After a delightful dinner, Alex and Ava arrived back at his house just as a limo, filled with his friends, pulled up. The sleek vehicle gleamed under the streetlights, promising an evening of fun and camaraderie.

Alex ducked into the limo, finding a spot on the plush wrap-around couch.

“Whoa! Kimmy, this is insanely fancy,” he exclaimed, marveling at the luxurious interior with its ambient lighting and opulent decor.

Alex glanced around at his friends, each dressed impeccably for the evening, their outfits adding a splash of color and sophistication to the scene.

Leo stood out in a rich, deep purple tuxedo, the satin lapels catching the ambient light and casting a subtle sheen that highlighted his confident demeanor. His black dress shoes were polished to a mirror finish, reflecting the twinkling lights of the limo interior. The sleek silver watch on his wrist added a touch of sophistication, its face catching the light and glinting like a distant star.

Next to him, Andy was equally striking in a royal blue tuxedo, the fabric almost shimmering as it hugged his frame perfectly. The tailored fit accentuated his broad shoulders, and the contrasting black bow tie provided a classic touch. His dark brown loafers, crafted from fine leather, exuded an air of luxury, and his understated cufflinks, small yet elegant, caught the eye with their subtle sparkle.

Dwayne opted for a light gray tuxedo, the soft hue complementing his relaxed yet stylish vibe. The fabric felt smooth and cool to the touch, and the crisp white shirt provided a clean backdrop for the charcoal gray tie that completed his ensemble. He wore a pair of minimalist silver cufflinks, each catching the light with a subtle gleam, and a black leather belt that matched his polished dress shoes, which made a satisfying click against the floor as he moved.

Kevin stood out in a luxurious green velvet blazer, its rich color shimmering subtly under the limo's lights. The blazer, perfectly tailored to his frame, was complemented by a crisp white dress shirt adorned with emerald stud buttons. Sleek black pants and polished dress shoes completed his ensemble. A slim black tie with a subtle green pattern, a black watch with a green face, and emerald cufflinks added refined touches. His hair was styled with a slight wave, giving him a casual yet put-together look.

The girls were a vision of beauty and grace, each one adding a unique flair to the evening. Lucy's green dress was a stunning floor-length gown, the fabric shimmering like emerald silk with every movement. Her hair, styled in loose waves, framed her face softly, and the delicate gold earrings she wore swayed gently, catching the light and casting tiny glimmers of gold. A matching gold bracelet adorned her wrist, adding a touch of sparkle that complemented her glowing smile.

Kimmy’s dress was a stunning blend of elegance and sparkle. The fitted bodice, adorned with intricate beadwork, shimmered under the soft interior lights. The skirt cascaded in layers of soft, flowing fabric in a rich sapphire blue, creating a graceful, sweeping effect with every movement. The off-the-shoulder neckline added a touch of sophistication. With its gentle ruffles and delicate train, her dress was both enchanting and effortlessly chic.

Sofia's pink dress flowed elegantly to the floor, the soft, silky fabric hugging her figure perfectly and moving like liquid with every step she took. Her hair was styled in an intricate updo, tendrils escaping to frame her face. Diamond-studded earrings caught the light with every turn of her head, sending tiny prisms of light dancing around the limo. She wore a delicate silver necklace that rested just above her collarbone, its simplicity enhancing her natural elegance.

Claire's sky blue dress was equally captivating, the off-shoulder design highlighting her graceful neckline and the smooth skin of her shoulders. Her blond hair was styled in a chic chignon, with a few artful tendrils escaping to soften her look. Pearl drop earrings added a touch of classic elegance, their gentle sway drawing attention with every movement. A simple silver anklet peeked from beneath the hem of her dress, catching the light and adding a hint of playful sophistication.

