NeverEnding

“NeverEnding” Chapter 7

I was speechless. The tears were streaming down my face. “Ohmigosh Justin! A thousand times yes!” He slipped the ring on my finger. I threw my arms around his neck and his arms went around my waist. He kissed my lips. It had a gold band and a 14carrot diamond in the middle. “Sorry it’s not much. Didn’t have much money.” “No Justin. It’s perfect!” I couldn’t stop staring at it. We walked home. The lights were off. Justin flicked the lights on and everybody screamed ‘Surprise!’ They all stood there patiently waiting for me to say something. My dad piped up. “Well!?” I think he knew what had happened. I shot my hand up and screamed, “I’m engaged!” Everybody cheered. It was a perfect birthday party and engagement party in one. I couldn’t ask for a better life. We ate, drank and had a good time. It was about 9:30 pm when everybody started to leave. Justin grabbed my hand and we ran upstairs. We sat on my bed and did nothing. “We need to talk.” I said “About what?” “Two years ago.” “What’s there to talk about?” “Everything.” We talked about what happened after the flash and how it effected us. “It can’t be that bad, considering we are getting married.” Justin said. “I know.” He kissed my forehead. “Get some rest. Okay princess?” “Alright.” He got up and walked out. I sat there reminiscing about the beautiful ring sitting there on my left hand. I finally got up and changed into sweats and a baggy tee. I laid in bed and turned out my light.

———— May 2 8:25 am —————-

I woke up with a stinging pain in my side. I looked at what had happened and there was an indentation of the diamond in my skin. It was all red around it. I got up and stretched like a cat after nap time. I scratched my head messing up my bed head even more. Everyone was downstairs enjoying breakfast. A plate was set out for me. I didn’t feel like eating. I sat down anyway. Justin came through the back door holding wood with my dad. They set it by the fireplace. “It’s supposed to storm tonight. We were thinking about curling up on the couch, lighting a fire, and being a family tonight.” Nothing was said. We just nodded our heads. I picked at the oatmeal in front of me. My mom grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the kitchen. The sky was black already and it wasn’t even noon yet. “I know your scared. So me and your dad are going to take care of all the wedding plans. All you have to worry about is finding that perfect wedding dress. Ok?” I hung my head. “K.” She wrapped her arms around me and squeezed me tight. I hugged her back. We let go of each other. “Thanks mom.” “Your welcome sweetie.” She said kissing my forehead. I walked upstairs into my room. I slipped on my slippers and grabbed a teddy bear. I walked back downstairs. I sat on the couch. I pressed my knees to my chest and the teddy bear against my face. My mom started to make hot coco while my dad tried to start the fire. It started to lightning and thunder. It soon started to pour rain.

My mom came out with the hot coco and my dad finally got the fire going. Justin noticed me sitting there with the hot coco untouched. He sat next to me. He put his arm around my back. “Babe, what’s wrong?” he whispered. “Nothing.” I laid my head on his shoulder. He left it alone. He didn’t fight with me on it. After about thirty minutes, the rain settled and slowly stopped. I randomly got up out of Justin’s grip and walked outside. I sat down on the front step and looked out. Justin soon joined me outside. He sat there next to me not saying a word. A flash of lightning filled the sky. “What’s wrong? You can tell me.” He finally said. “You think I would be happy, but I’m not. I have so many questions and zero answers. Why did this happen? Why are we two years older? Why is everything back to normal? And most of all how did all of this happen over just one wish? Especially when I had wished it all the time, why did it just happen the last time? I just don’t understand.” Justin sat there hopefully thinking. “Well, forget about all of that. And focus on what’s ahead of you. Don’t let stress take over. Be yourself.” Another flash of lightning. Then a big boom of thunder shook the foundation. The rain started to come down hard. “Maybe we should go inside!” I yelled over the rain pounding on the window pains. “First.” He grabbed my hands. His lips met mine with a wet kiss. He pulled back. “Alright. Let’s head in!” He grabbed my hand. He led me inside. “oh you two are soaking wet! Go upstairs and change. Justin we might have some clothes for you!” We rushed upstairs. I ran into my room and quickly changed. I ran downstairs to see if Justin was down there yet. “Guess what!” Justin said running up to me. “What?” I asked grabbing his hands. “I’m moving in with you guys!” “Thats so exciting.” He pecked my lips. So much excitement on such a rainy day. We walked to the couch and sat down. He wrapped his arm around me. I laid my head on his shoulder. He kissed my forehead. We sat there looking at the fire just waiting for the power to go out. Finally after about 30 minutes the power went out with a big strike of lightning. My mom was putting out candles the whole time. Me and Justin got flashlights. Me and Justin found the flashlights upstairs in the hallway closet. We walked down the stairs to see the whole bottom floor covered with candle light. It felt like I just walked in wonderland. I was just in awe on how pretty and romantic it looked! Me and Justin sat on the couch. I laid my legs over his legs. He kinda gave me a foot rub with my socks on. I grabbed my new iPhone 4s that I got a month before. I had a new text from a girl named Carly. It said. “Hey girly! I can’t wait to see you at the mall this weekend! You can bring Justin! I’m bringing my bf, so ya. They can hang while we hang! K. Bye!” I showed the message to Justin and he said he wanted to go. I whispered in his ear, “I don’t even know who she is.” “So what. Go along with it.” “Okay.” I laid back on the pillow. I put my phone down and tried to fall asleep. Justin grabbed my hand while I napped.

“NeverEnding” Chapter 6

I stood there with my jaw half open. I could feel my face turning a bright red. Victoria was on Justin with a bra on and short shorts. Justin was wearing black sport shorts (probably mine.) I truly thought they were going to swallow each other. Cole cleared his throat. Tori got off Justin and ran her fingers across his chest. “Be back later.” she ran upstairs. Justin threw his shirt on. “Hey Cole.” I could feel myself get even more solid. “We need you.” “We?” I slapped Justin’s arm. “Aj?” “Yes! Just come with me.” He followed us out of the door. I led him back to the candy store. Me and Cole caught him up on what had happened and why we needed him. Cole and Justin had a little meeting in the corner while I stood there. ‘wow I need a manicure.’ I thought. Cole and Justin came back. They nodded. They both took my hands. I could slowly start to feel the tingly feeling come back. I was turning human again. Justin pecked my check. They stood away as I slowly started to loose the color I just gained. Cole started to tell Justin what was going on.

“To help her stay human we need to do what?!” Justin yelled. We stood there thinking. “The prophecies. We need the stuff from the prophecies.” Cole quietly recited the words I told him. Cole ran out of the building. Justin followed. I started to draw a shape with my finger on the ground. It was a triangle with a square in it and the corners popping out. I set candles up on the square corners and sat in the middle of it. I started mumbling some weird words. I didn’t know what I was saying, the words just came naturally. I sat there with my eyes closed sitting cris-cross-applesauce. I looked like I was meditating. I opened my eyes. It was dark now. My life was in a long span around me. When I was born till now. Every minute just sitting there in motion. The boys ran in. “Holy Shit!” said Justin. “Now!” I screamed. They set the ingredients down and they floated to the corners of the shape.

[Coles pov]

Her life was in a timeline around the room. The things from the prophecies floated to the corner of the shape Aj drew. This yellow mist came from the jars we had the stuff in, and outlined her until it covered her. She floated in the air. Her skin was gaining her tan color. Her big brown eyes were… Well… Big and brown. Her hair was long. Her black dress we buried her in was that special midnight black she liked. She hopped on the ground. Her bare feet touched the floor for the first time in 2 months. I was almost as excited as her. She ran over to us and squeezed us in one of her bear hugs. “Thank you guys so much.” She whispered. She turned to me. “Cole. I want you and I need you, but I just can’t right now.” She said a little teary. She hugged me again. When she pulled back I gently kissed her lips. I pulled back. “I understand.”

[Justin’s pov]
Then she turned to me. “Justin. I love you more than anything in the whole world and I would do nothing to hurt you. But I can’t be with you.” “Why?” “Victoria.” “Oh.” She gave me a hug. “I’ll do anything I can to be with you again.” I whispered into her ear. I got no response. By anything, I meant I would break up with Tori, so I could be with her again. She let go of me, but I didn’t let go of her. “Um… Jus—” I wouldn’t and I couldn’t let her finish. I pulled her against my body and kissed her long and hard. Her arms came around my body and pressed me against her even tighter than before. She ran her fingers through my hair. We pulled back at the same time. “Now what happens?” asked Aj. “Let’s go home.” she walked in the middle of me and Cole. We walked home. “Aj. You can call Victoria, Tori.” “I’ll try.” We reached the house. We walked upstairs to where Aj’s room was. Tori was putting the clothes she wore away. Cole cleared his throat. “Justin!” She said running up to me and kissing my lips. He hugged Cole. “Aj! I’m glad your back!” She hugged Aj. Aj awkwardly hugged her back . She let go. I grabbed Tori’s hand. “We will leave you two alone.” I said closing the door with Cole and Aj in it.

[Aj’s pov]

Justin left me and Cole in one room. I grabbed some clothes from my dresser and changed in front of Cole. I laid on my stomach on the bed. Cole got in bed with me. I turned on my back. “kiss me.” “What?” “Just kiss me.” He didn’t argue. We turned toward each other. He gently kissed my lips. We flipped back on our backs. I starred at the ceiling. “I lied.” “About what?” “Not wanting to be with you or Justin. I wanna be with Justin, but he’s with Tori.” He said nothing back.   ‘I wonder if he’ll take me back. Maybe I just need to change? If he loved me he would love me for me. Not somebody he wishes I could be.’ i thought. Justin burst through the door. “Aj! I do want you back! I love you just the way you are! I never want you to change!” “How did you know what I said?” “I guess I can read minds.” “Ok listen to this.” I said something in my head. “Tori’s in the doorway?” He turned around. Tori was sobbing. Cole disappeared randomly. “Justin. I can’t believe this. I thought you were different! It’s over!” She wept. She ran out of the house and Justin looked at me. “Well don’t just stand there!” He ran out of the house trying to catch up with her. I walked into the bathroom. I started the shower. I undressed. Walking into a nice hot shower after being dead for 2 months feels really good. I got out of the shower. I dried, put lotion on, changed, washed my face, dried my hair, and just let my hair fall. I walked out in the room. Justin was sitting on my bed. “Aj. Will you be my one and only true love. Promise not to love another but me and only me?” “Only if you promise the same thing.” “I do.” “Me too.” I ran my fingers through my hair. Nothing was feeling right. My ex-boyfriend was just dumped. Cole was jealous. Austin and Summer were out of the house and basically making babies at 15. And on top of all that I was all of a sudden back to life! I wish I could start all over. I want my family back. I want my friends back. I don’t want to be a wizard. I want to be a normal 16 year old driving and having a job. If only. I knew Justin wanted the same thing.

All of a sudden a big flash of light appeared. Time seemed to slow down. Me and Justin were holding hands. I didn’t know what was happening and neither did Justin. All I saw after that moment was black and nothing but it.

———————————————————————————————————————————————

I woke up in the house I grew up in no memory of what happened last couple years. I got up and scratched my head walking over to the mirror on my floor. I looked horrible. I tried to make something come out of my fingers but nothing happened. I wasn’t a wizard! What had happened? I smelt bacon, eggs, and pancake fumes coming from downstairs. I slowly walked down the stairs. The tv was on cartoon network. My mom, dad, and Marcie were downstairs in the kitchen enjoying breakfast made by my mom. My life was back to normal. “There’s our 18 year old! Happy birthday sweetheart!” “Thanks.” I kissed my mom and dad on the cheek. It had been two years since I had said what I said. They handed me my special breakfast. “Today, Justin is going to take you somewhere special for your birthday!” “How old is he?” “18 just like you!” “Oh.” I said shoving my breakfast in my mouth. I washed down the bite I took with some orange juice. Marcie grabbed my arm. “Come on. We need to get you all dressed up for your date!” She said dragging me up the stairs. She quickly put up a blanket as a curtain for me to change behind. I stood behind there and started to undress. “Can I ask you some questions?” I asked grabbing the shirt she handed me. It was one of my blue plaid long-sleeved shirts I wear. “anything.” she was rummaging through my clothes. “What happened to Jake?” I said slipping the shirt over my head. “Oh. Him! He is in jail.” She handed me my black Capri shorts. “Brittany and Blake?” “They live in Paris now.” I put the capris on. “What about Summer and Austin?” I said stepping out of the curtain and striking a pose. “They broke up. But you guys are still friends.” I looked myself over. I looked descent. This was more of a bittersweet kind of time. “I’ll do my hair by myself. You can leave.” “Bye!” She skipped out of my room and shut my door. I opened my closet door. I parted my clothes. There was no secret door. I quickly ran over to my bed. I looked under it. No wand or spell book, just a note. I picked it up. It read:

Adrianne,

Hope you like your new life!

-professor Carter.

He did this. I heard a door open and I knew it had to be Justin. I ran a brush through my hair. I put on a little mascara and blush. I put my black Adidas on. I walked down stairs. Justin was sitting there talking to my dad. He was wearing a plain white shirt with a bow tie. He knew I liked those. He was wearing blue jeans and his nice dress shoes. “Hey Aj!” “Hey Justin.” He pecked my lips. “Let’s go. Bye Mr. and Mrs. Ladden.” “Bye mom and dad.” We walked out the door. “I need to ask you something.” “What?” “Do you remember what happened the day I came back?” “I remember everything. I just try to go with the flow.” “Oh.” We walked down the street hand in hand. “Remember this place?” “The park were you gave me the necklace.” I touched my neck. It was still there. One part of my old life that didn’t disappear. “Exactly.” We walked to the bench. In stead of sitting down, Justin got on one knee and pulled out a little box. My eyes immediately started to tear and I could feel my cheeks getting red. He flipped open the box. “Adrianne Ladden will you marry me?”

[Aj’s pov]

It was about 5:30 in the morning when my rest was disturbed. I popped my head through the ground. I could see Cole trying to find my grave. “Cole!” He looked around nervously. His eyes met mine. “Aj?” I was out of the grave fully. Cole ran over to me. “Aj, you don’t know how much I miss you!” “Cole, I miss you too. I heard that you were going to help bring me back to life.?” “Ya. I love and miss you!” “I loved you.” “Loved?” he said unsure of what I meant by it. “Yes. Cole you need to understand that I love Justin more. I have and always will.” “Oh. Then why am I helping if your just going to choose Justin then?” “Your being a good friend. But I will be mortal! I won’t be a wizard.” “No! You need to be a wizard!” “I gave all my powers to Justin!” “When you kiss it will transfer what is yours back into your body.”

There was a moment of dead silence. “I know. But I don’t know if Justin will even go for me. He is dating that girl Victoria.” “Oh ya! I have seen her around.”  More of that awkward silence. “What do I have todo?” Cole finally said. “The prophecies.” “What?”

“The flowers that fill the air will help you find your way to the church. The lights of the nighttime sky will light your way. Catch them in a jar and bring them to your only love. Your life will gain more if you follow this. Take this task with you. If you accept you will bring back more love and life than you have right now.” “What?!” “Think about the words. It helps.” I felt myself turn into a solid form. Cole’s hand reached for my arm. His warm hand touched my icy cold body. “How are you solid?” I shrugged my shoulders.

I grabbed his hand and led him to an abandoned building. “Why are we here?” The musky air filled the building. The wall was peeling, the floors were creaking, and there was very little furniture. The building used to be a candy store that I used to visit when i was a kid. “I thought we could be somewhere more privet.” I knew how I was solid . I was with someone I cared about. It only happens when I’m with that someone. “can I kiss you?” Cole asked. “You can try.”

He walked forward. He grabbed my arms and pulled me towards him.  I placed my arms on his chest. Our lips met. I could slowly start to feel the feeling coming into my fingers. I could feel his chest against my fingertips. The feeling kept coming in through my body. It was a tingling feeling. He pulled back. He shot backwards. I stood there looking at my skin gaining then loosing the color. The black dress I had worn was a midnight black, but was slowly turning white again. My brown hair going to a lighter brown, to no color at all. “What the heck just happened?!” Cole said. “I have no idea. Wait! If I turned solid cause I was around you, then physical touch must bring me to life! So if I have you and Justin touch me at the same time will it work?” “I’m not sure. For right now, let’s not touch each other.”

We walked in complete silence. He would occasionally look at me and I felt my cheeks turn a bright red. We finally got to the house. I floated through the door and Cole walked in. I stopped cold in my tracks. Cole skidded to a stop next to me. The thing I never wanted to see. The most disturbing thing I have ever seen. Justin and Victoria…

I left Tori standing there and I ran back home with tears in my eyes. “Justin!” I wiped the tears away from my eyes. I reached my house. I ran upstairs into the master bedroom and locked the door. “Justin! What happened?” “Nothing. Okay!” I yelled. I had my knees to my chest. I laid my forehead on my knees. I was sitting on the ground by the bathroom door. “Please, Justin.” “No! Leave me alone!” I yelled crying even harder.

I heard a door shut and I knew I was alone. Summer and Austin were out for the day. “I should have been a better boyfriend and maybe she wouldn’t have cheated on me. We were meant to be, and she cheated on me. I knew she wasn’t really dating Blake, but dating a kid named Cole. I don’t know anymore.” The room got cold. “Justin, I’m sorry. I couldn’t help it. I love him.” Aj stood in front of me. “Ok. You said you loved me too. Was that a lie, like our relationship?” “No! I loved you most of all! Cole was just a wizard relationship!” “Well, I was going to bring you to life, but now I don’t know anymore.” “Please Justin! I love you!” I saw her eyes start tearing. “It’s either me or Cole. You choose.” “Justin!” I unlocked the door and walked out.

