Meet in The Space Between ✔️

13

Ain't runnin' from myself no more
Together we'll win it all
__________________

WE WERE on our way to the museum after lunch.

"She hasn't texted back." Jay said worriedly, checking his phone for the billionth time.

"I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation." Mal tried convincing him.

Carlos added on "You know how spontaneous Lonnie could be, bro."

Jay exhaled loudly. "Okay. I just hope she doesn't avoid me forever."

I haven't seen Jane since school ended, so I waved enthusiastically when I saw her standing at the front steps of the museum with her mom and Ben.

"Hey you guys!" She exclaimed as we approached.

"How was the trip?" Carlos asked, giving her a hug.

Jane scrunched up her face playfully. "Bumpy, but worth it." She said, before turning towards me and grabbing my hand, "Mom told me everything. I'm here to help."

Ben nodded too.

"You're all incredible friends." I said frankly, my heart full, "Insanely incredible friends. Thank you."

"Well." Fairy Godmother started, gathering our attention, "Let's go, shall we?"

"Into the museum?" Emma questioned.

The Fairy Godmother nodded brightly.

"But the doors are closed."

"I asked them to close for me." Fairy Godmother answered as she pushed open the giant door with a creak.

"We're closed." The security guard said blandly from behind his table, not even bothering to look up.

"Um, actually..." Ben began, clearing his throat.

The security guard recognized the voice immediately. "Sorry, your Majesty. I didn't realize it was you." He said quickly.

Mal grinned at the sight.

"This way, everyone." Fairy Godmother announced, clapping her hands as if she was leading a group of toddlers on a field trip.

Emma leaned towards me, whispering "It's so creepy in here when it's empty."

"It's more creepy when it's dark." I told her, before exchanging a knowing look with Carlos, "Trust me."

"Where exactly are we going?" Jay asked. We all had the same question.

Fairy Godmother stopped at the edge of the staircase.

Her expression was serious. "I trust you guys to keep this under wraps."

Hm?

Suddenly, she reached behind the statue of a lion that stood nearby and pulled. There was a loud click, and to our surprise and bewilderment, the staircase ascended into the air.

The Fairy Godmother seemed very entertained by our reaction of wide eyes and mouths. I peeked under the structure only to find another staircase, this time leading down.

"Only me, my parents and Fairy Godmother knows this place exist. Not even the guard." Ben said, "So you guys can't tell a soul."

Evie nodded gravely. "We promise."

"What's down there?" Mal asked.

"You'll see." Her boyfriend replied with a slight tease, taking her hand.