"So, beware, weary sailors, of the Red Duchess, for she may very well be your doom..." I finished my tale with the last ominous line.

The mist that clouded my mind while telling stories cleared.

I slumped back in the chair.

When I started storytelling, I was primarily interested in how people reacted.

I looked around, studying the faces nearby...

Luna seemed... a bit freaked out but delighted—most girls reacted this way...

Perhaps we found some strange satisfaction in portraying a woman as the threat.

The way Zeke reacted, however, intrigued me... He seemed curious, with the usual uneasiness I had expected—I had written the story to evoke it... But it seemed to affect men more than women.

I was always fascinated by dark concepts.

Perhaps I watched too many World War II documentaries as a child(from behind the couch).

I loved old fairy tales, no matter how gruesome.

I researched disturbing topics and read many mythological stories.

I knew I had a dark side, and sometimes, I flaunted it to annoy people.

After all, what better way to get someone off your back than by recounting the tale of Vlad the Impaler?

Zeke looked at me with a certain glint in his eyes.

He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, studying me with such intensity that my skin tingled.

"That is quite a story," he finally commented.

"I hope you mean that as a compliment?" I asked, raising a single eyebrow.

He smiled wryly.

"You could say that... Although it is quite..."

"Bloody?" I guessed.

"Quite eye-opening, but bloody works, too," he chuckled.

The voice of the sports announcer jarred me back to reality.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, we call forward our under-14 football team."

I glanced down at my legs... Somehow, our chairs had moved closer.

I did not remember moving... Our knees were almost touching.

I jumped up, making my way to the edge of the pavilion.

Luna stood, brushing off her pants.

Zeke joined us at the edge.

As we walked toward the field, Zeke lagged slightly, caught up in a conversation with someone.

Luna looked my way, mischief in her eyes... "So… you and Zeke…?" she asked sweetly.

"What about me and Zeke?" My voice cracked mid-sentence, like crumpled paper.

"Well, the two of you seemed to get closer the longer you talked, and his eyes barely left you," she smirked.

There it was, caught.

Luna was many things, but unobservant was not one of them.

"Maybe he was just trying to pay attention?" I made one last attempt at sounding logical.

"First, great story... I listened just fine—without studying the exact shade of brown in your eyes," Luna said.

"Second, while that might explain him, you, Missy, turned a pleasant shade of red when you caught him looking."

She was smug, and I had set my trap.

"Fine, I will give you that... But that does not mean I know what is happening... You have been there the entire time we have known each other," and that was the truth.

Sure, he had the most beautiful eyes, and yes, the look he gave me made my knees weak.

But this was not some fairy tale... I did not believe in love at first sight.

Love took time and effort; it grew like a plant... Without care, it would wilt.

Some love is as resilient as a cactus, but even that needs care.

I was not some desperate romantic yearning for love; I had outgrown that.

Maybe it was the shock of seeing my supposed prince charming leave before we had even dated a day.

Two things can be, at the same time... I do want love and affection.

That is what makes us human, I suppose.

Some people desire only platonic love, while others seek romance.

Do you want to know the truth?

I loved love.

I had read thousands of books—not all romance—and loved reading about two souls meeting and falling for each other.

The crowd began cheering as the team ran onto the field.

Music started, and the cheerleaders launched into their flips and kicks.

The crowd around me oohed and aahed.

Next to me, Luna muttered about how it was supposed to look.

To my untrained eye, they seemed to be doing a great job.

But what would I know?

I have never held a pom-pom in my life.

I would probably break my neck.

No, I will stick to my sketchbooks and writing.

The girls did their final move, and then the game was afoot.

I tried to follow.

I did.

But sport was just not my thing.

I admired those who participated, and that is where it ended.

These kids had talent.

They moved with a brutal grace that you only saw on the field.

I could see my brother(I could always tell by the way he moved).

He was doing well.

Suddenly, he had the ball, ran, and there we had it, folks!

A touchdown!

I heard a shrill whoop, only to realize it was me.

His teammates patted him on the back, and the game continued.