I went to go find Cole. I walked through the portal and landed in an elevator. “Cole Hunter.” It took me to the 10th floor. This is where we had our wizard classes and Aj’s locker was. I walked down the hallway. Cole was sitting on the ground by Aj’s locker. I walked up to him. “Your Cole Hunter right?” “Uh… Yeah.” “I need to talk to you.” “Ok. About what?” “Adrianne Ladden. Ring a bell.” “Yea. She was my girlfriend.” “That’s what I thought. She wasn’t dating Blake. She was dating me.” “Ok. I already knew that. She told me everything.” “Ok. She said she loved you.” “But she loved you more. She knew it wasn’t a good idea but she went with it. She liked it.” “Oh. I should have listened more.” “Dude, don’t be hard on yourself. She always talked about you. It’s just every wizard has a wizard boyfriend or
girlfriend. It’s basically a rule. And I was hers.”

“Well don’t I feel stupid. Can you help me with something?” “Anything.” “Help me bring Aj back to life.” “Really? I can see my girl again?!” “If you help. Then we will let her choose.” “Deal.” We shook on it. “Talk to you later.” “Bye.” I ran off. I was back inside the house. The lights were off in the kitchen. The lights turned on and everybody yelled suprise. “Happy birthday!” Tori came up to me and pecked my cheek. I wrapped my arm around her waist and we sat down. We all ate cake and ice cream. After that we hung out a little more. Everybody went home. Tori stayed with me. I grabbed her hand and we ran upstairs. I ran into my bedroom. I shut and locked the door. I took my shirt off. She took her shirt off. “I thought we were taking it slow?” “I changed my mind.” She stood there with a bra on and shorts. I laid in bed on my back. She sat on my stomach. “Tell me what happened today.” She said. “I found out that Aj was cheating on me with Cole.” “Oh. He is cute. I heard he really loved her. It was his only girlfriend.” “Really?” “Ya. He liked other girls but he never dated.” “Oh.” Her tiny fragile hands rested on my shoulders. My hands were on the bed. She slid her body down till her face was inches away from mine.

“Now what?” She asked. “I do this.” I grabbed her waist and pressed her against me. Our lips met. I slipped my tongue through our teeth. I could feel her tongue coming through. I wanted this to end. Everything. I wanted to restart my life. Just until I met Aj. Then maybe everything will be fine. I just wish I could, but sadly I can’t. Everything has to stay the same. In that instant, I realized that Tori had pulled back. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing.” I said obviously lying. “There is something wrong. It’s about Aj isn’t it?” “A little.” She flopped on her side of the bed. “Alright. I’m going to bed. Maybe you can work it out.” “Night.” She was laying on her side. I flicked the light off. I laid there thinking.

Adrianne was my life, my world, my everything, and here I was with another girl. She had cheated on me with another guy. Cole and I are going to help get Aj back. I was amazed the she could turn mortal. But why would she want to go through all that pain again? I don’t know. Hopefully this task will be easier…

I woke up with Tori missing. I got up took a shower, brushed my teeth, changed, grabbed my backpack, and walked through the portal to school. I didn’t have much friends, unlike Aj who was kinda popular considering she was “dating” Blake. I walked down the hallway to see if I could find Tori. No luck. I hope she doesn’t ignore me.

————- 7 hours later———-
I walked through the portal after school. Not much happened that day. I had no homework. I grabbed the notes I had sitting on the wooden nightstand. I put them in my back pocket. I ran down the stairs. I opened the door and to my surprise Tori was standing there. “Hey. Can we talk?” “I was just about to leave. But sure. About what?” I walked out the door and she followed. “About last night.” “What about it?” “Well, I really liked it, but I don’t think you really love me.” “That’s crazy. Of course I love you.” “It just feels like we were taking it to fast.” “I’m sorry. I’ll slow it down a little.” I said kissing her forehead. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder.

We walked for a little while longer till we came to the cemetery. “Why are we here?” “I have some business to take care of. Can you stay here?” “Sure.” I ran to where they buried Aj. I sat on the ground and waited. Aj came up to me. “Sup?” “I need to talk to you.” I said standing up. “Ok?” “I found this note that you had a convo with a kid named Cole?” “Oh. Ya that.” “What happened?” “Let me ask you something. Was I a bad girlfriend or something?” “Why?”

“I saw you with Tori in our bed. I left in the middle. You never went that far with me. I’m starting to feel like I was a horrible girlfriend. I’m also thinking you saw me with Cole, and what happened that day.” “No. It’s just I wanted to take more risks that night. I saw nothing with you and Cole. Thats what I wanted to ask you about! What did happen?” “Well.”

[Aj’s pov of Flashback]

I met Cole Hunter in the back of the school like I said I would. He was looking incredibly cute that day. His blue eyes catching the sun perfectly. His dirty blonde hair cut the day before, so it was all messed up. He was wearing a plaid blue button down shirt with black pants. I was wearing a sports jersey, skinny jeans, and a baseball cap backwards. “Your looking cute today.” He said winking. “Thanks. You too. Now what do you want?” “Why don’t you dump Blake and date me.” I could see his muscles in his shirt. “Because I love him.” “Then date me and Blake never has to know about us. A secret relationship.” “I dont know Cole. I mean your incredibly cute, but my heart belongs to Blake.” He grabbed my waist and pressed my body against his. I threw my arms around his neck. “There, one step closer. Now you just have to admit you love me.” “But, I don’t know if I do or not.” He leaned in to kiss me. I dropped my head and turned it to the side. He put my hair behind my ear and lifted my chin so I was looking into those stunning blue eyes of his.

I jerked his head forward and his lips met mine with a wet kiss. I felt his hand squeeze my butt while the other one went up my shirt. As his hand got higher it started to lift my shirt. His hand rested on my bra strap. He started fiddling with it. I could feel his tongue slip through the barriers of teeth surrounding it. I slipped my tongue through as well. I knew Justin was going to hate me. There wast much talking in this little meeting. His hand still on my butt and his other hand still on my bra strap. He unclipped one loop. I only had on a two clip. I took my hands off around his neck and slipped them under his shirt.

I could feel his 6pack after being on the football and lacrosse team the school had. My icy cold hands rested on his warm body. He pulled back. We stood in that position for awhile. A teacher came rounding the corner. He put his arm around my back. We stood side by side. We smiled at her. She gave us a weird look and moved on. His hand grabbed my butt. His hand slowly moving up my shirt. He unclipped the last one. My bra came loose. “Cole!” “Sorry. I just couldn’t help it.” I had my hands on my chest. “I got it.” He clipped them back together. He unbuttoned a couple of the top buttons on my jersey. It slightly showed my bra. He kissed my neck and slowly went down until he met where he stopped unbuttoning. He unbuttoned the rest. He kissed me all the way down my stomach until he came to the rim of my jeans. I just stood there hoping that no one walked by. His fingers slipped through the side strap of my bra.

He was on his knees. “I love you.” He said kissing my stomach until he came to my neck. Once he came to my neck, he met my lips with another wet kiss. I pulled back this time. “Sorry Cole, I just can’t do this.” I backed away from his grip. I buttoned my shirt and ran off.

[Justins Pov. End of flashback]

She told me the whole story and occasionally how they met each other back there and just talked and kissed. “So you were cheating on me?” “Just a little!” “That sounds like a lot more than a little!” “Hey! He held me and caressed me more than you ever did. Did I mention we had that glowish tint after that happened. And I know Tori is your true love. Don’t act all innocent.” “at least I didn’t cheat on you when you were still alive!” “Ok. You’ve gone to far.” And like that she was gone. No bye or anything. I slumped out of the cemetery. “What’s wrong?” “nothing.”

I stood there staring at this insanely beautiful girl that I had just met today. She was wearing a black dress with leggings under. She had a little jacket on and a little purse slung over her shoulder. My jaw slightly dropped. She was twirling her hair. “Alright, let’s go.” Brittany said. Victoria followed Brittany and so did Blake. I was the one in the back to shut the door. We got to the car and I opened the door for Victoria. She sat in the middle so I sat next to her. The top was up. I was uncomfortable in a way. “Tori this is Justin.” “I know. He is the one I told you about.” “Oh.” Me and Tori sat in silence while Brittany and Justin were talking. “So your nickname is Tori?” I whispered. “Ya. You can call me that if you want to.” She whispered back. “Ok.” Tori kept scooting closer every once in awhile. We reached Brittany’s house. We all got out. Tori and I walked side by side behind Brittany and Blake. I slightly moved my hand toward Tories’. I just couldn’t do it. We got inside and it smelt like dinner was done. Brittany got out our dinner and we all sat down. We were having baked ziti. We ate our dinner and talked. Brittany and Blake brought out fruit and some melted chocolate. “Hey where’s the bathroom?” I awkwardly asked. “I’ll show you.” Blake said. Blake led me to the bathroom. “Here.” “Thanks.” I walked inside and locked the door. I didn’t have to go at all. I looked in the mirror. I told myself I was going to take chances, take risks, and most of all get my flirt on.

I like Tori. She’s beautiful, sweet, and so cool. I knew I had to do something. I flushed the toilet to make it sound like I went. I washed my hands, dried them, and walked out of the bathroom. I sat back down at the table. Tori finished what she was saying. “Ok. We are going on an adventure. I’m going to be back, stay tight.” Brittany ran off upstairs to change. She came running back down moments later. She had changed into a tight top, shorts, and tenis shoes. She had wood in the back of her house, so that probably where we were going. She led us through twist and turns of those woods. We finally came to a patch of grass. “Tori and Justin go find a place of your own. This is mine and Blake’s spot.” “Let’s go.” Tori said walking off. Chances. Risks.

[Tori’s Pov]

Justin followed me, even though I had no idea where I was going. I landed in a tiny area of grass. “This fine?” I asked hoping he would say yes. “Sure.” I had no idea what he was thinking. I was nervous. I had never been alone with a guy before. I knew that he had a past girlfriend, and that they were pretty serious. I didn’t want to rush anything. He sat down on a near by rock. I sat next to him. By now the sky was turning a pretty pink and purple color. The sun was setting. We had the best view of it. Everything was perfect. I never wanted this to change. He sat there with his knees to his chest. “I know it’s hard. Loosing your girlfriend. And I also know you don’t want to rush into anything anytime soon.” I said hoping to get an answer back. It took him awhile to answer me back, but he finally answered. “Two months ago, I could possibly have been the happiest person in the world.” “Things change. Sometimes it’s for the right reason.” “Maybe your right. How much do you know about the thing between me and Aj?” “I know you two were pretty serious. I know you slept with her. And you got together through a ‘life changing mission’” “Basically. I know it sounds weird that we slept together, but I guess that’s how it goes.” “Did you have your shirt off?” “Yes. Half the time I did.” “Can I see?” The sun had set and the stars started popping up. I saw him starting to unbutton his shirt. He took his shirt off and set it on another rock. “like this?” “Perfect.” I said winking hopping he wouldn’t see that. He slipped his arms under my arms an picked me up. He was holding me on the rock.

“Wrap your legs around my waist.” I kicked off my shoes. I wrapped my legs around him. He moved his hands down to the middle of my back. He hopped off the rock onto the ground. I put my feet on the cool night ground. He stood there shirtless. I could barely tell that he had a 6pack. He didn’t let go of me once we were on the ground. He pulled me as close as he could. He started kissing my neck making his way to my cheek. I just stood there not moving. I never wanted this to end. I never wanted Brittany or Blake to come find us. I wanted to stay here with Justin forever. “Your so beautiful.” He whispered. He just held me. “Are you sure we should be doing this?” “Nobody has to know.” He said before kissing my neck again. “But Justin, what about Britt—-…” Justin kissed my lips with more passion than any guy that had ever kissed me before. I felt his pinkies slightly touch my butt. Then the rest of his fingers joined his pinkies. The palm of his hand making its way to my butt. I had my hands on his bare chest.

We started to make out. I had to end this. I didn’t want to, but I knew I had to. I pulled back. I got out of his grip. I stood there surprised what I just did. I just made out with the hottest guy I think I have ever seen, and I ended it. Any girl would be lucky to have him. “Why?” “Why what?” “Why me?” “What do you mean.?” “You could have any girl in the world and yet you choose me?!” “What’s wrong with that?” “I don’t know.” He sat on the rock again. “I knew this would happen.” “what?” “That I would take it to far. I always do. Aj even told me to slow it down.” “I never said I didn’t like it. I just wanna know why you chose me.” “Because I think your extremely…” He looked at his skin. “We are glowing.” He said surprised. “So.?” He jumped up. “How could this be? YOUR MY TRUE LOVE!” “Wait what?” “Every time I kiss a girl, when we glow their my true love. If we don’t then it’s not meant to happen.” “But I thought Aj was.” “I did to. I must have two.?” “I don’t know.” I randomly laid on the ground to see what he would do. “Haha.” He laid down next to me. I snuggled next to him. We looked at the stars. I couldn’t help it. I got on top of him and kissed his lips. I was literally on him. His arms came around me and he pressed me up against him. His hands on my butt while my hands were on the ground. I heard Brittany and Blake calling our names. I got off of Justin. He grabbed his shirt and disappeared behind the trees.

[Justin’s pov]

I was hiding behind a tree hoping Tori would cover for me. “Hey Tori. Where’s Justin?” “He had to go to the bathroom so he went to go find a tree.” “Oh.” I ran from behind the trees. “Hey.” “Ok. Let’s get them home.” Brittany started walking off with Blake. I pretended nothing happened. I grabbed Tori’s hand as we walked to the house. We got to the house. I let go of Tori’s hand. “Brittany, can I talk to you?” “Sure Tori. What’s up?” Tori dragged Brittany upstairs. I could hear faint whispers. Me and Blake stood there silently listening to what they were saying. They came back down stairs. “Alright let’s go.” Brittany said with disgust. We walked back to the car. We all got in and Brittany drove off. We reached my house. I saw shadows in the window where Austin and Summer were staying. I walked out of the car and Tori followed. “Can I ask you something?” “Sure.” we walked to the front porch where Brittany and Blake couldn’t hear us. “Can I stay here tonight?” “Brittany knows doesn’t she.” “Kinda.” “Sure why not.” She ran up to Brittany and kissed her bye. She ran back up to me. “You forgot your shoes in the woods.” I said laughing opening the door to the house. “Nice house.” I led her up to my room. “Is this were you and Aj slept?” “Yea.” “Oh. Should I find another room?” “No. It’s fine. You don’t mind wearing Aj’s clothes right?” “Nope.” “Her clothes are over there.” I pointed to them.

She opened the door. “Is that all she owns are sweats for bed?” “Pretty much.” She grabbed some clothes and ran into the bathroom. I grabbed my shorts. I took my shirt off and laid in bed. Tori came out in short shorts, that I never knew Aj had, and a tight tank top. She laid in bed next to me. I turned toward her and slowly took her top off. She was laying there in a bra and shorts. I turned off the main light and turned on a dim light. I laid on my back. Tori got on top of me. Her hands resting on the bed. I put my hands on the middle of her back and pressed her body against mine. My hands rested on her bra strap. “Justin, don’t.” “I’m not.” Her hands were on my shoulders. She had a three clip bra. I unclipped one. “Justin!” “What?” “No.” “Fine.” I slowly moved my hands down her back. My hands met the rim of her shorts. I stuck my hands in the back pockets. “Really?” I took my hands out of her pockets and put them on the lower of her back. “I never said take them out.” I quickly put my hands in her back pockets. She kissed me. I took my hands out of her pockets and moved them on her bra strap. I unclipped another. She pulled back. “Stop! Justin!” I put my hands on the middle of her back and pressed her even harder to me. I wanted to see what she would do, so I put my hand on her bra strap again. “That’s enough.” She rolled over to her side of the bed. I still had my hand on it and accidentally the last one came undone. “Justin!” “It was on accident! I swear!” “Ok.” She sat up holding the front to her chest.

“Here let me help.” I grabbed the ends and put them together. I wrapped my arms around her stomach and started kissing her neck. I kissed her cheek. I laid down bringing her down with me. She laid on top of me. My hands rested on her stomach. “Am I hurting you?” “Not at all.” “Are you sure?” “I’m sure.” I turned off the dim light and we laid there in darkness. She laid on top of me till I fell asleep.

I stood there in a dark room hoping I wasn’t going to die. A blue mist came forming from the dark corner that laid beyond me. I couldn’t make out what the mist contained. “What do you want with me?!” Struggling I felt something holding me back from running.

I shot up in my bed drenched with sweat. “Aj?!” I got up and changed and ran out of the house. I headed straight toward the cemetery where my ex-girlfriend was buried. She died two months ago by loss of blood and still having a bullet stuck in her arm. Ever since then I haven’t loved again. I reached the eerie cemetery. I ran to were we buried her. I got down on my knees and I cried saying a prayer. The blue mist I had seen from my dream was directly in front of me. “Justin? What’s wrong?” “Aj?! How?” “I’m a ghost. I never was fully done here on earth. After I’m done I’m a shoe in for heaven.” She said the last part with confidence. “You sound happy that your not gone yet.” She was full sized and standing directly in front of me. “I am. That just means I get to see you more, and so you can help me become human again!” “What?! I’m not doing that! Then you will be immortal and I won’t!” “No it won’t! I can make myself mortal when I’m human again! Duh! I’m still a wizard.” “Then why can’t you do it.” “Uh, I can’t hold a wand. But you can.” “I dont… Oh ya, I kinda do. Don’t I?” “Just a lot yes.”

