by Cari Thomas
Effie sat down on the bed. ‘Look, I said I’m sorry. Can we start over? Manda and Rowan are driving me crazy, our magic is waning. I need you back. Attis told me that you missed me …’
‘I want to come back.’ Anna sat down beside her. ‘But you have to promise the coven is a democracy, not a fascist state.’
‘Yes. It’s all free love and fairness and fairy tales, OK?’ She moved some hair back from Anna’s face. ‘You’re going to be a stunner tonight.’
‘I’ll wear the damn underwear, go on, give it to me. I’m still not sleeping with Peter, though.’
‘Whatever. Manda said the same thing about her and Karim.’
‘It’s true then – they did?’
Effie nodded.
‘What about her beliefs?’
‘She’s convinced herself it’s OK because she loves him and they’ll surely get married one day and yada, yada, yada.’
‘Married! She’s known him all of five minutes.’
Effie shrugged. Anna reflected on the fact that even fearful, control-freak Manda had slept with someone and she was terrified of even kissing a boy.
‘Right, let’s deal with that dress.’
Effie pulled out a crumpled red ball from her bag and shook it out. The dress unravelled like a silk waterfall, the creases falling away as if by magic. In fact, magic had almost certainly been involved. ‘I think this one will look perfect.’
They got themselves ready, Effie fussing over Anna, helping her get into her dress, employing various magical concoctions, polishing and brightening her like a piece of silverware. They drank from a bottle Effie had brought and giggled, and Anna felt herself grow giddy on Effie’s presence once more. To finish she twisted Anna’s hair up with magic, leaving strands of it to fall about her face.
‘Peter’s going to drop dead,’ said Effie, admiring her work.
Anna looked at herself in the mirror – her reflection was as confused as she was. The woman in it wasn’t the girl she knew, her hair burnt gold, her eyes a living green, her lips red as the apple she’d bitten into many months ago.
‘Wait there. You need shoes. Please tell me you’re not going to ruin the outfit by putting on some sort of ballet pump or something.’
Anna had a wardrobe full of sensible ballet pumps and then she remembered. She ran to the wardrobe and pulled out the gold shoes from where she’d buried them.
‘Selene bought them for me when I was young.’
‘Selene buys you gifts?’
‘For every birthday she’s been around.’
‘How nice for you,’ Effie muttered resentfully. ‘Put them on then!’
They were beautiful but small, sized for an eleven-year-old, which was the last time she’d tried them on. As she slipped into them they grew to fit her feet, the heels lengthening elegantly at the same time.
The doorbell rang.
Effie pretended to faint against the wall. ‘That’ll be your prince in perfumed armour, Peter. Attis has never been on time for anything in his life.’
They made their way down the stairs. Aunt looked as if she’d swallowed sandpaper when she saw them. Anna tried to hide the slit in the dress as best she could.
‘Anna, I hardly think those heels are appropriate.’
‘I’ll make sure she doesn’t break her neck,’ said Effie, smiling sweetly.
Anna couldn’t believe she was opening the door of her house to Peter. In a light grey suit with his blond hair brushed back from his face, he’d never looked more handsome. He held a red rose wrist corsage in one hand.
‘You look beautiful,’ he said, offering her the corsage. She slipped her hand through it.
‘Thanks to me.’ Effie stepped forward. Peter’s eyes trailed away from Anna and took in Effie instead, her long legs revealed by the see-through skirt of her black dress.
He nodded. ‘Effie.’
Anna turned around to say goodbye to Aunt, who was watching them intently, a smile taunting her mouth. ‘Excuse me.’ Aunt pushed her way forwards. ‘Vivienne Everdell. Good to meet you.’ She extended a cordial hand to Peter.
Peter gave her a winning smile. ‘Vivienne, very good to meet you. Thank you for taking all my calls. I imagine I became rather a nuisance.’
‘Not at all. I’m glad Anna has found a gentleman like yourself.’
‘I promise to take good care of her tonight.’
‘She must be home by midnight.’
‘The car is already booked.’
She gave him an appraising look. ‘I’m trusting you, Peter Nowell.’
‘Never trust a man with perfectly polished shoes,’ said a voice from behind him.
