Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ The Skeleton's Grin ❯ Prologue: part 2 ( Chapter 2 )

 

 

 

Chapter Two

Prologue: Part two

 

I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spoke: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer. -Bible

 

Jacob screamed as he fell to the ground for what seemed like the hundredth time. He cringed and withered on the ground thanking God that this time they didn't pick him up again.

“Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic.” Johnny spat. Stephen kicked him hard in the side. He knelt down atop of Jacob and held him by the collar of his shirt. He punched his over and over again in the face.

“You stay away from my girlfriend! You hear me?! You stay away from me!” he yelled. Johnny and Bryan pulled him back and away from Jacob.

“Relax Stephen. We're not done with him yet.” Bryan hissed. Jacob repressed a whimper. Bryan pulled the letter from his back pocket and read aloud.

“`Since I know I'll never have the courage to send this letter, I can say that the day I shoot you, I won't get arrested, and on the day of your funeral I will pee on your coffin and dance until my hearts content! Bastard.' If you don't even have the balls to send this letter, there ain't no fuckin way your ass is bringing a gun to school. You wanna see what real balls look like Jakey? Get ready cuz your about to get an eye full.” Bryan smirked as he unzipped his pants, the rest of his cronies following his lead. Jacob tucked his chin into his chest, doing his best to protect his face as they peed on him. Eric kicked him in between the legs one last time for good measure. They pulled off his shoes, launching them onto the roof. They took his book bag and left him alone in the courtyard. By the time they were finished with him, his entire chest and face was bruised, he had a busted lip and nose, a black eye and he was pretty sure that he could no longer have children.

16. Don't cry.

It was too late. A tear rolled over the bridge of his nose, seeping into the crevice in the walk way. His body ached badly.

17. Get up.

Jake grunted as he tried to sit up, his body failed him. This was his ultimate low. He could never show his face again, he had been pissed on for Christ sake. Perhaps it was for the best if he just stayed here and died. Praying he would die.

18. Don't get up.

He went back and forth between the two for hours. By the time he finally reached a decision it was almost 8 o'clock.

107. Get up

Jake stood up, limping as he made his way to the open door. He didn't bother to look for his book bag or shoes, knowing something terrible had befallen them both. As he made his way home he began to hum `Lucifer's Lullaby'. He thought of Adam and what he told him. `Tell Lilith I said hello.' is what he said.

108. Shower.

Jacob slipped inside quietly; he began to head up the steps when his mother caught him.

“Jacob Icarous Arthur! Where have you been?!” she huffed behind him.

“Detention.” he said, continuing to walk up the stairs. He reached the bathroom door when Abbey stopped him.

“Jake I- what's that smell?” she flattened her nose.

“What Abigail?” he hissed, turning his back to her.

“Look Jakey I wanted to apologize for-” she began

“You are not forgiven.” he spat.

“Now that's not fair I-” she began he turned around quickly. She gasped.

“You wanna know what's not fair Abigail? Having a bitch of a sister like you! Do you ever think about what comes out of your mouth you stupid, stupid girl?! I don't care if you're trying to help! Keep your fucking nose out of it! Regardless of what you think you only make things worse! So just mind yours!” he snapped, gripping the doorknob tighter. Abbey tried to bite back on a sob as she ran to her room. Jacob sighed and closed his eyes. He was getting a headache. He sighed again and walked into the bathroom, he would apologize later. He turned on the water and shed his clothes. Not bothering to wait for the water to warm up he got inside. He sat down and let the water wash over him. He began humming that melody again, that tune that seemed to haunt him. He shut his eyes and was lulled off to sleep.

 

#

 

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she held the child underwater in the tub. She glanced over her shoulder as she heard the bathroom door rattling. She screamed once as they broke through the barricade she'd made.

“Lilith!”

 

#

 

Jake sat up, gasping and coughing as if he himself had been submerged in the water. He put his head in his hands. There was that name again, Lilith. He had to know. He had to know who she was.

109. Ask them straight out! Don't take no for an answer!

He stood up, his fist clenched confidently! He was a man on a mission. Nothing could stop him now! He showered with a new determination, got out when he was clean and dressed for bed. Jacob limped down the steps and hobbled up to his parents at the kitchen table. Slamming his hands down on it, he opened his mouth and spoke.

