Saturday morning I called Matthew again. His mom wasn't listening in this time.

"Hi Matthew! How are you? You good today?"

"Today is the eve of the beginning Empress. Much work to do. Preparation."

"Got it. I'm just glad I'm got it without a migraine. I'm so glad you're real Matthew. You've got no idea how glad."

"I like you too Empress."

I grinned. He was cute. "You can call me Evie you know. Friends call each other by names and nicknames sometimes." I invited.

"You are the Empress." He told me.

"But I'm also just Evie sometimes." He remained silent, as though that wasn't a very good answer. I sighed. Moving on. "Ok, so we've got until Sunday night. Two days and a night. Last night I dreamed about the Lovers. They're a bad card. Right?"

"Very bad."

"And Death covets me, but he's not a bad card per se, though he might want me to pay for something I did even though I've never actually met him before, because I have a long history with him somehow?"

"You've been listening."

Well that was great because I felt like the dumb half of Abbott and Costello's Who's on First, What's on Second's routine. I'd recited what I'd heard, but it didn't make a damn bit of sense. Not any of it.

"Can you possibly explain how Death and I have a long history when I'm not even sixteen and I've only met the guy once and that was in a dream? He says I wronged him, when was that?"

"History…is…long."

"Who wronged Death?"

"Empress."

I sighed.

"If he covets me, does he have to be an enemy? Couldn't he be an ally?"

"Good strategy, you need to be stronger, build arsenal, allies."

"I hope I get to meet you in person someday soon Matthew."

"You are my only friend Empress."

Ga-lee, I wanted to give this kid a hug…and I was picking up more Cajun expressions everyday hanging around Clotile and the boys in study group.

"You're my friend too Matthew. And right now you're the only ally I've got. Do you ever dream of good things Matthew? Or only bad? Seems like I only ever see bad things any more. I wish you were here Matthew." Her voice was sad.

"For now, it's better this way. Sometimes dreams teach us things that we don't understand in life. I'm glad you're my friend."

He was like a sage. He spoke in riddles, but he sounded wise. It was like a code that only he was smart enough to understand. I scribbled down a few of his sentences to try and "translate" later.

Poor guy. I wondered if this was why he spoke of her being his "only" friend. At least I had others I could talk to. He sounded as though he didn't have anyone except me, and I was a thousand miles away. Ugh. I dashed a few tears away, promising myself I'd call him again before "the end."

Saturday at Mel's I had three things on my agenda.

Tell her about my drawings of the apocalypse that was supposed to happen tomorrow.

Figure out a way to save our friends.

Get ready for my party.

Mel only had one on hers. Dressing me up to compete with Clotile. She'd dressed me up in a shimmery red Versace halter, black micromini, knee-high Italian boots- and flashy makeup?

Lipstick color? Harlot Letter.

"Shouldn't I go however I'm comfortable? It is my party?"

Mel scoffed. "Eves, on the scale from wholesome to whoresome, you're practically Amish." I glared. "You have two choices grasshopper. Out-slut Clotile—or go Springer on her ass. I'm down for the assist in both scenarios."

I looked in the mirror at my black chandelier earrings and wide scarlet ribbon to work as a headband—because she'd decreed big hair for me. As she began diffusing it, turning waves into wanton curls, I said, "Mel, there's actually a third choice here."

"Oh yeah, what's that?"

I looked at her face in the mirror, her eyes were on my hair, I waited for her reaction. "I'm letting Brandon go tonight."

She continued on for a second before freezing and then turning off the blow-dryer. "I'm sorry, I thought I heard you say you're letting him go tonight but I'm sure I heard you wrong so go ahead and say whatever it was again because I know I heard you wrong."

I stiffened my mental backbone and repeated myself strongly, "No. You heard me right. I'm letting him go. I decided we're better off as friends. So tonight after the party, I'm letting him go. I'll tell him that he's been a great boyfriend, and I'm really grateful for how wonderful he's been with me, but I'm not ready to go any further in our physical relationship and don't know that I ever will be. I value his friendship though and I think he should try and find someone who will love him back like he deserves because he's a fabulous guy who deserves the best."

"What…why…Evie! Why are you giving up the prime catch of the parish? What's going on sister?" Mel sat down next to me and got in my face, clearly not knowing what to make of this.

I explained the "meh" problem that I'd had, not knowing what it was or how to define it, finally determining it was a lack of sexual chemistry and that I wasn't willing to take that step with Brandon when I was sure I would end up regretting it. Then I told her about Jack and his flirting all week and how he totally pushed all my hot buttons.

"Alright. I get it. I'm sorry you're not ready to go there with Brandon because he's an awesome catch, but if he doesn't do it for you, then you're right, you shouldn't do it. Does that mean you're going after the Cajun then? For reals? I mean he's totally HOT, but there's the rep to consider."

"I'm not sure. I'm going to look into it though, get to know him a little better. I'm still not sure if he's been pursuing me because he's actually interested in a girlfriend or because he's just looking to score. He certainly has a scary reputation. I need to check it out though, you know?"

"Yeah, I hear you. You'll be careful though, right?"

"Of course."

She play punched me, which hurt, because Mel didn't know how to play punch, "Bitch! I can't believe you kept all this from me all week! What is wrong with you! Is this what's been bugging you all week?"

"Actually, I've got something really big I need to talk to you about. Huge. And if my mom finds out I told you you'll probably never see me again so I need you to swear you won't tell her." My eyes welled up and she looked utterly shocked.

