Chapter 3

Puppeteer

After dinner, all of the freshmen headed toward's the school's gardens. Molly had announced on her new mirrorcast that it was going to be held there. Laura tried not to gag on her dinner when she saw Molly on all the school's screens. After they finished eating, the girls had gone back to their dorm to get ready. Oakley had joined them for a little bit, judging their outfit choices. But then he had to go help with the setup. Laura didn't know why Oakley was so willing to help Molly, but she knew it wasn't just Mitchell.

Laura stared at herself in the vanity mirror. Her blonde curly hair had been straightened. It wasn't going to hold for long, but it might tame the curls for a short while. Her eyes were brushed with pink eyeshadow. She was about to line her eyes with black, but he then grabbed the silver instead. Drawing think lines, she gazed at herself again. Silver was much better.

As she put on a faint pink lipstick, Fauna had shuffled over to her. She twirled around gracefully. It was strange how Eliza picked up no ballerina traits from her mother, but Fauna naturally picked it up. Her straight black hair was in small ringlets and tied back. Wearing a long blue dress, she looked truly exquisite.

"Why do you need all that makeup? You were just fine earlier," Fauna leaned down into Luara's mirror view.

"Unlike you, Fauna," Eliza said from the other vanity, "Laura turns into a beast at night, and she just needs a little help from the makeup to make her looked somewhat human." Instinctively, Laura threw the eyeliner across the room. Laughing, Eliza evaded the attack easily. She then grabbed the liner and tossed it back to Luara.

"Next time aim a little lower," Eliza said as Luara caught it.

"Fauna, your natural beauty is hard to compete with," Laura grinned. "If we try to look half as good, then we'll at least be noticed in your shadow."

"Oh, no," Fauna shook her head sheepishly. "I don't have a natural beauty, I'm just...me?" Laura winked at Eliza through the mirror, who smiled. they both knew that Fauna was the beauty of the group.

Once they finished getting ready, the threesome traveled down to the gardens. Laura had no idea what to expect, but it surely wasn't what she saw. The tall bushes were scattered with roses. Yellow beads of light were everywhere and lit up the night. At the front of the party, a DJ booth was set up. Rats and mice were dancing atop of the table. Both Eliza and Luara looked at them with disgust, while Fauna's smile widened.

"It's Malyk Piper!" Fauna jumped slightly as she clapped her hands together. Laura turned her gaze to Malyk, his hair was as white as snow, but was decorated with thin lines of lime green.

"Isn't he 14?" Laura asked. the last time she knew, he was a year below him.

"Who cares?" Eliza was bobbing her head. "His beats are sick!" The Sparrow Hood in Eliza always came out at parties. She enjoyed music more than anything. Especially music with a respectable downbeat.

"Let's go!" Fauna linked arms with Eliza and dragged her onto the dancefloor where many freshmen were dancing. Laura was glad Fauna hadn't tried to drag her too. She didn't like to dance as much as the other two. Instead, she went to go find a snack table.

Her search came to an end shortly after she spotted Oakley. He was refilling some bowls of chips. Laura grinned and went over to him. He had changed since she last saw him. He was in a long-sleeved purple that complemented his completion. In contrast, he had striking green pants that had a slight flare. "You're looking rather dashing, puppet," Luara remarked.

"Hey," Oakley stuck out his tongue. "I'm not her puppet."

"You're refilling chip bowls, and wiping down tables. Which I'm guessing she ordered you to do." Laura raised a brow. Oakley stopped what he was doing. He reached inside the chip bag and snacked on some. He held out the bag to Luara, who took some gladly.

"I'm surprised you didn't chicken out at the last moment," Oakley said after a moment. Laura rolled her eyes as he made chicken wing gestures with his arms.

"I couldn't let own my girls," Laura shrugged as she looked out onto the floor. Fauna and Eliza were twirling each other and laughing. It brought Laura happiness to see her friends like that. "Besides, I couldn't give Molly the satisfaction for my absence. But I won't enjoy myself."

"So...you're the puppet," Oakley nudged her.

Laura's mouth dropped. "I am not."

"You are so," Oakley chuckled. "Do you really think Molly would rather you have a good time? She would hate to see you enjoying this because she knows you hate parties. But, you won't. Therefore, you're the puppet."

Laura bit her lip and let out an angered sigh. He had her there, but she would never admit it. His smug smile was enough for her to spell him. She tried her best to contain herself. "Okay, I'll have fun, but first, you gotta get a dance partner."

Oakley laughed. "What guy would want to dance with me?"

"I hardly believe that there's not one other gay guy in this school," Luara protested. "You just have to find each other."

"Well, even if there was, we might not get along," Oakley folded his arms. He did have a point, but Laura didn't really believe that anyone hated Oakley. He was thoughtful and fun.