“Mom, Dad. There's something I-”

“What's wrong honey?” his mother asked, putting down her cup of tea. Her face fell when she gazed upon him.

“What happened?!” she yelled standing up. This tore Ed away from the book he was reading entitled `ten steps to become a better you.' He grimaced.

“I got into a fight at school; it's nothing to -ow!” He hissed as Ed pressed down on the tender swollen tissue about his eye.

“So this is why you didn't come straight home after school?” he frowned, walking over to the freezer, reemerging with an ice pack.

“Yes and no. I was late to most of my classes today.” He graciously took the ice pack and put it over his left eye.

“So what? One of your teachers punch you in the eye? Do we have to talk to that gym teacher again?” Ed smiled.

“It's not funny!” Jake spat.

“Who did this to my poor baby?” his mother frowned as she stroked his cheek. She and Ed began to converse with themselves about who they thought it could be. Jacob shook his head.

“Look! It's not important! Did you ever have a patient at the hospital named Lilith?” Jake sighed. Ed and Carol exchanged glances.

“Lilith? No…No, I don't think so. Why do you ask?” Ed rubbed his chin.

“Well it's just-”

“Oh! Jake! Where did you disappear to this morning? Your letter from John Hopkins arrived yesterday! We all wanted to be here with you when you opened it!” Carol smiled and handed him the envelope she picked up from off the counter. He stared at it for a moment, not knowing whether he should be happy or sad or nervous. He wasn't any of those. Truth of the matter was he didn't really care anymore. He put the letter down on the table.

“I have-”

“Well?” Ed cut him off. He sighed and glared at him.

“Well what?” he spat.

“Open it!” His mother gripped his shoulder enthusiastically. He winced and pulled away from her.

“Mom!” he hissed.

“I'm sorry! I'm just so excited!” She clamped her hands together as she pranced from one foot the other. Jake sighed again and opened the letter. He read the first sentence and his heart swelled. `Dear Mr. Arthur comma. We reviewed your application and are elated to inform you that you have been excepted into John Hopkins University.' He sprang out of his seat.

“I got in.” he said in disbelief.

“You got in?” Carol asked, grinning like an idiot.

“I got in!” Jake yelled, she screamed and threw her arms about him. They danced around the kitchen until Ed pulled him into a half nelson.

“I knew you could do it kid!” He gave Jake a noogie. Carol touched his arm, laughing.

“He's been beat up enough Ed.” She gently pulled him away.

“I'm so proud of you!” Ed bellowed. Jake trembled slightly as he found his way back into a chair, he was feeling light-headed. He put the ice pack back over his eye and sighed. Ed strode around the kitchen.

“Champagne! Beer! We need to celebrate!” Ed shouted.

“Ed! He's not even 18 yet!” Carol hissed.

“But this is- I'm just so proud of him!” he hugged her. She pursed her lips together.

“Sparkling cider.” she crossed her arms when Ed let her go. “There's some in the basement.” Carol smiled as Ed kissed her cheek.

“Come on Jake.” he cocked his head toward the basement. Jake sighed and stood. He followed Ed into the basement and waited as Ed pulled out the key to his and Carol's private home office. Ed stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. He reemerged seconds later with a bottle of brandy and two shot glasses. He walked over to the entertainment center and sat down on the leather sofa, placing the small glasses on the side table. He poured the honey liquid slowly, being careful as to not spill it. He handed a glass to Jake and raised his.

“To you. In hopes that your studies lead to a long and successful life.” He downed the shot quickly. Jake did the same and coughed, almost spitting the liquor out on the neutral carpet.

110. Never again drink brandy. Ever.

It burned down his esophagus and into his stomach. It filled him with warmth that made his head spin. His head began to throb in protest.

“84! This is the good stuff!” Ed laughed as he poured himself another shot. He offered the bottle to Jacob who declined profusely. He put the glass down on the table and bade his step father good night.

Back upstairs, he was surprised to find Abbey standing by his desk, thumbing through one of his journals.

“What are you doing?” he wheezed, then cleared his throat. Abbey looked up; startled at first, but then she smiled.

“Just reading a poem. I heard you got in. Congrats.”

Jake swallowed hard, but the lump in his throat would not go down.

“Thanks.” He mumbled. They stood in awkward silence for a moment.