"Girl what is up?! Of course I'd never tell! You know this! Spill!"

So I showed her the four drawings I'd shown Jack of my vision in History, and then I showed her Matthew's drawing and told her how I'd called him and talked to him, that he was from Huntsville Alabama and he was real and he had something to do with all these visions I was seeing. Then I really spilled, about my summer and where I really was, how I still didn't know what all I'd forgotten but how serious it was that Mom not find out about this because of that and how I was sure that the warning was real.

"So you think this is happening tomorrow night. Some world ending shit and that's why you asked me to sleep over." I nodded.

She swore, a lot. Imaginatively even. Finally telling me, "That's a lot of shit you keep inside your head all day long. No wonder you're acting all Girl, Interrupted.. Why the hell didn't you tell me this crap when you got home?!"

"Because I was scared? My Mom had me committed because she thought I was insane Mel. She looks at me like I'm going to crack at any time. I never wanted you to see me like that!"

And then she looked at me like I was cracked.

"See! That look right there!"

"Only cause you're saying stupid shit Evie. You're my best friend," Mel said, her voice sounding the sweetest it'd ever sounded. "Do you know how rare and wonderous that makes you?"

"And if we don't do something about this tonight everyone we know is going to die tomorrow!" My voice sped up and raised in panic. "But if we do do something Mom is going to send me back to CLC and then I'll die there and you'll all die here! We're all screwed either way!"

"Now just hold on now. Give me a sec. I don't know why you're forcing me to be the brains of this operation all of a sudden, but check this—you are not going back to that CLC place. Ever! If we have to, we'll run away together, get married in a civil union, and live off your art. I'll sell your disturbed little drawings on and we'll be rich. Or we will if there's still an internet after this apocalypse thingamajig."

While I was still chucking in relief, Mel lay down on her back in her bed, hands behind her head, looking at the ceiling. I lay beside her, watching her. She had her thoughtful face on. Normally I was the brains behind our team, but that didn't mean Mel didn't have brilliant plans every now and again. She'd pulled off some of the most amazing pranks back in the day. There was this one time she'd taken saran wrap and wrapped a car then taken an extension cord and a blow-dryer and shrink-wrapped the car. That was pretty awesome. She'd also plastic wrapped doors of teachers who'd been mean to students. That was pretty awesome too.

Then she shouted, "I've got it!"

"What?!"

"We'll pull a prank! A birthday prepper prank in your honor. I'm heading it up of course as your besty. We'll get everyone to run out and buy a list of prepper goods. You know they're all the rage lately with those reality TV shows anyway. Gas, water, bullets, beans, jerky, canned soup, peanut butter that kind of stuff. And all throughout the day tomorrow our friends have to say in uber creepy voices to their parents, "Don't look at the lights!" she mimicked what she was talking about "as many times as they can. They have to stash the goods in a cellar, and take a video with their phones, deadline any time before sunset. They have to show a video clip of themselves, their family, any BFFs or boyfriend/girlfriends and their prepper stash and the have to say the following phrase for the camera, 'We're safe and sound in our cellar and we'll remember', again in an uber creepy voice, 'Don't look at the lights!'"

I'll give a prize of $1000 for the first person to complete the stash and $500 to the second person to complete the stash. We'll stage a Pranking the Parents "Don't look at the Lights" gag over the weekend to coincide. Lots of folks have cellars. Your picture and stash can be in your own cellar or a friend's. Doesn't matter. We'll rehearse the gag at the party a few times before the party gets rolling so everyone knows to participate. It'll totally work. And if your mom found out, it was all my idea because I love those prepper shows and I talked you into it. I always have wild ideas.

I stared at her in awe. Warning the whole town through their teens as a prank. Only Melissa could be this brilliant!

I tackled her onto the bed in a fierce hug. "I love you Mel! You're totally awesome! You know that right?"

She laughed at me. "I know."

Then I thought of something. "But there's only going to be eight people at our party. Shouldn't we send out texts and emails or something?"

She laughed again. "Evie, think about it, would Brandon and I really throw you a sweet sixteen birthday party with only 8 people…really?"

I stared at her. "Mel! What did you do?!"

"Let's just say, all the teenage population of the town is going to be briefed before the night is over."

A little while later while Mel was getting ready, I went outside and called Jack at the number he'd called me from before.

"Bonjour." Said a male voice.

"Bonjour. This is Evie Greene. I'm calling for Jackson. Is he around please?"

"Evangeline? This is Tee-bo!"

"Oh! Hi Tee-bo." I was a little surprised. Why had Jack called me on Tee-bo's phone?

"Listen, Jack's not here right now, but I'll bet I can get him on do phone in a few minutes. You wan' to wait or have him call you back?"

"Um, call me back please. He has my number. I had something important to talk with him about."

"Sure ting, Evangeline. Doan you worry none. I know he'll call you back quick as he can."

"Oh! Um. Okay. Thanks, Tee-bo."

"De rein, Cher."

He hung up and I sat there and stared at my phone, feeling dumb founded. How strange. I lay back on the deck furniture and stared off into the surrounding landscape. Manicured lawn and well groomed hedges. Pool. Too perfect. Too sterile. No life.

Her phone rang and I sat up, jolted with adrenaline.

"Hello?"

"What are you doing calling me Birthday Girl? I thought you were getting ready for a party all afternoon?"

