Jay

2. McGorgeous

I can't deny what he's saying, I don't just mean the creepy things Cassy told me about her "friends". This so called fallen angel sure looks the part with his silken silver strands. It doesn't seem to be bleached, his hair appears to have a healthy sheen, and then there's his skin, I mean you have flawless, but then you have flawless. But the whole divine appearance is spoiled with his homeless-looking getup.

"Why couldn't you choose some other haunted house?" I ask, "I'm sure there are plenty more in this country."

"True, but yours is somewhat of an oddity," he curls his lips, "this house was built on a graveyard."

"Are you saying my life is going to turn into some kind of horror scenario from The Poltergeist?"

"I'm not aware of what that is, but if you're worried about the spirits in this house then you've nothing to fear. They're all benign, so they won't cause any harm, and even if they wanted to, it isn't possible since the house is on hallowed ground."

"Does this mean the demon can't hurt us?" I ask.

"Well—"

He evaporates into shrouds of black mist. Before I can even question myself as to why, Mom opens the door and walks in.

"Evie? What in god's name are you doing?" She scowls, "and why are you in your underwear?"

I blush at the realization, he saw me naked! Well, partially, but still.

"I could hear your voice from my room —don't tell me it's a boy!"

"What? No, I'm just... praying."

"And the yelling?"

"I... got really enthusiastic."

"Why?"

"Why?" I repeat stupidly, "well, because of the ghosts."

"The ghosts?"

"Cassy told me she has many friends that live here, and I can't see them so..."

"You think they're ghosts?" Mom asks.

"Yeah..."

"You're a terrible liar you know that?"

"I tried," I say in defeat.

"If it is a boy, you're grounded for life, well that's if I catch you," she grins.

"It's not a boy Mom," I insist.

"Sure, I was a teenager once too—"

"Mom!"

"Don't raise your voice with me," she warns, "now put your pyjamas on and go sleep would you."

She leaves my room and walks off down the hall, I return my attention to my bed where the angel was sitting.

"Um... you can come back now."

He doesn't return, so I sigh in disappointment. That's probably the only time I'll ever talk to a guy that gorgeous.

I take my bra off and slip into my pyjamas, a mini mouse top and shorts that brings back memories from our trip to Disneyland last year. Those were good times.

I decide to keep the light on as I get back into bed, easing myself back under the blankets, I gradually drift off to sleep.

                                                                         *

Mom slows the car to a stop outside our new school; Thomson Creek High, it looks more like a prison with the barbed wire fences and cameras. Teenagers are arriving in every direction, the sight gives me a feeling of intimidation that eats at me, I hate being the new girl.