“Hey kid!” yelled the guard. Aj vanished. “Get out before I call the cops!” I jumped up and ran out of the cemetery as fast as I could. I reached the sidewalk gasping for breath. I walked back home pondering if I should help Aj become a human again. I didn’t want to but at the same time I did. I truthfully didn’t know what to do. I ran into the mailbox to the house. Inside I knew that Austin and Summer were sleeping soundly. “Austin stop!” I heard Summer scream. I ran inside the house. Summer came squirming down the stairs with Austin following. “Um…?” I sad pointing at something I really didn’t want to see. “Austin. Hehe. Is trying to tickle me!” “But it’s six in the morning!” “We know.” Summer finally gave up on the couch. She got up and got a drink of water. She stood on her tippy toes getting the cup. Austin rounded the corner out of breath.

I went upstairs were Blake was waiting for me. “Blake?” “Justin, you need to come with me.” He went through the portal and I followed. He showed me everything in the lair. Then we went through to the school. He showed me the entire school between periods. He showed me my locker, Blakey, and well everything else Aj used to own. I was going through all the papers she had in her locker. I threw away the graded and unfinished papers, but in the cluster I found love notes. Some to me. Some to Blake, just to make it look like they were dating. And some were from guys. One guy had a conversation with her. It went like this:

Cole: Hey. If you ever need a shoulder to cry on I’m here for you babe. -Cole
Aj: sorry not interested.
Cole: come on babe.
Aj: Sorry I’m happy with my boyfriend and I trust him!
Cole: can you just meet me behind the school so we can talk about this?
Aj: give me a couple reasons.
Cole: because I need to talk to you and so nobody will know what we talk about. It’s easy for people to get ahold of notes now and days.
Aj: fine I’ll meet you there. 3:32. Don’t be late.

A note she wrote to me but never gave it to me read:

Justin.
I love you. Your my yin to my yang. I’ll do anything for you. You know that. I think we are taking it to fast. I know it sounds weird, but I think we are. I’m enjoying every minute. I don’t want to break up or anything, I just want to slow it down. Hope you understand.
Aj

She was so sweet. I stuck some notes in the back of my pocket. Everything was cleaned out. I was basically the last one left in the school. I stuck the note from Cole in my back pocket so I could ask Aj what it was about. I heard the sound of light shoes in the hallway. I stood up just in case it was a teacher. Instead this girl who looked like she was 16 came up to me. Her hair was half brown and at the end of her hair was blonde and curled. It was put up in a messy ponytail. She was wearing a purple tank top with blue capri pants and purple slip on tenis shoes. She was cute. “Hey. I hear your the new kid. I’m Victoria.” she said sticking her hand out for me to shake. “Hey. I’m Justin.” I said grabbing her hand and shaking it. “Nice to meet you.” We started walking and talking about our lives. She had an interesting life. She stopped in front of me before we exited. I stopped too. “We don’t need to go anywhere just yet.” She said putting her hands on my chest and slowly sliding them down to the lower part of my stomach. “Ok?.” She grabbed my arm muscle and have it a squeeze. All in all this was awkward. I grabbed her shoulders to push her away.

“Come on. Your going to have to get over her sooner or later. Let’s just make it sooner than later.” “How do I know I can trust you. I don’t think I can even trust my ex.” “How is that?” “No reason.” “Alright.” Her hands made it back to my chest area. My arms were still on her shoulders. I let go once I learned they were still there. I backed away and ran out of the school. “Really Justin?!” She screamed standing in the hallway. I ran back in real quick. I kissed her cheek. “There. See you later.” She stood there as I jogged out of the school and into my house.

I did my homework with Blake who basically did it for me. We ate a small snack because Blake said that Brittany was going to take us to dinner. She had a date for me already. “Go change into something a little nicer.” Blake begged. “Fine.” I ran into my room and changed into blue jeans and a black button down shirt. “Is this good?” “Perfect.” We walked down stairs and waited for the girls. It’s was really quiet in the house. I heard a knock at the door and screamed “It’s open!” Brittany walked in first. Blake hugged and kissed her. “Come on.” She said dragging her sister in. The one thing I didn’t know was that her sister was Victoria.

[Justin’s POV]

I stood up and the doctor came running in. Her line was flat. Who knows where she’s at now. The doctor tried to save her. After about an hour of trying to bring her back he finally said. “Justin, she’s gone. I’m sorry for your loss.” “No! She can’t be dead! She just can’t!” I screamed my eyes tearing up. I held her lifeless hand hoping her eyes would open up. They never did. Me sobbing into the bed. Summer and Austin hugging each other and crying into each others shoulders. I opened the other hand. There laid a note. I set her hands down. The note said:

Justin
I hope your reading this. I knew this was going to happen. I’m gave you all my wizard powers before I passed. Blakey is now yours. One last thing. I love you with all my lifeless heart. Hope to see you soon.
Adrianne

I sobbed even harder. Blake came running in. “Is she really gone?” “Yea.” He knelt down on the ground next to me. He put his head in his hands. “This is my fault. I should have stayed with her more often.” “It’s ok.” The doctor unplugged her. Her body turning cold. Her skin going blue. He closed her eye lids covering her brown eyes. Brittany came walking in crying. Blake was crying with Brittany. This was truly the end.
———————————————-

Now this is Aj’s story. Justin has never loved another, because his heart still belongs to Aj. Blake and Brittany are still together. Austin and Summer eventually moved in with Justin so he wouldnt be alone. Austin and Summer are together. Find out what the note meant in “NeverEnding.” This is truly Unfinished story.

My stomach woke me up after what felt like 30 minutes, but was 2 hours. I hopped out of bed and ran to my toilet. I started throwing up. Once I stopped I leaned against the wall and started crying. Justin ran into the bathroom. “everything ok?” “I- I don’t know.” He helped me stand up. He grabbed my arm and l stood up. He slowly let go of me. I stood up for a few seconds then I fell. He caught me by my under arms. “Let me help you downstairs. Then I’ll call Brittany to see if she could take us to the hospital.” He picked me up by the bends in my knees. I put my arm around his neck. He was holding me by my stomach. He held me downstairs. Once we got there, he laid me down on the couch. He didn’t let go of me. I sat there on his lap while he called Brittany. He put her on speaker phone. “Hello?” “Hey Brittany. It’s Justin.” “Oh. Hey Justin.” “Can you take Aj to the hospital?” “Ya sure. I’ll be right there.” She hung up. Justin sat there holding me for 30 minutes. We heard a car honk. “Thats Brittany. Let’s go babe.” He held my arm and I stood up first. My arm was wrapped around his neck. He walked me to the door and opened it. Brittany was sitting in her mustang convertible. Her blonde hair let down and her blue eyes covered by sunglasses. “Hop in.” She said over her music. She lifted her glasses. Justin carried me to the back. He sat down next to me. My head laid on his shoulder.

“Thanks a lot Brittany.” “Glad to help.” We were half way to the hospital. A bullet hit my arm. We were stopped at a light when it happened. “Holy crap!” “What happened?” Brittany asked. I was holding my arm. “She got hit with a bullet.” “I don’t have any band-aids.” “We really need to get to the hospital.” The light turned green. The blood was coming through the slits in my fingers. Justin took his shirt off and wrapped it around my arm. “Keep pressure on it.” “Thanks.” He held me by my stomach as I sat sideways. We were stopped at another light. Another bullet came into my leg. “What the hell is happening?” I yelled holding my leg. The light turned green. We finally reached the hospital. I had two bullets in me. I was in so much pain. Justin picked me up and ran me inside. His body was warm against me. “She needs help right away!” “What happened.” “She got shot. Twice!” “Where?” “Arm and leg.” “Doctor! We need a doctor!” My blood was seeping through the cracks in my fingers on my leg. Justin’s shirt was covered in blood. They came out with a stretcher. Justin laid me on it. The nurses wheeled me into a room with a bunch of supplies. The room was dark. And half lit. I could see Justin on a computer screen. They gave Justin a shirt. They started digging in my thigh and arm trying to get the bullets out. I was screaming in agony. “Stop! Stop! Stop!” “Settle down sweetie.” Said the doctor. “No! It hurts!” “I know.” He put a gas mask on my face. “Just breathe.” They kept digging into my flesh. My blood all over the tools and the table. Justin crying in the room above, I looked at him, but I knew he couldn’t see me.

—— couple hours later——

I was weak. I lost a lot of blood on that table. Justin was sleeping in a chair next to the hospital bed. I was hooked up to one of those beeby thingies. I had bandages all up and down my leg and arm. I could barely move my arm or my hands. The doctor came in the room. “Hello Ms. Ladden.” “Hey.” I managed to say. “I know your weak. We got one bullet out. The other one is still in your arm. You lost a lot of blood. About 6 pints. I’ll check on you later.” He left. Justin woke up. My eyes were tearing. “Babe what’s wrong?” “I- I- wa- was.” “Don’t speak. It’s obviously hard.” I nodded my head in thanks. He grabbed my hand. “I love you.” Jake came walking through the door with Summer and Austin. Austin was holding hands with Summer. “We heard. I let them go.” “I’m sorry Justin.” “Thanks Summer.” He got up and hugged Summer and Austin. Austin came over to me and kissed my forehead. “Hope your doing well. Is it hard? And I’m sorry.” “Its hard and thanks.” Justin said to Austin. Jake came over to me. “I’m sorry.” “No your not. You had this all planned out. You made my life a living nightm——” I suddenly couldn’t breathe. My line started to go flat. Before I fell I heard Justin say, “We need a doctor in here!”

We were finally in the comfort of our house. I didn’t hear Blake anymore. We walked down stairs hand in hand. Nobody was home. “We have the whole place to ourselves.” Justin said. “Or do we?” I knew we weren’t alone. There was something here with us, it’s just I didn’t know what. Justin let go of my hand and went searching for something to eat. As I was starring for something that wasn’t there, that something hit me, literally. I flew backwards screaming my head off, figuratively. I was dragged up the stairs. Justin was trying to catch up to me. Before I knew it was dragged into the master bedroom and the door was slammed just and locked. Justin was pounding on the door screaming my name. I was backing slowly into a corner whimpering. Professor Carter appeared in the room. “Hello Aj.” “Wha- what do you want with me?” “I just wanted to say that you are not ever aloud back into that school ever again!” “Why?” just like that he was gone.

The door unlocked and Justin came running in. My knees were to my chest and I was sobbing into my hands. Justin ran over to me. “Babe I’m sorry that happened.” “It’s not your fault.” He just sat there cradling me. “I love you.” He said kissing my head. “I love you too.” I said a little muffled. He picked me up. I threw my arm around his shoulder and he carried me down stairs and onto the couch. “thanks.” “No problem.” Justin went and made some nachos for two. We ate the nachos and watched Phineas and Ferb. It was about 8:30 when we got tired. We slumped upstairs. I quickly brushed my teeth and changed into sweats and a purple tank top. Justin met me in my room. Justin walked through the door and plopped on my bed. He had no shirt on. he was wearing his shorts. I walked over to my side. I laid down on the bed and buried my head in my pillow. Justin sat up. He pulled me up so I was sitting up. “No.” I said like a 5 year old. He looked at me in those adorable eyes of his. I took my tank top off so I was sitting there with my sports bra on. He put a sly smile on his face. I dropped my head to were my hair hung in my face. He lifted my chin and gently kissed my lips. He pulled back. I scooted closer toward him. He kissed me again. His tongue breaking the barrier of his teeth and mine. Trusting him, I slipped my tongue from behind my teeth. He pulled back so we could breathe. I laid down on my side facing him. He laid down next to me. “Ready for this?” “Yea.” I turned on my other side so I was away from him. He scooted closer and put his arm across my stomach. “Goodnight beautiful.” “Night babe.” I closed my eyes and drifted off to bed.

——— 9:30 September, Friday.——-

I woke up to Justin showering in my bathroom. I sprawled myself in the lonely bed. The water turned off and I laid there like I was still asleep. The door opened. I sat up. Justin walked out with his wet hair all messed up and wearing no shirt. I felt this cold breeze swipe across my stomach. “Morning sleeping beauty.” “Good morning babe.”
I got out of bed. He picked me up and surprised me with a kiss on the lips. My legs were wrapped around his back. He was holding me by my thighs. I had my arms wrapped around his neck. “I love you. Hope you never forget that.” He said kissing my cheek and slowly going down my neck. Brittany came running through the door. Justin dropped me on my feet. “yea?” “Blake’s missing!” “He’s not at school?” “no!” I grabbed my tank top and threw it over my head. I was dresses and ready to go. As we left to go find him, i put on my combat boots. “Sexy.” Justin whispered. “Thanks.” We all split up. I went into the wizard world. Justin went to the yard, and Brittany went to his house. I ran through the portal. The school was on a temporary lockdown. Nobody knows why. “Where do you wish to be?” The elevator asked. “Blake Andrews.” The elevator jerked back and forth, up and down, and side to side. It all led me to the secret 13th floor.

I walked out still dizzy from my ride. I stumbled on the cold marble flooring. The half lit lights told me someone was here. I walked down the long echoing corridor, not knowing where I was. I heard something but I didn’t know what it was. I continued walking. The only noise I heard was the echo of my footsteps. I heard a muffled scream in the mix of my echo. I ran to the end of the corridor, and of course nothing was there. I kept hearing that scream. I tried every door. Everyone was locked! I came to the last door, totally on the other side of the corridor. The last door wasn’t locked. I slowly turned the door handle. Then I opened the door trying to get a peek on what was inside. I saw Blake tied in a chair with duck tape over his mouth. Professor Carter was in there with him. I shoved the door open. “Your working with Jake! I knew there was something weird about you!” “Congrats Aj. You finally pieced it together. And Jake is working for me.” “Why?”

“Well, I knew who you were before anybody did. I was best friends with your mom. I knew you were going to be trouble. So I teamed up with some people to make your life a living nightmare. And it worked. But it’s not over.” “You went through all this trouble so you could watch me and my loved ones suffer?! You sick bastard!” My mom came walking out from the shadows. “Mom?! How are you alive? I killed you and dad.” “Yes. Your father is still dead, but being a nice professor he brought me back to life.” “Your in on this too?” “Always have.” Then the Professor rammed me back in to the wall. His tongue grew a slipped through his lips. It slithered toward my ear. His slobbery tongue finally reached my ear. I felt something coming through my body. “What are you doing to me?!” “He is taking you soul.” My mom said. My soul came through my mouth and my mom caught it in a jar. He let go of my shoulders I fell to the ground. They let Blake up out of his bonds. The elevator opened and Justin and Brittany came running through. Justin immediately ran over to me. “Mrs. Ladden??” Justin asked. “Hello Justin.” “What did you do to her?” He screamed. Brittany was with Blake and they flashed out of there. Justin held me in his arms. “Her soul is gone, Justin. She is not immortal though. She can still die.” My mom explained. “How could you!” He yelled close to tears. “I love her! Why?” “It needed to be done.” “No it didn’t!” I gathered enough strength to put my hand on his head and somewhat say, “Flash us back.” He grabbed my wand out of my pocket. He held me tight and waved the wand in the air. We were back home. He carried me to my bed. He laid next to me and held me as we both fell asleep.

I woke up feeling something touching my stomach. I noticed that it was Justin. I quietly got up and hopped in the shower. The hot water running down my body felt good. After my shower, I changed into baggy pants, a T-shirt, and a sweatshirt. I grabbed my backpack and quickly jumped through the portal before Justin woke up. I met up with Blake and a couple if his friends. “Hey Aj.” “Hey Blake” “There’s no dark magic classes today. Maybe we could… Train our pets some more?” “Sure.” He grabbed my hand and we ran to the pet arena were Blakey and Adrianne were waiting for us. We walked down to the practice arena. We practiced forever. Jumping through hoops, igniting paper men, swimming, flying, and over all behavior. It was exhausting. While Blake and I were sitting on the benches they had for visitors, Adrianne and Blakey were running around and having a good time. “How do they have this energy?” I whispered. “I will never know.” He answered. The pet coach came walking in clapping slowly.

“Good job today guys. They seem very in tacked on everything you tested them on. Go get some rest at the cafe here on campus. On me.” “Thank you so much.” We said. “Make sure to take your pets. It just recently started serving pets!” We power ran out of there. Our pets following slowly behind. We finally got to the cafe after a nice chilled walk. Blake opened the door to let a nice warm breeze hit my face. We walked inside. Our pets were led to the back were we could watch them play with other pets and have a good time. We walked up to the counter. “how may I help you?” “Chocolate milkshake and fries.” I said. “and for you?” “What she’s having.” “Ok. 10.50.” Blake handed him the money. We sat down and they had our order in about 2 minutes. We got our food and met our pets in the play room. We sat down at a table set for 2. Our pets ran over to us and we fed them a couple fries. They ran back and started to play on the playground again.

Me and Blake were laughing and talking the whole time and occasionally feeding our pets. Once we finished we got up and left. Our pets followed. We left the nice warm air for the teeth chattering cold. I put my hood on. Apparently people didn’t know that me and Blake weren’t dating. Some people said to Blake, “She’s a keeper.” as they walked by. To make it believable he put his arm around my back and I laid my head on his shoulder. I was so cold and his body gave off heat like a heater on high. I folded my arms across my chest as we walked back to school. We got back to school and one of Blake’s friends was the first to met us there. Blake let go of me and I took the hood off my head. Blakey and Adrianne walked off into the room were they lived. “Hey Corbin.” They did there handshake. “Hey Blake. Who’s the girl?” “This is Aj. She has a boyfriend.” He whispers the last part. “Oh. So she’s the one you named your unicorn after! He’s told me a lot about you.” Corbin whispered the last part also. I put a sly smile on my face and dipped my head to were my hair fell in front of me.