"I was, I am, but I talked with Mel, and I showed her the sketches, the first ones that I showed you, and she had the most brilliant idea! So I wanted to talk with you about it because well…"

"Because I'm the only other person you can talk about this shit with? Oh that's real flattering Evie." His wry tone was biting.

"Well, yes, you are the other person I can talk about this stuff with, but I like talking with you too."

"Oh you do? Why is that?" He had that flirty interested tone again now. But she sensed somehow that he really needed to know why she wanted to talk with him. And since his opinion, since he had really become so important to her somehow, I found herself stumbling through an explanation.

"Because I would never have had the guts to talk to Mel about this if you hadn't pushed me to. Because you have a way of seeing things, of looking at puzzles, that's really…brilliant."

"Because what you think about this is important, and even though I've only known you a few days, your thoughts and ideas…matter to me."

"So…because of all that, I'd like to tell you the plan we came up with so you can tell me if you think it will work or not, because I've never done anything in my life this important before and I need it to work out right." She felt her body trembling with the force of her emotions. I sat there, waiting for his reply.

He was silent for so long, I wondered if he was still there.

"Jack?"

"Tell me you'll be single by the end of the party tonight!" he demanded.

"That's the plan…why?" she said quietly.

"Because after you telling me all that, about how important my opinion is to you and all, bebe, there's no way I ain't goan to kiss you tonight! You're goan to be mine, and that's a fact."

Well didn't that just make her flush and tingle all over.

He ended up paring down the laundry list of items Evie and Mel had made to the bare essentials. He even congratulated Mel on her idea of having the teens say the creepy voice "Don't looks at the lights!" to the parents all day prank saying, "It's memorable and effective. When the time comes, they'll remember all right, and so will the kids."

Another good point was that, "Not everyone has the cash to participate in that kind of shopping excursion, but most every teen loves a good prank. How about you promise cookies or brownies in school on Monday to everyone who has a video clip or a witness (not everyone has a phone,Cher) who can verify that they participated in the "Don't look at the Light's prank" and brownie to everyone who has a picture of themselves and their loved ones in the cellar saying the whole "We're safe in our Cellar bit?"

"I'm going to have to stock up on cookie dough and brownie mix. I may have to promise the treats on Friday. Mel told me there are going to be a ton of people at the party. Will you be there?"

"Do you want me to be?"

"Are you kidding? Of course I do! Bring your friends too, ok? I want them briefed too you know!"

"I will, but you should work up a flier. Something that has the list of goods you think people need, with the key phrases you want people to remember to say."

"A flier? I don't know Jack. Mel and I were thinking we'd send the details out by phone text or email. Kind of keep the info off the streets so the 'rents wouldn't have hard proof of the 'spoof so to speak. That way I wouldn't get in trouble with Mom. I've told you how strict she can be…"

"Ouais, you've said that, though so far she seems cool enough. You doan have to put your number on it bebe, Melissa said she would take the heat, no? But a flier is something everyone can have and pass out to others, especially to those who doan have phones, like those in my parish. You'll reach a hundred more people this way. Imagine someone looking at those lights, and then looking down at that flier, hard proof in their hand that they need to get their ass to the cellar."

Jack had a point.

"Okay, I can see your point, and it's a good one. But we'll have to stress that these fliers stay hidden until Monday, or until they see the "Lights," whichever comes first. That they keep those fliers on them at all times, not lying around where the 'rents can see them.

"Yeah, that would get a laugh. But seriously, bebe, a prank birthday flier? What would she do? Ground you?"

My voice got dead serious when I told him, "Probably for three months at least, no phone calls, and limited texts at structured intervals."

He chuckled, probably thinking I was kidding. "See you tonight cher, and make sure you print up extras of those fliers, I'll want to take a few, spread them around back in my area too."

"I will, see you tonight, Jack."

For the first time in what felt like forever, she was actually excited about where her life was going. I headed back inside to update Melissa and create a ton of fliers, which got me another punch since I'd shown Jack the pictures and stuff before her. Was it my fault he was scary perceptive?

Late that night, Melissa and I walked up to the old Sugar Mill that was on the back back forty acres of Haven's property. If the locals thought that Haven might be haunted, they were convinced that the Sugar Mill was. Only the bricks of the two story structure were still standing, along with the smokestack. All the glass was gone, the roof caved in long ago and open to the sky, a total ruins. In other words, perfect for a haunting, or for a bunch of teenagers to throw a party without parental supervision. It was yards away from the bayou, where tons of snakes would be, hence why my thigh high boots were a good idea tonight, even though I didn't plan on going anywhere near there. Tall trees towered around the structure, along with a bit of fog. It was totally quiet. Perfect setting for a B Horror movie and even though I was a virgin, I did not feel in any way safe.

"This is hella creepy," Mel said as we waded through dried-out brush near the mil. We'd driven as close as we dared in her beamer, then started walking into the withered woods. The fog was so thick I could barely see where I was stepping. Another of my Gran's sayings surfaced: Be wary of droughts—snakes slither about. "This was not my idea, Mel."

"I should seriously hope not. Two cheerleaders going out into the woods, at night, to a supposedly haunted mill?"

"I can't decide if it sounds like the beginning of a joke or a horror flick."

"Hey, you've still got your hymen. Which means you'll make it to closing credits—I'm s.o.l."

