The Childe

by C. A. Kunz

  “Here’s the wig and the mask that I think will look great!” the clerk said, interrupting Cat’s thoughts. “You’ll have to put up your real hair, though. Then it will fit snuggly on your head and won’t fall off. Just put it over your hair for now and get a feel for how it’ll look.” Cat took the wig in her hands as the clerk pulled back her hair and laid it on top. Both stared at the vision in front of them. “Wow, I mean wow! You look totally different. You look awesome! Here put on the mask.” Cat took the delicate mask, also black with a decorative white outline that was reminiscent of an intricate Mardi Gras mask, and placed it to her face. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, Cat noticed an odd symbol in the middle of the mask and she wondered what it meant.

  “So, what do you think? It’s perfect, right?”

  “I’ll take it,” she said, meeting the eyes of the young clerk.

  After leaving the store with a clothes bag containing the items she purchased and the dress she rented, Cat made her way to the car where Trish and Taylor were waiting.

  Sitting in the back of the car on the ride home, with her window rolled down, Cat felt the cool breeze flowing through her hair. Most of the streets in Astoria were dimly lit by pumpkins lining front porches. Creepy statues and scary graveyard scenes decorated lawns and windows of houses they passed by. Cat’s love of Halloween started at the age of four when her mom, along with her friends and their moms, walked the neighborhood trick-or-treating. Her parents took several pictures. Cat especially loved the one of her and all her friends looking more cute than scary. She was a ladybug, Amanda a pink elephant, Elle a kitten, and Matt was a pumpkin. Every year after that Cat wore a vampire costume. She had seen a cape and fangs in the store and begged her mom to let her wear them. She giggled as she remembered Matt’s face when he saw her for the first time, scared since he didn’t recognize her. Elle was a little scared as well, but Amanda was quick enough to realize it was Cat under the disguise.

  The Masquerade Ball was three days away and counting. Numerous flyers were posted on every wall of the school advertising the event. The flyers stressed the necessity for masks to be worn, and the motto, YOU WILL NEVER KNOW WHO YOU ARE DANCING WITH, was in large print covering the bottom half of the sheet. The entire school was excited. This was the first annual masquerade and it was a welcomed change from the ordinary Halloween party the school hosted in previous years. The school even shelled out some money to rent the most posh ballroom in the whole county. Rumor had it the faculty was just as excited about dressing up as the students were.

  The whole school was decorated for Halloween. Miss Amaya’s classroom was particularly neat, as she had gone all out and turned her room into a haunted house. A black beaded curtain hung at the entrance and the ceiling was covered in black paper with a huge full moon painted on it. A coffin stood in one corner with a realistic vampire resting peacefully inside. A witch hung from the ceiling flying on a huge broom with a black cat sitting behind her. Tiny skeletons and pumpkins framed the blackboard. A ghost hovered in the graveyard scene she had displayed next to her desk. Near the entrance to the classroom, a mummy stood with its hands reaching out as if to grab unsuspecting students. The best attraction happened when the lights were turned out for movie days and all the decorations glowed, giving an even eerier look to the room.

  It came as no surprise that Mr. Crawley hadn’t bothered to make his room festive. In fact, he managed to make it plainer than usual. He hated holidays and their rituals. His loss, Cat thought.

  Kirsten spotted Cat standing by her locker talking to her “geeky” friends. I need to get closer to Cat. I have to draw her into my circle so I can get closer to Taylor, she thought with an evil grin. Watching him with that “ugly” Trish girl every day made her angry and more determined to snare him.

  “I have to do it,” Kirsten uttered determinedly.

  “Have to do what?” Jess piped in.

  Kirsten looked blankly at her. Surely I didn’t say my thoughts out loud, she wondered. “Oh, I was just thinking I need to get Cat in my corner and I need suggestions.” Looking at Tonya who was twirling a lock of hair and popping her gum with a vacant expression in her eyes, Kirsten knew she would get no help from her. Frustrated, she turned to Jessica, “Well?”

  “Um, maybe you should invite her to the annual Halloween bonfire at the beach. That’s what I’d do.”