“That’s sweet of you Blake.” I said kissing his cheek. “I can tell who the bf is.” “Who?” Blake asked. “You!” “Um. We are not dating.” I said trying to make it clear. The final bell rang. Me and Blake held hands as I flashed us to my house. Once we got to my house I was greeted by Justin with a big kiss on the lips. We started glowing in front of Blake. “You guys always glow like that?” Justin pulled back but still had his hands around my back. “Only when it’s meant to be.” I said. “Guess what.” “What?” “I’m not working today?” “Why?” “I don’t know actually.” “Well that’s good. I get more time to spend with you.” I said pecking his lips. Justin grabbed my hand and we intertwined fingers. Me and Justin sat on my bed and Blake ran downstairs waiting for Brittany. I flashed me and Justin to a place more private. I flashed us to a magical place where the sun always shines, the flowers are always in bloom, and nothing is as it seems. The beautiful flowers blooming. The sun making the aurora of the place bright and slightly warm. Blakey met up with me. “Where are we?” “We are at a place only a couple wizards know about. And this is Blakey. My pet dragon.” Justin waved at him. Blakey nodded his head then waddled over to Justin and started rubbing his tiny head against his leg. “Um…” “He like you. Touch him.” He inched his hand toward his head. Blakey flew into his hand. Justin I swear jumped 5 feet backwards.

“You’ve trained him?.” “You sound surprised. And yes. I did today.” “Oh ok.” he said a little shaky. “Come here.” i said. Justin came over to me and hugged me. I threw my arms around his neck and his arms were around my waist. He pulled back a little. I stared into those puppy dog brown eyes and knew that I would be with him forever. He leaned in and gently kissed my lips. His tongue slowly breaking away from the barrier of teeth surrounding it. I backed away before anything more happened. “Aj?” “I’m sorry Justin, I can’t do this.” i said almost sobbing. “Why? Nothing bad is going to happen.” “You don’t know that! First its a crush. Then it’s love. Then it’s kissing. Soon enough were married and having babies! I just can’t. I’m not ready.” “I understand where your coming from. I don’t plan on getting married anytime soon.” “But it’s not that!” “then what is it.” “I can’t tell you!” “Please??” “No! I will never tell you! I’m sorry just—” Justin pulled me close and kissed my lips. His tongue going through his teeth. I didn’t pull back. Hoping I could trust him I did the same. I could hear Blakey making strange noises to what we were doing. He pulled back. “You trusted me this time.” “Yea.” “What made you change your mind?” “A good relationship is basically depended on trust.” “Oh. Can we go home now?” “Yea.” I kissed Blakey on the head. “Bye Blakey. See you tomorrow.” He made a strange noise so I took it as a goodbye. I held Justin’s hand and I flashed us back home.

Brittany woke me up. “Hey Aj.” “morning Brittany.” She handed me some pancakes and oj. “Wanna learn how to drive?” “Um. Sure. I got to get going.” Today was only Tuesday. I ran upstairs. I changed into a black sundress with white skulls on them. I put black soccer shorts underneath. I stuck my black combat boots on, grabbed my hoodie and my backpack, then walked through the portal. I walked to the class room. The lights were off and I could here faint whispering. The lights shot on once I was fully inside. “Surprise!!” Everyone yelled. “Happy Birthday Aj!” Blake said. “Thanks babe.” He kissed me. The professor put a party hat on my head. “Today, there will be no homework, which means no studying today.” The class cheered. We sat around eating cake and having a good time. Blake kissed me the last time that day.

———-7 hours later———-
I went home with Blake. I walked downstairs to get a class of water. Brittany and Justin were around the table. Blake ran over. “Happy birthday baby girl.” Justin said. “Thanks babe.” We sat down and ate more cake. I washed it down with a glass of refreshing milk. “Hey Aj. Can I stay here tonight?” “Ya me too?” Blake and Brittany asked. “Ya sure. You guys get the master.” They hugged me and ran upstairs. “Am I sleeping with again tonight?” He winked. “Be my guest.” I winked back. I ran upstairs. Justin followed me. He grabbed my hand. I ran into the bathroom and quickly shut the door so Justin couldn’t come in. I changed in my sweats and a blue shirt. I put my hair in a messy bun. I brushed my teeth and opened the door.

There Justin sat. On my bed changed into his shorts. He was shirtless. His six pack obviously making me weaker inside. “Heaven has landed.” I muttered. I walked over to my side on the bed. I flopped on my side and rolled into Justin by “accident.” “I love you.” He whispered kissing my forehead. “Love you too.” Justin awkwardly flipped onto the other side. I flipped on top of him. I put my hands by his side. He threw his arms around my back. I felt his hands go onto my bra strap. I leaned in to kiss him. Blake came running through the door. “Aj! Um….. Did I ruin something?” I looked up. I flopped on Justin’s side of the bed and rolled off the bed. “May I help you?” “I just need to know where extra blankets are.” “Hallway closet.” “Thanks. You can go back to what you were doing.” Blake left. I shut the door then locked it. I flopped on the bed. Well I guess we are done here. I clicked off the light I had turned on. I rolled over Justin to where we were on opposite sides. “it’s only 7.” Justin whispered. “Oh.”

Justin clicked the light on. I buried my face in my pillow. “Oh come on.” He said putting his arm around my back. “No.” I said muffled. “Please?” “No.” I flipped my head to the side opposite of Justin. “Please?” I turned over to my left side to face Justin. I flopped on top of Justin. I lifted myself up into pushup position. He threw his arm around my back. His fingers lightly touching my bra strap. I leaned in to kiss him hopefully no more distractions. Our lips met. We slowly started making out. I heard a noise coming from somewhere. We ignored it. We continued kissing till something disrupted us. “Adrianne Ladden!” I pulled back and flopped on my side of the bed. I got up. “Yes Professor Carter?” “I thought you were dating Blake Mason?!” “I am.” “Then why were you kissing that?”

“His names Justin.” He flashed Blake and Brittany in my room. “Brittany, what are you doing with Blake? And Blake, why was Aj kissing him.” I looked at Blake. “Um. Sir. I’m dating Brittany not Aj.” “And I’m dating Justin. Not Blake.” “This makes a lot of sense.” Professor said. “Uncle, I love Blake.” “But he’s a wizard.” “I know.” “Brit, to bed! Now!” “Yes sir.” Brittany ran into the room. Blake followed. Professor disappeared. Me and Justin were left alone. “Well I guess our nights ruined.” “Yupp.” I climbed into bed. Justin came into bed too. I cuddled up with him. He kissed me on the lips. “night baby girl.” “night.” i said kissing him back.

It was about 6:30 when Blake went home. I ran upstairs to get ready for bed. I shut my door and locked it. I grabbed a pair of baggy grey sweats and an over large t-shirt. I undressed and put my pjs on. I ran into the bathroom and brushed my teeth. Before running back downstairs to Justin I quickly put my hair in a messy ponytail. I hopped down the stairs and sat myself
on the couch. “Justin?” “Aj, he’s here?” “Who?” “Jake.” he whispered. I looked around. Hands came up around my neck. I started gasping for air. “Hello Aj.” Jake appeared in front of me. I tried to pry his grimy hands off my neck. Justin got up and side tackled Jake. I grabbed my neck to make sure I am still alive. “It was you this morning choking me!”

“I didn’t mean to.” Justin was sitting on his back. “You lier! I hate you Jake! And I thought we were friends! That’s over! Get out of my life and leave me alone!” I ran upstairs into my room. I flopped on my stomach onto my bed. I buried my face into my pillow and cried. I heard the door slam shut. Justin walked into my room moments after. “Hey babe. How you doing?” He said sitting on my bed. I turned around holding the pillow. I put my knees to my chest. “I just want this to end.” “We all do.” He put his arm around my back. “Lets get to bed. It’s been a busy day.” Justin said. I laid on my bed. Justin got up took his shirt off and found a pair of my guy sports shorts and stuck those on. “Well don’t look.” “I’m not.” I said turning my head. He laid in bed. I cuddled with him. My head on his chest and his arm around my back.

“Goodnight beautiful.” He said kissing my head. “Night babe.” I said before falling asleep.

—————- 7:00 am. —————-

I woke the next morning with my head on the desk at school. My backpack was on the floor next to me. I looked up. Everyone was staring at me. “Um…. Aj, you slept in.” “Um… I’ll be right back.” I grabbed my backpack and started to leave. “Aj, if you wish to change you change in front of us.” “All of you?” “yes. You won’t mind because Blake is watching will you?” “No sir.” “Come to the front of the class.” I dropped my backpack, grabbed my wand, and walked to the front of the class. I said a couple words and I changed into black baggy jeans and a tank top with a blue shirt over.

I ran back to my desk and slumped. Blake turned around a blew me a kiss. I blew one back. Time passed slowly and so did the class. After that it was lunch. Blakey and Adrianne followed us to lunch. Me and Blake walked hand in hand. We ate lunch together. I got a text from Justin. I only read it. ” Hey babe. Hope your having a good day.” Me and Blake put our animals up and went back to class.

———-3 hours later.———

Blake came through my portal to do homework. Justin greeted me by lifting me in the air and kissing me on the lips. “Hello wonderful!” “Hey babe!” “I’m about I head to work. I’ll miss you.” “miss you too.” I said kissing his cheek. Justin ran out of the house. I kicked my shoes off, opened my backpack, and took out my text book. I flopped on the bed and Blake followed. We worked in our homework for a couple hours. I got a text from Justin. “What is it?” “I need to meet Justin at the park. After homework.” “We have 1 more problem. Then I will leave and you have Justin to your self.” We finished the last problem. We got off the bed. I hugged Blake goodbye and watched him poof away. I slipped my shoes on and flashed myself to the park.

I saw Justin sitting on our bench. I walked over to him. “Hey babe.” I said. He got up. He kissed my cheek. “I have something for you.” “What?” He got down on one knee. “Justin?” “Let me finish please.” He pulled out a little case, which I thought held a ring. “Aj, I love you to much to have anything happen to you. Your my life and my world. I am there to catch you when you fall. All I’m saying is I love you Aj.” He opened the box. Sat inside the box was a sterling silver heart strung on a sliver chain. My eyes were tearing. He took the necklace out of the case and walked behind me. I lifted my hair out of the way. He hooked the necklace around my neck. I let my hair fall. The necklace was perfect! “I love it! Thank you Justin! I love you too!” I jumped into his arms. He just held me. He put me down. I touched the necklace. “I’m glad you like it.” He grabbed my hand. We intertwined fingers as we walked down the sidewalk.

I saw Professor Carter. I quickly grabbed my wand and I changed my facial appearance and my clothes. He walked right past us. “Excuse me. Madam?” “Yes?” I said with a lisp. “Where can I find the coffee shop?” Justin told him where it was. As he walked off I ran into an ally and changed back to normal. “He cant see us together.” “That’s right.”

It was getting late and we were getting tired. I flashed us home. I changed into sweats and a T-shirt. Justin changed into his shorts and a shirt. I climbed into bed, Justin kissed me good night, and he left. I waited till the sound of his door shut, so I could close my eyes. I feel asleep thinking of Blakey, Blake, and Justin.

[Justins P.O.V]
I came home from a long day at work. The house was silent. Knowing that Brittany was at her house, I knew that either Aj was out or was sleeping. I rummaged in the cub boards finding something to eat. There was a doughnut missing and a glass in the sink. Aj’s home. I kicked my shoes off. I quietly walked upstairs. I opened her door just a crack. She was so cute when she’s sleeping. I walked in. I climbed on the side that wasn’t being used. I knelt next to her, moved the hair away from her cheek, and kissed her cheek. Then I walked down stairs hoping I didn’t wake her. I grabbed a doughnut, sat on the couch and watched tv.

[Aj’s p.o.v]

I shot up on my bed gasping for air. It felt like someone was choking me. I pried the hands from around my neck. The hands disappeared. I got out of bed, fixed my clothes, and fixed my hair as I walked down the stairs. Justin was in the kitchen. “Good evening beautiful.” “Hey Justin.” He hugged me then kissed me on the cheek. “Any reason you were sleeping?” “Long day.” “Oh.” “Blake! Be right back Justin!” I ran upstairs, jumped into the portal and landed in the elevator. “Take me to Blake Andrews.” The elevator did its magic thing then the doors opened. I ran out of the elevator. “Blake?” It echoed down the long empty hallway. “Aj?!” I ran down the hallway. I could see this black mass coming toward me. I panicked. I stopped where I was.

The mass kept coming. “Aj, it’s ok. It’s me.” I was a little relieved, but not that much. Blake ran up to me and threw his arms around my back. I threw my arms around his neck. “I’m sorry Blake.” “It’s not your fault. You were paranoid. And it was just reflex right?” “Yes. So how are you takin it?” “Im doing fine.” I heard a click clack of heels. Blake let go of me, and I let go of him. We turned to the noise. Blake saw that it was our teacher. “Hello Aj and Blake.” “Hello Professor.” “You will now call me Professor Carter. I am your new principle.” Me and Blake turned around. “Does that mean he’s the father of Brittany?” i asked. “I think so.” We turned back around. “Aj, are you dating a non wizard?” “Um…” “Blake are you dating a non wizard?” “Sir, I have a question.” “What Blake.” “Is your daughter Brittany Carter?” “No. Why?” “Cause you have the same last name.”

I stared into those black heartless eyes. His black plaid shirt perfectly ironed. His pants fitting perfectly on his body. His hair gelled neatly. No hair sticking up. His polished shoes shining in the light. He stared at me waiting for an answer. “Are you dating any non wizards?!” He yelled. “No.” me and Blake said at the same time. We lied, obviously. “Then you are you dating? It says on your records that you are in a relationship.” I closed my eyes and hopes for Blake to answer. “I’m dating Aj.” He put his arm around my back. “And I’m dating Blake.” “Alright let’s see the happy couple kiss.” “Now?” I asked. “Yes. Now.” Me and Blake turned toward each other. I gulped. He put his arms around my waist. I put my arms around his neck. He closed his eyes and leaned in. I closed mine and leaned. I quickly pulled back. We didn’t kiss. “I’m sorry I can’t do this.”

My eyes started to tear up. I ran to the elevator. “Take me home.” Before the doors closed, Blake ran inside. “Why did you run off like that?” “I can’t do this. I love Justin. And you have been my friend for years. I just can’t.” “It was hard to. Cause I’m dating Brittany, and you’ve been my best friend for years to.” He held me by my back. Blake pressed the stop button on the elevator. The elevator stopped. “We need to talk about this.” “What is there to talk about Blake?!” “Everything.” “No. There is nothing to talk about.” “Yes there is.” “Fine! I’m sorry I didn’t kiss you! Happy?!” “You know he will be on us to make sure we are dating. We are going to have to kiss at some point in time.” “I know. Now can we just go?” Professor Carter magically came in here. I grabbed Blake’s hand as we screamed. “Hello children. Wheres the kiss?” “Can we get onto wizard grounds first?” “Yes. Take us to Level 4. It’s an empty hall that’s never used.” He pressed the button and we were off. He turned around to face the door. Me and Blake held hands the whole time. The doors opened and we all walked up. We followed him nervously. The hall was dark and mysterious. He stopped in the middle of the hall way. Kinda by the elevator. He flicked a light switch. A bunch of lights turned on one by one. “Alright. You can kiss here.” “Ok.” Blake put his arms around my waist, and I put my hands around his neck. He closed his eyes and leaned in. I gulped and closed my eyes. Our lips touched. I opened my eyes a crack just to make sure he wasn’t my true love either. I closed my eyes. The elevator door opened. I heard what sounded like tenis shoes on the marble. “Aj?!” I pulled back. I looked at Blake. He nodded his head. “Sorry but we have to go now.” Blake said quickly. I ran over to Justin put my hand over his mouth while Blake grabbed his feet and we dragged him in the elevator. “Take me home!” I let go of his mouth. “what were you doing?” “I’ll explain when we get home!” “Blake…” “Yes?” “Why?” “We will explain don’t worry.” the elevator doors opened. We sat on my bed.

Me and Blake explained the drama filled day. “But Blake, you had to kiss her?” “Yes. Just to prove a point. Only in the wizard world will me and Aj have to pretend we are dating. Other then that she’s yours.” “Aj, why would you, I mean really, come on, why? Serious—” I grabbed his shoulders and kissed him. I kissed just to make him stop rambling. I pulled back. “I still love you.” “I believe you now.” “Good. Now don’t tell Brittany about this got it.” “Get it.” “Good.” Blake said to finish it off.

I laid his head on the cold marble floor. I ran for the quickest exit. I got to the elevator. I was panicking. “Take me home!” The elevator moved. The doors opened and I was in the layer. I opened my closet doors. I threw my backpack on the floor. I ran to my bed and just cried. “Blake’s going to hate me!” I thought. “He’ll never forgive me for this. I have to tell him.” My watch was going off. I wiped the tears off of my face onto my shirt. “Ms. Ladden were are you?” “At home.” I said sniffling. “What’s wrong?” “Once I heard the Professor died I ran home.” “Adrianne, it’s ok. But I need to talk to you. Meet me in your layer.” “Yes sir.” I quickly gathered strength and courage to go back there. I walked inside. There the teacher stood by the opening to the school. His arms folded across his chest and a grinning glare across his face.

“Adrianne, I know you killed him.” I burst out in tears. I fell to the ground. My face was completely wet from me crying so much. “I’m sorry! I got paranoid! I didnt mean to! It was on accident.” “I know. Blake is taking this hard. Your going to have to talk to him.” I crawled over to him. I grabbed the end of his shirt. I looked into those heartless black eyes of his and said, “Please don’t make me! He will hate me forever!” “I’m sorry Adrianne. I would like to help but I have a class to teach.” And like that, he was gone. My hands fell to the ground. I was left alone to sob. No one to hold me. I knew I had to tell Blake, I just couldn’t. He was my best friend. Blake appeared before me. “Blake! I’m so sorry!!! I didn’t mean to! It was an accident.” “I know.” He grabbed my hands and pulled me up. His hands were ice cold. I gave him a hug and cried into his shoulder. “I know what you were seeing. I saw it to.” He whispered. “What was it?” “It was Jake playing mind games with you. He didn’t mean for it to go this far.”

