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The Laws of Solstice

On the twenty-first of the sixth and twelfth month of every year,

the barrier between our reality and the life that comes afterwards

reaches its maximum weakened state, weak enough that ancient

magic can be used to conjure the spirit-form of a deceasedfriend or family member (here-in referred to as the called-

upon). In this indeterminate state, a realm between ours and

theirs, it is as if the loved one never diedas if they were still

alive, with a physical body, a voice, and the same face they had

when you (the caller) last saw them.

Thou shall never call upon one who is not related by blood or

known physically, in person, by both parties. This includes, but is

not limited to, celebrities, politicians and historical figures.Any form of sexual activity is prohibited, regardless of the extent

it reaches, between a caller and the called-upon.

The Afterlife cannot be questionednor can the called-upon

speak of it, by the callers law as well as those of the called-upon.

Criminals, public figureheads and select others may not be called

upon, and if attempted, the Government may interfere in such

rituals.

No physical possession of the callers may be left behind in

Limbo or given to the called upon.

Lonely Solstices is an accepted and Government-endorsed

operation, but it cannot be held liable for any mishaps that may

occur in Solstice.

Any injuries or odd happenings that take place in Solstice must

be reported to the authorities within 24 hours of occurrence.

Failure to comply with any of the aforementioned laws may result

in serious penalties, fines or banning from future Solstices.

I hereby grant this document my approval:

Jonathan Aniston

Leader of Earth


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Prologue

In the countryside, the towns were small and scattered, with

vast fields and clear, empty blue skies. Little farmhouses dotted

the meadows, and small forests of pine and spruce trees were

often found marking the split between two different farmersterritories. Small lakes were visible in some of the fields, with

sparkling crystalline water and little ducks or birds floating on the

surface, causing faint ripples. Marking the barrier between these

farms and the highway that passed through was a long, wooden

fence, run down and shambling in some sections, because it had

been neglected or forgotten as urbanization dragged people

further from the countryside into the cities. Contained by this

fence were a few horses, cows and other generic farm animals,

but there werent many, as domestic farming was, for the most

part, obsolete. Every mile or so, a subdivision branched off of the

main highway, leading to the small gatherings of homes, a

church, or a school. There was also an old run-down gas station,

but the townsfolk couldnt remember the last time it had been

used.

Strolling down this particular highway, eyes wandering across

the scenery with fascination was a young woman. The woman

was the most beautiful thing on the planet, with the perfect clichsupermodel looks. Her long, gently curling blond hair fell down to

her waist, perfectly under control, without a single stray lock. As

expected, she was tall and thin, though her statuesque appeal

was lost under her grubby, seemingly second-hand clothing. She

wore a small, white t-shirt. Although, only she knew that was its

true color, for it had long since become a grimy grey article. She

also wore a pair of ripped up black denim Capris and, to

complete her ensemble, a pair of dingy brown sneakers.

Underneath her golden veil of hair, her stunning grey eyes

examined her surroundings, and she smiled as she hoisted her

bag of groceries onto her hip, checking her leather watch and

looking around again.


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Everyone knew everyone in this town, and as a car drove by,

several people waved at the woman, who smiled and returned

their eager waves. Such an occurrence was not uncommon, and

both the woman and her daughter had grown used to the

friendly, keen townsfolk, although the woman was still weary ofthe uninvited curiosity and poking around her neighbours did.

Hey! the woman driving the rusting white car slowed down,

rolling alongside the blond woman on the highway, Were having

a party tonight, Melissa. Want to come? Tammy wanted me to

invite you; she said you needed some down time, time to relax.

Melissa smiled at the woman, shaking her head apologetically,

Im sorry, Peggy, but you know how my daughter is. She doesnt

like me leaving her at home all by herselfWell bring her over, too! Peggy grinned, waving off Melissas

rejection with a chuckle, The more the merrier! She can play

with Alice in the basement

I dont know Melissa shrugged, her response clearly based

off more than she was saying outright, Ill think about it.

Alright, Peggy nodded, smiling and shifting gears again, If

you come, its my place at six! Bring your own alcohol, sweetie!

Melissa smiled faintly and nodded as Peggy sped up and

turned down the gravel road of her subdivision. Sighing, she sped

up a little bit herself, seeing a sleek black Government car

zooming down the road. She turned in the opposite direction from

home, planning to divert the men, so they would not find her

daughter. She knew that they wanted both her and the child,

dead or alive, so if she could spare her daughter at leastthe

very minimum she could do was save her.

Melissa glanced over her shoulder. Sure enough, the car wasfollowing her, keeping a safe distance. Melissa shuddered and

turned her head straight, trying to make a path for herself with

her eyes. No obvious escape route came to mind, and all she

could do was continue walking. Her bags of apples and bread

were a burden, but she could not drop them and run, or the men


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in the car would start shooting. Right now they were following her

to find her daughter, but if she decided to flee, they would kill her

immediately.

Focus on walking. Drawing them further away from your child.

Your one and only reason for existence. If they find her, she willdie. You can let her live. Keep walking, Melissa, keep walking.

Melissas breathing was getting heavier as she grew tired. She

had been walking for at least an hour, her legs moving so swiftly

the crinkling denim of her Capris made a swishy noise. The sun

was lowering on the horizon, making the clouds turn purple and

the sky fill with pink and orange hues. The tall trees and the

stretching fields appeared like black shadows now. She wouldve

stopped and admired it if not for the dire situations, which forcedher to quicken her pace and continue walking. As she took

another turn, to her disdain, she saw a dead end. She had

reached the Mulberrys farmhouse, and behind it was nothing but

miles upon miles of empty fields, crumbling barns and stray cats.

She turned back to the prowling black car, which slowed down

and ducked behind a tree, flicking off its headlights. She turned

back to the Mulberrys home. If she knocked on the door, the

Government would storm in and kill thembut if she didnt, they

would know she had lured them away, and they would harass herneighbours, tell them lies until they knew where Melissa and her

four year old daughter resided.

She shoved her middle and index fingers into her temple,

debating her options. She knew that none of her options were

viable, and she could not do anything to risk anyone but herself.

Making up her mind, she shook herself, lifted her head and began

to walk towards the car. It pulled out from behind the tree as she

got closer, and then it suddenly ripped off in the oppositedirection.

Melissas heart sped up. They had realized her deceit, and now

they were off to find her daughter. Nodont go that waythats

the wrong wayorperhaps its the right way


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She broke into a sprint, running down the pebbly road, her

ankles scraping against her shoes, and her chest, face and

armpits filling with sweat. Anxiety pulsed through her, shaking

every muscle loose, somehow forcing her to run faster, allowing

home to be in her sight in a third of the time it took to walk. Sheslowed down and smiled as she realized the car was nowhere

near the house. They would pack up tonight and ask Peggy for a

ride to the train station tomorrow morning. Within a week, any

leads the Government had on their whereabouts would be

erased, and Melissa could disappear off the map once more.

Walking briskly down the driveway, she allowed herself to be

calmed, knowing they would not be able to find her before her

and her daughter had already escaped. If they got close, she

would shove Bonnie on the train alone; send her to Hans or

Darren. She would face the mercenaries alone.

Melissa wrung her clammy hands, deciding then and there

what she would do. She would convince her daughter they were

both leaving tomorrow, she would have someone from Alforces

meet them at the train station and take the girl to a friend for

her. Melissa smiled, biting back tears as she covered the last few

steps to the door, opening it and preparing to call her childs

name.But to her surprise, horror and despair, her eyes did not find

the innocent grey eyes of her beloved daughter, but they found a

pair of steely black ones. Blood, everywhere. On the walls, on the

floor. Her childs young puppy, Charm, lay limp on the ground, his

fur tattered and patched with blood. Her daughter was crying and

the men had their weapons drawn.

You Melissa moaned, dropping her bags. The bread landed

softly, but the apples hit the floor with a clunk, rolling out to oneof the mens feet. He bent down and picked it up, taking a bite,

letting the juice dribble down his chin without bothering to wipe it

away. Grinning, showing his glistening white teeth, he chuckled

deeply and menacingly at her.


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We came from the place where the sun sets on neither soul

nor body. You should never have defied us, Mellissa. You should

have followed your orders, he whispered, his voice cracking as

he spit out the apple, yanking out a dagger, with a glinting,

serrated blade of silver. She could see her daughter beingstrangled over the mans shoulder.

Pleasespare her. Let my child live. Let Bon her plea was

cut off in a scream as the blade slashed into her skin. The man

laughed and the child screamed. The woman hit the floor hard,

her head bashing into the wall with a sickening thunk. Her eyelids

fluttered as she slipped out of consciousness, and that was the

last action Melissa ever made.


