The moment Elara entered the school grounds, she paused, looking around with a raised eyebrow.

Everything was decorated.
Fake flowers were lining the walls, and staff were busy blowing up blue and gold baloons, after which they added them to a large balloon arch. The students were buzzing with excitement, and the overall vibe of the whole place was just different.

What was going on? Was there a party or something?

Elara walked up to one of the janitors working on the balloon arch and tapped him on the shoulder.

'Excuse me." She said as the old man turned around, visibly annoyed with her already, making her think she probably shouldn't be asking him anything.

But then the most disgusting smile spread across his face, his dry wrinkly lips straining against the few teeth that were still rotting in his mouth.

It took everything she had not to gag at the odour that left the man's mouth.

"Yes, gorgeous.." He rasped out, making Elara shiver in disgust. God Roger wasn't kidding when he said the man was creepy.

"May I ask what's going on?" She asked, trying to stay polite.

The old man attached the balloon on the arch with the rest of them as he answered her. "Winter wonderland prom. They hold it every year, " he rasped out, his smile faltering. "I'm surprised you didn't know. Or did you want good old Billy to ask you out?" he asked, that god awful smile returning with hopeful eyes.

Ah right, in the beginning of the school year the principal did mention a Prom being held during winter time, at the time, she was quite excited but with everything that had happened recently, she had completely forgotten about it.

"No.. I don't think I'm going, but thanks.." Elara answered awkwardly and quickly shuffled away, letting the old man continue with his work.

She entered the large school building, ready to get class over with only to flinch when she heard someone calling her name.

"Elara!"

She turned around, seeing a familiar boy jogging her way. A small smile tugged at her lips as he came to a stop before her.

"Hey Roger," Elara greeted him.

"Man, you're a hard girl to find," he said, half out of breath.

She nodded and adjusted her bag that hung losely over her shoulder. "Yeah, I get that a lot. What do you need me for?"

Roger scratched the back of his neck. "Oh well, you see, this is my first year here, and well, you're allowed to say no, of course, but I think you're really cool.." he spoke a bit more quickly than usual, stumbling over his sentences and even fumbling with his clothes. It honestly looked kind of cute.

He looked over his shoulder, where his friend with the skateboard held a quick thumbs up. "And uh. Well.. I was hoping, and I know this is late, but I was hoping if you'd like to go to the prom with me.. Tonight..." A small, awkward smile came across his lips as he finally managed to spill the beans.

Elara giggled; she couldn't help but feel his stress. Honestly, she wasn't planning on going; she didn't have anyone to go with or something nice to wear for the occasion. But the second bit could be easily fixed.

Roger was kinda cute though, and it would be nice to have a normal HUMAN evening for once. Especially with Offenderman's weirdness this afternoon, it could easily be the Last..

"Yeah, I'd love to go with you." She said after some thought, causing Roger's awkward smile to turn into a relieved genuine one.

"Awesome!" He stated and nearly jumped up from excitement. "Should I pick you up at your place, or what would you prefer?" He suddenly asked, and Elara instantly shook her head.

"No, no, we can meet up here. I still have to do some shopping anyway. " she stated, the last thing she needed was Offender and Roger in the same place. Something told her that it wouldn't go very well..

"Alright," he nodded and turned around to go back to his friend only to turn back towards her.

"Do you want me to match?" He quickly asked.

"No, that's fine. I haven't picked anything yet."

"Are you sure? I can still change my pick if you want to."

"Roger, it's fine." She giggled.

"Alright, yes, thank you, I'll see you tonight! I can't wait!" And with that, he walked off, well more like half jogged away. Joining up with his friend who excitedly told him , 'See, he could do it!'

Elara couldn't help but smile, seeing the interaction before walking off to class. She had forgotten that not everything had to have a bunch of question marks in her life.

Now, she just had to survive class.

__________________________________________________________

Classes dragged on for a while, but eventually, Elara found her way back to the exit of the building, walking her way home. She would've gone shopping for a dress immediately if it weren't for the supernatural stalker living rent-free in both her apartment and her head.

'Come straight home after school' Offender had told her, the words echoing in her mind. God, what was he going to do when he learns that she has a date for Prom? Maybe she should buy a shovel instead; she still had time to start digging before he kills her when he heard that Roger is her date...

She groaned, throwing her head back as she looked at the beautiful golden hues of winter dusk. Straightening herself out, she rummaged through the pocket of her jacket and pulled out the scrunched up paper with Roger's number on it.

She still hadn't gotten her phone yet. She thought back on that night, the last time she had spoken to Becky, and the time that Offender had been her rock in a time where she needed it.

In a way, she hated how he was there for her. How he didn't take advantage of her, it made hating him so much more difficult..

After a short while, she finally reached her home. Elara hesitated, well, it's now or never.. she held her breath before pulling out her keys and jamming it in the lock. She pushed the apartment door open and stepped inside.

Suddenly the felt the door rip from her grasp as it slammed shut behind her. The knot in her stomach couldn't be any tighter as she felt his presence next to her. The hairs on her neck stood up as she felt him looming over her.

"You really like testing my patience, flower." He growled, his large hand still pressed against the door.

Elara closed her eyes for a second, letting out a shaky breath. Of course he already knew...