Payton grins at me as I walk into art, and for a second, I imagine that the entire classroom falls quiet. A couple of the guys catch my eye and nod at me approvingly. Okay sure. It's the girls, pointing and giggling amongst themselves that is my real worry. Thankfully Payton is here to take some of the pressure off.

"Congrats on the date, Jay."

That brat. "Thanks, Pay." And Hannah flashes three fingers at me. So, three people are actively listening to us. That's good to know. "I'm really glad Kristy said yes, but don't worry. There's still space on my dance card for you."

"You'll have to introduce me to your new friends."

I can't keep the smile out of my voice when I say. "Why? Do you want to be a cheerleader?"

"Nah, I'll leave that to you and Deliah, but your interest makes more sense now."

What does Payton mean? Whatever, it doesn't matter. I have more pressing concerns. "Speaking of, what do you think of this?" It only takes a second to flip my sketchbook to the right page and turn it to face Payton. Deliah ready for Homecoming, wearing a designer a-line gown and she's surrounded by monsters. Ghouls dancing together, a banshee up on stage singing, but the big draw is Annabeth, princess of the night, extending her hand to Deliah for a dance.

After all, even ghosts and ghouls want to party. To have just one night where they can be people.

I've been thinking about this for Hannah: yes, she's a ghost, but she's very much a person, and she should be treated as one and maybe my depictions of them should reflect that.

"Jay. Wow. When did you do this?"

"Over the past few days."

The squad has been talking about the dance so much that I had to draw something for it. Sure, tonight isn't Homecoming, but I hadn't really thought about dances much before, and they're important. Maybe not to me, not before, but Hannah's eyes sparkled when I asked her about her Homecoming, and all the girls here were so excited. It's hard not to be so swept up in things.

"I thought they were enemies?"

"People aren't just what they show to the world, Payday. Besides, everyone needs a night to let their hair down. It might be the same night as human Homecoming, but The Gravesend Ball is entirely theirs."

A single night where it doesn't matter who or what you are, who your enemies are. Where everyone and everything is welcome - as long as they follow the rules.

The most important of these is no violence—though, as I've learned over the past few days, social combat can be just as dangerous.

"So, is Deliah going to accept the offer to dance?" Payton seems so excited I laugh. She's always been a romantic, and the scene could lead to enemies to lovers.

I haven't entirely decided what it will lead to in the end, but it's fun to think about.

"Of course, though, she'll have to let Annabeth lead, and she's going to pout about that."

"Like you will tonight?"

Rude Pay, rude.

"No pouting, but I may let my date lead, depending on the dance. I'm out of practice. Interested?"

"In leading? I'm not opposed. Especially since you already have a date, Jay."

"Kristy's great." Mostly, but I'll keep that bit to myself for now. It would be incredibly shitty to bad-mouth my date just hours after asking her. "I'm really looking forward to tonight and want to make sure I have time for my best friend."

"I want that too, Jay. So much." Payton glances around before she says. "Any plans this weekend?"

"Slammed, somehow. Mom found out about Kristy, and she 'wants to talk'."

Payton's fighting off a fit of giggles; I can tell just from how her shoulders are shaking. "I'm sure Aunt Diane will go easy on you."  We both know better than that.

"Nah, I'm doomed."

"Yeah, you are."

Everything is so easy with Payton; we have such an easy rapport. Being with her, just chatting, laughing. It's everything I hoped dating her would be. She's pretty, too, but I'm not actually sure I'm attracted to her. I'm kind of annoyed at Kristy for probably being right about that.

This is better, though.

We are supposed to be talking about both our art and not my so called dating life. “So what have you been working on?” 

Payton jumps into an overview of her current project, and I just let her voice wash over me.

Class is finishing up, and we need to get going, but I linger long enough to say, "I'll see you at the dance tonight." I instantly regret it when Payton replies.

"Bye, bye, bye."

One time, she's seriously never going to let that go. So far, only Layla and Payton know about that particular indiscretion. I really need to speak to both of them to make sure they keep it quiet.

There's a real concern that one of them will let the rest of the cheer squad know and then they’ll want a demonstration.

Dennis is still suspended, so I'm probably safe, but I still give the stairs a wide berth. Yes, Hannah's here again, and she would save me, just like she did last time, but better safe than sorry.

