WoM- And we're back to Gender Confusion yet again! 'sweatdrops.' Ah well, at least its Sam, though Danny's up again tomorrow. I'm warning any DoD fans here and now; once SoS and DoD are at the same place, I'll return to my once-a-week deal, got it? SoS will be on Tuesdays, and DoD Wednesdays. It shouldn't take that much longer to get to that point, either…
"Hypocrite: The man who murdered his parents, and then pleaded for mercy on the grounds that he was an orphan."
-Abraham Lincoln
Falling
"Well, Mr. Manson, do you have anything to say for yourself?" Mr. Lancer asked sternly.
"Nothing that won't get me expelled," I muttered dryly as I accepted my punishment slip. (Three weeks of detention, and 'Samuel' wasn't allowed to attend the Ball. Real heartbreaker, huh?)
"What was that?" Mr. Lancer asked, frowning at me in confusion.
"Nothing!" I said with a chipper smile, ducking to head back to my room. Okay, maybe sneaking backin WAS harder then it looked. On the other hand, maybe I just had horrible luck. Still, after the lecture Lancer had given me, I wasn't gonna test that any time soon.
"Well here's a face I wasn't expecting," A voice said dryly behind me, making me smile and turn to meet Mr. Marchez's raised eyebrow, "What's your crime, kiddo?"
"Skipping curfew," I answered. Taking in his arms, which were loaded with boxes, I added, "You?"
"I gotta reorganize the filing cabinet," Mr. Marchez answered, making a face, "You think Mrs. Gretchen could take a joke…" I laughed a little, grinning up at my teacher.
"Can I help?" I asked, "I'm pretty good with that sort of stuff, and anyways I'm not tired."
"Insomniac, huh?" Mr. Marchez grinned, "Well, I could use a hand… just don't go telling Lancer on me,"
"Deal!" I laughed.
Taking some of the boxes that Mr. Marchez couldn't carry, I followed my art teacher into his office. It wasn't a long trip, but one of the boxes was particularly heavy for some reason, which made it feel longer then it was.
I was happy that I'd run into Mr. Marchez again alone, since talking to him always seemed to make me feel better and it was awkward to talk when other people were around. I mean, everyone else I met at Casper was great, butMr. Marchezwas the only teacher I felt close to. And the fact that he didn't act likeateacher was supposed to wasan added bonus.
"So, kid," Mr. Marchez grunted as he set his boxes down, "Why were you sneakin' around after curfew?" I stiffened at the question.
"…Uh…" Mr. Marchez sighed and rolled his eyes.
"I get it," He said, not sounding all that bothered, "How's Dan holding up nowadays?"
"What?" I asked, confused. at the abrupt shift of topics
"He's been pretty bugged about something lately." Mr. Marchez explained. You can always tell. Kid reads like a book."
"Well, I can't think of-" I stopped when it suddenly hit me, groaning slightly. "Oh, you mean his crush,"
"Crush?" Mr. Marchez repeated, sounding faintly amused.
"Yeah," I sighed, "A few days ago he met this girl and he seems to have it pretty bad for her." Mr. Marchez's amusement increased.
"Ya know, Sam," He said, fighting a grin, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you sounded jealous…" I felt myself freeze up at that.
"What? Me? Jealous?" I laughed shrilly, "No! Why would I be jealous?"
"You tell me, Kiddo," Mr. Marchez responded, opening a box.
"…W-well, maybe I'm a little upset about losing a friend," I admitted, desperate for an excuse, "I mean, you know how girls get. Once a guy starts dating them, they become their lackeys!"
'Where am I getting this?' I thought as I fake laughed again.
"True enough," Mr. Marchez shrugged. "But you know there's still that other one, Tucker. And your pal Nate. An impending apocalypse is more likely then him getting much more then a date with his attitude." I had to laugh at that, admitting a ring of truth behind his words.
"Yeah, but I'm closer to Danny then I am to them," I said. Mr. Marchez shrugged.
"It's your choice, kid," He said casually. "By the way, do you know the gal he's got the hots for?"
