Chapter 6

Diana stepped out of the SUV, eyes wide as she took in the ominous feeling that seemed to cling to the school. It looked like something from a horror film, where stupid teenagers go and never come back. Yeah, but she wasn't some stupid teenager. Yet.

Martin leaned against the front his car, following her uneasy gaze up at the academy. How cool was this? Not just any old school was plagued by an obsessed entity who was determined to possess a student. It was his school.

"And I thought this place was scary in the daytime." He stared in awe at the dark forming clouds looming over the building, a sure sign that a storm was about to appear. Classic. Can't have a haunted school without storms.

"The only thing scary in there, Martin, is your GPA." She smiled over her shoulder at him, receiving a mocking smile back at her.

"Oh, you're hurting my feelings," he replied sarcastically, walking over to stand beside her. "Well, then, since this place isn't registering on your creepy list, care to go first?"

"Uh...sure," she managed weakly. Although determined to prove she was capable, she really hated that entire 'ladies first' thing right now. "Maybe we should have called a spiritualist. Someone who knows how to deal with this kind of thing first hand."

"Yeah, right. A spiritualist." He snickered, walking up the steps behind her. She had to be kidding. And he thought she was the logical one. "That's a great idea, Di."

"Really?" She stopped, turning to him with a hopeful look in her eyes. If they could, then there was really no reason to actually go inside yet. She'd feel much better with someone who dealt with these kinds of things on a daily basis. Sure, they'd dealt with ghost before, but a spiritualist maybe could ease Natalie into leaving. Martin would only upset her more.

"Yeah and we'll all hold hands around a table covered in candles and listen to some old lady chant nonsense for a hundred bucks an hour. Why do that when I'm free?"

"Ha, free to spend the rest of your life being chased by someone who thinks you're Jack."

"She thinks I'm Jack?"

She grabbed him by the collars of his shirt, shaking him as hard as she could. When she finally stopped, he felt as if he'd just stepped off the Kingdom Ka rollercoaster, feeling the nauseous effect of the ride, but at the same, not regretting a bit of it.

"You don't listen very well, do you?" She could have smacked her own self in the head for that question. "Forget I even asked that. Your hearing is extremely selective." She raised her hand to her head, closing her eyes in frustration.

"Oh, I listen," he smiled, walking up the final steps and over to the door, bending down to remove the rock he used to hold it open. He held it up proudly. "A little trick I learned when I sneak out..." She arched an eyebrow, tapping her foot on the hard concrete steps. "Uh, for no particular reason than to just be... out. Yeah," he said slowly, coming up with no other explanation to satisfy her curiosity. He had to say that...

Suddenly, rain began to fall hard, sending Diana racing toward the shelter of the awning that offered minimal protection. At least it saved him from having to explain his sneaking out for now. She seemed more concerned about getting inside than his whereabouts when he left school grounds. He held the door open, exhaling a breath of relief as she ran inside. He tossed the rock aside and followed, softly closing the door back as not to alert anyone of their late night presence.

"Spooky..." he whispered in his best eerie voice. She smacked the back of his head, causing him to lose his balance slightly, rubbing his wounded head. "Mess with me, Di, and I'll leave you down here."

"Hmm, down here, alone in the dark or up there, alone with you?" She pretended to weight each one thoughtfully. He rolled his eyes. "Ghosts or Martin? Possession or seduction?"

"Seduction?" He knew it was coming sooner or later. "I did not seduce you, Diana."

"Oh yes you did!" she shot back in a loud whisper. "You made me do it! I told you mom and dad were sleeping, but no! YOU DON'T LISTEN!" She stomped her foot for emphasis that she was upset.

"I'm confused, Di. Is this about you thinking I seduced you, me not listening, the fact that mom and dad now have a totally new perspective of you, or because somewhere in that perfect little head of yours, you know that you wanted it?" he asked flatly, casually leaning against the bottom railing of the stairway.

She wanted to scream. She wanted to punch that smug look off his face so bad. She wanted to throw herself in the floor like a two year old and have a tantrum. But that wasn't the way she did things, except for the punching part. Instead, she balled her hands into fists at her sides, clenched her teeth and took a long, shuddering breath.

After a moment, he walked away with a shrug, climbing the stairs as if nothing ever happened. How could he do that! How could he just walk away! From her! She kicked the door, hard, regretting it after she did. Her anger was now consumed with pain traveling up her body.

"Miss Lombard?"

A flashlight shined directly on her face and she grimaced at the sudden bright light. Mr. Henson, the school's security officer, cautiously approached her. Great.

"Oh, hi," she forced a smile, trying her best to ignore the pain throbbing in her toes for now.

