For the past few months, the school had no students in the main building. Due to the remolding. They were in their dorm rooms, or around the campus doing online learning. They have only been able to go to classes for the past week. It had been hectic but rewarding.
Tonight is halloween night. And the gym had been set up for all the students to go party and to fun a fun time. There is a few tables set up with snacks and drinks (Fruit punch, sodas) There is also a DJ in the gym playing music and a bit of fog on the ground.
It had been an interesting week for Albert. Finally being able to be back in an actual classroom had been fun but the lessons were already stuff he was taught back in his home country. And the food had a different feel to them. Like nothing was made from fresh ingredients. It still baffled him that bread was store bought already cut.
He sighed as he walked over to the fruit punch bowel and got himself a drink. Bring the drink to his lips, he sipped it. Disappointment followed along with the drink. âSuch shame alcohol isnât an optionâŠâ he muttered underneath his breath. He was used to drinking at any kind of party and events. Since he could see over the counter, he could drink. That was basically the unspoken law in Germany. He sighed as he turned and moved out of the way of the table as he went back to the bleachers to sit and to people watch as he slowly drank his fruit fruitpunch.
Arya looked at her reflection in the large mirror hanging on her wall, her dark eyes searching for any imperfections. Satisfied, she zipped up her bloody nurse dress, grabbed her purse and exited the door.
The party was hardly in full swing, though that was how she liked it. It left more time to lurk within the shadows of the room and feel the vibes, the subtle expressions and vibrant conversations until she could finally grasp the attention of someone for her own entertainment. At leastâŠthatâs how parties always went. They were predictable and amusing. These days however, they were leaving a sour taste in her mouth.
Arya stood near the punch bowl, reading everyoneâs body language who happened to walk into the gym. She felt fully embodied into her costume, although she wished that she brought a first aid kit to help get her through this party because it was already looking like a snooze fest.
It had been a long road to attending West Nottingham Academy but she was finally here. From getting held back in school and moving all the way to Maryland with a husband, her life definitely didnât turn out the way she thought it would. Still, she couldnât be happier.
Karen walked through the double doors of the gym next to her husband. This was going to be the first party since attending West Nottingham and she was excited, yet shy. She turned to the familiar presence of her husband who always seemed to ground her, even though he seemed aloof at times. âAre you excited? Itâs out first party in a long timeâŠâ It was true, the last time they went to a party was⊠Months ago. âIâm going to go get something to drink, my throat is dry. Then we can sit on the bleachers togetherâŠâ
Karen went to get her punch still feeling nervous and walked to the bleachers. There were only five people on the bleachers so far and one of them sat all alone at the top. Karen figured this was a good time to strike up a conversation and meet students.
âHello there.â She noticed his costume. âI like your costume. My nameâs Karen.â She stood with her hand extended, trying to be as polite as possible.
He was enjoying the beat of the music as he just watched people come and go. Not a care in the world. When he noticed someone was making their way up the bleachers to him. *âHello there, I like your costume. My nameâs Karenâ She extended her hand out for him. He looked at her, then at her hand before back at her. âThanks Karen, Iâm Albert.â He smiled as he gently wrapped his fingers around hers and brought her hand up to his lips. Placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles, before releasing her hand. A smirk played across his face as he watched her curiously.
Karenâs eyes widened in interest as the stranger suddenly took her hand and brought her knuckles to his lips. She could feel her heart beating a bit faster. To add on to it, her face was now flushing, her cheeks becoming a bright shade of red! His cheeky grin sealed her fate. Karen just stared as her arm limply fell to her side. She could already tell that he was handsome but now she was internally swooning.
What is happening. Maybe I should act like a normal person right now. Karen thought to herself. She hadnât felt like that in a long time even though she had, ya know, a literal husband! She quickly cleared her throat and moved beside him, smoothing her dress down before sitting.
âSo how long have you been here? I mean, how long have you been going to school here?â She asked, her voice somewhat shaky. She let out a small laugh from nervousness.
He watched as her cheeks became a bright shade of red. It seemed to him that he had caused some kind of commotion inside of her brain which led him to chuckle internally.
She smoothed her dress before she sat down besides him. âSo how long have you been here? I mean, how long have you been going to school here?â It felt like she was nervous as she laughed a little.