"Do you think the others are already here? Maybe they parked on the opposite side? I should try to call." I'd tucked my phone into my boot and made Mel promise to keep her phone on her too, since The End Of The World As We Knew It, TEOTWAWKI, was about a day away or so. Apparently, Mel was hip to all the prepper slang. Who knew? We'd left our overnight stuff in her car. We were both cerfew free since I'd told Mom I'd be sleeping at Mel's and Mel had told her mom she'd be home 'whenever her happy ass walked in through the door.'

"Call?" Mel hastily said. "Don't be silly. We're almost there, right?"

As we neared what was left of the mill, I murmured, "Did you hear something?" I rubbed my nape, again feeling like I was being watched-

Lights blinded me. Bodies lunged at me, faces rushing closer.

I shrieked at the top of my lungs.

Shouts of "Surprise!" faded, dozens of students startled into silence by my reaction.

Grace Anne, Catherine. Brandon. All of them looked stunned.

Oh my word, This is my surprise birthday party. Someone had strung up light all over the walls. Speakers perched atop rusted cane crushers. Kegs sat in aged iron kettles.

I'd just humiliated myself in front of all of these people.

Mel's jaw had dropped at my scream. Just when I was about to burst into tears, she recovered, saying loudly, "Evie! You totes knew about this didn't you, bitches? Freak out the surprisers?" Then she imitated my shriek, punctuating it with a yodeled "Lay-hee-hoo."

When people started laughing, I forced a smile, laughing a bit too. "Yep. I totally knew it. Been waiting all day to do that!"

Now everyone relaxed, some giving me play punches on my shoulder like I'd just done something cool, a funny prank. At least that would coincide with tonight's theme. Good save, Mel.

Out of the corner of her mouth, she muttered, "I thought you kinda knew? What gives?"

"Those sketches and visions? They keep me on edge. Like majorly. They jumping, lights and yelling totally freaked me out."

"I couldn't tell." she deadpanned. "I'd better go implement our save the world prank before everyone gets too drunk to remember it. Have fun little soldier. Tomorrow, shit gets real." Then she blazed a path into the center of the Sugar Mill, grabbing all the cheerleaders to help her distribute papers on the way. I had a stack of seventy I was saving just for Jack, wedged into my boots around my calves. Amazing what you could fit into boots.

Brand swooped me up then swing me around until I was truly laughing. "I hope you don't mind."

I bit my bottom lip. "I hope no one calls the cops on us."

A horn honked then, and another. Brand and I gazed out at the front entrance. Down an old tractor trail, headlight after headlight shone through the fog. It looked like a mass evacuation was pointed directly at the mill. And all these people were going to get warned. It didn't matter if the cops got called, so long as all these people got their fliers before they got buzzed, I could care less!

I looked back at Brandon, "You have no idea how great you did tonight!" I gave him a huge hug and a kiss on the cheek.

He set me down. "Oh, I almost forgot! Your birthday present. Was saving this for Monday, but I thought you might want to wear it tonight." He handed me a wrapped box with a crushed ribbon.

I ripped it open to find a huge solitaire on a white-gold chain. Stunning. It would match my diamond earrings perfectly.

"Brandon! Thank you! It's beautiful!" And I was breaking up with him tonight. I felt so awful!

He grinned handing me a sweating Solo cup of beer. "Cheers, Eves!"

"Cheers!" Good thing I wasn't on my pills. No telling how those would have interacted. Perhaps I might even start…hallucinating? Ha-ha. I still took it easy on the beer. I wanted to be lightly buzzed, not drunk. Tonight was a crucial passing out info night and only Mel and I knew how serious it was.

Mel made the announcement to all the initial party-goers with the varsity and JV cheerleaders giving out fliers only to those who had pockets. Secrecy was stressed and it was made clear that no fliers would be left in the Sugar Mill after the rager. After the announcement where everyone listening repeated the key phrases in spooky voices, laughing afterwards (I got chills and laughed I was so thrilled everyone was loving this) the cheerleaders and some volunteers on the football team squired them out to the caravan of newcomers to brief them on tomorrows birthday prank details in my honor and pass out the fliers.

So awesome!

I knew what I needed to do, but how could I do that now, after all Brandon had just pulled off? He'd just made it possible for me to warn probably two hundred people, he'd given me this gorgeous necklace…

But Mom said it was better to do it sooner than later. There might not be a later. We were dancing and having a good time, he'd been such a great guy to me, but he really deserved better didn't he? Someone who wanted everything he had to give?

"Brandon, could we talk? Before the beer starts really flowing and all?"

"Of course Eves." He took my hand and we left the mill, where the music wasn't quite so loud but there was still light from the cars coming in.

"So, I have some things I want to tell you, alright?"

"Is something wrong Eves? Did you decide about next weekend?"

"I did. See here's the thing Brandon." I stopped walking and turned to face him, holding his upper arms, his hands at my waist in a loose embrace as I looked into his kind eyes. "You are …such an incredible person. You've been a friend, and a source of strength and comfort and you make me laugh at times when I didn't think I'd ever laugh again."

I started to cry and he was frowning at me.

"You don't even know how important you've been, how much your texts this summer meant to me, how much it meant to me that you were here waiting for me when I came home. But the thing is, that even though you're an awesome person, and I think you're incredible in so many ways, the way you're always smiling, and making my day brighter, how great you are at anything you put your mind to, I'm not ready to sleep with you, and I don't think I ever will be."

His mouth opened so I put my fingers over it so I could finish, even though my voice was filled with tears and I could hardly talk.

