Well . . . ahem . . . it's been awhile. Sorry for the delay. The next
couple of chapters have been really, umm, lengthy. Anyway, hope you enjoy
:) Oh, btw, I might have made some grammer errors like names and such, so
sorry for the inconvience in advance.
I own none of the characters in this story except for Dana, Tonya, Sky- Anne, Gabriel, and the occasional extra or two. Other characters are all owned by Telescene. In other words, not me!
Chapter 17: UNEXPECTED VISITORS
(Pleasantville Park)
Merton: You're back. This is . . . it's incredible.
Sky-Anne: I knew I did everything right.
(Merton and Sky-Anne keep talking. Dana looks uncomfortable.)
Gabriel: (Seeing her discomfort) Will you Yanks give it a rest? (Merton and Sky-Anne stop talking) Can't you see she's bloody disoriented right now?
Sky-Anne: Well, I just meant-
Tommy: Who are you?
Dana: His name's Gabriel. I, umm, have been staying at his place ever since . . .
Merton: And you didn't come to us?
Dana: Well, I, uh (Sighs) I did, you just weren't there.
Sky-Anne: We must have been in the (Remembering Gabriel's presence) other place that we were in, heh.
Tommy: It's getting late, maybe we should-
Dana: (Looking down at the ground) Umm, if you don't mind . . . I'd like to stay at Gabriel's tonight . . . if that's okay.
Merton: What? Why would you- (nudged by Tommy) Hey!
Tommy: That's fine. Whatever you feel like doing. (Merton gives him a dirty look. Tommy sighs) Okay, well-
Dana: Bye.
(The two groups start walking in two different directions. Merton hesitates.)
Merton: (When Dana and Gabriel are out of earshot) How could you let her go alone with that "Oh I'm So Cool 'Cause I'm Irish" guy?
Tommy: I know Merton. But, she seemed comfortable with the guy so-
Merton: But he might be an axe murderer or something.
Tommy: Look Merton, Dana will be okay. Just relax.
Sky-Anne: Besides, he was probably the first person she saw after she came back from-
Merton: So she's doing this out of spite?
Tonya: Of course not. Give the girl a chance to rethink everything. It takes time.
(The next day. Merton parks his car by the sidewalk. He gets out and walks down the street. He passes an alley and hears a girl scream. He stops and walks down the alleyway)
Man: Nowhere to run little girl.
Merton: (Shoving the man) Hey, leave her alone. (The man turns around, then stands up straight, seeming a foot taller than before) Heh heh, please?
Man: And what are you going to do about it? Beat me up?
(The two other men start to laugh)
Merton: (Confident) As a matter of fact- no, not really. But I can do this.
(He grabs the girl and dashes off)
Man: Hey! Come back here!
(Merton and the girl, following him, run to his car and get inside)
Merton: (Starts the car and makes a dash for it. He looks back at the men) Got wheels? Heh heh heh-
Girl: Truck!!!
(Both scream. Merton swerves and resumes normal driving mode)
Merton: (Voice cracking) Sorry. (Clears throat) Not that I'm interested, but why were those guys after you?
Girl: Uh, why?
Merton: Oh, I don't know, I mean, cornering a girl in a dark and dank alley is nothing out of the ordinary (Pause) oh wait, it is.
Girl: They were after me. I umm, have something that they want.
Merton: Please. What would they want from an eight-year-old?
Girl: Ten.
Merton: Come again?
Girl: I'm ten.
Merton: Oh well, it doesn't matter; you're all immature at that age.
Girl: (Picking up a worn-out teddy bear) What's this?
Merton: (Taking the bear and throwing it in the backseat) Don't touch that!
Girl: (Taking a look around in the car) Wow, is this a real hearse?
Merton: Uh, yeah, obviously.
Girl: Cool. Any dead bodies?
(The car comes to a screeching halt)
Merton: What? No. Never. Well, maybe once, but she's a close friend.
Girl: You mean was.
Merton: No, is. She's still alive. (The girl raises her eyebrow) Long story. Besides, why would you want to know?
Girl: I don't know. I just kinda have always been able to identify . . . with death.
Merton: (Pause) My name's Merton.
Girl: Cassie. By the way, thanks.
Merton: For what?
Girl: For saving my life back there.
Merton: No wait I didn't- I did? (She nods) Cool! (Pause) Wait, I should probably take you home. Where's your house?
Girl: Umm, don't worry about that.
Merton: No, really, I should. It's getting dark out.
Girl: I'll be okay.
Merton: (Trying to grab her as she leaves) Wait, you can't- (Sighs. He looks around to see many happy couples sitting and hugging and such. He sighs once more) Alone again. (He picks up his teddy bear and hugs it) At least I still have you Mr. Snuggles.
(Gabriel's Apartment. Dana is sleeping in Gabriel's bed. Gabriel comes in and brushes Dana's face softly with his fingers. She starts to stir)
Gabriel: (Drawing back) I, uh, was just checkin' up on you.
Dana: (Smiling) Yeah, sure.
Gabriel: What? I'm tellin' the truth.
Dana: It's okay. I don't mind.
Gabriel: (Smiling, sitting on the bed) Do you, uh, want me to get you somethin'?