He smiled playfully as he brought his hand up to his chest, resting his elbow on his knee and his head on his fist. âThis is my first and my last year here.â he chuckled before he took another drink from his cup. âAnd vat about yourself, beautiful?â
Ash had finally decided to go to the party. He figured it wouldnât be the same without Jennifer, but at the same time it was a party. He walked in and felt the energy. The party was now in full swing as he arrived a little late. He had been too busy thinking about Jennifer to even put on a costume. He bobbed his head to the music as he made his way through the crowded place. He decided to get a drink first. He really hoped someone spiked the punch. He got to the punch bowl and noticed Arya.
He wished he would have noticed her before walking up. He wasnât really in the mood for her jokes and antics. He was missing his girl more than he cared to admit to anyone here. He still couldnât believe he hadnât scored with her yet. However, he had been loyal, and not sleeping around since school ended last year. He stood there pouring some juice into a cup, and trying to ignore Arya. He figured she wouldnât allow that though.
Arya was just about to get some punch. She reached for the handle and prepared her cup, when suddenly she saw no other than Ash Williams walk up to the table. He started pouring his own punch with the samespoon handle. Arya couldnât help but roll her eyes and put her hands on her hips because if the fact that he was so close to her. Plus, he wasnât even wearing a costume? Of course he wasnât. "Well well, look who we have here. Itâs Ash WilliamsâŠbeing way too close to me when Iâm trying to get some punchâŠ"Arya scoffed and looked at him with a bitter smirk. â- and It looks like youâre too good to wear a costume. Or does your little girlfriend have a matching one with someone else?â Arya always heard the rumors of his âgirlfriendâ or whoever she was to him, being with other people. Well she was also apart of fueling those rumors. Anything to get under Ashâs skin because, well, she never liked him.
Karen wasnât sure if she should continue talking to this⊠Albert person. She was starting to blush more and more. All of her words were coming out as giggles and jumbled sentences. She searched the room for her husband but didnât see him anywhere.
Despite trying to hide it, Karenâs eyes lit up when he mentioned being in his last year. âso am I!â She said, a bit too enthusiastically while leaning closer. Of course that âbeautifulâ comment didnât go unnoticed and she felt her face get hot again.
âI just transferred here two months ago. Technically Iâm supposed to already be finished with school but I got held back due to life circumstances.â She explained. âWell me and my husband both⊠Well weâre in our senior year..â Karen paused as reality set in. The word husband felt foreign as if she forgot that she had one for a second. She waited for Albertâs reaction, feeling like she messed up something.
He noted that she was enthusiastically in her comment on being her last year as well. âI just transferred here two months ago. Technically Iâm supposed to already be finished with school but I got held back due to life circumstances. Well, me and my husband both⊠Well weâre in our senior yearâŠâ He raised an eyebrow as he looked out towards the crowd of people on the gym floor doing their thing. It took him a minute to locate the man that he had saw her walk into the gym with. Even from afar, Albert couldnât see the appeal of the guy. But he wasnât about to be caught in any kind of drama.
He smiled as he turned his attention back to Karen. âOh. I imagine being married to your sweetheart while still in school was a blessing.â He brought his cup up to his lips to finish off the last bit of what was remaining in it.
âOh. I imagine being married to your sweetheart while still in school was a blessing.â
Karen looked at him with a smile, one that was faked. If he were to stare any closer, he could see the corners of her lips fall down. She nodded, now avoiding his eyes and looking at her shoes.
âYeah itâs definitely helped us get closer and build things between usâŠâ The words that Albert said made her miss the times with Griffin that were full of bliss. Where they were just having fun and spending more time together, especially when Albert was reminding her of those times with his charming smile. âIâll be back. My throat is kind of dry, haha.â She said while clearing her throat.
She walked down the bleachers to where the food table was. She decided to pick up two packaged ham sandwiches to give one to Albert. She also wanted punch too though and put both of the sandwiches down to fill up a red cup. Her mind was all over the place. She wanted to just talk to Griffin because this stranger was making her feel weird things. Things she shouldnât feel. She walked across the room looking for Griffin. âGriffin!â She called over and over. She couldnât find him though.
She opened the front gym doors and stood in the hallway, the doors closing behind her. The air from the doors closing jolted her awake. What was she doing? Was she really leaving this conversation with Albert to find Griffin? She should just enjoy herself right? Karen looked at the ground, tears welling up in her eyes, before walking back inside.
Without realizing it, she put her punch back on the table, the one she went to go get in the first place, and grabbed the other sandwich again. She walked back up the bleachers and put on a smile for Albert. This time it was genuine. âHere I got you a sandwich. I just totally assumed you would want a ham one.â She sat down next to him again. âSo what do you like to do in your free time? I mean what are your hobbies?â Karen knew she was getting herself into hot water. She was prone to being a hopeless romantic and having crushes. Still, she couldnât help herself. Hopefully her face wouldnât flush again.
