by Bear Matthew
Chapter 4-
“So how have you been?” Savannah asked Parker as they walked to school.
“I’ve been good. What about you?” Parker asked Savannah.
“Fine I guess. It’s just weird being back.” Savannah told her.
“Why did you come back?” Parker wondered.
“My dad he’s shipping back out and so I came back to stay with my grandmother.” Savannah said. As they walked to school, Savannah began to notice all the houses she would walk by all the time. The one with the gnomes, the one with the bird fountain, and the one that was weirdly painted bright orange like a large pumpkin. She used to walk past these houses every day after school and now it just felt weird.
“That sucks.” Parker said.
It royally did, Savannah thought.
“I’m glad you came back. I have missed you. I’ve missed a lot of things.” Parker said.
“So what’s changed? It seems like nothing has. It’s still Bart’s Barbeque and Susie’s Sweet Treats?” Savannah wondered. She loved going to Bart’s, they had the best ribs, and Susie has had the best homemade ice cream. On a rare hot summer day, the girl’s would go and get an ice cream cone.
“Yeah it’s all still here. However, things have changed. I mean look at you. The last time I saw you had blue in your hair. What happened?” Parker asked.
“The Army’s not to keen on freedom of style choices, but other than that I’m pretty much the same. What about you?” Savannah said.
“I’m pretty much the same, just studying and tennis.” Parker coyly said. She was hiding something.
“What about Faye? How’s she?” Savannah asked.
“Now there’s change. She is not the same old Faye. I think she took Hayley’s death hard.”
“You think?” Savannah asked.
“We aren’t so close anymore.” Parker said.
“What!” Savannah was shocked. They had been friends longer than any of them were, since the sandbox. “What happened?”
“Hayley died. You moved away, Faye changed and other things happened.” Parker said.
“What things?” Savannah asked.
“Just things” Parker said. They started to walk in silence. Being former friends did not mean that they would not keep things from each other.
Parker and Savannah were more than halfway to school when they had to stop at one of the few stoplights in town. Parker leaned against it and started to gasp. She could breathe and it was not the first time exactly. She went black, seeing nothing but darkness for a quick moment. Then she was back. It was swift and simple, but something about it freaked not just Savannah out but Parker.
“Are you okay?” Savannah asked Parker when she stopped gasping. Parker looked up at Savannah who was a little scared. Just how she felt when she blinked this morning and for a second was not there but then was.
“Yeah I just… I have to…” Parker started to look around, she was searching for something. “No… no… it can’t be.” She was staring down at the road at a car coming towards the light. She looked down the other way and a large truck was coming too. The light turned yellow and neither car was slowing down. “No, Stop!” Parker shouted at the small minivan coming towards the truck. The woman driving it looked back to the backseat and was not stopping, Savannah stood there watching Parker as she freaked out.
“What’s happening?” Savannah asked Parker. Parker gave her a look that said she was about to do something dangerous.
“Stay back” she told Savannah. Before Savannah could say anything Parker ran into the street.
“NO!” Savannah screamed at Parker. Parker put her hands up for the minivan to stop. The street was a one way, one way at a time.
“STOP” Parker shouted again. The woman driving was not paying any attention. She turned back to look at the road and saw Parker, but it was too late. Savannah ran into the street, pulling Parker away from the car.
“NO!” Parker screamed as she watched the events unfold. The minivan tried stopping but it was not fast enough as the truck plowed right into it. In the moment that the loud crash happened, Savannah blinked. It was for a split second and then she was back in the same place. Just like before. Parker did not see as she ran to toward the accident. Nobody saw Savannah blink, thank goodness.
Savannah followed Parker to the accident. Parker flung into action, opening the driver door to get the woman out of the van. She was bleeding from hitting the smashed windshield. Savannah looked into the back seat, afraid of what she might see, but she looked anyway. She saw nothing. There was not anybody in the backseat. “There’s nobody in the backseat!” Savannah shouted to Parker.
The woman looked up, barely able to keep consciousness and said, “I just dropped them off. I…I was reaching for my son’s lunchbox.” She said. She closed her eyes again as Parker laid her on the ground far enough away from the accident. Savannah went to look at the driver of the truck. It did not even look like it had a scratch on it. The driver opened his door and got out. He was in his early twenties and not too shabby looking.
“Are you okay?” Savannah asked him. He looked up at her, and then looked at the damage.
“I’m fine. What about the other driver?” He asked.
“I don’t know.” Savannah said. What she did not know right now could fill the library of congress.
Chapter 5-
Faye got ready for school in the locker room. The other girl’s from the cheer squad had come in too and changed for class. Everyone was talking about Alyssa, while Faye just stayed quiet. Her thoughts were already loud enough.
“I just can’t believe it. It doesn’t even make any sense.” One of the girls said. “It makes complete sense. The wind must have thrown her off. She weighs only like fifteen pounds.” Another girl said.
“I just don’t even understand why she was up there in the first place, Faye do you know why?” Sam asked. Faye ignored her.
“It’s probably because Faye’s gaining some weight. I won’t blame the girls who have to hold her for wanting someone lighter.” Josie said. Josie Smart was a complete bitch, or at least that is how Faye liked to describe her. She was Faye’s biggest rival.
