Hush

> Chapter Fifteen <

Paige

I enter the school auditorium, my hands quaking at my sides. There's music, creating a cheerful setting for the Spelling Bee.
          I approach the stairs to the side of the stage. I make my way backstage and see almost my whole grade; around one hundred people. They're all chatting or doing breathing exercises to settle their nerves. But no deep breathing can calm me down right now.
          I spot Raine, all the way across the room, sitting on an old prop. She's hunched over her iPhone, typing quickly. Is she texting the ghost lady again? I saunter over to peer over her shoulder.
          Ghost Lady - I'm trying my best to regain my power to the level it must be to help you.
          Raine - Well try harder!
          Ghost Lady - Don't rush me, dear. I'm trying as hard as I can. Just be grateful that you have this chance in the first place.
          Raine - Ugh
          Raine - I hate waiting
          Ghost Lady - Too bad.
          Ghost Lady - Oh, and I thought you should know, Paige is watching us.
          My eyes widen at that message, and Raine pauses, straightening up. I try to back away as quickly and inconspicuously as I can, but I'm not fast enough. Raine whips her head around to glare at me.
          "What are you doing?" she asks, standing up and turning her body to face me.
          "I just came over to say hi." I lie nervously, the look in her eyes causing my heartbeat to speed up. Raine's phone buzzes, and she glances at it. I manage to catch what the text says.
          Ghost Lady - She's lying.
          Raine lowers her phone and stares me down once again. This time, she starts to walk towards me. I continue to back up.
          "I'm sick of your lies, Paige." she spits at me.
          "Uh..." I stammer, at a loss for words.
          "What happened to you?" she asks, her frown letting up slightly, replaced by a saddened expression.
          "What happened to me? Bro, what happened to you?" I say incredulously. What has that ghost girl made me out to be?
          "I saw clearly, for once in my life." she says in almost a whisper.
          "I didn't do anything wrong! I haven't changed like you think I have! I don't know what that lady's been telling you, but it's not the truth!" I plead, still stepping backwards.
          "You never speak the truth, so I'm not going to believe you. You know, I bet you get this from Jorden. You spend too much time with him, and he's turned you into this!" she snarls, her expression dark.
          "He has nothing to do with this!" I shout at her.
          "Lies." she whispers, her voice slightly deeper. Suddenly, her eyes turn midnight black. "You know, Paige..." she starts, her voice low. "You wouldn't have to lie if you had anything you wanted, with no consequences..." she continues as her voice transforms into that of the ghost lady. I back into the wall behind me, and Raine gets really close. Her face is only a few inches from mine when she whispers, "Immortality could be yours, and we could be together forever, under the moonlight of Fellhollow Forest..."
          Raine's eyes are normal again as she leans away from me, turning to join the other kids.