“That’s were your wrong. He wanted this to happen so you would hate me and he would have another helper in his little game. Brittany knows about it.” “I know she told me. I’m sorry this happened to you. Just so you know I’m on your side.” “Thank you.” I let go. “I need to get into my room.” “I’ll come with.” “Stay here. It’s not safe with me. By the way, Blake, before your dad died, he told me to tell you that he loved you.” Blake turned around and left, no words left to say. “Do you hate me?!” I screamed before he left. “I hate you, just not enough to were our friendships over, I will still be talking to you.” Then he left. I slumped down the stairs. Brittany went shopping. Justin was probably at work.

I opened the fridge. I grabbed some orange juice and a doughnut from the cupboard. I sat on the couch and flipped on TeenNick. That made me no happier. Once I finished eating, I walked upstairs with some of my strength back. I jumped on my bed, put the covers over my face, snuggled with my teddy, and took a nap.

Jake winked at me then stared at the board. The teacher was rambling on about something that I had no business in being part of. He asked the class if anybody could repeat what he said in their own words. Of course I sinking lower and lower into my chair while he played a nice game of eenie meenie minie mow. 10 people were waving their hands wanting to answer the question. I was almost to the floor when he finally said, “Ms. Ladden can you explain what I just said?” I was obviously shaking in my chair, not knowing a word he said, but I tried my best by saying,

“Dark Magic is we’re you cast dark spells on your opponent. It helps when you are trying to defeat something bright and wonderful or another opponent. Dragons and not so nice things are your best friends. Try not to hurt them. So in general dark magic is one of the worst and best magics there is.” I had no idea what I was saying, but apparently I did well. The classroom was filled with applause. “That was almost exactly what I said.” The words felt as if they just flowed out of my mouth like everyday speech. He sat there rambling over and over about the different creatures we should take caution to and the creatures we should treat like friends, and so on.

We got out of class fine. Blake met up with me. It was lunch period. “That answer you gave in class was amazing!” “Thanks. I had no idea what I was saying.” “Apparently you did.” “Haha.” I kept seeing this black mass going from side to side. Almost like it was circling us. I had a locker now. Blake showed me where my locker was. Inside was a black backpack with a little side pocket for your wand. I threw it over my shoulders. It just seemed to hang down my back. I had dark magic books in there.

I opened the top and stuck the books in there for later. I had one hand on the strap of my backpack and the other at my side. Blake slowly moves his hand toward mine. He backed his hand away, and stuck them in his pant pocket. We got to the lunch room. There was magic dust flying everywhere. We sat at a table. Our food appeared magically. We ate in silence. A little blue dragon with tiny wings came walking toward me. “Um… Blake.” “Touch it. If an animal walks up to you and starts to sniff you on your leg, it’s drawn to you. It wants to be your pet.” “Where would I keep it?” “Here. We have a special room for all our pets.” “Oh. Cool.”

I slowly inched my hand toward his tiny little head. He had blue eyes that matched the light blue skin. He had little spikes going down his back. I touched, what I thought to be scales but I guess aren’t ‘cause his skin was baby soft. He didn’t bite me or anything. I was rubbing the top of his head. “That’s good. He likes you. Now try to name him.” “Um… Blakey.” Blakey shook his head yes. “He likes it. Blakey is yours now.” “What’s yours?” “I have a white unicorn with a black horn. Her name is Adrianne.” “You know that’s my name.” “I know. I have a question do you know a Brittany Carter?” “I know a Brittany.” “Blonde hair. Looks like this.” He showed me a picture of Brittany. “Oh her. Ya I know her.” “Well me and her are kinda together.” He did this weird thing with his fingers were you put your fingers in between each other. “That’s cool.” We sat there in silence. Then the bell rang to get back to class. Blakey followed right next to my feet. Blake led me to the room were we keep our pets, when we are not in school.

He opened the door and the lights turned on. The whole dark magic class was there. “Congrats!” they screamed together. “What’s this for?” The teacher came up to me. “This is for getting a pet. Here’s his cage.” He put his hands together then flew them apart. A cage came out. It was a black cage with a blue handle. It had a plaque on it that read, “Blakey. Proud pet of Adrianne Ladden.” “This is for Blakey?” “Yes. Now everyone get to class! Let’s leave the new pet owner to bond with each other. Lets go Blake. Jake your staying here.” I rolled my eyes. I grabbed the cage and set it on the floor. I knelt beside Blakey. “Blake named his pet after you and your pet is named after him.” “Don’t talk to me.” “Again.” He said kneeling next to me. I didn’t answer. I pet him till he was comfortable. He let out a big yawn, crawled in his cage, laid down on his bed, and fell asleep. Jake was gone and I was alone.

I plopped the cage on a shelf. I walked out of there with the backpack slung over my shoulders. Again I kept seeing this black mass. I swear once it touched me. I was so lost and confused. I grabbed my knife just in case. I felt a hand on my shoulder. I quickly turned around. Stabbed the Professor, without knowing it. He dropped to the ground. “Professor Andrews!” I yelled kneeling next to him and lifting his head onto my leg. He touched my face. “tell Blake I love him.” His head dropped. Then I knew I just killed Blake’s father.

I looked at the watch wondering what it did. “I’ll be right back.” I ran to my room, plopped on my bed, and tried to take it off. It was like it was glued to my wrist. It started ringing. I pressed the purple button. “Hello Aj.” “Professor, what’s with the watch?” “Just in case I need you. It’s like a pager.” “Oh. What can I do for you?” “Enter your closet, and meet me in my office.” The watch turned off. I walked to my closet. I opened the door and parted some junk. I stepped on the old wooden floor. It was one of those walk ins where it opens.

There was a door back there. I entered the door. I was led to a secret room. Inside there were little trinkets, wands, books, and whatever a wizard needs. There was a door with multi colors on it. I opened the door. I stepped inside. Inside there were wizards roaming about with there teachers. I took a couple steps. I accidentally ran into someone. “Sorry.” I said touching his shoulder. He was hiding his face. “It’s ok.” “Wait. Blake? Is that you?” “Aj. I didn’t want to tell you.” “Why?” “I just didn’t.” “Oh. Well how?” “9 years ago.” “Oh.” “You?” “Couple days ago I found out.” “I see you have the watch too.” “Ya.” We were walking and talking for awhile. We accidentally ran into a teacher. “Mr. Andrews you know there’s no visitors aloud!” “I know ma’m but shes not a visitor.” “Of course. I can’t believe it, its Aj Ladden! We have been expecting you. Blake take her to Professor Andrews.” “You dad is the Professor?!” I asked as we walked away. “Ya. I don’t like to talk about it.” “oh.”

We walked the rest of the time in silence. We finally got there. The door was huge. Blake knocked on the door. “Who’s there?” “Blake.” “Come on in!” Me and Blake walked inside. Professor was sitting at his desk. Once he saw me he sprang from his desk, ran over to me, picked me up, and gave me a hug. “Hello Aj. Are you ready for your test?” “Sure?” “Sit.” I sat at a desk. Professor put a packet on my desk with 2 pencils and a ruler. That packet had 30 questions. “Good luck.” “Blake! Wait! Professor can Blake stay here with me?” “Sure.” Blake sat next to me. I worked on the packet for about 10 minutes. When Blake got bored he grabbed the ruler and pencil and played with them. I finished the packet in about 35 minutes.

I gave the packet back to the Professor. He sat there grading it while me and Blake were sitting there playing with the pencils and the ruler. The Professor came over to me. “Aj, you belong with the wizards that work dark magic.” “Is that good?” “Sorta. You would make an excellent prodigy. It will also help you in your tasks to do.” Blake explained. “That’s cool I guess.” “You already have your wand. Blake walk her to her class.” “Yes sir.” We got up. Blake got me to my class fine. He just walked over to his friends. “Blake?” “Oh guys this is Aj. Our new dark magic student.” “Hi.” I said waving. The teacher walked in. “Sorry students I was called to the office. I was told we have a new dark magic prodigy.? Aj Ladden, please stand.” I stood up looking at the unfamiliar faces. “You may sit.” I sat back down. A student came running in.

“Sorry, there was traffic in the elevator again.” It was Jake! “Just take a seat.” Jake sat down next to me. “Hey.” “Don’t talk to me.”

I slumped on the front step. Ginger was off to the side. Justin sat next to me. I started bawling. Justin put his arm around me and pulled me toward him. “it’s going to be alright.” He whispered. “No its not Justin!” I screamed getting out of his grip and standing up. “Yes it will!” “Stop saying that! Nothing is fine! Don’t you see what just happened? My sisters dead! And so are your parents!” “I know.” “Just stop!” Shawn walked up to us.

“Here you are.” “Shawn, this isn’t the best time.” Justin said. “And you! Why are you still alive! If you had never talked to me and we never kissed, we wouldn’t be in this mess! I could have Summer and Justin with me! Not you! I should have killed you along time ago!” I yelled as tears streamed down my face. “What did I do?” “Shawn, go. Before this gets— Aj! Put your knife away!” I was gripping my knife so hard that my veins were bulging.

I grabbed Shawn by the shoulder and stabbed his stomach repeatedly. I let go of his body. The lifeless body fell to the ground like a bag of potatoes. I dropped the knife. Looking at my hand I noticed the handle on the knife left a print on my hand. I sat in the pool I blood forming around the body. His body was slowly turning blue. My bloodstained hands shaking. My legs were folded. I wipes some tears away with the sleeve of my shirt.

Justin came over to me. “I’m sorry you had to do that.” “Its nothing.” Justin extended his hand. “Come on.” I grabbed his hand. He grabbed my shoulders. “Believe me it’s going to be fine. I promise!” He leaned in and gently kissed my lips. I could feel the powers going from me to him. We slowly started to make out. He pulled back. “Justin, your a wizard now.” “Its worth it.” “Really?” “If it wasn’t would i say, I love you?!” “I love you too.” I said throwing my arms around his neck.

He grabbed my bloody hand. We grabbed our clothes and Ginger, and walked to my house. Once we got there, Brittney was waiting for us. “Here comes the cute couple! Where’s Shawn?” We filled her in on what happened. “Thats awful! Go unpack! I have something for you guys!” We ran upstairs as quickly unpacked. I threw my clothes in my drawers, my teddy bear on my bed, and fixed my covers. I waited for Justin. Once he came out we walked down stairs. Brittney was at the back door. “Here you go.” She opened the back door.

The backyard looked amazing! The weeds were gone, the fire pit was fixed, the roses were trimmed, and everything was like it was when we moved in. “It’s beautiful Brittney. Thank you!” I said giving her a half hug. Justin did the same. “I was thinking we could have dinner out here. And sit on the nice little table and chair set I found.” “That would be amazing.” Justin said before me. “Ok. Let’s relax for a few hours.” We walked back inside and sat down on the couch. All of a sudden this watch appeared on my wrist.

“Oh um, nothing.” I blurted. “How bout dinner?.” Justin said randomly. I looked. The sun was going down. The rainbow colors just dancing in the sky. “Sure.” Shawn said. We walked to McDonalds. After 30 minutes of awkward silence, we were done eating so we got up and left. The sun was completely gone. The sky was pitch black. The only light was the shine of the moon glowing on the pavement. We got to the yard. I ran to Blake’s room and slept there. I don’t know where the guys slept. Hopefully in different rooms. I stared at the moon recapping our day. As I was thinking I closed my eyes and I was off.

————6:30 Monday morning———-

I woke up to the school alarm I had on my phone. I said the changing spell. I changed into a black sports bra, sweat pants, and my running tenis shoes. I put my phone in my pocket, just in case, and ran off. I jogged toward the gas station. I was jogging toward our houses. I then went to the park. I ran into a blonde. “Oh. Im sorry.” She said. “It’s ok.” “I’m Brittney! What’s your name?” “I’m Aj. Are you supposed to be in school?” “Are you?” “Ya. I’m 15. But I dropped out.” “That’s not good. I’m a senior in high school.” “Cool.”

She had blue eyes, blonde hair, and was very skinny. We walked and talked about our lives. I told her what was going on and why I dropped out. “That little creeper!” “I know!” My phone vibrated. The text said:

Aj, you can go live in your old house. Their not putting it up for sale. Jake(:

I looked at the time. “I have to get back before Justin freaks out.” “Can I come? You know… Just for protection?” “Sure.” I ran to the yard. Justin was pacing back and forth. “Where have you been?” “Running and talking to Brittney. And who are you my mother?” “No just a worried boyfriend that can’t kiss you good morning!” “Not my fault!” “Lets just drop it we have a quest.” “Ya. Grab your stuff we are moving.” “Where?” “You’ll see.”

Justin grabbed whatever he had with him. He grabbed my hand and we walked toward the house with Brittney. “Where’s Shawn?” “School.” “Oh.” We passed the gas station. We eventually got to the house. “Brittney, this is where I used to live. Before the accident.” “Cool.” We walked in. I ran to my old room. All my furniture was still there. The room consisted of posters, dresser, bed, nightstand, and a desk. I gave Justin the guest bedroom. It was almost like mine but without the posters and it was blue, not black. Shawn got Marcie’s room. It was like mine also but pink. Everything was still there. But the bodies and the blood. “Brittney, your 18 and your legally an adult right?” “Yes. You want me to be your guardian don’t you?” “Ya kinda. We have jobs and everything, we just need someone to look after us.” “Ok. I’ll visit a couple times a day to check on you. But your 15 you should do fine.”

“I’ll be right back. Justin we need to get our clothes.” “K.” I ran over to the Martinez’s house with Justin. I climbed in the window. I heard no noise. Once I was packed and everything, we walked down stairs. There on the floor, the thing we feared the most. I gasped. The Martinez’s were laying in a pool of blood. I started crying. Justin cuddles me and led me out. We went to his house through the window. I grabbed my dirty clothes and put them in the suitcase. Except my shirt, I put that on. Justin got his stuff. We walked down stairs. The same fate happened to the Mason’s too. Ginger was fine. Justin hooked her up to a leash. We took her with us. Marcie was laying in her blood too. I found a note on the door. It read:

Sorry this had to happen. -Jake.

Justin had his arm around my shoulder. Shawn had nothing in this, he was of to the side. Austin and Summer were holding hands. “Thanks Justin. Now do you want out of here or not?” “Get us out of here!” I yelled. “Calm down Aj.” Jake said. “No! I won’t calm down! This is all your fault!” “Mine?” Jake said surprised.

“Yes! You had this planned out since the beginning! You had my parents come home drunk! You wanted me to kill them! Then you noticed that your plan wasn’t going right so you just had to fix it! So you sent me… Us… On this crazy goose chase! All this! Is just part of your stupid plan! Can’t you see what it is doing? It’s making us crazy! I’m freaking cutting myself for all you care! My life is a piece of crap all because of you! Just go away and let me live!”

“I’m sorry Aj. I didn’t know.” “Your not sorry! Your like all the rest! Don’t care about anybody but yourself!” I screamed as my eyes teared. Justin pulled me close and hugged me while I sobbed. “Just get us out of here.” Justin said. “Fine.” Jake snapped his fingers and we were magically transported to the yard. Justin let go. I sat on the mattress. All of a sudden a portal opened. An old man stepped out. “Which one of you is Aj Ladden?” I stood up. “That would be me.” I walked toward him. “Hello I’m your wizard professor.”

“Come, come.” I followed him behind a wall of trash. “Um…” “No worries. I’m just here to tell you that you will have to take wizard classes. And you can’t marry any non wizard. Are you dating any of those young lads?” His white beard was blowing in the wind. “Ya. Should I bring them here?” “Please.” I walked back. “He needs you guys.” I walked back with them. “Thank you. Which one?” “That one.” “So I can erase the other ones memory?” “Only till he knew I was a wizard.” “Will do.” he shoved Shawn in the portal to the wizard world.

I walked back to the room. I heard quiet mumbling. I couldn’t hear anything. Justin came back after about 14 minutes. “What he say?” “He told me things. I became a wizard when I kissed you. He took the powers away cause I didn’t want to be a wizard.” All of a sudden 2 balls of energy shot into my body. “Powers.” I mumbled. I laid down on the floor and grabbed my knife. I put the knife over my heart. “Aj! What are you doing?” “I’m going to kill myself.” “Why?”

“Why dont you understand? This is our Romeo and Juliet story! We can’t be with each other. At the end of the story we both die. So let’s just make the end a little faster. Shawn is Paris. I’m Juliet. Your Romeo. And Jake is the one keeping us apart! What don’t you get about that?” The knife was slipping slowly out of my hand. “I get it but it just can’t end like this!” “Justin, the knife is slipping slowly. It’s now or never.”

Justin swatted the knife out of my hand. He pulled me up. He pulled me close. I buried my head in his shoulder. My hands were wrapped around his neck. His around my waist. I pulled back. He looked into my eyes. He wiped away a tear. He leaned in to try and kiss me. I stepped away. We did our ‘uh oh. Awkward’ poses. Shawn came around the corner. “He guys what did I miss?” he said scratch his head.

I followed him out of the room. I folded my arms across my chest. “So who are we gonna find?” “Justin.” “Oh.” Shawn ran way ahead of me and turned a corner. I ran after him. “Where are you going?!” I yelled. “Helping you!” “How?” “By finding Justin faster!” “Ugh!” I continued sprinting after him. We turned corners and ran down hallways. He started slowing down. He skidded to a stop. I ran into him. “What?” I asked. “Look.” I looked in front of him. I saw a dungeon gate. “Open it!” I said shoving him toward it. “Um Aj. I think we are in Jakes version of a labyrinth.” “That’s why the walls are getting closer together!”

