"Eve, I know you're excited," a woman called, her footsteps echoing up the stairs. "But why don't you come downstairs for breakfast? I made—"
The door creaked as the room came into view. The bed was made, but the room was still.
"Honey? Where are you?" She glanced into the bathroom. It was empty.
"Gah!" She sighed in exasperation, turning to leave—
"Aah!" She suddenly screamed, spotting a girl. Her hair was black as the night sky, her sparkling dark brown eyes alight. She wore a flowing black robe with pointed sleeves, a simple open cut at the front, and a hood draped over her shoulders. A decorative scarf, which read "valedictorian," and a flat, square mortarboard with a tassel were on her head. A mischievous smile spread across the girl's face.
"Oh my word, Evelyn Wallis! How dare you scare your mother like that!" her mother scolded, clutching her chest.
Evelyn burst out laughing. "Mum, I... I didn't mean to, b...but you sho...uld have seen your face!" she giggled.
"This is the thanks I get for raising children," the mother mumbled, shaking her head.
"Honey! Is everything okay up there?" A male voice called from below.
"Just your daughter being her usual self," the mother yelled.
Evelyn walked up to her mother linking her arm with hers. "But come on, Mum, that was funny," she teased as they walked out the door. Not a word escaped her mother's lips.
"I'm sorry, Mum, Mummy, Mama," she coaxed, nuzzling her head against her mother's neck like a young cub seeking attention.
"Okay, okay. Your hair is starting to get into my mouth," the mother laughed.
———
The scent of freshly cut grass, warmed by the Austin, Texas sun, mingled with the nervous buzz of a thousand voices. A large banner hung above the entrance, stating: CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF XXX!.
It was Graduation Day at Austin High. The fields were parked with Fords, pickup trucks, and Toyotas, all dwarfed by the excited throng of students. They milled about in their flowing gowns, some striking poses with families, fake boyfriends, hopefully forever boyfriends, roommates, friends—real and fake alike. Others were locked in animated discussions about post-ceremony parties, yearbook photos, or dramatic last-minute breakups.
Three years of her life spent within these walls, and now it's finally over. A smile tugged at her lips, her eyes moving through the crowd. She certainly wasn't going to miss these ostentatious people.
"Valedictorian!" A redhead repeatedly waved their hand in front of her face.
"Huh?" Evelyn murmured, pulled out of her thoughts.
"Eyes forward. Mum wants to take a picture of you," the redhead said, stepping back.
"Hazel! Why don't you stand in for the picture with her?" the mother suggested. Crouched behind the camera, her eyes intently focused on the digital screen, one hand steadying the camera body and the other curved around the lens, fingers delicately rotating the zoom ring. "I don't think I've ever taken a proper photo of you."
"I will for the next one," she responded with a playful smile.
"Okay," she turned to Evelyn. "Dear, more teeth," she instructed, one eye focused on the digital camera lens. Evelyn put on a soft smile, her lips slightly pressed together. The little boy beside the mother, Josh, raised his fingers to the edge of his lips and pulled them up brightly, showing off his pearly white teeth. Amused, Evelyn mimicked him.
"Now that's not so bad," the mother complimented, capturing the moment.
"Hey! Mrs. Wallis! Don't forget about us!" Two girls yelled, running through the field.
"I can't believe I'm out of breath every time I run," one of the girls gasped coming to a stop, bent over, hands on her knees.
"Sorry, Carole and Grace. I couldn't seem to find you girls in the crowd."
"No problem," Carole said. "I just hope you don't forget us when you arrive at your dream school—" she paused and looked at Grace.
"Valedictorian!" They chorused, Evelyn's lips quickly sprung up.
"Okay girls, enough chit-chat! Smile for the camera!" the mother cut in.
The three friends lined up, wrapping their arms around the others' backs. Sharing a knowing look, they counted down—then leaped into the air just as the camera clicked.
———
"Carole! We haven't even gotten to the party and you're already wasted," Grace scolded. They walked side by side across the grassy field. An almost full moon, which sparkled along with the stars, parted a way for them. A song could be heard drifting from a distant house.
"C'mon. It's not that bad," Carole slurred, wobbling slightly with each step.
"Plus, you gils are drunk too!" Carole yelled, pointing a shaky finger at them. They looked at each other and burst into laughter.
"You're hilarious," Evelyn and Grace chorused, Evelyn gently bringing down Carole's finger.
"You know? What you just did—" Grace's voice trailed off. Evelyn's gaze snagged on a red-headed figure disappearing behind tall trees.
"Hazel?" She whispered. Why is she here.
"Wh… did you s…say?" Carole stuttered.
"O-oh! Nothing really," she responded, shifting her gaze to Carole. "I want to check something."
"What's that? Can't we just leave it for now? We're almost there," Grace glanced at a house a few blocks down. Lights spilled through the windows, reflecting off every surface and hitting every face standing on the porch, where bottles and cups were raised above their heads, vibing to the music. The party was in full swing.
"Take care of Carole. I'll meet you girls at the party..." her voice trailed. She ran back the path they came from, turning, she saw them further down the road and abruptly veered into the woods.
———
"Hah….Hah…Hah…" she wheezed. Running on a stomach filled with alcohol isn't one of my brightest ideas. She straightened her back, clutching her stomach. Glancing around, tall trees loomed over her, their twisted branches casting eerie shadows in the moonlight. The subtle rustling of leaves made her flinch—the redhead nowhere to be seen.
"I was sure I was following her…" she whispered to herself.
"Why are you following me?" a soft voice breathed beside her ear.