The Collector.

Daydream Charlotte

[unedited]

I'm staring at what's left of my food-which is most of it-when Charlotte gets up from the table.She picks up her tray,and I think she's about to put this garbage where it belongs.But she dumps the leftovers into napkins and stuffs them into her backpack.I can't even stomach eating this junk,and she's going to repurpose it as a midday snack.

Annabelle stops dicussing last night's Kicks game with Michael and glances up at Charlotte. "You're going where I think you're going?" Charlotte bites her plump bottom lip.Annabelle nods. "That's what I thought."

I bump Charlotte's hip with my shoulder,and she glances down at me,startled. "Where you going?" Charlotte pulls in a breath but doesn't say anything. "Come on.Spit it out."

Michael shoots me a look of warning,and I'm wondering what's his going to do about my attitude.This may be my assignment,but it doesn't mean I have to be all excited about ot.In fact,it's probably better I'm not.

"I was going to stop by the journalism room." Charlotte says it so quietly I cock my head to hear her.I hate mumblers.I've had enough with Michael and his ever-present mumbling already.We don't need two spineless people at this table.

"Speak up Charlotte," I say. "If you have something to say,then say it out loud." Michael huffs from between gritted teeth.I meet his eyes and raise my eyebrows.He holds my glare for a moment longer than I expected he would,then glances down.That's what I thought.

Charlotte sticks her chin out and says louder. "I'm going to the journalism room to watch the broadcast." She nods. "Yeah."

I smile at her and stand from the table. "Well,let's get going."

"You want to come?" she asks,her eyes round and vulnerable.

"Sure why not?What else do I have to do?" Besides seal your soul and drag you to hell.

"Great!" Charlotte give her friends an OMG!He's coming with me! look and glances back in my direction, "It's on the other side of the building near the gym.We can just...walk from here."

People watch as Charlotte and I weave our way through the long,bench-like tables.Heads move together,and whispers are exchanged.A group of girls giggle,and one waves at me.I'll be back for them later.I've got to collect Charlotte's soul,but that doesn't mean I get a free ticket out of my normal duties.If I could finish this job and seal a ton of souls while I'm at it,that promotion will be mine fo' shizzle.

Right as we're about to leave the cafeteria,I see a guy waving an orange envelope around like a winning lottery ticket.Three guys near him peer over his shoulder as he reads whatever's inside.I glance around and notice more orange envelopes in giddy,greedy hands.

I suddenly want one of those orange envelopes so bad it makes me sick.

When I was alive,I was never left out of anything.In fact,I would've been the one passing out those damn envelopes.It feels weird to be on the outside.But who cares,right?If I wanted to,I could own this school in a matter of days.

The echo of squeaking tennis shoes and thumping basketballs lets me know we're near the gym.I wonder if Annabelle and Michael ever break from talking basketball long enough to actually play.Hearing the repetitive sound of balls clanking off the rim makes me want to ditch Charlotte and join the game.Unlike those jokers,I hit nothing but net.

Charlotte stops in front of what I guess the journalism room.She stands outside the doorway,not going any further in.On the left side of the room,there's a long gray table with three stools tucked beneath it.On the other is an enormous black camera and a stand holding cue cards.