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Chapter 1

Who are you inviting to Solstice this winter? It wasnt exactly

an uncommon question, in fact, it was quite popular that time of

year, and yet when Bonnie was asked it that winter morning, she

felt herself get uneasy, uncertain. She frowned, considering. Hermind was a blank slate, unable to conjure an answer to the

greasy haired, mildly geeky girl before her. The girl was one

Bonnie had spoken with many times before. She was a social

climber, someone who clung to Bonnies every word, wore all the

same clothes Bonnie did, only not designer, just cheap knock-offs

from Wal-mart or some other silly store like that.

After a long hesitation and some quick thinking, Bonnie flipped

her long, curly red hair over her pale, boney shoulder, and thenspoke to the black haired girl, My mother. Her voice was

flippant, bored. The voice of an alpha. Colder than ice, sharp

enough to cut through metal.

Oh! Is she dead, B-Bonnie? The girls eyes widened and

Bonnie couldnt help but feel disgusted with hereveryone in the

school knew that both of Bonnies parents were dead and she

lived with her adoptive father.

Bonnie nodded just slightly with her chin, not looking downwith shame. It was the past. It was done. So what if her mother

was dead? It didnt mean she was, and she had hardly known the

woman, so it really shouldnt be any reason to receive pity from

this girl. Before the girl had the chance to sympathize with her,

Bonnie narrowed her eyes and asked, challengingly, And what

about you?

Umprobably my grandfather. He died the girl started to

explain the when and how of her grandfathers death, but Bonnie

didnt want to hear it.

Bonnie cut her off by holding up her hand. No thank you. I

prefer to stay away from such morbid, sad stories. Take it

elsewhere. I asked who, not why. Please, try to be considerate of

the fact that your grandfathers death is something concerning

you and your family, not me.


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The girl blushed and nodded, scurrying away to a small huddle

of geeky girls who whispered frantically for a moment and then

all stared at Bonnie with awe. Bonnie ignored them, brushing

past. Nobody made a move to follow for a few seconds, until she

twirled on her heel and pointed at the first girl she recognized inthe group as a friend. You, come here, She ordered in her most

powerful, demanding voice.

A tall, skinny girl with square glasses and a fine featured face,

chin-length chestnut brown hair, clear blue eyes, stepped out of

the group, broadly grinning at the prospect of perfect, popular

Bonnie singling her out. Bonnie looked at her, starting at the toes

and working her way up. She was wearing cute, trendy clothes,

probably not very expensive, but cute nonetheless. However, due

to the girls sharp haircut, delicate face and thin, tall build, they

looked tooforced. The girl, Lana, wouldve looked much better

in something more classy, but still fashionable.

Lana, why dont you sit with me today for lunch? I heard

theyre selling pizza today. You like pizza, right? Bonnie crooned,

smiling her most charming, adorable smile. The one that got her

whatever she wanted. The one that made boys and girls alike

crazy about her. Lana was a kind girl, if she recalled correct. She

would help people with homework, hang out with unpopularpeople and was also really, really charitable. She volunteered at a

senior home, the one Bonnie had once volunteered at as well,

and the place where the two had met and become tentative

friends.

The senior home volunteering hadnt lasted long, though,

because Bonnie was not kind or generous at all. Every student in

St. Ganlerds adored her, she was cool, composed, mature, pretty,

and smart, everything they all wanted to be. But nobody knew

the real Bonnie, a spoiled rich girl who lied to everyone, every

day. Her father was dead, he died before her mom even knew

she was pregnant, and her mother...her mother was

assassinated, God knows why. Unfortunately, the Government

had put a block on both of them for Solstice, preventing Bonnie

from ever seeing them and getting answers to her questions.


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Bonnie was left alone in the world, haunted by that earliest

memory, of her mothers death. Bonnie was adopted by a

merchant, who was only at the beginning of his success at the

time, but now, he was one of the top 10 richest people globally.

Oh, yes, of course! Lana nodded fiercely, and Bonniesmacked out of her thoughts, smiling just enough to show

approval. They walked side by side to the cafeteria. On the way,

people stopped and whispered. Boys grinned, and offered to eat

with them. Bonnie brushed them off and Lana giggled, politely

refusing. Once they reached the cafeteria, everyone stopped

what they were doing to watch Bonnie. She didnt know why, but

every girl and boy in the room was admiring her grace and

beauty. Bonnie was small, skinny, but not too boney that it was

gross. Her body curved just enough in all the places it should. Her

calm, unsmiling eyes were pale grey, flecked with cerulean. And

her hair, red and shiny, soft and curly, hung down her back,

curling all the way to her waist. Her white sweater clung off her

shoulders, and her faded jeans hugged her hips. She was

extremely pretty, and everyone knew it but her. Wellshe knew

she was attractive, but she didnt like to think about it, knowing

that her looks were one of the main reasons people liked her,

because she lacked personality. So she didnt find the charming

face as lovely as everyone else did.

Bonnie looked around the cafeteria. There was the chess club

table, the nerd table, the plain-Jane table, the manga geek table,

the popular table, the drama people table, the cheerleaders

table... Her eyes finally landed on a small table next to the

window, overlooking the beautiful ocean that covered the entire

eastern border of Ganlerds. At the table was a boy, with short

blonde hair, wearing a tight beige sweater that hugged his

heavily muscled chest. Bonnie smiled inside. Bingo!

Taking Lanas hand and balancing her tray in her other hand,

she motioned Lana to do the same. The plate of pizza slid

dangerously close to the edge, but Bonnie ignored it, knowing

that her grace would keep it from slopping to the floor. Lana

followed suit, holding her tray like a waitress. They walked over


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to the boys table, and slid in opposite him, putting their trays on

the table in front of them. Bonnies knees almost brushed his

under the cafeteria table. He didnt even look up from the book

he was reading. Bonnie cleared her throat, exchanging a glance

with Lana. Lana shrugged, clearly unsure of how to act incircumstances like these. Bonnie remained composed, despite his

obvious ignorance of the two girls, as she leaned forward,

touching the top of the book and pulling it down until it was flat

on the table. He continued to read for a moment, until his eyes

travelled to the place where her hand was. He looked up, finally,

to see a very annoyed, but completely calm, Bonnie.

Bonnie Geruvil, she introduced, extending her small white

hand. She turned her lips up into a charming, flirtatious smile.

Everyone in the school did as she asked when she flashed that

smile, as if she would harm them for not abiding by her orders.

Bonnie wasnt malevolent at allfor the most part, she had a

neutral standpoint on her relationships with others and their

actions.

I know, he smirked, clearly amused by Bonnies

straightforwardness.

Oh do you? Hmm ...I didnt know I was famous. Bonnie

grinned and leaned back, giggling. She looked at Lana, wholooked totally embarrassed. Shed show her. Lunch with Bonnie

was an adventure, and shed better appreciate it. But it was

obvious by Lanas expression that she simply wanted to go over

to the two conjoined tables where the popular crowd was

laughing, all the while keeping their gazes locked on Bonnie,

wondering what she was doing.

Indeed you are where I come from.

For the first time Bonnie could remember, she found herselffidgeting. What was with this guy? It was one thing to be a little

weird about it, but now he was just being freaky Bonnie cleared

her thoughts, deciding that two could play at his game. Where

do you come from?


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He smiled, his pearly teeth flashing. Bonnie noticed that his

wisdom teeth were slightly pointed, the only imperfection she

could find. But, strangely, it just made him more perfect. A place

where the sun sets on neither soul nor body.

Bonnie did a double take. Those were the words from hermemory. She recalled the night so clearly, the tall men with the

black leather trench coats, the fear of the eerie silence, the scent

of coffee and cigarettes fresh on the mans breath, as he

strangled her...She jerked out of the memory, shaking her head

slightly, and smiled at him quickly. Oh yeah? Nice and cryptic. I

like a guy with mystery.

Oh really? he sat up straighter and closed his book

completely, slipping it into his book bag. Well maybe you shouldgo talk with one of them, shouldnt you? He gestured at the

table of nerds and smiled, Uncharted territory for you, right?

Bonnie smirked, glad to have the upper hand on that snide

comment, as she replied, Completely mapped out, actually. Ive

dated three of them. Ive very broad horizons.

He hesitated, looking genuinely shocked she had dated losers

like them. But, come one, they were really sweet. Bonnie didnt

just go for looks. She liked sweet-talkers, too, and the jockshadnt read enough Shakespeare to provide that. Well, he

shrugged at last, If thats what turns you on, why are you over

here?

Bonnie turned her gaze to Lana, who looked totally

nonchalant, twirling a strand of her hair around one of her long,

slender fingers. She looked absolutely adorable, so innocent and

wide-eyed, unaware of both Bonnie and the strangers eyes on

her. When she felt Bonnie watching, she bristled and looked up.

Bonnie sighed, Lana can tell you that.

What? Lana asked, blushing.

Whyd you and Bonnie come to my table, Lana, dear, He

smiled charmingly, showing off those odd teeth again.