When the final whistle blew, it was declared that Eldertree Academy won.

I felt my face stretching into a broad smile.

We made our way back to our chairs.

Zeke joined us.

I slumped down into my seat.

At first, I looked at the roof of our canopy... Then I glanced over to Luna.

I started tracing the lines of the roof with my eyes.

"So, when did you last see Lydia?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"A few months ago, maybe a year?" Luna replied.

"You?" She asked, almost like an afterthought.

Well, I had seen her more recently, about two months ago.

Lydia Montgomery had been my friend since diapers.

Throughout childhood, we were connected by the hip—the Dynamic duo of the farm kids, total opposites.

Lydia had straight sandy blonde hair, and I had dark brown curls.

Her eyes were sky blue, and mine were honey brown.

She was tan, and I could win a competition with Snow White and Casper the Ghost for having the fairest skin in the land.

She loved sports, and well, I tried for a while.

Lydia was everything I wasn't.

(I think that is why we got along so well.) We have never been in competition with each other in our entire lives.

We could cheer the other on as they achieved their goals.

Last I heard, she shot some buck (on a hunting trip with her father and siblings).

"I saw her a month or so ago, give or take."

Luna looked my way.

"So, have you seen the size of the buck she took down," she gushed... Luna also shot at the shooting range.

She was pretty good too.

"Yeah, I saw," I confirmed... Just in time to see the devilish smirk that grew on Luna's face.

"You know... Lydia could also be a sniper," and we're off.

Talking about the possibilities in our imaginary mob. Finally, we arrived at the topic of torture(as one does). "No, no, but what are our limits? Where do you draw the line?" Luna asked the burning question. I needed to think for a minute.

"Well, that depends on the offense... If they owe money, a dead rose in their locked house and/or ominous notes. Just to let them know nowhere is safe," Luna nodded sagely to my input.

"Some Blackmail for risky situations," another nod. I looked toward Zeke. He was listening intently.

"For traitors, a million tiny cuts, and then

you treat it with lemons, alcohol, and salt," with this Luna perked up. "Ok, so what about the bad people," Luna asked as if we were running a mob. That gave me pause, not because I didn't have ideas. Mostly because I can be a bit dark.

"Well, obviously, they can't continue as they were before... there need to be consequences," the cogs were turning in Luna's mind. I could see it. "How do we get rid of the bodies?" I was just about to answer when I heard Zeke shifting.

"I can help with that," Zeke offered. I turned so fast that I almost got whiplash. I lifted my eyebrow in question. " I'm a bit of a Chemist," he declared. "So if anyone knows how to get rid of bodies, it's me." Zeke had a crooked smile. It was utterly deranged; I loved it.

The dark, twisted part of my soul danced around in my ribcage. I sat forward in my seat. " Well, my good sir, tell me more." My own smile was probably a bit manic. Zeke seemed to brighten up even more. He was off like a shot. Mouth running a mile a minute. Speaking with such passion, such vigor. Chemistry wasn't just something you studied to him. It was art, it was creation, it was life. And I got to see such passion in front of my very eyes. Suddenly, I cared about about chemistry.

In the corner of my eye, I saw Luna leaning back in her chair(a smug grin on her face). I fought the urge to stick my tongue out at her. Finally, Luna seemed bored of me looking like a wet kitten, glaring at her.

"Ok, but what do we do about the child lovers."

For a minute, the world around me seemed to stop spinning.

The question we have all been thinking about.

Let's be honest here. We all thought about what we would do to those low lives if we got the chance. Zeke piped up," I say let them hurt in the place where it matters most," and so the universally agreed-upon method was voiced.

"Ooh, use a thin knife and make a hundred small cuts, " Luna said, a bit too into the idea. "What about a hot knife," Zeke added. It seemed like an awful amount of time spent on a person that wasn't even worth worm shit. "A grater," I said without a thought. Huh, the guard in front of my mouth must have been laid off.

I was met with two horrified faces looking at me. Ah, so this was where Zeke ran for the hills.

Surprisingly, he stayed. ( Probably because he realized that what we both suggested was a bit. Ah, unsavory.) Luckily, we dropped the topic.