"Yeah itâs definitely helped us get closer and build things between us⊠Iâll be back. My throat is kind of dry, haha." She cleared her that before she got up and left. He watched as she descended down the bleacher steps. Soon he found his eyes just scanning around the gym. He had spotted his cousin on the dance floor, dancing like no one was around. He chuckled as she was amusing to watch. âWhat a f-cking dork.â He said to himself as he continued to watch in amusement.
Karen had returned to the bleachers and made her way back up to him. With a smile she replied. âHere I got you a sandwich. I just totally assumed you would want a ham one.â He looked over as she sat down next to him once more. âSo what do you like to do in your free time? I mean what are your hobbies?â He took the little sandwich slice from her and held it while he spoke. âIâm not a huge fan of ham but thank you.â He took a decent size bite and chewed it a few times before swallowing it. Afterwards he licked his lips as if to get the crums that might had stuck to his lips. âAs for hobbies and things I do in my free time⊠I enjoy going on adventures and being active. I also enjoy playing my guitar from time to time.â He placed the last bit of the small sandwich slice in his mouth and chewed it up before swallowing it. âWhat about yourself? Also I should inform you. I do not do married women. I donât enjoy the drama that usually follows suit.â His attention flickered over to his cousin who was still on the dance floor. He couldnât help but wondered if she had taken a break yet to drink some water or if she had planned to dance until she collapse.
Ash was getting his punch when he heard that nagging voice. He sighed as she spoke. âWell well, look who we have here. Itâs Ash WilliamsâŠbeing way too close to me when Iâm trying to get some punchâŠâ He didnât even look at her. âWell hello to you too. I was getting punch before you walked over.â* He scuffed at her.
He wasnât in the mood at all for her crap. It had been two long months since Jennifer left, but that wasnât even why he was so annoyed. He decided at the end of last year that he wouldnât sleep with any other girls, even though he hadnât slept with Jennifer yet. This was the longest he had went without $3x.
Then Arya just had to say something stupid. â- and It looks like youâre too good to wear a costume. Or does your little girlfriend have a matching one with someone else?â He looked at her âNo, I just didnât feel festive. However, Iâm not even gonna mess with that last part you said.â
The long distance sure was starting to get to him. Plus he was being loyal to her when she might still be sleeping around. That was hard to take in already, but people throwing it in his face just made it harder to deal with. He hated thinking about it. He was already wanting to go outside for a smoke of MJ and a cig.
âI was actually standing right here smart one, before you walked up and got punch - and itâs no surprise that youâre not feeling so festive since youâre a boring prude.â She listened to the last thing he said with her hands on her hips. It was tiring to listen to him, she looked at the ceiling. âOf course youâre not âtouchingâ on the last part I said, but it doesnât stop your girlfriend from touching on others, does it?â Arya leaned closer to Ashâs face. Her dark eyes bore into his, searching for any reaction or weakness to show. She had to admit that she was waiting for this moment ever since the last argument they had but she hadnât seen him around school. The last argument where he insulted her coven again and she hasnât let it go since. She leaned even closer with a devilish smirk and made her voice into a slight whisper. âOr maybe, youâre just not good enough in bed or at being a man. You know, the man you so badly want to be?â Her smirk deepened as she grabbed his red cup out of his hand. âThis is mineâs since you cut me off from getting some first.â She drank out of the cup, her dark eyes searching his, before tilting the cup over. She pretended to pour some on him and let out a cackle that sounded like a wheeze. Arya never bullied anyone, but in her mind, Ash deserved it and she was having fun. The party didnât seem so boring anymore.
Isaiah walked into the gym, not expecting much. He was neutral about parties. Surprisingly, he didnât show up with his âtwinâ Arya but he did talk to her on the phone before she got dressed for the party. He just came to the party alone this time. He looked around the gym absentmindedly. The party was doing pretty good. His shoes skated across the ground, making a swish swish sound. Yes he was lazily walking. Did he care? No. Also, his mask was hot so he had to take it off which was kinda a bummer. He spotted his friend Ash at the punch table and shortly after, he spotted Arya? oh no he immediately thought. Why was she trying to spill punch on him? He knew that he better get over there fast especially since Ash looked angry. Isaiah immediately picked up the pace of his walking before finally ending up where they were. âWoah Arya? Whatâs going on haha.â He tried to slowly push Aryaâs hand close to her body, but some of the punch ended up splashing on her dress. Like a cat, she swatted his shoulder. âAre you guys getting along?â He asked, looking at Ash. Isaiah knew that Arya and Ash despised each other which often put him in the middle since Arya is his best friend and Ash is a really good friend.