  Kirsten turned away and then quickly turned back. “I know! I’ll invite her to the Halloween beach party on Saturday! Perfect! I knew I couldn’t count on you two,” she said and then began moving toward Cat, who was now standing alone at her looker.

  “Hey Cat,” Kirsten said, smiling sweetly, leaning against the locker next to Cat’s. “Are you free Saturday night?” Cat looked at Kirsten seeing the smile but also noticing the calculating look in her eyes.

  “Excuse me, I need to get in my locker,” a voice said standing beside Kirsten. Turning to the girl who was interrupting her conversation, she gave her a cold stare.

  “Beat it freshman!” she growled. Turning back to Cat, she plastered a smile back on her face. “As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted. I want to invite you to the annual Halloween bonfire party at the beach on Saturday. Normally freshmen are not invited. Of course, some of the upperclassmen aren’t either, but I’ll make an exception for you. Now, I won’t take no for an answer, and if you need me to pick you up, I will.”

  Cat saw the girl still standing behind Kirsten, waiting to get into her locker. “Kirsten, let’s walk and talk, we really should get to class.”

  “Sure, but you’ll come, right?”

  Cat seemed to ponder the question. “I guess, and don’t worry I’ll get a ride there.”

  “Great! We’re going to have so much fun!” she gushed, pulling Cat’s arm through hers as they walked briskly down the hall. Cat tried not to giggle as she looked back and saw Jessica and Tonya, their short legs trying to keep up. What have I gotten myself in to?

  Cat and her friends arrived at the Jefferson Hotel several minutes late. The school had rented its ballroom for the masquerade because it had the right ambience for the occasion. Cat was surprised to see how packed the lobby was. A sign in Old Century Gothic font greeted them, pointing the way to the event. As they reached a set of huge wooden doors, Matt pushed his way in front of the group and grabbed the handle of one. Bowing at the waist, “After you, miladies,” he said in his best English accent.

  Cat went through first. To the right she saw a masked man, one of the teachers, but couldn’t make out who it was. She approached him and handed over her ticket. Cat smiled, looking evil, her realistic fangs protruding from her mouth. The group moved past the ticket table toward the next set of doors which were propped open. They stared in awe at the sight before them. The room was decorated in creepy elegance, like one of the scenes described in a Robert Craven vampire novel. Giant wrought-iron chandeliers hung from the ceiling providing low eerie lighting. A fog that trailed the floor added to the mysterious atmosphere. All of the tables were covered in a blood-red velvety fabric and were surrounded by high-back red leather wooden chairs. The grand ballroom’s huge rotunda ceiling, and towering Corinthian columns encircling the dance floor, added an elegance that would’ve been lacking if the dance was held in the school’s gym.

  People could be seen moving to the beat of the music pouring out of the speakers that were strategically placed around the room. The music stopped and everyone headed to their tables. As if pulled by some unseen force, they all turned their heads to the entrance. Cat stood, framed in the doorway with her friends standing behind her. She turned to see what could have caused the crowd’s reaction and then realized it was them. Everyone was staring. It was like a spotlight had been cast on Cat and her group.

  “Why are they staring at us?” a nervous Elle asked behind Cat. No one answered. The crowd of students looked on, almost like they were mesmerized by the sight before them.

  I wish they’d stop! Poor Elle might pass out
in front of everyone! Cat thought. As if they heard her, the crowd turned back to their activities. The music started again and Cat and her group moved forward.

  Ryan stood in the corner watching Cat walk into the ballroom. He knew immediately, despite the disguise, that she was leading the small group. She looks amazing. Like royalty. She’s commanded the attention of everyone here. Oh man, you’ve got it bad, Ryan, he thought. The restraint he had tried so hard to perfect these last few weeks was starting to weaken. It drove him crazy. She seemed to glide across the floor and he could hear people whispering, wondering who she was.

  Amanda, dressed as a pirate wench, moved ahead of Cat to grab a table in the back. Matt, dressed as a medieval knight, pulled out a chair and sat down heavily. His sword clanged against it, causing people to turn and stare at him. Julie was dressed as a fairy godmother and she fit the part to a Tee. Her gown was white with baby blue sequins sewn all over.