"You and Payton are adorable together; it's wonderful to see, Jay."

I yank my phone up to my ear. I really can't afford to have people notice that I'm talking too thin air.

"Is that why you kept pushing me to ask her out. You knew everything and just wanted me to be happy."

"Yes, but you would have been super cute together. You're not mad at me, are you?"

Sure, but Payton is a lesbian, and I'm not.

"Never, and not for something like this. I have something I need to ask you tonight. It's nothing bad, but it's important to me."

"Anything, anytime, Jay."

I put my phone away as I walk through the classroom door and stop dead when I see a crowd of girls surrounding Kristy's desk, and giggling.

Hannah's grinning at me and says. "Go say hi."

Here we go. "Sorry for the interruption, but do you mind letting me through?" The giggling only gets worse as the crowd of girls sees me, but they thankfully make a path.

"Hey, Kristy. I know we're going to see each other tonight, but I didn't want to wait that long until I got to see you again."

Kristy tucks a strand of hair behind her ear in a deliberate way.  "Hi, John. It's good to see you too. I’m looking forward to tonight."

So am I, surprisingly.

"Find your seats." Mr Grover says, and one of the giggling girls (Denise, I think?) grabs her backpack and slips into my regular seat. Leaving the one beside Kristy free. Well, okay then. That's awfully nice of her.

Weird, too, but I'm starting to get used to weird.

It's a struggle to pay attention. Kristy keeps looking at me, and she isn't the only one. I swear half the girls in class have looked at me off and on. My notes are a total mess, and my notebook is covered in pom-poms. Usually, I can focus better than this. Sure, between Hannah and Deliah, cheerleaders are on my brain more often than not, but this is next level.

Maybe it's just from spending so much time around the squad. I've been with cheerleaders almost every hour of the day this past week, and it doesn't look like it's going to change any time soon.

Class is over, and Kristy is out the door before I can say anything to her; that's fine; I'll meet her in the parking lot. Only once I get there, Kristy's car is gone, and I'm staring at the empty parking spot in confusion. Hannah shrugs at me. I can walk home without a problem, but I'm used to her driving me, and Kristy hadn't said she wasn't going to drive me home this afternoon.

Did I do something to upset Kristy during class? I hope not.

A car revs its engine behind me, and when I turn to look, Layla says. "Get in, loser."

"Mean Girls, really?"

Layla shrugs. "You're the one who recognized it."

Fair enough. It's a good movie; sure, it has its problems, but it is fun. "As long as I don't need to wear pink on Wednesdays." Tiffany loves that movie. I glance around again for Kristy's car. "So, quotes aside, are you my ride?"

"Sure am. Kristy had something come up." Layla has an odd look on her face, but it lasts only a second before she wipes it away. Is it about Kristy or my pink comment?

I roll my eyes. "You can just say you wanted to talk to me, you know." But we are on a timer, so I slip around to the passenger side and wait until Hannah joins me before closing the door.

Layla locks the door as soon as I close it, and I have to resist the urge to roll my eyes again. What is it with me and getting locked inside cars this week? I'm not trapped, but it seems like some sort of power play anyway.

"You did good today, John. Really good. The entire school has been buzzing since lunch."

"You and Kristy were insistent, I still feel a little weird about it, but Kristy's a person, and she deserves respect and for it to be special."

"You succeeded." Layla laughs. "Did you ever succeed. The girls are jealous."

Hannah nods. "Totally, it doesn't matter that it's part of the cover for Layla and Payton. You just propelled Kristy's social standing to the ceiling, Jay."

Social politics are a pain.

"Is that how you thought about asking Payton out?"

"Not exactly. Something bold like that had occurred to me, but honestly, I would have preferred something private. But what did you actually want to talk to me about?"

Something that was just us, but I didn't need romance to get Payton back, and it would have backfired horribly. Just the thought makes my stomach twist into knots.

"Payton, she's getting her mom to drop her off at 7:15. When Kristy picks you up tonight, I want you to linger with her in the quad. You introduce Kristy to Payton."

Yeah, that's about what I expected—a scheme to explain why Payton is hanging out with the cheerleaders.

It's a solid plan, but there's complications.