Dana: No. I'm fine.
(There's a long pause. They both start to pull into a kiss)
Gabriel: (Pulling back) Umm, I, uh, should probably go.
Dana: Why? Do you not, like me?
Gabriel: No, it's not that. (Sighs) It's definitely not that. It's just, this thing, between you and me, it would never work out.
Dana: (Pouting) Why not?
Gabriel: I'm too old. (Pause) Way too old for you.
Dana: What a couple of years?
Gabriel: Maybe you should go. Go back to your friends.
Dana: I want to be with you.
Gabriel: I don't.
Dana: So you're saying you want me to leave?
Gabriel: Yes.
Dana: Fine.
(Dana leaves. Gabriel puts his head in his hands and sighs. Camera changes to the school hallways. Tommy is leaning against his locker.)
Merton: (Approaching Tommy) Tommy, you will never guess what happened last night.
Tommy: Let me guess. Buffy finally got together with that Angel dude?
Merton: No, besides, a stupid local football game was on instead. But that's not the point. I was walking to the pet store to get Rasputin some food, and I heard this-
Sky-Anne: (Covered with mud) Hey guys. What's up?
Merton: Holy Shinto Sky-Anne, you look like you got in a fight with a garbage can and lost!
Sky-Anne: Thanks for the words of comfort Merton. Actually, the school preps thought it would be funny to drive in a mud puddle as I passed by.
Tommy: Sky that's horrible. I should go talk to them.
Sky-Anne: Don't bother Tommy. They'll get what's coming to them tonight.
Merton: How do you mean?
Sky-Anne: Well, what's the last thing you would ever want in your bed?
Merton: Paul Rueben?
Sky-Anne: I was thinking more of spiders and creepy crawlers, but you have a point.
Tommy: You can't be serious.
Sky-Anne: Oh c'mon Tommy, I'm not gonna hurt 'em. I'm just going to spook them a bit.
Merton: You probably shouldn't anyway. With you being the only witch they know of, you'll be the prime suspect.
Sky-Anne: (Sighs) You're right. I guess I'll just have to get even another way.
Tommy: Ata-girl. So, what do you say? Factory tonight or should we-
Sky-Anne: What?
Merton: Dana.
Sky-Anne: Should we Dana? (She turns to see Dana standing a couple feet away from the group) Oh.
Tommy: You seem to be popping up everywhere lately, Dana.
Dana: So do you.
Sky-Anne: Are you going to be all right? I mean, I just thought that you might want to take some time before you came back to school.
Dana: I'll be fine.
Merton: (Scowling) Where's Gabrielle?
Dana: You mean Gabriel.
Merton: No I did- (Tommy nudges him) Ow, I'm getting really tired of you doing that.
Tommy: Then think before you speak.
Merton: (Sighs) I'm going to class. Dana, welcome back. Now if you'll excuse me.
(Merton leaves)
Dana: Why do I get the feeling I did something wrong?
Tommy: He's just stressed right now.
Dana: Maybe I should go back-
Sky-Anne: No, it's all right, really.
Dana: Okay, but, Sky-Anne? What happened?
(Couple hours later. Sky-Anne, now wearing new clean clothes, and Dana are walking in the cafeteria.)
Sky-Anne: So, this guy, is he-
Dana: Nice, sweet, and charming? Yes.
Sky-Anne: Well then, have you-
Dana: No. I'm still a little fuzzy on the whole- nothing's happened.
Sky-Anne: What about you and Merton?
Dana: (Pause) I don't know.
(One of the preps trips Sky-Anne and makes her fall.)
Girl: Oh, sorry sweetie didn't see you there.
Dana: Are you all right Sky-Anne?
Sky-Anne: (Sharply turning towards the preps, her eyes filled with blue light) Peachy.
(The preps start laughing)
Dana: Not here Sky-Anne.
Sky-Anne: (Her eyes go back to normal) Fine. Excuse me.
(She runs out of the cafeteria, the preps start to laugh again. Dana looks sympathetic. Sky-Anne runs into a restroom and leans next to a wall.)
Sky-Anne: I'll show them. I'll show them all. They think they can do whatever they want. They think they're-
Voice: Better than me.
Sky-Anne: (Surprised, looks around) Is somebody there?
(She checks under the stalls. No one is in sight)
Sky-Anne: Hello?
(The room gets colder, and she hears faint laughter in the background.)
Voice: (Whispering) Kill them. Kill them all.
(Sky-Anne's eyes widen, and she runs out of the restroom. The hallways are clear.)
Sky-Anne: Where is everybody?
(She looks at the clock. The hands keep spinning)
Sky-Anne: Okay that's not normal.
(Merton and Tommy sharply come around the corner and Sky-Anne steps out of the way.)
Sky-Anne: What's wrong? Guys?
(Merton and Tommy keep running)
Sky-Anne: What's going on?
Voice: They can't see you. They can't hear you. You don't exist to them.
Sky-Anne: Who are you? Show your face you coward.
Voice: Your challenging me does not help the situation. Stop it.
Sky-Anne: Who are you?
Voice: I am like you. We both hate them.