Yes, the walls were getting smaller. The colors were changing. The whole place was moving almost every second. Shawn walked closer to it. 2 guard dogs came out. I slipped down the wall until I was on the floor. I put my head in my hands and my knees to my chest and started crying. Shawn sat next to me. “What’s wrong?” “Everything! We will never find Justin!” “Yes we will! Never say never!” “Ok.” I stood up. I grabbed the wand out of my boot. Then I grabbed the spell book. I flipped through the pages till I found the right spell. I whispered the spell to myself. The dogs disappeared. “How did you… Wizard!!” “Don’t tell anyone!” “ok.” Shawn walked up to the door and opened it. Nothing was in there.

I walked over to the wall and slumped on the floor. I grabbed my knife and took the cover off. I held out my wrist. I sliced my wrist. I lifted my sleeve and cut that. I did that to the other arm too. I was bawling my eyes out. “Aj! Stop that!” “Make me!” He just stood there and said nothing. I watched the blood drip down my arm and onto the floor. The floor was red all around me. Shawn was turned around well I bled. The cuts eventually stopped bleeding.

The blood dried on my arm and on my cuts. I stood up. It was hard to move my arms. “I’m done.” Shawn turned back around. “Ok. Cool.” We started walking in the labyrinth again. We turned a corner and I ran into Jake. “My bad.” I said. “Hello Aj.” Jake said. I clenched my fists. I couldn’t help it. I punched Jakes face. He held his cheek. “What was that for?” “Look around! There’s your answer!” “I was gonna help you find Justin before night fall. That’s your time limit.” “Are you telling the truth?” “Yes.” He stuck out his pinky. “No. Slap swear.” “Fine.” We slapped each others cheek. “Ow!!” We said at the same time holding our cheeks. “Happy?” Jake asked. “Satisfied.” I answered.

Jake led us through a series of twits and turns. Half way… Well I think it was half way… Shawn tries to put his hand up my shirt. I grabbed his wrist and twisted it behind his back. “Here we are!” Jake finally said. “Open it.” “Close your eyes.” I closed my eyes and we all joined hands. I heard a creak. The door slammed shut. “Open.” I opened my eyes. Austin and Summer were sitting back to back, tied up and helpless. Austin looked at me. I could see the hate. Summer stared at me. I could see that she was scared.

Then Justin looked at me with his cute little puppy dog eyes. “Pick who you would like to save.” “Justin!” Justin looked a lot happier now. Austin and Summer remained sad, helpless, and in love. Jake got Justin out of his binds. Justin got up and ran over to me. He kissed my lips. I kissed him back. He held me close. I never wanted him to let go. He pulled back. “I missed you.” he said hugging me. “I missed you too.” I said hugging him back. Justin let go. He turned to the side and kept one arm behind my back. “What’s the catch?” I asked Jake. “Ah. You know me to well. I’ll help you get out but what you have to do for me is… Do what ever I tell you.”

“Dang it!” i said hitting the wall with my fists. Jake said a bunch of mumble jumble. I felt something go through me. It was a spark type thing. I was raised to the ceiling and then dropped to the ground. Justin ran over and helped me up. “Aj! What did you do to your arm?!” Justin asked. “I… Um… Went emo.” “Don’t do that!” “I’m sorry.” He helped me up.

“What did you do to her?” Justin asked. “I put a spell on her so she does what I want when I want her to.” “You sick minded freak!”

I ran to the end of the hall. “Is left right and right left? Ugh! I don’t know!” I was confused! This stupid maze is confusing me! I stood there thinking of who I should save. If I saved Austin, he would try to murder me. Summer wouldn’t want to leave Austin. Justin would stay with me, and Shawn would try to pull something. Best bet would be… Um.. I guess we will see when it comes. I went left. Or was it right? “Is blue purple here? Or are colors the same? I don’t know! Focus!” I thought. I slapped myself to stay focused. I ran down the hall. So many doors!

I didn’t know which one to open! I grabbed my spell book and my wand. I used an x-ray vision spell. I could see through walls and doors. That’s it. I looked through all the doors I could. I found this sign that said ‘Most of our contestants are down this hall.’ Taking the hint I went down the hall. The spell past and I could no longer see through doors. I tried to remember what the rooms looked like. They were all the same!

Black, blue, purple, magenta, pink, etc., etc! I did this with my eyes closed so I couldn’t see anything! I found a door nob. I turned it. Butterflies formed in my stomach not knowing who’s behind the door. I slowly opened the door. I heard a quiet sobbing from the back corner. I had my spell book in my pocket ad my wand in my boot. I slightly opened my left eye. I got more comfortable and opened my other eye. The duck tape as rope were off the ‘contestant.’ I looked in the corner. The least favorite person sitting in the corner with his knees up to his chest. Shawn sat there sobbing. His head in his hands. I ran over to him. “Hey Shawn.” I said quietly. “Aj! Thank you for coming for me!” “I honestly had no idea you were behind this door.”

“Oh. Help me up?” “Sure.” I stood up and stuck my hand out. He grabbed my hand and I pulled him up. He grabbed my waist and gave me a hug. I put my arms around his back. His eyes were all teary. I let go and so did he. “You know your helping me right?” “Ya. I was told before i was kidnapped!” The door slammed shut and the tv screen turned on. Jake came back.

“Ah. Aj. Looks like you found yourself a new helper! I’m going to give you one more chance to find Justin. If you don’t you fail. Now scurry along. Remember there will be challenges along the way. Btw check your phone.” I looked at my phone. There was a picture message. It was from Jake. I opened it. It was a pic of him. It was cute. Wait? What am I saying? I’m with Justin!

I looked at his blue eyes and almost fainted. His black hair just perfect. “Liking the pic?” “A little.” “That’s what I thought. Now go!” I wanted to do what Shawn was doing when I found him! “We need to go.” “What’s the hurry?” “I need to find my boyfriend.” “That can wait.” He said stroking my arm awkwardly. “Um… No!” I said slapping his fingers off my arm. “Alright. Let’s go.” he said opening the door.

When we got to the cafe there was no ‘Help Wanted’ sign. Justin opened the door and we were greeted by the manager. “Hello! Welcome! Here are your aprons and name tags.” Me and Justin put the aprons on and stuck the name tag on it. He pulled a worker toward him. “This is Josh. He will be your boss.” “Sup Josh?.” Justin said holding his fist in the air wanting him to ‘blow it up.’ Josh left him hanging. He whispered to me, “I think the owners gay. And who doesn’t want to blow it up?!” I whispered back, “I don’t know. I guess he’s just one of those aliens who don’t.” I hit his arm. “What was that for?” he asked holding his arm. “Calling the owner gay!” I said quietly.

We got behind the cash register. “Your taking shifts. Justin your first at the register. Aj you will be getting the coffee. Then you will switch next shift.” I spent at least 2 hours serving coffee. I never knew it was that hard! “Ok. Time to switch.” I got the register an Justin got coffee. My first costumer lay behind that door. The door swung open. Of course it’s the person I would rather not see right now. Out of all people it had to be… Shawn. He walked up to the counter. “Hey baby. I didn’t know you worked here.” “How may I help you?” I said with hatred.

“I know!” “Oh this is going to be good.” “I’ll have a chocolate doughnut, a medium decaf coffee, and a kiss on the lips.” “Justin can I get a medium decaf coffee and a kiss on the lips?.” “Coming right up.” I got the chocolate doughnut and placed it on the counter. Justin came with the coffee. He kissed me. Nothing big. Just to show that were dating. I hope it convinced him. “Here. Here and here.” I leaned over the counter. He did the same. My feet weren’t even touching the ground.

“Justin, this is how you do it.” Shawn said right before kissing me. He kissed my lips. I stayed like that for awhile until I started slipping slowly of the counter. My feet touched the ground again. And that was my pull back. “That will be $12.24.” “Here you go. And here’s a tip.” He handed me $20. I places it in my back pocket. He grabbed his food and left.

———— 2 hours later————

We got off work. We got about $45 in tips. Justin grabbed my hand and we interlocked fingers. We walked to the park. Everything looked dead. There were no birds. The fountain wasn’t working. There were no people. The oak tree was loosing its leaves. The flowers even looked dead! “What’s wrong with the park?” “Its getting close to fall.” We walked toward the bench we sat at last time. We sat down. He let go of my hand and put his arm around my back. I cuddled up with him while he held me.

Out of nowhere duck tape went over our mouths and bags went over our heads. I had no idea what was happening. Where Justin was. Or where we were going! What felt to be 30 minutes went by of constant dragging. I finally heard at least 5 doors be opened and closed. One of which consisted of my door. I was placed on a wooden chair. My wrists were tied to the side bars holding it together while my ankles were tied to the legs of the chair. The bag was removed and the big muscular men left the room. One stood in front of the door until the tv monitor came on. There was a camera in the corner of the room. I looked into those piercing blue eyes. His black hair falling perfect on his forehead. He looked almost sane.

“Hello Aj. You look a little tied up. Haha. Ok. As you can not probably see. But this is a maze. I told you, you were playing my game now. This maze consists of many many different rooms. Each one is different. 1 room holds Justin. One room hold Summer and Austin. As you can see they look helpless. Now here’s your surprises. One other room holds… Drum roll please… Shawn! Now your true surprise. If you find one of them you will be reunited. Here’s the twist. It’s the first person you find. I wanna wish you good luck and have fun.”

Justin, Shawn, Summer, and Austin stayed in the screen. Justin dirty blonde hair was shining in the light. His brown eyes looking like a helpless puppy. I noticed that Austin and Summer were holding hands while being tied up. I flipped my hair out of my eyes. Shawn actually looked helpless. His eyes were exactly like mine. Grey. His brown hair was all messed up. It made me kinda want to save him! I had to get out my self. Jake came back on. “Oh! I forgot to mention that there will be obstacles to over come.” and just like that he was gone.

I kicked of my rain boots. I grabbed my right one with my feet and shook out the knife. I grabbed the knife with both my feet and brought it up to my right hand. I slipped the cover off. I cut the rope on my right wrist. Then I cut the rope off my left wrist. The my ankles. I laid the knife on the chair.

“Change combat boots.” My combat boot appeared on my feet. I stuck the knife in them. Just as I was about to leave I saw something shining on the corner. I got closer. It was a black wand with a skull at the top. I stuck that in my boot. I kicked the door open. I walked out. I was at the end of the hallway. Nothing more. The colors. The twists the turns. Everything! It’s all to much. I wanted to sit in a corner and cry. I knew I had to move on.

I woke up with Justin sitting strait up, as pale as a ghost, and he looked weaker than before. “Babe? are you ok?” “Aj… I… Just… Saw… Jake… And… And…” “And what?” “It’s a vision! I could get everything. But it looked like he had them tied up and was trying to hit on Summer!” “I’m so sorry! Considering what was between you two!” I grabbed him by the shoulder and held him like he did for me. “Its hard. I… We… Can’t take this anymore!” “Justin, I know how you feel. In feeling paranoid!” “Why?” “Because of Jake! He’s basically stalking us! He could be anywhere!” “That’s true.” “I don’t know. Let’s go to bed and hope for the best tomorrow.” “Mkay.” We laid down. I laid on my side. He laid down on his side that was closest to me. I’m sorry, but it felt awkward.

——- 7 am Sunday Morning——-

I was the first one to wake up this time. I was still surprised that Justin could almost see into the future. I washed my face. I heard grunting coming from our room. “Morning Justin.” “Morning babe.” He said sleepily. I got closer and hugged him. He kissed my forehead. “Dang. We forgot our toothbrushes.” I said. “It’s ok.” Then somehow our toothbrushes magically flashed on our mattress. “Would you look at that.” Justin said. I grabbed mine and brushed my teeth. He did the same.

My phone rang. The text said:

So, are you enjoying my game? Well I am going to help you. You have to pass go again. And inside there will be some clues to figure out what I’m trying to help you with.
Goodbye for now! ~Jake.

I ran to my house not caring about breakfast. “Aj! Wait!” I heard Justin yell. I got to the house. I knew this was go. I ran inside super exited. I saw a bunch of arrows pointing to different places. I got another text. “Follow the red arrows.” I read aloud. Justin was standing next to me out of breathe. “What are we doing here?” “I don’t know.” I found the red arrows pointing upstairs. I ran up the stairs. There was another leading to my parents bedroom.

Another leading in my moms closet. The last one was right between her shirts and pants. I parted them. Sitting there was a book. It had a bunch of dust on it. I grabbed it, turned around and noticed Justin sitting by me. “What is it?” “We shall find out.” I blew the dust away. “Spell book?” “Open it!” Justin demanded. I opened it and a note fell out. I opened the note. It read:

To our lovely daughter Aj.
I’m sorry I never told you this but en and you are wizards. This is the spell book i used. There is a pocket sized book in my tennis shoes. Have fun with it. Just not to much fun! -Mom(:

“Its for me! This is what he meant when he said it will help me on my journey!” I ran over to her good tennis shoes. Sure enough inside was a mini spell book. I put that in my back pocket. “Aj! We have to go! We don’t want to be late on our first day!” I got up and almost dragged the boom to the scrapyard. I plopped it down on the mattress. “Dont look.” I found a cloth changing spell. All I had to say was “Change into Black tank top, green button down, and black skinny jeans.” I magically changed into the clothes. I ran my fingers through my hair and we were off.

I drank my oj and ate my doughnuts while Justin filled out the work information. “All I need is your signature.” I signed the paper. “Here you go.” “Thank you. We will call you to let you guys know.” “Ok.” He sat back down and ate and drank. “So now what?” I asked. “Um. We shall see what the day has in store for us.” I looked at the clock on the wall it read 12:59. “It’s 1:00.” “Ok. What do you want to do?” He asked me.

“I have a few ideas.” I winked as I got up and grabbed his hand. I dragged him out of the cafe. “Where are we going?” “You’ll see!” We finally got to the park. The grass was green. The beautiful white fountain was working. The birds were around the old ladies feeding them. The couples were strolling with the babies or making wishes in the fountain. It was relaxing. “We are here why?” “I don’t know. My gut told me to come here.” I led him toward a bench by a bush and an old oak tree. We sat down. He put his arm around my back. “So what is your gut saying now?”

“Um… What is yours?” “That I should do this.” He pulled me close and kissed my lips. I could hear a few Awws coming from passing pedestrians. He pulled back. “My guys settled.” “Mines not. I feel like something bass going to happen any moment.” “Really?” “Yes! I don’t know why!” Then that’s when my gut settled. Jake came out of no where. “What are you doing here?” Justin asked. “Just coming by to see the love birds.” “Get out of here!” I screamed. “Just to let you know all your clues will be via text. Austin and Summer are still safe.” “Ok thanks. Now leave!” I said. “Before I go.”

He grabbed my hand and pulled me off the bench. He held me tight around my waist. “You might want to look away Justin.” He looked away for a few seconds. He kissed my lips. It wasn’t just a normal kiss. He made out with me! I couldn’t believe it! It was in front of my boyfriend to! I couldn’t move. He pulled back, just to take a breath. He kissed me again. He continued to make out with me. He finally pulled back.

“Man, have I been wanting to do that!” He pushed me back on the bench. “You bastard!” Justin screamed. He punched Jake in the face. “Probably shouldn’t have done that.” “Why not?” “Because Summers life is on the line now.” “Justin just sit back down.” I sobbed. Jake walked away with a big grin on his face. Justin sat down and held me in his arms. I cried on his shoulder with my knees to my chest. “I’m so sorry about that.” “It’s not your fault Justin.” I said wiping away a tear. “Yes it is.” “No it’s not! End of story!” “Ok. I’m sorry babe! I truly am.” “I forgive you.” “Let’s get you home?.” “Ok.” He picked me up in his arms and held me all the way to the scrapyard. “I’ll go pick some food up.” “Ok hurry back.” “I will.”

After about 30 minutes he came back with some McDonalds. “Heres your dinner. And heres mine.” I got a Big Mac with a large fri and a medium Dr.Pepper. He got the same thing. “The cafe called me while you were away. I got the job.” “They called me and said the same thing.” “I start tomorrow afternoon.” We said at the same time. “Yay! We will be working together!” I said wrapping my arms around his neck. I felt his arms go around my back. “I love you so much.” He said. “I love you too.” Once we finished out food it wasn’t long after when I crashed.

I woke up the next morning freezing cold. Justin was over a bowl washing his face. “Morning babe.” He said before drying his face. I quickly threw my shirt on. “What happened last night?” I asked while folding my arms across my chest and walking next to Justin. I had no memory of what happens after 11:55. “We kissed.” He hugged me with his shirtless body. His body was warm against my cold body. “Oh ya. True loves kiss.”

“Ok. I was thinking that we head to Summers house. You grab some different clothes, then head to my house to take a quick shower and stuff.” He said as he threw his shirt on. “Sure. But what about the parents?” “We sneak into Summers house. My parents are working right now.” “Sounds good. What about our sweatshirts?” “We keep them here till further notice. Im thinking/ hoping today will be a normal day.” “But Justin. Our lives aren’t normal anymore.” “But don’t you just want to relax?” “Ya. That sounds nice.” “Alright then. We shall see what happens.” “Ok then.”

He grabbed my hand and we interlocked fingers. We walked awhile to get to Summers house. “Here we are.” “Alright. Go hide. I’ll be right back.” He let go. I climbed up the side of the house. The adults were in the kitchen. I climbed in the window. I grabbed a Blue tee shirt, black jeans, and the essentials. I slowly and quietly climbed out and down the house. I got down and met Justin. “That’s my girl.” He said grabbing my hand. We got to his house. Sure enough nobody was home.

