by Raathi Chota
“Liam, please don’t be sad,” I whispered. “Ethan’s just nice.”
“So sweet! I couldn’t compete with Marcus, now Ethan! He’s captain of the basketball team, vigorous and tall, puppy dog eyes, soft hair, the most popular guy in school, and bro…” Liam trailed off as he looked at Benny. “He bought me a burrito one morning.”
“Shit, and you love anyone who gives you food.”
“Yeah!”
“Ugh…y’know what it feels like?” Liam rhetorically asked as he stared up at the ceiling. “When I found out that my grandma has Alzheimer’s. It’s as if all the time we’ve spent together, all the memories we’ve made, just bundled up into this big ball, and as time went on that ball got smaller…and smaller until she forgot and the ball disappeared. I, who remember everything, is left in a dead forest, crisp brown leaves, old trees with bark falling off, branches reaching up and closing the sunlight that leaves me in this spot of darkness. Yet when I see my grandma in the midst of shadows, I have to look her in the eye and remember everything.”
It was quiet as I stared at Liam. I’d never heard anything like that before, yet I understood what he meant. I never knew he was capable of that, how alone he felt in this room. How his friends and grandma were his happiness, his escape from the dead forest. When I blinked, I felt a tear roll down my cheek. I put my cup down then walked toward the bed. I sat beside him as he sat up. When he turned to me and I saw his eyes, I saw nothing. No spark, no glint of happiness or hope, just dullness.
“Oh, Liam!” I exclaimed then wrapped my arms around him. “You’re so brave. How do you do it? How do you act like everything’s okay?”
When I pulled away, he shrugged then looked at his lap. I glanced up at Benny, who quietly sipped his tea as he watched us. The corner of my mouth turned up as I looked at Liam.
“Do you want to come with me to prom?” I asked, and out the corner of my eye, I noticed Benny almost spilled his tea.
“Ugh, no thanks. I don’t want to be a third wheel.” Liam mumbled then stood up.
“I’m sure Miranda will save you dance.”
“Sure.”
He sat on his desk, and Benny let out a sigh then joined me on the bed. We drank our beverages in silence and watched Liam as he typed on his computer. Nick knocked on the door, which gained everyone’s attention.
“Special delivery for the investigator.” Nick held up a bag. “I got burritos.”
That seemed to boost Liam up a bit as he got up from his seat then hugged Nick. Benny and I laughed as Nick tried to push Liam away. Once Liam was off him, he took the bag and peeked inside.
“Thanks, dude. How’d you know?” Liam asked as he took out one.
“I know you, bro,” Nick said as he and Liam fist bumped. Liam gave a bright smile then returned to his desk. Nick offered me a burrito, but I wasn’t hungry at the time, so I declined and enjoyed my warm tea. Nick walked around the small room but stopped when he saw the wall. I looked at it too, because I noticed there was writing on the wall. Then I remembered what Liam said at Miranda’s house. How he tried so hard to make sense of all of it, all of James’s games, and even tried to track down Christo’s body.
“Whoa, anything we should be aware of?” Nick asked.
“Yeah! I wanted to know if Marcus was at school today,” Liam said as he continued to type.
“No, haven’t seen him since camp,” Benny replied.
“He’s weak, not even showing up to school after he broke up with Miranda.” Nick shook his head.
“Was Kelly there?” Liam asked.
“N-No…now that I think of it. Kelly wasn’t there, either,” Benny said, and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.
“Ugh, they’re probably off doing exactly what they did in the woods,” I said.
“I came home and searched Marcus up. I’ve been doing a lot since he met up with us in the sewers,” Liam began as he waved his hand, signaling us to come closer. Benny, Nick, and I crowded around the desk and looked at the screen. “I told you guys, Marcus Sanders is one suspicious dude, especially when Lana said that they dated for almost nine months,” he said then clicked on a file. I didn’t have my glasses on, but Liam explained as he went on. “Marcus came here in senior year and was a total nobody, but then he joined the soccer team. By then, the bet started. He met Miranda, and as time went on, he got closer to Lana yet still managed to keep under the radar,” Liam said then opened Marcus’s passport.