"Can't you like...sense these things?" Laura persisted.

"I've gotten a few vibes from some guys," Oakley shrugged. "But I don't think anything's going to happen. It never will."

"Never say never," Laura took a deep breath and scanned the gardens. She searched for someone for Oakley. Touching into her magic, she started to view people in a different light. There was a strong pull towards the front of the garden.

Turning her head sharply, she spotted the Wonderland kid, a book in his hand. Wait, that wasn't right. The pull was invisible beside him. Suddenly, Chester Chesire appeared. First his wide smile, then the rest of his body. He ran his fingers through his short, dark purple hair, brushing over his small black cat ears. His bright green eyes flickered as they traveled around the party. She never suspected Chester to be gay, but it didn't come as a big shocker to her.

Laura nudged Oakley and nodded in his direction. "There."

"Matthew?" Oakley raised a brow. "No way." So that was the Wonderland kid's name, she never knew.

"No," Luara hissed. "Chester." Chester had been the only Wonderland student in their grade. He had transferred late in elementary.

"Chester?" Oakley looked up, his eyes widened. Laura followed his gaze.

Matthew looked at the book in his hands and told Chester something. Chester looked at the book before snatching it from his hand. Matthew reached for it but before he could take it back, Chester disappeared. His smile lingered for only a moment before vanishing. Matthew crossed his arms and tapped his foot a few times, then Chater reappeared. He gave Matthew his book back before walking off. Matthew went in the other direction, turning the pages of the book.

"Maybe," Oakley said after a moment. "He's a trickster, like his mom and grandma I suppose."

"I didn't think anyone knew the Wonderland kid," Luara shifted her weight. "Matthew, I mean."

"Well, both of their moms are from Wonderland, maybe there's a bond between them all," Oakley shrugged.

"Or maybe they're just two loners," Laura suggested.

"Either way, I'm not picking up any vibe from Matthew," Oakley shook his head. "But Chester..."

"He's cute enough," Laura jested.

"Enough? He's had those adorable cat ears since elementary," Oakley sighed. Laura laughed.

"Oh, you are already smitten!"

"I am not!" Oakley pretested. He scratched the back of his head. "Okay fine, maybe. But that's just because my mom has trained me to always tell the truth."

"Just go get him," Luara pushed him forward.

"What? No! Are you insane? That takes actual human interaction!"

"You'll be fine," Laura insisted. She knew he was freaking out. He had a tendency to do so in social interactions with people he wasn't comfortable with. He's gotten much better, but shy Oakley makes his appearances.

"I'm going," Oakley held out a leg, he then pivoted his body. "After I make sure Molly doesn't need anything."

"No, don't be a coward," Laura reached out for his shirt but missed. When she pulled back her hand, light pink strings came from them. They grew with her fingertips and connected with Oakley's back. Once they touched, the strings faded away. Laura kept her hand still, and Oakley's body was immobile. Laura widened her eyes as she examined her hand.

When she twisted her wrist, Oakley turned to face her. His eyes were as big and shocked as Laura's. Seizing her opportunity, she directed Oakley towards Chester. Oakley resisted her, but she managed to put him onto the floor. Then, when she felt her mission was accomplished, her hand suddenly stopped controlling him. He glanced back at her with fear before merging into the crowd.

Laura didn't exactly know what just happened. She never used magic like that before. It was so sudden as if her frustrated emotions played with her powers. Then, the hand motion, was there something she did specifically? Laura couldn't quite recall. All she knew was that Oakley was conscious of his actions when she was commanding him.

It must've been frightening for him, and she would apologize later. But, at least she got him closer to Chester. Laura turned back to the snack table and began to eat away. There was nothing else she would do tonight but probably eat and meddle with her friends' love lives. It was what she was best at, meddling with others' needs. She supposed it was the fairy in her. She didn't really like the drive, but when it came to her friends she didn't care.

"Coasting by the snack tables I see," Molly's annoyingly high voice echoed in Laura's ears. Laura didn't even bother to look her way, she could already tell that she had that stupid grin on her face.

"It's the place to be," Laura cast her a single glance. "Your mom should've taught you that. She would die for any bowl of porridge."

"I saw you sent Oakley onto the floor," Molly stepped towards her, but Luara refused to give her full attention. "What are you playing at?" She bit her lip and finally turned to Molly.

"He's not your slave. He-" Luara cut herself off when she saw Molly. She was dressed in one of the most revealing outfits Laura had ever seen. Basically wearing a strapless bra with lace around her bodice, the shortest skirt, and fishnet tights, she almost looked ten years older than she was really was. Laura was thankful that she was at least putting on a jacket to cover some of the horrors.

"What?"

"What are you wearing?" Laura asked.

"It's all the rage right now in Neverland," Molly grinned. "They call it 'royally rebel.' Isn't it just right?"