Sky-Anne: Hate is such a strong word. I like to think of it as despising with a passion.
Voice: You have humor. Cute. Unnecessary however.
Sky-Anne: No, you want to know what's unnecessary? You're not being visible. Stop the cryptic crap or get me back to where I need to be.
Voice: Very well. I shall see you again very soon.
(Everything rushes back. The clock starts working again)
Sky-Anne: (smiling) Yes.
Voice: Miss Custard.
Sky-Anne: (Frowning) Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith: You're late to class.
Sky-Anne: Sorry, umm, I had an emergency.
Mr. Smith: No matter. You'll be able to make up you're little tardy I'm sure.
(Hands her a pink slip)
Sky-Anne: Detention?
Mr. Smith: Yes indeed.
(He slithers off)
Merton: Is he gone?
Sky-Anne: (Jumping) Merton! Give me a friggin heart attack will you? I forgot you guys were back there.
Tommy: Wait, where did you come from?
Sky-Anne: Long story. Look, I better get going before he comes back.
(She turns and leaves)
Merton: Good idea, let's go buddy.
Mr. Smith (From behind) On the contrary Mr. Dingle. You two aren't going anywhere.
Merton: Darn it.
(Later. Detention classroom. Tommy, Merton, and Sky-Anne are amongst slackers and riff-raffs.)
Merton: (Looking at the clock, obviously nervous) Twenty more minutes.
Tommy: Hey, relax buddy.
Merton: Right, except I can't. Half of these people make it their duty to stuff me in a locker every chance they get.
Sky-Anne: Yeah, but none of them got a witch on their side.
Merton: (Still nervous, trying to smile) Oh, yeah, right. (He turns to one guy who cracks his knuckles. He gulps) Nineteen more minutes.
(Outside Dana's house. Dana stands at the sidewalk)
Dana: (Pause) Okay, just go up there and knock on the door. That's all. Let everything play itself out. Right. Okay, here I go. (Pause) Going right now. (Pause) Yep, I'm walking up there right now.
(Dana stays frozen in place. Back to the Detention classroom. Everyone is gone except for Sky-Anne, Tommy, and Merton, who are all asleep. The clock chimes six, startling Sky-Anne.)
Sky-Anne: (Dazed) Wha- where is everybody?
(She looks around. Everything's quiet.)
Sky-Anne: (Shaking Tommy) Hey, wake up.
Tommy: Huh? (Yawns) When did we fall asleep?
Sky-Anne: I don't know. Hey, Merton.
(Sky-Anne nudges Merton)
Merton: (Mumbling) Drown the felines! (Merton looks at Sky-Anne and Tommy, both confused) Cat phobia. (The other two teenagers nod in understanding) Hey, when did we fall asleep?
Sky-Anne: That seems to be the question of the hour.
Merton: And where did everybody go?
Tommy: We don't know. We just woke up, and we were alone.
Merton: Wow, ever notice how a lot of our misadventures parallel to Stephen King novels?
(All the teenagers nod in agreement. There's suddenly a loud bang. Merton yelps.)
Merton: (Clearing his throat) Sorry, drainage. The atmosphere has a lot of pollen today and-
Sky-Anne: Wait a second. This is exactly what happened early today.
Merton: Really? You know, I got some medication in the nurse's-
Sky-Anne: No! The being alone thing. That's what happened to me today. After I left the cafeteria I went into the Girl's room and this voice was there. I went out into the hall. I saw you guys, but you couldn't see me, or hear me.
Tommy: That must be what happened. We're in that place you were in earlier.
Merton: But it doesn't explain why we can't see anyone. Sky-Anne said she could see us, but we couldn't see or hear her. (Pause) Maybe we're not the ones who did the dimension traveling this time.
Sky-Anne: Then we need to help them. They could be in trouble.
Merton: Those bullies with monsters and such? Hmm, let me think. How about not?
Sky-Anne and Tommy: Merton!
Merton: What? Think of it as a taste of their own medicine.
Sky-Anne: Whoever was trying to contact me needed communication, why would it take them instead of us?
Tommy: Maybe it was a mistake.
Merton: Well, as I stated before, our dilemma seems very similar to a Stephen King novel, Langoleers. All of who were sleeping survived. Maybe the thing responsible for all of this wanted to include us in the traveling sequence but could not because we were unconscious.
Voice: Well, as they say: At first you don't succeed, try, try again.
Merton: What the Hades was that?
Tommy: Sky-Anne's new friend.
(Outside Dana's house. Dana is still frozen in place)
Dana: Oh for crying out loud. What's the big deal? I'll just go up there, tell them I'm okay, and then leave. (She walks up to the house. She rings the doorbell. No one answers. She knocks on the door. No answer) That's weird. (She opens the door) Hello? (She walks inside but slips on the floor) Wait-a-go Dana. (She brushes herself off, only to find blood on her palms. She looks to the side of her. Her eyes grow wide) Oh my.
(School hallways)
Sky-Anne: We should probably split up.
Merton: What? Are you incompetent? The first mistake all the groups make in the horror movies is splitting up.
Sky-Anne: The only way this thing is going to contact us is if we are alone.
Merton: Let's think shall we? Do we really want to come into contact?
