and called Jake yet again, but the call went straight to voicemail. Why did Jake have to fall off the face of the planet right when I needed him most?

Chapter IV

"Samantha Lorden, you're required in the Nurse's office, please."
I could feel my cheeks burning as I stuffed my geometry work back into my bag. A few of the girls in class let out poorly concealed giggles as I made my way from the room. I ripped the pink slip from the messenger's hand and pushed passed him into the hallway.
What on earth did the nurse want to see me for? I made way my toward her office, shrugging my backpack over my shoulders and tightly wrapping my hands around the straps. I could feel my stomach churning, fluttering with a thousand trapped butterflies. What if something awful had happened? It was school policy to call students to the Nurse's office whenever there was a family tragedy. I felt my pace quicken as I thought about all the possibilities; had Mom been in a car crash? Was she sick, in hospital, worse? What if it wasn't Mom at all, but Dad? Or Grandma? The blood drained from my face, dread consuming me like a wave.
At last the Nurse's office appeared down the hall, a single wooden door with the word 'Nurse' painted across it in stark black letters. My hand hesitated over the handle for a moment before I trudged in, a lump already forming in my throat.
The Nurse's round, moon-like face appeared from around a corner. "Just a moment, love!" she called, her voice muffled amidst the sound of drawers slamming shut and rustling papers.
I sat on a plastic chair, picking idly at a flake of peeling blue paint. The wall clock above my head ticked loudly in the empty room, seeming to fall into rhythm with my rushing pulse. I drew my bag onto my lap and hugged it closely, burying my chin in the fabric.
At last the nurse bustled from around the corner, her hands laced before her. "How may I help?"
I handed her the pink slip and mustered a faint smile. She nodded gravely and indicated for me to follow her into the examination room.
The nurse smoothed her white dress as she sat, before motioning for me to do the same. I half-fell half-sat in the chair opposite; my clumsiness always did come out more when I was nervous.
"Samantha, isn't it?"
"Sam," I said, forcing that smile again. "Just Sam."
She nodded, before reaching across her desk and retrieving a battered clipboard. "I understand you're in a relationship with a boy named Johnny Adams?"
"Er, not exactly. We broke up last night."
A sympathetic look flashed across her face, before being swallowed by her usual stony expression once more. "Well, he came to see me this morning... He was worried about you, what with the condition you're in and all. He asked me to give you some advice."
I cocked an eyebrow. "Condition?"
Her eyes flitted down to my stomach. "I think you know what I'm talking about, Sam. There's no need to be shy -- I am your nurse, after all."
"So you're telling me that Johnny came here and told you that I'm... Pregnant?" The words came out more shrilly than I had intended, and I was finding it physically difficult not to scream.
"Please don't be upset with him. He told me that you refuse to tell your parents, and he asked me to help you decide between your options."
I let out a sarcastic laugh. "How chivalrous of him!"
"He seems genuinely concerned, Samantha. I know you're no longer together, but as the father, he has certain rights. He did hint that he wouldn't support a termination, and that perhaps giving the child up for adoption would be the best outcome."
"Look lady, I'm not pregnant," I said, gritting my teeth to stop myself from audibly growling. "It was just some stupid lie some stupid girl told."
The nurse shook her head. "Listen, I'm not here to judge you. I've been a nurse at this school for nearly two decades now, and I've helped a fair few girls in your position before."
I opened my mouth to protest, but she silenced me with a quick flick of her wrist.
"Now, now, I know you must be scared, which is

understandable. It's your choice whether or not to tell your parents, but I would suggest that you do."
Now it was my turn to silence her. I got to my feet and slung my bag over my shoulder in defiance. "I don't care what you <i>suggest, I am not -- and I repeat, NOT -- pregnant. If you've been working in this high school so long, I would have thought you'd know what the bitches here are like. This whole pregnancy thing was just a bad rumor that got <i>way out of hand."
The nurse's mouth gaped open and closed as she struggled to compose herself. I could feel the sting of tears threatening, and before they had a chance to escape, I'd rushed from the Nurse's office and back out into the deserted hallway.
The walls around me turned into a streaked blur of lockers and brick as I ran. The last thing I wanted was for someone to see me crying; that would <i>really incense the rumors. I dashed for the girl's bathroom and locked myself in a cubicle. Salvation.
Now the tears came freely, spilling down my cheeks like a waterfall. I made no attempt to wipe them away, and they dripped from my chin onto my outstretched palms. They pooled there, quivering as I shook with the force of my sobs.