"I promised Pay a dance, but even so. I'm a little wary about dragging Kristy over to my best friend, who happens to be a girl, right away tonight. I was being honest when I said that anyone I ask should be my first choice, and the last thing I want is for anyone to think Kristy isn't."

The entire situation is complicated, and not just because I'm still figuring out if I have feelings for anyone. It's fine if I don't; I don't need to rush.

"Let me think about that; optics do matter here. I'm just eager to have some time with my girlfriend."

"So, I need to ask. When Kristy confronted me about my crush and explained that I don't have one on Payton. Was that you or her?"

It's honestly a fifty-fifty thing.

"Kristy, but the more I saw you with Payton, the more time you spent with us. It was pretty obvious."

"I feel stupid the more I think about it. I would have lost Pay for life if I had." And that's a thought I can't bear. It's enough to get my eyes itching.

Layla waits until we pull into my driveway before she reaches over and squeezes my hand. "You didn't know, how could you? That first day or so, you were so happy to have Payton back that I just knew something else was going on." Layla laughs. "She's so happy to be talking to you again. I hear it in her voice. John, I love her so much, and you brought that joy to her."

I haven't had a chance to see Layla and Payton together, but I'm sure they'll be cute.

Hannah gestures to her watch, and I nod. "Thanks for the talk, and I am looking forward to dinner tomorrow. Should I bring anything?"

"Just yourself, I'll come pick you up."

"I'll see you tonight."

Hannah hops out of the car, and I follow her. Layla waits until I'm almost to the door before she yells out the window.

"Don't forget your bet. You really don't want to pay the forfeit."

Layla's gone before I can ask any questions, and Hannah's just grinning at me. I wait until I'm inside; the last thing I need is for Mom to see me talking to myself.

"Hannah, what did you get me into?"

“Nothing bad. You wear something cute tonight, and you’ll be fine.”

Is it my cute or theirs? The girls picked out my clothes - surely those count. Right? Unfortunately Hannah doesn't offer any help.

***

I'm starting to understand why the girls did some prep for tonight this morning or even last night. This is taking forever. I spent way more time in the shower than usual.

Hannah's going through her closet, our closet, really. She keeps her echos hung up, and I can see her flipping through them.

Mom has asked a few times why I keep all my things on the left, but she mostly doesn't bother me about it. It is a little strange from her perspective, but I can't tell her that my roommate uses the other side.

It's just important to me that Hannah has space for her things. Honestly, questions are unavoidable, especially after tomorrow.

I have no idea how I'm going to answer most of Mom's questions, but that's something I can worry about on Sunday.

Tonight is about the dance and my date - my first date ever; if you don't count any of the times Payton and I went places together, and I don't.

"Hannah?" She's putting on eyeliner and frowns at me, probably for distracting her.

"Yeah?"

"When we're both ready, would you dance with me? I want my first and last dance of the night to be with you."

My answer is a deafening squeal, and then Hannah is throwing her arms around my neck. "Absolutely, I was hoping you would ask."

I need the extra practice, but that isn't why I asked. Tonight, I'm going to dance with Payton and Kristy at minimum. Hannah's been my rock, and going to a dance? She's wanted me to for as long as I've known her. "Thank you, not just the dance but everything, Hannah."

She really made this last year the best year of my life, and having Payton back is just adding to it. Hannah looks my clothes up and down. "John, you're great, seriously. You should finish getting ready, though."

I am ready? I'm wearing the clothes the girls picked out for me at the mall, and my hair is combed. What else is there?

My face must show some sign of my confusion. "You should do something with your hair; just combing it is nothing.

"Like what? Seriously, I'm lost here."

I don't go to dances, I absolutely don't go on dates. Tonight, I'm as lost as I've ever been.

"Sorry, John, I forgot." Hannah ruffles my hair. "Okay, roll up your sleeves to the elbow."

What does that have to do with my hair? It doesn't matter. Hannah mostly won't steer me wrong. She'll tease, torment and prod, but the last thing she'll do is hurt me.

"Do you have that pomade your mom got you?"

Somewhere, let's see; not there, nope, bottom drawer, maybe? Aha!

"Okay, now what?"

Hannah hesitates. "It will be easier if I do it, but I'm not sure if I should."

I pull Hannah into a hug. "You're fine. Honestly, I feel great. You won't hurt me." She shudders. "You've never hurt me. Hanah, you saved my life a dozen times over. I was really lonely before you."

