The Prophecy

“It's past five. You've been sleeping all day.”

I looked up, startled. I grabbed my phone and looked at the time in horror. She wasn't kidding. I rubbed my forehead, confused as to why I'd slept for so long. It's not like I did anything really tiresome lately. Jenni's face flashed quickly into my mind, reminding me that while I haven't done anything physical, my mind was still exhausted from the ordeal with her. I roughly shoved the thoughts of her almost drowning out of my mind. I couldn't handle it.

“I guess I was more tired than I thought.”

“Really? Ya think?” Rose's eyebrow arched as her sarcasm snapped into place. I was glad to see that the event hadn't ruined her personality. Well, I was almost glad. She wasn't something you became used to easily. I was still tempted to fight her again from time to time.

I rolled my eyes at her and adjusted my pillows behind me. “Yes, I do think. Ass. Anyways, what are the plans?”

Rose looked like she was about to jump in with another comment, but Brandon cut her off. “Wait till you see what we brought!” I smirked at his enthusiasm, feeling my own excitement begin to rise. He shrugged off his backpack and began unloading a heap of movies. My excitement faded fast as I read the titles upside down.

“Ugh, you can't be serious!”

“What? I thought you liked scary movies? And besides, this is Halloween after all. What we're you expecting?”

I knew we're supposed to have a scary movie night, but I didn't expect to see those particular movies. I looked from Brandon's confused face into Rose's smirking one.

“Seriously, Rose?”

Her smirk broadened. “What? They're good.”

“Okay, obviously I'm missing something. What's going on?” Brandon looked between her and me, waiting for an explanation.

“All the movies she picked out were based here. In Virginia.” I looked at him expectantly, waiting for the obvious to hit. He only looked confused.

“So?”

“God! So here I am, in Virginia. Surrounded by woods and about to go traipsing to a graveyard after watching movies about serial killers and mutant freaks, which are based in Virginia!” I watched as the light finally went on in his head.

“Oh.”

“Yeah.”

“But little Star, you said you loved horror. I figured you'd appreciate the extra boost in your terror.” I didn't think I've ever wanted to hit her so badly, and the darkness wasn't even rearing its ugly head. It was all me.

“You know damn well I'm a masochist like that.”

“Then you should be even more grateful.”

I thought about throwing my coffee into her face, but restrained myself. This was Rose, I reminded myself. She takes pleasure in torturing people. And besides, I love coffee. It would be like blasphemy.

“Whatever. So are we going to order a pizza or anything? Did you guys bring junk food?”

Brandon began digging again and produced an array of chocolate and candy from his bag. I felt my irritation dim as he tossed some of my favorites to me. I couldn't watch a movie without Junior Mints. I don't know why, but it's always been that way. I smiled my thanks and got up from the bed, taking my coffee with me.

They went to talk to my mom while I hopped in the shower. I needed some time to stock up on my courage. This whole thing seemed odd. Sure, I've heard lore and supposed history of places, but this was the first time I'd actually experience it for myself. The logical part of me knew that it was nothing but a story. While my brain told me those were rational thoughts, a core part of me thought that maybe it wouldn't be so odd. After all, I did have Sarah's journal. That wasn't supposed to be possible, yet there I was, holding a rather out there piece of witchy history. I didn't know how much more my brain could handle.

We ordered a pizza and went back downstairs to start prepping the movie marathon. Rose seemed to be more testy than usual. And by more I meant she had her full bitch mode on. I didn't know what was wrong with her, but she was taking extra perverse pleasure in torturing me tonight. I snapped out of my thoughts as a loud rapping came from the door. We all looked at each other and I sighed when I realized I'd be the one that would go answer it. It was my room, after all, but I was on edge. Uncomfortable. Becoming afraid. The darkness still hadn't made its appearance yet. I think that was what scared me the most. It was the only constant in my life lately, and yet it was still missing. I didn't know how strong it would be when it came back again.

I opened the door tentatively, chastising myself for thinking that a dude with a machete would be behind it. We hadn't even started the movies, yet I was already paranoid.

“What are you doing here?” Shock coursed through me as I stared into Andrei's hauntingly beautiful face. For a moment, I forgot to breath. Feeling light headed, I exhaled a gust of air, feeling my face warm quickly with a flush of desire. I didn't need this tonight, I didn't need it at all.

“Rose mentioned the other night that everyone was hanging here. Figured I'd stop by for a bit.”

I glanced back at Rose, seeing her looking incredibly pleased with herself. I gave her a 'wtf' look, but she just shrugged and got more comfortable on the couch. I cast my glance toward Brandon, but he looked as flabbergasted as I was.

“So, are you going to let me in?” He leaned against the door frame, his ebony hair hanging precariously in his face. I felt the urge to run my fingers through it. I snapped out of my trance and moved to the side, not saying a word as I waved him in. I didn't trust my voice.

“Hey Andrei. Glad you could make it.” I shot Rose a glare from behind Andrei's back. Her smile grew even bigger.

“I couldn't refuse the invitation. What are we going to watch?” He sat down at the edge of the couch, leaving the only space for me to sit between him and Rose. Everyone looked at me expectantly, knowing I had nowhere else to sit. Sure I could sit on the floor, but the thought of sitting within shadows while watching horror movies sent a wave of fear coursing through me. I didn't need any more stress added to the night.

I mentally groaned and started to move away from the door, only to stop short as another knock came. I looked at Rose suspiciously, but she looked just as confused as I was. I turned back around and opened the door only to find Gabe standing there, pizza boxes in hand. I was tempted to slam the door in his face.

“Hey.” His smile warmed some of the cold anger from me. I leaned against the frame and sent a weak smile in return.

“Hey yourself. You helping out again?”

“Obviously.” His laugh caused my smile to widen.

“Well come on in. I'll run upstairs and get the money.”

“You having a party?” He gestured to where everyone was sitting on the couch. I looked over and was shocked to see a trace of anger marring Andrei's face. I'd have to wonder about that later.

“No, just a movie night.”

“Too bad I'm working. I could have joined in on the fun.” The thought of Gabe joining our little group sent a shot of dread through me. I pasted on a smile and closed the door behind him.

“Yeah, too bad. Maybe next time.” I dashed upstairs to grab the money that was waiting on the hall table. I returned downstairs and noticed that Andrei still hadn't lost the edge on anger in his eyes. Rose looked like she was eating up the display of testosterone as Gabe and Andrei sized each other up.

“Here you go.” I practically shoved the money at him in the hopes of breaking up their stare down.

He looked startled for a moment, but took the money and handed me the pizza boxes. His eyes switched between me and Andrei, looking like he was trying to piece something together.

“Thanks. Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?” He looked pleadingly at me. I felt a migraine coming on. This was supposed to be a fun night.

“Sure.” I cast a glance at everyone on the couch. “I'll be right back.” Brandon looked rather calm now about it all. Rose looked highly amused and Andrei looked irritated. I rolled my eyes and followed Gabe outside.

“What's up?” I asked as I closed the door behind me. He abruptly turned around, causing me to step back. I hated when people did that.