The Stray Souls ["The Diary Keeper" Sequel; "The Dark Legacies" Series]

Chapter 36: Secret admirer

I'm sitting in my room, just finished reading through Hazel's diary. And let me tell you, the atmosphere was already kinda eerie, with the wind howling outside and all. But then, out of nowhere, it's like the temperature drops a few degrees, and this dense fog starts creeping in, swirling around me like something out of a horror movie.

Now, I'm not one to scare easily, but I'll admit, I was starting to feel a little spooked. What kind of crazy coincidence was this?

It was like Hazel's story had somehow summoned the spirits or something...

And then, just when I thought things couldn't get any weirder, I see her – Jane, standing right there in my room, looking at me with those piercing eyes. I swear, my heart stopped for a second there, because there was no mistaking it – she was as real as you and me. At first, I couldn't even speak, couldn't find the words to ask her what she was doing here or how she even got in.

"Hello," I greeted first and immediately lowered my eyes - remembering that I shouldn't look directly into eyes of the shadows.

"You don't have to look down - in your case, things work a bit differently," Jane said. "I didn't anticipate that at first."

I raised my head and looked into Jane's eyes - in that instant, the mist dispersed, and she once again became a ghost.

"Thank you for helping me and others like me." The girl smiled and disappeared - this time, for good.

How can this even be explained? Does my gaze release the shadows from Grace's control and return them to their ghostly form? Did I understand it correctly?

***

So, there I was, staring out of my window and thinking, "Man, this day is just too good to waste indoors." The sun was out, doing its summer thing, and the sky was clear as day - literally. Not a single cloud trying to ruin the vibe. You know those days when the weather is practically nudging you to go out and go do something fun? Well, this was one of those days.

I grabbed my phone and hit up Caroline. I have to find out the truth about her. In half an hour, we were out there, enjoying the warmth, indulging in some ice cream, and making the most of that awesome summer day. It's funny how the spur-of-the-moment plans often turn into the best memories. Sometimes, it's the spontaneous plans that turn into the best stories.

"Caroline, can you finally tell me who your secret admirer is?"

"I won't tell that even you."

"Is it that serious?"

"Something like that." Probably, she wasn't joking.

"When is your wedding?"

"Liandra, don't speak so loudly! No one should know who my boyfriend is."

"Let me think..." I tried to remember all the boys by name who had ever crossed my path. "If I guess, will you let me know?"

"At first, you have to guess!" Caroline seemed to be mocking me.

"Have I seen him before? Maybe I know him personally."

"Everyone knows him in our neighborhood, at least by sight."

For some reason, I immediately thought of Mabel's guy, who is currently in prison and from whom she had a daughter. Everyone definitely knows that guy, but I don't think Caroline would stoop to that level. I know it's a bad joke, and I didn't voice it out loud.

"I'll continue guessing," I said after a brief pause, "Is he from an affluent family?"

"Lia, you only have money and a carefree life on your mind!"

"But he is wealthy, right?" I insisted on my question.

"Yes," she reluctantly admitted. "But I'm not dating him because of that!"

The wealthiest guy in Ravenwood graduated from school last year and received a substantial amount of money from his parents. His mom and dad hoped their beloved son would start a business or invest in prestigious education, but instead, this fool spent most of it on gambling, and the paltry remainder was wasted on alcohol drinks. No, this option is also ruled out - Caroline isn't that foolish.

"Is he intelligent?"

"Here you guessed right too."

"Come on, admit it, are you having a romance with Martin?" I laughed.

"No, Liandra, don't rush to include yourself in my family."

"I give up. Too many people come to mind."

"Alright," she smiled, "It's Terry Fairfield, the son of our school headmistress."