I couldn't believe Johnny could be so venomous, so spiteful. You could barely call what we were as 'dating', especially since we'd only shared one drunken kiss. I had well and truly learned my lesson now, though. No more façades, no more lies. If Jake wanted to be with Lacey, then fine. I wasn't going to meddle any more.
The bathroom door screamed open, and I stifled my tears. Vacuous, high-pitched voices swam in the air, so easily identifiable. Lacey and her drones.
I pulled my knees up to my chest, biting down on my lip to avoid making noise. Having Lacey spot me in this state would be a nightmare beyond imagination.
"You know, I heard Sarah Donovan was gonna make prom queen this year," one of the drones drawled, probably Dayna.
"Don't be ridiculous," Lacey spat, the irritation clearly audible in her voice. "Sarah Donovan is such a Plain Jane."
"Yeah, but she's well-liked; captain of the Lacrosse team and all that," the other drone this time, Emily.
Lacey let out a maniacal laugh. "Captain of the <i>Lacrosse team? So what! I'm head cheerleader, and last time I checked, we were at the top of the social hierarchy."
Dayna and Emily murmured to themselves, clearly not convinced.
"Besides, I have my own plan to become prom queen, something that's going to blow that snotty Sarah Donovan right out of the frame."
Excited murmurs now, interspersed with muffled giggling.
"These days, it's not enough to just be pretty or popular," Lacey began, her voice sounding chillingly ominous. "You have to be memorable. You have to do something truly outlandish. I'm not talking about fame, here. I'm talking about infamy."
"What do you mean?" Dayna asked, voice hushed and brimming with excitement.
"I'm talking about Jake. You don't think I'm dating him because I actually <i>like him, do you?"
The three girls broke down in a cavalcade of raucous laughter, but I just went cold. Jake really cared about Lacey, and all the while she was just using him.
"Everyone knows Jake is the biggest loser in school," Lacey resumed, fading hints of laughter still clinging to her words. "Well, except maybe Sam Lorden. Let's just say Jake is the biggest <i>guy loser."
My shock was now turning to anger, and I had to refrain from bursting from my cubicle haven and smashing Lacey's face into the wall.
"Yeah, Dayna and I couldn't understand why you were dating that weirdo," Sarah giggled.
"I'm going to humiliate him at prom," Lacey said, her voice chilling once more. "Before voting starts, that is. I'm going to make Jake wish he was never born. That way, I can remind everyone that I am <i>not to be messed with. They would be insane not to vote for me then."
The girlish laughter started up once more, causing a trail of gooseflesh to bloom on my arms. I pulled my knees even closer to my chest and nestled my chin on top of them. My stomach was churning with a mixture of dread and pure, unbridled hatred. I couldn't let Lacey get away with this, even if Jake <i>was ignoring me.
"We should probably get back to class," Dayna said, followed by the rustle of handbags ascending shoulders. "Mr Bates will rip me a new one if I'm gone too long."
The girls bustled from the bathroom, their giggling resounding off the walls long after they had left. As soon as I was sure they were well and truly gone, I tentatively made my way from the stall. I examined my face in the mirror, puffy and tear-streaked. But my problems didn't matter any more; by the sounds of things, Lacey was going to make this pregnancy rumor look like small fry compared with what she had planned for Jake. I splashed cold water on my face and prepared to face the world.

Chapter V

I pounded on Jake’s door, my hand bunched up in a tight fist. I stepped back to peer up at his bedroom window. The light was off.
“Jake! Jake, are you there?”
Silence.
I whipped out my phone and dialed his number again; as seemed to be the norm these days, his phone was off. I swallowed away the threat of frustrated tears and started pounding on his front door again. He couldn’t hide from me forever.
After what seemed like a lifetime, the door finally opened.
“What is it, Sam? Are you okay?” Jake’s Mom peered down at me, her kind face furrowed with concern.
“Uh, not exactly. I really need to speak with Jake. Is he here?”
Mrs Turner bit down on her lip, her eyebrows knitted tightly together. “He isn’t, no. Are you sure I can’t help?”
“Quite sure. Do you know where he is?”
Mrs Turner hesitated, eying my warily. “I really shouldn’t tell you,” she said, wringing her hands. “I wish you’d come inside and talk to me instead.”
I shook my head vehemently. “It’s really important that I see Jake.”
Jake’s mom sighed, sweeping a lock of ebony hair behind her ears. “He’s with Lacey.”