Peter and Aunt scowled at Attis in unison.
‘Better late than never,’ said Effie, stepping out to him.
Attis drank her in. ‘You look ravishing. Now, I don’t have a car booked but I have a bottle of whisky and a killer playlist.’
‘Sounds perfect to me.’
Peter moved aside to let Anna out and only then did Attis look at her, his eyes widening just a little. They hadn’t spoken since the garden. If he was angry, he didn’t show it. Anna was staring at him too. He looked different. She’d never seen him out of tracksuit bottoms or jeans. His suit was jet black, his shirt crisp white, his hair still wet, falling into his eyes.
‘You guys want a ride?’ he offered, still looking at Anna.
‘I think we’ll be fine.’ Peter took Anna’s hand and pulled her towards a dark black BMW parked next to Attis’s dilapidated Peugeot.
‘Anna, you forgot something,’ Aunt called. Anna hurried back to the doorway and Aunt yanked her close and whispered: ‘Enjoy yourself tonight but remember, no matter how much of a gentleman they may look, they’ll still break your heart.’
The ball was held in the Boys’ School hall. Anna could only get so excited by the decorations. There were balloons and streamers and flower displays on the confetti-covered tables, but if they’d been in Equinox no doubt the stained-glass windows would have been pouring down the walls and people would be floating off in giant balloons …
Peter went to fetch them drinks. Anna stood lost for a moment in the crowd when Rowan pushed her way through the press of bodies, dragging Manda alongside. ‘Anna!’ Their dates, Karim and a skinny boy that Anna presumed was the trumpet-player, watched them go. ‘Your dress is sending me into seizure it’s so hot. Where did you get that?’
‘Effie, obviously. You both look beautiful.’ She smiled. Manda was wearing a rather formal pale blue dress and Rowan had gone eye-catching in a neon green skirt that puffed out from her waist.
‘I know.’ Rowan twirled. ‘I’m so glad you and Effie made up. At last, the dream team Dark Mooners back together. What did I tell you, Manda? It’s all sorted. Mother Holle help me, where’s David going now?’
Rowan made off after her date and Manda glanced at Anna, nose in the air. ‘I’m sorry, Anna. I was wrong.’ The admission obviously pained her.
‘It’s OK. I’m sorry too, for my part in the mess.’
Manda seemed surprised by Anna’s apology. ‘I just – I – finally felt like I belonged. I didn’t want to lose it.’
‘I know.’
‘I still think Darcey deserved what she got, mind you, but Headmaster Connaughty – that was wrong. Effie’s sorry about it all anyway.’
Anna wasn’t sure if Effie was that sorry but she nodded. Manda looked back towards Karim, as if to check he was still there.
‘So, you guys are together then?’
Manda blushed ‘Yes. We’re in love. I’m still freaking out about everything, but I think I’m keeping my cool on the surface.’ Manda turned to check Karim’s whereabouts again.
Anna smiled and then noticed Peter coming towards them. ‘Come on, Anna, let’s get a drink.’
Manda made eyes at her and hurried off towards Karim.
Peter was the perfect date. He was attentive, bringing her drinks, introducing her to his friends. They sat and chatted over the
music, tentatively getting to know each other. He held her hand tightly and told her she looked beautiful every ten minutes until Anna really started to believe it. She talked to people who had called her names and taunted her in the past and now they were smiling at her and acting as if they had always been friends. They weren’t her friends.
‘Peter, I’ll be back in a minute, I’m just going to catch up with the others for a bit, OK?’
‘Effie,’ he said darkly. ‘Anna, stay with me, I don’t want to let you go tonight.’
‘I won’t be long, I promise.’
Anna pulled away and went in search of them. She located Effie and Attis leaning against the wall at the back of the hall, observing proceedings and attracting attention without trying.
‘I’m surprised you’ve managed to separate yourself from Peter long enough to find us,’ Effie mocked. ‘Did you try the punch yet? Feeling frisky?’
‘I’ll make sure to avoid the punch if you had anything to do with it.’