“Look, Abbey about earlier. I didn't mean any of the stuff I said. I was angry and-”

“It's alright Jake, I understand.” She smiled, “Night.” She walked past him, kissing his cheek before she left, closing the door quietly behind her. Jake walked over to his desk and straightened the papers.

“Hm.” He pursed his lips together, still feeling something was a miss. He pressed the ice pack to his eye yet again and crawled into bed. He was exhausted; as soon as his head hit the pillow he was fast asleep.

Jake groaned as he felt tiny hands shake his shoulder and pull at his hair.

“Jake! Jake wake up! Let's play!” April giggled. Jake glared at his alarm clock, it read three thirty A.M.

“Not now April.” He rolled over.

“But you haven't played with me all day! Just one game! Please! I won't even hide hard!” She whined. Jake sighed angrily and threw off the covers.

“FINE! One game!” He hissed before counting to ten. He heard April's tiny feet scamper away. He would have fallen back to sleep but he knew she'd just bug him again. He tip toed down the steps and saw that she had left the basement door open.

“I wonder, I wonder where little April could be. Hmm?” he said in a hushed voice. She giggled from down stairs. He smirked. This would be the quickest game of hide and go seek he's ever played. He trudged down the steps and saw April trying to get into Carol and Ed's private office. He sighed when April started sobbing.

“It won't open!” she sobbed. He patted her head and reached for the handle.

“Well of course it won't open. It's always-” Jake stopped when the door opened under his touch. Maybe Ed had forgotten to lock it back. He turned back to April who smiled.

“She's waiting for you Jacob.” she rocked on her feet. Jake looked at the door. For some reason his heart was pounding in his chest.

“Who?” he looked back to April but she was no longer there. Of course not. Jake swallowed hard before pushing open the door. He flipped on the switch and frowned, slightly disappointed.

The room was fairly large and oddly symmetrical. On either side of the room was a desk with out a computer, a single desk lamp and bookshelf beside it. The right wall was littered with shelves of trophies and metals, clearly Ed's side. Carol's side held nothing but degrees and family pictures. Further back was a couch that sat in front of a fire place. Beside it was an open globe that doubled as a bar. Behind the sofa sat four two draw filing cabinets.

Jacob glanced at the door then at the cabinets, hoping that no one would walk in on him rummaging through them. He knelt down and scanned the labels. He stopped realizing that he didn't know Lilith's last name. He pursed his lips together and pulled open the cabinet marked A through Ce and began flipping through each one.

“What are you doing?” someone yelled behind Jake. He froze. He stood up, biting his lower lip.

“I was- well the door was-” Jake turned around slowly and gasped, holding on tight to the cabinet. In front of him stood neither Ed nor Carol. It was a boy, no older than him. He wore a beige tunic that had been stained with blood. He wore a smile on his face as blood rolled down his cheek, an axe sticking out of his head. He chuckled. Jake turned around quickly and began to look through the drawer again with a new focus. His breath caught in his throat when he felt the man's hands on his arms.

“Your looking for her aren't you. That whore you call a mother.” He hissed in his ear. Jake tensed and continued to search, faster now.

“ANSWER ME CAIN!” he yelled when Jake did not respond.

“Y-you're only a figment of my imagination.” Jake moaned. The grip tightened on his arm. Jacob yelped as he was thrown across the room.

“ANSWER ME BROTHER!” he yelled.

“I- I'm looking for Lilith.” Jacob whimpered, tears pricking the corners of his eyes. The boy began to laugh darkly.

“Don't worry brother.” the boy pulled the axe from his head, weighing it in his hand, “I'll send you to her personally.” He smiled darkly at Jake. Jacob whimpered, repeating “you're not real” over and over again under his breath. He let out a cry when he felt the blade of the hatchet sink into his cheek and yank out.

“LEAVE ME ALONE!” Jake screamed. And there was nothing. He opened his eyes and saw nothing. His hand shot up to his cheek. A thin layer of blood coated his finger tips. At his feet was a rather thick manila folder marked `Lilith Cane'. His hands were trembling as he clutched the folder to his chest. He scrambled up the steps. When he was safely in his room, he locked the door and flipped on the lamp on his desk. He centered the folder on his desk and backed away quickly, afraid it would explode or something. He began to pace the length of his room, biting his thumb nail. Ed and Carol had lied to him. But why? And what's worst he was having deranged delusions again.

Read it.

