Chapter Two:

"Addison Lane." The teacher called for the third time. Just as he moved his pencil to mark her absent the door flew open.

"Here." Said Addi smartly sitting in her seat. Causing her classmates to giggle under their breath

"Another tardy." Sighed her teacher stiffly.

Like she cared. Addison was really good at language arts despite her behavioral issues. Not even a write up for too many tardies could bring down her class average. The shit was stupid to be concerned with.

Never the less she pulled out her copy of to kill a mockingbird bird, a book she had read on her own in the sixth grade, and her assignment that was tied to the book.

She felt a small tap in the middle of her back. She turned around to see Steven Rodgers smiling at her.

"What did you get for number six?" He asked as soon she locked eyes with his.

"It's boo Radley." She said cooly though her insides were blushing from his green eyes.

"You know you could always read it." Addy teased "I'm sure it was even a movie"

"Then what would I talk to you about." He flirted.

She actually blushed. They only had two classes together the other class was algebra 2. Addy was failing and Steven sat across the class from her.

She giggled nervously as he filled in number six.

"I'm going to give you all five minutes to go over your answers then I want you to trade papers with a partner and we're going to correct them together." The teacher announced.

The two smiled at each other. Becoming partners with out saying it. When the time came they switched papers.

Addison carefully marked Steven's paper as the teacher went over the answers. It was weird how warm and giddy he secretly made her. But she had the small inkling that he already knew.

He only missed three questions. Addison of course had missed none.

"You're so smart." Chuckled Steven passing her paper back to her.

"Yeah that's why I have a D- in algebra." Addy scoffed.

"Word?" Asked Steven "you know I could maybe help with that." He offered

"Seriously?" Asked addy astounded that he cared

"Yeah like I don't even use a calculator at my job."he told her referring to his job at the local bookstore.

"Thanks that's really sweet of you." She blushed.

"Pass them forward." Commanded their teacher

"I heard she has spell books in her room." Came a loud obnoxious voice.

Not this shit again. Pepper Forbes despised Addison so much that it had clearly turned into an obsession seeing as Addison couldn't even walk by her in the hallways with out some sort of snide comment or another.

"It's probably a love spell. It's gotta be one. She's not cute enough to be interested in." Said one of her minions.

The smile slid from Stevens face quicker than anything Addy had ever seen before. Addisons cheeks became flushed.

"Hi pepper." Addy addressed her sweetly. "Are you here for your daily dose of attention?"

"Oooh..." moaned the rest of the class.

"Who wants your attention freak?" Bit back minion one.

"Your girl friend." Said Addison with wit.

She noticed Stevens small chuckle.

"Steven I know you're using her to better your grade but be careful she's a sociopath." Said pepper going over Addy.

Fuck her.

"You know what; eat my Pussy or fight me bitch cuz I am not gonna keep doing this with you." Yelled Addison getting out of her chair and walking in front of Pepper's desk.

"That's it!! Referrals for you both!" Yelled the teacher.

"Bye!" Retorted Addison bitterly walking back to her desk to retrieve her belongings.

She always considered it a waste to be reprimanded when she hadn't even struck a good blow.

"Hey." Steven touched her hand from his desk causing her to turn around.

Her heart hammered in her chest. She felt like she was running out of oxygen. She was aware of the entire class watching, including Pepper with her mouth wide open.

"Can I text you?" He asked still lightly gripping her hand.

"Yeah." Said Addison barely above a whisper.

"Cool." He put a folded piece of paper in her hand.

"See you later rebel." He gave her a dashing smile.

She normally did not exit a classroom walking on sunshine.

Addison was made to leave first, a measure to make sure she didn't attack Pepper again. She couldn't stop thinking about his touch on her way to the disciplinary office (the school had two. The other was for attendance).

Admittedly Steven was one of the only reasons she tolerated school. She had maybe three friends, the few classes she was doing good in and her crush. Everything else was just stress and bullshit.

She had always sort of known he was into her. The way he'd smile or stop and talk to her if they passed each other outside of class.