“Shut your pie hole Josie.” Sam defended Faye who was on the verge on wanting to punch Josie in the face, but she knew better. Punching Josie in the face meant getting angry and getting angry means the uncertain.
“We both know that I’m not the one eating pie.” Josie said. Faye slammed her locker door shut and left the locker room. Sam followed her.
“What’s up with you? You do not even say anything mean back to Josie. At least you could have told her to shut up or something. What’s up?” Sam said.
“I just need some space.” Faye said.
“What, from me? You’re my best friend in the whole wide world.” Sam said sarcastically.
Faye bluntly stopped in the middle of the hallway. She turned to Sam and said, “Do you believe in the supernatural?” Sam stared back at her, confused. “Like the paranormal?”
“You mean do I believe in like vampires or werewolves or…” Sam said with a laugh, “witches?”
Witch, Faye thought. “I guess that’s a no.” Faye said and kept walking. The halls were filling up with students who were coming back to school for the first time all summer, seeing some of their friends since last year, Faye was jealous of them. She could not believe it but she was. She wished she went somewhere this summer, did something memorable, came back to town and met up with her friends. However, Faye did not do anything memorable this summer – not unless you count going on a family vacation to the lake house – which Faye did not. Something memorable meant something new and a drive with her entire family bickering was not something new.
Faye and Sam went to first period AP English. They got their usual seats in the middle of the classroom and sat down. Faye just sat there silently, thinking. She could not get the idea of being a witch out of her mind. Maybe that is what I am, a witch, she thought. It sounded
crazy and Faye knew it but it also sounded probable.
The class was filling up and the teacher came in. He was in his late twenties, dark brown hair and freckles. Sam noticed his good body, “Check that out, I would love to be one of his naughty students so he can spank me.” She said. It got a laugh out of Faye, but it quickly faded when she saw Parker come into class. Parker started to come in, just as the bell was going off. Faye found it strange. Parker was always on time – in fact usually the first one to class. As Parker stepped through the doorway, the door started to close when it stopped. Parker looked back at the door as it opened again and in came Savannah.
“Savannah!” Faye said loudly causing everyone in class to look. Savannah saw Faye and smiled, she was as surprised by what Faye looked like. Faye just stared and did not smile back. She assumed Faye was in shock, but did not give it much time to contemplate as she followed Parker to the back of the room. They sat down next to each other in the far back row. Faye could not stop staring at Savannah and Parker. Thinking, what is she doing back?
The bell stopped ringing and Mr. Pratt addressed his first period class, “Okay class, for anyone who doesn’t already know my name, it is…” he said as he wrote it down on the chalkboard, “Mr. Pratt. I know most of you from last year but there seems to be some new faces in class. Do you all want to stand up and introduce yourselves? Don’t worry you don’t have to.”
Savannah thought about it, but with an introduction like that from Faye, what was the point. Savannah could not get what Faye looked like off her mind. She looked nothing like the old Faye. “I told you that Faye’s changed.” Parker said.
“You were right.” Savannah said back to Parker. “I just can’t believe she looks like that!”
“Yeah and she’s also popular now. In fact she’s the new queen bee.” Parker told the news to a shocked Savannah.
Parker and Savannah had waited with the woman until help came and then raced to school. Savannah wanted to ask Parker how she knew that was gonna happen and what the whole, not being able to breathe thing was about, but she didn’t. She figured there was a time and place to ask her and to tell her about her own supernatural problem.
The bell rang and class was over. Mr. Pratt had talked to them about a fall reading list and every book he expected them to read for class. He also talked about what everyone should expect in class and his rules on things like late papers. The moment the bell rang everyone jumped out of their seats and went straight to the doors. Faye was out of there like a bad habit. Savannah tried to get to her before she got lost in the crowds of students in the hallway. “Faye wait” Savi said.
Savannah went right out of the classroom, turned the corner and found she was hitting something very hard – and it was not a wall. She dropped her books to the ground. Savannah looked up and saw a very cute tall dark stranger standing in front of her. He was a few inches taller than she was and when Savannah hit his chest, it was rock hard. She looked up at his face and saw his super mysteriously hot dark eyes and square jaw. He was wearing dark jeans, a v-neck t-shirt and a leather jacket. He radiated from cool and hotness.
“Sorry” Savannah mumbled out as she reached down to grab her books. At the same moment, he reached down to help her, causing them to bump heads. “Ouch” she said. She smiled awkwardly. Then he smiled, wow, Savannah thought. He had a perfect smile, matching his perfect looks. He was oddly pale though, reminding Savannah of those vampire movies she never saw. She was more of a classic’s type girl.
“It’s okay,” he said. Even his voice was amazing, thought Savannah. “I’m gonna reach down and pick up your books for you.” He said, giving Savannah pre-warning. He picked up her stuff and handed it to her. “I’m Sebastian,” he said.
Sebastian, that sounds hot, thought Savannah. “I’m Savannah.” She told him. They both gave each other a smile. “Do you go here?” she wondered.
“Not exactly, I used to. I was just reminiscing, how about you?”
