Chapter 9

At the Blackpool Secondary School of Art, Grace and the other students began their morning routine by singing the country's national anthem 'God Save the Queen'.

"Children, I have an announcement to make!" Headmistress Margaret Johnson said in a loud voice on the intercom.

"For those who are new here, please listen carefully. Every year, the school has a contest, to see who has the best artistic skills. Those who wish to enter, please summit a piece of your best work at the end of the day of the 31st of October. The pieces will be judged by selected staff on the night of the 4th of November.

"The winner will be awarded *£175 and a visit from the headmaster of the University of Art in London. This year, the theme will be fantasy. If you have any questions, please ask your teachers or the office assistants. And please, we believe that every student has a great gift, and don't worry, if you don't succeed this year, there's always next year," the headmistress explained.

Grace was surprised when she heard this. She really wanted to enter this contest and she made a mental note to ask her parents when she got home. She also decided to tell Pitch about this.

In her first class, Grace found Lizzy and sat next to her. "Are you going to enter in the contest?" she asked Lizzy.

"Yes, I'm going to draw a unicorn. What about you?" Lizzy asked.

"A Pegasus or maybe the boogeyman," Grace replied and Lizzy stares at her.

"Why the boogeyman?" she asked, again.

"My mum said that he is a good spirit who protects children from bad dreams, but he punishes those who have been bad," Grace explained.

"Hmmm, that's interesting," Lizzy said, "Have you seen him?" she asked.

Grace began to think; she didn't want to tell Lizzy that she, Grace, was friends with Pitch, but she couldn't turn her question down.

"I have," Grace replied, "I believe he is real."

"I know he's real, like Santa Clause, but why do I have bad dreams if I have not been bad?" Lizzy asked, again.

"My mum said that sometimes the bad dreams will creep up on you while you sleep," Grace answered.

"That explains it," Lizzy said.

"Do you think Megan will enter the contest?" Grace asked her friend.

"I'm sure she will. As I said, she wishes to be the best. She entered in the contest a year ago, but lost. I heard she had a temper tantrum in the room where the pieces were being displayed and she did it in front of the judges. Her father had a talk with the judges, but I think they refused to apologize for picking someone other than Megan to win," Lizzy explained and everyone hushed and got to work when the teacher came in.

Lunch time came and the students were dismissed for their midday meal. Grace and Lizzy went outside, again and sat under the ash tree, again.

"Grace, I'm sorry for lying yesterday," Lizzy said, "I really didn't want Megan to tease me."

"It's all right, she's a bully, but don't worry, bullies never win in the end," Grace replied.

"I hope she loses the contest," Lizzy said and Grace nods in agreement.

Then, Grace spotted Pitch and Erebos in the shade of the trees. "Excuse me, I have to go to the lavatory," Grace said and got up.

She headed towards the back of the school, pointing to where Pitch should meet her. After finding a good spot, the boogeyman came up to her.

"How's your day? No trouble I hope," he asked and Grace shook her head.

"Listen, the school is having an art contest," she replied and Pitch gave a smile.

"Are you entering in?" he asked, again.

"Yes, the winner gets a lot of money and a visit from the headmaster of the top art school in London. The theme is fantasy. I want to draw you and Erebos in the woods, if that is all right," Grace said and Erebos neighed.

"That's sound splendid, but can you promise me something?" Pitch asked and Grace nods. "I want to be the first to see your finished piece," Pitch said and Grace nods, again.

"Where did you go this morning?" she asked.

"That I can't discuss. You're going to have to wait until Christmas time," Pitch replied and Grace's face lit up.

"Oh, it's a surprise! If you tell me, I'll still act surprised on Christmas," she said, but Pitch shook his head.

"Sorry, I can't tell you, but you have to promise me to be real good for the rest of the year," he said to her and Grace nods.

"Now you run along," he replied and the little girl headed back to find her friend.

Pitch petted Erebos, "I hope she wins," he said to the Pegasus.

"Don't get your hopes up too high," a voice spoke and Pitch looked around.

A few feet away, Bunnymund had appeared from a rabbit-hole and he was scratching an itch with his back hind leg.

"Let me guess, the big boss has sent you to check up on me?" Pitch asked.

"Yes, he did, and to tell you that North is hosting some Christmas party this year. He said that the child you're watching is the honored guest," Bunnymund said and Pitch nods.

"If you ask me, I think you're becoming quite attached to this Grace," the Easter Bunny added.

Pitch felt annoyed by this and replies, "I am not."

"Oh, yes you are. If you become attached to this girl, the big boss will be very angry," Bunnymund said.

"Don't you have work to do?" Pitch asked, hoping that the Easter Bunny would go away.

"Fine, but a word of advice; don't get your hopes up with this contest. And one more thing, I will not forgive you, ever," Bunnymund replied and tapped on the ground. A hole appeared and the Easter Bunny disappeared down the hole.

Erebos nudged at Pitch. "I suppose he is right, I should not get too attached to Grace and expect her to win," the boogeyman said and they walked into the darkest shade of the trees.

()()()()()()

*For those who don't know British currency, this is the pound symbol.