  “Where’s Elle?” Cat asked puzzled.

  “When we walked in and everyone was staring, she squeaked ‘bathroom,’ and flew out the double doors. I swear she has the weakest bladder ever! She should have it checked.”

  Cat smiled. Trust Amanda to miss the obvious sometimes. It has nothing to do with Elle’s bladder. She’s just shy and hates attention. Cat watched as the subject of their discussion entered the room looking for them. Elle looked wonderful in her Snow White costume. Cat wished that Elle could conquer her shyness for good.

  “May I have this dance?” Cat looked up and saw a Roman centurion standing beside her. She noticed that his bare arms and legs were very muscular and that he looked like he just stepped out of a history book.

  “I’d be delighted,” she replied, trying to figure out if she knew him. They reached the dance floor just as a slow song began and he took her in his arms, swaying to the music.

  “I love your costume. You look like you belong in a horror movie. A beautiful villainess, for sure,” he whispered in her ear. “Will you tell me your name?”

  “Now that wouldn’t be much fun. It would ruin the mystery of the night,” she laughed, watching his mouth droop. “Let’s just enjoy this. Believe me, I’m boring in real life and you probably wouldn’t notice me at school anyway.” She smiled, baring her fangs.

  “Oh, I doubt that, I’d surely notice you.” Cat felt safe in his arms. Being anonymous was definitely exciting.

  Ryan watched on with jealousy building up inside of him. Why am I getting so jealous? She can dance with whomever she wants! It’s not like we’re going out or anything! Ryan tried to convince himself that he wasn’t jealous, but he failed miserably. The lime green Jell-O monster was definitely rearing its ugly head. Ryan watched as Cat struggled to release herself from the grip of her dance partner. He pushed himself away from the wall to intervene on her behalf. He then realized she had the situation under control as she smiled and carefully pulled her hand away from the admirer. What am I doing? She can handle herself, right? Maybe I should go talk to her…see if she’s okay…only as her tutor of course…nothing more, because that’s all I am, her tutor, he told himself.

  On her way back to the table, Cat spied Miss Amaya standing by the refreshments and laughter bubbled up in her throat. She had donned the traditional witch’s garb which included a big floppy black hat, a long slinky black dress, and a decorated broom in one hand. In lieu of a warty nose, she wore a black and green mask that covered the upper half of her face. “So, you came as a witch, huh? Nice costume.” Cat gave a devilish grin, her fangs adding the final touch.

  “What costume? This is my normal dress away from school,” Miss Amaya responded, putting on a serious face. “Just kidding, I knew you’d get a kick out of it. Really the only thing I had to buy was the mask, the rest belongs to me. This ensemble’s been hanging in my closet for years, I only wear it on special occasions, though.”

  “Well, you look wonderful. I’m just wondering, where’s your warty nose?”

  “Now, Cat, I told you I’m a white witch! Warty witches are bad,” she replied and then took a sip of her fruit punch. “And speaking of costumes, you caused quite a stir with your little number. A vampire princess, huh? Well, it suits you. And apparently all the males in the room thought so too. I even caught Mr. Crawley staring, go figure,” she laughed.

  “Eww, Mr. Crawley? He’s here? Where? So I can avoid him, of course,” Cat asked, looking around.

  “Ms. Landers told him he had to attend two functions this year. And since he hadn’t made a decision on which two, she made it for him. He’s the one over there in the trench coat and the Sherlock Holmes hat. He forgot his mask so he’s standing in the shadows. He thinks nobody’s noticed him. Don’t look now, but I think you’re being watched. No don’t turn around. He’s coming this way,” she whispered in Cat’s ear.

  “Hey Cat, loved the grand entrance.” Ryan’s voice came from behind her.

  She turned, “What do you mean grand entrance? I just walked in the door.”

  “No, you glided into the room, there’s a difference.”

  “Well young ones, I’ve got to go circulate and mingle, see you later. And don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Miss Amaya said, smiling mischievously, and then walked off, leaving them standing alone.

  “So…nice decorations, huh?” Ryan asked, suddenly feeling nervous, his confidence fading.

