The Thought Keepers: Ability

Epilogue: A Night to Remember

I pulled up the tights, finding them surprisingly easy to fit. The material was thin and sheer, the color black with a golden shimmer. The dress was a little snug, but still fit well nonetheless. I thought the clothes that Queen Zara gifted me would be a little more suited to a smaller body, but it seemed to stretch in all the right places.

I adjusted my hair, which was pinned up into a braid crown far beyond my skill level. Jade had fun twisting my hair into place, effectively taming the unruly curls and slicking down the edges. I honestly didn't even know my edges could be tamed before she touched them. My baby hairs always fought with me and my edge control. 

Fall Formal was a strange event, because it was both spooky and formal at the same time. While we were encouraged to bring creativity to our Halloween inspired outfits, there was still a dress code that required dresses and suits, much like an autumn prom. After attending a formal Unnormal event, I was starting to get used to wearing my hair up and putting on dresses with heels. I briefly wondered how many more I would have to attend, and if any of them would be more pleasant in nature. Like a wedding, or maybe a ball. 

I heard a knock on the door, and seconds later Jade peeked her head in the way she always did before I could answer. I was learning that she was a very hyperactive housemate, and that privacy was not the kind of privilege that the Mystic Castra provided. If it wasn't her, it would be Carson checking to make sure I was okay, still not believing that the danger was gone. I was right there with him, constantly checking the dark corners of my room for West's surprise appearance. 

"It's time to go," Jade practically sang, skipping into the room when she realized I was fully dressed. "The boys are all ready." 

As always, she looked stunning in her floor-length velvet dress and heels. She wore a haloed crown, with blood red vampire nails to match. Altogether, her outfit screamed Queen of the Damned, and I was here for it. 

"Let's get this show on the road, then," I smiled, turning on my own glittery heels to exit the room.
...

I wasn't prepared for how good Carson looked, in his pin-striped suit jacket that glistened with tiny crystals. I could clearly see the Tim Burton inspiration with his dark eye makeup and skeletal smile, but the onyx bow-tie necklace really drove it home. 

Jade made her way down the stairs before me, coming to stand beside Dante, who looked as cool as ever in his oversized purple suit that glistened like iolite. The peridot tie he wore really solidified the Joker look, although he refused to put on the actual grin. Too much like the real thing, he'd said. Thinking of their red eyes and awful smiles, I was inclined to agree. 

Carson came to the stairs to meet me, holding out a hand like he was a proper gentleman. "My Sally," he said, even though I looked nothing like her. I smiled, taking the offered palm. 

"My Jack," I answered. 

"Alright you guys, it's time for the photos," Jade said with a clap, motioning to the silent specter in the room to move forward. "Get your phone ready, Jake."  

Jake was not going to the formal with us, since he was not currently a student at Mystic High. He looked relaxed in his sweatpants and tee, ungluing himself from the wall like a disgruntled cat at Jade's command. I hadn't said much of anything to him since the whole ordeal, but I figured I should at least try sometime soon. 

He took pictures of us altogether first, and then me and Carson by ourselves. Then Jake cleared his throat, pocketing the phone. "All done. I'll text you guys the pictures later." 

"Do it now; I want to post them," Jade deadpanned, adjusting her formal gloves to stay in place. "Also, you're coming with us to the next dance; make no mistake. Don't get comfortable being a house-body."