"No, I would say it's way too cold. Especially for September," Laura cringed at the thought of wearing it herself. She was glad that she was wearing her pink cropped hoodie and leggings. At least it was warm.

"Whatever," Molly rolled her eyes. "You've been wearing the same outfit for the last ten years."

"Nevermind me," Laura placed her hands on her hips. "You need to stop ordering Oakley around."

"He's just being nice and helping me. We're close you know."

"No, he's just being nice because he's afraid of you," Laura defended.

"And what are you going to do about it?" Molly asked haughtily.

Laura grabbed Molly by the jacket collar. Their faces were inches apart when Luara hastily whispered, "If I see you using him as your personal puppet again, you will be the one that becomes the puppet." Molly looked at her with slight confusion, then laughed. Laura was about to spell her then and there, but she was interrupted.

She heard a sudden holler. Luara turned her attention to the front of the garden, not letting go of Molly. There was a group of second-year boys coming. That was when she saw him. Mitchell- the angel himself. It was as if the music had been cut off, and time stood still. Laura let go of Molly as she straightened, not taking her eyes off him.

He had that usual grin on his round face. His dirty blonde hair made perfect ringlets around his face, framing his bright blue eyes and pale complexion. His jawline could cut glass. Being dressed in a red t-shirt and jeans, Laura could see lots of definitions of muscles. Over his shoulder, his bookball jacket rested casually. His gaze connected with Laura's as he made his way over to them.

Time suddenly picked up when Molly pushed herself away from Luara. "Nice party, little sis," Mitchell's deep but rough voice called. Laura was breathless. He looked much better since the last time she had seen him. Suddenly, she didn't blame Oakley for putting up with Molly for Mitchell. Her troubles seemed to melt away only at the sight of him.

"Only the best, I am a Lock after all," Molly grinned.

"Not too sure about the outfit," Mitchell remarked. "You don't want to give everything away." Laura didn't stifle her laugh. Mitchell's eyes flickered to her as if he didn't know she was standing there. "Why, Luara Fae? Is that really you?"

"It's been a long time, Mitch," Laura said cooly. She had no idea where this confidence was coming from, but she liked it. It was easy to flirt with her for some odd reason. She viewed it as a game, a playful one.

Molly groaned. "Don't waste your time, bro. She hasn't grown up at all."

"I think I'll have to be the judge of that," Mitchell's eyes never came off of Laura's as he held out a hand. Normally, Luara wouldn't take his hand, but just to anger Molly more, she did. Hearing Molly groan was the best thing Laura would hear that evening. Nothing could top it.

As she passed the dance floor, she could see Oakley was dancing with Eliza and Fauna. Chester wasn't too far away. When they saw her their mouths dropped in shock. Eliza gave her a small wink, and Fauna gave her a small thumbs up. Oakley looked as white as ghost from shock. Laura didn't know what exactly. Either the fact that Mitchell had graced him with his presence, or that Luara was holding his hand.

He led her out through the other side of the garden. Here, it was much quieter. It was a lover's lane. Several couples were kissing in corners, walking through the garden together, or simply just sitting in the other's company. She dropped his hand as soon as they were out of Molly's sight. Mitchell laughed. "You really know how to make my sister mad."

"It's a gift," Laura shrugged as he chuckled.

"Well, I'm glad that I'm not the only one who likes to mess with her," Mitchell smiled. "I suppose you've been keeping her on her toes ever since I left." She tried to push away the thoughts of their last encounter, the kiss over a year ago.

"You could say that," Laura shrugged.

"I can't believe how much you've changed," he said in slight awe. "Physically anyway. I almost didn't recognize you with straight hair. I was wondering if you were one of Molly's friends."

"Don't worry, it'll be fully returned to curls by tomorrow," Laura ran her fingers through it, surprised by how it was still straight. "If I were actually Molly's friend, I would probably be in this garden with you. This way I can escape her and torture her at the same time."

He laughed again. "But you're still the Luara I remember."

"Is that a good or a bad thing?" Laura asked. They stopped walking and faced each other. They had exited the garden at this point, now they were facing the Enchanted Forest.

"That depends...if you've still got that flame inside you," he drew a line under her jaw. She took a quiet but sharp breath.

"That depends," Laura found herself leaning in closer. The heat between them was thick, even in the chill of the night. "If you're willing to put your hand in the fire."

"What if I am?" he whispered. She leaned in farther. Their lips were only an inch apart, both of their eyes closed. She almost went through with the kiss too, but she snapped out of her daze last second. Laura held a finger to his lips and leaned back. With a grin, she looked into Mitchell's confused hazy eyes.

"You might get burned."

She then left him alone at the edge of the garden to go find her friends, ready to go back to her dorm for a wonderful night's sleep.