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Lana turned to Bonnie, looking mortified and confused, I

weyoure new, right? Im on the welcoming committee, but Im

super shy. Bonnies just supporting me. Welcome to St.

Ganlerds!

Bonnie gazed at Lana, admiration flickering for an instant. Shewas surprised at how Lana had covered up so well, without even

telling a lie. Lana was involved in the schools welcoming

committee. Then she decided made a scene, for Lanas sake. She

didnt want to embarrass the poor girl any more than she already

had, and a quick, charming recovery would draw attention away

from the red-faced Lana. Welcome! She exclaimed, clapping

her hands and standing up, keeping her hands pressed together,

then looked around the cafeteria. Everyone was seated, in chairs,

on the table, on the floor. They all gazed up at her, and then

instantly, they came to her rescue.

Welcome to St. Ganlerds! They all clapped and threw some

random things in the air, standing up and laughing. Bonnie

turned back to meet his gaze, triumph ringing in her ears. The

sound of clapping and welcoming shouts was her victory. The

new boy was now her slave. He had to see how popular she was,

to know how backed up, how prestigious she was. At a school

with as few people as St. Ganlerds High, the social hierarchy wasvery clear. And now he would know: dont mess with Bonnie

Geruvil.

Very nice, Bonnie, he grinned, looking at the groups of

shouting people, who were no longer watching, just enjoying the

excuse to laugh and make noise. Bonnie was the queen, and she

had called for rejoice. So they were rejoicing. For what, they were

unaware. But they would do it until she stopped them, or they ran

out of laughter. I like seeing the bee effect in schools across the

country.

Bee effect? Bonnie asked, smiling with as much false

kindness as she could, the glint in her eye still making it clear

that she was in charge. Lana had taken the cheering opportunity

to leave and join some of her other friends, giggling and waving


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her arms around goofily, so now they were alone, and no one

could hear her venom or his challenging tone.

Yeah. Queen bee, He pointed at her, Drones, he pointed at

the boys. Then the girls, Workers.

Interesting theory. Unfortunately, I hold no power over these

people. They choose to like me, I dont use my Queen Bee

powers on them, She shrugged and turned to walk away.

He slid out of his chair, and strode away. Bonnie turned around

again and watched him go. As she left the cafeteria several girls

asked for details. She winked at the girls and held up a blank

piece of paper, just quickly enough to make it look like she got a

number. The girls gasped and held their hands out for five.

Bonnie tapped some fingertips, and then exited the cafeteria.

The rest of the day, she didnt see him. She was in all the top

classes, so she was willing to bet that he was either a skipper, or

stuck in the average or guided classes. She sat in her desk,

bouncing the tip of her pen off the surface of her papers, bobbing

one of her feet under the desk. Time passed quickly, girls fussing

over how great her hair, make-up, and nail polish looked. Boys

approached her, shy, confident, friendly. She pretended polite,and when she got tired of it, she would use the washroom as an

excuse, or pretend her phone had received an urgent text,

sometimes she even just told them she needed to leave, point

blank.

After school, she drove home in her black BMW, brooding and

thoughtful. In two days, it was the winter Solstice. It had become

a national holiday eighteen years ago, because of its newly

found magic. The so called magic of Solstice was a phenomenon

that occurred semi-annually. It had been discovered by a

scientist, James Gowlson, that twice a year, on the Solstices, the

barrier between reality and the afterlife grows just thin enough to

temporarily visit a deceased person in a realm between the two.

The realm was just a blank, empty space, with nothing but you,

the person you are meeting and several soft, mist-like clouds.


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There wasnt even a solid groundit was like floating, only you

werent. At one oclock a.m. on both those days, every person on

earth can perform a ritual and spend the entire day with a person

of their choice. Bonnie, however, couldnt spend a day with her

mother or father, because the Government had put a block ontheir souls, so that even if she performed the ritual, she would

get nothing, except for a warning. How the Government

controlled the blocking was beyond her, but it was absolute, any

rule they made stayed, and the leader would not be swayed in his

decisions.

Bonnie sighed, passing a red convertible, her train of thought

nearly distracting her from signalling, but she remembered just in

time. She didnt understand what her mother or father could have

done to tick the Government off so bad. The only other blocked

souls were criminals or incredibly famous people who demanded

to rest in peace. Bonnie slid the ashtray out of its socket. She

didnt smoke; she merely used it as a place for her most precious

possession. Concentrating on the road, she blindly searched the

tray with her fingers. At last, she found the photo.

She pulled it out and looked at it forlornly. The woman in the

photo was beautiful. She was tall and thin, with golden hair

tugged back into a long, smooth, straight ponytail, which waspulled over her shoulder. Her eyes were grey, with a hint of pale

blue. Her fair skin was flawless and toned, and she wore a pale

blue sundress with a sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps.

The womans lips were pulled up, and she appeared to be

laughing, her eyes slightly closed, and her mouth open. The man

beside her was also tall, with short red hair, and brown eyes. He

wore an official Government uniform, complete with badges. His

face was also smiling, though a trace of sadness filled his eyes.

There were several other figures in the background, but theirfaces were blurred and meant nothing to Bonnie.

For the millionth time since she became aware of the photo,

she flipped it over. The words on the back always sent a familiar

chill down her spine, making her uneasy. The writing was cursive

blue pen, and it read:


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December 16th, Year 5

Darling Jason,

Congratulations on your discovery! I hope you knock em

dead!

I will miss you while youre away! Think of me every night!

With Love,

Melissa

And below that, in black pen, less loopy, it said:

Solstice

Bonnie shuddered. The note was from her mother to her

father, dated 5 days before the scientists proved Solstices powerto the Government, half a year before Solstice was revealed to

the public...and her mother became pregnant with her. How her

parents had exchanged a photo with the words Solstice written

on it, and mention of a discovery, just mere days before the

future-changing event was beyond Bonnies comprehension.

She shoved it back into the ashtray and slid it shut. She

couldnt bear to think about it a moment longer. It was a puzzle,

a secret, something Bonnie would probably never understand the

true meaning behind. She hated not understanding things like

that. It bothered her, and she got restless, anxious over it. Her

eyes watched the road for a short while, then she straightened

and used her right hand to flip on the expensive stereo she had

had installed a while back. A song came on that she didnt

recognise, but it was pretty, she thought. Slowly, her mind picked

up on the chorus and she began to hum along, swaying her head

from side to side to the beat.

She was excited to get home and rest up, maybe make a threeor four way call with some of the girlsyeah, that sounded fun.

Bonnie loved gossiping, chatting, idly speaking with the

airheaded girls in her class. They didnt have much brains, but

their cluelessness was alluring and comfortingshe didnt have

to pretend when she talked to people as dense as most of her


16/51

school friends. Bonnie slowly turned down into her subdivision, a

rich, lush, area with only three houses, each with acres of fresh,

green grass and large, crystalline ponds, along with large

mansions for the wealthy.

The first house on the left belonged to the Masters lived, anold man and his wife, who both stayed inside their land, rich

enough to not work, and hiring help to do all the cooking,

cleaning, yard workAnd on the right, the Lipinski family resided,

a family of foreigners who were socializing, party-throwing

bimbos. Mrs. Lipinski had had an affair with almost every man in

the city, and Mr. Lipinski was known to hire prostitutes on the

weekends when his wife was in the Capital working. There was

also a rumour revolving around the two that they worked in

illegal affairs, but with no proof, it was just that.

The house at the end of the road was the loveliest of all, with a

charming, Victorian style, classy windows, a fine, trimmed lawn. It

was the biggest, best and most envied house in a thousand mile

radius. It was at the very back of the property, and the back of

the house, which had many lovely terraces and balconies, was

built on the edge of a high cliff that descended directly into the

depths of the lapping, ever-churning ocean. Bonnie smiled,

knowing that this house belonged to her adopted father, HansGeruvil, and subsequently, herself. When she pulled up in the

driveway, though, she knew something was wrong, and her smile

slipped away. Usually, on a weekday, her adopted father Hans

wouldnt be home until the wee hours, but today his gleaming

gold car was parked on the front lawn, shining like a sunny

beacon for Bonnie to run inside, overjoyed, and throw herself into

Hans arms for a fatherly bear hug.

Bonnie threw on her brakes, grabbed her bag from the

passenger seat and jogged up to the tall white stone mansion.

She used her key to unlock the front door, and then crossed the

threshold into a warm house. Against Hans request, Bonnie had

refused to hire a maid. When he questioned why not, she simply

told him that housework was easy and she could do it herself.

