Annabeth

chapter six

I've been thinking about what Lori said. Maybe she's right. Maybe I'm the one making a mountain out of a molehill. I decided I would talk to Annabeth and hang out with her as usual but still keep an eye on her--at least until I know I can trust her fully.

It's a day of Halloween dance and Val likes to do pre-dance pictures, so I have to get ready early. 

I'm in a good mood, Annabeth is the least of my worries--in fact--I'm looking forward to seeing her costume.

We decided we would meet at Annabeth's new historical estate house at the edge of the small town. 

I sit in front of the mirror applying thick eyeliner to go with my costume. I already have the silky dress on me and my dark hair in the hairstyle the girls had picked for me. I curl my dark locks into a braided bun and keep on trying to make it perfect until I am satisfied with how I look.

My phone starts ringing and I know it is time to go. I answer and say hi into the speaker.

"Hey Day, I'm outside!" says the cheery voice of Lori. I can hear the deep voice of her boyfriend in the background. This is going to be fun. A datelsess night with friends who will be with dates.

I sling on my bag and step out the front door.

Lori waves at me. "Hi Lori,  hey Jackson."

Lori smiles,  her boyfriend, Jackson, nods in acknowledgement. I smile uncomfortably and sit in fhe backseat of Jakckson's convertible. Soon, we arrive at Annabeth's.

I walk in and her creepy house is decorated with more creepy decorations. I shiver. Something doesnt feel right. Lori and Jackson separate from me wanting to 'explore' the place. I wander off into the secod floor trying to find Annabeth or Val.  Suddenly, the lights flicker and fizz out.

My heart starts pounding. I feel like I can hear it about to burst right theough my chest.

"Hello?" I ask, "anybody there?"

No answer.

I continue walking trying not to bump into any furniture. Then, something catches my eye. A sliver of light underneath a door. I let out a sigh of relief, think it was Val and Annabeth.

"Hello? Annabeth?" I call out while pushing the door open.

There is nobody in there.

"hello?"

This is really starting to freak me out.

The lights flicker and go out. I let out a shrill scream escape my lips.

Then I hear laughing.

The lights go back on and I see Annabeth, Lori, Amanda, Val and their dates.

"What!?"

"we tricked you. It was Annabeth's idea." Val giggles.

"Ugh guys, that was so not funny!"

They laugh some more and then it goes silent.

Did Annabeth just replace me?

"That was a good one Beth." Laughed her date, Ryan. It still amazed me how Amanda was cool with Annabeth going with her ex boyfriend.

"Did you guys here a noise?" I ask.

Everyone shook their head. I frown.

"Okay! Now for our dance pictures!" Val claps her hands.

~*~

Everyone was off dancing with their dates. I was casually waiting at the punch table watching them have fun. I had a horrible feeling in my stomach and I know for sure its not the punch. Something bad was going to happen. 

"Hi." 

I turn to see The Freak also known as my neighbor also known as Lance Oswald .

"Hey..."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't be talking to you." 

"No! It's okay." I say quickly.

Suddenly the temperature drops. I sense Lance stiffen up next to me.

"Did you feel that?" I ask.

He slowly nods.

It doesn't affect anyone else as everyone keeps on dancing to the upbeat music  

I watch as Val leaves in the middle of the dance. Everyone else backs up to let her through. Its almost as if she was under some kind of trance.

"Where are you going?" Luke calls out.

She doesn't answer.

She just leaves, her tinkerbell wings trailing behind her. 

"Val!" I call out, "Val!" 

I turn to Lance, "What is happening, something feels wrong."  

I run after her into the cold night. "Val! Come back." 

Soon, Amanda, Lori, and Annabeth join me. "What's wrong with her? Where is she going?" I ask them.

I look at Annabeth feeling a bit suspicious. Her eyes were blue. Not brown. 

All of them shrug. Lance comes from behind me, "She's headed towards the cliff in the woods, we have to stop her!"

We run.

But its too late. Val is dead.