"So, are you originally from this area?" I asked conversationally. Zeke smiled, "Born and raised." He looked at me, lifting an eyebrow like saying, 'Your turn.' "I was raised on a farm a few miles from Thornwood," a look of recognition flashed behind his eyes. "We also have a farm near Briar Ridge." I could not believe my ears. We used to have a farm near Brair Ridge. A lot of good memories there. Briar Ridge is probably the town you encounter before you contrast the end of the world. There is a bar, a police station with one officer (you will find inside the bar), a café, a school, and a hotel. It is small and beyond rural, and it's perfect(unless you need the police.)

"No way. My family used to farm there. What do you guys farm with?" Zeke sat back as if he needed to think deeply.

We farm with cattle and sheep, and we have goats(mostly they are just there)." I had to laugh at the comment about the goats. Dad used to farm with them when I was younger. They are menaces with horns. I loved them; I used to carry the orphaned lambs all around the yard.

" So... do you enjoy it?" At that, he seemed to almost pause. If I hadn't looked so closely, I would have missed it. "Oh yeah, it's great. Nature and everything is interesting," he smiled wistfully. Like he was there sitting under his favorite tree. He seemed to shake it off. ( a crying shame)

"And what about Genevieve Lorraine Whitwood?" He asked. "First, my middle name is Isabelle. Second, love the farm. So many things to see." Zeke was looking into my soul.

"Ahem," Luna cleared her throat. "Sorry, bad throat, you know." Her face was anything but apologetic.

"Vieve, you need to see this."

Suddenly, there was a phone in my face.

When I pulled it away. I saw a photo of a book that seemed to be in a guy's hand.

" Is that the guy you told me about?" Luna seemed to bounce in her seat. "Yeah, and he got me the book I mentioned," she was beaming.

"Lu, that's great," she seemed to brighten up even more. Wow, that was so great. Luna got sucked into her phone.

"Wow, I'm happy for her," I smiled. "And you? Anyone to get you books?" Zeke asked. I looked up, startled. I had not expected that question. "Besides my parents, no. Why are you offering?" Zeke got a smug smirk on his face. "I could be..." That made me snort. (hey, I never said I was a lady) "I'll have you know. I only date people I have at least known for 3 months."

It was a rule I made (when I was about twelve.) I was terrified of being trapped in a relationship.

I still use it. It's comforting to me, a Wall that protects me against horrible people.

Zeke smiled.

"I'm waking up to ash dust

I wipe my brow, and I sweat my rust

I'm breathing in the chem..." Zeke was juggling, trying to answer his phone. Luna was laughing so hard she fell from her chair. "Hello, Mom," Zeke answered the phone. Luna was still gasping from laughing,

her face making a great impression of a tomato. Zeke gave her a lethal glare.

I was so confused.

"Oh, I'll start making my way there. Ok, love you bye..." He hung up.

"What just happened?" I asked.

"My mom called. She said she was picking me up," Zeke replied.

"That I got, but why is Luna reacting like that?"

Zeke glared at Luna.

"Someone..." he said pointedly.

Luna's giggles renewed.

" Changes my ringtone every time she gets the chance. It's always related to science, too. Last week it was 'Toxic'..." He seemed to

act annoyed, but I had an idea that he could keep her out of his phone if he wanted to.

I shook my head, amused by their antics.

"Come on, your mom is probably waiting for you." Zeke seemed to remember why his phone even rang.

Luna pulled herself from the ground. Zeke heaved himself up from his chair. We walked around the field. The sun was painting the sky pink and gold.

Zeke touched my shoulder. I stopped and turned towards him. He had such an endearing, crooked smile.

"May I have your number?" The world around me became muted. My face grew warm, and a smile probably invaded my face.

I was going to do this. I was giving my number. This was the first time a guy asked for my number, and I gave it.

" Sure, let me just get my phone..." my voice sounded strange to my own ears. I fished around in my handbag for my phone. "There," I handed my phone over.