It was agreed upon since the 9th grade that Steven was a hottie by all the girls and non men in the class. Which made it hard for Addison to really believe that she could Pursue anything with him. Nothing serious not when he had so many options that were actually liked by the student body population.

"Have a seat." Dolores the school secretary sighed. It was sad how regularly she saw Addison as a member of the faculty that wasn't a teacher.

Addison slumped down into one of the few chairs lined up outside the principals and vice principals offices.

She should have been preparing herself for a phone call home instead she found herself wondering what it would be like to kiss him... probably really awesome.

The office door opened again. I'm came Pepper looking haughty and spiteful.

"What?" Asked Addison aggressively when Pepper continued to stare her down after she had taken a seat across from her.

"I might not get to cheer because Of you" sneered Pepper.

"Aww you don't get to cheer?" Cried Addison in a fake mock tone.

"They're probably gonna up my meds. I'm pretty sure I win." Scoffed Addi.

"Also you started it" Addison rolled her eyes.

It was just like Pepper to make herself the victim in this situation.

It was Pepper that had tried to embarrass her in front of Steven. It was always Pepper starting it.

"You know what I even do to you anyways. It's like I can't exist with out hearing your mouth and you go out of your way to make sure I hear you."

Pepper shuffled in her chair.

"You're weird. You get in trouble with the cops. It's like you dress yourself down on purpose and you aren't very nice either by the way."

Lots of this was true. But fuck her.

"And that has fuck all to do with you how?" Said addy her face contorting in bewilderment.

"Yet every one pitties you and guys want you no matter how much of an ass you act."

"Yeah I want my brother dead because people's pity is exactly what I want to experience." Said Addison icily.

"I didn't mean it like that." Said Pepper sadly

"I just think you're all wrong for Steven. Plus people have seen your books..."

Not the spell book thing again. Yes Addison saw the movie the craft one too many times at fourteen years old and got influenced like every girl. Yes she even ordered some "spell" books off amazon. At one point in time she even tried a spell. There was no conclusive proof that she had done anything and she grew out of the idea.

"Because I wanted to read up on a topic that interested me I'm a witch?" Scoffed Addison.

"Also you aren't the police of liking people. "

"Just tell me how you do it?"

"Huh"

"I'll even pay you"

"What are you even talking about?"

"You get away with weed charges the hottest guy in school wants you."

"Jesus you are fucking crazy. Like did you hear anything I just said?" Asked Addison incredulously.

But she could see it in Peppers spoiled face. This dumb over privileged Trollop actually thought she could buy Addisons charm.

"Come on in Addison" came mr Howke's tones of disappointment.

Mr. Howke was a tall man with a round belly. Addi believed back in his day he probably wasn't the teddy bear he was today.

"I didn't start that." Said Addison as soon as she had taken her seat.

Her phone chimed at a bad time.

"You could at least bother to silence it during school hours."

"Sorry." Addison cringed.

Addison actually liked Mr. Howke. He did his job with out the superiority complex and listened to the students. All an all he was benevolent but Addison could push his buttons for sure.

"So vulgarity and threats of violence." Said mr Howke reading her referral that she hadn't bothered to grab so the T.A. Had to bring it up.

"How about religious persecution and good old fashioned bullying?" Said addy angrily.

"Just because I can actually stick up for myself doesn't mean she isn't a bully. Addison added defiantly.

"So threatening her physically and using vulgarity is the way to go about it?" Questioned Mr. Howke.

"I didn't see your faculty staff doing shit." Said addy bitterly.

"You will not cuss at me, Addison."

"I wasn't. There's a such thing called context. I used a swear word to express myself and add to the point I did not swear at you."

Mr Howke turned a shade of red

" but all the same I will refrain from such words in your office." Added Addison quickly.

"You can both have a detention after school next Friday and hopefully learn to be adults." Exhausted mr. Howke dismissing her.

Aida rolled her eyes but picked up her bag silently waited for her slip.

"How is the therapy going Addi?" Asked mR. Howke in a much softer tone.

"Swell." Said Addy stiffly.

"You're making progress." He gave a her kind look over his glasses as he passed Addison her detention slip.