"What are you doing out of your room at this hour?" he asked with professional authority. He shined the light around the lobby as if searching for someone else.

"I, um, I couldn't sleep," she lied, realizing that it came easy. Now she was a liar. She didn't know how, but Martin was somehow to blame for this. "So, I thought I'd take a walk to, you know, see if that would help."

"Uh huh." He glanced her over, trying to read her. "I heard voices. Was there anyone else down here with you?"

"Nope." Another forced smile. Martin was so dead. "Just me. I sometimes... talk...to myself when I'm alone." A weak laugh. "I felt kinda lonely."

"Are you feeling alright, Lombard?" Again, the flashlight flew over her and she nodded eagerly. "You need me to escort you back to your room?"

She shook her head swiftly, taking a couple of steps up the stairs, the flashlight following her.

"G'night, then." He waited until he could no longer see her before he turned back. "Kids..." He muttered as he walked back to the security room, sighing loudly. "I don't get paid enough for this crap..."

She stormed into his room, slamming the door back shut. Martin calmly looked over at her from his laying position on his bed where he was throwing darts onto the ceiling. She outstretched her hands, ready to strangle him, growling as she advanced over to him.

"Can we talk about this?" Part of him wanted to laugh at the sight of her. Zombie was the first thing that came to mind when he saw her. Zombie or not, he could easily overpower her. No problem. If he wanted...

He sat up when she got close enough to reach for his neck, grabbing his wrists with a puzzled look.

"No offense, Di, but you seriously need to get some sleep." He jerked her down into a sitting position on the bed. "I'm beginning to wonder if I should take you down to the asylum. You're gettin' all looney on me."

"I hate you," she sighed, pulling free of his grasp and falling back onto the bed. She was too tired to fight with him anymore, too tired to wanna kill him. Hate was the next best thing.

He looked down at her, frowning, his brown eyes sad and confused like a little boy who's mother just told him he couldn't keep his puppy. That might work on the other girls, but she wasn't about to let it work on her. Aww, but he was so cute when he feigned innocence.

"Ugh," she said in disgust at herself. She had never felt so tired in her life and she was taking it out on him when he was trying to help, in his own way of course. "I'm sorry, Martin."

"I didn't seduce you."

"Martin...!" she whined, covering her face with her hands. Was he still stuck on that? That was the last thing she wanted to discuss at the moment. She needed sleep. He removed her hands, a pleading look on his face. Here he goes again. She sighed contentedly, raising up and propping her weight up on her elbows. "No," she breathed out, shaking her head. "You didn't. And I didn't exactly tell you to stop. So, yeah, okay, I admit it."

"Admit what exactly?" He smiled like the cat that ate the canary. He was enjoying this.

She smiled, reaching a hand up to his face and kissed his lips, lingering there for a few seconds before backing away slowly.

"Satisfied?"

"Not really."

His hand came up to hold the back of her neck, simply gazing at her for a long moment. When he saw no signs of objection, he bent his head slowly and captured her lips. She gasped softly, her arms rising to lock around his neck as she raised up into a full sitting position. Her eyes fluttered closed at the sensation of his mouth on hers, hard and hot and in control. She discovered that she loved the way he kissed as his tongue slid in-between her lips seductively, slowly. Her arms tightened around him, her nails digging into his skin at the devastation on his long, slow kisses that made her head spin.

He gradually took his time, savoring every silky inch of her skin as he slyly slid his hand underneath her shirt, stroking her stomach. He released her mouth, taking a deep much needed breath. He pushed back her hair that fell over her shoulder, gently tucking it behind her ear. His arm moved slid around her back, still underneath her shirt, and pulled her close, so that she was pressed against his chest. He bent his head, kissing the soft skin below her ear.

"Seducer," she chided, surprised that she could actually speak when she could barely breathe.

She got a small laugh, causing him to pause for a quick second before continuing She could feel the heat from his body, the strength of his muscles, the possessiveness of his kisses, all of which were driving her insane. Her hands released his neck, moving over his shoulders and down his chest, mesmerized by the warmth and hard muscles under the fabric of his shirt. He was deliberately going slowly, she knew it. He was enjoying making her shiver at his touch and melt at his kisses. Every time she took she shuddering breath, she could feel his cheshire cat smile on her skin. It wasn't fair, but she wasn't even going to dare complain. Not when his lips were moving down her neck, gently biting and sucking leisurely, until her shirt stopped him from going any further.

"Cold?" he asked when she shivered in his arms, clutching his shirt desperately. He brought his head up to look at her, his eyes bright as he smirked at her.

