by C. A. Kunz
“Cat, Cat, wake up!” Ryan said with concern while holding her in his arms.
“Ryan, what did you do to her?” a worried Amanda yelled crouching down beside them.
“I didn’t do anything! We were dancing, she screamed and then collapsed,” he replied defensively.
Julie bent down and grabbed Cat’s hand. “Cat, Cat please wake up!” Somebody do something!” she demanded. Cat could hear their voices above her and slowly opened her eyes, unable to see at first due to the cloud of fog that surrounded her. She groaned remembering that she had been dancing with Ryan, saw something strange, and was now lying on the dance floor, the focus of everyone’s attention again.
“Excuse me, excuse me! Please let me by!” Miss Amaya demanded, pushing her way through the silent crowd making her way to Cat. Squatting down next to her and putting her arm around Julie, she whispered, “Cat, what happened?”
“I don’t know,” Cat replied realizing that she was being cradled in someone’s arms and knew without looking that it was Ryan. Hoping the mask hid the blush of embarrassment on her face, she struggled to sit up. Ryan grabbed her gently under the arms and effortlessly pulled her to her feet. A wave of dizziness came over her and thankfully Ryan still had a firm grip as she would have fallen otherwise.
Sitting down in the nearest chair, “I shouldn’t have skipped dinner, I guess,” Cat joked, trying to make light of the situation, still thinking about the woman she had seen.
Ryan knelt beside the chair and took Cat’s hands in his. “How do you really feel?” He asked with concern in his voice.
“I feel like I’m burning up,” Cat replied pulling the black wig off her head, revealing her mane of fiery red hair. She could hear the whispers around her as the crowd realized who she was.
“Let me through, please move! Yeah you! Move!” An angry Taylor pushed his way through the crowd. The scene in front of him made him clench his fists. He saw his little sister with her head bent and Ryan holding her hands. “What do you think you’re doing Beckford? I thought I made myself clear! Get away from my sister!” Ryan rose and backed away not wanting to cause a scene. Taylor rushed over and grabbed Ryan by the lapels of his coat, “Did you have anything to do with this?” his eyes blazing with rage as Jonathen and the rest of his group gathered behind him. Ryan fought to remain calm. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Isaac, Amelia and the stone twins shoving their way toward them. Cat groaned inwardly, wishing that the floor would open up and swallow her whole.
“Taylor stop it! He didn’t do anything!” she yelled out, using her last bit of energy.
Miss Amaya leaned down and whispered to Cat, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of this.” Cat tried to smile as Trish took Miss Amaya’s place by her side. Miss Amaya raised her hands in the air, “Alright, everyone stop! We shall have none of this tonight! We all came here to dance and have a good time. And that’s what we shall do! So, DJ play that music!” she ordered, a broad smile plastered on her face. “Now, you two young men come with me this instant!” she demanded, grabbing Ryan and Taylor by the arms. “And as for the rest of you,” she said looking at Taylor’s and Isaac’s groups who were busy having a stare down, “cease and desist or else you’ll see me angry! And believe me, you wouldn’t like me when I’m angry!” she said with a sinister grin. Both groups looked at her and then backed down, still glaring at each other.
“Everything under control Miss Amaya?” Principal Landers asked.
“Of course, everything is just peachy keen. I’ll just sort these two out and we’ll be done with it,” Miss Amaya replied while walking past her into the luxurious hallway holding tightly on to both Ryan and Taylor.
“What happened, what did I miss?” Matt asked seeing everyone standing around Cat.
“What do you mean, what did I miss? Cat fainted again! Wait, where have you been? Who have you been with?” Amanda asked. Cat watched as Hannah, who had been standing behind Matt, slipped away back toward Isaac’s group.
“None of your business! But if you must know, I was with a cute little kitty. Wait a minute! Where did she go?” Matt asked turning around to introduce her. “She was here a minute ago!”
“In your dreams Matt! A cute little kitty, please! Make yourself useful and get Cat something to eat and drink! Now!” Amanda demanded, pointing to the refreshments. He began to say something but was interrupted by Elle who grabbed his arm and walked him away from Amanda shaking her head.