Bonnie peeled off her fashionable white jacket, lined with


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cashmere inside, and faux fur trim, tossing it onto an armchair by

the door. She put her bag down on the island in the kitchen, and

then hoisted herself onto one of the tall stools. Swinging her legs

in tempo with the quick beat of her heart, she flipped her hair out

over her shoulders.Hans! Are you home? I saw your car out front! Bonnie called

at the top of her lungs. Only a faint echo responded. After a

moment, she tried again, Hans? Youre home, dont try to fool

me! Sighing, she figured maybe he was working in his office. But

he wouldve paused the call long enough to shout out a greeting

to her

She got out of her seat uneasily. Hans usually welcomed her

with a small party, some home-cooked food and a ton of DVDswhen he got off early. They were as close as siblings, because

Hans was single, had a kind, childish personality, and had never

really taken on the fatherly role for Bonnie, hed always

respected her and she had done the samethey got along as if

they were best friends. In a sense, Hans was Bonnies best friend.

She always told him everything, and she never lied to him, about

anything. She crossed the kitchen, silently padding on her bare

feet. She headed to his room. Maybe he was upset because of a

bad investment, or a colleague leaving one of the businesses.She knocked on the door, gently. No one answered.

Bonnie felt a chill crawl down her spine, just a split second

before she heard a thump from the floor above. She passed the

elevator and ran up the stairs. The floor she went to was the

middle floor, the one that consisted of a small study for her, a

massive library, with so many books, Bonnie didnt even have

enough time to read the titles, and last, her fathers enormous

office. The office wasnt off-limits to BonnieHans granted her

complete freedom around the housebut she rarely ever went in

there, because she felt as if she were intruding on his private

space, the one place where she would always leave him alone,

just as he let her be when she went in her room and closed the

door.


18/51

Bonnie ran into his office, disregarding her unspoken rule with

herself to never go in. Hans! Are you alright, did you She cut

off with a scream, covering her mouth in horror, looking away

from what was in front of her with fright. Immediately, though,

she turned her eyes back to what she saw, and she observed asmuch as she could without visually scarring herself.

Her stepfather was lying on the floor, his neck bent up so that

he wouldve been able to see her if not for the bleeding, swelling

wounds around his eyes. His eyes were open, just barely though,

and Bonnie wasnt sure if it was because he was weak, or if it was

because of the swelling red bruises forming around them. His

shirt had slashes in it, some of them small, others large, with

bloodied cuts underneath. The cuts were jagged, and the blood

coming out looked too dark to be natural, and Bonnie knew

something wasnt right with the blood, something other than the

fact that it was coming out of him like water from a well. There

was a faint trail of blood on the floor behind him, as if he had

dragged himself several meters, but he didnt seem capable of

moving anymore.

Bonnie cringed and looked around the rest of the room. The

bookcase near the window was leaning forward, and Bonnie saw

it had been knocked over, and was leaning on the edge of Hansdesk. Books were piled on the floor, bending in unmannerly

fashions. Bonnie knew that Hans would be upset about this,

because both of them cherished books, fine pieces of literature

written by others hearts. One of the walls was splattered with

blood, as if it was from some twisted horror movie

The large window, overlooking the ocean, was shattered. The

glass decorated the floor, some pieces glinted with blood, and

others just sat there, big and clear and deadly. Bonnie could tell

most of the glass had been pushed out into the ocean, probably

smashing to fragments on the jagged rocks at the bottom of the

precipice. Bonnie had once gone cliff diving with Hans there

before, and the fall had terrified her. All she could remember

when it ended was the fear she felt towards the dark, looming

abyss below, and the cold splash of water when she hit the


19/51

surface. It looked as though some intruder had jumped from the

window, judging by the size of the hole in the glass, and the way

it was shattered outward as was the case. Bonnie knew how

stupid that would be, though, because they would plummet to

death instantly if they tried that, no matter what precautions theytook.

She couldnt make a sound. Hans lay there, slowly, he tried to

lift his head, but couldnt. She snapped out of her trance and ran

over, falling to her knees. HansHans, what happened?! He

moved his lips but no sound came out, only a bubble of blood

that dribbled onto her hands as she lifted his head up, helped him

stand, then hobbled with him over to a cushiony armchair, where

she plopped him down as gently as possible, allowing him to

adjust himself before she examined him closer.

She used her trembling hand to lift his chin. What she saw

caused her to scream and fall back onto her bum, one hand

covering her mouth, the other blocking herself. It looked as if

someone had used a knife, or a switchblade, to literally carve an

addition to his mouth on the left side. Like the Joker from Batman

or some sort of demented chop-shop film. Bonnie stumbled up,

ran over to the phone. She ripped it off its cradle, dialling 9-1-1.

Hello. Please remain calm as you state your emergency, Thewoman spoke, sounding bored and monotone, as if shed said it a

hundred times today alone.

My uncles dying! Someone broke into our house and

Bonnie continued to explain, panicking and freaking out, taking

quick, sharp breaths in an attempt to maintain her calmness.

Hanswhat would she do if this was real? What if he died?

Twenty minutes later, she was in her living room, being

questioned by the police. Constable Perry and Officer Denise,

they said their names were. Constable Perry was a cold, stubborn

woman, who was convinced that there was more to the story

than Bonnie was saying, and she seemed suspicious of ever

single hesitation Bonnie had because of her anxiety and fear.


20/51

Officer Denise was slightly kinder man, but he still seemed to

respond to Bonnies every word with an expression that said he

didnt believe her.

When did you get home? Perry asked, arms folded over her

chest.

4:45, about... Bonnie shrugged, wiping tears from her eyes.

Did you notice anything different?

Hans car was parked. I thought he would be waiting inside

with food and movies Bonnie stared down at her hands, seeing

them shake in her lap.

Is that a common occurrence?

Um, not really...when he does get off work early though, welike to spend time together, Bonnie shrugged, We

What was your relationship with him like?

Well, mostly he just supported me, spoiled me, while I took

care of the house, and worked hard at school. We were good

friends though. We spend weekends and his days off watching old

movies, or doing karaoke, or playing sports. Sometimes we go

hiking, camping, things like that

Hans was single for a long time, Bonnie. Did that bother you?

Bonnie frowned at her, not quite understanding the question,

but she shrugged and replied, It didnt occur to me to be

bothered.

And Hans neverdid anything in violation of the law towards

you, did he?

What? Bonnie shook her head, No, of course not. He was

as great a father as any, if not better. He abided by the law in all

aspects of his life, I would swear on the bible to that. She sighed

and picked up a small piece of paper and a pencil, beginning to

sketch.

I understand you were to be heir when Hans passed away?


21/51

Yes, I was. However, He made it clear I would never succeed

him if my grades dropped below a 97.5% average in all my

classes, Bonnie sighed, wondering how this was relevant.

That was his average?

No. His was 98.8%.

And yours is...?

99.2% Bonnie replied truthfully, hoping her honesty would

not sound like bragging.

Did you kill him for the position?

Bonnies head whipped up from her drawing of the crime

scene, before shed interfered with it, which they had asked for.

What?! My father isnt dead yet! I would never even try to hurthim! How could you even ask that, after what I just witnessed,

what I justhow could you?

I see. With that, Constable Perry exited the room. Bonnie

wanted further explanation of that awful question, but Perry did

not seem ready to supply that. As she reached the door, though,

somebody appeared from down the hallway, blocking the door.

Constable Perry narrowed her eyes and flipped her short, brown

hair over her shoulder, annoyed. Officer Denise stood up and saidto the newcomer, Who are you, interrupting an interrogation?

Bonnie leaned across the coffee table for a better look. In the

doorway she saw the pretty blond boy from school earlier that

day. He had his thumbs tucked into his belt and was looking at

the police with a cool, calm expression. She immediately sat

back, hoping he didnt see her. She was in quite a state: raccoon

make-up, puffy eyes, tears streaking her cheeks, and her hair

was mussed from all her nervous tugging. Bonnie hoped he

wouldnt see her, and if he did he wouldnt recognize her.Unfortunately, her luck seemed to be decreasing, because he did.

Surprisingly, he didnt look freaked out by her awful appearance;

his eyes widened with a feigned sort ofpity? He pushed past the

police officers.


22/51

Bonnie! He ran across the room and sat down beside her,

taking her trembling hands between his own and rubbing them.

He smiled warmly at her, but beneath it she saw coldness.

Looking up at the officers, he smiled, wavering slightly, as if he

were sad, Im her boyfriend.She didnt protest. She was sure they seemed like a perfect

couple. A beautiful, kind jock type, paired with a delicate, fragile

girl. It would seem to be an ideal couple. In Hollywood.

Despite how ridiculous it was to lie about this, Bonnie decided

to play along with his little game. She didnt know what he

wanted, but she wanted the appalling cops to leave her alone,

and he was an opportunity to do so. She slid her hands out of his

and threw herself on him, letting out a new stream of tears. Imso glad youre here...

Josh, he whispered in her ear.