“Holy shit, the guy is twenty years old! He must be stupid as fuck,” Nick stated as we looked at his birthdate.
“I told you! He’s abnormal to be in high school, luscious locks, eight-pack,” Liam muttered. “Yet his parents still sent him anyway—oh, and he has a little sister named Elenore.”
“All of this just makes him even more suspicious to being one of James’s men.” I scrunched my nose up.
“Yeah, and now that Ernst is dead, James probably wants more people,” Benny gasped. “Maybe he took Kelly and Parker!”
“That’s why Kelly visits Parker in juvie, and maybe today she took Marcus with her,” I said, then Benny and I high-fived each other for being in the moment.
“Wow, those are some great theories,” Nick commented. “James loves to use teenagers for his benefit.”
“Yeah, I mean, if you look at it this way, James has used Ethan, Aidan, Blake, Carter, Levi, Austin, the Willis twins, Parker, and Quinton. Who knows who he might threaten next?” I mumbled.
“Well, he has us cornered because if we say or do the wrong thing…” Liam trailed off then used his index finger to slice his neck. He stood up then grabbed his jacket behind the door.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“We have to know where Marcus is. He’s the only one who will give us answers,” Liam stated as he put his jacket on.
“Are you crazy? Didn’t you listen to what you just said?” Nick asked as he mimicked Liam’s slice of the neck.
“Besides, how are we going to find him? We have to find Kelly first,” I stated.
“Well…” Liam sang. “She does have a friend who might know where she is.”
My left eye twitched as Liam looked at Benny. I knew exactly who he talked about. Benny sighed then took out his phone. I squinted my eyes and peered over his shoulder as I looked at his phone.
“You still have the bitch’s phone number?” I demanded as I looked at Britney’s number.
“Babe, don’t worry. I just never got around to deleting it,” Benny assured me as Liam and Nick laughed.
***
It turned out we’d meet Britney and Kelly at the diner. Liam wanted to go there anyway because he was hungry even though he had two burritos before we left and gave the rest to his grandma. The diner was at its usual pace with its retro waiters and waitresses and old music that played from the jukebox. We got a booth near a window and patiently waited for the two girls.
“I feel for pizza,” Liam stated. “One for me and another one for you guys. I love to drown my sadness in food.”
I couldn’t help but laugh yet Liam didn’t mind as he decided what toppings he wanted. Benny said he’d order with four colas, and I was honestly okay with anything.
“Why don’t you put a song in?” Nick suggested as he motioned to the jukebox that played The Stylistics.
“Okay, I’d put in “Book of Love” because it’s one of my favorites but…” Liam sighed then jut out his bottom lip.
“Come on.” I playfully rolled my eyes as I pushed him out of the booth. Apparently, Liam didn’t have any money, so I had to fish out a few dollars. While I took out the coins, Liam decided on a song. He looked like a little kid with his face against the jukebox. The bell rang at the front door, which signaled new customers. I turned my head and saw Kelly and Britney. Kelly was dressed in a pink ringer tee, denim shorts, and pink Adidas, while Britney wore a gray crop top, black jeans, and heels. They saw Nick and Benny by the booth, but Kelly went over by herself while Britney approached the
counter. I turned back to Liam, who finished and looked at me.
“My man, Elvis,” he said, and on cue, “Blue Suede Shoes” began to play. A few people cheered in the diner and Liam smiled at them. We walked back to the booth, and I sat next to Benny with Liam on my right. Nick leaned against the window as he looked at Kelly.
“What do you want? I have a prom to get ready for,” she muttered.
“We just wanna know where Marcus is,” Benny said.
“Not that asshole, he used me!” she exclaimed then shook her head.
“What happened?” I asked.
“Well…” she mumbled and picked her nails. “After camp, he told me to take him to Parker. He almost threatened me into taking him there, so I had to.”
“Why were you visiting Parker anyway?” Nick asked.
“I had to because he’s my friend, along with the twins, Quinton, and Austin, but Parker…I don’t know. He changed,” Kelly mumbled.