  “Uh, they’re nice…Did you honestly come over here to talk to me about decorations?” Cat replied.

  “No. Actually, I came to get punch.”

  “Oh,” she said trying to not look disappointed. Why am I feeling disappointed? I don’t care what he thinks, he’s just my tutor! Oh, Cat, get grip! “So, how did you know?”

  “How did I know what?” he asked confused, pouring himself a drink.

  “That it was me,” she replied.

  “Like I told you before. You don’t walk, you glide,” he stated, meeting her eyes.

  “Oh,” she said, glad that she was wearing a mask so he couldn’t see her blush. “Well, I like your costume…I’m jealous though, your teeth look more realistic than mine.”

  “Do you want to dance?” Ryan blurted out nervously, trying to take the focus off his fangs.

  “I guess we could,” Cat replied

  “You’re not going to flake out on me like you did last time, are you?” he asked.

  “I promise I won’t.” Though sounding self-assured, her nerves were getting the best of her, making her stomach do flip-flops. Okay, Cat…what could one dance hurt…it’s just one dance, she thought, battling with herself as they found a space on the floor. A slow song came over the speakers as she moaned inwardly. Why did it have to be a slow song? Cat felt eyes watching her and saw Isaac standing close by, his one uncovered eye glaring at her. He definitely hadn’t put much thought into his costume. A long sleeve puffy white shirt, a black pair of pants, a red bandana around his head and an eye patch over one eye.

  “Don’t look now, but I’m being given the evil eye by your friend,” Cat whispered in Ryan’s ear.

  Without turning around, he shrugged his shoulders, “How do you know he’s not just jealous of me? Dancing with the most beautiful vampire princess in the place?” Cat blushed, burying her face into his shoulder.

  Ryan thought back to the verbal confrontation that happened between Isaac and himself a few weeks prior. Isaac had seen him walking with Cat after a tutor session. When Ryan reached his house, Isaac’s car pulled behind his in the driveway blocking him in. After telling Amelia to stay in the car, Isaac threw open the door and called out Ryan’s name. “We need to talk! You and I!” his cold voice carried across the light breeze.

  Ryan turned around and sighed, “What, Isaac? What’s wrong now?”

  Isaac’s eyes were blazing red and his fists were clenched at his side. “What are you doing with that Colvin girl? I warned you and Hannah to stay away from her, and I mean away. She’s not our kind and you know it.” Ryan took a deep breath, tasting blood, realizing he had bitt
en his lip. Taking another deep breath, he tried to calm his rising anger.

  “Isaac, not that it’s any of your business, but I’m tutoring her, that’s all. Nothing more, nothing less. And as for Hannah, you need to realize she’s not a little girl anymore. She’s not just someone you can boss around! Have you ever thought that maybe you’re to blame?” Isaac raised his eyebrows surprised by the idea. “By constantly telling Hannah to stay away from Cat, you’re making her want to be around her more. Are you threatened by Cat?” Isaac lifted his right fist, causing Ryan to be on his guard, waiting for the anticipated punch. Instead, Isaac lowered his arm with frustration written all over his face.

  “I’m not, nor will I ever be, intimated by that insignificant girl. I’m only trying to warn you,” he growled through clenched fangs, which were elongating by the second. “If you want to play with fire go ahead! If you want to turn against the group, so be it. But don’t come running back to me when it all blows up in your face,” he roared and then pulled the car door open viciously, and slammed it so hard the windows rattled. Amelia grinned devilishly at Ryan as Isaac gunned the car in reverse, narrowly missing a vehicle coming down the street.

  The next day Ryan had warily joined the group at their table in the cafeteria. Though Isaac ignored him, he felt that he was no longer angry with him and let the matter drop. Yet, here he was causing more trouble at the dance.

  “Where’s Hannah tonight?” Cat spoke softly to Ryan’s shoulder breaking his train of thought.

  “She’s right over there, walking up to your friend Matt,” he answered.

  “Oh doesn’t she look cute? I never would’ve recognized her.” Cat watched as Hannah, dressed as a black cat, approached Matt and then lost sight of them as a couple blocked her view. Cat turned her attention back to Ryan who seemed lost in thought again.