"I think we would do better to be friends than boyfriend/girlfriend. You haven't done anything wrong. This isn't about you. This is about me realizing that you need someone who wants you in the same way that you want her and can give you everything that you need. I can't."

I took my hand away and waited. He wiped my tears with a big thumb. The look on his face was heartbreaking. My happy go lucky guy wasn't happy anymore and I did that. He pulled me away from the cars so we weren't in so many spotlights.

"Is this because I pressured you? You don't think that with time…"

"No honey. It really isn't. It just helped me realize I love you more like a good friend than a lover should. I'm sorry I didn't see it sooner. You've given me so many great memories and I hope, I hope you're not angry with me about this.

He crushed me to him in a bear hug. "I'm not angry Eves." His voice was rough. "I'm not gonna lie, I wanted something different and it'll take me some time, but I'll work through this alright?"

I nodded against his chest. He lifted my face up. "I need to kiss you, just, give me one more to remember alright, Eves?"

I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him for all I was worth. He wrapped one arm around my waist and another around my back, holding me tight. His lips gently kissing mine, memorizing me for the last time, his tongue flicking mine softly. Then he buried his face in my neck. "No one's like you, Evie. No one smells like you. Never forget you."

"You may not forget me, but you'll find someone who'll love you deeper and better than I can and I promise it'll be better. Okay?"

"Okay."

"Brandon?"

"Yeah?" He was still talking into my neck.

"I need you to promise me something please."

"What's that?"

I pushed away so I could look him in the eyes. "Please play that prank tomorrow? Buy all the stuff on that list? Be in your cellar tomorrow night?"

"How important is this to you?"

I took his face in my hands, "I would do just about anything for you if you'd do this for me. You have no idea how important this is to me. This could be the most important thing you ever do in your life Brandon. Swear to me you'll do it. I know your parents are going to be hard sells, but at least make sure your kid brother and Spencer are there with you. Go all out."

"All right Eves." He shrugged. He obviously didn't comprehend why I was so seriuos or why I was making a big deal out of it. He was just going with the flow, because I'd asked. So Brandon."It's your birthday prank. Whatever you say. I'm gonna go back to the party; come dance with me?"

"Of course."

More and more people showed up, turning my party into a wild and wolly kegger. I saw faces I didn't recognize, spied letterman jackets from other schools.

Over the course of the night, I'd watched several of Mel's ill-fated attempts to flirt with Spencer. Yet now, as she danced with me up on a ledge, he was actually checking her out.

She and I sang so loudly I was losing my voice, danced so madly to the thumping music that the world was spiraling. For once, I didn't fight it. We were laughing at something when I saw Jack leaning his shoulder against the crumbling brick wall in the back. Then I noticed the other transfers beginning to mingle with the crowd. It looked like they'd brought some friends along like I'd asked! I waved to him happily and probably a bit drunk. I just hoped everyone could get along…It was a good song. I'd looked it up this week. Great chorus and tune. I might change some of the lyrics someday though.

As I danced, Brand's eyes had been glued to me, but now that Clotile had showed, he was looking at her speculatively. Since he was close I reached out two arms to him, prompting him to come help me down, but he swung me up instead, twirling me around in his arms. Looked like he was happy again. Yea! I laughed, throwing my head back. Spinning…spinning…

Tingling nose?

Suddenly I saw Matthew! He gave me a casual wave – well hello to you too! I guess a phone call wasn't sufficient and we needed a visual conference instead? I smiled at him and tried to see him again…

But on my next rotation, he'd disappeared, but I saw that blurry-faced girl once more.

I gasped, then caught a glimpse of movement in the tree limbs above. There was another boy! He was dressed in old-timey clothing, with long black hair and jet-black wings.

A last kid joined the rotation, a boy with electricity sparking all around his body.

The girl and those two boys looked like they lay in wait for me, ready to pounce.

I twisted in Brandon's grip until he let me down. With a hearty laugh, he said, "Evie, you about to yuke, or what?"

Or what! Or what!

I put my hand to my forehead – because now as my gaze darted around, I saw nothing out of the ordinary. Those characters had disappeared like mist.

What the hell Matthew! Thank God I'd put him on speed dial!

I told Brandon I needed some air assured him I'd be fine with a short breather. I climbed to a ledge near the old smoke stack needing to be alone, to keep watch, and to make a private phone call.

I pulled my phone out of my boot, waiting for it to pick up.

"Hello, this is Rachael." Crap. She sounded tired.

"Hi Mrs. Dixon? This is Evie again. Can I talk to Matthew please?"

"It's a little late Evie. Can this wait?"

"I wish it could, but Matthew showed me something and it's really important that I speak with him for a couple minutes. I'm sure he's awake."

"I'll check." she sighed.

"Empress."

"Hi Matthew. Did you just show me those three kids?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Foes, Hidden. You are my only friend. I want you safe."

The fog took on a new meaning and I looked around, but didn't see anything.

"Are you telling me those three kids you showed me are near and they want to hurt me?"

"You listen well Evie."

"What do I do?"

"Don't be alone. Stay safe."

I breathed a sigh of relief but then realized, I was…alone. Crap. "Okay. Thanks for the warning Matthew. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"

"Tomorrow Evie."

She hung up, shoving her phone in her boot and turned to go, but then took a few more moments to observe.

I was sitting on the edge of the smokestack, my legs hanging over the edge, careful not to crush the clover growing between the bricks. From here, I was able to look down on the party, like gazing at a living dollhouse.