Cat watched the doors, waiting for Ryan and Taylor to return. To her disappointment Taylor and Miss Amaya were the only two who came through the door. Taylor strode up to her and looked at Trish, “Come on, we’re going to take her home,” he said motioning at Cat.
“No you’re not! You’re going to stay here and enjoy the dance! Just like I’m doing!” she argued. Despite her protest, Trish grabbed one arm and Taylor grabbed the other and started walking toward the door.
“Where’s Ryan?” Cat asked.
“Don’t know, don’t care!” Taylor replied coldly.
“Cat we’ll call you tomorrow!” Amanda yelled after them.
“Where’s Cat?” Matt enquired, looking around holding a plate of food in one hand and a drink in the other.
“Taylor and Trish took her home,” Amanda replied.
“But, I got this food for her,” he explained.
“A person would starve to death if they waited for you to bring them food Matthew!” Amanda said rolling her eyes.
“Maybe we should leave too. It’s almost midnight anyway and I think we’ve had enough excitement for one night,” Julie stated.
“I’ll call my mom. She’ll be happy to hear we are coming home early. She hates to miss her beauty sleep,” Amanda quipped flipping open her cell phone and pressing speed dial.
Cat spent a restless night with the image of the woman’s face permanently burned into her memory. She tossed and turned trying to make sense of what happened. She thought about all the weird things that had been going on since the start of school, especially the totally bizarre episode that night. Why are these things happening to me? Am I going crazy? Apparently, no one else saw or felt what I did. I didn’t even get a chance to thank Ryan for helping me. I wonder how he’s doing. Finally, at four in the morning, she fell asleep.
10
All Hallows Eve
Sara parallel parked perfectly in front of SQUARESVILLE. “This will only take a sec,” Matt told his sister as Cat opened the car door and ran into the store. Cat had fallen in love with the place three years earlier when Aurora Stevens had purchased the building and asked for their help in stocking it. She spent many hours working in the store, helping customers, arranging displays and any other chore that was needed. The bell chimed loudly as Cat entered. The store was separated by different periods in time, from the early 1900’s up to the 1980’s. Vinyl records were used as wallpaper and an old English style red telephone booth stood in one corner. An old wringer washing machine resided in another. Aurora stood at the cash register wrapping up a purchase. She smiled at Cat and then frowned as a shriek from the back area brought Amanda in to view, hopping on one foot.
“Honey what did you do?” Aurora asked her daughter.
“That stupid marble statue! Mom I think I broke my toe!” she screeched out, still hopping on one foot.
“Now honey, don’t exaggerate. And how did you kick it, that statue has been there forever! How could you forget it was there? It’s huge!” she replied shaking her head at her daughter. “Thank you for your purchase and come again,” Aurora told the customer while handing her the neatly wrapped package.
Cat crossed the shop to help Amanda. “Are you okay?” Cat asked as she helped Amanda sit down.
“Yeah, I guess. The pain’s going away, but I hate that damn statue,” Amanda murmured.
“The guys are waiting outside, are you ready?” Cat asked. Amanda nodded while pouting about her toe.
“Mom I’m going out! I know, I know, be home by midnight. Lo
ve you!” she called out over her shoulder as Cat helped her hobble to the door.
“Bye honey. See you later, thank you for all your help today,” Aurora said and then turned to help another customer.
Cat chose not to tell Taylor or her parents of that night’s true destination. She kind of told them the truth. She said was hanging out with her friends. But after seeing how worried they all were after last night’s incident she knew they wouldn’t let her go to the bon fire party if she asked.
Sara had been bribed by her brother Matt into taking them to the beach. He wouldn’t say what he used but she did it without complaint. It was a tight fit in Sara’s car and Cat prayed they would make it to the beach without being pulled over, or worse, get into an accident.
“I’ll be back to pick you up after my shift at the movie theater. That gives you until midnight, okay? You guys stay out of trouble! And remember I had nothing to do with you getting here, got it?” Sara explained. Everyone nodded and then climbed out of the car.
