Hush

> Epilogue <

Paige

"I think...I think I will." I say finally, holding out my hand to grasp Lianna's. Everything turns black as the space between our hands glows.
          "Welcome, Shade Paige Hills." Lianna says calmly, my vision fading to white. I feel someone holding me suddenly before I'm completely unconscious.
          It doesn't last long, and I'm awake again as quickly as I was out. I'm laying in Raine's arms. I stare up at her face, just now noticing the changes I was told about. Her hair is glossy, her skin is cold and white, and her irises are pitch black. I lift my head to look at myself. My skin, too, is alabaster white and frosty, and my strawberry blonde hair is smooth and shiny. I'm assuming my eyes are no longer the blue-gray they used to be, at least to me and the other Shades.
          "Wow, Paige." Raine laughs, pulling out one arm from under me to place it next to my own. Our flesh touches, but the coldness doesn't bother me anymore. "We match!"
          Knowing she means our appearances, I chuckle as well. "I guess so."
          "And now, we can complete Assignments together, just like the ones at school! But, you know, we're killing a person, not doing a project. You did kill it at that Spelling Bee, though, Paige!" she congratulates me suddenly.
          "I thought you hated me because of that Spelling Bee?" I say, confused.
          "I did, but it turns out, these consequences are so much better! If I had won, it would be me all alone here. But, since you won, we can be together forever!" she elaborates cheerily.
          "Oh." I breathe, overwhelmed by the word forever. Will we actually live forever?
          Only if you wish it, Lianna answers in my head.
         "So, uh, when's the first Assignment?" I inquire nervously, sitting up to slide from Raine's arm to the grass.
          "I don't have one for you now, but I'll call you when I do." Lianna tells me.
          "In that case, I have to get back." I say. Lianna nods, and the last thing I see before I'm in my bed in the hotel room is my best friend's familiar smile.

<><><>

I grab my Samsung from the bedside table to check the time after I've arrived in my hotel bed. It reads 12:47 a.m. And...and there's a message.
          From Jorden.
          Jorden - U up?
          It was sent at 12:21 a.m. Why was he awake? Is he still up, or has he fallen asleep by now? I decide to chance it and shoot him a text.
          Me - Yeah
          To my surprise, there's an immediate answer.
          Jorden - Were u asleep? Sorry if I woke u
          Me - U didn't
          Me - Did u wanna talk or something?
          Jorden - Yeah
          Jorden - I was feeling sick again earlier, it's what woke me up
          Jorden - I was wondering if u felt it too
          Me - Um
          Me - I didn't, actually
          Jorden - Why are u awake then?
          Me - Well
          Me - It's been an interesting night