Horribly lonely, I never seriously considered doing something about it, but I found Hannah before things ever got really bad.

Mom and Dad would have been devastated, and that's what kept me going before Hannah and I met. Those thoughts, that deep black hole I was trapped in, haven't been present in months now.

The strangest thing is that the best I've ever felt was when I was tumbling with Hannah.

What a time to feel alive, when I was falling to my death while possessed by a ghost.

Hannah smiles at me, but it's brittle.

"You saved me, too, John. twenty-five years without a living person seeing me. I had given up hope." Hannah reaches out and presses lightly against my palms, and then I watch in fascination as her hands sink fully into mine. It honestly feels like my hands have been in the freezer for too long, and it makes me remember the first time I ever felt this particular chill.

***

High School sucks.

I half expected it would, but I thought that Payton would be with me. I wouldn't be alone if we were together. Most of the time, it's better not to think about it.

That new cheerleader is walking around in her uniform again. I see her in it more than anyone, and it looks great on her; I can admit that, but it's a little weird.

Honestly, she's weird. It's like she's invisible; people don't react to her. Guys should be checking her out, but they don't. Something is going on, but it isn't my business either. If the cheerleader is being ignored, why is it my problem? People cut you out sometimes, and they ignore you - it's just how life is.

At least School is over for the day, so I can go home, and right now, that's what I want—to be anywhere but here.

The cheerleader marches over and starts kicking a garbage can; a few people look over at the noise but then go back to what they're doing.

This honestly feels like a prank, but I can't figure out how or why. I'm the only person constantly reacting to her, and no one would put this amount of effort into me.

She storms towards me, uncaring that I'm directly in her way and doesn't show any sign of moving.

Part of me wants to be petty and let her collide with me, but if she's having a bad day, I'll just make it worse. Honestly, thoughts like that are why Payton left. She knew deep down there was nothing here for her.

The cheerleader brushes past me, and I can't help but say, "Hey, watch it."

A few of the other students in the hall give me a weird look, but those looks pale compared to the cheerleader. She looks like she might cry, and I actually feel bad.

"What did you say?"

"You almost walked into me, just. Okay, look. I'm sorry, but just be more careful."

The cheerleader does a full spin, and I watch it. It's fluid and graceful, and when her eyes land on me again, I smile at her.

"Can you see me?" Her voice sounds like mine on some of my worst days.

"Your spin was really nice."

The hallway is emptying of students, and it isn't like I have anywhere to be. It's actually nice to talk to someone.

"No way,  there's no way," the cheerleader says, like she's trying to convince herself of something.

"Do you need me to get the nurse? She should still be here."

"You're being stupid, Hannah." The cheerleader says. No, Hannah says. It's a nice name.

"Hannah, are you okay?"

I know her name now; it would be rude to think of her as the cheerleader.

Her fingers twitch, and then she grabs ahold of my hands; she's freezing! There's some resistance, but then I think I see her hands sink into mine but that’s impossible. I must be imagining things.

It doesn't matter; I'm taking her to the nurse. Hannah shouldn't be this cold, and maybe that's why she's acting so weirdly.

“We’re going to see the nurse.”

 

***

 

"And done!" Hannah says suddenly. Shaking me out of my memories of the day my life changed for the better, and so did hers. Hannah's afterlife, anyway.

She shakes her hands. Spirit fingers, sure, why not.

Now, what exactly did she do?

My hair is styled and messy but intentionally. I think Hannah teased it out in places.

It honestly looks good. I'm not surprised Hannah did a good job, more so that I look good.

"It's great, thanks, Hannah."

"You're welcome." She's so happy. Hannah has been begging to give me a makeover for the last six months. How things change.

Now, what time is it? 6:30. Okay. That gives me about twenty minutes before I want to be downstairs.

Mom is going to be lurking, and there's a good chance that she'll want an introduction to Kristy. Frankly, it's probably unavoidable.

Tonight is my first date. Hopefully, Mom won't be too excited.

"What song did you want to dance to, Hannah? I want to make sure we do it before Mom interrupts me."

"Something slow."

Wow, helpful, Hannah. I roll my eyes at her, but slow we can do. I just need to think of something. I don't dance, usually.

