This chapter is dedicated to Samantha, because she believed I was done writing.

I groaned as I looked though my closet. Should I even dress up for this? I was unintentionally going on a date with my best friend. Grabbing the first thing I touched, I threw it on and studied myself in the mirror.

Great. I looked horrible. Why is it so hard for me to get ready to see him? I've done this thousands of times! He's my best friend, why is this so weird?

Then it dawned on me: we're in love with each other.

I plopped down on the corner of my bed and let out a heavy sigh. This isn't easy. I know Sara told me to have a life, but... What about Scott? Can he have a life with me? Would he ever be normal again?

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of my phone going off.

"See you in a few."

"Can't wait."

I tossed my phone behind me and willed myself to get up and finish. I was in the process of throwing my hair into a ponytail when I remembered the sticky note. I moved, swiftly, to the window and drew back the curtains, looking for the note I had left.

It was gone.

I smiled, grabbed my phone, and made my way downstairs to meet Scott. He was wearing casual everyday clothes, which put me more at ease.

"Wow, Cass, you look great." He flashed me that breathtaking smile of his and I couldn't help but return it.

"Oh, I just threw on whatever I touched first. I see your knee is better!" I laughed, nervously. The situation was a little more awkward than I would have wanted it to be.

"Yea, it is. Just a little sore. Dad refused to let me drive here, so he's waiting for us in the car." I smiled. Having his father there would make things a little better.

Before long we were out of the house and halfway to the theater. Thankfully, none of us talked about anything other than the song that was on the radio. I liked this. This was how it should be.

When we pulled into the parking lot I couldn't help but check our surroundings. I didn't want a repeat of the day before. I helped Scott out of the truck and thanked Mr. Kane for driving us. We made our way inside and chose our seats. We were a little early, so there wasn't anyone else in the theater.

"I was really happy when I got your text last night."

"Yea, it was a spur of the moment type thing." The image of Sara waving my phone around and grinning made me giggle.

"You know, Cass, for a while there... I actually thought we weren't going to talk to each other anymore." I could hear the pain in his voice even though he tried to seem happy.

"Scott, you know I could never quit talking to you. It's like we're made for each other." The second I said it, I wanted to take it back. I didn't want to lead him on. His smile got wider, but he said nothing. I closed my eyes and tried to think of a way to reword what I had just said when someone tapped my knee.

"Excuse me, miss. Is this seat taken?" That voice... It couldn't be...

I looked up to meet his eyes. Creighton.

"No, it's not. Please sit down." Scott answered the man for me. Everything was screaming for me to get up and leave, but I knew that would seem too suspicious. I couldn't stay there.

I began thinking of possible ways to get out of this situation. I wanted to run, but I didn't want to leave Scott alone with him. That was the last thing I would ever do.

"I heard this movie is really good. Is this your first time watching it?" His melodic voice filled the air between us and I forced myself to look at him.

"Yes, it is." My voice wavered, but not enough for him to hear.

"Same here. Are you two together?" He smiled, motioning to Scott, but I could see the amount of hate in his eyes.

In the split second I realized something. Creighton was in love with me. He also hated the thought of anyone being close to me. I knew that he wouldn't do anything in public, so I used that to my advantage.

"Yes, he's my date." Thankfully, my voice was strong when I said this. I wasn't sure if I was finally accepting our relationship or of I was trying to prove to him that I wasn't afraid.

The look in Creighton's eyes was malicious, but I didn't show any signs of terror. I simply smiled and turned back to Scott, lacing my fingers with his. When I heard the chair next to me creak, I glanced to my left, and saw Creighton leave.

Towards the end of the movie it was getting harder and harder to shake the feelings that showed up when I saw the hate in his eyes. I feared for Scott's safety. I questioned if maybe what I did was the wrong thing. I watched Scott's face. He was completely fixed on the movie. He didn't realize that I might have just put his life in danger.

When the credits came up, I felt horrible. I wanted to curl up in my bed and cry until I fell asleep.