“You’re just now noticing?” Benny muttered.
“One of the police officers told me that he’s talking to himself, especially at night, keeping everyone up. He’s getting into fights and almost severely injured someone,” Kelly whispered.
“Wha—what does he say?” Liam asked.
“It doesn’t make sense. He says, ‘He’s coming,’ and, ‘I’m a helper for the book’…like what book? Whenever I try to talk to him, he just laughs, and it gets creepy.” She shivered, but my eyes widened as I thought of one book.
“Why did Marcus want to go see him?”
“I don’t know, I had to wait behind this big glass while they spoke. They just laughed and chatted like they’re best friends, but before we left, Marcus and Parker just nodded.”
The theory of Parker and Marcus working for James grew. We shared looks, and it took me a moment to let the information digest.
“Where’s Marcus?” Nick asked after a while.
“I don’t know. After we saw Parker, I dropped him at home. I haven’t seen him since.” Kelly shrugged then looked at us. “Even though I hate you losers, I’m glad you know because there’s some weird shit going on. My dad just found out that I was visiting, so I guess no more visits for me.”
“Err…thanks, Kelly,” I mumbled.
“Whatever, and Parker really changed. The police officer told me that he won’t be going to prison. They’re considering to send hi—” Kelly cut off when Britney approached the booth with a takeout bag.
“Come on, I’m hungry,” Britney stated as she placed a hand on her hip. Kelly sighed then shuffled out of the booth. Britney walked on, but Kelly looked at us.
“If you ever see Marcus again, tell him that for once I’m on Miranda’s side. He’s an asshole,” she stated then walked off. Once they were out of the diner, Liam got up and joined Nick.
“Well, gang, I think we have some investigating to do.” Liam nodded.
“Miranda has a book in her car that got delivered. Do you think it’s the same book Parker’s talking about?” I asked.
“Maybe…what’s the book about?” Nick asked.
“I-I don’t know. It’s sealed shut, but apparently, it’s a book about baseball and all the terminology.” I shrugged.
“We need to get that book,” Liam stated.
“No, instead of stealing it, help her, because she’s also quite curious about the book,” I said. It would be an excellent opportunity for Liam and Miranda to spend time together.
“Yeah, you’re right,” he said then smiled at me. “Thanks, Lana.”
I returned the gesture, and a few minutes later our pizzas arrived. When the second one was placed in front of us, I looked down to see that there were curly fries on it. The cheese melted over and kept the fries in place. My eyes widened when I saw what they spelled.
PROM?
I turned to Benny, who sheepishly grinned at me. I tilted my head because that’s the way to warm my heart, food. I laughed then swung my arms around his neck and kissed his face multiple times.
“I wanna take a picture.” I took my phone out of my pocket. Out the corner of my eye, I saw Liam with a slice of pizza in each hand. “Liam!” I yelled because he took the R from our pizza.
***
The evening for prom soon came around, and everyone settled at Miranda’s house to get ready. Apparently, it took place in a big hall. Since Jennifer was part of the committee, she had to be at the building early. The theme was a Masquerade, which I was thankful for since it matched my dress. I wore a long-sleeve lace dress that hugged my waist and flared out like a mermaid dress. It had a slit that ran up my left leg. I decided to have my hair in a side fishtail braid with a few strands that stuck out.
All in all, I loved how I looked. As always, I was ready first, so I sat in the living room and scrolled through my Instagram feed. Melissa did my makeup for me since she said that she took the longest. From the corner of my eye, I saw Miranda walk down the stairs with my heels in her hands. She tossed them toward me, and I observed the red ankle strap heels before I put them on. I glanced up at Miranda, who wore a lovely midnight blue sleeveless dress that curved to her waist then stretched down. I assumed she wanted to match with Ethan since he also wore a blue suit. Her hair was tied in a low ponytail that brought out her red lipstick.
“The guys will be here soon! Hurry up!” Miranda yelled.
“Where’s your mom?” I asked then stood up.
