Give Me Hope ~ Stefanie Salvatore

~chapter 18~

These past few days have been hell. I've been going to school, but not obtaining a word any of my teachers say. It's all irrelevant. I don't need to know about how to find Y in a math equation. This school would be more helpful if they taught real world things, like taxes, mortgages, or how to kill a mystery creature made of mud who thrives off eating other supernaturals. Yes, that would truly be so much more insightful.

My parents have done the best they can to try to cheer me up, especially my dad.

"You know, aunt Bonnie and I were stuck in a prison world once" my dad says bluntly. "God it was hell at first. Your aunt, all she ever did was work on this crossword puzzle, and judge my every move. All I wanted to do was drink, listen to my music, and occasionally make pancakes. Is that so much a man, who lost the love of his life and was now stuck with the person he argued with most on a never ending day that reminded him of his mistakes, oh and let's not forget that the only other person in the world was a killer psycho, could ask for?" My dad went on a tangent, but I stopped him from continuing.

"Dad, no offence but, how is this supposed to make me feel better?" This conversation was making hate the idea of Rafs life in the prison world.

"Sorry, sidetracked" my dad readjusted his seating and took a breath, "don't get me wrong, your aunt, being the perfectionist she is, was a pain in my ass. But I was grateful for her nonetheless, because she kept me company. I had her there when nobody else was, even after we left the prison world. If I was alone, god I don't think I would have made it. She was who made the world tolerable, and sometimes even enjoyable. Raf has his parents with him, he is not alone, even if it feels like that because you aren't near him. I've lived long enough and lost enough people in my life to tell you this, dead or alive, he is with you, always, even if you can't physically see him." My dad lovingly put his arm around me.

"Thanks, dad." I say as I nestle on his shoulder.

"Your aunt Bonnie is still a pain though. Just cause I love her doesn't mean I don't despise some of her characteristics" My dad did his signature smirk. I laughed and shaked my head.

After a few moments, I headed back to my room, this history homework wasn't gonna get done by itself.

"Hey Salvatore," A voice right behind be says, I jump up and see Alyssa sitting on my bed.

"Alyssa? How the hell did you get in here?!" I say, still startled.

"Im astral projecting, that's not important though." Alyssa brushes it off and urgently continues, "listen, the Necromancer is preparing for his big evil plan, so he sent a monster to distract the school. But you won't even know he is a monster. He can trick you into believing anything he wants." She explains.

"Aren't you on the Necromancers side, I mean, why should I believe that this isn't part of his plan, for you to distract me?" I instigate. Last we knew about Alyssa, she left and went on team Necromancer, so why the change of heart all of a sudden?

"Sure... except" she hesitates and looks at the floor, almost embarrassed on what she is going to say, "I can't figure out how to not care about MG"

I let out a slight laugh, then go back to seriousness, "Why didn't you tell MG this then?" I ask

"Because, him and I are not on good terms, and it's too dangerous for me to warn the school. The Necromancer would know too easily." She sighs

"I just can't believe theres actually a heart underneath those cold bones of yours" I smirk, but Alyssa sneers.

"Listen, just get to the school, and figure out how to discover this monster, okay? Like I said, they can make you think you've known them your whole life, so look for little clues and details." Alyssa says before disappearing.