Because traffic may be approaching from either direction. It's a good idea to look both ways before even entering a one-way street, you never know if there might be a wrong-way driver or especially a pedestrian or cyclist approaching. Children are t...
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ASHLYN GRABBED A WHITEBOARD AND AN EXPO MARKER, HOLDING THEM UP TO THE OTHERS. "Our first main objective is to reach the gun shop," the ginger said, "For that, we'll need better weapons."
"Okay," Tyler added slowly, drawing the word out. "But how do we get there?"
Ashlyn continued writing on her board, "We'll need a vehicle to drive us. My parents' jeep is the closest option. But last time the phantoms got over the graveyard walls, and we need to figure out how to stop it from happening again. When we get to the jeep, we need to make sure any phantoms that follow us can't get it."
The group nodded in agreement, aware of the dangers they faced. You on the other hand was falling asleep. Writing suggestion on the board. What was this some kind of Disney spy movie?
"Does anyone have any ideas?"
Ben grabbed a nearby notebook and scribbled down "barbed wire". It was a potential solution, but Tyler was quick to point out its flaws. "Normal humans might be deterred by barbed wire, but I doubt the phantoms would be bothered by it. They might just grab and climb over it regardless."
Aiden then came up with an idea to set up huge lights along the walls that could disintegrate the phantoms. The group decided to use solar lights, thanks to Aiden's (shocking) allowance, to make sure they stay on.
In the corner of your eye, you saw Taylor comforting Ben, which caused something inside you to spark. What the hell? You thought Maybe I'm just hungry.
"Before I forget. Aiden, can I borrow your knife?" Ashlyn put her hand out, palm up, and waited for Aiden to give her his knife. As soon as he did, she took it and sliced off her braids, much to the shock and awe of everyone in the group.
"These need to go," she stated matter-of-factly as she held the braids in her hand and let them fall to the floor.
—
You woke up feeling half drained, as usual. You got out of bed and walked across the cool hardwood floor, but as soon as your feet touched the ground, you felt a sense of unease. Nothing out of the ordinary happened until you reached the bathroom, though.
As you grabbed your electric toothbrush and looked in the mirror, a sharp pain struck your head and you nearly fell to the floor. A voice scream-whispered in your head, "VERITAS," followed by distant shouting. For a split second, your reflection was not you but Logan, who looked sad. Then, just as quickly as it started, it stopped, and you were back to your normal self.
"I need to see a doctor," you muttered, running a hand through your now disheveled hair.
—
"Should you be able to order the lights during lunch?" Ashlyn said, you hadn't even been listening to anything before that. You were too caught up in your thoughts. What was that earlier? That voice...it sounded just like the one you heard back in the hotel. Maybe that was some Spanish word? Was that a vision? If so, when would it happen, why would it happen.
In fact, where was Logan?
And as if on cue: "I was wondering where the nerd was." Tyler crossed his arms/
Logan was pressed against the red lockers, while a guy—the same guy who was hitting on you—yelled at him, waving a red folder around.
"Is he being bullied?" Ashlyn asked. "No shit" you said, as Tyler advanced towards the two. You, Ashlyn, Taylor and Ben watched as Tyler threatened to snitch on him to the baseball coach. This opened your eyes a little, maybe there was some good in everyone.
At the corner of your eye, you noticed Aiden was holding Ben back. Was he familiar with bullying? Is that why he defended you that day? Maybe it connected with him not being able to speak. Gosh, you wished you could just turn off your brain, there were too many questions and thoughts bouncing around.
The threat didn't stop Barron, he just started towards you. "Hey babe" he smirked, licking his lips. (brother eughhh). "Sad our last talk had to be cut short, yeah?"
"Get away from me." you warned, hand hovering over your pocket. In reality, you were terrified but you stood your ground. No man was gonna defend you this time. When he didn't back off you pulled out what was seemingly lipstick from your pocket.
"Lipstick? Getting all dolled up for me huh?" He said with a haughty laugh.
"Leave her alone, Barron." Tyler said, but before he could do anything you pressed a button, a blue volt coming out and tazing Barron. Right where the sun don't shine. Swears spilled from his mouth as he spasmed on the floor.
"Seriously, how many girls have you actually pulled?"
Typically, the principal was seldom around. The school's large size meant it was improbable to be in there for any sort of punishment. But there you were, squirming in the uncomfortable seats that grasped at your hair whenever you stood. Although you understood the consequences of using a taser, you were still surprised everyone had to be there as well.
The principal was a no-nonsense individual, "Tasing anyone on school grounds is completely unacceptable. And I'm sure your parents will not be pleased to hear of this."
In spite of your silence, you wanted the ground to swallow you. This was undoubtedly the most humiliating moment in your life so far, and it served as yet another reminder of why you kept to yourself.
"To back her up," Aiden cut in, "the asshole started it by hitting on her."
Ben nodded along.
The principal shot a warning look at Aiden before continuing, "But while he may have instigated the situation, you were the one who retaliated physically. As such, it is your suspension that will be enforced. Barron simply gets detention."
You tried to keep your composure despite your anger, asking, "For how long?"
"Two weeks," the principal replied firmly. "You're fortunate I'm not filing a complaint with the police."
Anger bubbled inside your chest. Was he serious? He was going to give you two weeks of suspension while the real offender (literally) is getting the same punishment as someone who doesn't submit their homework? You couldn't help but silently glare at him.
"Sir I really think you should reconsider-" Taylor started, but was quickly cut off.
"I will not."
( Remember when I said people avoided you for 'cursing people'? Yeah.)
A long silence dawned in the room. As the two of you locked eyes, there was a strange shift in the air, and it almost felt like time had slowed to a crawl...You could feel something change, but it felt too distant, almost as if it was ahead of you.
"You are-." he started as normal, then the rest of his sentence fell off "All you are-" he attempted, but broke off again. Then he clutched his chest, his eyes rolled back and he passed out.
