Chapter Two: Happenings

"Yo, Derek!"

A football came shooting down the hallway.

"Heads up! Look out!" rang through the throng of people. The quarterback in question caught the ball with ease, and tossed it back to the one who'd thrown it. "Hey, Karl, where've you been? Didn't see you this morning."

"Mary called me, she needed a ride to school. I would've gotten you and Gary, but there was no answer at your house," Karl answered him. Derek shouldered through the crowd to reach his friend. He put his hands up to receive another pass, and the two went outside. Tossing the ball back and forth, they continued their conversation.

"Yeah, I left early. Rachel's car broke down and her dad had already gone to the office so she called me," Derek explained.

"She couldn't have called her father? Being governor, one would think he would've just sent someone to get her."

"She doesn't like to bother him once he's left," Derek said.

"Oh, I see." Karl missed the next throw. Picking the football off the ground, he asked nonchalantly, "How is Rachel? I haven't seen her in a while, we've all been so busy."

"I know, it's getting to be kind of a pain. Haven't even talked to Zach in a few days," Derek remarked. "Rachel's good, the squad's been tying her up though. Captain's more of a job than she thought it would be, I guess."

Karl noticed the wistfulness in his best friend's voice. "Hey, man, you still see her plenty. Don't let it get to you."

"I know." Derek was suddenly thrown to the ground, due to a large weight hitting him in the back.

"Zach!"

"Oh, I'm invisible now?"

"Sorry, Mar."

"You're forgiven." Mary stood off to one side, smiling as she watched the three seniors tussle on the ground. "I don't know how you do it. You guys can go days without talking, weeks without seeing each other, and still manage to retain knowledge of how to pin each other to the ground."

"Oh, well, its not that difficult," Derek said as he pushed Zach and Karl away. "You see, with these two, all you really need to do is remember what to threaten."

Mary laughed. It surprised her, really. She hadn't felt happy very often since her mother died, except when she was with these three. They respected her, which was more than she got from her brother or father. Her aunt, Irene, was a different story, but she wasn't around much anymore. She had helped out for a while after Zea's death, but returned home and only visited occasionally now.

"Hello, earth to Mary."

She started. "What? Oh, sorry." A faint blush stained her features. "I was thinking."

Karl reached over and pulled a penny from her ear. She blinked at him, and grinned. "Where'd you learn that?"

"Seth has his uses." He sat down on the bench behind her and motioned to the space next to him.

Mary remained standing "The bell's going to ring for the end of lunch soon," she said hesitantly. "We should go back inside."

Karl opened his mouth to say something, then thought better of it. "You're right." He stood up again and brushed his pants off. "Zach, Derek. Bell's gonna ring soon."

Zach looked at his watch. "Right. Let's go."

Derek shook his head, smiling ruefully. "Good times." With that, he led the four of them inside.

IIIIIIII

Nick watched them go from the other side of the courtyard, eyes flashing. "I hate it," he muttered. "All of it. How dare they be so familiar with her!"

"Hey, hey. Calm down," said Megan as she touched his arm lightly. "You can't blame them, they're her closest friends."

"Doesn't mean I have to like it," he snapped back.

Megan flinched. "Just keep your thoughts on the show tomorrow night, okay?"

"Hmph."

Megan gazed at Nick's retreating back, a sorrowful look in her eyes. Damn…

"Meg? Something wrong?" Paula asked as she came up next to her.

"No, everything's fine," Megan answered. She gave Paula an amused look as she noticed the hair. "Cute."

"Yay!" Paula gave her a hug. "Someone else likes it! Lauren, Lissa, and Rosa just shook their heads. Raine thought it was hilarious, though. Said she'd always wanted to try purple, herself."

"What did Patrick say?" Megan asked.

"He doesn't mind; he likes everything."

"It's one of his charms," said Megan wistfully. "He always seems to be able to look past things like that. Unlike others," and she flipped her hair and looked back to where Nick had gone inside, "who seem to constantly worry about what different people are doing."

"Aw, sorry. You can't see it like that, though. Nick's just being overprotective," Paula reassured her. "It's not like Frank's been really 'here' much since his wife died, so Nick feels like it's his job to look out for Mary."

"You're sweet, Paula. I just wish I knew what went on in his head," said Megan. "He's seemed so distant as of late."

"I guess. Listen," Paula said, "I have to go, if I'm late to class one more time I get a detention. Not good. Try to cheer up, just think about tomorrow night and how great you guys are gonna sound."

"Thanks, I will." Megan gathered her books. "I'll come with you." But before she could leave, a hand reached out and grabbed her arm, practically dragging her off her feet.

"Let me get those, my queen."

"Peter!" Megan cried in exasperation. "What are you doing?"

"Serving you, as always." He took her books from her, and flourished a flower. "For you," he said, handing it to her. "My sunshine, my glorious, my reason for existence. My precious jewel, I shall save you from the mundane tasks of this world."

"Stupid, egotistical idiot," Megan muttered under her breath. "Go on, Paula," she waved tiredly. "I'll see you later."

"Alright." Paula scampered off. "Have fun!"

Megan put her hands on her hips and turned back to Peter. "Can I help you?" she demanded.

"Only by living. Your appearance alone banishes any need for sustenance, and frees me from all cares," he answered. He bowed, and ushered her ahead of him. "Ladies first."

Megan stalked past him. "Return my books."