The crowd was huge now. The party going strong. I sighed, not really ready to leave my lofty spot. I heard someone climbing the stairs to my hidden spot. Who would that be?

Jackson, with two plastic cups in hand. I grinned at him. "How did you find me?"

"Not many black miniskirts escape my notice, cher." I frowned. The Cajunland player. He sat beside me, offering me a cup. "Here."

Wait a sec…if he was a player and a juvenile delinquent…I frowned into the cup doubtfully. "This isn't roofied is it?"

"It can be." Was he slurring? He definitely seemed buzzed tonight, his accent more pronounced, his dark hair tousled.

"Lovely." Was I slurring? Yikes! I had people hunting me tonight. I put the cup back down.

He took offense. "I didn't lie to you!"

"I know, but it's my first time drinking and I think I'm a lightweight. Maybe I've had enough for now. I want to be able to get back down from here without breaking something."

Apparently I was slurring because Jackson said, "Did you get yourself pickled for true Evie Greene? Not to worry, unlike that beau of yours, I'll make sure you're well taken care of."

What was he talking about? Brandon was the best! "What are you talking about? Brandon does take care of me!"

"Then how come he's not with you right now? How come he doan carry your books at school?"

Why had Jackson noticed that? Stupid question. Jackson noticed everything. "Why should he carry my books?" I suddenly really wanted to know his answer. I wanted to know what Jackson thought about everything. He saw much.

"Where I come from, a man carries a woman's things 'cause it's polite—and to let other beaux know she's taken. How's anyone to know you belong to him?"

Suddenly it occurred to me all the times Jackson had carried my things at school this week…So was he doing it just to be polite or was he doing it because he was …I couldn't remember. My brain was foggy.

"It doesn't matter anymore." I rubbed my head.

"Yeah, I could see that. All the sweet talk and words you gave me didn't seem to mean anything. When I got here, you were kissing your beau like there was no tomorrow, dancing for him like you were making promises you intended to keep." His finger dipped down my halter top between my breasts-

"Jackson!" Then I realized he'd lifted up my new necklace.

"Pretty penny for this, no?" His gaze was shuttered.

"It's my birthday present from Brandon."

"And I know just what you're goan to give him." He dropped the chain.

He was misunderstanding everything! I was supposed to meet him here and…what? Get a sweet kiss? I wasn't even sure if he wanted to date me or play me and I had no idea how to figure that out without showing all my cards.

"You don't understand anything! Nothing!" One of the clovers curled over my knuckles, which was strangely soothing.

"I understand you had no intention of kissing me tonight. Did you have fun playing the Cajun?"

He thought I was playing him? I was so upset at how utterly pear-shaped this night had gone I couldn't even get words through the lump in my throat.

"Look at Radcliffe down there. You think you're on his mind right now?"

Brand was surrounded by a bevy of slores as he drank from the keg like it was a water fountain. The life of the party, cheered and adored. Well good. At least he was having a good time. I'd had enough of this though.

I forced the words out though my voice was hoarse, "Again, you have no idea what's going on. Brandon has every right to have a good time and I don't need to be on his mind right now, or any more at all as a matter of fact. Excuse me."

"Where you goan, Evie?"

He followed me back down the stairs.

I heard him ask, ""What do you mean you doan need to be on his mind? What girl doan want to be on her beau's mind?"

I ignored him, angry, irritated and beyond upset at how the night had turned out between the two of us. I just wanted to get away now.

Once we were on the ground I saw a shadowy figure skulking among the parked cars. I squinted, but couldn't see through the fog. A vision? One of the kids from earlier?

I cautiously eased closer to get a better look, but Jackson stepped in front of me.

"You got to be the most permissive fille of all time or there's something you need to tell me cher because nothing about tonight adds up."

I didn't want to tell him anything and I wanted to see who was with the cars. I shimmied to the left, he blocked me.

"I don't have time for this."

He began edging me toward the mill.

"Stop it, Jackson," I snapped when my back met a brick wall. The bass pumped so hard that I could feel the vibrations through the stone.

He leaned in. "You sure you doan got on some kind of expensive perfume? Never smelled anything like you." Damn it. He was so close!

"I already told you, I don't wear perfume."

"You smell like…honeysuckle."

"I'm not wearing anything."

"My fondest wish." The corners of his lips curled. Damn it! Suckered again. Well I was buzzed.

Despite myself that half grin affected me, made my heart speed up. He was flirting with me again.

My head fell back against the wall and I closed my eyes briefly. I loved him when he was like this. Wait! Loved? Crap! Gotta wrap this up and find Mel. Get outta here.

"What do you want from me Jackson?"

"You call me Jack, remember?"

"I remember, but the way you were acting, I wasn't sure you did."

"That was before you lied to me." His voice was rugged and harsh, his face just inches from mine. His hands were braced on the wall behind me, caging me in, both intimidating and protective. What would it be like to be his?

"I didn't lie to you!" I practically yelled at him.

"You break up with Brandon tonight?" he nearly yelled back.

"Yes!" My shouted answer obviously stunned him.

"Then what was that kiss about that I saw earlier?" He asked back, not yelling any more, and obviously listening intently.

"It was a kiss goodbye. That's all." I was nearly panting with the force of my emotions. Near rage, frustration, upset that the night hadn't turned out the way I'd wanted it to, hope that it still might…

"And the dancing after?" Not growling anymore, just curious.