"No," I sighed, "He doesn't even know,"
"Then why make a big deal outta it," Mr. Marchez asked. "There's no guarantee she'll like 'em back, you know."
"Why wouldn't she?" I asked automatically. Realizing my error, I quickly added, "I-I mean, he's nice, he's rich and he's not too bad looking," Understatement of the year, "That's what most girls look for, right?"
"Yeah," Mr. Marchez grinned. "But Danny doesn't tell girls he's rich. And he turns into a stammering mess every time a girl he likes so much as smiles at him," So? What was wrong with that? I thought it was cute… "Besides, what makes you think that Danny ain't interested in girls who want more then that?"
"You mean shallow airheads like Paulina?" I asked dryly, cringing at the jealousy that worked into my tone.
"Not exactly," Mr. Marchez said, grinning slightly. "Dan needs a girl who's stronger then Sanchez. A girl with her fair share of pride, but not enough to blind her to his needs. Someone who likes it when things are bizarre, since that's pretty much the norm in thelife of any Fenton if half of what I've heard is true. He needs a girl with a fighter's heart, someone who can help him be strong when he's ready to give up." I started at Mr. Marchez.
'Is it just me, or does that sound a little familiar?' I asked myself, puzzled. I couldn't remember, though, so gave up to turn back to the conversation at hand.
"You've given this thought…" I told Mr. Marchez, amused. The art teacher shrugged.
"My mother was an 'unprofessionalmatchmaker,'" He explained, rolling his eyes"So's my little sister. And I think my niece is gonna get into the family art now, too..."
"Niece?" I asked.
"Yeah, Liz. She's friends with Dan's sister, I think…" Mr. Marchez explained, not seeing my jaw drop. "Funny thing, too, she can't see her perfect match right in front of her…" I barely heard him, too shocked.
Liz was Mr. Marchez's niece?
Getting over my shock, I couldn't help but grin. Now that I thought about it, that explained a lot about Liz's personality. And knowing this made me even more determined to get her and Matt together.
I mean, being related to her was great enough, but could you imagine the look on Mom's face when she met Mr. Marchez? And Dad!
Biting back a giggle, I turned to open one of the heavier boxes from earlier, deciding to start getting my work done.
"BEWARE!"
I gasped in surprise as a weird blue ghost in overalls flew out of the box I had just opened. Not because he looked particularly threatening, but because he's scared me half to death, popping out of nowhere like that.
'Isn't he the guy in Danny's sketches?' I thought, confused.
"HAHA! NOW YOU SHALL ALL SUCCUMB TO THE AWESOME CUBICAL POWERS OF THE MIGHTY BOX GHOST, AND ALL HIS AWESOME SQUARENESS!" The ghost proclaimed loudly.
"You're square alright, pal," Mr. Marchez grunted, not even looking up from his work.
Before the ghost could defend himself, a familiar ghost phased through the wall. He looked faintly annoyed at the sight of the blue overall-ed ghost, and not all that intimidated.
"You again?" He asked dryly.
"Uh-oh," The ghost said under his breath. Then he straightened himself up again. "…BEWARE!" And, without another word, the Box Ghost took off through the wall, and Phantom's annoyed, unimpressed look was replaced with an annoyed scowl.
"Hey! Get back here!" And, without a glace at me or Mr. Marchez, the snowy-haired ghost flew after the much less impressive undead spirit.
The room lapsed into complete silence for a minute.
"You know a Marcus Hamilton?" Mr. Marchez asked, looking up from his files.
"No clue," I responded, turning back to the box the ghost had jumped out of.
It's kind of sad when a person's reaction to ghosts becomes scarier then ghosts themselves…
"I'm being serious, you jerk!" I said between laughs.
"What makes you think I'm not?" Phantom asked, grinning.
"You honestly expect me to believe ghosts live in an infinite realm filled with floating doors?" I said, raising an eyebrow. "Come on, I wasn't born yesterday!" Phantom's grin only widened.
Shaking my head, I jumped up to sit on the counter, knocking the heels of my favorite pair of combat boots against the wooden framework. Dr. Jeerings was gone again, out doing more house calls. I reassured him several times that I'd be okay on my own, and after he was (Reluctantly)convinced he left, giving Phantom the chance to turn visible.