Alex then noticed Alice and Alvin engrossed in their conversation in the corner of the limo. Alvin sported a crisp white T-shirt paired with black jeans, the casual attire exuding a laid-back confidence. His snow-white sneakers were spotless, almost glowing in the dim light, and a simple black leather watch on his wrist added a touch of understated flair.

Alice, seated beside him, looked stunning in an off-shoulder short white dress. The dress accentuated her figure and highlighted her delicate collarbones, the fabric soft and flowing. She wore a pair of elegant chandelier earrings that sparkled with every movement, their delicate crystals catching the light and casting tiny rainbows. A thin silver bracelet adorned her wrist, matching her outfit perfectly, and her hair cascaded in soft curls, framing her face beautifully and adding to her ethereal beauty.

Suddenly, a bright flash momentarily blinded Alex as Kimmy snapped a photo of the group. She checked the image on her phone, smiled with satisfaction, and slipped her phone into her glittering clutch.

Lucy’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Alex.

“Look at your suit! You look like a million bucks.”

Noah chimed in with a playful grin. “Lucy’s right. I don’t know about a million, but somewhere in the high hundreds of thousands for sure.”

Alex laughed, a warm feeling spreading through him. “Aw, thanks, guys. You’re gonna make me cry before we even get our pictures taken!”

Kimmy wrinkled her nose in mock horror.

“Ugh, no thank you! Photos from tonight could end up in the yearbook.”

“Hey, guys, check this out,” Andy called out, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He rolled the skylight window open and stuck his head out, yelling at the top of his lungs, his voice echoing through the night.

“You guys gotta try this!”

Andy tugged on Noah’s jacket, pulling him up. Noah grinned sheepishly before disappearing through the roof as well.

“Make room for me, guys,” Alex said, his eyes twinkling with excitement. “I heard that whole windblown look is the hottest fashion these days.”

He squeezed between Andy and Noah, feeling the rush of cool night air against his face. Together, they howled into the wind, their laughter mixing with the city sounds. The moment felt exhilarating, a wild, carefree celebration of youth and friendship.

After a few more joyful shouts, Alex dropped back down into the limo, his cheeks flushed with excitement. Just then, Kevin and Dwayne squeezed into the space, causing Andy and Noah to tumble back into the limo, their laughter filling the limo.

Leo, his eyes sparkling with excitement, declared, “We’ve got to commemorate this. All of us going to homecoming together? Who would have guessed.”

Dwayne glanced at Kevin, concern evident in his eyes. "By the way, how's Shoyo doing? How's his leg holding up?"

Kevin nodded, a reassuring smile on his face. "I visited him during visiting hours this morning. His leg is still injured, but it's not too serious. The doctor said he should be able to walk again soon."

Dwayne smiled. "That's good to hear. I wish he was here with us right now."

Meanwhile with a mischievous grin, Andy fished a selfie stick from Kimmy’s bag, extending it and preparing for the group shot. Everyone squeezed in, jostling for space in the frame.

“Hissss. I haven’t taken a picture in twelve years, and I’m pretty sure I don’t show up on film anyway,” Ava quipped, feigning reluctance.

Alex, grinning, rolled his eyes and threw his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into the shot. “Come on, Ava, just this once.”

The group chorused, “Homecoming!” as the flash went off, capturing the moment in a burst of light. Immediately, the limo erupted into a flurry of activity, everyone reaching out to get a glimpse of the photo.

Lucy said, “We need to show this to Dan when we go to the hospital tomorrow. I know he won’t be able to see it, but…”

Noah nodded, his expression softening.

“I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.”

In the midst of the laughter and commotion, Alex grabbed Ava’s arm and pulled her closer. He leaned back against the seat, taking out his phone. Ava quickly leaned in, her expression playfully stony-faced. As the flash went off, Alex planted a quick peck on her cheek, causing her to break out into a radiant grin.

Settling back into the plush couch, Alex intertwined his fingers with Ava’s, the warmth of her hand comforting. The limo continued its smooth journey toward the school, the city lights casting a gentle glow through the windows.