“Yeah, I kind of figured. Do you know where they are?”
Mrs Turner suddenly looked a lot paler than usual. “I do, but…”
“But what?”
She sighed again. “They’re at the park,” she took my hands in hers, her touch warm. “But please promise me you won’t go. Just stay here, wait for him to get back.”
I pulled away, searching her face for the reason behind her odd behavior – she’d never acted this way before. “I promise,” I lied. “But I’ll go wait at home. Maybe I’ll catch him at school tomorrow.”
She nodded, looking immensely relieved. “I’ll tell him you stopped by.”
“Thanks,” I murmured, shooting her a polite smile.
I made my way back down the drive, acutely aware of being watched from the open doorway. I turned back and gave her a wave, but she remained stoic, wooden.
I merged with the darkness of the night, pulling my jacket closer around me. Winter was starting to set in now, its chill already lacing the air. My conscience told me to just go home, to see Jake in the morning and tell him everything then. But there was an ineffable niggling feeling deep within me, as if luring me to the park and to Jake. The sooner Jake knew the truth, I reasoned, the better.
So I glanced back over my shoulder, making sure Mrs Turner had gone back inside, and turned around in the direction of the park. I couldn’t fathom why the two of them would go there alone at night, but I supposed I was about to find out.
The orange glow of the streetlamps lit my way, spreading their puddles of light before me. Some flickered as I passed beneath, and my superstitious side let out a whisper of dread. I pushed it aside and continued on, my shoulders hunched against the cool breeze.
The park came into sight, standing out starkly among the matchbox houses that dominated the suburb. But all I could see was an inky pool of darkness, accented by the glimmer of moonlight reflecting off dormant swing sets.
I opened the gate and let myself in, the rusty steel shrieking in protest as I did. I kept to the path, reassured by the feel of smooth, packed earth beneath my feet. Whenever I felt the ground soften with dewy grass I felt my way back to the trail.
I ended up in the children’s play area, the path underfoot merging into loose bark. I stumbled over to the slide, its surface slicked with the first kisses of frost. I climbed to the top, using the touches of moonlight shimmering on the steps as a guide. I sat at the crest of the slide, knees pulled up to my chest, and surveyed the park around me.
There was no sign of Lacey and Jake, not even the subtlest hint of life. I started to think that Mrs Turner had tricked me; perhaps that’s why she was acting so on edge. It would also explain why she made me promise not to go to the park after them.
I let out a curse under my breath, planning to give Mrs Turner a piece of my mind the next time I saw her. As I prepared to climb down, I did one final sweep of the park, scrutinizing every nook and cranny.
And that’s when I saw it; a flicker of pale light. It was obscured by a grove of trees, and you could only see it when the wind picked up a touch and carried the arms of flame-like light with it, like a flag in the breeze.
I clambered down the slide, not caring that I missed most of the steps. I took off towards the patch of forest, careful not to crush too many twigs and alert them to my presence. I’d make my grand appearance, in time. I just wanted to make sure I picked the right moment.
The pale light grew as I approached, its edges blurred and shimmering. And the more branches I pushed aside, the more lights I saw. There were dozens of them, arranged in a wide circle. Some were blindingly white, others a vibrant green or a deep crimson. They looked like little fires, but I’d never seen fire possess such intense color.
I took position behind a large shrub, my face hidden by its leafy hands. I could see Lacey, standing in the middle of the circle. But she looked different. She looked trapped.
I heard a murmuring somewhere to my left, quiet at first, but slowly growing louder and louder. The voice was unmistakably Jake’s, but the tone of his words sent a shiver down my spine. He was speaking a language I’d never heard before, and it sounded antiquated and enigmatic as it slipped off his tongue.
Lacey let out a soft noise, a panicked noise. She advanced towards the edge of the circle, her eyes glittering with fear. Every time she got near a flame she’d jump backwards, as if actually burned. She was tearing her hands through her hair, shaking her head over and over. Jake’s voice only got louder.
Lacey screamed then, long and animalistic. She fell to her knees, her fingers digging into the dirt. I could see the flames reflecting in her clenched teeth, and for a moment I thought she might actually be crying.
Whatever Jake was doing, it clearly wasn’t good. Lacey looked as though she was in physical pain, as if she were being burned from the inside out. And as much as I despised Lacey, I couldn’t just stand around while she was hurt.
“Jake, stop!” I cried, emerging from my shrub and holding my hands out in front of me. I could feel the heat from the flames radiating outward, warming my legs. “You’re hurting her!”