"You weren't here yet, he threw the party for me after all. He asked me to dance so I said yes. After that I was dancing with Mel. I told him he should look for someone who suited him better. He's in there drinking and dancing and trying to have a good time after I broke up with him and he threw me a huge party. Why shouldn't he have a good time? Why shouldn't I have danced with him at the party he threw for me?"

"If you're done with him, then I'm taking what you promised me." I put my hands on his chest as he grinned down at me. "I'm taking a bec doux." A sweet kiss. Then he reached into my hair, unlacing the scarlet ribbon.

"What are you doing?" I murmured.

"Souvenir." He put it in his pocket, and for some reason that struck me as the sexiest thing I'd ever seen.

Energy began filling me. Sick and tired? No longer. I felt excited and alive as I only ever did when Jackson touched me. I was dying for him to kiss me. I had to know what the look in his eyes promised.

He leaned in, and I wet my lips.

"That's it." He purred. "Ma bonne fille." He leaned in, and at the first brief touch of his lips, I swear my heart sang and my toes curled. I heard someone shouting in the distance but it didn't register.

"Jack!"

Jack's arms wrapped tighter around me and my arms reached to wrap around his neck but before they could his lips were wrenched from mine as Lionell shouted practically in our ears, "JACK DANIELS!"

As Jackson turned he flashed Lionel the most frightening look I'd ever seen on a man.

"What do you want?!" he thundered.

"Time to go, podna."

Jackson shook his head hard, his arm snaking tighter around my lower back. I kept one arm around his shoulders. I liked being in his arms. It felt safe here.

"They're lookin' for you inside Evie." Lionell told me.

Now I was major disappointed. I didn't want Jackson to go!

The papers!

"Wait!" I unzipped my boots a little to give me some room and the boys eyes got kinda wide. I got them out and zipped up again, snagging my phone while I was there. "Here!" I handed him the stack of seventy fliers.

"What's that?" Lionell asked

"Birthday prank fliers for tomorrow, good for tomorrow only. If you prank your folks or even a friend and you have a pic or a witness as proof, you'll get cookies and brownies from me in school on Friday as payment. But you have to pull the prank on Sunday and you have to do it in a cellar Sunday night. Those are the rules! You can make a night of it with pizza and a TEOWAKI movie or something."

Jack was grinning at me but he took the fliers, grabbing me back up, and planting a quick kiss on my lips, a hand holding my head steady for him. My belly wobbled. Why couldn't he stay?

"You sure you can't stay?"

Indecision flickered, then firmed. "We got some things to talk about bebe. I got to walk with Lionell. I'll be back in a few."

"Yea!"

He gave me a quick kiss and turned me to head back into the Sugar Mill. I went back in just in time to see Brandon helping Clotile do a kegstand, with all the wardrobe malfunctions that entailed, to the cheers of the crowd of football players.

I guessed it was good that I wasn't trying to keep him at the moment. That would have been humiliating. Brandon saw me and blushed. I grinned and waved, letting him know we were ok. Clotile saw me and waved too and I smiled at her and waved back. I wouldn't have done the kegstand, but I figured she was a wilder version of Mel. I made my way over to them.

Clotile gave me a hug and I saw Brandon's utterly shocked look over her shoulder. "Hey birthday girl! Great party!"

"Thanks Clotile. Thank Brandon though. It was his gig. I was tot's surprised. Screamed like I was in a Horror flick when they turned on the lights and yelled 'surprise' at me. I think I freaked everyone out!" I laughed, just glad I could laugh about it now. It made a funny story.

Clotile thought that was hilarious, but she eyed Brandon with appreciation. "Oh really? So you set this up?"

"Well, yeah. Thought Evie deserved something special for her sixteenth birthday." He was blushing a bit, but eyeing Clotile right back. Was there something there? I thought I might as well nudge.

I had an arm around Clotile already so I whispered in her ear, "I broke it off with Brandon tonight. He was kinda upset about that but told me he'd be fine. Are you going to go after him?"

"There's actually a reason I can't, but I appreciate the offer, so thanks cherie."

"If you're sure?"

"You're the best Evie. Happy Birthday."

"Stay safe Clotile. Promise me?"

"What?" Oh. Looked like Clotile wasn't in the know.

"Brandon? Clotile needs a flier."

"Where's she gonna put it?" Clotile busted out laughing and so did he and a couple others that heard him.

"Brandon! She can stuff it in her boot. Okay!"

We were still snickering over that and she'd just gotten the flier stuffed when the cry rang out, "Cops!"

The music went dead and there were lights and sirens and people were scattering. My eyes went wide. The sheriff was here? "Oh, shit! Brandon!"

Brandon grabbed my hand and took off running with me out of the Sugar Mill down to the river.

"Eves, I've got this! I'll tell the sheriff that it was just me and some other football players, and the party got out of hand."

"They'll arrest you!"

"Doubt it. My Dad plays golf with the sheriff. Everything's gonna be fine! You were never here." He cast me a drunken grin.

In that instant he looked utterly heroic to me. Sweet teddy bear.

"Just wait right here. I'll find Mel and tell her to meet you." He turned, jogging away.

"Brandon?" I called. When he glanced over his shoulder, I told him, "You're the best! You know that right?"

He gave me a wobbly salute, the set off for battle.

Alone, I nibbled my lip. Wait, I had a phone. I pulled it out, and tried to call Mel. No reception. Guess I lucked out earlier when I was so high up? I walked a little, holding my phone up, trying to get coverage.