He grabbed his key and opened the door. He made sure all the doors and windows were locked so nobody came in. “I’ll go into spare?” “Sure. I’ll use mine.” “Wait! Marcie!” “They take her to work with them.” “Ok.” We went our separate ways. I got into Marcie’s room. It was decent. I went into the bathroom. Surprisingly it was clean. I started the shower. I undressed and hopped in the shower. Taking a nice hot shower felt so good after walking around in all that dirt, mud, and grass. And sweating almost the whole time.

I finished my shower. I turned the water off and wrapped a towel around my body. I got out and dried my hair. I stuck it in a ponytail. After i put my lotion on and got dressed. I walked out feeling refreshed. I met Justin in the hallway. “Did you enjoy your shower?” He asked. “Very much. You?” “Oh yes.” “Where do we our clothes?” “I keep mine here. So just toss them in my room.” “K.” I walked over to his room and threw my clothes on his bed. “Perfect.” We walked out of the house. “Hey. What’s for breakfast?” “Let’s go back to the yard and figure it out.” “K.” After about 20 minutes we got to the yard.

We got to our room. There was money and a note on the bed. “Thought you might need some extra cash.” Justin read aloud. “Breakfast money.” I said. Justin put it in his pocket. “Um… We can go to that cafe again.” “Sure.” We got out of there and walked to the cafe. There was a sign in the front that said ‘Help Wanted.’ “We could work here. For you know. Extra money.” “Ya true. Let’s eat first.” “K.”

We walked inside. “Hi. What can i do for you?” “Uh. 2 orange juices and 4 chocolate doughnuts.” “$29.23” “Here.” he handed him some money. “Excuse me.” “Yes sir?” “Can you tell me about the job opening(s) please?” “There are 2 spots open. They are both for the position as cashier. You have to be 15.” “Ok thank you.” “Would you like to apply?” “That would be nice.” He handed Justin a stack of papers.

We got up and tool our drinks with us. We went back to the bench. Once we got there the bench was taken. So we stood by a tree. “Any idea on who your true love is?” I asked. “Again. No.” My phone vibrated. “Who’s calling?” “Jake.” I answered.

Me: Hello?
Jake: Hi Aj.
Me: what do you want?
Jake: any idea in who it is?
Me: nope.
Jake: I just thought you might want to talk to Austin.
Me: put him on.
Austin: Aj!
Me: Hey Austin.
Austin: Please help! I really miss you!
Me: I miss you too. I’m trying as hard as I can to save you.
Austin: and I love you for that.
Me: thanks.
Austin: well I have to go. Bye.
Me: bye
Jake: I also thought you would like to know I have Summer.
Me: Great…
Jake: and I told her its over between her and Justin.
Me: whatever.
Jake: well bye now. Have fun!
Me: bye.

I hung up. “UGH! THIS IS THE WORST GAME EVER!!!” “I know.” “Your not mad about the whole Summer thing?” ” No. I kinda expected it.” “Ah.” We stood there. “Let’s go to the scrapyard. To see where the magic happens.” “Alright.” I grabbed his hand. He intertwined fingers with me. We got to the yard. “I’ll try Drakes. You try Blake’s.” “K.” He let go of my hand. I ran to Drakes room. I saw no note. Justin came back. “No note?” “No note.” “Let’s try Austin’s old room. It’s Jakes room now.” “Figures.”

Well it should have been the first place we should have checked. Cause there on the mattress sat the note. I picked it up. It said ‘Reserved for Justin and Aj.’ “Yupp this is it.” I said. “Now what?” he asked. “We wait?” “But that’s like 10 hours away!” “Ugh. Well I don’t know. He was right.” “About what?” “Our true love being closer than we thought.” “Very close.” I ran to Blake’s room and laid on the mattress. “Wake me up at 11:55.” “Mkay.” After that I had no idea where he went.

——- 11:53 close to Midnight——

“Aj! Wake up!” “Huh?” “It’s almost time!” “Oh gosh!” We ran to the room. We laid on the bed to each other. ” 11:54.” I said. My phone vibrated. The text said:

Aj. You have to take Justin’s shirt off and Justin has to take your shirt off. You have to make sure it’s with passion. Or it won’t work and Austin and Summer are no more. Get a pic and send it to me. So I know it worked.
~Jake.

“Well you heard the text.” He grabbed the end of my shirt and sweatshirt. I closed my eyes and put my arms in the air. Before I knew it, I was outside with no shirt on. I grabbed the end of Justin’s shirt and sweatshirt and lifted it over his head. We were sitting out there with no shirts on. “11:59” “Let’s do this.” He leaned in and I leaned in with him. As the main clock struck 12, me and Justin were kissing. He held me by my waist and I held him by his arms. I opened one of my eyes just a crack to see if anything has happened. Just like the note said.

We were in fact glowing. True loves kiss had won again. I closed my eyes. He pulled back. We were still glowing. We took a pic of us and sent it to Jake, Austin, and Summer. We finally ended up sleeping with no shirt on. All cuddled up on the mattress.

I sat in the graveyard with Justin sitting there thinking. I started bawling. “Austin is going to die and it’s all my fault!” “Aj, Austin is not going to die. We will stick together and make it through.” “I guess your right.” “Alright let’s go.” He grabbed my hand and walked me out of the graveyard with his arm behind my back. We sat on a bench that was near by. Around this time the rain had settled . “Alright what holds a lot of memory?” “Um…” I sat there thinking. I looked at my clock on my phone. It was noon. We had 12 hours.

“The scrapyard?” “Didn’t you hang there with Austin?” “Ya.” “That could be it.” “Now we just need to find our true love.” My phone vibrated. It was from Jake. “Who’s it from?” “Jake.” I read it aloud. It said:

Aj, now you and Justin need to find love. Not just you. You will also notice that you will glow when you kiss. Good luck and have fun.

“Well we knew that.” “Ya. Now what?” “In hungry.” “Me too.” We got up and walked to the nearest café. We walked in hand in hand. “Hi how may I help you?” “Um. How bout 2 chocolate muffins, and 2 decaf mocha frappe.” “Ok. That will be $35.99” I pulled out $20.10. Justin handled the rest. We got our food and drink. We sat down at the nearest 2 seat table. We sat down and ate our muffins. “So who do you think is your true love?” “Idk. Any idea on yours?” “Nope.”

As we slowly drank the frappes. Someone came up to me. “Sup sweet cheeks?” “Um. Hey. Do I know you?” “No. I’m Shawn. And you are?” “Aj. Now leave.” “Aww, come on give me a chance.” “Why?” “Because you might end up liking me.” “Alright. Let’s see right now.” I stood up so I was face to face with Shawn. “Kiss me.” “Ok.” He grabbed my waist and kissed my lips. I didn’t feel anything. I slightly opened my eyes to see if anything was happening. Nothing was.

I pulled back. “Sorry just not feeling it.” “Ok. Whatever.” He walked away. “What was that for?” Justin asked. “To see if he was my true love silly.” “Well I guess that makes sense. I guess.”

The note was haunting me. ‘Don’t hurt yourself.’ ‘Pass go and collect 200.’ made a bunch of scene. I had to go to my house. I ran past the murky water and ran to the house. On the door there was a sign that said:

‘GO. Now collect and move on.’

I grabbed it and ran inside. Considering that wasn’t the note. I ran into the kitchen cause I heard a faint scream. “Justin!!” Justin was tied to a chair and his mouth was duck taped. There were rain boots by the chair, a note and a phone on his lap, gloves, and a mason jar on the other side of the chair. I grabbed the note. It read:

Your understanding me now. Your going to need these utensils on you journey. Your phone will help you greatly. I suggest you text Summer and tell her why your gone. Now here’s your clue:

Once you’ve collected the flower take it to the place where you sleep forever. Find ‘the grave of the beloved’ the jar is a clue. Use it wisely. Your clue awaits you.

~Jake and your boyfriend are waiting.

I took the duck tape off his mouth. “Aj. Thank you for helping me. I am now helping you on your journey.” “Thanks.” We put the pair of rain boots on and i stuck the gloves on while he held the mason jar. We went outside. “We have to pick the flower and make sure not to hurt yourself.” I remembered that my sisters middle name is Rose. We had roses planted in the backyard. “To easy.”

We picked 10 roses from the bed of roses. I texted Summer saying I wasn’t going to be home for awhile. She texted back saying ok. It went well. We kept our shoes in the house. We ran through the house. I threw the gloves on the ground. “Now where?” “Where you sleep forever…” “The cemetery!” “That’s it!” I forgot where the cemetery was so Justin lead the way. We went to his old house. “I thought we were going to the cemetery.” I said a little confused. “Keep following.” We walked a little further. There it was. The town of Cantons own. The cemetery. We walked inside. It was huge! “What are we looking for?”

“The grave of the beloved. Apparently the mason jar is a clue.” We stood there for awhile a little stumped about the clue. Justin and I had the same thought at the same time. “Grandpa and Grandma Mason.” Justin said. “But where would that be?” “Idk.”. We walked around trying to find the guard. I accidentally bumped into him. “I’m sorry.” “Its ok.” “You wouldn’t happen to know where the graves of Rosemary Mason or Neil Mason would you?” Justin asked. “As a matter of fact I do. Follow me.” We followed him to almost the back.

“Here you go.” I looked at both the graves. In between there was a fresh hole. I put the roses on Rosemary’s grave. I dug the hole with my hands. Buried there was a jar. Inside was a piece of paper. I couldn’t get the jar open. It was sealed with glue. I took the knife out of my shoe. I started chopping away at the glue. Slowly it started to get easier to open. “Um.. Aj you could have broken it open.” “Shut up.” I finally slammed it opened. I grabbed the note. Justin scooted over to read it. It read:

Aj and Justin,

We miss you dearly. We hope you can come get us. Your getting smarter considering your here. It’s sad that they passed and so will Austin if you don’t play by my rules. Here’s your clue:

True love. Everyone wants to find it. Sadly this isn’t your Cinderella story. You have to find it by midnight tonight. First go to the place that hold the most memory. Second stare into the persons eyes. Third kiss them by the stroke of midnight. That person could be closer than you think.

Have fun. ~Jake and your somewhat true love.(;

I read it aloud. “What place holds the most memory…?” “I have no idea.” This was the note I feared the most. I needed true loves kiss before midnight! This was the worst game ever!

I woke up to Austin changing into a t-shirt. He had his jeans on already. “Morning sleepyhead.” “what time is it?” “About 11:30. Im wearing your jeans and Mr. Martinez’s shirt. Is that alright?” “Perfectly fine.” I have some guy clothes. I had a couple pair of jeans for guys so he found a pair an put them on. I heard a thunder and saw a lighting bolt. “It’s storming outside right now. The streets are flooded. Nobodies in school. Everyone’s home.” “Ok.” I got out of bed. I started to make the bed. Don’t bother I’ll make it you go take a shower.” “K. Brb.” I grabbed a pair of black skinny jeans and a purple top. I had all the essentials also. I went into the bathroom and started the shower. I undressed, took my hair out of the ponytail, and hopped in.

The hot water felt good after a long night. I couldn’t stop thinking about last night. I was scrubbing my hair when I heard someones voice outside. It was Austin… And… Um…. Jake…? I told that scumbag to leave me alone! How did he find me? I could kinda hear what they were saying. It went like this:

Jake: Where’s Aj?
Austin: in the shower.
Jake: what are you doing here?
Austin: we went out last night and I felt like staying here with her.
Jake: did you sleep together?
Austin: yes. Because Summer was in the other room.
Jake: I see. Did you kiss?
Austin: dude! We are dating! Of course we did! I slept with my shirt off! Now leave us alone and stop asking questions!
Jake: No!

I heard a noise but couldn’t depict it. I turned off the water and pulled out the lotion and the hair dryer. I put my lotion on. After I did that I changed into my clothes. I plugged in the hair dryer and dried my hair. The fighting had stopped. I had no idea on what was going on. After I dried my hair I brushed my teeth. I spit and rinsed. I walked out of the bathroom to find a plate of food. There was no sign of Austin or Jake. The streets were flooded they couldn’t have gone far. I walked over to the food. There was a note next to the pancakes. It read:

Aj,
I have taken Austin. Come and get him. There will be clues to help. Your playing my game now. Good luck and most of all have fun.

~Jake(;

My life… Austin is gone. Marcie is with the Masons. I’m here with the Martinez’s. My parents are dead. I can’t and I won’t go to school anymore. I drop out. I can’t live like this anymore. I put my black and blue hoodie on, my Nikes, and I snuck out of the window. I walked to the creek we were at last night. It had flooded over. I trudged through the murky water. I could see the house hopping the first clue was there. He wouldn’t dare go to Austin’s house.

I walked up to the house. Inside there was no sign of the clue. I walked upstairs were e transmitted the memory. Sure enough there was the clue. I picked it up it was almost wet. I looked up and there was no hole in the roof. I opened it. It read:

Aj,
Congrats you found the first clue. Your one step closer. I heard you got a memory here. Its a very nice house. I can see you enjoyed it. Now here’s your clue:

Don’t hurt yourself. Now pass go as collect 200. Find the flower and collect 10. There will be your next clue.

Good luck. ~Jake and your helpless boyfriend Austin.

I sat there wondering what he meant. It finally hit me. “I know what your talking about!” I stood there still looking at the clue, wondering where to start.

“No, No, No!!!!!!” I screamed and shot up. I saw a black mass by my bed. “Aj, shhhh. Summer is still sleeping.” “Austin. What are you doing here?” “I need to show you something.” He grabbed my hand and we climbed out the window. We walked to a creek were we sat down. “Where are we?” I asked. “My favorite place in the world.” he answered. I was wearing shorts and a T-shirt; while he was wearing sweats and a hoodie. He took his hoodie of to show his black long sleeved shirt. He put his hoodie on me. “Thanks.” “What are boyfriends for.” we sat there hand in hand. “There is one more part to this date.” I honestly didn’t know this was a date. “ok?”

We stood up and ran to the woodsy part at the creek. I had my Nike’s on. We ran around this turn. There was a foggy hill. Up the hill there was a torn down house. There were 2 walls, 2 floors, a stair case, a balcony, and a couple of doors. “Come on.” We trudged up the hill to the house. I felt like I was Ina horror movie and Jason was going to pop out at any moment. We went inside. The roof had a couple holes in it. I noticed that there was nobody else here. There was a blanket and pillows laid out on the second floor. He lead me up the old concrete stairs. “Lay down.” I laid down on the blanket. He laid next to me.

I felt like we were being watched. Like there were little eyes peering through the the bushes and trees around the house. “What are we doing here?” “Why do you ask so many questions?” “‘Cause I want some answers.” “Alright. I used to live here. The house burned down.” “So that’s why you were out of school for awhile.” “yes. Because we lost our grandparents I that fire.” “Why?”

“we were having a family gathering. My Mom was making dinner and my dad was barbecuing the steaks. The barbecue caught the grass on fire and we didn’t notice. So once it got close, it caught the house. We were able to escape, but because grandma and grandpa were weak they weren’t able to get out in time. We put the fire out by ourselves. It took about 85 buckets of water. Once the fire was out the bodies had burned to death. I wasn’t aloud to got to the funeral. But I have been scared from that day forward.”

“Thats horrible! In so sorry!” “It’s ok. Would you like the memory?” “What?” “The reason why you woke up screaming and sweaty was because I transmitted some of the memory to you. You saw it through my eyes.” “If you want to.” “Ok. Sorry but can you take off the sweat shirt. And lift up your pj shirt?” “Sure.” I took of the sweat shirt and my shirt, so I was sitting there with just my bra on. “Lay on your stomach.” I laid like he told me. I felt the coldness of his hands touch my bare back. I shivered. “Stay still.” I was In a room with a bunch of family members.

I smelt food outside and the good food cooking inside. Everybody was talking and laughing. I looked around. Once the food was on the table. Mr. Mason came in forgetting the steaks and sat down. Everybody enjoyed the food. After awhile Justin pointed out that the grass was burning. Everyone ran out. The house was engulfed in flames. Everyone grabbed a bucket and tried to put the fire out. It eventually went out. The house was destroyed. They ran inside to see the damage. Each held a bucket of water. Mrs. Mason screamed. “What is it honey?” “Kids stay back.” She pointed toward the ground. There were the bones and bone fragments of the grandparents.

I jolted up not wanting to see anymore. I hugged Austin. “Babe I’m so sorry!” “It happened along time ago.” “Still! That’s nothing to keep to yourself!” “I know. Thats why I brought you here.” “To show me this?” “Yea. And the memory.” “I get it.” He helped me get my shirt back on. He put the sweatshirt over my head. “Wanna skip tomorrow?” “Sure why not.” We got up and walked to Summers house. I laid down in bed. He took his shirt off and I took the sweatshirt off. He climbed in bed with me. He put his arm behind my back. My arm was across his chest. He kissed my forehead. “Goodnight beautiful.” he said as we feel asleep.

We got to Summer’s house. She showed me were I was sleeping. It was upstairs. It was a nice room. It had 2 beds with a nightstand in the middle, a dresser, a desk, and a full body mirror. There was a bathroom that was connected to it. I put my suitcase down and started unpacking everything. My bathroom supplies was set up in the bathroom where it should be. I put my clothes in the dresser, and put my books and stuff on the desk. I threw my backpack on the ground next to it.

I started doing my homework. I heard Mrs. Martinez and Mr. Martinez fighting over keeping me. I didn’t understand some of it only because it was on Spanish. Summer can running up the stairs. “Aj we need to leave! Now!” “I grabbed my phone and ran out of the house with Summer. We hopped on a couple of bikes and rode to the gas station. “What is it?” I asked her on the way there. “They were going at it.” I took it as a bad sign that I might not be staying there after all. “Oh ok.” Justin and Austin shortly arrived after we came.

