Page 6 of Fang Girl

“What do you mean?” I whispered.

Kylie moved on ahead of us, oblivious to my whispering. She’d caught me a time or two talking to ghosts. When she’d asked me who I was talking to, I’d been honest, and she’d shrugged and gone about her day. I loved that about her.

“I don’t know,” Matilda said, tilting her head. “Have you been around other supernaturals?”

I blinked. I’d figured that they were out there. I mean, if ghosts and psychics were real, then why not vampires or werewolves or witches? But I’d never met any. The ghosts rarely talked about other beings, so I didn’t think they were common.

“I was at a concert,” I said. “Could have been…”

“Interesting,” Matilda said, leaning against the top of my door frame as I opened it. “You know how you’re always wishing for some peace and quiet from the spirits?”

“Yeah.”

“Might be some other creatures out there that could help you with that.” She smiled.

I spun around. “What? Really?”

Matilda floated away without responding. She could be damn cryptic when she wanted to be. I sighed. Pushing the ghost’s remarks out of my mind, I gathered my shower caddy and robe.

After a shower and getting into my pjs, I climbed into the top bunk bed.

I didn't think I was going to be able to fall asleep, just laying there staring at my phone and waiting for Victor to send details about our date. I changed the contact name half a dozen times and finally ended on Victor with two hearts. It was cheesy, but I'd be the only one who'd ever see it.

Finally, at 2 AM, my phone buzzed.

Dinner at Regios?he texted.Tomorrow, 8pm work for you?

Yes,I answered.Sounds great.

I set the phone down, then picked it back up as it buzzed again.

Still up because of the concert high or always a night owl?

I smiled.Both. Music helps me think.

What are you thinking about?He asked.

How surreal today was. Never expected to see you again, much less…

He replied, Get pulled on stage and kissed senseless? ;)

I buried my face in my pillow, grinning.Something like that.

I've gotten better since high school.

At kissing or guitar?

Wouldn't you like to know?

I bit my lip.Maybe I would.

Three dots appeared and disappeared several times before his next message:You're different than I remember. More confident.

You too. Less concerned about what others think.

Had to learn that the hard way. Life's too short to let fear hold you back.

Something in his tone made me pause.Sounds like there's a story there.

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