“Heaven knows.” She sighed then picked up her phone from the table. “We look amazing, if I don’t say so myself.” She smiled then held up her phone. We took selfies at first then switched to Snapchat and messed around with the filters. A few minutes later, we heard the doorbell ring. Miranda went to answer while I called out for Melissa and Tiffany again. Once I looked over my shoulder, I saw Benny a few feet away with his lips parted. I bit the inside of my cheek to prevent myself from blushing as he slowly approached me. As he did so, I looked at his bold suit and matching bow tie. His hair was gelled up a bit with a few strands to the side.
“Wow, you look—damn, I’m one lucky guy.” Benny chuckled as he awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.
“Thanks.” I smiled then adjusted his bowtie. “You look good too in your little bowtie.”
“Whoa!” Aidan exclaimed, and we turned our heads to see Tiffany walk down the stairs in a white mini dress that was strapless. Her red hair was curled up and rested on her shoulders, and I smiled when I saw that she wore red gladiator heels. “Damn, is it hot in here or is it just my date?” Aidan asked then took Tiffany’s hand as she walked down.
“Aidan,” she whined and turned away.
“Where’s Melissa?” Nick asked, and I looked to see he wore a similar suit to Benny’s.
“She’s always fashionab—”
“I’m here, I’m here, your Queen is here,” Melissa said, and we looked at the top of the staircase. Honestly, Melissa looked the most elegant of us all. She wore a long-sleeve maroon crop top that was laced at the shoulders with a matching skirt. Her white heels peeked out with each step she took, and her eyeshadow was white too, which brought out her blue eyes.
“Well, don’t you look beau—” Nick tried to kiss Melissa, but she swatted him away because she’d finished her makeup. After we took a few photos, we got into the limo Ethan got us. While we were in the limo, everyone decided what masks to wear. Not everyone wanted to wear masks, but I did, so I got a white one that ended at the bridge of my nose. Thankfully, I wore contacts.
Like Jennifer said, the venue had a long staircase. Benny offered to pick me up because of my dress, but I told him not to worry since I could pick it up with one hand, while he guided me with the other.
“Aww, man, I forgot my phone,” Aidan said as we reached the top. He turned to Tiffany with a lopsided grin.
“No, Aidan Rowley, you can go ba—”
“Joking!” He laughed then wrapped his arm around her. I playfully rolled my eyes then felt Benny’s fingertips against mine. He put the corsage on since he
didn’t have time to in the limo. I smiled when he was done then entwined my fingers with his as we walked into the hall. The Senior Prom committee really outdid themselves with the Dark Masquerade theme. The walls were covered in shiny black material, the floor was checked tile, fairy lights ran across the room and connected to the big chandelier that was above the dancefloor. As we walked, I looked up at the old lamp posts that shone a red light, and girls were dressed in lovely ball gowns while the guys wore suits.
“Wow, you guys look amazing!” someone squealed, and I turned my head to see Jennifer. She wore a purple and black lace off-the-shoulder gown. Her hair was styled to the side, which suited the black feathery mask she held in her hand on the other side, covered by her black gloves.
“This place looks amazing, Jennifer.” Tiffany smiled.
“Thank you, oh, and I want you all over there, taking photos by that big frame thingy. Before the partners dance starts,” she cheered then walked off. We did as told and walked across the hall to the “big frame thingy,” where we found a few seniors who took photos inside the artistic frame. As we stood in line, everyone talked amongst themselves.
“What’s the partners dance?” I asked.
“It’s this dance where you start off with your date then one partner twirls around after a few minutes to the next couple,” Miranda said, holding Ethan’s hand. “You keep doing it until you get back to your date.”
We took a couple of photos in the life-size frame. First, we decided on a formal one where we’re in our partner’s arms, then a silly one, and finally, one where the guys were on one side and the girls were on the other side. From there we went to the dancefloor and began the “partners dance.” Benny took my hand in his and held it up while I rested my other hand on his shoulder. He rested his other hand on my waist, and I looked up into his brown eyes. As the song played, I smiled.
“Your eyes are captivating to watch, but they’re covered by that mask.” He chuckled. “You still look beautiful, though.”
“Thanks. Can you believe that this is our last event as seniors before we graduate?”
