That next morning I felt oddly exhausted. When I was thinking to hard about something it tired me out. Even though I was dead tired, I couldn’t show it, my mother may question me if I did. So I just did my usual. Brush my teeth, brush my hair, wash my face, get dressed, and then go downstairs for breakfast.

Claire was serving the food and I could already smell pancakes. Jamie, my younger sister, was already eating. Claire must have done something to her since she was the most well mannered and most behaved 4 year old you’d ever meet.

After the long, quiet meal, like they all were, Claire drove Jamie to preschool and me to my high school. I felt somewhat anxious as we drove up the unloading area. My eyes searched for another pair of eyes in the crowd. I couldn’t find them.

“I won’t be home until 10:00 tonight. Your father and I have an important meeting to attend to at church. Your sister already has a sitter so you’ll be alone. I’m sure you understand?” Claire said with no hint of concern.

“Yes. I’ll just eat some leftovers and stick to what I usually do.” No explanation was even needed. She knew I had no life or any rebellious thoughts.

“Alright.” Was all she said to me before I closed the door and she sped away. I looked on at her driving away for a minute.

Classes started as usual. I couldn’t help the feeling of anxiousness welling up inside me again though. I hadn’t seen him all morning. Then again I didn’t have any morning classes with him. I had to be patient until homeroom.

Homeroom came and still no sign of him around. The teacher called out his name on the attendance so I knew that I hadn’t just imagined him. Still, where was he? Again the class focused on our duties to contribute to the upcoming dance. Of course our theme was approved, so again, I’d have no option of attending the Halloween dance. I was bored again. Nothing to look forward to today. Throughout the class I just did homework.

It wasn’t until halfway through the class that he finally arrived. I looked up a bit to quickly as the door opened. Any of my crushed hope possibly rekindling. A fire started as he walked in. I tried to act like I didn’t care as he handed a note to the teacher and walked towards me. He sat in the empty seat behind me in the back of the room.

“Homework again? Why don’t you help out for this big celebration they’re planning?” He asked leaning forward a bit. I did not turn, instead I continued writing.

“Because I can’t help out at all. I don’t have an imagination. Plus, it’s a Halloween dance. I can’t have anything to do with Halloween. Claire would slap me if I ever even mentioned it to her.” I continued writing.

“Oh really? More of that religion mumbo jumbo? You know, at Halloween, a lot of people dress up as ghosts. I’d fit right in.” He grinned, even if I couldn’t see it, I knew. “You should sneak out. Come to the dance and just see what it’s like.”

My pencil stopped. Sneak out? Was he insane. No, he was, I already knew that.

“Sneak out?” I mimicked in astonishment.

“Yes, sneak out.”

“No.” I said flat out. It wouldn’t never be possible.

“Why not?” There goes his questions again.

“Because it’s impossible.”

“You’re friends with a ghost. I don’t think you need to worry about the impossible.” I turned to look at him. I wasn’t as comfortable with the casual term ‘ghost’ yet but I was more shocked at when he said ‘friend’. Were we friends now? I’ve never had a real friend. Did I even know what one was. Maybe I would find out.

“What… am I supposed to do?”

“Just tell your mom you have to work on a project with a partner from school at the library. Then say you’ll be there until it closes. Simple and easy excuse which she shouldn’t question to much, considering it’s you.” He smiled.

“Did you just think of that? Or have you been planning this?” I asked a bit shocked. Was he a stalker or something?

“I just thought you should get out of the house some more and see what the real world is like.” He shrugged.

“What if I don’t want to know what the real world is like?” I spat back at him.

“It’s a little late for that isn’t it?” He grinned smugly.

“Whatever…” I gritted my teeth in defeat.

“Okay, so want to try out the plan today?”

“What? Why? NO. You said Halloween. That’s when we’re doing it.” I protested. I didn’t want to raise any unnecessary suspicions.

“Well we have to make sure it’ll work ahead of time. Then this way, it’ll seem like it’s a big project that needs a lot of work. Besides…” He brought his voice so low that it was impossible for anyone else to hear. “…Then I’ll have more time to be with you.” My heart accelerated.

“Don’t say stupid things.” I leaned away from his whisper and began writing again.

“Hm, anyways. I’ll come to your house after school. Tell your mom that your partner is coming to pick you up for a class project and…”

“My mom isn’t going to be home until later…” I interrupted.

“Oh? Then maybe I’ll just come over and stay then.” He smiled. I didn’t object. Did I want him to come over? No, impossible. I hate him… no way did I want him to be at my house. No way did I want to spend time with him. But then… why wasn’t I telling him no?