Sky-Anne: Yes Merton.
Merton: Okay, okay.
Tommy: Okay, Sky-Anne you check the classrooms. I'll check the gyms, and Merton, check the hallways.
Merton: Oh sure, open target practice.
Tommy: C'mon Merton.
Merton: No, I'll be okay. Just keep your senses active.
Sky-Anne: Good idea. Don't want to be surprised.
Merton: Actually, I was thinking more of hearing my screams of horror.
Tommy & Sky-Anne: (sighing) Let's go.
(Tommy and Sky-Anne disappear. Merton walks the hallways. Every few seconds he moves his flashlight in various directions.)
Merton: Don't be afraid. Just a dark scary hallway. See? Nothing to be afraid of.
Voice: That's what you think.
Merton: Gah!
(Gymnasium)
Tommy: Here spooky, spooky, spooky. Hello?
(A door slams shut)
Tommy: Okay. Wanna come out in the open now?
Voice: You're a fake. A messed up genetic freak like the rest of us, and yet, everyone loves you.
Tommy: It's called charisma. If you didn't spend all your time scarring teenagers you probably would have some.
Voice: How dare you be so snug.
Tommy: I'm not being snug, just truthful.
Voice: Fine werewolf, you want to play games? Then let's have a little basketball practice.
(Tommy braces himself. Basketballs come flying out of nowhere. Camera changes to Sky-Anne walking through a classroom.)
Sky-Anne: Hey, I know you're there. Come out, and maybe we can straighten everything out.
Voice: It's too late.
Sky-Anne: It's never too late when time is on your side. And you being dead practically sums that up.
Voice: I thought you would understand. You should understand.
Sky-Anne: I understand. They probably made fun of you. Laughed at you. They might have even made your life a living hell. It sucks. But that's called life.
Voice: (Angry) You seem to forget that I don't have a life. Not anymore.
Sky-Anne: And how did that happen? Hmm? Did you commit suicide? You ended your life, not them.
Voice: (Amused) You don't know the half of it . . . witch. (Sky-Anne looks shocked) That's right. I knew you were a witch. I could sense it.
Sky-Anne: (Seeing a yearbook lying on the floor) And I'm guessing that's because you were a witch too.
Voice: Exactly.
(The book opens and flips to a certain page. Everyone's face is crossed out except for one girl)
Sky-Anne: Eliza?
Eliza: They couldn't trust me because I was-
Sky-Anne: A witch?
Eliza: Because I was good.
Sky-Anne: Wait, so you're saying they didn't trust you, because you were good? What, are you telling me they're evil then?
Eliza: Probably.
Sky-Anne: But, I do the magic thing (Pause) not them.
Eliza: Oh really? Tell me. When did you first become a witch?
Sky-Anne: When I-
Eliza: Met the popular crowd? Now tell me this. That first week you met them, do you remember anything?
Sky-Anne: No, I don't.
Eliza: And now they hate you. Why? Because you've gone good on them. They will stop at nothing. That's why you need too kill them. Kill them before they kill you.
Sky-Anne: I won't kill them.
Eliza: (sigh) I know this.
Sky-Anne: Then why did you do this to me?
Eliza: I don't know. I guess there's always that little doubt that you have. Maybe she'll do it, maybe she won't.
Sky-Anne: Where are the others?
Eliza: They're safe. I needed them out of the way.
Sky-Anne: Eliza, you need to move on. It isn't worth it.
Eliza: Remember this Sky-Anne. Don't ever forget what they have done. They are no longer humans. They're monsters. When you murder someone, it does things to your mind.
Sky-Anne: I know.
Eliza: Don't let anyone ever doubt your power. They're too weak to understand. They're too afraid.
Sky-Anne: I'll remember.
(Sky-Anne walks out of the classroom and runs into Merton.)
Merton: The lockers! They were attacking me!
(Tommy runs down the hall towards them)
Tommy: Are they following me?
Merton: What?
Tommy: The basketballs.
Sky-Anne: (Amused) What happened to you guys?
Tommy: That ghost thing was attacking us.
Eliza: A girl's gotta have some fun.
(Tommy and Merton look around. Sky-Anne just smirks)
Sky-Anne: C'mon. Friday night. Let's see if we can find Dana.
(Sky-Anne smiles and leaves. The two boys follow her in confusion. The three teenagers walk out of the door and leave. For a few seconds the school is quiet. Then pounding can be heard. The camera moves towards the outside of the Detention room)
Bully: Is somebody there?
Bully2: Yeah, c'mon! The door's jammed. Let us out!
(Female laughter is heard in the background. Merton's lair. Merton is at his desk when there is a sudden knock at the door.)
Merton: (Opening the door) Yello . . . Cassie?
Cassie: I uh, didn't want you to worry about me. I'm okay. No worries, all right?
Merton: Fine, but how did you-
Cassie: Your car is one of a kind in this town.
Merton: Heh, guess it is.
Cassie: Also, I just want you to know that we- we (Her eyes widen) We need to get out of here!
Merton: What?
(She grabs his hand and leads him into the lawn)
Merton: Hey, where are we going?