Jake took a step towards the desk before turning around quickly. No, he shouldn't. If Ed and Carol didn't tell him it was for reason. But what could they possibly be hiding.

Read it!

He eyed the folder with interest, spitting out his torn thumb nail. What harm would it do? Jake sat down and opened the folder. A top of the huge pile of paper was the admittance form. He turned the page slowly. A blue tab stuck out from the corner of the yellowed paper. It read:

October 13th, 1988

She refuses to speak. Though I have given her a few days to `adjust'

before requesting the first session she remains quiet, staring

out the window or at the floor. Occasionally she laughed which

startled me but is a classic sign of schizophrenia.

 

 

Jake flipped to where the next tab was sticking out. This one was green and red.

November 21st, 1988

Lilith finally opens up to me. She comes bouncing into the session surprisingly happy. I thought it was because she was beginning to like her new home. When I asked her what the occasion was, she smiled the sweetest smile and tells me that she's met someone. Upon hearing this I am a little concerned. This hospital has an upstanding staff. I would never imagine one of the people employed by me would take advantage of a patient. I concluded of course that `he' was a delusion. Brought around by the stress of being in a new place. I delve deeper into this and asked her to describe `him'. She says he is only five years older than her. He sings her to sleep; they talk about politics, art, and music. He reads her poetry and brings her flowers. She's lonely. I suppose it's the expected response. When I asked her what type of songs he sings. She replies `my lullaby.' And then falls silent, eyes wide and glossy. I've lost her to that other world.

 

Jake sped through the rest of the year. Nothing seemed to change except for on May 26th, 1989 Lilith told Carol that the name of the song was Lucifer's Lullaby and that Lilith refused to be seen on several occasions. The page for July 18th, 1989 had two red tabs, a black one separating them.

July 18th, 1989

This morning I was greeted by David, the attendee. He told me that last night during the graveyard shift, as he passed Lilith's room he heard humming. When he looked inside he couldn't quiet see in the darkness but he was sure he could make out a second person. Troubled by this new information I canceled our session and brought Lilith to the medical wing to have her examined by Harold Delahunt. Perhaps I shouldn't have placed such hopes in my staff. I am waiting outside the examination room and it's difficult to listen to Lilith struggle. I've grown quiet fond of Lilith. Like the daughter I'm not able to have. When Harold entered the hall he seemed quiet disgruntled. This sparks means for concern. He tells me that she has not been violated but needs to eat more and she will have to see him once a month. When I asked why he stared at me for a moment, eyes bulging before saying she's exhibiting signs of anorexia and he wants to make sure she is at top health.

 

September 26th 1989

 

Lilith no longer speaks of her gentleman friend and seems now more withdrawn than ever. None of the attempts I have made have worked. I think now that we are over feeding her the way that girl is growing in girth. At times I wonder if Herald was wrong in his diagnosis. Any way, if Lilith keeps up this behavior I may have to turn her over to Ed for physical therapy.

 

There was a gap between that day in September until November 2nd, 1990.

November 2nd, 1990

 

Two days after the incident. This session will be recorded. Memo to self: 317648 block C

 

Jake ran his fingers over the small cassette tape taped to the page. Jake tore it off quickly and rushed over to the boom box by his bed, shoved it in and pressed play. There was silence. Then sobbing.

“Give him back! Please! I won't- I won't do it again!” Lilith whimpered. Even though her voice was broken she sounded wonderful to Jake, his heart swelled. Like hearing your favorite song you hadn't heard in years.

“Lilith, Dr. Harold told us that you had your baby last year. Why did you ask Dr. Herald to keep Jacob's birth a secret?” It was Ed who spoke. There was silence.

“It…it must have been very frightening for you to go through this alone. Can you tell me who the father is?”

Silent still.

“He…he told me he had to go away. He told me that it would hurt. He told me to do it.” Lilith whispered.

“Who?” Ed sighed.

“He told me I had to kill Jacob so they could be together. I didn't want to but I promised.” her voice broke.

“Clearly she was rapped! I don't know why you even-” Carol began.