...

After the lively limo ride, Alex and his friends stepped into the school's gymnasium. Their eyes widened at the transformation: the space had been completely transformed for homecoming, adorned with vibrant decorations that created a festive and enchanting atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Alvin, Alice, Sofia, and Claire decided to head to Riverwood Park to enjoy their evening but Kevin chose to spend time with Alex and his friends.

Colorful balloons in shades of gold and silver floated above, their strings swaying gently in the air. Streamers of twinkling fairy lights crisscrossed the ceiling, casting a warm, ethereal glow over the room. Floral arrangements filled the corners, with lush bouquets of roses, lilies, and hydrangeas adding splashes of color and a sweet fragrance that lingered in the air. A large banner reading "Homecoming" hung proudly above the entrance, glittering with the promise of a magical night.

The gym floor was polished to a high shine, reflecting the lights and giving the room an almost dreamlike quality. At one end of the gym, a grand chocolate fountain stood, surrounded by trays of strawberries, marshmallows, and other treats ready for dipping.

“Oh. My. They have one of those chocolate fountains that you dip stuff in,” Andy exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with delight.

Noah glanced around, his expression skeptical. “I don’t know if I’d want to eat anything in this gym after what happened the last time we were here.”

Leo laughed, clapping Noah on the back.

“Rest assured, an inspection was done, exterminators were called, and there’s not a single spider left in this school.”

Kimmy twirled around, taking in the decorations. “This place looks amazing! Gotta give my props to the dance committee.”

Leo bowed theatrically. “Chair of, at your service and accepting your ‘props’.”

Suddenly, a voice called out from across the room. “Lucy! Over here!”

Lucy spotted Maria waving energetically.

“Oh! There’s Maria! I’ll meet up with you guys on the dance floor.”

As Lucy joined Maria, Alex took a slow turn, marveling at the gym's transformation. The space, usually filled with the sounds of bouncing basketballs and squeaking sneakers, now resembled a ballroom, filled with the hum of laughter and music. The elegance of the decorations contrasted beautifully with the familiar setting, creating a surreal yet exhilarating atmosphere.

In the center of the dance floor, Alex and his friends let loose, their movements uninhibited and joyous. They danced with wild abandon, the music pulsing through their veins, their laughter echoing through the gym like a heartbeat. The night felt electric, each moment charged with the energy of youth and the thrill of shared experience.

As the music pulsed and the energy in the gym reached a fever pitch, Andy danced with abandon, his movements wild and exuberant.

"Who wants me to do the worm?" he shouted, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Leo, caught up in the excitement, grinned and said, "Andy, why don't you do that dance we used to do when we were kids? You know, like this—"

With a playful flourish, Leo put one arm behind his head and moved the other in a jerking, slicing motion, imitating the sprinkler dance. The sight made everyone around him burst into laughter.

Andy laughed along and said, "Nah, man! It's more like this."

He copied Leo’s movements, exaggerating them with comical precision. In seconds, the two of them were fully engaged in a hilarious rendition of the sprinkler dance, their friends cheering them on and joining in.

The dance floor became a blur of playful antics and joyous laughter as they danced, their carefree spirit infecting everyone around them. The upbeat songs kept the energy high, each track blending seamlessly into the next.

After several more lively songs, the tempo of the music shifted subtly, transitioning into a slow, romantic melody. The atmosphere in the gym softened, the dim lighting casting a warm, intimate glow over the dance floor.

Just as Alex was beginning to enjoy the change of pace, Lucy appeared at his shoulder, her brow furrowed with concern.

"Alex, have you seen Maria? She said she had to set up for the King and Queen announcements, but she's been gone forever."

Ava, nearby, pointed towards a set of doors. "I think I saw her slither out those doors over there into the hallway."