He'd make sure to disappear from sight whenever a customer came in, but unfortunately this didn't mean he had to be quiet, just keep his voice under their hearing.
He'd take advantage of this and start whispering stupid stuff in my ear, making me giggle and laugh, which in turnearned me weird looks from the customers in question. I'd probably convinced half the town I was off my rocker by now…
"Um, okay, what's the creepiest thing you've seen sence becoming a ghost?" I asked.
"In all honestly? A creepy, evil, putrid ghost who has the hots for my Mom," Phantom shuddered, "I don't care what other people say, that's the stuff that gives you nightmares!" I laughed loudly, more at the look on Phantom's face then his comment. He was so expressive with his feelings...A lot like Danny, actually…
"Hey, do you know Danny Fenton?" I asked suddenly. Even I didn't know where that one had come from, and Phantom looked alarmed that I'd asked.
"Wh-What makes you think that?" He asked nervously, suddenly very tense.
"It's just… you remind me of him a little," I said, shrugging helplessly. Phantom blushed.
"You got that from meeting him once?" He asked. I frowned at the ghost.
"How did you know I only met him once?" I asked, very confused. Phantom's blushed darkened.
"Anyways, I doknow him. I know all the Fentons fairly well, since his parents used to hunt me a lot before they disappeared." I was surprised and a little touched at the genuine sadness in Phantom's voice as he admitted that last part. Was he upset Danny's parents were missing, too?It took someone pretty noble to forgive people who tried to hurt you just because of what you were like that…
Before I could mention this the look cleared up, and Phantom frowned in confusion, "Wait a second, Fenton never told you his name. How did you know…?" I cringed, realizing my error.
"Tell me how you knew I only talked to him once and never got his name and I'll tell you how I found out," I countered instantly. Phantom flinched.
"Fair enough," He said, "Let's change the subject…" I sighed, relived I wouldn't have to confess my cross-dressing secret to the ghost. "…So, what do you think of Fenton?" I felt my face heat up at the question.
"Well…" I said, "He's really cute and nice, even if he does keep secrets…" I admitted, "And he's really fun to be around…"
"Does that mean you like him?" Phantom asked, curiosity shining in his vivid green eyes.
"I dunno…" I said casually, trying my hardest not to blush.
Apparently, though, my hardest wasn't good enough.
"What would you say if he asked you out?" Phantom pressed.
"You want me to be honest?" I asked, crossing my arms.
"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't," Phantom said, rolling his eyes. I grinned shyly, playing with the hem of my skirt.
"We-ell…" I drew the word out, "…I'd have to say that I'd ask him the time and place," Phantom looked surprised, and for some weird reason he blushed brightly. At least until a noise drew his attention outside, and his face paled at something he saw.
"I gotta go," He said quickly. And, before I could say anything, he went through the wall and wasgone. I sighed in frustration.
'Well there's another thing he and Danny have in common,' I thought wryly. 'They're both masters of the disappearing act.' Before I could sulk on the matter any more, the bell rang to announce another new customer, and I turned to meet startled blue-green eyes.
"Sam?" Jazz asked incredulously.
'…Why me…?'
"Uuh…" I cringed, my heart pounding. Frantic, I faked my best smile for my roommate's older sister. "Welcome?" Jazz came out of her shock, her lips pursing as she glared.
"What do you think you're doing!" She hissed. "Are you insane?"
"Probably," I answered honestly, "What are you doing here?" Jazz's glare intensified.
"I'm studying to be a doctor," She said, "I just came in for a few more supplies." I rolled my eyes. Did Jazz really think I was that stupid.
"You're studying to be a Psychologist," I corrected dryly, "A PhD in Psychology doesn't mean you have to take care of the physically hurt, Jazz."
"You still haven't told me why you're here," Jazz reminded me. I cringed.
"I'm working," I said simply. Jazz rolled her eyes.
"I can see that." She said, "But I want to know why SAMANTHA is working when she's not supposed to be."
"No one around here knows me," I protested, "And anyways, Dr. Jeerings needs the help."