(Both suddenly stop)
Shamnian: (Pointing a sword at the two, accompanied by twenty other Shamnians) Nowhere.
TBC
Please leave detailed reviews. Thank you.
I own none of the characters in this story except for Dana, Tonya, Sky- Anne, Gabriel, and the occasional extra or two. Other characters are all owned by Telescene. In other words, not me!
Chapter 17: UNEXPECTED VISITORS
(Pleasantville Park)
Merton: You're back. This is . . . it's incredible.
Sky-Anne: I knew I did everything right.
(Merton and Sky-Anne keep talking. Dana looks uncomfortable.)
Gabriel: (Seeing her discomfort) Will you Yanks give it a rest? (Merton and Sky-Anne stop talking) Can't you see she's bloody disoriented right now?
Sky-Anne: Well, I just meant-
Tommy: Who are you?
Dana: His name's Gabriel. I, umm, have been staying at his place ever since . . .
Merton: And you didn't come to us?
Dana: Well, I, uh (Sighs) I did, you just weren't there.
Sky-Anne: We must have been in the (Remembering Gabriel's presence) other place that we were in, heh.
Tommy: It's getting late, maybe we should-
Dana: (Looking down at the ground) Umm, if you don't mind . . . I'd like to stay at Gabriel's tonight . . . if that's okay.
Merton: What? Why would you- (nudged by Tommy) Hey!
Tommy: That's fine. Whatever you feel like doing. (Merton gives him a dirty look. Tommy sighs) Okay, well-
Dana: Bye.
(The two groups start walking in two different directions. Merton hesitates.)
Merton: (When Dana and Gabriel are out of earshot) How could you let her go alone with that "Oh I'm So Cool 'Cause I'm Irish" guy?
Tommy: I know Merton. But, she seemed comfortable with the guy so-
Merton: But he might be an axe murderer or something.
Tommy: Look Merton, Dana will be okay. Just relax.
Sky-Anne: Besides, he was probably the first person she saw after she came back from-
Merton: So she's doing this out of spite?
Tonya: Of course not. Give the girl a chance to rethink everything. It takes time.
(The next day. Merton parks his car by the sidewalk. He gets out and walks down the street. He passes an alley and hears a girl scream. He stops and walks down the alleyway)
Man: Nowhere to run little girl.
Merton: (Shoving the man) Hey, leave her alone. (The man turns around, then stands up straight, seeming a foot taller than before) Heh heh, please?
Man: And what are you going to do about it? Beat me up?
(The two other men start to laugh)
Merton: (Confident) As a matter of fact- no, not really. But I can do this.
(He grabs the girl and dashes off)
Man: Hey! Come back here!
(Merton and the girl, following him, run to his car and get inside)
Merton: (Starts the car and makes a dash for it. He looks back at the men) Got wheels? Heh heh heh-
Girl: Truck!!!
(Both scream. Merton swerves and resumes normal driving mode)
Merton: (Voice cracking) Sorry. (Clears throat) Not that I'm interested, but why were those guys after you?
Girl: Uh, why?
Merton: Oh, I don't know, I mean, cornering a girl in a dark and dank alley is nothing out of the ordinary (Pause) oh wait, it is.
Girl: They were after me. I umm, have something that they want.
Merton: Please. What would they want from an eight-year-old?
Girl: Ten.
Merton: Come again?
Girl: I'm ten.
Merton: Oh well, it doesn't matter; you're all immature at that age.
Girl: (Picking up a worn-out teddy bear) What's this?
Merton: (Taking the bear and throwing it in the backseat) Don't touch that!
Girl: (Taking a look around in the car) Wow, is this a real hearse?
Merton: Uh, yeah, obviously.
Girl: Cool. Any dead bodies?
(The car comes to a screeching halt)
Merton: What? No. Never. Well, maybe once, but she's a close friend.
Girl: You mean was.
Merton: No, is. She's still alive. (The girl raises her eyebrow) Long story. Besides, why would you want to know?
Girl: I don't know. I just kinda have always been able to identify . . . with death.
Merton: (Pause) My name's Merton.
Girl: Cassie. By the way, thanks.
Merton: For what?
Girl: For saving my life back there.
Merton: No wait I didn't- I did? (She nods) Cool! (Pause) Wait, I should probably take you home. Where's your house?
Girl: Umm, don't worry about that.
Merton: No, really, I should. It's getting dark out.
Girl: I'll be okay.
Merton: (Trying to grab her as she leaves) Wait, you can't- (Sighs. He looks around to see many happy couples sitting and hugging and such. He sighs once more) Alone again. (He picks up his teddy bear and hugs it) At least I still have you Mr. Snuggles.
(Gabriel's Apartment. Dana is sleeping in Gabriel's bed. Gabriel comes in and brushes Dana's face softly with his fingers. She starts to stir)
Gabriel: (Drawing back) I, uh, was just checkin' up on you.
Dana: (Smiling) Yeah, sure.
Gabriel: What? I'm tellin' the truth.
Dana: It's okay. I don't mind.
Gabriel: (Smiling, sitting on the bed) Do you, uh, want me to get you somethin'?
Dana: No. I'm fine.
