Shadows
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The school felt different the next morning. Not louder, not quieter, just... off. Like something in the air had shifted overnight, and no one but Edison noticed.
He brushed off the feeling, blaming lack of sleep. But as he passed the science wing, a fluorescent light flickered above the display case. The faint reflection that shimmered in the glass, dark hair, pale face, didn't belong to anyone walking by. When he turned, it was gone.
By second period, he'd convinced himself it was his imagination. Still, when he glanced across the classroom at Anna, she was watching him. Not just seeing him—knowing. Like she recognized something about the thing that brushed past him in that hallway.
At lunch, Nora slid into the seat beside him. Her tray clattered, breaking his trance.
"You okay?" she asked.
"Yeah."
For a heartbeat, the world seemed to hush. A cool breeze circled their table even though the windows were closed. Neither spoke of it, but something in Edison's chest pulsed, faint, warning.
He didn't know yet that the air carried Gracie's voice, trapped between walls, whispering what she couldn't say aloud.
Nora thought she heard it too, just a breath of sound: Don't let him change.
Later
It was a little after 8:00 p.m. when Nora called Edison.
"Hey, what's up?"
"I can't do this anymore..." Her words came out broken, tangled in a sob.
"Slow down. I can't understand you. Take a breath."
Nora drew in a shaky breath and let it out.
"Talk to me." Edison's calm voice washed over her like a warm wave.
"They arrested Dad—but only for a night unless Mom presses charges. She had an ice pack on her face. Again." Nora's voice cracked. "Did you hear me, Edison? I said again."
"I'll be right there."
"I don't want you to go to any trouble. Aunt Lianne's here. It's not like I'm alone."
Nora stared at the shiny blue polish on her fingernails and wondered how pathetic she must sound.
"I'm picking you up. Okay?"
"I guess... but am I interrupting anything?" She sniffled. Ugh, I must sound disgusting, she thought, dabbing her nose with a tissue.
"No, you goof. See you in five."
"Thanks."
"What are friends for?"
Click.
Nora looked at herself in the full-length mirror beside her dresser. She smoothed her red long-sleeved T-shirt and dabbed concealer beneath her eyes. Then she slung her purse cross body, grabbed her jacket, and headed downstairs.
Her aunt was in the kitchen, making coffee. "Hi, sweetie," Aunt Lianne said softly.
"Hi. I'm hanging out with a friend for a while."
"Which friend?"
"Edison."
Lianne's shoulders eased. "Alright. Don't come home too late, though."
"I won't."
Her aunt came around the counter and hugged her. Nora let her, though she always felt awkward being comforted.
"I'm so sorry for what my brother's done," Lianne whispered.
Nora looked away. "I know."
"I'm always here for you. You know that, right?"
"Yes. Thanks, Aunt Lianne. It means a lot."
A few minutes later, Nora stepped into the cool night air. The street was quiet.
When Edison's silver Nissan pulled up, headlights cutting through the mist, she hurried toward it.
"Sorry for the hassle," she mumbled as she climbed in.
"It's never a hassle, silly. Want to go somewhere, or just hang out?"
"I don't know what else to do this late. I'm not hungry. Are you?"
He shook his head.
"We can go to your place. Are your parents asleep?"
"They're not home. Remember? My great-uncle's funeral in New York. They'll be back Sunday."
"No, you never told me."
"I'm sure I did. Or... thought I did." His brow furrowed.
"You've been the absent-minded professor lately," she teased. "Don't forget my birthday—it's coming up soon."
"Since when have I ever forgotten your birthday?" He smiled that slightly crooked grin that always made her heart skip.
He had the best smile, effortless, a little lopsided, with eyes that twinkled behind his glasses. Jeez, Nora. Get a grip. You've been best friends since second grade.
"Since never," she said, grinning. For the first time all day, she felt lighter.
Later - Same Evening
They sat side by side on Edison's couch, wrapped in a throw blanket. A bowl of half-eaten popcorn and two Cokes sat forgotten on the coffee table. Alien's end credits rolled quietly on the TV.
Sparky, Edison's black miniature Dachshund, yawned and climbed into Nora's lap.
"Sweet but gross, Sparks!" she laughed when he licked her face. He wagged his tail and curled up between them again.
As Edison reached to pet him, his hand brushed hers. A faint tingling spark passed between them. Nora pulled away, embarrassed.
"Hey," she said quickly, "can we talk about what happened to Carter and Alex the other day?"
"Later, okay?"
"Yeah, sure." She tried to sound casual, but his tone chilled her. It felt like he was hiding something.
Her phone buzzed on the coffee table. "Hello?" she said, picking it up.
Edison watched her.
"Okay... yeah, I'm fine. Is he okay? I'll see you tomorrow. Love you too. Bye."
She hung up. "My aunt has to leave for the night. My cousin got caught drinking and puked all over my uncle."
Edison chuckled. "Wow."
Sparky started to snore.
"You're welcome to stay here," he said.
"I haven't stayed the night since we were little. I'll be fine."
"I know you can handle it," he said gently. "But I'd feel better if you stayed. I'd go to your place, but Sparky needs looking after."
Nora looked down, tears threatening again.
Edison moved Sparky aside and put his arm around her shoulders.
Why am I crying again? She thought miserably.
"Just stay here tonight," he murmured. "I'll take the sofa."
"I feel weird."
"Whatever for?" He rubbed her back. "Sit tight. I'll get the room ready."
"Thanks, Edison."
"No problem. Be right back."
Half an hour later, Nora was tucked into Edison's bed. The scent of Febreze hung faintly in the air. On the nightstand was a small stack of books and digital clock.
"You're an awesome friend," she said.
"As are you." He smiled, pausing in the doorway. "Get me if you need anything."
"I think I'll just sleep. Thanks."
"See you in the morning."
He closed the door quietly.
Nora switched off the lamp and pulled the comforter close. Her thoughts drifted to Edison sleeping on the sofa. In her dreams, he asked her on a real date.
A little later, Nora suddenly woke. The clock glowed 3:00 a.m. Weird. She was usually a sound sleeper.
She slipped out of bed, the air oddly cold, and padded toward the bathroom. After washing her hands, she glanced up and froze. A stranger stared back at her in the mirror. Long dark hair, a silver streak glinting down one side. Eyes too sharp, too knowing. A slow, curving smile that wasn't hers.
Nora screamed.
Downstairs, Edison dropped his book. He shot up, Sparky barking frantically, and bounded up the stairs.
He threw open the bedroom door-empty. Then his gaze snapped to the bathroom.
"Nora!" He pounded on the door and she opened it.
Nora stood there trembling, wearing his T-shirt and sweats, her hair tangled, eyes wide. Three red scratches streaked down her right arm like claw marks.
Everything felt fuzzy. Was it real? She could still feel the burn.
Sparky growled, hackles up, circling her feet.
"I think your house is haunted," she whispered.
Edison looked from her face to her arm - and believed her.
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~~~
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