As dusk settled in, the sky transformed into a vibrant tapestry of orange and lilac, streaked with golden rays from the setting sun. It was the kind of breathtaking view that made one pause. Outside, near the central bonfire, the group was still gathered, roasting marshmallows and chatting. Nick had just finished spinning another one of his mythical tales, leaving the group both skeptical and intrigued—especially after Shadd backed up his claims with uncanny accuracy.
Tiffy's house stood near an avenue flanked by dense forest on both sides. As the night deepened, bats began to swarm the trees around the veranda where the group had congregated. Their incessant screeching grew louder, unsettling the atmosphere.
Tiffy wrinkled her nose. "Guys, the bats are killing the mood with their creepy noises! I say we head inside."
Teacher Sally quickly agreed. "I can't even focus anymore. Let's get inside and kick off the final DJ session!"
Everyone obliged. Inside, the guest DJ launched into a heavy mix, sending beats through the house. Teenagers drank, others got high. Nick, completely intoxicated, danced wildly with Tiffy. Meanwhile, Shadd and Jasmine opted to stay outside near the pool.
Curious, Teacher Sally joined them. "Hey, Jasmine, Shadd. Why aren't you two joining the party?"
Elizabeth glanced at Jasmine, then replied dryly, "We're just vibing by the pool. Might even take a swim."
Sally raised a brow. "Swim? Do you have spare clothes? You don't want to go home soaking wet."
Jasmine smirked. "Maybe we'll just ask Nick to drive us home in our Halloween costumes. It'll be legendary."
Sally chuckled but then turned serious. "Nick? He's drunk and high. That wouldn't be safe. This party could go on until dawn."
"We're just joking," Jasmine said quickly. "Obviously, we wouldn't do that."
But then Shadd tilted her head, eyes narrowing. "If I may ask, Miss Sally… do you have feelings for Nick? Just curious. No offense."
Caught off guard, Sally looked away briefly, then sighed. "Yeah… I do. I even made you temporary captain to distract Tiffy and maybe get closer to him. But it didn't work. Lately, Nick's been kissing and clinging to Tiffy in public. They're inseparable. I used to have real moments with him—private study sessions in the library, favors in class. But then I got reassigned, and another teacher replaced me."
Shadd and Jasmine exchanged stunned glances.
Shadd probed further. "Do you think Tiffy had anything to do with your transfer? Her dad is a congressman, and he's tight with the school admin."
Sally blinked. "Wait—Tiffy's dad is a congressman? That explains so much…"
"Yeah," Jasmine said. "He funded school renovations. But she probably enrolled here for Nick. They've known each other since childhood."
"Then she definitely pulled strings to get me reassigned," Sally muttered. "She wanted me out of the picture."
Jasmine carelessly added, "What about the Pizza Inn incident? You got sick after that date…"
"Ouch!" Shadd elbowed her.
"What?" Jasmine whispered.
"Don't bring that up! You'll ruin everything if she freaks out."
Trying to change the topic, Shadd smiled. "What my friend meant is—we don't have proof Tiffy poisoned anyone. That's a serious accusation."
But Sally wasn't convinced. "Still... both of us got food poisoning that day. And we were both close to Nick. I've seen the way Tiffy treats anyone near him. I think she's behind it. I don't have evidence, but maybe we should retaliate."
Shadd's expression darkened. "Retaliation? She could get you fired! She's connected. She'll find out and hit back harder."
Sally crossed her arms. "She almost cost me my life. I have to do something. What if I revoke her captaincy and reinstate you instead, Shadd?"
Surprised, Shadd hesitated but nodded. "If you do, just be careful. She's dangerous."
"I will. But don't get too close to Nick, either. Let them be. It's not worth it."
"I'll stay away," Shadd promised. "Let's just cool off for now."
At that moment, Nick stumbled outside, reeking of alcohol. He staggered toward the group but tripped and fell—pulling Shadd into the pool with him.
"Oh my God! Nick!" Shadd screamed, flailing in the water. "He's drowning! Someone help!"
The party revelers rushed to the scene. A volunteer dove in, pulling Nick to the surface. On the ground, someone performed CPR until he coughed up water and alcohol before regaining consciousness.
Tiffy, panicked, rushed to his side. "Nick! Oh thank God!" She cradled him in her arms. "Please, help me carry him to his room!"
As Nick was taken inside, soaked and shivering, Shadd stared at her own drenched clothes. "What am I supposed to do now? I can't go home like this."
Jasmine nodded. "We'll have to ask Tiffy—carefully—if we can get a ride."
"Let's wait," Shadd said. "Maybe after most people leave…"
To lighten the mood, she yanked Jasmine into the pool. "Come on, let's swim!"
"Elizabeth! What are you doing?" Jasmine shrieked.
"Relax! When's the last time we swam like this?"
"Fine," Jasmine sighed, splashing back. "But if my parents ask…"
"Just say a drunk kid pushed you in."
Later, while Teacher Sally scrolled through her phone nearby, she announced, "It's getting late. I'm heading home. You girls take care."
"Bye, Miss Sally!"
"Do you think Nick sobered up by now?" Shadd asked.
"Maybe. He's more reasonable than Tiffy. Let's try him later," Jasmine said.
"But we can't go inside while soaked…"
"We'll wait out here. He'll come out eventually."
"Smart thinking."
As they floated at the pool, Jasmine brought up Nick's earlier myths. "You said something about hybrids, right? How do you know about that?"
"My granddad used to tell us stories—about the Crispins and the Liputians. The Liputians had four magic gems they used to control others. The Crispins stole them, supposedly."
"Are you saying Nick's a Liputian descendant and you're from the Crispins?"
"Maybe. It's just old family lore."
"Still... the bats came after we mentioned it."
"That's coincidence. Bats are nocturnal. Anyway, it's a full moon tonight."
They both looked up, watching the moonlight shimmer over the pool.
Suddenly, a swarm of bats darted overhead.
"Why are they flying so fast?" Jasmine asked. "You think they're delivering a message?"
"Don't start," Elizabeth said. "Let's just enjoy the water."
Later, nearing midnight, the party had thinned. Nick emerged again, this time looking more alert.
"Hey, it's late. Don't you think your parents will be worried?"
Jasmine smiled. "Actually, we've been waiting for you. You pushed Shadd in earlier. She got soaked. Then she pulled me in. We can't go home like this. Any chance you could give us a ride?"
"Of course," Nick said. "But get cleaned up first. I'll wait."
The girls quickly slipped inside the house, got changed into dry clothes from Tiffy's spare wardrobe, and met Nick at the car.
"I've got the keys," he said. "Let's get you home."
As they drove along the avenue, the forest loomed darkness on either side. Nick reassured them, "I'm sober now. You're safe."
Jasmine joked, "I think the hybrids are chasing us!"
Suddenly, the car stalled.
"What the hell?" Nick muttered. "It won't start!"
"It's pitch dark out here!" Elizabeth cried. "Are we supposed to walk?"
"We'll figure this out," Nick said, stepping out. "I'll call Tiffy for help."
Back in the car, Jasmine whispered, "You think I jinxed us with that hybrid joke?"
Elizabeth nodded, eyes scanning the forest. "Next time, let's keep those stories to ourselves."