“Ok I have an announcement!” Justin said. “Austin and Aj are officially dating!” Austin slapped Justin. “Dude shut up!” “I think it’s sweet.” said Summer. “When did this happen?” I was a little embarrassed. “Well, when Austin was helping Aj pack, they accidentally bumped into each other. He held her by the waist and she held him by the arms and then he gently kissed her on the lips.” “Awwww!!!” Summer said.

“Ya it wasn’t that romantic.” I slapped Austin’s arm. “Well ow!” “Ya ok. ‘It wasn’t that romantic.’ go burn in a fire! You loved it! I should know I could tell!” “How?” “I have kissed a lot of guys!” “How?” “Dares. Mostly.” “Anything else?” “No! I bet you have kissed a lot of girls! I’m probably not the first or the last!” “Ya well same goes for you to!” “You know what I’m not discussing this with you right now!” I pointed my index finger at him. He grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards him. He kisses my lips. It was even better the second time. I felt this connection… A um… Spark as you would call it. He pulled back. “Still mad?” “Nope.” I had a lighter tone in my voice. “Great.”

We all sat down on the bench. “Witnesses to you two kissing!” Summer said. “Yea.” Justin agreed. “Oh Aj we need to get back.” “K.” We hopped on the bikes and we sped off. We got to Summers house and everything was calm. I ran upstairs to finish my homework. Once I finished my homework, Summer brought my dinner to my room. “We dont eat as a family?” “Not in this house.” “Oh.” We sat on one bed, ate and talked. “You and Austin are so cute together.” “Same with you and Justin.” “Thanks.” We finished our food so Summer ran our plates down stairs. I changed into my pjs. When Summer came back she was in her pjs too. It was about 7:30 and we laid on separate beds and crashed.

I woke up to my silent alarm on my phone. I quickly grabbed my clothes and changed. I packed my backpack up, ran downstairs, grabbed a health bar, and left before anybody else. I walked to school hoping not to be seen by my friends. A blonde chic came up to me. “Hey Aj.” “Sup prissy blonde cheerleader?” “You don’t like us do you?” “Not my favorite people in the world.” I continued walking. She followed me. “What do you want Brenna?” “I want to ask you if your dating anybody.” “What bossiness of yours.” “I just wanted to know if you were so you can go on a double date with me and Dylan.” “The new kid at the scrap yard?” “Ya.” “Oh. Well in that case… No.”

“It will be fun.” “Why don’t you go jump in the lake and drown. Now leave me alone!” She ran off. The click-clack of her heels finally disappeared into the noise of the busy moms trying to get their kids to school. I finally got to school. I made it to homeroom before the bell rang.

——-7 hours later——-

Austin caught up to me after school. “Hey brown eyes.” “Hey Austin.” “Remember the plan?” “Ya. I’ll race ya home.” “Your on! Go!!” We literally ran home. We got there after about 20 minutes. I ran to my room and hopped on my bed. “I win!” I said. “I’ll give it to ya.” We laid there catching our breath. Once we caught our breath I grabbed the suit case so we could start packing. I grabbed my clothes and threw them in there. Austin grabbed my shower supplies. We accidentally bumped into each other when I had some of my clothes and he had my tooth brush. He grabbed my waist do I couldn’t move.

We threw the stuff on the bed. He put my blonde hair with natural brown highlights behind my ear. I stared into his chocolate/hazel eyes. “You lied about my eye color.” “What color are they?” “Look.” He stared into my eyes. “Oh so they are grey.” “Yupp.” My hands were on his arms , and his hands were around my waist. He pulled me close. He leaned in to kiss me. He gently kissed my lips. It felt like a dream. He pulled back. “Now you get what I was saying last night.” “I understand.” We let go of each other and continued packing. I heard a knock at the door. “Hey Mrs. Mason! Is Aj here?” “Hello Summer. She’s upstairs packing.” “Thank you!” “Your welcome.” We heard her footsteps come up the stairs. We pretended nothing happened. Summers brown hair was curled and she was wearing a dress and heels.

“Hey girly! You ready?” “Yup.” I grabbed the suit case. We walked downstairs. Austin had his arm around me. I said goodbye to Marcie, Justin, Ginger, and Austin. Marcie started bawling when I said goodbye. I whispered in her ear. “I’ll visit. Promise.” “Will I see you?” “Sometimes.” I hugged Justin bye. Hugged Austin goodbye. I walked outside staying strong, but about to cry. I got in the car and we drove off to Summer’s house.

I woke up the next day cuddling with Austin and an alarm clock blearing in my ear. I slapped ‘dismiss’. I woke Austin up. “What????!” “Its Monday.” We hopped out of bed. I tried not to wake Marcie. I homeschool her once I come home from school. I changed into a black t-shirt, capri’s, and my Adidas. I put the knife in my shoe and paper. I walked out of the room with the backpack hung over my shoulder. Austin and Justin came out of their rooms dressed nicely, while I’m dressed like this. “Morning Justin.” “Morning Aj.” We walked down the stairs and out the door. Wr meet with Summer at the bus stop. Summer and Justin were holding hands while me and Austin were just standing there.

The bus arrived. Me and Summer sat next to each other. We were talking about what happened yesterday. “Ohmigosh! That’s horrible!!!!” “I know” “You have to live with me if you want to date Austin!” “Ya.” “I’ll ask my parents if you can live with us.” “Thanks. You’re a true friend!” I gave her a hug. We reached school. We walked to homeroom. I sat 3 rows from the window, 5 seats from the front. We scattered in class. I sat next to Blake and a peppy school girl. Jake sat in the back of me, and another random girl sat in the front.

—————7 hours later———-

I made it through today. Now time to go teach Marcie while do my little bit of homework. I didn’t use my notes yet. I leave notes places so they know I have been there. We walked home. I texted Summer. Our convo went a little like this:

Summer: Hey.
Me: Hey
Summer: I asked my parents.
Me: What did they say???
Summer: They said that they will take you just not Marcie.
Me: But Marcie is my sister! I can’t just leave my sister.
Summer: I told them that.
Me: and they still said no?
Summer: ya. Can’t you jut have her stay with Austin and them?
Me: ya but I tutor her.
Summer: can’t they tutor her?
Me: I don’t know. We’ll find out.
Summer: Alright. Ttyl.
Me: k. Bye

We reached the house. I walked down in the basement with the guys. It was an office area. There were 2 desks and a big round table. Austin grabbed my backpack and put it on the table. Justin grabbed a chair. We sat down. “Aj, can I talk to you?” Screamed Mrs. Mason. I ran upstairs. She led me outside on the porch. “I got a call from Mrs. Martinez. She said that Summer wanted you to live with them?” “yes thats true.” “Do you?” “yes but I don’t want to leave Marcie.” “we can take care of her for you sweetie.” “Really?” “yes. Well in going to have to break it to the rest of the family.” “Ok.” We walked back inside. I ran downstairs. “What happened?” Austin asked. “you’ll find out.”

We finished our homework. We walked upstairs cause dinner was ready. We were having pizza for dinner. We sat down and ate. When everyone was done Mrs. Mason said. “Everyone I have something to say. You all know Summer Martinez right?” everyone nodded their head. “Well Aj is going to live with them. Marcie is staying here with us.” I saw Marcie tear up. I stayed strong. Everyone split and did their own thing. I went outside and read a book. The guys were watching tv, Marcie was playing with her dolls, and Mrs. Mason was cleaning the kitchen.

Once it got dark I went inside. I sat next to Austin. We all sat down and watched tv. Austin put his hand on the couch. I knew he wanted to hold hands. I put my hand on the couch. He grabbed my hand and we intertwined fingers. We watched tv for awhile. “Alright kids time for bed.” We all ran upstairs. Me and Marcie went into our room. “I’m going to take a fast shower.” I started the shower and undressed. I walked in the shower. It took me about 30 minutes. ” I came out in a towel around my body. I had my hair in a ponytail. Only because I dried it. I grabbed my pjs, went into the bathroom and put them on. I came out of the bathroom to find Marcie all cuddled up in bed and fast asleep. I laid down and drifted into Dream Land.

————- 2:30 am Tuesday———-

I woke up in a cold sweat. I checked my alarm clock. It was early in the morning. I went downstairs. I went outside on the porch were I read my book. I put my knees to my chest an my head in my hands and cried for a good 30 minutes. A light turned on in the hallway. I notices it was Austin. He ran outside. He sat down next to me. He held me in his arms. “What’s wrong baby?” “I dont want to leave!” “Then why are you?” “You can figure that one out on your own.” He sat there for a minute then said, “After school how bout I help you pack.” “That sounds nice.” “Alright.” He helped me up and we went inside. He walked me to my room. After he left and I heard his door shut I fell asleep not thinking about going to Summers tomorrow.

I noticed when we were laughing and having a good time that Austin was coming around the corner alone. “Austin!!!” Blake, Drake, and I all ran up to him and hugged him. “Hey guys. Long time no see.” Blake and Drake laughed. We caught him up on everything that was going on here. “Thats cool.” He said. “We miss ya man!” Drake said as his eyes got a little teary. “Miss ya too man!” We all sat down and waited awhile. “Aj, we have to go. Mom and Dad our waiting for us at home.” “alri—” “She’s not going anywhere.” Jake pipped in. “Why not?” By this time Drake and Blake were leaving to go to their houses. “Because she’s mine.” “But she lives with me and Justin.”

“Aj who would you rather be with?” I looked at Austin with regret in my eyes. He nodded his head. I gulped. “Jake.” “Ok. Come on Aj.” I took a note out of my shoe and handed it to Austin. He opened it and nodded. Me and Jake walked to his house. There was a tent in the backyard. “We are sleeping here tonight.” “ok.” He opened the tent door and let me in. There was one mattress and a couple of blankets to keep us warm. I took my shoes off and laid down. He laid down next to me. I kept checking my clock waiting for 2 o’clock. By the time it was midnight he had his arm around me and he was sleeping. When it was 1:30 I notices Jake moved. So much closer. I heard a twig crack. “Austin.”I thought. I saw the door unzip. It was Austin. I put my shoes on and cut a hole in the door so I could get out. I left a note there. It read:

Dear Jake,
Leave me alone you little stalker! Don’t talk to me! Even at school! Your a pathetic loser! I’m happy with Austin! Get over it!

~ Aj Ladden(:

Me and Austin walked back to the house. We passed by my old house. I couldn’t help it. I broke out and cried in front of Austin. I wiped a tear. “I’m sorry!” “No, No its fine. Let it out.” We kept walking as I cried. He held my shoulder as we walked. We snuck in the house through his window. I tried to leave his room. “Don’t leave. Your gonna wake my parents, Justin, and Marcie!” “Where am I gonna sleep?” He patted his bed. I crawled in his bed. He climbed in. We eventually drifted off to bed.

When we got to the house we were greeted by Mrs. Mason. “Hello honey!” “Hi Mrs. Mason.” All of us hugged her. “Austin go show the girls their room.” “okay mom.” We followed Austin up the stairs into the spare room. “Here you go ladies.” “Thanks Austin.” I hugged him and then kissed his cheek. Then he left. “Ready to unpack?” “Yup!” I shut the the door, blared my music, and we started unpacking. There was 2 beds, a nightstand in the middle, and a dresser for our clothes. There was our personal bathroom.

It took us about and hour to unpack. When we were done dancing and unpacking, we went down stairs. After I turned the music off. I greeted Justin. “Justin this is Marcie and vice versa.” “Hey Marcie. Sup Aj?” “You don’t mind is staying right?” “No, I had to confirm your stay.” “oh really now?” “Yupp. How long you staying?” “till further notice from the cops.” “Time for lunch!” Said Mrs. Mason. We all sat down at the table and ate pb&j sandwiches. After lunch we all went outside and played on the playground. Marcie and I were on the swings watching Justin, Austin, and Mrs. Mason play with their collie, Ginger.

A car pulled into the drive way and a man came out. “Dad!” Justin and Austin screamed running toward their dad. They hugged and kissed him happy that he was home from work. “Who are these two?” “This is Aj and her sister Marcie. They are staying with us for awhile.” “Nice to meet you.” “you too Mr. Mason.” “Your family now please call me Dad.” “ok.” I said. “Time to go inside it’s getting dark outside.” Said Mrs. Mason. We walked inside. We watched tv while Mrs. Mason cooked dinner. “crap!” “what?” I said. “I burnt the food. Ok kids go change into nicer clothes. We are going out tonight.” Dad stayed on the couch while the rest of us went to change.

Me and Marcie went up to our room. I grabbed a nice black top, blue skinny jeans, and my socks and my black and neon Nike high tops. I stuck my knife in my shoe. Marcie changed into a pink top and put on her tennis shoes. We walked out of the room. Austin was coming out of the bathroom. “Is this fine?” “Perfect.” We walked down stairs. “I have to go get my jacket. Brb.” I ran upstairs. I grabbed my jacket. I heard a faint scream.

I ran into the master bedroom. “Aj! Get out!” Said the killer. “Put her down!” “I will of you promise to come with me.” “I promise.” He dropped Mrs. Mason. I grabbed her arm. “tell Austin to text me in 1 hour.” “call me mom.” “Alright.” I let go of her arm. She ran out of the room. I saw the car pull out of the driveway. I noticed Marcie crying and Austin cuddling her. “Time to go Aj.” “Where are you tak—- Jake!!” “I’m taking you to a secret place.” “Fine.” E lead me out of the house. We walked down the sidewalk. I could feel my knife on my shoe. We got to the secret place. I looked at my clock. Just 30 minutes till Austin should text me. “Welcome to the scrap yard. This is where me and my friends hang out.”

“it’s… Nice…” “thanks. We are the only ones here right now.” I remembered this place. I have been here before. I have been here with Austin. He might know where I am once we start texting. He showed me where he stays. It was the same room Austin used to have… So many memories. “I’ll be right back. Stay here.” he told me. I texted Austin. It read:

Austin, I’m in the old scrap yard with Jake. In your old room! Help me! Don’t text back! ~Aj Ladden.(:

Jake came back with a plate of food and cokes. We ate the food and drank the sodas. We sat there not saying anything. One of Jakes friends came. ” Hey Drake!” “Hey Jake. Who’s your friend?” “this is Aj Ladden.” “Aj?” “hey drake.” “you two know each other?” “ya. I used to hang out here with Austin before you came.” I said. I hugged Drake only because it’s been forever. Jake left to go do something. “So are you still leader? And is Blake still here?” ” ya I’m still leader. Blake should be here in a couple minutes. How’s are main man Austin doing?” “He’s good. Him, Justin, me and Summer are all hanging out know.” “that’s good.” Drake made a fire and we all sat around. Blake and a new guy named Dylan came too. So we sat and chatted awhile.

It was just another normal day. I woke up and went downstairs to get breakfast. I went to get the milk. I saw a note on the refrigerator. It read:

Aj I went out to a casino to earn more money. Take care of your baby sister. Be back later. ~mom and dad

“ugh!” I got my cereal. I waited for Marcie to wake up. “Morning Aj.” “Sup little squirt?” I sad messing up her bed head. “where’s mom?” “they went out. I’m in charge.”

She got herself cereal. Marcie is 10 years old. I’m 15. I don’t know why my parents say she’s my little sister. She’s almost my height and she can do fine by herself. “I gotta go somewhere. You know the drill.” “bye.” I wet upstairs, changed, and climbed out my window. I ran up to the gas station were me and my friends hang out.I waited till some of my friends to come. Justin and Austin came at the same time. “Sup Aj? Where’s Summer?” Justin asked. “Not here yet.” “Aj! It’s so good to see you!” “Austin, we just saw each other yesterday!” “oh ya thats right.” I hugged both of them. “What have I missed in this little love affair?” “Summer!!!” Justin screamed. We all had the people we like. I liked Austin and he likes me. Justin likes Summer and Summer likes him. Justin and Austin are brothers.

I hugged Summer. “sup girl?” Sup was our thing . We always say it to greet each other. We talked for awhile. I noticed my moms car at a light not to far from the gas station. “Austin I need to go.” “can I come with?” “sure.” we ran to my house. Marcie was sitting on the couch. “Marcie this is Austin. And vise versa.” “hi Marcie.” we ran up to my room. “where are your parents?” “on their way home!” “oh.” We sat there waiting for my parents. Finally the door opened.

Marcie ran upstairs. “mommy tried to slap me! They are drunk!” “stay her with Austin!” I ran down stairs. She was right they were drunk! “what are you doing up so late?” “mom, it’s 9 o’clock am! Idiot!” “don’t talk to me like that!” She grabbed a kitchen knife and put it up to my neck. “talk to me like that and your history!” I noticed from the corner of my eye that Austin and Marcie were standing at the end of the stairs. I knew I had to defend my self. I played out what I had to do. It was hard.

Thank gosh I was wearing my boots. I had my knife in my boot. I slowly bent down and grabbed the knife. I put the knife to my moms neck. “what now?” I slowly cut her neck. The blood went everywhere. “Austin get Marcie out of here! Now!” He picked her up an went into my room. My dad pulled a gun out! “look at you. Drunk. Your wife is dead. Killed by her own daughter. What’s gonna happen.” “Your gonna die.” “Am I” I picked up my moms knife. I threw my knife at him. It went into his face and he died. I put the cover back on mine and ran upstairs.

“Marcie go pack your things. We are leaving. Austin call your parents and ask if we can stay with you guys for awhile.” “ok.” Austin called his mom. I started packing some of my clothes. I called the cops. They told us to pack our things and stay with a friend till further notice. “She said you can stay as long as you need.” “thanks!” Marcie came into my room. “I’m done.” “Ok. We are living with Austin and Justin for now.” I picked Marcie up and we left. Austin was holding the bags. We were walking to their house.