Lucy nodded her thanks and made her way toward the doors, her movements purposeful. As she stepped into the hallway, the sound of the dance faded, replaced by the soft click of the door shutting behind her. The hallway was quiet and dimly lit, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy of the gym.

She paused for a moment, listening intently, the silence wrapping around her like a cloak. The distant murmur of the party was barely audible, and for a moment, she felt a sense of unease. Shaking it off, she moved forward, determined to find Maria and bring her back to the celebration.

In the startling quiet of the hallway, Lucy heard raised voices echoing from down the corridor. Each step she took brought the voices into sharper focus, the tension in them unmistakable.

Emma shouted. “…your idea! You can’t just back out now!”

“I can do whatever I want, thank you very much,” Maria retorted.

“Oh, what. Suddenly can’t bear to make your little girlfriend sad?” Emma’s words dripped with sarcasm.

“She’s not my girlfriend, but I…” Maria’s voice wavered.

Lucy peeked around the corner of an open door and saw Maria and Emma arguing inside a cramped storage closet, the air thick with hostility.

“Maria, what are you doing here?” Lucy’s question cut through the tension.

Emma turned, her expression smug. “She’s hiding from you, of course.”

Maria’s face flushed with frustration.

“Emma, can you just get out of here?”

Emma shrugged, her brow furrowed in contempt. “Do whatever you want, Maria. I hope Mateo is watching, because your ship’s about to go down in flames.”

With a final look of disdain, Emma strode out of the closet.

As she passed Lucy, Emma kicked a cardboard crown lying on the floor, its gaudy rhinestones spelling out the word ‘Loser’ in pale green, the exact color of Lucy’s dress. The sight of it made Lucy’s stomach churn.

Maria quickly kicked it aside, but it was too late. Lucy’s eyes had already locked onto it, understanding crashing down on her like a tidal wave.

“I… I should have known! I should have listened to everyone else about you,” Lucy shouted, trembling with hurt and betrayal.

“Look, I wasn’t going to go through with it,” Maria shouted back.

Lucy’s shout reverberated through the narrow hallway. "You are absolutely the worst. I can’t believe I stood up for you. It doesn’t matter if you changed your mind. It’s the fact that you were going to do it in the first place!"

Maria's face twisted with a mix of anger and desperation. "Hey! This isn’t all my fault! I know you did something to me, I know it! I was getting these headaches, and the only thing that made them feel better was… was being with you. Am I supposed to think that’s a coincidence?"

Lucy’s eyes blazed with fury. "I didn’t do anything to hurt you. I don’t know anything about those headaches."

"But you know something, right?" Maria’s voice trembled, her vulnerability cracking through her tough exterior.

"Everyone’s heard the rumors about you and your weirdo friends. Did you have that Ava girl do some voodoo on me?"

Lucy’s indignation flared. "I would never! I didn’t ask for anything to happen. I…"

But Lucy stopped as Maria continued, her words pouring out in a torrent of conflicted emotions.

"Save it. Whatever it was, the headaches are gone anyway. But my head doesn’t feel any clearer. I hated you, you know. You’re so good and nice and people like you, and I… I’m not. I wasn’t going to do it. I couldn’t do it. After everything. Emma was furious, but I just… I didn’t want to hurt you anymore! The time we’ve been spending together the last couple of weeks reminded me how much I missed you. It reminded me that I don’t hate you at all. Not even a little bit."

Maria collapsed onto an upturned crate, pressing the heels of her hands into her eyes, smearing her mascara. She looked small and defeated, her bravado crumbling.

Lucy, her own emotions a tangled mess, sat on an identical crate across from her. The harsh fluorescent light of the storage closet highlighted the raw honesty between them.

"I guess… I sort of owe you an apology too," Lucy said softly, her anger ebbing away.

"I don’t know what was going on with the headaches and stuff exactly, but… sorry."

Maria’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as she looked up at Lucy. "Please don’t apologize to me. I may not have done it this time, but I would have. And I have before. And you know that."