What have we been listening to when we've practised?

There are too many things, but one of them does feel appropriate.

Hannah follows me back out to our bedroom, and I put 'A Thousand Years' on and hold out my right hand to her.

Dancing with Hannah is magical, and not just because she's a ghost. She's usually cheerful (it comes with being a cheerleader, or so she says), but despite the cold, Hannah has never seemed more alive than in my arms. She radiates pure joy, and it's incredible to see.

I fumble a few times but avoid her toes. The cold is an added incentive, but I won't have that with Kristy. She'll actually feel it if I step on her toes, and that's the last thing I need.

The song ends, and 'Come Away With Me' starts. Rather than stop, I keep spinning, Hannah. She looks so happy, I can't stop now.

We have time.

'You Are The Reason' starts, and then my phone starts beeping. I pull Hannah into a hug and then go to take a look.

 

Kristy: I'll be there in five.

 

 

Shoot! So much for being fashionably late. Kristy is early.

"Sorry, Hannah."

"John, you only promised me one. Two was great, and we'll have more later, right?"

"Definitely. In a crowd at the dance and when we get home tonight, I'm all yours." We can sleep in a little if we need to, as long as I'm back with enough time to get ready for dinner with Layla - we'll have the entire day.

"The crowd might be complicated, we’ll discuss it later. You should go; your Mom is going to want photos."

"You're not coming?"

Hannah's ready for the dance, or mostly ready anyway. There could be some last-minute thing she wants to do.

"Wild horses couldn't keep me away, but you deserve a little privacy with your date, too. I'll walk over."

"In sensible shoes?"

There's no way Hannah is going to wear flats at the dance; she'd rather die again, but knowing her, she'll wear a pair of shoes and then change into something nicer at the dance.

Some habits never change.

"You'll see, now, scoot. Before your mom comes in."

Mom's lurking at the bottom of the stairs like she's guarding them, just pacing back and forth. I think she's more excited about tonight than I am.

"John, you look so handsome!"

Mom has to say that, but I don't like something about how it sounds. She's happy, though, so I'm not going to say anything.

"Thanks, mom. Is dad home?"

"Looking for some advice?"

I think I have that covered with Hannah. Tonight isn't an actual date, and it will be good practice.

"Nah, I just wanted to say hi." Honestly, Dad being here would make things worse, not better. He means well, but he's such a Dad sometimes. I really don't need him to embarrass me in front of Kristy.

"Your father is getting us take away - since you're not home tonight, we thought we would have a little date ourselves."

Gross.

"Oh, that's nice. So, I need to go; Kristy is going to be here in a minute." It's probably two, but still. She's picking me up, and I should be waiting for her outside.

"When she gets here, John, invite her in. I'd love to meet her."

"I'll ask." And I hope really loudly that Kristy will say no.

My sneakers are missing, and in their place is a new pair of dress shoes. Mom's grinning at me.

"Thanks, Mom."

"You can thank me by introducing me to your girlfriend."

"It's a date, a first one. We aren't official or anything." That isn't going to deter Mom, and honestly, unless I mess up royally tonight, it isn't going to deter the squad, either. "I need to go." Kristy's either pulling into the driveway or about to.

Thankfully, Mom lets me out the door without another word. More importantly, Kristy isn't here yet.

I can hear a car coming down the road, though; that's either Dad or Kristy, and I'm hoping for the latter.

Thankfully, it is. I don't think I could handle Dad tonight. He'll be supportive and weirdly proud, and that's the last thing I want.

Once her car has stopped, I walk over to the driver's side door. Kristy rolls down her window.

"Hi, John. You look nice." Her smile is amused, but I'm not sure why.

"Thanks.” I can't see most of Kristy's dress, but the purple looks really nice on her. "Feel free to say no, and it's strongly encouraged, but my Mom wants to meet you."

My answer is Kristy's seatbelt clicking open. Shoot.

I guess we're doing this then.

Well, there's a right way to do it. As Kristy is reaching for her purse, I open her door and hold out my hand. Mom's probably watching from the window; even if she isn't, Kristy deserves some extra effort. As Kristy steps out of her car, I finally get a good look at her dress and her, for that matter. She looks incredible.