(There's a long pause. They both start to pull into a kiss)
Gabriel: (Pulling back) Umm, I, uh, should probably go.
Dana: Why? Do you not, like me?
Gabriel: No, it's not that. (Sighs) It's definitely not that. It's just, this thing, between you and me, it would never work out.
Dana: (Pouting) Why not?
Gabriel: I'm too old. (Pause) Way too old for you.
Dana: What a couple of years?
Gabriel: Maybe you should go. Go back to your friends.
Dana: I want to be with you.
Gabriel: I don't.
Dana: So you're saying you want me to leave?
Gabriel: Yes.
Dana: Fine.
(Dana leaves. Gabriel puts his head in his hands and sighs. Camera changes to the school hallways. Tommy is leaning against his locker.)
Merton: (Approaching Tommy) Tommy, you will never guess what happened last night.
Tommy: Let me guess. Buffy finally got together with that Angel dude?
Merton: No, besides, a stupid local football game was on instead. But that's not the point. I was walking to the pet store to get Rasputin some food, and I heard this-
Sky-Anne: (Covered with mud) Hey guys. What's up?
Merton: Holy Shinto Sky-Anne, you look like you got in a fight with a garbage can and lost!
Sky-Anne: Thanks for the words of comfort Merton. Actually, the school preps thought it would be funny to drive in a mud puddle as I passed by.
Tommy: Sky that's horrible. I should go talk to them.
Sky-Anne: Don't bother Tommy. They'll get what's coming to them tonight.
Merton: How do you mean?
Sky-Anne: Well, what's the last thing you would ever want in your bed?
Merton: Paul Rueben?
Sky-Anne: I was thinking more of spiders and creepy crawlers, but you have a point.
Tommy: You can't be serious.
Sky-Anne: Oh c'mon Tommy, I'm not gonna hurt 'em. I'm just going to spook them a bit.
Merton: You probably shouldn't anyway. With you being the only witch they know of, you'll be the prime suspect.
Sky-Anne: (Sighs) You're right. I guess I'll just have to get even another way.
Tommy: Ata-girl. So, what do you say? Factory tonight or should we-
Sky-Anne: What?
Merton: Dana.
Sky-Anne: Should we Dana? (She turns to see Dana standing a couple feet away from the group) Oh.
Tommy: You seem to be popping up everywhere lately, Dana.
Dana: So do you.
Sky-Anne: Are you going to be all right? I mean, I just thought that you might want to take some time before you came back to school.
Dana: I'll be fine.
Merton: (Scowling) Where's Gabrielle?
Dana: You mean Gabriel.
Merton: No I did- (Tommy nudges him) Ow, I'm getting really tired of you doing that.
Tommy: Then think before you speak.
Merton: (Sighs) I'm going to class. Dana, welcome back. Now if you'll excuse me.
(Merton leaves)
Dana: Why do I get the feeling I did something wrong?
Tommy: He's just stressed right now.
Dana: Maybe I should go back-
Sky-Anne: No, it's all right, really.
Dana: Okay, but, Sky-Anne? What happened?
(Couple hours later. Sky-Anne, now wearing new clean clothes, and Dana are walking in the cafeteria.)
Sky-Anne: So, this guy, is he-
Dana: Nice, sweet, and charming? Yes.
Sky-Anne: Well then, have you-
Dana: No. I'm still a little fuzzy on the whole- nothing's happened.
Sky-Anne: What about you and Merton?
Dana: (Pause) I don't know.
(One of the preps trips Sky-Anne and makes her fall.)
Girl: Oh, sorry sweetie didn't see you there.
Dana: Are you all right Sky-Anne?
Sky-Anne: (Sharply turning towards the preps, her eyes filled with blue light) Peachy.
(The preps start laughing)
Dana: Not here Sky-Anne.
Sky-Anne: (Her eyes go back to normal) Fine. Excuse me.
(She runs out of the cafeteria, the preps start to laugh again. Dana looks sympathetic. Sky-Anne runs into a restroom and leans next to a wall.)
Sky-Anne: I'll show them. I'll show them all. They think they can do whatever they want. They think they're-
Voice: Better than me.
Sky-Anne: (Surprised, looks around) Is somebody there?
(She checks under the stalls. No one is in sight)
Sky-Anne: Hello?
(The room gets colder, and she hears faint laughter in the background.)
Voice: (Whispering) Kill them. Kill them all.
(Sky-Anne's eyes widen, and she runs out of the restroom. The hallways are clear.)
Sky-Anne: Where is everybody?
(She looks at the clock. The hands keep spinning)
Sky-Anne: Okay that's not normal.
(Merton and Tommy sharply come around the corner and Sky-Anne steps out of the way.)
Sky-Anne: What's wrong? Guys?
(Merton and Tommy keep running)
Sky-Anne: What's going on?
Voice: They can't see you. They can't hear you. You don't exist to them.
Sky-Anne: Who are you? Show your face you coward.
Voice: Your challenging me does not help the situation. Stop it.
Sky-Anne: Who are you?
Voice: I am like you. We both hate them.
Sky-Anne: Hate is such a strong word. I like to think of it as despising with a passion.
Voice: You have humor. Cute. Unnecessary however.