She knew he knew damn well she wasn't cold and she would have told him as much if she could speak. Instead, she shook her head, taking him by surprise as she kissed him hard. She was tired, damnit. Tired of trying to be Little Miss Perfect. Tired of his torturing touch that caressed the bare skin of her back Tired of thinking about how wrong this was. How could it be wrong when it felt so right?

"This is wrong, isn't it?" she asked, pulling away from his lips with a heavy sigh. She hated how thoughts like that snuck up on her. Why now?

He leaned back in to answer her with another kiss only to have her stop him by placing her finger on his lips.

"I mean, to everyone else it's wrong. Can we really deal with all the going behind their backs? The sneaking?"

He thought for a minute, letting go of her and moving her hand away from his lips.

"I think you already know my answer to that," he sighed, pushing a hand through his hair. "Can you?"

She looked over at him with soft emerald eyes that shined in the light. Four years ago, she promised her mother that she'd try her best to get along with an annoying little brat who, with a water gun armed, considered her target practice. Four years later, she partook in a steamy makeout session with that annoying little brat not just once, but twice. Something changed during that time frame and she didn't know whether to like it or not.

"Diana," he said softly, bringing his hand up to caress her cheek. He was still close, close enough to feel the shuddering breath on his lips that made his mind play images of what he could do to her. He licked his lips as his eyes travelled down to her parted ones. "I--"

"Martin! Java found note!"

The gigantic caveman looked in confusion as he stood in the doorway, still clutching the door knob with one hand, the other holding up a piece of paper. He blushed with a smile and walked back out of the door, closing it behind him.

"What was that?" Diana asked, glancing between the door and Martin.

"Apparently, he doesn't take orders very well. I told him to go get some sleep," he said with exasperation, standing up.

"Gee, I wonder where he gets that from?" she asked, looking pointedly at him. "I think he needs to find new friends."

A knock sounded at the door. Martin opened it, staring at the person on the other side in confusion, and stepped aside to let whoever it was in.

"Java found note."

"I think I heard you the first time, big guy." You can't help but love the oversized teddy bear! Martin snatched the note from his hands, smiling at him. "Couldn't sleep?"

"Found this in attic," Java smiled proudly, holding his head high at his achievement. "Java recognize letters."

"What is it?" Her curiosity peaked, she sprang up off the bed, reaching for the note. "What letters?"

"The letters that spell out Natalie...It's a note addressed to Jack."

"Aww, a love letter!" Diana sighed dreamily, clasping her hands together and holding them at her cheek.

"Huh, some love letter," Martin said, bursting her bubble before ideas of Cupid and his love arrows entered her mind. "More like a hate letter."

"Oh yeah? And what makes you so sure?"

"Well, for one, the big, bold 'I hate you' scribbled at the top is a dead give away." He held the note up to her face. "See?"

"Okay, Einstein, if she hated him so much, why does she still wanna be with him?"

Martin scratched the back of his head in thought. How should he know? She was the girl. Girls understand girls, right? Heaven knows he never would. Maybe it was for the best though... That was territory best left uncharted.

"I don't know, but I can think of only one way to find out."

He was insane if he thought she was gonna sit on some hook like bait for a dead fish. Not this time. He had done lost his mind. Oh wait, he'd lost that a looong time ago. He may be sexy as hell but there was no way she was gonna risk her life on something he wasn't sure about. That was plain stupid!

"Where exactly are we going?" she asked, speaking to his back as they walked through the dark hallway. Now would be a good time for that old security guy to show up. Oh what was his name? Henson? Well, whatever. It wouldn't like Martin would listen to him anyway.

"You'll see," he replied over his shoulder, raising the flashlight he was carrying up to illuminate his face, waving his fingers in a spooky way. She pushed his shoulder at that, shoving him forward. He balanced himself on the lockers lining the hallway before he fell flat on his face. "Geez, Di, lighten up, will ya? I'm only having a little fun before you get possessed."

"When she gets to me, it's your turn, Jack!" she spat in a hushed voice, shoving a finger at the center of his back. "Then again, who knows, she might let you seduce her!" she said almost in a whisper, knowing of Java's presence behind her. How was it possible that this moron not more than an hour ago had her wanting to rip his clothes with a hunger and desire she'd never felt before? She wondered how she could hate yet love someone at the same time. "Love?" she asked herself, horrified at her own mind's betrayal. She didn't love him like that. Did she?

"Jealous, Di?" He looked at her with a slight, knowing smile.

She almost jumped out of her skin at the sound of his voice. Her eyes found his and it seemed that the world was nonexistent around her. The only person that mattered was waiting for her usual witty retort and she quickly racked her brain for one.

