Chapter 20

Dear Diary,

The wendigo is gone, finally, and mom talked to the council about it. They were so proud of me. I have four days left...it's not getting any easier, with the sudden craving for blood, the sleepless nights, and not being able to focus on anything.

I got a text from Chase last night after the fight. He wants to hang out. Mom and the council mustn't find out, but I know he is a good guy. And I want to give him a chance.

The bell rang for the first period. I didn't get much sleep last night due to the sudden craving for blood. I saw Denise now. She was with Corner. What was she doing with him?

"Inez!" she called as I ran to meet her. "Geez, you look drained. Do you want to go see the school nurse?"

"No, I'm fine." I dragged her away from Corner's side. "What are you doing with him?" I whispered, trying not to let Corner hear us.

"Nothing...he just wants to borrow my note...and yes, we are late for the first period." She said, and I looked behind her shoulder, but Corner was already gone. That was fast.

We both entered the classroom, and I saw Chase and smiled at him. He smiled back. I walked to my seat and sat on the empty seat next to Corner. I could feel the aura again; danger... is the dangerous type. His sunglasses were fixed on his face again. I don't think everyone has seen that face without sunglasses covering it.

"So, guys. How excited are you?" The principal walked in during the period.

Everybody focused their attention on her and murmured to themselves, wondering what's going on.

"We are having our first field trip this year. Don't you guys know about it?" She asked again. "Anyway, it's this Friday. It's going to be so much fun."

"Principal Elise."

"Yes, Jada."

"Are we going to camp? Like, is it an overnight sleepover?"

"It's not a sleepover, Jada; we are going to camp, obviously, and don't forget to bring your sunscreen; it's going to be hot." She smiled.

"Principal Elise."

"Yes, Maddie...go on."

"Should we bring our bikini?"

Everyone in the class started to laugh, especially the boys.

"Bring anything you want, my dear." She finally fixed her eyes on me and pointed at me. "Inez and Chase, meet me in my office now. Get ready for a fun Friday." She said as she walked out of the class.

I stood up and looked at Chase, then we both walked out of the classroom.

~~~

"Take a seat." Principal Elise offered us.

"Thanks, aunt," Chase said as we both sat.

"So, I saw your performances in class. They are improving, Chase, and I think we both know who is making you lose focus in class." She fixed her gaze on me.

"Me? What did I do?" I asked, clueless.

"Auntie, I know dad was here, but Inez wasn't the reason for my poor performance. I was just going through a hard time...the football match competition is coming this fall and I don't think I can cope, trying to combine my education with a sport, so Inez isn't at fault here. It's all me."

"I'm sorry Chase; I didn't know you were going through this," I said as he smiled at me.

"Inez, I'm glad you want to work on this friendship with me, and you are not at fault for anything that happens to me."

"And Inez, I noticed your performance too. You are coming along, and I need you to study more. Maybe get yourself a tutor or something."

Chase looked at Principal Elise. "I can be her tutor aunt."

"No, Chase, we will find another for her. You just said that you can't cope with education and your games...so, I don't think you should tutor her."

I know I was the reason his performance got low, but I didn't know he would lie to his aunt about that.

"I think I'm more comfortable with Chase teaching me," I said.

"Okay, since you both want that, then I guess he can tutor you." She sighed. "You can go back to class now."

We both stood up and walked out of her office.

~~~

"So, now that the period is almost over, how about we skip this one to go have some fun?" Chase said as he held my hand. And yes, the chemistry happened.

"But Chase." I wanted to hesitate, but I like him too, and it kills me every time I don't see him, even though I don't show it.

"Hey, let me show you something."

"What is it?" I asked.

"You are going to like it. I promise...just come." he said as we both walked out of the school premises.

He pulled into a parking space; we stepped out of his beat-up green car, and I was met with the smell of sea salt and the shrill cry of seagulls overhead. My eyes traveled to the large sign that stated, in big, red, white, and blue peeling letters, that I had arrived at The Bar and Grill.

A sailboat was painted in the left-hand corner, and a wind chime swayed softly from an awning containing the same print that hung over a white metal door with a circular window in it.

The paneling on the sides of the building was a bit dirty, but added to the feeling that this restaurant was once a boathouse. I walked up wooden stairs to the door, strands of old and yellowed sustainably draped across the railings, and I smiled as he opened the door and we stepped into the warm space.

Long windows let in weak sunlight that streamed onto the gray carpeted floor. The walls were painted gray, while black metal light fixtures let soft light light up the room.

People chattered happily to each other at the small, square wooden table where the legs were wrapped with thick twine and the wooden chairs had blue leather seats. Along the back wall of the grill looking out onto the harbor was a line of wide booths with the same blue leather upholstery and large wooden tables.

We passed a group of guys playing on bright yellow foosball stands in the corner behind them. A large wooden wheel that was used to steer ships was placed on the side of a white counter, and I stopped to take it all in. This place was cozy and just the right place to come to. I had a feeling I would be coming here more often.

"This is my favorite place. My uncle owns it."

"It's nice...let's go grab a seat," I said.