A flicker of vulnerability showed in Addy's face before she was out of the office. As she passed Pepper going in the opposite direction Pepper nodded. Which Addy found peculiar.

As soon as she was out of the office Addison pulled her phone out. WTF!! Pepper really sent her one hundred dollars with a message that said "there's more when I see results."

How could you be that rich with out a fucking clue. Addy found herself momentarily grateful for her lack of privilege.

* * *

"You gotta be kidding!!!" Screamed her friend Kendrick holding her phone as her best friend Lydia shrieked with myrth in the back ground.

Addison was telling them about the part of Peppers exchange that the school didn't know about.

"Shhhh!!!" Addy scolded looking around at the busy student quad. No one was paying attention.

"I don't even know what I'm gonna do." Said Addison.

"You're gonna let Steven take your virginity, and copy a spell out of one of your little books and call it a day." Lydia laughed.

Addison tried not to let the embarrassment of Lydia's comments show up on her face. Addison had been kissed one time in the eighth grade by a boy that had moved away. As Lydia liked to say; there wasn't much time for a sex life when you were busy being a rebel.

"According to the school you're bi and you're gonna blow Steven." Said Kendrick.

"You know, I wish my life was half as interesting as you two make it out to be." Addison rolled her eyes.

She turned away from her friends to check her phone. What she saw made her smile.

"Wanna miss the bus together?"

It was Steven. Her heart fluttered and she tried really hard not to smile but it wasn't really working.

"Addy are you listening we're getting $500 from this bitch by tomorrow morning!"

"Yes." Addison replied to Steven.

"How?" She addressed Lydia while quickly locking her phone.

"Well have a solid idea by this weekend." Said Lydia smugly.

Lydia was actually really intelligent, very mischievous and super good at doxxing. It was why Addi loved her but unfortunately it also meant that Addi could never hide anything from her.

"I have football practice on Friday and a weekend at my grandmothers. That's on y'all but keep me in the group text." Said Kendrick.

"Will do."

Lydia and Kendrick started talking about something else when Addison actually remembered the morning earlier. The whisper in the forest. Her name specifically.

"Do ghost know peoples names?" Addison asked suddenly.

"What do you mean?"

"What are you talking about?"

So addy told them about this mornings encounter by the forest.

"So I kind of got freaked out grabbed my shit and left in a hurry." She finished telling them.

"I told you stop to stop selling your meds." Said Lydia dismissively while Kendrick laughed.

"I told ya half white ass to stay out of the woods. You get no sympathy from me." Ken laughed at her some more

"Everyone knows that place is haunted Addi. You probably did hear some shit but that's probably why it's illegal to be there by law." Said Lydia in a softer tone sensing Addisons mood shift coming on.

"Hold up now- ain't nothing haunted. There's just animals in there" said Kendrick

"There's animals in Yosemite too, people are still allowed to camp there." Retorted Lydia

"There like 400 year old buildings in there as well. The shit is dangerous." Said Ken factually.

"They hiding something." Said Lydia unconvinced.

"Animals, witches,buildings I ain't going in that motherfuckah!" Proclaimed Kendrick.

"Pepper would if you told her it would keep her popular forever." Joked Addi darkly.

"Addison you're a genius!" Said Lydia lighting up.

"Oh my god! No!" Cried Addi knowing exactly where Lydia was going with this...

* * *

Addison spent the rest of the day torn between excitement, amusement and dread.

Excitement because Steven. Amusement because the school was still talking about her exchange with Pepper. Addi still wasn't sure how her fellow classmates got that much of a story out of a twenty second exchange. And dread because Lydia was cooking up something in that brunette strange head of hers.

Her stomach was in knots when the seventh period Bell was signaled the school day to an end. She was actually the last to scramble out of her seat. Not because she wasn't excited but because now she was worried about everything.

She didn't want her facial expression to be to goofy. Should she approach him holding her books her like with her back pack on her and if she did the stuffed back pack thing should she one strap it or two strap it? Oh god.

Her heart was catching in her chest when she neared the bus stop and the first thing she saw was his tall dark haired self. He was smiling thru his square classes.

"Hey" he greeted her with a hug that didn't help her breathing at all.