Oh, Josh...Thank you for coming! Bonnie squeezed him

tighter, then slid off and lay back on the sofa. She watched him

and his eyes showed gratitude for her acting. She retook his

hand. He squeezed it as if to reassure her, but when she looked

up, he was not looking at her, and he looked mildly annoyed

beneath his sympathizing boyfriend act. The Constable watched for a moment than accused

suspiciously, Youre a mighty familiar chap, have we met?

Sorry, but I cant recall. I dont think so. Im not one to mess

with the law, maam, Josh smiled charmingly, flashing his perfect

teeth at her. You knowit would be nice if I could have a

moment with Bonnie. I meanafter what happenedshe

probably needs someone to confide in. Maybe itll even loosen

her up for further interrogations. Pleaseleave, miss. I would be

grateful for a moment with heralone

The cop grunted and muttered something about leaving the

young uns alone. The two police picked up their things and left.

Immediately, Bonnie stood up and whirled on Josh. Whats with

the Faade?


23/51

He grinned, those perfect teeth swirling white and beautiful in

his set of full, beautiful lips. His blue eyes shone with laughter as

he stood up in front of her, Like it? I thought I was quite

convincing, and youre a damn good actress yourself.

Ugh, excuse me flashy-teeth, but I just lied to a cop? Do youhave a more valid reason than that? Bonnie growled. Josh was

more irritating than a cavity, and after her first one, Bonnie had

been ever so careful to always brush her teeth. After she was

done with him, she would stay away, no matter what it took to

shake him.

What? I didnt ask you to follow along. You want to be my

girlfriend, huh? You thought maybe I came to see you?

Newsflash: I came to see your step-dad, not you. If Id known youwere home, I wouldve never come. Hell, I didnt even know you

lived here. Josh narrowed his eyes, Boy, was I surprised to walk

through the door and seeyou of all people. But I had to come up

with something quick, and you were my scapegoat. I mean, they

wouldve wanted to know why I needed to see Hans, and I

couldnt very well explain to them the kind of business I had with

your adopted father

Bonnie used all her self control and forced back the slithering

snake of anger and stepped forward. She put both hands on hisbroad chest, pushed him through the living room, hallway and

kitchen, took a deep breath and shoved him right out her front

door. In case you were wondering, the only reason I even let you

in for a moment without telling the cops the truth was so that I

could get rid of them. Now theyre gone, and so are you. She

slammed the door in his perfect, astounded face, and stropped

off to her room angrily, waiting for the investigation to finish.

A few days later, Bonnies house was finally released from the

crime-scene lockdown, and she was allowed to go out in public

once more. She had spent the last few days sitting in her room,

watching Footloose, Casablanca, Dirty Dancing, Grease, Breakfast

at Tiffanys and a bunch of other old classics like them, waiting to


24/51

be able to visit Hans in the hospital, which she was given one

hour ever day at six oclock to do. One hour was not enough to

her.

On the day they let her off house-arrest, she immediately put

on her coat, the white one shed been wearing the last time shewas at school and stood in front of the door, fishing through her

pockets to find her keys. She pulled out a piece of paper instead.

She realized it was the phone number she had supposedly

gotten from Josh. Angrily, Bonnie tossed it in the garbage, and as

it fluttered down she saw that it actually had some blue penned

numbers on it. She let it go anyway. Who needed a douche like

him around? Bonnie had dated enough arrogant, self-centered

guys to last her a lifetime.

After locating the correct keys, she got into her BMW, and

drove directly to the hospital. Hans had been a huge funder to

the hospital, so he was getting the V.I.P. of all V.I.P. treatments.

He had an entire room, filled with flowers, cards, trinkets and

gifts for him when he woke up. Ifno, when. Bonnie would not

consider the fact that he may never open his eyes again.

Ah, Bonnie, thank you for coming. As you know, his condition

has worsened. Hes in a coma now. His lead lawyer wishes to

contact you, his heir, about the will, The secretary smiled andhanded her a small business card, which she took in her shaking

hand and read quickly, not really caring.

Inside his room, Bonnie fell to her knees, feeling helpless. She

could do nothing to help her father recover, he just kept getting

worse. Every time she saw him, he looked better, but after she

left, a nurse would call to tell her his condition had fallen even

lower. Soon, his state would hit rock bottom. What would she do

then? Bonnie wasnt even sure what she should do right nowShe spent the next few hours simply sitting beside his bed,

holding his hand and telling him all that had happened since the

last theyd spoken. About meeting Josh, how scared shed been

when she had found him, how shameless the cops were when

interrogating her. He did not respond to any of her words, but she


25/51

knew if he could hear, he would be laughing at her snide

comments to Josh, or patting her back to comfort her distress

over finding his wounded bodyBonnie knew Hans well enough

to make believe, to pretend she was talking to a conscious

person, not a lifeless shell that may never respond to her wordsagain

When she left the hospital, she drove straight home and went

to her room. Tonight was the twenty-first of the twelfth month. It

was the winter Solsticethe day she only ever got to participate

in once every six months.

While she was sitting at her desk, prepping her necessary tools

for the ritual, she heard a soft tapping at the door. Getting up,

she descended the staircase and jogged over to the door. Whenshe opened it, she saw a girl she recognized from school. The girl

was average height, a little chubby, and her long black hair was

curly and bounced down her back. She had big brown eyes and

somewhat resembled a china doll with her faces tiny features.

She was dressed in a long black trench coat over top of a black

tube-top, so tight her bust did just thatbust. She wore a denim

mini with a holster on each thigh, and neatly tucked within each

was a shiny black pistol.

Well, hello Bonnie. You might recognize me; we took severalclasses together freshmen year, The girls voice dripped with

artificial honey, and Bonnie knew she was forcing herself to speak

civilly. Her body language showed an obvious desire to rip Bonnie

up one limb at a time.

Bonnie nodded, flashing a genuine smile, Yeah, we were in

Sociology together in our freshmen yearyoure really smart. I

recall you always helping the slackers, you were so sweet. I really

admire when a girl can help people, and still be herself at thesame time. You do such a wonderful job Bonnie was aware of

the hatred in her eyes, and the guns on her thighs, but she hoped

it would fade away if she buttered her up a littleplus, Mila really

was a sweet girl


26/51

The girl eyed her nervously for a moment, surprised that

Bonnie had remembered her. Lots of people assumed Bonnie was

just a shallow, airheaded bimbo who paid no heed to the people

around her, only noticing jocks and cheerleaders.Bonnie stopped

her before she could talk again, Mila, right?Her brown eyes widened, and she stumbled, saying, Yeah,

umm...I was wondering if, uh, y-you...

Bonnie stepped back and widened the gap in the door. She

offered to take the flustered girls coat, but ended up empty

handed, leading her to the den. They sat down on two of the

chairs and Bonnie smiled at Mila. Whats up?

I came here to ask you about Hans murder case Mila

didnt look at all sympathetic, and Bonnie was filled with uneaseby how lax she was about the situation.

What do you want to know? Bonnie asked icily, frosting over

her voice to hide the sorrow, rage and self-pity her words would

otherwise have held.

Are there any leads? Have you told the cops everything?

Mila raised her finely plucked eyebrows and her lips slid together

in a straight line, the dark lip gloss shimmering under the faint

light of the living room.

Everything I know, Bonnie replied, not sure what Mila was

getting at. And there are no leads. The cops have found no

traces of DNA or even the weapon used to harm Hans She

shook her head, biting her lip to push back the onslaught of tears

and vivid emotions.

Well, Milas voice hardened, If thats the case, then I best

proceed to the next step of the plan. She reached down, as if to

scratch her scantily revealed thighs, and ripped one of the pistolsfrom its holster, pointing it at Bonnies chest. Bonnies eyes

widened in surprise, and she took a sharp breath in. She looked

down at her little girly pink top, lacy and childish, it flattered her

skinny girlish figure. The gun would pierce directly between her

breasts, killing her instantly, if everything shed read and seen on


27/51

TV was correct. She glanced back up at Mila, unsure what to do.

One wrong move and she would die. She didnt know how to

respond in situations like this. Most likely because shed never

been in such an ordeal before

Mila stood up; circling the chair Bonnie was sitting in. Her gunnever left Bonnie, and her obvious fear caused the slightest

shake in her voice as she spoke, Dont move! If I have to shoot

you, your death could foil his plans. However if you screw them

up now, Id have no better option than to blow the last breath out

of your lungs. So stay right where you are.

WaitMila Bonnie put her hands up, showing her that she

had control of the situation, Pleasewhat did I do?

Oh BonnieBonnie Hawkyou really did slide under theradar Mila glared at her, You were nonexistent, for thirteen

years. How Hans did it, Im not sure. But he did it alrightand

now look where he is. Its what he gets for messing with Jonathan

Aniston.