Lucy’s expression softened with compassion. "Still. I’m sorry that this happened to you."

Maria's brows knitted in confusion. "Why? Why are you always so nice to me?"

"Because I missed you," Lucy replied, her voice gentle.

"We used to be close. And then we just...weren't. And I never got a reason why."

Lucy took in the sight of Maria, disheveled and remorseful, mascara smudged around her eyes. "I guess I thought you could change."

"Maybe I could. I mean, I did this time, right? I know that’s not any sort of consolation, but...it might be a start." Maria’s voice wavered with sincerity as she reached out and took Lucy’s hand. Her hands were surprisingly warm, and Lucy felt a spark of connection.

"I am so sorry for everything, Lucy. You were right, this whole time. I’ve never stopped liking you. I just couldn’t. Please, give me another chance. I swear I can do better. I’ll do it for you."

Lucy’s heart ached at the vulnerability in Maria’s eyes. "But this is it. I mean it. You can’t just start being nice only to me. You have to try to be nice to everyone else."

Maria’s lips curled into a hopeful grin. "I promise I will. I can do this. I can turn things around."

"I never gave up hope that you could," Lucy said, a faint smile touching her lips.

With a sense of finality and a newfound understanding, Lucy stood up, brushing off her dress. She extended her hand to Maria, who took it with a firm, grateful grip. Together, they left the dim confines of the storage closet, stepping back into the hallway where the muffled sounds of the dance still played.

The walk back to the gym felt like crossing a threshold, leaving behind old grievances and stepping into a fresh beginning. As they re-entered the brightly lit gymnasium, the scene was just as lively as they had left it. Balloons floated above, and the fairy lights twinkled like stars. The music had picked up again, a joyful tune that beckoned them to join in.

On the dance floor Alex found Ava waiting for him. He wrapped her arms around her waist, and she placed her hands gently on his shoulders.

"Oh yeah," Ava muttered. "All that flailing kids these days call 'dancing' gives me a headache."

"You seemed to like it when we were doing it a minute ago," Alex teased, a playful glint in his eye.

"You know what, you’re such a softie."

Ava protested. "I am not. I have soft spots. Everyone does. I’m not a monster."

Alex kissed her cheek and rested his head on her shoulder, pulling her closer. She sighed in feigned defeat, but her grip tightened around him, holding him just as close.

A short while later, after the final chords of the song faded into silence, a familiar, grating voice filled the auditorium. Emma’s voice.

"Hello! Guys, hope you’re done dancing. I know it’s usually the duty of last year’s queen to announce the homecoming court, but well, no one can find Maria."

Emma shrugged nonchalantly, just as Lucy reappeared at Alex’s side. Maria was right behind her, her makeup smudged around her eyes but with a weak smile playing on her lips. Alex looked at her in surprise.

From the other side, Noah snorted. He looked up at the stage with a face full of pure disdain. "I wish we could skip this part. Just another perpetuation of the class system in this school."

"I think it’s an honor," Alex replied.

"It’s supposed to be a measure of school spirit. A chance for the student body to tell two people that they have the most pride. Plus, the crowns are really nice."

Emma's voice echoed through the auditorium. "Without further ado, this year's homecoming king is..."

A drumroll blared through the speakers, heightening the anticipation. Emma tore open one of the envelopes in her hand, her mouth rounding into an 'oh'.

"It's Andy King!"

Applause erupted throughout the gymnasium, punctuated by shouts of 'One hit wonder' and even louder cries of 'King'.

Andy stood there, stunned. "Wh-what? No, I... how is this possible?"

Kimmy grinned at him. "I'm pretty sure voting happened the week we played against Greenwood."

Andy beamed at his friends before bounding up to the stage, his face alight with disbelief and joy.

Noah smirked, shaking his head in amusement. "Well, I’ll be damned."

