I walk out to the landing and lean over the bannister. Mitch looks up and smiles. My eyes widen in shock, and I quickly pull myself back out of his view.
"Just head upstairs to him," I overhear my dad telling Mitch.
I stand by my bedroom door with my hand on the handle. Mitch gets to the top of the stairs and looks around—then his eyes land on me. My chest tightens. I feel breathless.
"Pleasant home you have here, Pup," he says with a smile, glancing around.
"Thanks," I reply nervously, rubbing the back of my head. I push open my bedroom door.
"After you," I mutter.
Mitch steps into my room. I follow and close the door behind us. I turn to face him.
"So, Pup, want to explain these visions you have?" he asks, eyes locking onto mine.
I freeze. I can't have anyone else figure this out.
I stroll over to the bed and sit down. Mitch wanders around my room, eyes scanning everything.
"They just happen," I shrug.
"I think it's more than that," Mitch interrupts. "Sorry, I'm just not ready for bullshit."
My jaw drops. I stare at him in shock. He turns and looks at me with concern.
"Oh, err…" I hesitate.
He walks over and sits beside me on the bed. We both stare at the wall. I feel speechless. How do I explain this?
"What do you mean?" I finally ask.
"That's why I didn't speak to you. It was creepy. Then I'm assuming you saw the girl's death with the coach?" he says, anger in his voice.
"Creepy for you? How do you think I feel? And so what if I did?" I shoot back.
"Something isn't sitting right. But I'm willing to support you," he mumbles, eyes on the floor. "You can trust me. I know it's not just a fluke. You can tell me."
I tighten my lips and slowly nod. Mitch places his hand on my leg. I glance at him. He then cups my cheek and kisses me on the lips. I kiss him back. It feels right.
Knock, knock.
Quickly, I pull away. He looks at me like he's asking, Are we a secret?
I stand and open the door.
"What?" I ask.
"Does he know?" Millie whispers.
"Part of it. Just let me tell him myself when it's right," I whisper back.
"Ahh, is that your sister?" Mitch calls.
Millie pushes the door fully open and steps inside. She smiles, then looks at me.
"Yes. My name's Millie—nice to meet you," she chuckles.
"Ditto," Mitch replies with a grin. "Anyway, I came over for a general chat and wondered if you want to come out with me and some other work friends tonight?"
Immediately, I look at Millie. How can I eat or drink tonight? It's not possible. I'm like a freaking zombie.
"Urm… sure," I reply.
Millie sneaks out and closes the door. I look at the door, then at Mitch.
"What's up, Pup?" he asks with a smile.
I drag my feet back to the bed and sit next to him. He lifts my chin gently with his finger.
"I'll grab some clothes, then we can head to yours if you like?" I ask.
"Sounds good to me," Mitch says.
I smile and get up. I open my wardrobe and stare. I need to be careful. No short sleeves today.
Mitch wanders over and places his hand on my shoulder, peering into the wardrobe with me.
"Nice clothes, Pup," he says, eyes scanning the hangers.
I smile at him, grab a long-sleeve white t-shirt and a light blue short-sleeve shirt. I push the other clothes aside and grab my dark blue jeans.
"No, no, nope," Mitch laughs.
I pause, holding my clothes. He takes the shirts and goes back to the wardrobe. I need long sleeves! I throw my jeans onto the bed and walk over to Mitch.
"What about the white top with black sleeves?" I smile.
Mitch glances at it, then shrugs and hands it to me. I grab it and toss it on the bed with the jeans.
"Grab these trainers for me," he says.
I wander over and get the trainers, careful not to touch him. I place them on the bed. Dropping to my hands and knees, I pull a plastic bag from under the bed. I kneel up and place my clothes inside neatly.
"You'll look amazing tonight," he smiles.
I smile nervously. I grab the bag, and we head downstairs. Suddenly, my dad opens the hallway door.
"Hey Dad, I'm going out with Mitch and some others from work tonight—is that okay?" I ask.
"Sure, son. Mitch? Look after him," he smiles.
Mitch nods. I open the front door and walk down the drive. Mitch unlocks his car and we hop in.
Before he puts his foot down, Millie suddenly runs out of the house toward the car. I wind the window down.
She slaps her hand on my forehead—wet with some kind of substance.
"Evila erom eb ot uoy hsiw," she whispers, holding her hand in place.
Then she pulls away and steps back, smirking.
"Surprise!" she shouts with a wink.
Oh God... that wasn't just a prank. She cast something. She actually cast something.
I turn to Mitch, who looks confused. Then look back to Millie in shock.
"You're welcome, toodles," she smirks as she skips back to the house.
Was that the spell that can make me look normal?