Sky-Anne: No, you want to know what's unnecessary? You're not being visible. Stop the cryptic crap or get me back to where I need to be.
Voice: Very well. I shall see you again very soon.
(Everything rushes back. The clock starts working again)
Sky-Anne: (smiling) Yes.
Voice: Miss Custard.
Sky-Anne: (Frowning) Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith: You're late to class.
Sky-Anne: Sorry, umm, I had an emergency.
Mr. Smith: No matter. You'll be able to make up you're little tardy I'm sure.
(Hands her a pink slip)
Sky-Anne: Detention?
Mr. Smith: Yes indeed.
(He slithers off)
Merton: Is he gone?
Sky-Anne: (Jumping) Merton! Give me a friggin heart attack will you? I forgot you guys were back there.
Tommy: Wait, where did you come from?
Sky-Anne: Long story. Look, I better get going before he comes back.
(She turns and leaves)
Merton: Good idea, let's go buddy.
Mr. Smith (From behind) On the contrary Mr. Dingle. You two aren't going anywhere.
Merton: Darn it.
(Later. Detention classroom. Tommy, Merton, and Sky-Anne are amongst slackers and riff-raffs.)
Merton: (Looking at the clock, obviously nervous) Twenty more minutes.
Tommy: Hey, relax buddy.
Merton: Right, except I can't. Half of these people make it their duty to stuff me in a locker every chance they get.
Sky-Anne: Yeah, but none of them got a witch on their side.
Merton: (Still nervous, trying to smile) Oh, yeah, right. (He turns to one guy who cracks his knuckles. He gulps) Nineteen more minutes.
(Outside Dana's house. Dana stands at the sidewalk)
Dana: (Pause) Okay, just go up there and knock on the door. That's all. Let everything play itself out. Right. Okay, here I go. (Pause) Going right now. (Pause) Yep, I'm walking up there right now.
(Dana stays frozen in place. Back to the Detention classroom. Everyone is gone except for Sky-Anne, Tommy, and Merton, who are all asleep. The clock chimes six, startling Sky-Anne.)
Sky-Anne: (Dazed) Wha- where is everybody?
(She looks around. Everything's quiet.)
Sky-Anne: (Shaking Tommy) Hey, wake up.
Tommy: Huh? (Yawns) When did we fall asleep?
Sky-Anne: I don't know. Hey, Merton.
(Sky-Anne nudges Merton)
Merton: (Mumbling) Drown the felines! (Merton looks at Sky-Anne and Tommy, both confused) Cat phobia. (The other two teenagers nod in understanding) Hey, when did we fall asleep?
Sky-Anne: That seems to be the question of the hour.
Merton: And where did everybody go?
Tommy: We don't know. We just woke up, and we were alone.
Merton: Wow, ever notice how a lot of our misadventures parallel to Stephen King novels?
(All the teenagers nod in agreement. There's suddenly a loud bang. Merton yelps.)
Merton: (Clearing his throat) Sorry, drainage. The atmosphere has a lot of pollen today and-
Sky-Anne: Wait a second. This is exactly what happened early today.
Merton: Really? You know, I got some medication in the nurse's-
Sky-Anne: No! The being alone thing. That's what happened to me today. After I left the cafeteria I went into the Girl's room and this voice was there. I went out into the hall. I saw you guys, but you couldn't see me, or hear me.
Tommy: That must be what happened. We're in that place you were in earlier.
Merton: But it doesn't explain why we can't see anyone. Sky-Anne said she could see us, but we couldn't see or hear her. (Pause) Maybe we're not the ones who did the dimension traveling this time.
Sky-Anne: Then we need to help them. They could be in trouble.
Merton: Those bullies with monsters and such? Hmm, let me think. How about not?
Sky-Anne and Tommy: Merton!
Merton: What? Think of it as a taste of their own medicine.
Sky-Anne: Whoever was trying to contact me needed communication, why would it take them instead of us?
Tommy: Maybe it was a mistake.
Merton: Well, as I stated before, our dilemma seems very similar to a Stephen King novel, Langoleers. All of who were sleeping survived. Maybe the thing responsible for all of this wanted to include us in the traveling sequence but could not because we were unconscious.
Voice: Well, as they say: At first you don't succeed, try, try again.
Merton: What the Hades was that?
Tommy: Sky-Anne's new friend.
(Outside Dana's house. Dana is still frozen in place)
Dana: Oh for crying out loud. What's the big deal? I'll just go up there, tell them I'm okay, and then leave. (She walks up to the house. She rings the doorbell. No one answers. She knocks on the door. No answer) That's weird. (She opens the door) Hello? (She walks inside but slips on the floor) Wait-a-go Dana. (She brushes herself off, only to find blood on her palms. She looks to the side of her. Her eyes grow wide) Oh my.
(School hallways)
Sky-Anne: We should probably split up.
Merton: What? Are you incompetent? The first mistake all the groups make in the horror movies is splitting up.
Sky-Anne: The only way this thing is going to contact us is if we are alone.
Merton: Let's think shall we? Do we really want to come into contact?
Sky-Anne: Yes Merton.
Merton: Okay, okay.