They could hear voices and loud music coming from below as a huge bonfire lit up the scene. A perfect Halloween moon hung over the ocean adding to the light from the fire on the beach. Making their way carefully down the narrow path, they arrived at the party, surprised to see the sea of people that stood before them.
“Our first adult party! We’re definitely movin’ on up!” Matt declared.
“Yes and let’s act like adults, not like some immature juveniles,” Amanda said poking her finger into his arm.
“Why are those comments always directed toward me and not everyone? Anyone would think I caused trouble or something.”
“I thought Trouble was your middle name Matt.” Elle laughed, as he pretended to look offended and then gave them an evil grin.
The bonfire was huge, the flames reaching high into the sky. Amanda opened her small carry-all and pulled out marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers.
Cat rolled her eyes. “Amanda, smores? Really?”
“What? You can’t have a bonfire without smores!” she replied looking up innocently.
“And you say I need to grow up,” Matt muttered, glaring at Amanda.
Looking around, the group realized that it was a costume party. “Why didn’t anyone say it was a costume party?” Elle asked worriedly.
“Cat I’m so happy you made it! Oh…and I see you brought your little friends with you,” Kirsten, dressed as a sexy rabbit, said smugly linking arms with Cat and ignoring the others. “Where’s your costume?” Without letting Cat answer, “Oh never mind. So I was just saying to Jess and Ton that I was sure you wouldn’t back out. And see I’m right! Of course I am! I’m never wrong. Right girls?” Her two sidekicks, dressed as a skimpy mouse and a naughty tiger, nodded their heads like good little robots. “What do you have there?” Kirsten asked pointing to the bags in Amanda’s hands. “How quaint you brought stuff to make s’mores. Well perfect, you little kiddies go and make your little treats. And us big people will go and mingle.” Kirsten’s smile failed to reach her eyes, as she gently pulled Cat away from her friends.
“What a pompous jerk!” Amanda growled out, and then she giggled as she watched Kirsten stiffen apparently hearing her comment. “Let’s go make some s’mores! Cat can take care of herself,” she declared making her way to the bonfire, looking for sticks along the way. The others followed, resigned to the fact that making smores would probably be the highlight of their evening. Julie watched Cat walk away with Kirsten, Tonya and Jess with hesitation. Maybe I should go with her? Julie thought to herself.
“You coming Julie? Matt and Amanda are going to eat all of the s’mores if you don’t hurry!” Elle exclaimed, breaking Julie’s train of thought.
“Yeah I’m coming,” she replied with a smile as she walked over to Elle, still watching Cat in the distance.
“Now that I have you all to myself, we can get better acquainted,” Kirsten gushed ignoring her two friends walking behind them. “I just love your orange hoodie! I didn’t think red heads could wear orange, but it looks good on you. Is that your natural hair color? Of course it is. Why would anyone want to dye it red?” she asked making Cat glare at her. Kirsten sure doesn’t know the art of subtlety, she thought.
As they walked along the beach, Cat and the rest of the Trifecta were silent, listening to Kirsten’s nonstop chatter. Cat lost track of time and was surprised they had walked as far as they did. She stopped paying attention to Kirsten when she realized that she always asked a question and then answered it before she had a chance to respond. So she thought it was a safe bet to turn her attention to the moonlit scenery. She tuned out Kirsten’s voice and listened to the soothing sound of the waves hitting the beach. “I think we’ve walked far enough. The beach is a little rocky here and I just had a pedi. I don’t want to mess up my polish.” Kirsten’s voice finally penetrated Cat’s mind.
“That’s a good idea,” Jessica replied.
“Oh! I forgot you two were there. Run on back and get us a drink, we’re thirsty.” Cat watched in amazement as the two drones took off running, obeying their mistress’s order. Kirsten plopped down on a huge rock, patting the spot beside her for Cat to sit. “Let’s wait for them here. They’ll take forever,” Kirsten said watching the waves crashing against the rocks. Cat looked around and noticed a group of charred and lifeless trees behind them, encircling a bare patch of land.
“What’s that?” she asked Kirsten, pointing to the barren area.
“Oh, that place? I heard a witch was burned there years ago and the fire burnt away all the green stuff and it didn’t grow back. They say it’s cursed. And lots of people think it’s haunted by the witch. Yeah right! Probably some low life that was smoking in bed and fell asleep.”