We made our way out of the theater and met up with Mr. Kane. We decided that we would eat at their place, because I wasn't feeling so good. The thought of resting on their big, white recliner put me at ease.

After dinner, Scott and I headed outside to their patio. For the most part, we sat in silence as we watched the pond shimmer. I thought of what Sara told me. About the water needing rest, too. I took a deep breath and attempted to clear my thoughts. I focused on nothing but the sound of the crickets and Scott's steady breathing.

I was so at ease that I barely noticed Scott's hand in mine. I was too relaxed to list the reasons why we shouldn't be together. For once, I completely forgot about Brianna and Creighton.

We laid there for what seemed like hours, until Scott's gentle snoring brought me out of my daze. I turned to face him as he slept. He seemed so peaceful, even with a broken arm. I couldn't help but feel guilty about the condition he was in. I knew that if he hadn't came to visit that day, it wouldn't have happened. If only I hadn't been foolish enough to bring Brianna's journal with me...

I carefully pulled my phone out of my pocket to check the time. We had been out here for nearly two hours. Slowly, I slipped my hand out from under Scott's and stood up.

"Cassie?" He groaned as he readjusted himself.

Crap.

"Yea, Scott, what's up?" I sat back down next to him and waited for him to respond.

He yawned. "What time is it?"

"It's about a quarter to midnight."

"Oh, we should get inside, then."

I helped him up and we made our way up to his room. He was complaining about his knee so I brought him an ice pack and helped him into his bed. After making sure everything was perfect and he was comfortable, I made my way to his door.

"Wait, Cassie. It's too late for you to be out there. Why don't you just crash here?"

I thought about it for a bit. It would be nice to stay out tonight. I wasn't exactly jumping for joy at the thought of walking alone in the dark. Especially since Creighton isn't afraid to be seen in public. Plus, I hadn't spent the night with Scott in quite some time.

"Sure, give me a minute to call my parents and let them know." I tossed my bag on the floor and walked out of the room to call them. I've always been weird about people listening to me as I talk on the phone.

I waited for them to pick up but after a while it went to voice mail. I sighed and left them a message. Of course they wouldn't pick up, they're probably in bed already.

I went to the kitchen to grab a drink before heading back to Scott's room. I still couldn't seem to shake that feeling I had earlier at the movie theater...

The tap at the window scared me so bad that I dropped my cup. The glass shattered, sending shards in all directions.

"Cassie? Are you alright?" Scott called from upstairs.

"I'm fine! Don't worry, I got it!" I scrambled to clean everything up. There was another tap after I finished moping up the spilled juice.

Cautiously, I walked over to the window. I tried to remain as calm as possible and readied myself. I slowly pulled back the curtains on the window above the sink so I could get a good look outside.

It was a tree branch.

I sighed. Just what I needed. I can't take Sara's advice if I'm this paranoid.

"You scare too easily."

"AHHHHH!" I grabbed the nearest object, spun around, and threw it in the direction of the voice.

She caught it with ease. "A spoon, Cassie?" Sara teased.

"It was the closest thing next to me!" I pouted. I glanced past her and up the stairs. I was sure that I had woken someone up, but no one came to check. Gee, I feel protected.

I turned my gaze back on Sara, who was still chuckling over the spoon. "Why are you here? I thought we weren't supposed to meet till tomorrow night." I snatched the spoon from her and placed it back in the sink, "Wait, how did you know I was here?"

"That's what I came to talk to you about. There's been a change of location." Her tone wasn't playful like it was before. There was an eerie edge to it that I didn't like.

"What do you mean: there's been a change of location?" I kept glancing at the stairs. I was sure someone was going to come check on me sooner or later. Sara noticed this.

"Don't worry about them. I stopped time, so they're frozen in place right now. Anyway, we can't meet at the elementary. It's being watched..." Her words trailed off as her gaze was drawn toward the door. Curious, I looked, too.

In the window, there were a pair of blood red eyes. Eyes that were seeking revenge. I gasped when the eyes changed focus and fixed themselves in my direction. In an instant, Sara was in front of me.