"As you wish, moonlight of happiness." Peter gave her the books, but not before leaning over to whisper, "I'll be there tomorrow night. Save a song for me, will you? I'll be dreaming of your music tonight, spinning magic in my mind." He winked at her lavishly and strolled to the tree in the center of the courtyard, where he sat down and opened a book. She shook her head in exasperation and entered the building, just as the bell rang.

IIIIIIII

As the students filtered out of the school, Sarah reached her car and sighed. After they had carted Sean away, she hadn't been able to concentrate on anything of importance. Lauren had kept shooting her possessive glares, as if it were her own fault that he'd collapsed, and Heidi wasn't much better. Olivia was the only one she'd spoken to all day, but Sarah felt bad burdening her with problems; she had enough of her own, what with her older sister Tessa being in the hospital again and all. She was rummaging through her bag for the car keys when she felt a tug on her braid. Turning, she came face-to-face with a somewhat scrawny and freckled young man, red hair disheveled as always.

She grimaced inwardly. "Hey, Kevin."

"Marry me," was the reply.

"When pigs fly," she said automatically.

"You'll come around eventually, I know it," he answered. "I shall persist against the odds," and with that he struck a dramatic pose, hand outstretched towards her. "You'll see," he continued, "when I finally get my ship, we can sail away together. Live happily ever after. How does that sound?"

"Peachy. Where were you this afternoon?" Sarah asked, changing the subject. "You weren't in class."

Kevin put a hand over his heart. "You noticed my absence—I'm flattered. But you should know that I do not live my life by a mere schedule."

"You're too daring for that?"

"No, it simply doesn't suit me."

Sarah smiled in spite of herself. A true rebel without a cause, that one, she thought. Or at least one who aspires to be one.

"Kevin, Kevin!"

He groaned. "Family calls," he said. Sarah looked past him and saw a girl running towards them.

"Ah, yes, one must answer when siblings summon," she said wryly.

"Always," he returned. "Melissa, what is it?" Kevin addressed the out-of-breath girl.

"We have to leave!" she said. She noticed Sarah behind Kevin, and narrowed her eyes. "What are you doing, talking to her?" she asked.

"Melissa!" Kevin reprimanded. "That was uncalled for."

"It's alright, Kevin, I don't mind," said Sarah. She fixed Melissa with a stare. "You don't like your brother talking to me?"

Melissa lowered her gaze. "He shouldn't be…" she mumbled.

"And why not?"

Melissa scuffed her foot against the pavement. "Nevermind. Kevin, can we go, please?"

Kevin shot Sarah an apologetic glance. "Sure, Mel. As soon as you apologize."

Melissa's head shot up. "What? To her? Why?"

"Melissa." Kevin's voice was stern. "You know better, come on. Stop acting half your age."

"I…" Melissa trailed off. "Fine. Sorry, Sarah."

"Perfectly understandable," replied Sarah smoothly. "Don't worry about it."

"Don't worry, I won't," muttered Melissa under her breath.

"Let's go," said Kevin, "and maybe I won't tell Mom."

Melissa gazed wide-eyed at her brother. "No, please, Kevin."

He turned back to Sarah. "I do have to go now, I'll see you around."

"See ya." Sarah waved as Kevin returned to his car, little sister in tow. Her thoughts returned to Sean, and she frowned. Maybe I should stop by, she thought. See if he's doing all right. She got into her car, still thinking. Brushing her hair out of her face, Sarah started the engine and backed out of the parking lot. I could at least call, she reasoned. I'm sure his mother would tell me how he is.

Preoccupied, she didn't realize she had made a wrong turn until she rolled over a tree branch. The resulting crack made her jump. She bit her lip as she pulled over and got out of the car to check the tires. Ever since her last car accident, when she had nearly gotten both herself and the other driver seriously injured, she was extra-careful to keep the car in good shape. Seeing no damage to the underside of the car, Sarah got up from her crouch and opened the door to get in. She looked up once more and shrieked, not expecting to see a person on the other side of the car step from the trees.

"What?" The person whirled around. "What is it? Sarah, is that you?"

She calmed down once she saw who it was. "Shana, hi. What are you doing here?"

Shana gave her a strange look. "Going for a walk. I live just down the street," and she motioned with her hand. "I come here fairly often by myself. What are you doing here?"

"I got lost," Sarah admitted. "Took a wrong turn, I was preoccupied."

"Oh, I see." Shana was still looking at her strangely. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, fine. Just surprised, that's all. You scared me," Sarah answered.

"Nothing to be scared of here, never fear. No beasts." Shana winked. "Unless you count me, that is."

"I…what?" Sarah stammered.

"Wow, you're really out of it. That was a joke, you sure you're fine?" Shana asked. She looked behind her to follow Sarah's gaze. "Hello?"

Sarah refocused on Shana. "Sorry. Yeah, I'm good. I'll talk to you tomorrow." She got into her car, shaking her head. Weird, thought Shana.

With a bit of coaxing, Sarah managed to get the car started again. She drove away, forgetting to even wave back. She was trembling.

I could have sworn…no, I imagined it. Thinking about Sean, that's all.

That may have been enough to reassure her, except for one thing. That phrase…unless you count me…evoked a strong mental image. One that seemed much too familiar. Alone, that might not have shaken Sarah, who was used to odd things. It was the accompanying shadow behind Shana that had terrified her, but the weirdest thing was, she didn't even understand it, let alone why it so affected her.

A tree spirit…doppleganger…?