Whatunder the radar? Messing with Bonnie shook her

head, not comprehending what Mila was saying. You have the

wrong girlIm Bonnie Geruvil, an ordinary girl. Hanshe did

nothing to deserve where he ispleaseShut up! Mila exclaimed, lunging forward and shoving her

gun to Bonnies chest. After a moment of prolonged silence,

broken only by Milas heavy breathing, she took a few steps back,

regaining her composure.

Mila, that will be enough, A voice said from the doorway, and

Bonnie turned her head slowly, not daring to move her body, and

locked eyes with the most blue, beautiful pair shed ever seen in

her life. Josh. He stepped forward, moving like a natural predator,

his muscles shifting easily under his shirt, his eyes flicking away

from Bonnie as he stepped closer to Mila, then halted as she

inclined her head in a short, sharp movement, as if daring him to

move any closer. Josh gazed at Bonnie uneasily, then stepped

back, raising his hands up in the air.


28/51

Ill shoot her and then you if you try any funny stuff. Mila

glared at him.

Like telling a joke? Josh asked cockily, leering at her.

Like Mila glanced away just long enough for him to reach

into his jacket and yank out a handgun. How he had concealed it

was beyond Bonnie, but that no longer mattered. Her current

position was like that of a love triangle, only much more difficult,

because, instead of love, everyone had a weapon. Except Bonnie,

unless you counted her death glare as a weapon. Mila had her

pistol aimed at Bonnie, who was weaponless, and staring back

and forth between her company with a glare as harsh as stainless

steel rubbing a solid gold surface, and Josh stood in the dens

doorway, a handgun focused on Mila, his eyes narrowed, hisexpression like that of a snake about to give a dose of venom.

Bonnie ran her hands through her hair, pushing it off her

sweating forehead, feeling how clammy her hands had gotten.

She was terrified. Even more so now than before, because Josh

may very well shoot Mila, and she did not want Mila to be hurt,

even if she did have a gun and was aspiring to shoot Bonnie in

the chest. Or, maybe, Mila might get the upper hand and shoot

Josh in the face, a fate Bonnie wouldnt even wish on someone

like him


29/51

Chapter 2

How the hell did you get in here! shrieked Bonnie, gawking

at him, embarrassed to be seen in her girly clothes, by a boy

nonetheless. He glanced at her, his face registering no emotion

at all.

The door was wide open.

I thoughtsurely I closed it

Its okay, cutie. We all make mistakes.

Bonnie blushed when he called her cutie, and she looked

away, but Milas gun forced her to look back at him. He was

smiling at her. It was fortunate though. I couldnt have gotten in

otherwise.Why would you come here? Are you some sort of CIA agent,

or Mafia? Do you work for the Govern?

Josh cut her off with a wave of his hand and a flash of disgust

in his snakelike eyes, Dont relate me to the Government. I have

nothing to do with them. I hate the bastards.

But Bonne opened and closed her mouth several times,

like a fish, then rubbed her temples. He hated theGovernment?

Was that even allowed? As she wondered this, Josh and Milabegan to slowly move, circling so they were both equally close to

the only exit, and Bonnie was just in front from the door, so she

could turn and run straight through if necessary.

Now, listen, sweetie, Josh continued, I

Alright, stop with the chit-chat, Josh. Im here to do my job,

and I will kill you if necessary, Mila spoke with conviction,

turning her gun towards the blond boy. His eyes flickered to

Bonnies for a microsecond, and she knew he was trying tocommunicate something, but what? She stood there for another

second, and then he looked at her again, and then shifted his

eyes to the door. Run.

Bonnie backed up so she was beside the door. Mila was no

longer paying any attention to Bonnie. She pressed her fist


30/51

around the door knob and swung it open, spinning around and

running as fast as her legs would carry her. She grabbed her

purse off the counter, swiped her keys off the hook and ran

outside. She heard Mila shout and saw someone in front of her

BMW. She ran to it and slid in, locking the doors and turning herkey in the ignition. It revved up and she slammed on the gas

pedal.

The figure in front of her car vanished into the trees and she

raced down the highway. Where could she go? Without thinking,

she whipped out her cell and dialled one of the older contacts

from her ever-growing, lengthy list of numbers.

Hello? Lana sounded tired, surprised. Bonnie knew Lana

lacked friends. People didnt like her because she was gawky,awkward and a little klutzy. Of course, Bonnies performance

today probably boosted her popularity somewhat. Bonnie had

often confided in Lana in the past, because she was sweet, but

they werent really public friends. Butif anyone was trusted by

Bonnie, it was Lana. Who is this?

Its me, Bonnie. Listen, I ran into someproblems. Can I come

over?

Oh! Uhsure! Lana sounded disbelieving and eager. Bonnieknew she would brag about this visit for weeks to comegood for

her. She deserved it.

When Bonnie pulled into Lanas driveway, she noticed how

small Lanas house was. It was run-down, brick, and very old

looking. Bonnie immediately felt bad for Lana. She looked up and

glimpsed the full moon over the trees, hovering like her guardian

angel, waiting to be given the opportunity to come down for a

moment.

Bonnie knocked on the door and Lana opened it with a smile.

She welcomed Bonnie in, taking her purse and hanging it on the

back of a chair. Her house was chaotic. Two little boys sat in side

by side highchairs, throwing bits of pasta at a comely young

woman who was trying to feed them. An older boy, probably in

his early teens, was reading a newspaper and blasting his MP3 so


31/51

loud Bonnie could hear it from his headphones. Two kids, boy and

girl, probably nine or ten, were playing with a set of toy cars in

the corner. An adult man was in the kitchen frying hotdogs on the

stove. Lana looked at Bonnie self-consciously and shrugged. Her

mother looked up from the boys and smiled at me.You must be Bonnie! Its nice to meet you! Im Mrs. Dove,

Lanas mother.

Bonnie reached out and clasped her hand, tilting her head

slightly, The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Dove. Thank you for

allowing me to come on such short notice.

She was charmed by Bonnies politeness, as shed hoped, and

Mrs. Dove laughed, telling them to go on upstairs until dinner.

Lanas room was incredibly peaceful opposed to the rest of the

house. It was smaller then any room in Bonnies house, but it was

also comforting and homely. She took a liking to the shelf of

china dolls with porcelain skin, black hair and small glass eyes.

Her bed was a simple wooden frame with a soft white mattress, a

purple quilt, a ton of teddy bears, and several fashion magazines.

Her walls were covered with girly purple wallpaper, and three

bookshelves, filled with booksmore books than Bonnie had ever

seen before, give for her own library at home.Lana sat down on the edge of her bed. So, whats up? she

asked, shyly, looking at her hands, I heard aboutyou know,

your dadEveryone at school was talking about itNicole said

you were so torn up you threw a chair out the window

Bonnie shook herself and sat down on the floor. She pulled a

unicorn teddy off Lanas bed and fiddled with it. Yeahbut the

chair thing isnt true

Lana looked at her warily. She opened her mouth to speak, buthesitated then closed it. Bonnie watched her, and after a

moment, she spoke, What were you going to say?

The tall brunette looked at her through her glasses, her

intelligent blue eyes searching Bonnies. She looked down at her


32/51

hands again then muttered, I was going to askWhy are you

here?

Bonnie sighed. Of course Lana would think it was oddthe two

got along, but they hadnt ever been really closetheyd gone

through a phase in ninth grade when they were sort of bestfriends, but now they were just neutral Where else should I

go? I cant stay in that house any longer, not to mention Mila

Adams just whipped out a gun at meyes, a gunand then that

hot guy from school, Josh, shows up and tells me to haul my butt

out of there and I had no idea what to do! Bonnie broke down

into tears. It was humiliating. She knew that after break ended,

the school would be abuzz about her breakdown at Lanas, yet

she couldnt stop her tears and sobbing. Lana patted her back

awkwardly.

UmmBonnie, are you alright? ErI mean, are you, uhyou

knowumh-hammered?

Bonnie looked up at the shy, unpopular girl. Her innocence

astounded Bonnie, and she thought about it for a while. It was a

beautiful navet and Bonnie hoped Lana would be spared the

harshness and cruelty of the world that Bonnie had experienced.

Bonnie set her jaw, deciding to let Lana know a secret.

Do you trust me, Lana?

Yeah, I guess

Should I trust you? Bonnie hoped she could.

Of course! Why? Whats up?

WellIm going to tell you a secret, Bonnie paused, not

knowing how to start, I guessI have this picture. My parents

left it with me She reached into her purse, pulling out the

photo she had been looking at in her car. She held it up so Lanacould see.

Bonnieshes pretty. Your mother and Father, right? They

look really happy. Why are you showing? she cut off as Bonnie

flipped it and her eyes skimmed the cursive penned words on the

back. Oh God! Is James Gowlson your dad!?


33/51

No. My dads name is Jason Hawk.

Then how? she trailed off as realization dawned. She

stared at Bonnies eyes intensely. Are you telling me that your

fatherMr. Hawkis the true discoverer of Solstice? That the

Government lied!?

