A Spirit Between Us (bxb)

Chapter 34 - Kiss.

"PFFT—" Jake's laughter exploded through the courtyard, echoing across the school grounds as he doubled over on the bench. It was loud, relentless, and, at least in Archie's opinion, possibly the most annoying sound he'd ever endured. "That's comedy gold!" Jake managed, wiping away a tear as his shoulders shook.

Lyla had asked Jake to meet her there after school so that she could explain everything to him. "I'm not joking." She said, her voice sharp and serious, cutting straight through his obnoxious laughter.

Jake's grin faltered slightly, but he still waved a hand dismissively. "Come on, Lyla. You really expect me to believe that?"

She rolled her eyes, gesturing toward Archie, who was sitting stiffly beside her like he'd rather be anywhere else. "Do you think I've been hanging around him for fun?"

Archie finally spoke, his tone flat as he gave her a side eye. "Watch it, Red."

Jake snorted, clearly unconvinced. Archie sighed loudly, the first sound of exasperation he'd made since Lyla had dragged him into this. "Look," he said, standing abruptly, "I don't have time to waste trying to convince this idiot. If he doesn't believe us, let's just leave—"

Before he could finish, Lyla grabbed his wrist and yanked him back down with surprising force.

"Sit." she ordered, her gaze snapping back to Jake. "Listen to me, Jake. Whether you believe this or not doesn't matter right now."

"I beg to differ." Archie muttered, glaring at Jake.

Lyla ignored him, leaning closer to Jake, her tone more pleading. "But if you really care about Finn like you say you do, just play along. Just for now. Pretend you believe us."

Jake gave her an exasperated look, his hand running through his hair as he sighed heavily. "Lyla, I just can't—"

"Please, Jake..." she interrupted, her voice softening as she leaned in with a practiced flutter of her eyelashes, her best puppy-dog eyes in full effect.

Jake stared at her for a moment, groaning dramatically before caving. "Okay, okay!" he relented, throwing his hands up. "Fine. For you."

Archie snorted, his arms crossing as he leaned back against the bench. "Wow. That was easy. You might've just found his weakness."

Lyla smirked. "I always knew he was a sucker for a pretty face."

"Don't push it." Jake grumbled, slouching in defeat.

Lyla clapped her hands together, her energy cutting through the tension in the air. "Alright! So, what's next?"

Archie crossed his arms, his expression sharp but focused. "Mom already told Finn's parents everything last night. She said it took a while, but they believed her... eventually. Desperation does that to people."

"Okay, so now we just need to focus on the items, right?" Lyla asked, her brow furrowing in thought. "Salt, candles, and something that belongs to Finn, yeah?"

Jake, slouched in the corner, raised an eyebrow, muttering under his breath, "Jesus... you really are a satanist." The comment was clearly directed at Archie, who didn't even bother to look at him, let alone respond.

"Get as much salt as you can," Archie instructed, ignoring the jab entirely. "I've got a bunch of candles at home. I'll go to Finn's house after school and grab something of his." He glanced pointedly at Lyla.

"Can't Finn's parents just get it?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Maybe," Archie said flatly, "but I want to do it myself."