Cat looked at Kirsten, considering. “Have you ever been inside the circle?”
“Are you kidding? I don’t want a witch following me home,” she replied, unaware that she just contradicted herself.
“If you don’t believe, then what’s the harm in going over there and having a look?” Cat asked.
“We have to wait for the two idiots to get back. Otherwise they won’t find us without a map. Even that would be difficult for them,” Kirsten said laughing.
“Come on, aren’t you just a little curious?” Cat queried pulling Kirsten to her feet.
“I…don’t think we should,” she replied trying to pull her hand away from Cat’s grip.
“Well I’m going to have a look,” Cat said letting go of Kirsten and walking toward the group of trees.
“Cat, wait up! I didn’t say I wouldn’t come with you! I just think we should wait for the others.”
“Why? You said they’ll take forever and I don’t have forever, my ride’s coming at midnight.” Kirsten sighed and caught up with Cat.
Reaching the trees, they walked inside the barren clearing. Cat realized the ground within wasn’t completely bare. A large concrete foundation stood in the center. It looked identical to the one in her nightmare. Cat felt a chill race up her spine. I’ve seen this place before, she thought. “This is too weird!” she murmured.
“What’s too weird? Kirsten asked.
“Oh nothing,” Cat answered, her attention being drawn back to the foundation. She slowly approached it, feeling the need to run her fingers across it. What am I thinking? Why do I keep putting myself in these situations! Cat thought. She stopped short, intending to turn and go back but something pushed her to move closer. She scanned the slab of concrete. Looking for the trap door from her nightmare Cat was astonished when she saw it in the middle of the foundation.
“Cat, what are doing? Are you crazy? Do you want the ghost of that witch to curse you?” Ignoring Kirsten she knelt down preparing to grab the handle of the trap door.
”Kirsten!” A voice called out of the darkness. Cat turned, her concentration broken, and saw Jessica and Tonya standing at the edge of the clearing. “What are you doing? We have your drinks!” they wined in unison.
&nbs
p; Cat felt Kirsten tug on her arm and groan, “come on Cat, the two dorks found us. Funny, I don’t remember walking this far into the clearing. Oh well. Jess quit yelling you sound so common!” she yelled back at the two waiting for them. Cat didn’t budge. “Whatever!” Kirsten muttered as she walked off to join the other two.
Cat continued to fiddle with the trap door. It wouldn’t open, it was stuck. “Here, let me help you with that.” A deep, eerie voice came from the darkness. Startled, Cat looked up and saw a dark figure emerging from the trees in front of her. Her heart started racing as she moved backward too quickly, her foot catching on a branch causing her to fall. Despite the sharp pain, she quickly jumped to her feet as the man moved closer. “Don’t be frightened little girl, I don’t bite.” His very pale face and devilish grin could be seen clearly as he was suddenly bathed in the moonlight. “Oh you’re such a pretty little thing, aren’t you? Oh forgive me, I forgot to introduce myself. Bowing slightly, “My name is-” he began but then paused. “Well, on second thought, I never do introduce myself to food. Silly me.” he laughed menacingly. Cat could swear he was floating toward her. She noticed his eyes were jet black as he watched her intently while licking his lips. She continued to move away from him and glanced down quickly to make sure she wouldn’t trip again and when she looked up he was gone. Terror ripped through her as she felt him grab her from behind, his breath on her neck. She spun around to face him and gasped. She felt paralyzed as he tenderly ran his pasty long sharp nailed finger over her lips. “Shhh,” he whispered. Cat gasped, feeling a chill from the touch of his ice cold skin. He slowly moved her hair back and pressed his nose against her neck. “Oh you smell absolutely divine.” he laughed softly. She could feel his cold breath, but she couldn’t move. She was completely frozen with fear. He reared back and Cat saw his bright white fangs glistening in the moonlight. As if someone had flipped a switch, Cat realized she could move. Shoving him away, she took off running in to the woods. All she could think of was getting the hell out of there. “Ohhh, I love fast food!” he said as he watched her move from his sight.