I was right about the dress being purple, but the shade lightens as it goes towards the hem, and there's a floral pattern. Kristy's eye shadow matches the dress, while her hair is in a loose braid.

"You're gorgeous." Wow, thanks, brain.

Thankfully, Kristy just giggles. "A girl likes to be appreciated. Now, let's go introduce me to your parents."

Well, she'll definitely be that. Mom is going to be a menace, and not just because the front door is half open already.

How do I want to do this? If Kristy was Payton, or Hannah for that matter, I would just hold her hand.

Why am I even so nervous? My hands feel sweaty. Palms are a no go, so I extend my arm and thankfully Kristy hooks her arm into mine but not before she shakes her head.

Nothing about tonight is real, so why am I reacting like it is?

Expectations maybe?

We're just reaching the bottom of the stairs when the door fully swings open, I guess mom couldn’t wait any longer. She's half-concealing something behind her back. I'm pretty sure it's a camera.

"Don't you two look great together."

"Hi, Mrs Moore. Thank you so much! I'm Kristy. It's nice to finally meet you. John thinks the world of you."

I conceal a frown, is she pitching her voice up? It sounds higher than normal. Cutesy.

'It's Diane, dear and yes. John has been keeping you quiet. Tutoring, he said."

It's the truth!

Kristy curls into my side. "Oh, he has. My friend Caroline really appreciates the help and I picked up a few things. With our History midterm approaching it's been a relief."

"So you're not dating?" Mom's looking at me a little incredulously.

"Like I told you Mom, tonight is our first date." Maybe our last, I'm not totally sure what the point of this is. I just want to have fun tonight, and hope that I survive this weekend.

"John was very sweet and asked me to the dance tonight after making it clear my answer wouldn't affect our tutoring. You've raised him very well."

I made that clear well before I asked her out tonight, tutoring I was happy to do and while I'm looking forward to tonight, there's a lot of uncertainty.

"Thank you, Henry is out, but you should come over for dinner soon."

"I'd love that." Kristy! You're supposed to be on my side.

Mom and Kristy both turn to look at me, and I barely manage to smile before they do.

Why are they looking at me?

Kristy subtly elbows me.  

What?

Oh, oh!

"Maybe next weekend?"

Please say no. I really just want a weekend to rest. This week isn't even over yet, and I'm just done with it.

"I'll have to ask my parents, Diane. Daddy hasn't met John yet. He almost insisted on driving us tonight. I told him not to be ridiculous."

I think my heart just stopped. Have I been worried about the wrong parents this entire time?!

"Please let John know, and we'll make arrangements. Now, can I get a few photos in before you're late?"

"That would be so great! Thanks."

Let's just get this over with, and preferably before Dad gets home and delays us even more.

Mom eventually finishes, and we head to the car. I have never been so happy to be on the way to school as I am right now. If that camera used film, Mom would have used a dozen rolls.

I wait until we're buckled in and pulling away before I say.

"Do I need to tell the squad I'm with you, or are they listening?"

"Three for three today, John. You're smarter than the average boy."

Yep, that's me, slightly above-average intelligence.

Honestly, I should have thought of it sooner. The girls knew things from my private conversations, and I can remember Kristy playing with her phone in the car.

It's the only thing that makes sense.

"Glad I exceed expectations. It really feels like I'm playing catch up."

"You are, but you're doing pretty decent. Your Mom is nice."

"She loves you." Sunday is going to be a nightmare. I usually like spending time with Mom, but so much of what's going on right now isn't real or mine to share. "So, do I actually need to be worried about your dad?"

Kristy abruptly yanks the wheel and parks before she doubles over the steering wheel, laughing.

"You are so precious."

"Umm, thanks?"

"Dad's a forensic accountant. He'd care more about you tutoring me than going on a date."

Well, that's reassuring.

"And 'daddy'? Is that for show?"

Kristy turns and flutters her eyelashes at me "Sure is, it's important to give people what they expect sometimes."

Is it? Because all this conversation is doing is making me rethink every interaction that I've had with the cheerleaders.

The only reason I'm even going along with all this is to help Payton, and that's something I'm going to need to keep in mind. We're all playing parts, even me.

Layla is the captain of the team, Payton is her girlfriend, and I'm a straight line connecting them.

I'm having fun this week despite everything. I just have to hope that continues.