It felt like he clung to her forever. She absolutely loved it. She was giddy and smiling when he let her go. He paused to look at her. Addison had never seen anyone look at her that way before. It was a nervous feeling.

"What?" She asked breathlessly.

"You're beautiful." He said simply looking in her eyes.

This was a dream come true only Addison didn't really know what to do with her vulnerability in the moment and became awkward.

"Thank you." She blushed

"Shall we walk?"

They started walking in awkward silence.

Last year was Addisons first year back since her brother died. But towards the end of last year Steven who was always on really good terms with Addi since the 6th grade seemed to be looking at her differently.

But it seemed to good to be true so Addison never let herself truly entertain the thought.

"I've never been this way before." Said Steven having conversation.

"Isn't it dangerous?"

"Only if you go in." Said Addi almost back to her normal self making Steven chuckle.

"Does anything scare you?" He asked her.

"I mean it did get creepy this morning." Said Addison admittedly.

"I swear I heard someone say my name earlier."

"For real?" Steven asked her.

"It's ok Lydia and Kendrick laughed too." Said Addi trying not to sound bummed.

"Here." He gripped her hand. "Now you're safe." He laughed making her smile.

"What were you doing back there this morning.?" He asked her.

"I missed the bus on purpose so I could smoke." Shrugged Addi.

"And you never heard any noises before?"

"No. That's what made it so weird." She answered.

"So you can smoke interrupted?" He asked changing the subject.

"Dude! Do you actually have some on you?" Addi asked impressed and excited.

"Yeah." Grinned Steven.

"And they say I'm bad." Said Addi looking at him. His eyes were brown with small hints of green and just so soft.....

"Come on!" She laughed running towards the spot.

Steven chased behind laughing as well.

He caught up to her just as she reached her favorite big rock under her favorite big tree. He fake tackled her pulling her into an embrace from behind instead and kissed her cheek.

She could feel his warm breathe on her neck. She breathed in deeply and out shallow. Her face was still tingling where his lips had touched it.

"Hey Addi, before we smoke can I kiss you?" He asked in her ear.

"Yes." Replies Addison in a voice barely above a whisper.

Steven turned her around to face him. The last thing Addi saw before she closed her eyes was Steven smiling down at her. Then his warm soft lips were on hers parting and coming back together again.

She was absolutely elated and surprised at how naturally kissing him came to her. The way his hands moved from her neck to the small of her back

"Yeah I like you too." Addi laughed nervously when they finally pulled apart.

"Come one." Steven laughed.

He had her sit in his lap as rolled their joint. Addi knew she was smiling a big goofy smile and was grateful to be facing the opposite direction. He was a fast roller which impressed Addison. It normally took her a minute or two.

"Wanna spark it baby Girl?" He asked handing it to her and making her blush.

The more they inhaled the more she relaxed and they stated talking like normal.

"I've wanted to kiss you since like last year but I've Always liked you." He was telling her over the jay.

"I guess I knew that it's just since...." it was still hard to vocalize the words "since my brother died."

"I know...." said Steven softly gripping her leg. "It's ok grief makes it hard to see anything as a positive."

Addison almost asked how he knew until she remembered Stevens mother died in the 7th grade of oral cancer.

"How do you-?" Addison started a question she couldn't even finish.

"Move on? Feel better? You don't. Just after a little while it doesn't sting as much. It's like a cavity with no insurance. Eventually the nerve will die. The tooth still decays and the bacteria spreads to the rest of your mouth but that nerve will die." He answered her glumly.

"You're right." Said Addi in a tight voice.

"I'm sorry..." said Steven gripping her. "Don't cry. I didn't mean to be so negative." He told her feeling bad.

Addison closed her eyes and willed herself not to let anymore tears fall. She Learned a while ago that they would not bring him back. Instead she would tighten up and enjoy the rest of this smoke session with Steven. Apparently he was thinking the same thing because he hugged her and said;

"It's ok. We don't have to think about it or talk about it now. Let's just smoke ok." He whipped her tears and she nodded.

"It wasn't you." Addison started to explain.