"I thought you stopped time!" I cried at her, unable to tear my eyes away from the window. The way it stared at me made me want to run.

"For humans, I did. That creature isn't human, therefore the spell doesn't affect him." She emitted a low growl that rumbled through my core, sending shivers down my spine.

Out of habit, I glanced toward the stairs; no one. When I looked back at the window, the eyes were gone, but the feeling was still there. He wasn't gone yet.

It was too silent. "Get your things. We're getting out of here." I followed Sara's command without question. I wasn't foolish enough to hesitate. I tore up the stairs and grabbed my bag.

I was on my way out when I heard the sheets rustle. I turned back to see Scott soundly asleep. Before I could stop myself, I was sitting on the bed next to him. What would happen if I leave Scott here alone with that thing? It definitely wasn't Creighton. There was something about those eyes that struck pure terror in my heart.

I rested my hand on his chest, careful not to wake him up. I was going to keep him safe. There was no doubt about it. Slowly, I leaned down till my lips brushed his.

"Cassie, we need to go, my dear." Sara's voice drifted in from the doorway.

I froze. "You're right. Let's go." I stood up and attempted to pass Sara.

"Leave something for him to remember you by." The sorrow that laced her words made me want to cry.

I glanced down at the friendship bracelet he made me in sixth grade and took a deep breath. I removed it and went to place it on his wrist. I slid it over his hand and twisted it with his bracelet. Wiping the tears from my eyes, I walked back over to Sara.

"Is that creature still outside?" I avoided Sara's comforting gaze as we went back to the kitchen.

"Yea, he's still there. Here, shove these in your bag. We'll definitely need water." She tossed me a few bottles of water and I did as she said.

I kept looking toward the window, expecting those blood read eyes to be there again. I wasn't leaving till he was gone, too.

"Cassie, don't get foolish. You don't know what kind of monster is out there. It's best we not fight-"

"If you're about to tell me not to protect someone I love, save it. You already know I'm stubborn," I glanced at her and smiled, "so, don't try to stop me." I winked and headed for the door. Sara was at my heels before I turned the knob.

"Then we need to go kick some ass," I went to smack her, but she caught my wrist, "don't even think about it, kiddo."

I sighed and threw the door open. It was darker than normal, so it took a moment for my eyes to adjust.

A moment too long.

Before I could react, Sara was already head to head with the creature. I ran at the two of them and knocked him off his feet. Remembering what Sara had taught me, I jumped up and turned to face him, ready for his next attack.

Instead of going after me, he went directly for Sara. She smiled and jumped a good twenty feet in the air before he could grab her. When she landed, he lunged at her.

All of his attacks were focused on Sara. I can't believe it took me this long to figure it out! Sara's the one being watched. That thing is after her, not me. That thing read Sara's note before I did... He's the one who took the sticky note on my window, too.

Who is Sarathena?

"Cassie! Move!" I jumped to the side before she could finish talking. I groaned from the force of the impact. Slowly, I picked myself up and brushed off my arms.

I wasn't entirely aware of the situation till it was too late. My feet were off the ground and his hand was clasped around my neck. I grabbed his wrist in an attempt to break free of his grasp, but it was no use. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Sara doubled over.

"So, you're Cassandra Faratheen? I expected someone a little... stronger." His voice was thick with venom. He looked like a regular man with the exception of the red eyes and the insanely sharp teeth.

I gasped for breath. I wouldn't last much longer like this.

"Anakua s.. sj'k..." His grip tightened around my throat making me unable to finish.

"Hush, hush. We wouldn't want you doing something foolish, would we?" His laugh was full of sickening joy.

The growl ripped through the air and halted his disgusting laughter. I closed my eyes, unable to keep them open any longer. In all of a second, I was on the ground and I could breathe again. I forced myself to sit up, expecting to see Sara ripping him to shreds, but she was laying just a few feet away from me.

The second creature snapped it's head at me, causing me to stare into it's beautiful...

Forest green eyes.

Brianna.