“I WASN'T RAPED! HE LOVES ME! HE LOVES US! NOW GIVE ME BACK MY BABY!” Lilith yelled. There was a lot of noise, the sound of scuffling chairs

“HOLD HER DOWN!” Ed yelled before the tape cut off. Jake swallowed hard. He…he was Lilith's baby? Everything seemed to be so far away as his world came crashing down around him. The past sixteen almost seventeen years of his life had all been a lie. He felt hallow. He always thought he was a bit different but to be someone else's child? The thought had never crossed his mind. His heart pounded through his chest as he flipped through the folder finding a stack of letters that had all been addressed to him and opened. They dated all the way from when he was six to two weeks ago. His heart skipped a beat as he ran his fingers over the letter from his sixth birthday. He made his T's like her and S's.

 

Dear Jacob,

Its mommy. Yes, your real mommy! Don't listen to that woman! She's a bad lady and won't let mommy come and see you. But don't worry. I'll come and get you and we'll leave. And we'll go see daddy together.

I love you very much

Mommy

He read through the rest his heart growing heavier with each one. All these years. These were his letters! How dare they open them! Angered blossomed in his chest flipped to the next section. Six tapes, 37 letter, 18 drawings and countless notes later Jacob reached the end of the folder. He turned back to the beginning and read it again and again until the irritating buzz of his alarm clock distracted him.

Jake took several deep breaths as he pressed his palms to his temples. He couldn't think straight. He couldn't focus on his list. All he knew was he had to get out of the house of lies as he now referred to it. When he reached the school, he'd forgotten his glasses and was wearing mismatch shoes. He'd never gone to school in such an untidy state. His plaid button down shirt was unbuttoned, his undershirt, un-tucked, even his jeans were hanging off his hip. He didn't bother neatly parting and combing his hair, wearing it in a messy, wild fashion. He'd even forgot to grab a jacket to ward off the chilling October air.

He paced in front of the school, waiting for its doors to be unlocked. April waiting with him, skipping at his side. He glared at her before stopping abruptly.

“GO HOME!” he yelled before returning to biting his thumb nail.

“But don't you want to play?” April gazed up at him innocently.

“No. NO! I NEVER want to play! You NEVER leave me alone! GO AWAY!” he barked.

“But we played hide and seek last night. Let's play tag or hop scotch.” she squatted down and picked up a rock.

“Don't pick things up off the ground.” he said sternly.

“Then tag.” April lightly touched his arm before running around screaming and giggling.

“April! You-would you-April!” he growled in frustration, running his fingers through his tangles. As she ran past him for the umpteenth time he grabbed her little wrist tightly.

“STAND STILL!” he yelled. April looked up at him with wide dewy eyes. Jacob sighed and dropped her hand.

“Look, today isn't a good day for games.”

“But its-”

“NOT today. I'm not in the mood. I'll play with you tomorrow.” He sighed.

“Tomorrow?” April frowned, “But…you can't tomorrow.”

“And why-” Jake whirled around as someone tapped him on the shoulder. He'd seemed to drawn a crowd. He looked down and saw Abbey staring back at him, worried.

“Jake, who're you talking to?” She said slowly. Gently. Jake folded his arms across his chest, nibbling at his raw thumb as he turned away from Abigail.

“Jake?”

“April.” he mumbled.

“Who?” She looked at him sympathetically.

“What do you mean who?! She's standing-” Jake stopped as he stared blankly at the place where April had stood. He turned toward the school.

“Nobody. I wasn't talking to anyone.” he spat bitterly as he felt the eyes of the speculators on him. The anger that he managed to keep down burst. He turned around on the top step.

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU STARING AT?!” he yelled. Abbey grabbed his arm and pulled him inside quickly. She pulled him into an empty classroom and closed the door.

“Jacob! What's wrong with you? You…you look terrible.” she hissed. Jake messaged his eyes before answering.

“I -nothing. I just didn't get much sleep last night.”

“No kidding.” she scoffed. Jake sat down on a desk and put his head in his hands.

“You know without the attitude this whole sloppy look really suites you.” she smiled. Jake laughed once.

“Are you ok now?”

“Yeah.” Jake grimaced.

“Good because I have some good news. Yesterday when I was on the phone with-” Jake stopped listening. Useless gossip. As he sat on the desk an idea began to form in his mind. He had to meet her. If only it was once. He had to confront her. Ask her why she tried to drown him…who his father was. He wanted to know if his madness was shared with hers. Jake chewed on his lower lip. Tomorrow night he would infiltrate Shady Oaks Institution for the Mentally Ill.

“Did you hear me?” Abbey giggled.

“What?” Jake looked up.

“I said Rhea might ask you to the dance.”

