It does look pretty at night. The paper lanterns glittered the library under the pale moonlight as they hung on thin strings, giving an illusion of it levitating. I wouldn't be surprised if the books start talking in this magical place. I couldn't stop staring at the ceiling above me. It was too much for a school, but everything had to be extravagant for the rich and elegant. A peasant like me would never understand. 

I hadn’t talked to Mariel as so many people wanted her help. She must be brilliant because no one was asked the other two other tutors here, who seemed to ignore me every chance they got. 

Ms. Crawford hovered over Mariel like a hawk. I could tell that Mariel didn't like her, as evidenced by the cinnamon in her voice. She was a good actor toward Ms. Crawford, acting like she didn't have this grudge. It was customary for people to be fakers and phonies. It was part of growing up and the reason why I wish I were still a kid. I don't have to worry about going off-script and offending someone.

I had been stuck on this algebra question for five minutes. The numbers seemed to merge the longer I stared at it. Yeah, I wasn’t good at math, and it was probably the most straightforward question ever. I was glad Mariel was not here to see how stupid I was, as I would die from embarrassment.

"Having trouble?" A foul voice said behind me.

"No, I think I'm good," I responded, not looking at him.

He walked away. His heavy feet became a distance noise as I continued to stare dumbly at this easy question. I kind of hoped that he would help, but no. Never. There was no reason to hate Mr. Ross, but I couldn't stand to be around him. 

Emotionless. 

Tasteless. 

Disgusting. 

He doesn't seem like a bad guy, yet I couldn't shake the feeling that he was up to something. Perhaps it was my nerves, but the suspicion was there.

I closed my book and put it in my backpack. No one would help me, as I was too invisible and nonimportant in their snobbish eyes. It was too bad that math was my morning class. I could have tried to do it during the "study period." They should change the name since students weren't actually studying in those, and I know it. "Break Time" would be a better fit.

Dad told me to call him when I was done. He was predictably happy that I asked to stay late. Dad might be working on a project and doesn't want people around. He doesn't like to show an unfinished product, and I don't blame him. It was hard to see a masterpiece not completed. I wasn't too fond of incomplete works myself. 

I looked at my cell phone, a black old-fashioned flip phone, under the table. It was not like my parents couldn't afford to buy a touch phone. I never needed one except for emergencies. I would get teased if word got out, but Mariel probably doesn't care; however, her friends might, and I don't want to be the catalyst of their friendship ending.

"Have you been waiting long?" Mariel asked as she sat down next to me.

The unknown pull was intoxicating and alluring to be around, yet I couldn't help but enjoy it. It was too easy to be consumed by it. How did I expect to run away from it if the person who had it was the only one nice to me?

"No, not really," I said, putting the phone in my pocket.

"Did Mr.Ross help you?"

"No, I didn't need any help. I figured it out on my own," I lied.

"That's great! I'm sorry I couldn't help," she frowned, "I'm disappointed that the others didn't help you."

She was so angry today. It was wonderful.

"It's fine. Besides, I wanted you to be the one helping me, but I guess I wasn't the only one. You must be really smart."

"The others are smart too, but they are also arrogant."

"I guess no one wanted them either," I said blankly.

She chucked, "I guess so."

"Aren't you worried about your brother being accused of nepotism?" 

Was it appropriate to ask? It was common in places like this as many rich people have free tickets from family members and other connections to enter places like these. Mariel's brother works here, so some people might think that Mr.Ross treated her differently. 

"Not really," she shrugged," I only help him pass papers and clean up," she leaned over and whispered, "He's given me a C for being late on a project."

"Ouch." It was not that bad. Having a C was a soft punishment compared to getting an F.

"He shows no mercy, not even for me," She looked away, "He knows others would use our relationship against him."

"Like Ms. Crawford?" I guessed.

She straightened her lips.

"I can tell you don't like her."

"Is it that obvious?" she gasped.

"I'm just good at reading people," I said, biting the top of my lip.

"So you also know she's bad news?" She glared at Ms. Crawford for a while before turning her attention back to me.

"That I don't know."

"She's already stirring up trouble," She shook her head, "promise me that you won't get on her bad side."

"I promise."

I doubt it. Trouble seems to follow me whatever I go.

She gave me a warm, genuine smile. I tried to mimic her smile. It feels off and foreign to me, but I managed to do it.

"It's about to be wrapped. I'll see you in the morning."

"See you."

My chest was aching as I watched her walk away. I yearn for that pull of hers, and it was painful to have it taken away in an instant. I was afraid this would happen, but it was too late. I meant it when I said it was like walking in the rain. It was nice as long as it didn't storm.

I hope it never does.

I put the rest of my things away and climbed down the stairs to call my dad outside. It was dark and gloomy like a castle dungeon down here. A cool breeze brushed past my face, but I was unsure where it came from as the windows and doors were closed. Maybe it was just a feeling that something was brewing as the air got heavier the further I went. A prisoner stood behind the desk at the bottom of the stairs. Her ashy blond hair blended in the background, and her gray eyes glowed in the dimmed light.

"Leaving already?" She asked, grinning cheerfully.

"Yeah," I said, hiding my confusion.

Why was she smiling?

"Well, be careful," The woman said, hiding her fear.

"I will."

I would be fine. Nothing was going to happen. Was this for the librarian or me? I won't be far. It was outside, in the dark alone. Alone.

The monster…

Nothing more than a figment of my imagination, and besides, I didn't see it at all this morning. It lurks in the shadows. 

It wasn't real. It didn't even enter the house. 

You smiled at it. 

It was not real. It was not! 

Shut up, brain!

My body began to shake. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. "It's not real," I repeated to myself, but I knew it was not true.

I would go home and go to sleep. I need that. Homework? I lost it. I was very irresponsible, Mr. Fish. Was that believable? Because it wasn’t working.

Ugh.

I didn't expect it to be this freezing this early at night. I hugged myself for warmth as I sat on a steel bench, seeing the magnolia tree a few feet ahead of me. It was the middle of spring in New England, was it supposed to be this cold? I looked beyond the darkness of the night, and the stillness of the world gave me chills. There was no sound besides the screams in my head, begging me to run and hide.

It was just like… that night.

No..nononononononono.

A smile formed on my face. Damn it! In my haste to cover it, and ended up dropping my phone. It skidded on the ground and landed near the stairs. Fantastic! I stumbled out of my seat, holding my hands over my mouth, crawling over to it. I picked it up with my shaking left hand and fumbled with the buttons. It won't turn on. I didn't break it, did I?

I sense that dread, hatred, and overbearing anguish I felt the day before. There was no denying it anymore. The curse was finally starting. So much for a happy life. It was the end—my punishment for the trouble I caused for others. 

A chill ran up my spine as I slowly lifted my head, looking at the faceless hooded figure hovering over me, staring back at me, and I knew it was smiling. Dark as night, a true monster with the smell of death so terrifying that it had come to take me to Hell.

"Finally," its voice was husky, "We get to meet."