"It's ok. Forget it. We're just gonna smoke the rest of this make out for a bit and then head home before our families send out search parties." Said Steven smiling that smile she had fallen for long ago.

The walk home was quiet due to both of them blushing from their previous steamy make out sessions.

She liked the warmth of his hand. She didn't know this is what she had been missing. It wasn't just the physical. She never spoke about Kevin to anyone with out getting angry. But Steven just made her feel like she could trust him. There's was always a kind warmth radiating off of him.

"So.... you're like my girl friend now." He stated in awkward charm.

"Cool." Addison googled.

"Good." He went in for another kiss.

"There she is!!!" Screamed Lydia shrilly

Before Addison could even open her eyes and pull away from her kiss Lydia has already sprinted half way towards her.

"Where were you!" She painted.

"Busy." Said Addison pointedly.

"Hey Steven. About time buddy." Said Lydia addressing him.

"Hi." Steven laughed.

"So I came up with an entire plan for the weekend so I need you to hurry home I need your books so we can text Pep-" she started before Addison quickly cut across her.

"Ok meet me there so I can say good bye!" She tried not to growl it thru gritted teeth.

"Rude." Replied Lydia but she also said. " see you in a few" as she walked ahead of them.

"I'm sorry.." began Amelia nervously

"For what? Having friends that love you?" He smiled in understanding.

"Addi it's cool." He said taking her hands. "I stole you and I'll do it again this weekend." He finished giving her a kiss.

"Come on I'll walk with you guys to your house then be on my way."

It was a surreal feeling to not walk home alone with just her head phones. It had been a long time since Addison actually enjoyed the company of others. Addison was one of those girls; the one with the boyfriend and best friend that walked her home from school.

Lydia made Steven laugh a few times on the way home. He never let go of Addisons hand.

"Good bye Addison." He told her giving her the final kiss of that evening.

"Nice seeing you Lydia."

"Bye."

"Yeah you too."

And he his black hoody and black converses were gone.

Lydia turned to look at Addison when Steven had rounded the corner of the court to exchange giggles when the door opened.

"Hi Mrs. Lane." Said Lydia immediately in a bright voice.

"Hello Lydia what is that boys name?" Mrs Lane asked with out missing a beat.

"It's just Steven mother." Sighed Addison rolling her eyes.

"Well does he plan on introducing himself?" She asked pointedly

"At some point. Can we get in the house?" Asked Addi dismissively.

"He's a really sweet guy. I'm sure he's planning on it." Said Lydia sweetly.

"Thank you for showing the respect my daughter doesn't." Retorted mrs Lane standing back to let them in.

Addi said nothing and walked past while Lydia Gave her small smile trying to be encouraging. In truth Lydia hated how Addison treated her mother. But Lydia has never lost a sibling before so she never said anything. But she always pitied Addisons mom, it seemed she had lost two children that day.

"So.... what have you cooked up this time in your fucked up little mind." Addison asked her as soon as her bedroom door had closed behind her.

"We're going to charge her for a teaching and a ritual. It will be like a learning experience." She said excited.

"Wow." Said Addi. It was stupid yet honestly very do-able. She nodded her head.

"Right?" Lydia was beaming. "SO respond to her money gram with a 'thanks this will cover supplies message me for me for more ' then leave all the texting to me."

"Sounds like a plan." That left Addison free to text Steven.

They positioned themselves in The room and pulled out their home work to avoid fuss from Addison's mother who would have a fit if she were to discover that they were only on their cell phones. Plus it was less they had to copy off Kendrick in the morning and during lunch (and very bad days inbetween class periods).

Addison decided to start on her history homework it was easy to do and text at the same time. Steven had already texted her.

"I'm sorry if I'm too physical."

"What? 😲No. I'm into it."

"Really? You seemed kind of uncomfortable."

"No. I've just don't have that much experience physical wise and I've had a crush on you forever so of course I'm gonna get a little bit nervous 😅"

"Lol in that case just go with the flow just feel don't think. Your gut will tell you what to do... I'll show you 😍😏..."

"Oh you will?" Addison was smiling at her phone.