“Rhea?” He said quietly, his heart skipped a beat. Rhea. “The dance? Me?” he half smiled.

“Yeah! I'm so excited! You guys are gunna look so cute together!” she squealed. Jakes face fell. Of course he would like nothing more than to dance the night away with Rhea. But-

“I'm not going to the dance.” he stood.

“What?! B-but you have to!” Abbey said, looking rather panicked.

“It's just some dumb high school dance. There are more important things.” He pushed past Abbey, she grabbed his arm.

“But it's your senior year! You have to go! It's mandatory you go to everything.”

“I'm a rebel in plaid.” he said flatly. Abbey pouted.

“Not even for your baby sister?”

A jolt rocketed through Jake's body. Abbey wasn't his real sister. His heart sank a little more.

“No. Not even for you.” he ruffled her hair, a pained smile on his face as she swatted his hand away.

“Jake?” she cast him another concerned look. Jake took a deep breath and grinned.

“I'm fine, really. I'll see you later okay?” he kissed her forehead and walked out of the classroom.

For the rest of the day Jake was in and out of the school library. He even ventured out during his english period to city hall. It was the first time he ever skipped school. He combed through blueprints of Shady Oaks and its history. Or at least all that town hall had to offer. He sat in the corner of the lunchroom keeping to himself in his madness.

“Shady Oaks?” he jumped as Rhea sat across from him, “You doing a project?” she smiled. Jake stared at her, and then looked around. He pointed at himself. Rhea giggled.

“Yes you.”

He looked around again, fear drilling into his stomach as he looked around for the Asshole Brigade, especially Stephen. He began to gather his papers hurriedly.

“You shouldn't be sitting here. You-you shouldn't even be talking to me! I have to-” he stopped when Rhea touched his hand.

“It's alright Jake. I heard about what they did to you yesterday. And…I got your letter.” she blushed.

“Oh god.” Jacob groaned, sinking back down into his chair, putting his head on the table.

“I broke up with Stephen because of what they did. And…because,” she paused, “Because I still have feelings for you too.” she whispered. Jake smiled but did not lift his head.

“So what's with all of this stuff on Shady Oaks?”

“I'm-I guess you could say I'm doing a report.” he rested his chin on his folded arms.

“Don't your parents own-”

“They're not-I mean…they wouldn't tell me when I asked. Said…said it was cheating.” he mumbled, spreading the papers back on the table.

“Oh? Looks like your about to break in to Shady Oaks. I mean blueprints?” she smirked, picking up the paper. Jake stared at her for a moment before pursing his lips together and looking anywhere but at her. Was it that obvious what he was going to do?

“Jake are you alright?” Rhea touched his face, making him look at her. The sullen look on his face broke.

“Yeah, just a little stressed.”

“Oh. Okay. Well…well I was wondering if…if you wanted to go to the dance with me tomorrow. It's your birthday right?” she smiled.

“Yeah. Yeah it is.” Jacob frowned, in light of everything, he'd forgotten. It seemed so insignificant now. An painfully awkward silence fell over them.

“So me, you, the dance? What do you say?” she placed her hand on his. His heart sank a little.

“I'm sorry.” he pulled his hand back, “I can't.”

“You…you don't want to?”

“NO! No! It's not that! I mean I would love nothing more than to go to the dance with you. But it's just that I have something I have to do. Something really important.:

“Well…I'll just come with you then.” she smiled. Jake's head shot up.

“No. I couldn't- I can't ask you to do that. It might be dangerous! You could get hurt!”

“I'm a big girl. I can handle myself.” she giggled. Jake couldn't help but smile. “So where are we going?”

Jake paused.

“I'm going to sneak in to Shady Oaks tomorrow night.” he looked at her then panicked at the look on her face. “F-for the-um-for my paper.”

“Oh. Okay. Who knows it could be fun.” she smiled.

“You're serious?”

“Of course I am. Makes for a good Halloween story doesn't it!” she giggled. Jake shook his head.

“You always did like the strange.” he chuckled.

“And that's why I love you.” She leaned across the table kissing him full on the mouth. The bell rang.

“I'll come by your house around eight thirty.” she waved before leaving. Jake stared after her and smiling to himself. He felt quiet pleased with him self until he saw the Asshole Brigade at the end of the day. Stephen leering at him murderously but did nothing. Perhaps his life was turning around after all.