Tommy: Okay, Sky-Anne you check the classrooms. I'll check the gyms, and Merton, check the hallways.
Merton: Oh sure, open target practice.
Tommy: C'mon Merton.
Merton: No, I'll be okay. Just keep your senses active.
Sky-Anne: Good idea. Don't want to be surprised.
Merton: Actually, I was thinking more of hearing my screams of horror.
Tommy & Sky-Anne: (sighing) Let's go.
(Tommy and Sky-Anne disappear. Merton walks the hallways. Every few seconds he moves his flashlight in various directions.)
Merton: Don't be afraid. Just a dark scary hallway. See? Nothing to be afraid of.
Voice: That's what you think.
Merton: Gah!
(Gymnasium)
Tommy: Here spooky, spooky, spooky. Hello?
(A door slams shut)
Tommy: Okay. Wanna come out in the open now?
Voice: You're a fake. A messed up genetic freak like the rest of us, and yet, everyone loves you.
Tommy: It's called charisma. If you didn't spend all your time scarring teenagers you probably would have some.
Voice: How dare you be so snug.
Tommy: I'm not being snug, just truthful.
Voice: Fine werewolf, you want to play games? Then let's have a little basketball practice.
(Tommy braces himself. Basketballs come flying out of nowhere. Camera changes to Sky-Anne walking through a classroom.)
Sky-Anne: Hey, I know you're there. Come out, and maybe we can straighten everything out.
Voice: It's too late.
Sky-Anne: It's never too late when time is on your side. And you being dead practically sums that up.
Voice: I thought you would understand. You should understand.
Sky-Anne: I understand. They probably made fun of you. Laughed at you. They might have even made your life a living hell. It sucks. But that's called life.
Voice: (Angry) You seem to forget that I don't have a life. Not anymore.
Sky-Anne: And how did that happen? Hmm? Did you commit suicide? You ended your life, not them.
Voice: (Amused) You don't know the half of it . . . witch. (Sky-Anne looks shocked) That's right. I knew you were a witch. I could sense it.
Sky-Anne: (Seeing a yearbook lying on the floor) And I'm guessing that's because you were a witch too.
Voice: Exactly.
(The book opens and flips to a certain page. Everyone's face is crossed out except for one girl)
Sky-Anne: Eliza?
Eliza: They couldn't trust me because I was-
Sky-Anne: A witch?
Eliza: Because I was good.
Sky-Anne: Wait, so you're saying they didn't trust you, because you were good? What, are you telling me they're evil then?
Eliza: Probably.
Sky-Anne: But, I do the magic thing (Pause) not them.
Eliza: Oh really? Tell me. When did you first become a witch?
Sky-Anne: When I-
Eliza: Met the popular crowd? Now tell me this. That first week you met them, do you remember anything?
Sky-Anne: No, I don't.
Eliza: And now they hate you. Why? Because you've gone good on them. They will stop at nothing. That's why you need too kill them. Kill them before they kill you.
Sky-Anne: I won't kill them.
Eliza: (sigh) I know this.
Sky-Anne: Then why did you do this to me?
Eliza: I don't know. I guess there's always that little doubt that you have. Maybe she'll do it, maybe she won't.
Sky-Anne: Where are the others?
Eliza: They're safe. I needed them out of the way.
Sky-Anne: Eliza, you need to move on. It isn't worth it.
Eliza: Remember this Sky-Anne. Don't ever forget what they have done. They are no longer humans. They're monsters. When you murder someone, it does things to your mind.
Sky-Anne: I know.
Eliza: Don't let anyone ever doubt your power. They're too weak to understand. They're too afraid.
Sky-Anne: I'll remember.
(Sky-Anne walks out of the classroom and runs into Merton.)
Merton: The lockers! They were attacking me!
(Tommy runs down the hall towards them)
Tommy: Are they following me?
Merton: What?
Tommy: The basketballs.
Sky-Anne: (Amused) What happened to you guys?
Tommy: That ghost thing was attacking us.
Eliza: A girl's gotta have some fun.
(Tommy and Merton look around. Sky-Anne just smirks)
Sky-Anne: C'mon. Friday night. Let's see if we can find Dana.
(Sky-Anne smiles and leaves. The two boys follow her in confusion. The three teenagers walk out of the door and leave. For a few seconds the school is quiet. Then pounding can be heard. The camera moves towards the outside of the Detention room)
Bully: Is somebody there?
Bully2: Yeah, c'mon! The door's jammed. Let us out!
(Female laughter is heard in the background. Merton's lair. Merton is at his desk when there is a sudden knock at the door.)
Merton: (Opening the door) Yello . . . Cassie?
Cassie: I uh, didn't want you to worry about me. I'm okay. No worries, all right?
Merton: Fine, but how did you-
Cassie: Your car is one of a kind in this town.
Merton: Heh, guess it is.
Cassie: Also, I just want you to know that we- we (Her eyes widen) We need to get out of here!
Merton: What?
(She grabs his hand and leads him into the lawn)
Merton: Hey, where are we going?
(Both suddenly stop)
Shamnian: (Pointing a sword at the two, accompanied by twenty other Shamnians) Nowhere.
TBC
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