"Oh yeah. I can't wait to help you practice."

"Practice that English homework for me though."

"Burn.😖"

"You look so corny." Said Lydia startling her.

"What?" Asked a disgruntled Addison.

"I locked her in at $800 and we're going into the woods by your favorite spot at night. Now all we have to do is pick a spell. You still have the kit you never opened?" Lydia was referring to a bag of herbs and a fire proof dish Addison had bought off amazon years ago and never opened.

"Yo.... what if we pretended to awaken something instead. You know like scare the piss out of her?" Said Addison getting an idea.

"Like a ritual gone wrong?" Said Lydia picking up on her

"Yeah." Said Addison

"Ok but what if she asks for a refund?" Asked Lydia

"So put a disclaimer and boldly tell her no refunds." Snorted Addi

"Addison Lane you a such a little shit" said Lydia her eyes twinkling with delight.

"Don't you know it." She giggled proudly.

With in three hours the majority of their homework was done, Addison and Steven had exchanged grief and sexual histories and most importantly the girls had formulated a solid plan and had even come up with a contract.

"Ok so we're gonna call it a power a spell I got it from these two." Said Addison showing her two books to her left.

"We're gonna do the circle so we have to study it so we look professional." Added Lydia

Addison did this once before of course not in a haunted forest. It was a small spell she had found at fourteen years old in a book she didn't even fully believe credible but it had worked. It was something she hardly spoke about. Funny enough it was a spell against Pepper.

A time when Addison was not an only child Addison was also slightly tormented by other girls her age. Before her younger brothers untimely death Addison wasn't quit so scary. Just loud and annoying.

Addison couldn't find this spell now if she wanted to for she got it Out of library book. It was called the bully freeze spell. All it required of her was chalk, a ribbon and purple parchment.

She Cast the circle in her room while her family was in the den downstairs watching a movie. After she wrote peppers name down with a line thru it. She tied it and buried it in her freezer where it was likely do have stayed had the families appetite not been affected as a whole.

"Addi!!" Lydia's voice was bringing her back to reality.

"Huh?"

"Ready for Sunday night?" Lydia asked her eyes twinkling.

* * *

It was a crispy October Saturday morning and Addison was up before 12pm. It wasn't even 8am yet but her teeth were brushed she was showered and her hair was combed. She was ready for Steven and her parents were leaving the garage now.

"I can't wait to see you 😍" Steven's text message read.

"Me neither." Addison texted back, her fingers moving faster than the speed of light.

This was it. She was going to have Steven in her house alone. Outside of school and not in a park.

"I'm about to pull off so if I don't text back it's cuz I'm driving but how long do I have with you again."

"We have until 2pm if we play it safe and 3pm if we wanna risk it 😉☺️"

"😂😂 you're cute as fuck lmao. See you soon babe."

Cute? Was she not loosing her virginity today? Was she being rejected already? They just started dating. Ugh and now Lydia was blowing her up about the "ritual" tomorrow. Damn it.

Addison could feel her joy deflating slowly. She decided to smoke in her back yard towards the fence facing the woods to calm her nerves.

Addison was always so paranoid smoking pot at home. Rich neighborhoods were full of snitches. She always had to rush just to make sure she wasn't spotted as she was technically still on "kiddie" probation.

She had just finished smoking and was putting the L out when her pocket dinged. With excitement and nervousness she learned it was Steven and that he was outside.

Steven's foot was barely in her side doorway when he stopped to kiss her heavily which was some how sweeter than the for head kiss he gave her outside when she first greeted him at his car.

He told himself to wait until he got inside like a gentleman but she was looking so irresistible in her pajama shorts and cami complete with a thin PINK hoodie.

Her face was lit up to see him a smile all the way to her cute round cheeks. Har hardly tamed curls caught the sun as they cascaded down her back.

She took his hand to lead him inside when he had to just stop for kiss.

Addison Lane had always been a crush of his. From the little bit of her that she did let him know he liked. She was naturally funny, beautiful, quick witted and unafraid of anything. Plus they had things in common.