A cool breeze swept over me, clearing the fog and sending leaves cartwheeling across the surface of the river, I rubbed my arms, suddenly freezing in this outfit. I looked up, seeing dark clouds rolling in. A cold front, like before a rain? Were we finally getting rain?

I knew from the vision Matthew sent, we'd see clouds like these with a full moon before the lights. Looking up and the moon, it looked full. Just like in the vision. If I hadn't looked at the moon calendar, I would have thought tonight was the night.

Chills skittered over the back of my neck…like I was being watched. Matthew told me not to be alone tonight! Then came that tingling sensation again.

I took an uneasy step, not okay being alone anymore.

A lightning bold forked down not twenty yards from me.

I screamed, temporarily blinded, waiting for the deafening crack of thunder. None came.

When another silent bolt landed even closer, it zapped the ground with so much force that soil and sparks erupted into the sky.

I was being hunted.

Don't be alone!

The lightning had struck between me and the mill so I ran back a few steps but quickly stepped into water…moccasin infested water. Shit! I cut to the left and around, running on my toes, the mud and muck sucking my boots.

More lightning struck, following me. Actually following me! Only now instead of bolts, I saw spears- like javelins. They were sparkling silver, engraved with symbols, but they exploded like lighting upon impact.

I was fully headed back toward the mill now, my arms pumping for speed now, nearly in hysterics. "Fuck this!" I thought as I ran "Someone is trying to kill me! I'd rather be arrested!"

I crashed through trees, branches scratching my arms, my face, seeming for once to be working against me rather than for me. I was hyperventilating, a scream building in my throat, panting as I ran.

I risked a glance over my shoulder wondering where my pursuer was now. I noticed that my thorn claws had returned, and that was almost more upsetting than the-

I ran right into a man's solid chest. I nearly bounced back on my ass, but a taped hand caught my arm. I craned my head up. Jackson. "What's wrong with you girl?"

I just about fell down in relief. My knees sagged. He caught me. Would he always catch me? I was panting, out of breath, wheezing nearly, a funny little high pitched whine to it as I was nearly crying.

"There's l-lighning!" I curled my fingers to conceal my claws, waiting as they slowly returned to normal. Had they come out because I was terrified? Or because I was being attacked?

"You got spooked by a little lightning?" He looked at me peculiarly, like he was disappointed in me. "I knew you were soft, but damn, Evie."

That look stung. I backed away from him and a tear fell but I dashed it away. "The bolts were so close."

"Shouldn't expect nothing else from a Sterling girl."

"Jackson, I'm telling you, this was different! Think about it! Did you hear any thunder? I didn't! There was just lightening. And it was close! All around me. This was different, okay!?" I was nearly shouting at him now, I didn't know what to make of the look on his face so I turned around to look back at the way I had come.

The woods didn't look so bad right now. No lightning. Nothing special. Just the woods. I was shaking from head to toe and my teeth were chattering. I wrapped my arms around myself and tried to calm down. I looked up at the sky telling myself I was scanning for enemies, but really, I was trying to stop more tears from falling.

"Calme-toi fille." His deep baritone voice was so soothing. He came up behind me and pulled me against his chest, wrapping his arms around my torso, pulling me back against him, nudging my head to the side so it leaned back against his chest and shoulder. His chin was next to my temple. His right hand came up and caressed my left cheek.

"So soft." He kept stroking and my breathing settled as I felt his steady presence against my back. Safe. "You out here alone?"

"I'm supposed to meet Melissa."

"Everybody's scattered."

I turned back to face him, my palms on his chest now. He moved his to my waist. "You came back for me? How'd you find me?"

"I'll always come back for you. I'm good at finding you."

"Thanks Jackson."

"You call me Jack."

"Jack. I like your name though. Just like you like to call me Evangeline."

"Alright then Evangeline, call me what you'd like, but when you're kissing me, call me Jack."

"I can do that." I smiled up at him and he pulled me close. He slid one big hand to my nape, his thumb rubbing my jaw, his taped hand at my waist and the top of my ass. He slanted his head down and his lips covered mine again, no one around to stop us this time. His lips covered mine, sucking on my lower lip, nibbling, licking. His tongue swept into my mouth, taking possession, like he couldn't get enough. I moaned and he moaned in answer, his arms pulling me tighter to him.

My arms shifted from holding his upper arms to wrapping around his shoulders and finally into his hair. I'd wanted to get my hands in his hair for what felt like forever and it felt every bit as good as I had imagined. Thick, silky, jet black strands weaved through my fingers. My fingernails lightly raked his scalp, the back of his neck, down his back as he ravaged my mouth with lips and teeth and tongue.

The hand at my lower waist moved down to fully grip my ass and it felt so good that I rocked my hips into his, feeling a hard ridge against my stomach when I did.

He groaned into my mouth. He drew back. "Never knew lips as sweet as yours. Douces comme du miel." -Sweet like honey. "You got a curfew tonight bebe?"

"No..I'd planned to meet up with Mel though."

"I told you, Cher, everyone's scattered. It's just you and me." His eyes were heated and possessive.

I stared at him silently, unable to think of what to do. I was supposed to go home with Mel, but if she wasn't here and Jack was…I wasn't going home with him. Now what should I do?

"Alright, fille. Viens avec moi." -Come with me. He tagged my hand and started walking with me. "My bike's just over here. I'll get you home."

As Jackson walked his bike and me through the back forty and then through the cane fields, I was glad Jackson was there.