"What? I don't think so," she laughed, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "That thing is nothing to be jealous over. She's not even alive!" So, it wasn't witty, but it would have to do.

"Jealous," he repeated, crossing his arms.

"Oh, please." She rolled her eyes, a small smile on her lips. Doesn't he know what he's doing to me? she thought with a long exhale. Every word he said, every smile he flashed her reminded her of being in his arms, safe and protected. He was driving her crazy and there was nothing she could do about it! If Java could find a snack machine somewhere around here, maybe she could...

She bumped into him, his arms grabbing her arms to steady them both. He had stopped in front of a door with the sign 'Entry Prohibited' posted on it. Somehow, she already knew what that door led to.

"I have an idea," Martin said, looking intently at her, then at the door.

"Oh, I'm just shivering with anticipation" She was the bait. He didn't need to tell her Same strategy every time. One of these days she was gonna get him back for all the times he made her be the fish food.

"You just need to get her into her human form," he said, leaning against the metal door. "Java and I'll do the rest."

Java nodded in agreement, punching a fist into the palm of his hand.

"What are you gonna do?" she asked with a small laugh, throwing her hands up. "She's already dead. There's not much else you can do."

"You'll see, Di." He opened the door. "Hold the door, would ya, Jav?"

Obediently, Java moved to stand in front of it, holding it with his back.

"And that would lead up to the roof?" she asked uneasily. Oh, was he really gonna get his comeuppance someday soon. That was, if she got past tonight.

He smiled slightly, placing a hand on her lower back to give her a little push inside. It was dark and smelled of dust and mold, a sign that it hadn't been used in years. He moved his hand from her back to take her hand, leading her up the flight of stairs slowly until they could go no further. The door at the top shined grey in the white light of the flashlight, and every voice in her head screamed for her to go back.

"Martin..." she said hesitantly, pondering on what he was thinking as he reached for the door knob. "What if--?"

"I won't let it, I promise," he responded before she could finish. Honestly, right now he didn't want to hear the what ifs'. Even as he turned the knob, the door opening with a loud, echoing creak, he knew what the outcome could be. This was the only way he could think of ending it, but her fear was not going to happen. Not if he could help it.

The rain from the storm blew inside the stairway on a forceful wind, pounding on the concrete floor. The sound was so loud, she thought it would burst her eardrums. Her hand tightened around his, taking a step towards the opening to the outside.

"Next time, you're gonna be the bait," she managed to say before another burst of wind caught her breath, causing her to gasp at it's suddenness.

She took another step, only to be pulled away from the door and into his arms. She quickly wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face into his neck, breathing him in as she laid her head on his shoulder.

"I won't let you down, Di," he whispered softly into her ear, holding her waist possessively as if he could protect her from every evil in the world. "I'll be right there."

His breath was hot on her skin, welcoming against the frigid wind and rain that turned her body to ice, and yet he set her soul on fire, warming her instantly.

"I know." She raised her head up to meet his astonishing brown eyes and smiled while biting her lower lip. "I know."

She took a deep, lingering breath before pressing her lips to his, kissing him to prove to him that she really did know. She knew him, and she knew he'd go through hell to get to her. Even as she ended the kiss, hand in his as she backed away from him, she knew he'd be there. Her fingertips lingered on his for a couple seconds, her lips curved into a small smile at his concerned expression and she let him go.

He took a single step forward as she stepped through the doorway. She'd be fine. If he knew of anyone that could do this, it would be her. She may be all girlie in appearance, but she had a killer punch that hurt like hell. It was the thought of her having to do this alone, of having to watch her walk out onto that roof in a raging storm without him.

"Hurry up, okay?" she demanded in a gentle tone, turning to face him as drops of cold rainwater soaked her and gusts of wind blew her hair across her face.

:The door slammed shut before he could reply. He simply stared at it for a moment, getting a sense that something was horribly wrong in the pit of his stomach. He reached for the door knob, turning it. Sure, the wind could have blown it shut, but wouldn't it open back? The knob turned but refused to open, almost as if it were stuck. He threw his shoulder into it, grimacing in pain at the contact of bone against metal. It didn't budge. He repeated the step again. Nothing.

He stepped back, panting, staring at the door, concerned only about what was on the other side of it and wondering what she was being faced with. He slammed his hand against the stubborn thing desperately.

"Diana!" he called out for her, panic surging through him like electricity. "Hang on, Di! I'm coming!"

Sorry I haven't updated lately, but I finally managed to get another chapter done. It's not as good as what I hoped for, but I got it done with a 4 year old nagging me. It's hard to write when the Wiggles are playing in the background. Anways, I hope you guys enjoy it and thank you, thank you, thank you for all the reviews!You're all awesome!