He was feeling rather nervous about going to the party. Originally he wasnât planing on going, he was just going to play on his gameboy in his room, but his brother, Chase, showed up with a costume in hand and basically gave him no choice. After changing his shirt into Thing 2 . He also put on the crazy blue wig and they were off for the party.
He stood close to his brother while at the party. It was crowded with people coming and going. Absentmindedly he reached out and grabbed the bottom of Chases shirt. His nerves getting the best of him. He was scanning the gym for any familiar faces. But there was just too many that they all seemed to have blended in with the next person.
She was looking in her reflection. Making sure she looked good enough before walking out. Leaning back slightly as she spoke, âAy, Zia. Does the back look just as good as the front?â
Ash huffed at Arya. He wanted to say something and fight back with her. Everything she was saying just pissed him off more. She said âOr maybe, youâre just not good enough in bed or at being a man. You know, the man you so badly want to be?â Ash had his fist balled. She was lucky he would never hit a girl. Ash looked up and saw his friend Isaiah coming to the rescue of his twin, and partially of Ash.
Isaiah said âWoah Arya? Whatâs going on haha.â Then he said âAre you guys getting along?â Ash took a step back and looked between the two. âOh, you know⊠the usually of your dear sister here being a b^tch to me and trying her d^amnest to get under my skin. How are you bro?â He asked Isaiah as the stood there with his twin Arya.
When Arya heard Ash refer to her as a b#tch, she just rolled her eyes. This wasnât the first time someone had called her a b#tch and it certainly wasnât going to be the last. Arya just continued staring at him with her piercing glare, as she played with the skull ring on her finger. She watched as Isaiah pulled Ash to the side and started walking with him down the gym. Aryaâs finger trailed down her ring to the tattoo that was underneath it, and suddenly a flashback entered her mind.
Flashback
8 months ago
Arya was sitting on the basement floor of West Nottingham Academy where pillows, beanbag chairs, and candles littered the floor. The bookshelves against the walls were covered in dust and seemed to be there for years and a table and couch were placed under a low window, where you could only see a little above the ground if you looked out of it. The smell of sage and candles filled the room. She was laying on the floor with a pillow underneath her stomach, playing with the lighter in her hand and watching the flame appear and then disappear. Deep in thought, she finally asked. âWhy are you friends with Ash?â She didnât bother to meet Isaiahâs eyes. He was across from her on the floor and laying the same way, with a pillow underneath his stomach. âI donât know, heâs just a cool person.â Isaiah slightly sat up. âHow is he cool exactly?â Arya asked again. Isaiah sighed and ran his hands through his dreads, trying to think of something to say. Something that wouldnât upset her. âI guess heâs funny, fun to hang out with. Talk to.â Arya continued looking at the lighter. âHe doesnât seem like someone you would be friends with. He doesnât even care about the coven.â Isaiah let out a deep breath. He knew this conversation would come up sooner or later. âI can have friends outside of the coven Arya. Not everyone is going to be involved or would want to be involved. Some people are just fun to hang out with.â He wanted this conversation to end already. Arya stayed quiet this time, the room seemed to be swallowed up in silence. Her eyes met his. âIf he ever hurts you, make sure to tell me, and he will.â
Isaiah pulled Ash aside and started walking with him. âIâm doing fine but whatâs going on with you and Jennifer? I keep hearing rumors that shes cheating on you?â
Karenâs eyes widened. âOh! No no Iâm not trying to date you or anything like that, I - well I just want to be friends! Or at least get to know you.â Her cheeks got even more red and she was stumbling over her words, now leaning even closer to him and gesturing with her hands a lot. It was something she always did when she was extremely nervous. It made her blush that he was even considering the thought of dating her because she was totally not thinking about that! It was just a wholesome conversation! Of course she made sure to hide this fact, well, as best as she could, seeing as the evidence was all over her face.
âI obviously donât want to date anyone seeing as Iâm married haha, Iâm not like that haha.â She smiled and calmed down a bit, but obviously there was still some nervousness there. âSo you donât have a girlfriend?âGood job Karen, just great she wanted to facepalm herself right then and there. That question just blurted out of her mouth before she could stop it. She quickly tried to cover it up. âi donât know how to play guitar, Iâve been taking ballet classes though but I do photography.â She swallowed hard.