‘Oh, I just threw a couple of Selene’s potions in there. Here, have some of this.’ Effie handed her the bottle from earlier. Anna looked around to check for teachers and then took a swig. Effie threw her head against the wall. ‘This is even more boring than I’d anticipated. Shall we go to Equinox already?’
‘I can’t. Peter …’
‘That’s the problem with dating a cowan.’
‘We’re not dating.’
‘Not yet,’ said Attis, watching the crowd.
Rowan stumbled into them. She was with Manda.
‘Oh, there you are,’ said Rowan. ‘I’m not so sure David really wants to hang out with me. He’s spending most of his time with his friends, so sod it, I thought I’d do the same. And Karim is talking to his ex-girlfriend—’
‘They’re just chatting. I’m very chilled about it,’ said Manda, her eye twitching. ‘I don’t want to seem crazy and drag him away – yet.’
‘Forget them, let’s dance,’ said Effie.
‘Finally!’ Rowan cheered. ‘Someone wants to dance with me.’
They took to the floor, the crowd parting for Effie as always. They formed a circle and let loose, Effie surreptitiously passing the bottle between them. Anna was sure it had a little magic in it too – she felt more and more free with every sip. Attis moved between them, picking up Rowan, spinning Manda round. When he came face to face with Anna, he took her hand and twirled her away and back again forcefully, his hand grabbing her waist, crumpling the satin of her dress.
Anna leant into his ear. She could smell the smoke and fire of his skin. ‘I’m sorry’, she shouted over the music, ‘for stealing your key.’
He spun her away and moved on.
They danced and grew giddy. The rest of the room melted away and Anna imagined herself outside again – under the moonlight, the fire roaring in front of them. The others must have felt it too because they all began to dance with abandon, ridiculous, imbecelic abandon. They soon found themselves doing the rain dance again: Rowan shimmying, Manda stomping, Effie jumping on Attis’s back and calling forth the rain; lights spinning, crowds gathering and limbs crashing.
Lightning flashed overhead suddenly, eclipsing the lights in the room. Thunder cracked the air like a whip. Rain began to pour outside. They looked at each other and laughed hysterically. Effie grabbed Anna’s hands and spun them around, revelling in the magic. How can no one else in the room feel it?
Anna caught sight of Peter in the crowd. Darcey was next to him, whispering in his ear.
‘I’ve got to go,’ she said to Effie, breaking away.
She walked over to them. ‘Peter, want to dance?’ Anna extended a hand to him.
‘Why would he want to join the freak show out there?’ Darcey sneered.
‘Sorry, I’ve got to go.’ Peter took Anna’s hand.
Of everything that had happened that year, nothing was so satisfying as Darcey’s face at that moment. They weaved into the crowd and Peter drew her close to him. ‘You guys looked pretty interesting …’
The rain was still pouring outside.
Anna laughed. ‘We got carried away.’
The music began to slow. Peter pulled her closer and time seemed to slip away as they danced.
Anna lifted her head up to look at him. ‘Are you and Darcey definitely over?’
Peter nodded firmly. ‘Over. She was always a lot to handle, but after everything that’s happened this year, she’s nothing to me now.’ He tilted her chin up towards him. ‘I swear you’re getting more beautiful with every hour. How did a girl like you fly under the radar for so long?’
Anna laughed and looked down, choosing not to recall everything that had brought her to this moment. He moved her hair from her face and leant in. The kiss was gentle, barely there at all. She pulled away and smiled at him. Her first kiss. It wasn’t so scary.
He pulled her tighter, his arms caressing her back. He kissed her again. She kissed back and his breathing quickened. ‘Everdell, you’re delicious.’ He kissed harder now, his hands running up into her hair. ‘You smell so good.’ He kissed down her neck. ‘God, I want you.’ She hoped they were hidden in the dark of the room.
‘Peter …’ She pulled away.
‘Anna.’ He was breathing fast. ‘Let’s get out of here. I’ve got a room.’
‘I’m not sure—’
‘Nothing has to happen, but it could …’
‘Let’s just stay here for a bit.’
‘Come on. I know you’ve been waiting for this moment.’ He smiled, his eyes implacable. He trailed his hands down her arms and took hold of her wrists. He pulled her gently towards the door.
