Teaching | Eddie Munson

The Winter Ball

Victoria stepped into the gym, the thumping bass of music enveloping her as she locked arms with her sister. The younger girl's eyes darted anxiously around the crowded space, her discomfort palpable. Victoria understood that dances weren't Max's favorite pastime, but leaving her alone at home was simply not an option. Max had been asked to come with Lucas, but her pride held her back, especially after weeks of his silence. So, here they were, together, accompanied by Eddie, who walked alongside them with an equally uneasy expression.

Max couldn't help but think that Eddie must be eager to impress Vic, as she was sure he would never willingly subject himself to this chaotic environment. It turned out he was, indeed, a masochist in some sense, but Max couldn't criticize him too harshly; she was no better.

As they surveyed their surroundings, Victoria felt a surge of excitement that contrasted sharply with the unease radiating from both Max and Eddie. The gym had been transformed into a vibrant wonderland, full of colorful balloons and glittering serpentines that cascaded from the ceiling. Strobe lights pulsed in rhythm with the loud music, creating an exhilarating atmosphere that might have overwhelmed anyone else, but Victoria felt alive amid the chaos. It was a world she thrived in, while her companions appeared to be drowning in it.

"Enough of the third-wheeling!" Max suddenly exclaimed, leaning closer to her sister so her voice could be heard. "I'm going to find that jerk and see if it's worth all this trouble." She frowned, tugging at the hem of the dress Victoria had practically forced her to wear. "Have fun! I'll catch up with you later." With a suggestive smile, Max disappeared leaving Victoria as she watched her go.

"Should I grab you something to drink?" Eddie's voice cut through her thoughts, pulling her gaze back to him. "We can find a spot with a good view of everything." he proposed with a hopeful smile. "If chaos breaks loose, we can watch from a distance without getting pulled into it."

"Sounds perfect." Victoria replied with a quiet chuckle, grateful for the distraction. The idea of observing the night unfold while keeping an eye on Max brought a sense of comfort, allowing her to protect her sister without being overly hovering.

As Eddie walked away, a sudden wave of discomfort washed over Victoria. Alone now, a sense of vulnerability crept in. It was irrational, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she was exposed to unseen threats. Clearing her throat, she smoothed the fabric of her dress with trembling hands, searching for something—anything—to occupy them as anxiety crept into her mind. Her eyes flitted around the room again, and that's when her anxiety shifted from unfounded to entirely justifiable. A tall figure was heading straight for her.

Before she could react, before she could turn or flee, he stood before her, a sinister grin spreading across his face.

"Hargrove." Jason pointed a finger at her. "Victoria Hargrove!" he exclaimed, his grin widening, but there was nothing friendly about it. "I wasn't expecting to see you here."

"What do you want, Carver?" Victoria crossed her arms tightly across her chest, shooting him a glare laced with hostility.

"Oh, don't be like that," he replied, his smile transforming into something menacing. "I just want to congratulate you."

"Congratulate me? For what exactly?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, confusion etched across her features. Jason stepped closer, and his expression shifted again; his fake smile disappeared, replaced by pure contempt.

"For making your brother proud." Jason spat. "You actually came here with the freak? I heard rumors that he got into your pants, but knowing how picky you've always been, I didn't want to believe it!" He laughed bitterly, shaking his head as if the thought disgusted him. "I said there was no way that crazy would stoop so low. And yet, here you are! I guess I was wrong this time." He tilted his head, a mocking sigh escaping his lips. "Billy must be rolling over in his grave!"