“Yeah I do. In fact I’m probably going to be late to class.” Savannah said.
“Well we wouldn’t want that.” Sebastian said.
Parker came out of the classroom and saw Savannah and Sebastian talking. She did not know him, not exactly, but she knew something. She rushed over to Savannah, grabbed her arm, and pulled her away with her. “Let’s go, class isn’t going to wait.” Parker said.
“Well bye” Savannah said as Parker pulled her away. Parker stopped and let go of her arm a few feet away from where Savannah was. “What’s the deal?”
“Do you know him?” Parker asked, although it did not feel like a question that she had an option of answering.
“No, I just ran into him. His name’s…” Savannah said.
“Sebastian. His name is Sebastian and he’s a bad guy.” Parker told her.
“Really like how?” Savannah wondered.
“He’s dangerous just do me a favor and stay away from him. I don’t want to see you get hurt.” Parker was saying this as if she had some viable information on the subject.
“Okay I’ll stay away from him. Besides I got class.” Savannah said. She started to walk away. Parker looked back to where Sebastian and Savannah were. Sebastian was still standing there, just staring at Parker. His look seemed oddly haunting. He looked at her as if he knew her and her him. Parker seemed bothered by him. Sebastian smiled and Parker turned around when Savannah said, “Well are you coming?”
Parker and Savannah went off to class, as Sebastian just stared at them, smiling. Something about him was off, but it was not. He seemed happy to see them.
Chapter 6-
Now lunchtime at Charm Harbor High and it seemed to be an imitation of a circus. There were people everywhere, things happening, and the only thing that did not mimic the circus was the bad cafeteria food. Savannah and Parker had made a plan to meet up at lunch after second period. They did not have any more classes together after that, and neither had any with Faye.
Parker entered the cafeteria, scanning the place for Savannah. She spotted her in line so she walked over to her. They had not seen each other since second period, and after two years apart, it felt weird.
“Hey I’m gonna get a spot.” Parker told Savannah. Savannah was next in line.
“Okay I’ll find you.” Savannah told Parker.
“Meat loaf or Lasagna?” the lunch-lady said to Savannah.
“Um…the meat loaf” Savannah said.
“I wouldn’t, it’s pretty gross.” A voice said from behind her. She turned around to find a super good-looking jock. She knew he was a jock from his team jacket, but that did not really matter. He had looks of a GQ model. His dark brown hair hung at his eyes – which were super blue – and a body that she could tell was probably amazing.
“So is the lasagna’s better?” Savannah asked him.
“A little, but don’t expect too much.” He said.
“I’m Savannah.” She told him.
“I’m Crosby. It’s nice to meet you.” Crosby said.
“I’m Mrs. Underwood and now that were all acquainted, lasagna or meat loaf?” Apparently, Mrs. Underwood had some place better to be.
“Lasagna” Savannah said. She flashed Crosby a little smile.
“Good choice.” Crosby said. “I’ll take lasagna too please.” He said.
“I hope, because otherwise you’ve let me down and I don’t even know you.” Savannah said.
“Really, cause you seem super familiar for some reason.” Crosby said.
“I get that a lot.” Savannah said.
“Oh well if I think of where I know you from then I’ll come and tell you.” Crosby said.
“You better.” Savannah said as she paid for her lunch. “It was nice to meet you Crosby.”
“Nice to meet you too Savannah” he said.
Savannah went looking for Parker in all the chaos. She was sitting down in the far back by the door that leads to the outside eating area.
“Hey” Savannah said as she sat down
at the round table.
“Hey” Parker said. “Who were you talking too?”
“Some guy named Crosby. He’s was nice – and cute.” Savannah said.
Parker asked, “Crosby Jordan?”
“I didn’t catch a last name.” Savannah sat down at the table.
“It’s Crosby Jordan, the football star. He’s also dating Faye.” Parker said.
“Are you serious?” Savannah said. “That’s cool, I guess.”
“Speaking of Faye…” Parker said pointed her eyes towards the door in the front of the cafeteria. Faye walked in with Sam.
“Is that mousey?” Savannah asked.
“Yup, the same mousey that Hayley made fun of. She grew a set of boobs and became popular.” Parker said. “She’s Faye’s new best friend.”
Faye and Sam headed towards their usual table when Faye saw Parker and Savannah. They are eating lunch together, talking, and pretending like nothing happened. Faye could not do that that is why she stopped hanging out with Parker. She hated to pretend that Hayley died by accident. She knew it was not her fault, or anybodies, but ‘something’s’ fault and she could not handle that. Faye stared at Parker and Savannah for a moment, as they looked away from her, and she turned to Sam.
“Let’s go off campus for lunch. I don’t feel like being in here right now.” Faye told Sam. Faye and Sam left the lunchroom and headed off campus, while Parker and Savannah watched her leave.
“Are you aloud to do that? Leave campus?” Savannah wondered.
“They aren’t too strict here.” Parker said.
“So what else has changed?” Savannah asked Parker.
“Well a few things I guess. Hayley’s mom and dad split up. Trey now lives in town with his mom, while Mr. Roads left town after Hayley’s death. My dad’s still sheriff, but my mom left.” Parker said.