Nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope.

Not happening.

I took the book away from Thomas' hand, and shook my head. Thomas said "Hey! It looked pretty cool!" I pointed at the computer, then the book. Computer, then book. I waited for him to connect the dots. "Wha..? I don't ge- oh my god! Are you implying that's the book!?"

I rolled my eyes, and nodded. I needed to learn sign language.

Instead of freaking out, like I thought he would, he rubbed his hands together and grinned. "Imagine if we brought it to school! The teacher would be so impressed. I'd never get a F again!"

I shook my head firmly, and pointed at the computer. "Cricket? Are you serious? This is a gold mine for grades! You just can't take it away! You know I need this."

I sighed. I wish I could tell him he doesn't. That nothing, could be as needed to handle this. But I could only put a hand on his shoulder, and shook my head one last time.

Thomas sighed. "Fine. Let's go." I smiled, and I we went to turn the books back in. The librarian checked in two book titles, and we were ready to leave.

--------------------------------------------

"Pique, chaine, and stop. Carol, pick up your legs." I nodded, and did the instructions. I was in pointe class. In private lessons, because it was hard for me to keep up in group lessons.

My dance teacher was Melissa. She was nice, but pretty strict. She had long, brown hair usually in a ponytail, and always wore a leotard.

"Carol, break in those pointe shoes. They need a bit more work." I nodded, continuing my dance.

Melissa guided me through the dance, and I did what was instructed of me. I loved pointe, but it was pretty late, and I was tired from the studying.

Finally, Melissa clapped her hands. "Class is dismissed. I'll see you tomorrow, Carol." I smiled, and went out in the waiting room. I massaged my aching toes, and switched the pointe shoes out with my regular shoes.

I hopped in the car, where dad was waiting for me. "How'd you do, kiddo?" I shrugged, doing the so-so gesture with my hands. Dad chuckled. "Remember to break in those shoes more. It's all I hear from your teacher." I nodded.

Dad and I weren't very close. He didn't really understand that I don't like to talk, and tries to get me to talk all the time. I don't really like it.

The rest of the car ride was silent, and I stared out the window. I wonder what Thomas was doing. He went home after the library, while dad took me to dance. For one, Thomas probably wasn't studying. Or doing his homework for the night.

The car pulled into our driveway, and I went inside. I dropped off my bag on the chair, and I smiled at mom. She smiled back, and said Thomas was asleep, so I should be quiet.

That was weird. Thomas is usually up until eleven. It was only 10:24 right now, so I was confused. Eh, whatever. I headed upstairs, and went into my bedroom. I was super tired, so I decided I'd go to sleep right away.

I changed into my monkey pajamas, which was basically a nightgown with a monkey saying 'I'm bananas for you!' on it. What? They're comfy. I turned off my lamp, and slowly fell asleep.

---------------------------------------------

I woke up to a loud banging. I yawned, and rubbed my eyes. I looked at my clock on the dresser. 1:46. I tilted my head, and kicked off the covers on my bed.

I saw a blue glow coming from under my door.

I swallowed. This was usually how people died in scary movies. Hear's sound, goes to check it out in the basement, ends up dead.

So, let's just say I was a little reluctant. But I went over to the door anyway. I put my hand on the doorknob, and slowly turned it. I jerked it open.

The glow wasn't coming from the hallway. It was coming from Thomas' bedroom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sorry for all the cliffhangers, but they're so fun!

-Clo