Jake’s head snapped up, and for a moment I caught the trance-like glaze covering his eyes. And then it was gone, and his face twisted into a scowl. “Sam, get out of here right now. Leave!”
Jake made a move toward me, his hands flexing, threatening to curl into a fist. He glanced over at Lacey and his glare deepened.
“Sam, you have to help me!” Lacey sounded out of breath, and her voice was hoarse. “Jake’s trying to kill me!”
My stomach constricted. Surely Jake wouldn’t do that? I felt myself shaking my head, suddenly feeling clammy and cold all over, despite the fire.
“It’s true! You have to get me out of here, or he’s going to really hurt me.”
“Don’t listen to her,” Jake growled through clenched teeth. “You don’t understand. Go back home, Sam. Go back home and stay there.”
I desperately searched Jake’s face for any trace of the Jake I loved, but all I saw was bitterness and fury. “What are you going to do to her, Jake?”
“That’s none of your concern!”
“He’s going to kill me!” Lacey was advancing towards me, her blonde hair a wild halo around her face. “Please, you have to help.”
Lacey reached her hand out, flinching every time a flame would spring higher. I moved to take it, and Jake lunged towards me. He gripped me hard by the shoulders, his eyes boring into mine.
“Sam you have to go home. I’ll come by and explain everything, but you have to leave right now,” he said the last two words slow and menacing, and I felt a cold sweat bloom on my forehead. I shrugged him off, giving him a defiant stare-down despite wanting more than anything to cower away from him.
“Tell me what’s happening – now.”
“Just please, get –”
Lacey let loose another shriek, and my attention was ripped toward her. She had a strange look on her face, an almost serene nothingness. Her eyes were level with mine, and I couldn’t look away. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t break her gaze.
I could hear Jake shouting something, but it sounded foreign and distant, like a thunderstorm far out at sea. My entire body felt numb, and I was dimly aware of my feet moving forward toward the flames. All I could comprehend were Lacey’s eyes; they had become my entire focus.
Something hard clamped down on my forearm, but I tugged it away with surprising strength. Nothing could stop me now. I didn’t feel in control of my own body.
My foot impacted with the base of a blue flame, knocking it onto the ground. With a sigh it blew out, and just like that Lacey’s hold on me was broken. The tranquil look was erased from her face, replaced by a wide smirk, an ominous smirk. She glanced over at Jake, blowing him a kiss, before sprinting from the shattered circle. As she passed me she whispered just one word in my ear, “Thanks.”
And then, she was gone. The forest suddenly seemed so quiet, so detached from the rest of the world. All I could hear was Jake’s ragged breathing.
“Are you happy?” He whispered, his face down-turned.
“Excuse me?”
“Are you happy you let her get away – are you happy you ruined everything I’ve spent so long trying to achieve?” Jake looked up at me, his eyes muddy.
“You were trying to kill her,” I said, taking an involuntary step back.
“You have no idea what you’ve done,” he said. “You’ve put your life in jeopardy.”
“What do you mean?”
“She’ll come after you now, and she won’t stop until you’re dead.”
Far in the distance a cackle sounded, echoing around the forest, mocking me. She won’t stop until you’re dead.

Chapter VI

Jake was pacing the living room, his fingertips pressed to his eyes. His Mom sat next to me, her hands cloaking mine with warmth and ineffable comfort.
“Can someone please just tell me what’s going on?” I asked, my words slicing through the blanket of silence shrouding the room.
Jake’s slowly raised his head, his eyes clouded with concern. He cast a glance toward his mother, before continuing his fretful pacing.
“You said my life was in danger – that Lacey wanted to kill me,” I said, my voice growing shrill and panicked. “Why?”
I felt Mrs Turner tighten her grip on my hand, her entire face furrowed and creased. “It’s a complicated matter.”
“Give me the simple version then.”
Jake came to a sudden stall, his face stormy. “Why couldn’t you have just kept out of it, Sam? Why do you always have to stick your nose in?”
“Excuse me?”
“Jake, calm down,” Mrs Turner’s voice was soft, but it was laced with warning. She wound her free hand around my shoulder and squeezed. “This isn’t Sam’s fault.”
“Oh, isn’t it? Whose fault is it then, mother?” The way he said the last word was mocking, sarcastic even. I suppressed a grimace.
“It was mine,” she said, glancing in my direction. “I told Sam where to find you.”
