The next day went by in a blur. Jolene was still massively shaken up by the previous day's events, and wore a pale expression throughout the day.

"What the heck is wrong with you, J? You seem kinda off today." Chase remarked as their last class was dismissed. Jolene bit her lip and adjusted her backpack on her shoulder. What was she supposed to say to him? That she encountered a strange and intimidating entity in her bedroom yesterday? Yeah, right.

"I'm just tired, that's all. Couldn't get enough sleep yesterday. No big deal." Jolene replied cooly, maintaining an even and composed tone. She could easily pull off a lie if she wanted to, without stuttering or making it obvious. Another plus point.

Chase nodded and they walked past the corridors to catch up with the other members of their squad. Jessica squealed like a kid and threw herself on Jolene, making her lose her balance and roll her eyes in return. "Always the drama queen, now aren't you?" Jolene muttered and Jessica quickly defended herself, "Oh please. I didn't even see you around during lunch. Where the hell were you?" She asked, narrowing her eyes at Jolene.

"She was with me. In the library." Adam came to her rescue, winking at her. Jolene sighed in relief and mouthed thanks. Adam was a sweetheart; being the school's quarterback, and all stars in the looks department, he was Rogue High's biggest eye candy. That guy was a huge prankster, and the girls could spend hours ogling at his eight-pack masterpiece, not to mention his killer features.

It was a wonder how all four of them stuck together. Chase was a nerd, an extremely hot nerd, though. His favourite pastimes included hacking into the school's system and announcing random days to be holidays and designing viruses on his computer late at night. Jessica was the best head cheerleader, with one hell of an attitude and ego; but she was good at heart. She rejected about six to seven proposals each day; claiming that she's still waiting for her Prince Charming. And as for Jolene....she was a musical genius. You give that girl an instrument and she'll do wonders. Maybe even strike up some new chords or notes too. Somehow their differences were what got them together.

As the four of them started walking towards the exit, a high-pitched screech echoed through the hallways, "Chaseeee! Babe, you didn't wait for me!" Six inch platforms thudded on the wooden flooring as Victoria Black stomped her way to our little group. Her stick straight blonde hair jerked left and right, making her look like a cartoon character. Chase visibly cringed and ran a hand through his hair.

"Victoria, I told you. We. Are. Done. How many times do I have to repeat myself, huh?" Chase explained containing his frustration very well. Victoria's super lip-glossed mouth hung open and she started to counter, "Excuse me, but WHAT? You broke up with me, not I mister. And besides who told you—" she couldn't complete her sentence as her thickly painted lashes fell upon Adam. She sucked in a breath, pouted her lips and addressed Adam in what she thought was a sensuous voice, "Well, hi. I guess we haven't met before. You must be the quarterback, right? Cool shirt, by the way. Olive green like totally compliments your eye colour. I'm Victoria, by the way. And you?" She shamelessly checked out Adam as he was busy fiddling with his phone. He looked up and twisted his brows in pure bewilderment. "Huh?" Was his innocent reply, and Jessica and Jolene burst out laughing.

Adam still didn't get the joke, and Victoria angrily huffed and started walking briskly towards the doors. "I'll come back for you, Chase! I'll make your life a living hell, I swear!" She threatened, flipping her hair in the process, fluttering her eyelashes at Adam.

"Care to explain who was that creature?" Adam asked Chase and he sighed. "She's my ex. I don't even remember how I liked her in the first place. A few days ago I caught her sticking her tongue down a jock's throat. She freaking cheated on me. We broke up. End of story." Chase said, infuriated. "Not for her, apparently." Jessica muttered and we nodded in agreement.

"And did you see how she was checking out Adam? His reaction was epic!!" She added and punched Adam playfully. He gave her a look. "Why does it have to be me?" Adam whined and they laughed.

After exchanging casual byes and hugs, they all went their own ways. Jolene lived just a mile away from school, so she preferred walking. It was a windy day, and the chilly atmosphere was making her shiver involuntarily. She looked at the barren trees with their fallen leaves and smiled. She believed that true beauty could be found in the things that may seem all grey and dull to the world.

The road ahead of her was deserted, not a soul to be seen. It was just her, the breeze and the occasional sound of rustling of leaves. It was quite rejuvenating; breathing in air that was at the moment free of any sorts of combustion fumes.

Suddenly, a strong gust of wind whipped past her, and she stopped dead in her tracks. She could feel the presence of someone behind her, and goosebumps arose on her slender arms. She slowly turned around, and gasped.

It was him. There was no doubt. The same eerie smoke that she had seen the day before in her bedroom was now in front of her yet again, and she felt dizzy.

"No no no no. Th-this was supposed to be a dream. Yeah. That's what this is. A dream. Yes. Yes...." She tried to calm her pounding nerves, though in vain.

The same dark chuckle she had heard last night sliced through the silence. It didn't sound evil; but nor comforting. She tried to put on a brave face and spoke with what she thought was a stern voice, "What is all this?" The next instant, she felt a sharp pain in her head, and black spots swarmed her vision.

You'll soon know, were the last words she heard before falling into an abyss of infinity and darkness.

**********************

A/N

Firstly, I dedicate this chapter to @badgirls189 as I promised.
So; how was this chapter? I know I took an eternity to update this, but school was hectic, and I barely had time to breathe.
Let alone update. Sorry.....

Loves
Me <3