Alex watched as Emma grimaced, her discomfort evident as she reluctantly placed the crown on Andy's head. Andy stood tall, the crown slightly askew, looking out at the cheering crowd with a mixture of pride and awe.

Emma, trying to regain her composure, forced a smile. "Okay! That was surprising, but now let's get to the good stuff, hm? This year's homecoming queen."

But

Just

Then

The doors nearest the stage slammed open, the sudden noise cutting through the jubilant atmosphere like a knife. On stage, Andy's face paled as he looked past Alex. Sensing the shift, Alex whirled around just in time to see Ophelia staggering in, clutching her stomach.

Leo's voice was a whisper, almost lost in the growing murmur. "What is she doing here?"

"Oh my god, look," Ava gasped, her eyes wide with horror.

Blood seeped through Ophelia's fingers, staining her dress and the floor beneath her. The color drained rapidly from her face, leaving her ashen and ghostly under the harsh gymnasium lights. A scream swelled from the crowd as people began to grasp the gravity of the situation.

Ophelia's legs buckled, and Alex lunged forward, catching her just before she hit the floor. Her grip was weak but desperate, her blood smearing across the front of his shirt.

"Alex," she gasped, her breath shallow and ragged. "It... failed. The ritual... failed."

Students crowded around, craning their necks to get a better look, their faces etched with shock and confusion.

"Okay, everyone, back up," Leo commanded, his voice steadying amidst the chaos.

"I'll call an ambulance. Just give her some room!"

Ophelia's eyes were glassy, tears mingling with the sweat and blood on her face. "I am so, so sorry. I really thought..."

Alex's heart pounded in his chest as he held her, his mind racing. "No. We won. We did it. Everything's fine, there must be..."

Alex strained to hear as Ophelia muttered something, but her words were lost in the crowd's nervous chatter. He leaned in close, tilting his ear toward her lips. When she inhaled, the air rattled—the last bit of air left in her.

"He's coming," she whispered, her grip loosening as she slumped against the floor.

"Alex, what did she say?" Kimmy asked, panic lacing her words.

Suddenly, an eerie, bone-chilling howling reverberated through the gym, sending a paralyzing shiver down Alex's spine. The doors flew open with a thunderous crash, and a nightmarish tide of vine-entwined skeleton dog creatures surged into the room. Their grotesque forms twisted and undulated in a macabre dance of horror. The crowd, gripped by primal terror, scattered in frantic, chaotic disarray, their piercing screams slicing through the oppressive darkness like a symphony of despair.

One of the monstrous creatures broke from the pack and stalked towards Alex. He backed away, bumping into Lucy, who was edging away from another creature. Alex glanced toward the fire exit to his left, but it was now covered in spiders the size of his fist, their eyes glinting malevolently in the flickering gym lights.

"We gotta get out of here quickly! Where the hell is Andy?" Noah shouted.

Alex turned toward the stage, struggling to see over the panicked, screaming crowd. Up on the stage, Andy was slamming a folding chair into one creature and then another.

"Yeah, what's my name!?" Andy yelled defiantly, winding up to swing again. But a huge creature leaped up from the dance floor, its jaws clamping around his leg.

The creature twisted its head, and Alex heard a sickening crunch. A sharp piece of bone snapped through the skin of Andy's leg, the sight of it sending a wave of nausea through Alex.

Andy screamed, his cries echoing through the gym as the beast dragged him toward the exit.

"Andy!" Alex yelled, fighting his way through the crowd, but knowing he wouldn't reach him in time.

Andy managed to catch hold of the doorframe as the beast bounded through the exit doors. Their eyes locked across the room, a silent plea for help in Andy's gaze.

"Alex, help!" he cried.

And then, with a horrific jerk, Andy was gone, the beast dragging him into the darkness beyond the doors. The sight of his friend's helplessness, his bloodied leg, and the sheer terror on his face was seared into Alex's mind. The crowd's screams grew louder, the creatures closing in from all sides.