Bonnie shook her head. I dont knowit could mean anything.

ButI think I should tell youhe died. He was assassinated on

June 18.

Oh BonnieIm so sorry. Im so careless She looked upset

now, and Bonnie looked away, unable to meet her eyes. SoI

guess you want to see him soon, at Solstice tonight, right? Seeing

as hes only been dead a while, the ritual should bequick.

You misunderstood, Lana. He didnt die last June. Bonnie

looked at her, afraid to say what had always lingered in her mind,

always confused her.

Then when?

He died on June 18th of Year...Year 6. The same day Solstice

was revealed to the public.

Lana left a while later, telling Bonnie she had to go see hergrandmaher dead grandma. Bonnie sat on the floor of Lanas

room. Lana had given her everything she needed, the only thing

not included was the last part of the cryptic poem of Solstice.

After the internet became big though, it had been deciphered and

posted for all to see.

A childs tool, used to draw and write,

Six burning sticks, completely white,

Water of the dead mans cross,

Lastly, the symbol of love and loss.

Bonnie sighed. The poem asked for four things, chalk, six white

candles, holy water, and a single tear. Bonnies tear. Bonnie

thought of her mother, wishing to see her, and it came. Bonnie


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used her fingertip to carefully remove it and stir it into the holy

water. She then used the chalk to draw the symbol. It consisted

of a pentagon, with five internal lines coming from each of the

corners, meeting in the middle. Inside the pentagon were two

five-pointed stars, one slightly larger than the other. Extendingfrom the center of each side of the pentagon is a line, partly in

and partly out of the shape. Lastly, a small circle, touching the

tips of each cross and touching the inner points of the smallest

star, the only thing inside the circle being five lines touching to

one point.

She placed a candle on each point of the pentagon. Then, she

lit the sixth candle, using it to light the rest. She placed it in the

middle and lifted the small bowl of holy water above her head.

She then dumped it over the six candles, each of them flickering

out, leaving her in darkness.

And then the dark exploded and light burst into the room,

shining until it was so bright Bonnie could see nothing. She

looked around, squinting, and the light finally dimmed, albeit

slightly. Bonnie smiled. She had made it to the realm of Solstice.

The rest was up to Gods will.

Josh scanned the yard one last time. The creeps were gone.

Bonnie was safefor now. But where was she? Where did she go?

He had been silly for letting her run off without making sure he

knew where she would go

He sat down on her balcony, unsure of what to do. Darren Von

Herald had told him to save her from those Government guns,

and he had. But now, he didnt want to go back, he wanted to

stay. He looked about. What could make him want to stay? The

sky was polluted and the stars werent visible. The people werecold, there was nothing good here.

Then he thought of her again. How gorgeous she was, yet

completely unaware of her power over people. She walked

around whipping people with her beauty, yet she didnt even

know. Her shining red hairit had felt so nice when shed hugged


35/51

him earlier. And her eyes. They were so intelligent, they

practically saw through his scheming, lying exterior. He knew she

didnt like him. Her face was so cold to him; unlike it had been

before hed slipped up and shown up at her home after her

adopted father died. Well, he wasnt dead, but not far from itJosh shoved his fists into his face, remembering the unearthly

glow that seemed to emit from her pale skin. It was so prettyso

pure. He groaned, pushing himself up. He had to leave, before he

did what he never wanted to do. He wanted to avoid love, avoid

losing his flighty freedom. She would do that to him.

He walked to his car and slid in, shutting the door, aggravated.

He had made up his mind to just make sure she was okay. His

eyes flicked to his cars clock. It was midnight. She was probablyin Solstices realm by now.

He drove aimlessly for a while, until he remembered the

gawky, yet adorable girl shed been with before, when she spoke

to him at school. He knew where the girl lived; her father was an

associate to Alforces. Alforces was the name of Joshs employers,

a Government rebellion of sorts, fighting to rid the world of this

ludicrous tyrant-like Government. Josh drove to Marks house.

When he got there, he snuck in, tripping the alarm. No onecame though, because everybody was lost in the cheerful

reunions they had every Solstice. He tip-toed up to Lanas room.

When he opened the door, he immediately saw her glowing form,

sitting beside the chalk pentagon.

She looked as if she was in pain. Josh hesitated. Who was she

with? Her mother? Her father? Nothe Government wouldnt

allow that He sat down beside her. He knew he had a long time

before it became necessary to stop watching her. Her eyes were

closed, peacefully. Her hands rested in her lap, peacefully. Herlips were parted, as though she was surprised. He took one of her

hands, felt how cold it was. Her usual trembling had stopped, and

she was still. He looked at her a bit closer than he could have

before. Her eyelashes were long and dark, but not mascara


36/51

clumped either. Her cheeks were colorless, and he wished he

could make them blush bright pink. He shook the thought away.

Bonnie was silent up until then, but when he let go of her cold

hand, a shake ran through her entire body, and then her eyelids

flickered. She opened her mouth and began to scream, her facecrumpling in a horrified manner. Josh was shocked by the shrill,

hateful sound. He grabbed her shoulders, which he couldnt help

but notice were slightly boney, and shook her hard. She kept

screaming, and her eyes stayed closed. He looked around,

desperate for a solution.

His cell rang. He snatched it up, checking call display as he

panicked and exclaimed, Hey! I need to knowhow do you pull

a soul from the Solstice Realms?The girl on the other line screeched, WHAAAAT!? Whatd you

do, Josh! Her voice was panicky, and he knew she was going to

kill him next time she saw him.

The girlBonnieshes convulsing like crazy! I cant wake

her up!

Okay, Josh, stay calmjust listen up, okay? Her voice turned

soothing, motherly. She always had that calm, collected way of

talking when Josh was freaking out and needed to be comforted.Take a deep breath and gather your wits. You need em.

He nodded then realized she couldnt see and felt foolish,

muttering, Okay

Alright, good. Joshua, youre a freak. Anyhow, I need you to

first explain what happened. I cant help without information

I dont knowI got here, and she was just sitting here, like

everyone does, and then her body started shaking and she

started screaming! Now tell me WHAT THE HECK IM SUPPOSEDTO DO!

Josh! Dont speak to me like that! Gosh, youre so annoying!

Just break the middle circle. It should work. If not


37/51

Hold on a bit, okay cutie, He leaned over the circle,

scratching the chalk with his fingernails.

Josh, I told you not to call me that! he could hear her

embarrassment as she continued, Is it working?

No, it isntnot yet, anyway he scratched more.

JoshIm sorry. I cant help. The only other thing to do is wait

for Solstice to end. Then againshe could get stuck for another

six months, in the middle realmsOh geezeI guess it might

make it easier to take her into captivity, thoughif worst comes

to pass, just grab her and go, Josh

Cmon give me something better than that!

Look, I have to goI shouldnt have called. I was just soworried, and then Darren told me about your mission with the

Geruvil girlor Hawk, whicheverand I had to call, to check up

on you, because youre like family, although I

Hey, did anyone ever tell you, you talk way too much.

Every day, she seemed relaxed again, Did she wake up?

No. I dont think she will.

JoshI think you should get out of there. Theyll blame you if

she becomesunobtainable.

Josh hung up on her, annoyed with the only girl hed never

been annoyed with, and never been attracted to. The flirting was

just his way of showing her she was important, but he never

knew what she was thinking. Actually, that was a lie. He had been

attracted to her like a magnet to iron at one point. But that was

in the past, and she was not his future, he knew that. He never

quite knew her feelings, though. Sometimes she was quiet and

thoughtful, sometimes she couldnt shut up. Josh slid his pocketknife from his black leather jacket and

leaned into the pentagon to scratch, then remembered the holy

water. He decided to take a risk and try counteracting the water

with something else, something soaked with the opposite

meaning.


38/51

Chapter 3

Bonnie saw a figure in the glow. She knew she was in Solstice,

but she had never experienced it like this before. She had never

thought to visit her parents in at all since her first attempt when

she was seven, and had been rebuffed by a Government block,but after talking to Lana and seeing her familys happiness,

Bonnie was envious and wanted a family and happiness for

herself.

She watched the silhouette step through the mist, and as it

neared, she smelled flowers and grapefruit. The person, obviously

female, stopped before her. The purple and silver mist cleared

and Bonnie recognised the woman shed hoped to see. She was

about the same age as she was in the photo Bonnie had, but nowshe was wearing nothing but her Garment of the Dead, the same

long, flowing white gown all girls and women wore when visited in

the realm of Solstice.

Her long hair was falling loose onto her bare shoulders, curling

just slightly. Her eyes were icy and cold, but opposite to Joshs,

they shone with warmth for Bonnie. She reached out her hand,

but as Bonnie reached for it, a sudden apparition of a man in the

Government uniform appeared. He had a large gun, and he

pointed it at Bonnie.