Jake glared at her incredulously, his lips clamped down in a tight line. “And why, might I ask, would you do that?”
“Because I asked her!” I cried out, barely able to keep myself in check. “I knew Lacey was bad news, and I was coming to tell you. I only wanted to help.”
Jake crossed his arms over his chest.
“So I came to find you,” I continued, swallowing away my apprehension. “Before Lacey had a chance to hurt you – because believe it or not, I really care about you, Jake. But then I saw you, I saw what you were doing to her, and…” I trailed off, not certain how I could possibly explain what had happened next, the way Lacey had pulled me to her with her stare.
“Jake, you have to tell her the truth. Imagine how confused she must be,” as always, his Mom was the voice of reason.
Jake sighed, sitting on the coffee table opposite me. He tore his fingers through his hair, biting his lip. When he returned his gaze to mine, his blue eyes were burning intensely.
“I’m not who you think I am,” he said, his voice so low I could barely hear. “Neither is she – my Mom, I mean. Her name is Althea, and we’re not related in any way.”
I drew my hand away from Mrs Turner’s – Althea’s? – grasp, and buried it in my lap. “Who is she?”
“She’s a convenient excuse,” he smiled, as if in on some secret joke. I noticed Althea was smiling, too. “She’s the only way I can be near you without raising suspicion.”
I felt my face pale. “Jake, what is going on?”
“Althea and I are very good friends, but her purpose is a practical one; she poses as my mother so that I may pose as a teenager.”
“Excuse me?”
“We’ve been through this many times before,” he sighed.
“Uh, no we haven’t.”
“Not in this life, no.”
I sprang to my feet, fury steadily building. “Stop being cryptic and just spit it out!”
“Please, sit back down.”
I did as he said, and willingly let Althea take my hand again. I needed something tethering me to reality, even if she was technically now a stranger.
Jake took a deep breath in. “I was born Jacques Dessette in 1735. And you were born – for the first time – as Bridget Donahue in 1737.”
I felt a wave of dizziness sweep through me, but I fought it off. “Huh? Wha…? Excuse me?”
“I know you’ve dreamed of Jacques and Bridget before, you always do.”
His words provoked a niggling of a memory, of two lovers tearing across a summer meadow, hands clasped. I had had that dream before, but how could Jake possibly know that?
“But the dream always cuts off,” I whispered. “I never know what happens next.”
“What happens after Jacques leaves, you mean?”
“Yeah.”
Jake nodded at Althea, and she disentangled her hand from mine and got up. Jake took her place next to me, his hand lightly resting on my thigh. “Try and remember.”
I closed my eyes, running through that familiar dream in my mind. Jacques and Bridget together, laughter hanging in the air. The playful trail of kisses Jacques leaves down Bridget’s neck. And then those screams, those bone-chilling screams that forced them apart.
I tried to focus in further, on Jacques as he runs back through the meadow. But his figure is muddy and unformed. I couldn’t grasp it.
“I can’t,” I say, my eyes springing open once more. “I can’t see past the screams.”
“Yes you can,” Jake says, his voice soft and reassuring in my ear. I felt the bloom of goosebumps sprout on my arms, and I hoped he didn’t notice.
I closed my eyes once more, trying instead to focus on Bridget. She is watery at first, a blur of white-blonde hair and muddied dress. But then she becomes clear, so clear I could see the look of panic on her face. But more than that, I could feel

the panic. I could feel the way it surged through her veins, I could feel the way the cold film of sweat clung to her forehead, and the way her skin crawled with worry as she watched Jacques disappear. I could feel the urge to chase after him grow within her, until it was too strong to deny.
I bunched up the crisp cotton dress into my hands, so that I could run with ease. Jacques was just a speck on the horizon when I started after him, slowly at first, but running faster and faster until the stiff summer grass is whipping against my bare legs, leaving angry red slashes in their wake.
I could feel my loose hair snapping out behind me, getting tangled as the furious breeze tore through the strands. Jacques was still shimmering in the distance, but he was growing smaller. I pulled my dress up further still, my legs arcing in broad strides as I ran.
The sound of rushing blood filled my ears, my heart hammering faster than it ever had before. I soared across the meadow, desperate to call out after Jacques, but he was too far away. My breath caught in my throat, causing a searing heat to settle on my chest, urging me to stop and rest. But I couldn't; I knew Jacques was in danger and I had to stop him.