In their small colonial town they were the only two biracial teens. Addison was black presenting and Steven was white passing/ ambiguous. She understood the stupidity that followed his heritage even if experienced a little differently.

Addison also knew what it felt to grieve for a piece of your heart that would never come back. And sadly it made her compatible in his eyes.

Furthermore Steven felt like things would be more than a pressured hook up at a Halloween party with Addison. Addi didn't want him for social status. And the feelings between the two were mutual.

"Hi" Addison breathed when they separated.

"Hey."

"You have a nice house." He complimented her as she led him upstairs to her bedroom.

"Thank you it's not mine" said Addy witty like making him laugh.

She grabbed his hand and took him upstairs. Steven looked around her house in awe. It was spacious and well decorated.

When they arrived at Addis room he noticed it seemed darker. It did not share the same cheery vibe as the rest of the house. It wasn't unsettling but it was different. Her room was some where between cozy and gloomy.

"Nice horror collection." He complimented her as soon as she shut her door.

"Can we watch one?" He asked in awe. Addison had almost every slasher and remake from the 70's until now.

"Sure. Go ahead and pick one." Said Addison feeling proud.

Addison was counting down until the very moment he had to go. She watched him look her DVD stacks up and down until he landed on the Hills Have Eyes 2006 remake.

"You cool with this?" He asked cautiously.

"As unpleasant as sexual assault is it's actually not one of my triggers." She chuckled.

"It fucked me up first time I saw that scene. I was like thirteen."

"Yeah I wanted to vomit." Addi agreed.

Steven turned to turn on the tv and put the DVD on. When he turned around he locked eyes with her.

"Weird movie to cuddle too but um shall we?" He laughed.

"Let's." Said Addison taking his hand and giggling as well.

He helped her pull back her blankets and waited for her to climb in first.

"Want me to take my jeans off?"

"Huh"

"You know cus it's like your bed"

"Oh- right- yeah."

Addison took a minute to compose herself. She avoided looking at him while he undressed. Why was he so scary to look at? Before she could answer this question he was in the bed with her.

He stroked her face and looked at her with his usual smile.

"What?" She asked nervously despite her smile and rosy cheeks.

"Nothing, you're just so beautiful." He smiled going in for a kiss.

He kissed her deeply this time. Every time they pulled apart he went in for more pleasantly shocking Addi. She wasn't sure what to do with her arms so she wrapped them around his body. His warmth was another pleasant discovery.

"Hey Addi" Steven began nervously. "Can we slow down."

"Huh" Steven pulled away from her causing her heart to sink.

"Addi I wanna be with you but like my first time was supposed to be but it didn't end up meaning much and the girl didn't either. I wanna know you. I wanna maybe even love you." He took her hands and made her look at him.

"I just want us to be more than a high school hook up. Is that ok?" He asked her earnestly.

"How'd I get so lucky?" She asked him.

Even though she wasn't expecting it the exchange made her melt. She was beaming back at him to his relief.

"You're so awesome, Addi." He told her kissing her for head.

Addison curled up on his chest happily and they watched the movie together. Steven ran his hands gentle over her body. When the infamous scene came he didn't even realize that he was gripping her protectively.

"I'm ok." Said Addi softly.

"I know- my bad." Steven began to apologize.

"It's ok." Said Addison understandingly.

"My bad it's just so fucked up."

"Yeah but it's kind of awesome how not only did they manage to recreate this scene from the original frame for frame but also managed to make it so much more horrifying." Said Addison in slight awe.

"That they did." He said becoming more intrigued by her mind.

They laughed at each other jumping at a movie they had both seen before. but eventually fell asleep holding one another as it was still very early in the morning.

Steven opened his eyes to the sunlight shining on a sleeping Addi. Who actually looked very content compared to her usual self. Her round face was so relaxed. Her breathing peaceful.

Addison met Steven for a kiss instinctively almost immediately upon opening her eyes. Their kisses were slow and deep as if savoring one another.

The sounds of his moans and deep breaths as his hands cupped her neck were pure ecstasy to her ears.

"I could wake up to this everyday." He told her stroking her cheek.

"Me too."

"What are you trying to get into?" He asked her

"I'm hungry." She giggled.