‘No, Peter, I want to stay here.’
He kissed her again. ‘We could be alone at last.’ He pulled harder.
‘I’m sorry.’ She knew she was ruining everything, but she couldn’t. Every guy feels obligated to try and sleep with their date at the summer ball.
His smiled dropped, the blue of his eyes turning cold. ‘Anna …’
‘She said she doesn’t want to go.’ Attis appeared beside them.
Peter’s lips turned up, revealing teeth.
Attis towered over him. ‘Why don’t you do everyone a favour and leave instead?’
‘Whatever.’ Peter looked back at Anna and stormed off.
Attis took her hand and then they were dancing, slowly, maintaining a careful distance from one another. Anna was too ashamed to say anything.
‘He’s a fuckwit, Anna.’
She let out a shaky laugh.
‘Do you want me to punch him? I did it once and it felt good.’
She tried to process the last few minutes. That had not been the calm, composed Peter she knew. ‘He said nothing had to happen …’ She could still feel his hand on her wrist.
‘It’s a good line.’
‘Do you use it?’
‘No. I wouldn’t lie to sleep with a girl.’
Anna looked up at him. ‘I’m sorry I took your key.’
‘I told you not to dig, to put yourself in danger.’
‘I know. I was stupid, but I was desperate. I knew you wouldn’t understand.’
‘Did your aunt hurt you?’ He looked down at her, eyes blazing. Anna felt tears rush into hers. She’d tried to forget those three long weeks. She found she couldn’t tell him.
Attis looked away, his jaw clenching. ‘You should have let me in, that night, when I came.’
‘I couldn’t.’
He nodded. Anna realized they had grown closer – Attis’s face was inches from hers. His lips exactly where Peter’s had been when they kissed. She could feel his arms around her and wanted to sink deeper. To escape again.
Then she saw Effie over his shoulder – staring at them.
Anna dropped Attis’s hand. ‘Effie.’
‘What?’ said Attis.
‘Effie’s waiting for you. I’m going to get a drink.’ She pulled away.
‘Anna, don’t try to find him.’
‘I won’t. Right now, he’s a massive fuckwit.’
She went to the drinks counter, reeling from everything that had just happened. A couple were making out passionately over the punch.
There was some general kerfuffle on stage and then the music was cut. Darcey walked out into the centre, hair bouncing, one hand holding up her long, silver dress, the other holding a microphone.
‘Thank you.’ The microphone screeched and she glared at the flustered-looking sound guy. ‘On behalf of the student council, thank you all for coming. The council has done a spectacular job of bringing my vision to life, a round of applause is in order.’ Everyone clapped and cheered. ‘Now, I don’t want to stop the partying for too long – oh and by the way, after-party at mine tonight, guestlist only – but first, it’s that time of the night that we all look forward to.’ Darcey pointed at the large screen behind her. ‘The council and I have put together our favourite pictures and memories from the school year. Embarrassment is compulsory.’
The screen lit up and a slideshow began, scrolling through pictures and memories that Anna hadn’t been a part of. People began to cheer and laugh as their photos were shown – pulling faces, assuming stupid poses, drunk or captured kissing someone in the dark. Then a photo of Rowan.
Anna’s heart stopped.
Another photo of Rowan appeared, more unflattering than the first. Laughter began to bubble up from the crowd. Another photo of Rowan – the pictures from the horrible game they had all played. Darcey had seeded them throughout. Just enough to humiliate, not enough to raise suspicion. Darcey began to snigger on stage. Anna had presumed that, after everything, on some deeply buried level Darcey’s taste of her own medicine would have changed her perspective, blunted her cruelty.
The laughter suddenly stopped.
Anna’s glass dropped from her hand, lemonade fizzing over her gold shoes.
The photo montage was gone. A video was playing instead. Darcey stood, rooted to the spot, watching herself on screen with Headmaster Connaughty.
The hall was completely silent. Nothing but the horrifying sounds of the video.
Slowly, the whispers came, shocked inhalations, murmurings. Darcey did not move.
The teachers had begun to panic, trying to cut it off. The screen went blank. Anna located Headmaster Connaughty running out of the hall.