Finally the servant’s quarters came into view, and I could see Jacques entering its low, stooped doorway. I tore after him, my feet sending up plumes of dirt and grass behind me as I furiously pounded the earth beneath me.
I could hear the commotion in the servant’s quarters before I even went in, and I felt fresh terror flood through me. The room was dank, the air within laced with the stench of stale sweat and lingering dust. Inside I could see a ring of pale lights burning, on the edge of which stood Jacques, his arms outstretched.
“Clara, listen to me, don’t do this,” Jacques said, his voice heaving with the sound of his own ragged panting. “Whatever disagreement you have with my family, you can settle with me.”
My eyes finally began to adjust to the gloom of the chamber, so that I could discern a wild-looking Clara in the corner of the room, as well as Jacques’ mother Ethel huddled in the center of the burning flames.
“What is happening?” I asked, rushing forward to be at Jacques’ side.
Clara cast me a menacing glare. “Ah, sweet Bridget, sweet, far-reaching Bridget. How nice of you to join us.”
“I beg your pardon?” I pressed myself against Jacques’ sturdy body, suddenly feeling very afraid.
“Please help me,” Ethel Dessette whimpered, her face smeared with grimy tears. “She’s a witch.”
Clara folded her arms across her chest, a smirk playing on her lips. Clara, a witch? Clara, the harmless lady’s maid? I had seen her many times when visiting Jacques at his manor, but she’d always seemed so genial. Certainly not a witch.
“Leave my mother alone,” Jacques growled. “As I said, you can deal with me.”
“Very well,” Clara sighed.
Without warning, Jacques flew into the air, his body colliding with the ceiling above. Shards of shattered wood and splinters came raining down after him, coating his body as he fell back down and impacted with the floor.
I heard a scream rip from me, and I raced forward to help him. From the corner of my eye, I saw Clara’s hand flick upwards, and I too was sent flying outward, ending up pinned against the far wall.
“You stay,” Clara said, smiling at me. “I’ll deal with you later.”
I struggled against the invisible bounds that seemed to have me plastered against the wall, but to no avail. I couldn’t even budge an inch.
I heard Ethel whimper again, and for the first time I noticed how badly injured she was; yawning gashes peppered her entire body, from which issued a steady flow of blood. There wasn’t a single spot on her arms that wasn’t bruised, the entire surface of each mottled with deep shades of magenta and crimson. She was still enclosed in her prison of flame, but still made attempts to reach out and touch Jacques.
Clara made her way towards Jacques, her crimson skirts sweeping aside the fragments of ceiling that now littered the room. Jacques shuddered as she approached, propping himself up on one elbow and spitting out a mouthful of blood.
“Why are you doing this?” He snarled, his teeth stained red.
“I had to teach your mother a lesson,” she said, her voice lilting and melodic. “She needs to know it isn’t appropriate to end someone’s employment without just cause.”
Ethel’s response was hoarse, but audible nonetheless. “I caught her with my things… She is a thief…”
“Oh hush,” Clara spat. “You aren’t a part of this conversation.”
“Let my mother go,” Jacques said. “And I will reinstate your position as lady’s maid.”
Clara let out a raucous laugh. “Do you really think I wanted that job? Oh no, you have it all wrong. I only needed to work here long enough to procure enough materials to see me attain a better life. Your

life.” She paused to inspect her fingernails. “You see, with the locks of hair from the comb I’d taken from your mother’s bedchamber, as well as other little knick-knacks I’ve collected over the dismal months I’ve lived here, I had all the ingredients necessary to perform the spell to inherit your mother’s identity. Dearest Ethel here would have been cast into the slums from which I rose, and I would have assumed the position of ladyship at his fine manor. As for you… Well, I used to be quite fond of you. I saw you being my footman, or perhaps even my valet.”
Jacques slowly got to his feet, shaking all over. His left arm looked dangerously limp and misshapen. “I’ll see you hanged, you wench!”
Clara raised her hand again, and Jacques was struck down, clutching his head as if in pain. “You really think you have that power, master Jacques?” She smiled. “I think I’d rather see you hang.”
Clara lifted her fingers skyward, and Jacques mimicked them, rising far off the ground and floating suspended in the air. Clara bunched her fingers into a fist, and Jacques let out a strangled noise, his legs flailing uselessly out beneath him.
I could see Jacques was dying – Clara was killing him, with whatever black magic she had control over. I let out a shriek, so shrill that it broke Clara’s concentration long enough to see Jacques tumble back down to the ground.