In a flash, my phone was back in my hand. Zeke gave Luna and me quick hugs. Soon, he was in his mother's car and disappeared behind the trees.

It felt as if a whirlwind had just blown through my life.

I felt a buzzing in my pocket, where I stashed my phone. I opened my texts. There was a Unknown number.

'So... Three months, Or was it three weeks'

th

My smile grew tenfold. I must have looked manic. Luna glanced over my shoulder. "Wow, he is doing this."

Luna looked incredibly smug.

The field was now occupied by various children. Some were passing a football, and the rest chased each other. We dodged a rouge ball. Finally, we settled down in the stands. The sun had set. The last orange faded into a deep purple, and the stars started to peek out.

I leaned back, the cold metal digging into my back slightly. "So, how are you doing at school these days?" Luna smiled imploringly, waiting for my answer. "Good, you know marks are relatively good. I have great friends. My classmates and I are cool. Subjects are difficult, but I'm managing," I smiled at her. And you?" I asked.

Her smile fell slightly. "Well, I'm doing good in school. But I mostly sit with the guys." She looked unsure. As if I would judge her. I nodded at her to continue. " The girls are just too much. Too mean, and I tried Vieve. I really tried, but it's like they hate me." I nodded, thinking back to my own experiences.

Mean girls are not really a problem for me anymore. The grandma I'm named after had a very useful saying, "I'm the biggest bitch in the world, but I'm never the first one." These days, I live by that. Luna was too good of a person.

I smiled softly at her. "I even befriended one of them when the rest pushed her out. The next thing I knew, they took over, and I was the one who was being kicked out." Luna was clearly upset.

I felt for her. The difference in my situation was...

Both times I left my group were voluntary. The first time (was in sixth grade) when the bullying got too bad with the girls. The second time, when Tyler and I drifted apart.

These girls were clearly jealous. That...or they knew there were no repercussions. My bet was on the first one. Luna had a magnetic presence. She was beautiful, talented, and above all she was kind. It was a kindness that radiated from her, making her breath-taking. Those types of girls hate it when others are getting ahead in life.

I heaved myself up from where I sat, offering Luna a hand. We made our way down the stands onto the track. All while chatting about random everyday things.

Luna came to a stop at some canopies. She slumped down in one of the chairs. I was about to continue in some rant about some book.

Coming closer to us were two girls. Both were thin, one blond, the other had black hair. They seemed like the type of girls you would find on a runway or basketball court.

"Hi, I'm Cassidy, and this is Emily," the blonde one said. In the corner of my eye, I saw Luna tense slightly. Cassidy was smiling, but I was no idiot. Cassidy wasn't here to make friends, that's for sure. The fakeness felt like cling wrap all over my skin. She was scouting me.

I smiled the same smile she sent me.

"Hi Cassidy, Hi Emily." I made intense eye contact as I shook her hand. I softened (slightly) when I got to Emily. She seemed unsure of how to react to the entire situation.

" Hi, Luna," Cassidy greeted. She had a cheerful tone with something just slightly off. I knew that tone. I had heard that tone from every bully I ever had. It was the tone they used when an adult or someone they didn't know was around. Cassidy did not know me. She did not know if I would be a threat.

Well, she was about to find out.

I smiled my biggest smile. I grabbed Luna around the shoulder." Well, our own national treasure here was showing me around," I smiled the way I smiled when I charmed a teacher into not giving the class homework.

There was a split second (where Cassidy pulled a face but quickly corrected her face.) I was pushing her buttons. Good. "So, where are you from?" Emily cut in. "Whispering Pines High in Thornwood," I replied.

Cassidy leaned forward slightly like she smelled blood. It was too bad for her that I wasn't a weakness she could exploit. "Play any sports?" Cassidy inquired. "Nah, not really my scene, more of art girl." At that, her eyes began to shine, and she clearly had an idea. She seemed to drop that line of questioning, but I was under no illusions that this was the last I would hear about it.

"Luna, why have I not seen you the last couple of weeks?" she smiled sweetly.

I had a feral urge to snarl at her, but,

instead, I smiled at her.