Government Regulation Solstice blockage against criminals

and offenders I.D. number 293. Please contact your local

Government representative for further information and help with

the Laws of Solstice.

Bonnie looked back to her mother, but she was gone. Where

she had stood, nothing remained but a swirl of grey clouds which

were growing darker. Bonnie turned to the man, but he was gone

too. She fell to her knees, terrified. The mist had become darkclouds, pushing on her, pressing, squeezing her skull into

oblivion.

She stood shakily and took two steps, but an unexpected force

washed over her and pushed her to her knees. She doubled over

in pain. She could feel hatredtrue hatred. It was like nothing


39/51

shed ever felt, cold and angry, but also gentle and soothing.

Bonnie let herself hate. She let all her lifes anger flow out into

this cold empty place.

She hated her parents. How could they leave their daughter in

the world like this? How could they have done something sowrong they were assassinated? Why should they be allowed to

die and leave her with nothing but that photo and the cryptic

note on the back of it? Bonnie yelled a curse out to the people

named Jason and Melissa Hawk. They didnt deserve to live, so

they should be dead.

She hated all the girls in her school. She hated the way they

laughed at her jokes and wanted to hang out with her all the

time. She hated their fake skinny bodies and their bleached hair.She hated how they clambered over each other just to get close

to her. She also hated the way they called her every weekend

wanting to party or shop or hang out. But above all, she hated

the way they thought they were any better than each other.

Bonnie couldnt stand girls like that.

Of course, she hated the boys too. She loathed how they asked

her on dates and flirted with her only because she had a nice

butt. She hated how they pompously assumed they were Hot

Stuff and that gave them the right to treat other boys and girlslike earthworms. Bonnie hated how they tried to make her theirs

and goofed around and made disgusting jokes. She hated boys,

girls, her parents, everything.

Bonnie felt something stab her back. She twisted her head, but

saw only blackness. She tilted her chin up and started screaming.

Her entire body was shaking, she couldnt control it. She couldnt

stop this pain. Was she going to die? Would she ever see Hans

again, just long enough to thank the only person who had everexposed her to kindness? He had taken her in with no gain, found

no benefit in giving her everything she wanted. She lowered her

head into her hands and began to cry. Her tears rolled down her

cheeks, fat and warm. She could feel her cheeks becoming red

and that familiar sting in her eyes once they started crying. A


40/51

tear spilled into the side of her mouth and she could taste the

saltiness of it.

She kept shaking, unable to leave this forsaken place. She felt

like a vampire or something was sucking her life out through her

tears. Bonnie looked up, praying to see a face, anybody sheknew. She saw nothing, nobody.

Bonnie stumbled up, falling and sliding on her unsteady legs.

She began to run, her tears streaming from the corners of he

eyes into her hair. Her legs maintained strength for several

minutes, but then it became too much and she collapsed into her

pool of hatred.

Her eyes drifted closed as she lay there, in the center of what

she later recalled as the Solstice Pentagon.

She woke up lying on her canopy. She remembered everything

but how she got here. Shuddering at her hateful memory, she

struggled to sit up. Her arms were weak as noodles, so she had to

use her abdominal muscles to pull herself up. Looking around,

Bonnie wondered if Lana had driven her home. But then she

noticed the boy sitting at her desk, dozing off into sleep.

Josh.

She walked over. He was asleep, his hands folded over her

desk, his head resting on them. Bonnie wondered how he had

gotten into Lanas house. Had he been the one who rescued her

from Solstice? She crossed the room and made her bed, then

went down to the kitchen, starving.

Bonnie cut up an apple then went to her fathers personal bar,

making herself a virgin Shirley. She stirred in a few maraschino

cherries with a decorative umbrella and sat there, eating appleslices and sipping her Shirley Temple. She had no idea how long

shed been sitting there when the phone rang.

Hello? she asked timidly, picking up the receiver.


41/51

Bonnie? Oh, thank goodness, Lanas panicked voice relaxed,

Where on earth did you disappear to? It was six in the morning

when I got out!

Bonnie knew that she had to come up with an excuse for her

disappearance. Uh, I had to, you know, go.

They talked a moment longer, and Lana was finally convinced

Bonnie was okay, so she hung up. Bonnie leaned against the wall,

and shoved her face into her hands. Why was Lana so sweet?

Why did she care about Bonnie like none of the other girls did?

She heard him before she saw him. His breathing was light,

and he walked gently, but he was yawning. She pulled her face

out of her hands and turned to him. He was leaning against the

doorframe between the stairs and the kitchen.

Thanks for bringing me home, Bonnie said gratefully.

No problem he paused, considering something then

decided and said, You look like a mess.

Yeah, thanks." She turned back to her apples, which had gone

brown. She slid them into the garbage disposal.

No, it isnt a bad thing, he said, catching her sarcasm, It is

exotic. He used a little sarcasm of his own.Bonnie shifted so she was across the room, leaning on the

counter, looking him in the eye. Screw off. I thanked you, now

you can go.

He looked surprised. Obviously the dolt had never been

spoken to like that. He backed up and opened the screen door,

doing as she asked. See you.

Oh, but first, Bonnie smiled sweetly, showing off her full lips

and straight white teeth, please wipe your drool off my desk.

At midnight that evening, Bonnie lay on her bed, thinking

about the past couple of days. Who was Josh? And, more

importantly, did he know something about her past that she

herself did not. She turned over to her side and stared at a poster


42/51

of a kitten on a windowsill. What had happened back with her

mother? Was it becauseBonnie shook her head, pushing back

that old, hidden memory of the night her mother was killed.

Bonnie shot up, suddenly remembering something shed seen

just before she woke up after her Solstice. She clambered overher pink sheets and leapt into her slippers, running through her

bedroom door and down the staircase.

In the kitchen, she hesitated, somewhat disgusted with what

she was about to do. She pushed her queasiness back and

peeked into the garbage can. She could see the slip of paper with

the numbers on it, covered only by her apples from earlier. She

reached in and carefully removed it without touching anything

else.She ran over to the table and wrote down the numbers on a

pad of paper then tossed the soggy slip into the garbage again.

Bonnie sighed, giving in defeat. She had to call him and find out

what everything meant. To find out what was going on.

Bonnie went up to her bedroom and plopped down cross-

legged on her bed. She carefully dialled the unfamiliar area code

and then the numbers.

Hey! the voice belonged to a young girl, and Bonnie felt herheart sink.

Um, hi, is Josh there? Bonnie tried not to show

disappointment in her voice.

A pause followed, and Bonnie knew the phone was muted, or

she was on hold. The voice clicked on again. Who is this?

My names Bonnie GerHawk. Bonnie Hawk, Bonnie said,

choosing to use her birth name rather than her adopted fathers

surname.

Bonnie? Seriously?! the girl sounded excited, and Bonnie

began to feel nervous. Okay, honey, heres the deal. Ill give you

Joshs mobile.


43/51

Bonnie expelled her gratitude, but was promptly cut off. If you

tell me one thing. How does he act around you?

Bonnie moved her phone away from her ear and stared at it

like an alien, then returned it to her ear, Like a royal dickhead.

Now tell me who the hell are you to ask me this?

Oh, my nameshold on, my reception is crap. Bonnie

listened to the girl move around a bit, then return to the phone

and spout off seven numbers. Bonnie scrambled to write them

down, and then she heard the call disconnect.

Bonnie sat briefly, dazed by this girls bubbly, yet strange

demeanour. Bonnie wondered just who she was to Joshhis

girlfriend, maybe? Was the off tone in her voice when she asked

how he acted around Bonniejealousy?

Bonnie looked at the numbers, reading them over and over

until she had them memorized, and then she ripped them to

shreds, destroying all evidence of ever having had them. She

recited them out loud as she punched in the numbers, and then

she waited mutely with the cell held up to her ear.

She heard him pick up, grumbling, and mutter, Look, cutie, I

dont have time for your pestering questions. I need to go out and

find her, and you always bug me right when I

Hey, Josh. If thats your name.

B-Bonnie?! he was genuinely surprised, and Bonnie tried to

push the question of who cutie was out of her mind. How did

you get my number?

Your friend gave it to me.

My friend? Short brunette girl with an annoying voice? God,

she is definitely not my friend, shes he paused, as if uncertain

of something, then he sighed and said, Yeah, okay. So Lillil ol

Cherie gave it to you? He seemed to hesitate on her name, and

the lil ol threw Bonnie off slightly.


44/51

I guess. Bonnie stopped to think about the memory pushing

all her thoughts back, But I called for a reason. We need to

meet.

Wow! Im surprisedyou, asking me on a date! Why yes, I

think I could squeeze you into my busy schedule. He laughedand Bonnie wished she could reach through his phone and

strangle his tanned neck.

Actually, I have some questions for you. Ill be at the Caf de

Rose in twenty minutes. Bye. She h

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