“You leave him alone,” I said, fighting against the magic that had me bound. “He’s done nothing to you.”
Clara observed me with intense fascination, approaching close enough to trail one, claw-like fingernail down my cheek. I felt my skin tear open under her touch, followed by the warm trickle of blood.
“Please, let my mother live,” Jacques rasped. “You may kill me, but please don’t let her die.”
Clara tutted, shaking her head. “I’m afraid it’s too late, my sweet. She’s already dead.”
I snatched my eyes away from Clara, looking toward the ring of flickering flame. Ethel lay prone in its center, her eyes open and glassy. A single hand lay outstretched in Jacques’ direction, her mouth hanging slack.
Jacques crawled over to the edge of the fires, his eyes brimming with tears. He let out a soft cry, before returning his attentions on Clara once more. “You’ll pay for this. If it’s the last thing I do, I’ll make you pay.”
Clara let out a fake gasp of surprise. “No-one’s ever had the audacity to threaten me like that,” she said, looming over Jacques’ body like a stone gargoyle. “You interest me.”
Jacques spat on her, a large ball of blood and saliva. It landed on Clara’s skirts, trailing down the crimson fabric. “Go to Hell.”
Clara frowned. “Perhaps death is too great a luxury for you,” she said, kneeling down so that she could lay an alabaster hand on his neck. “I think I’d rather see you live until the end of time, burdened with your grief, and with your regret.”
Clara’s head suddenly snapped up in my direction, and I was released from the invisible ropes that had me strapped to the wall. I fell in a heap, my entire body aching all over. I nursed my burning wrists in my lap, trying to rub away the memory of my bounds.
“Yes, it is decided. You shall live an eternal life, dear Jacques, haunted by the knowledge that you caused the deaths of everyone you’ve ever loved.” Clara drawled, getting to her feet. She walked over toward me, her leather boots clattering on the wooden floor. She raised her hand, smirking at me. “Sweet dreams,” she said, bringing her hand down in one fell swoop.
I felt myself scream, trying to shelter myself from the oncoming blow. The sounds of Jacques’ cries filled my ears, and I desperately tried to fight away the image of Clara leering over me.
I felt two strong hands encircle my own, and my eyes flung open.
I was back at Jake’s house. Althea was kneeling at my feet, her eyes misted with tears. Jake pulled me in for a hug, his chin resting on my shoulder.
“I told you you’d remember,” he whispered, running a hand through my hair. He pulled away, and reached up to wipe my cheek. I hadn’t even realized I was crying.
“What was that?” I whispered, feeling myself start to shake.
“That was the beginning of it all,” Jake said. “The beginning of everything.”
“What happened afterward?” I asked. “After Clara… After she…”
“She killed you,” Jake answered, his voice breaking with the memory of grief. “She killed you, and then she turned me into this… Thing. This undying thing, destined to walk the earth for all eternity.”
“What happened to Clara?”
“Everything she said would happen. She became the wealthiest woman in Andover, and any memory of my mother and my family was wiped from the people’s minds. Not even you existed to them, anymore.”
I drew my knees up to my chest, desperately trying to stop myself from shaking.
“I sank into a dark place, a place not even I care to explain. I buried any thoughts of you, of my mother, and set about trying to kill myself in any way that I could. But Clara had been true to her word; I couldn’t – I can’t – die. And believe me, I tried. I’ve thrown myself off cliffs, off buildings, in front of trains… I’ve shot myself, been shot by others, been stabbed and suffocated. But no matter how hard I try, I can’t destroy myself.”
I wound my arm around Jake’s, pulling him close.
“It was many years before I turned my hatred back onto Clara. Seeing as I couldn’t die, I figured I’d kill her in any way possible. And that was when I met Althea,” he paused to cast her a half-hearted smile. “She had once been a part of Clara’s coven, and had seen what she was capable of – ”
“Wait, coven?” I asked, interrupting. “Does that mean Althea’s…”
“A witch? Yes.”
I let myself take it all in, looking at Althea with new eyes. She certainly didn’t look like a witch, nor did she act like one. And as if she could sense my disbelief, she raised her hand and a ball of flame erupted in her palm. I reached out to touch it, and she blew it out.
“Unlike Clara,” Jake continued. “Althea never used her magic for evil. In fact, she despised being a witch, of being associated with the things Clara would do. So she escaped, left the coven, and found me.”
“Clara was an immensely powerful witch, far more powerful than I,” Althea said, cutting in. “I knew Jake – or Jacques, as he was known then – didn’t stand a chance. And believe me, I wanted to see Clara dead just as much as Jake did.”