She was doing this on purpose. If I confronted her, she would cry. I looked at Luna; she was grinding her teeth. "Oh, I'm sorry. Are you friends?" I made my eyes extra big. " I just thought that all her friends greeted us already..."

I was getting on her nerves, good. "Let's play a game," she suddenly suggested. Her eyes darted to the basketball hoops a few feet away. "Come on, I'll show you."

Emily followed her. I shrugged at Luna, and we followed. At the hoops, Cassidy looked pleased with herself. "So, basically, we all stand around the hoop, and each time you get the ball through, you take a step back," Emily looked vaguely confused. "Emily is one of our shooters," Emily shifted in place.

I felt my eyebrow raise.

Cassidy went first. She winded up her arms, let the ball go, and missed. Then she passed the ball to Emily, winded up, let the ball go, and also missed. To her credit, it was a close call. Then she passed the ball to me.

I held the ball above my head, aimed, bent my knees, launched, and flicked. And it went in. All those hours of shooting practice in 6th grade finally paid off. Cassidy's smile twitched on her face. Luna shot, and it bounced against the hoop. Cassidy went again and missed. Emily tried and missed. I got one again. Luna had one in. Cassidy missed and was turning redder by the minute. Emily got this one in. I shot again, and it was in. Luna missed. Cassidy missed. Emily got one in. In it went in again. A miss for Luna.

The next few were a mixed bag. Some I had in, others I missed. Halfway through the game, Cassidy started talking on the phone. The game started going dead after that. Cheers to Emily; she was a good sport. "Vieve! Come on, you should come eat," I looked over to see my brother and sister.

Luna and I made our way to the canopies. When we got closer, we saw Dad chatting with one of his best friends, Uncle Elliot. Dad's expression showed utter joy. He and Uncle Elliot had these overall jacket sleeves on. (They came from the same jacket.) My mom and Aunt Nessa were laughing at their antics.

Let me tell you about Uncle Elliot and Aunt Nessa. They have been there since I could remember. The Grahams are the salt of the earth. Uncle Elliot is always friendly. He always had a helping hand.

(You always knew who to run to from Dad's friends if you had a scraped knee)

Aunt Nessa is also very kind, but she is also very fit.

Everyone knows that she used to be a cheerleader.

(The rumor is that it may even have been for Dallas)

So, every few years... you would see cheerleader hopefuls flocking to her.

They had two beautiful daughters.

"What is happening here?" my mom's giggles renewed. Aunt Nessa smiled mischievously, " Those master grillers made a minor mistake. "They forgot they needed team uniforms, and your Uncle Nick has not arrived with the spices."

My mom chimed in. "They found your father's old overall jacket stalll..."

Mom gestured to the stall filled with various spices and salts. I studied the spices on the table...

Rosemary, garlic, cilantro, and, of course, salt.

I glanced over at Luna. She was trying to contain her giggles (and failing miserably)

I looked at Luna's canopy and saw that the judges were there. Her family had aprons. (What a contrast to my Dad's overall sleeve.) They had actual plates, and we only had the metal roasting dish Dad brought. Looking around, we seriously missed the memo.

The other tables had tablecloths, and one even had flowers. We had none of that, just our good attitude and the meat.

I lumped down into my seat next to my mom. Luna sat right next to me.

I felt my phone buzz, Zeke had sent a message. Luna was wiggling her eyebrows. And I was competing with tomatoes all over the globe. My mother eyed me from the corner of her eye.

Finally, the judges came to our stall. Dad cut the meat and handed it to them fresh from the grill. The judges seemed to enjoy it. When they wandered off. Dad and Uncle Eliot came over with the roasting dish. We all ate, not a utensil or plate in sight. Some soda was handed out. Luna even partook. There was laughter in the air.

The night came to an end.

We greeted those who we knew.

Then Luna opened her mouth... " Has Vieve told you about..." I gave her a look.

My mom raised her eyebrow in question.

"I met a guy today. His name is Zeke Vale." I could feel my face heat up, a shy grin.

My parents shared a look... "I think we may know his family..."