"Sam, you're risking exposure!" Jazz said in exasperation. "And what if someone from Casper sees you here and recognizes you?"
"Danny didn't," I said defensively. Jazz froze, her face paling.
"Danny saw you?" She said quietly.
"Yeah," I said, wondering what the problem was. "He even came close to asking me out," Jazz groaned at that.
"Sam, don't you see that you're only making things more complicated then they need to be?" Jazz asked in a whisper.
"I can handle myself," I said, glaring at her, "No one suspects anything, alright?"
"That doesn't mean you should give them a reason to!" Jazz said firmly. I frowned. What was with Jazz's sudden change of heart…?
That's when it hit me.
"This is about Danny, isn't it?" I asked dryly. Jazz flinched, and I glared at the older girl. "I thought so."
"Look, it's not what you think-!"
"How do you know what I think?" I asked her coolly.
"You think I think Danny's too good for you," Jazz said, glaring at me as if daring me to deny it, "And that's not the case at all, okay?"
"Then what is?" I asked. "Is this about a girl rooming with your brother? Cause I can tell you right now that no matter how much I like Danny, I'm not about to let him-!"
"It's not about that either!" Jazz quickly cut me off, blushing slightly. Under her breath, she addd'Ew, mental images...!' "It's just… My brother has to deal with things that other people could never know about, and everyone close to him alwaysgets dragged in, too. Tucker and I love Danny enough to take that chance, but you're still an outsider to us. Even if you think you like Danny, there are things about him you could never know, and if you get hurt by accident, I could never forgive myself."
"Why would I get hurt?" I asked, my eyes narrowing. I wanted to know why Danny came home bloodied and bruised every night.
"I can't say," Jazz sighed. "Just trust me, okay? Besides, don't you think Danny will wonder after a while? How come he's never been to your house, or seen any of your family… my brother's not stupid, Sam, he's going to ask questions. And once Danny starts on something, you can guarantee he'll find out everything." I flinched.
"…Guess you're right." I admitted in defeat. Jazz's look softened sympathetically.
"Hey, don't act like that, Sam. My brother's great, but he's not the only guy out there."
"Yeah," I sighed. Then I added, "I've been talking to Phantom a lot, too…" Jazz froze up again.
"…Phantom as in the ghost Phantom?" She asked.
"Yeah," I nodded, "I met him a few times now, both as Samuel and Samantha. He seems cool, and I think he likes Samantha..." For some odd reason, Jazz groaned.
"Why me…?" She asked herself. "Why do I have to sort this mess out...?"
"Jazz?" I said curiously.
"It's nothing," Jazz sighed, "I'd better go. See you around, Sam…"
"Uh, yeah," I said, blinking after her after she left.
'What the heck was that about?'
WoM- Yay new chapter! 'giggles happily.' Don't get me wrong, I love DoD as much as any other story, but working on it three times a week is driving me nuts! It should catch up with this on January 20th, and after that, I'll only update DoD on Wednesdays, the day after I update SoS.
Thanks to;
chaotic pink chocobo
divinedragon7
Light Dragon SunsSong
Brittany Bright
Me The Anon One
NeatScreenName
Truth91920
midnightgoth9
SummersSixEcho
Galateagirl
Lynne102
Divine-Red-Crayon
Fanficaholic
WhiteMoonDragon
Anime Chick009
Tetsukon
Anasumi
chicken123
Firefury
silente faerie64
venusserenade
Soccerdiva
Anomaly25
Sqweakie the Wonder Mouse
JayJayde
ShiroandFubuki
smfandonja
RavensDarkrose
dudei'mlikesobus
starrobin4eva
Anne Camp aka Obi-quiet
BlackShadow875
conan98002
I Brake For Ghosts
epobbp
Spiffy McFloogan
Fey Phantom
Satoshi Silver Syoran
book-a-holic101
Angelicxox
phoenix wanderer
Kikiness
Dragon Rider Tayo
blissfulInsomniac
hihi
rbzodiac612
misaoshiru
Snea
i.L0VE.Y0U
Next update; January 17th (The start of Exam Week 'makes face'
See you then!