“Why? What did Clara do to you?” I asked.
“For one, she turned me into this,” Althea said. “Every few centuries Clara would choose an apprentice, someone she could train in the art of magic. She chose me, despite my will. When I initially refused, each member of my family was struck down with plague. She warned worse things would come if I didn’t join her.”
“But why you?”
“Some people are born with an innate talent for magic, almost like it’s in the blood. Apparently Clara saw great potential in me, although I never believed it.”
“Anyway,” Jake went on. “Althea taught me the basics of witchcraft; how to set up a confinement circle, how to trick Clara into entering it, and finally how to finish her off. We both agreed that once Clara was taken care of, we’d go our separate ways.”
“So what happened?”
“With Althea’s help, I was able to kill Clara – although it nearly killed me in the process. I had hoped that, with Clara’s death, her spell would be broken and that I would go back to having a mortal life. But… Magic doesn’t work that way.”
“But if you wanted the spell broken, couldn’t Althea break it for you?”
“Like I said, Clara was an immensely powerful witch,” Althea said. “I did try, but the spell was too complex.”
I nodded. “So where do I come in to all this?” I asked. “Why am I Samantha Lorden right now? What about Bridget?”
Jake smiled. “When Clara killed you, she didn’t realize how powerful the bond was between us. We’re drawn to one another, no matter which life it is and who’s living it. Each time you reincarnate, you’re always the same person – the same soul.”
“Reincarnate?” That pesky dizziness came over me again.
“At first I didn’t believe it either. The first time you came back, your name was Sarah O’Malley, an immigrant from Ireland. You actively sought me out, claiming to have lived a life in which your name was Bridget Donahue. It was definitely weird getting used to you with an Irish accent,” he laughed.
“I confirmed that reincarnation does happen,” Althea said. “But for a person to remember their previous life? Why, that’s very rare indeed.”
“So, why didn’t you just tell me all this sooner? If I really am Bridget Donahue, why keep it a secret?”
“Because every time you remember who you are and who I am, they always come after you.”
“They?”
“Witches. But I’m getting a little ahead of myself.”
I just nodded, feeling faint.
“After we killed Clara, Althea and I did separate. But we had this ridiculous knack for being able to bump into one another, no matter where we went. And that knack extended to other witches, too.”
“We decided the best course of action would be to just stick together,” Althea said. “But other covens could sense we were different, could sense we weren’t like them. We always ended up encountering other witches just like Clara, if not worse. So we agreed we’d try to take down as many malevolent witches as we could.”
“A witch hunting other witches, wow,” I breathed. “So what does that make you Jake? Are you a witch?”
“Not officially, no. I can perform magic, but I’ve never undergone a transformation ceremony. Althea refuses to do it.”
Althea smiled to herself.
“But why would the witches come after me?” I asked.
“It’s a revenge thing; they can’t kill me, so they kill the person who’s most important to me – you. But when you’re oblivious to it all, they don’t seem to realize the connection. And with each life you have, you seem to remember less and less. Until I prompt you to, of course.”
“How many times have I reincarnated?” I was starting to feel very overwhelmed.
“Eight times.”
I felt myself pale.
“On your fourth life, I decided I would distance myself from you as much as I possibly could. I kept you in my sights, made sure you didn’t get into any kind of trouble, but I never spoke to you. It was 1891 by that time, and you had reincarnated as Eliza Mahoney. You met a guy, fell in love, got married. And yet you weren’t satisfied. You still found me, you still got yourself involved. And, for the fourth time, I had to watch you die.”
“Oh my God.”
“So, after that, I decided I’d keep you at arm’s length, but never let you realize the truth. I always tried to keep us as friends, nothing more. But sometimes things just… You know,” he grinned sheepishly. And, despite the circumstances, I found myself grinning as well.
“So does that mean that Lacey… Wow, Lacey’s a witch, huh?”
“Yep. Not the worst, but pretty foul. She’s the kind of witch that feeds off of other people, off of their emotions. It fuels her power, so when I can get her isolated she’s fairly harmless. But as soon as you came along, she was able to latch onto the fear, the panic, everything that you were feeling. That’s why she escaped.”
“So what do we do now?”
Jake and Althea exchanged glances. “We take her down.”

Impressum

Texte: © Jay Mirano
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 01.06.2011

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Widmung:
To everyone that told me I could.