"Let's go cook something." He said taking her hand and sitting up with her.

"Ok."

They ended up making chocolate chip pancakes, bacon, frozen hash browns and scrambled eggs. Addison squeezed them fresh orange juice with her mother's new contraption.

They covered sixth grade memories, Pepper, school, the forbidden forest and even the president by the time their meal was prepared.

"This looks amazing." Said Steven excitedly sitting next to Addison.

While Addy was agreeing with him he took a picture of his food and then of her to post later.

"Addi what's your middle name?" He asked out of no where.

"Rae." She answers softly after swallowing her food. "Like my brothers only he spelled it R-A-Y." She explained.

"Aww" said Steven with a sad smile. "I think you're name is so pretty."

"Thank you."

"Anytime cutie."

The rest of the morning was peaceful and smooth. Addison found herself not wanting it to end. There was a level of comfort with him she didn't even have with her best friends. She could be vulnerable with him. Something in his aura almost invited her to be.

Addison was sad to see him go later that day. It was almost worth it to get busted by her parents just for one more minute with him.

"I gotta go." He giggled as Addison squeezed him harder.

"I know."' Addison rubbed her face into his chest. Getting a nose full of cologne.

"Come here." Steven gave her a final kiss which was long and slow. "I'll try to see you tomorrow baby girl but if I can't I'll pick you up for school Monday."

"Ok." Sighed Addison dreamily.

"Now go before you get in trouble." Steven laughed.

Addison walked slowly back inside where she was greeted by her dog that she had neglected all morning. Her phone was also buzzing.

After she had walked and gave her chow fresh water she checked her phone.

The first five messages were from Lydia, picture messages of all the spell ingredients and candles she had for tomorrow night.

The second waive of notifications came from instagram. Steven had tagged her in a photos from this morning. Addison was stirring pancake mix with a smile as she looked down at her cooking, the other she was eating and the last was Steven kissing her cheek while she slept. It was the best one. The caption read; "mornings with my babe 😍"

Her heart jolted. How sweet and beautiful. But Lydia's second wave of text had a point.

"Way to jeopardize the mission. Pepper almost lost her shit! I had to calm her down remind her the spell is non refundable even if we don't do it. Head in the game Addi."

Then there were screen shots of Pepper going off to Lydia.

But the last message was from Steven and it read

"This morning was so amazing, the best one I've had in a while. Have a great day Baby girl."

Addisons heart fluttered. Who cared about some prank when Steven was making him and her official on Instagram?

All she wanted to think about were his full lips and soft hands.

* * *

That had sage sticks, sea salt, brick dust, two white candles, four black ones. Three big sea shells, frankincense, myrr, mug wart, bay leaves and Italian seasoning. They also had a fresh bouquet of flowers and a full course meal from KFC.

Amongst the casting ingredients were bolt cutters, three industrial flash lights and a gun that Addison has taken from her father.

Lydia, Pepper and Addison stood trembling before the giant iron gates designed to keep them out. Now would be the time to turn back. To turn back would be the sensible thing to do. But turn back they did not, so our story continues.

Instead Addison swallowed and clipped open the rusted chains. The sound echoed thru the night hauntingly.

"Well." Began Addison trying her best not to sound nervous.

"Let's go."

It was dark but beyond the gates was strange enough a path way that lead to the mouth of the forest. It was unsettling for a place that felt so unwelcoming to have such an open path.

They continued on with their flash lights in front of them staying closely huddled together. If there wasn't so much animosity they would probably be holding hands.

There was almost no noise in this forest and that was by far the most unnerving factor. Luckily enough they reached a small clearing in a matter of minutes.

"Let's set up so we can get this over with." Said Addison bravely.

"Agreed." Said Lydia

Pepper lit the additional lanterns. As Addison and Lydia made a circle with the sea salt and brick dust. Next they moved to the candles setting them up in four locations. They instructed Pepper to light them as they moved on to prepping the ingredients. They quickly got the the mugwort, myrr, and frankincense burning before positioning themselves with sage sticks.

" Pepper you'll read last, Addison you read after me, the orange part we all read. " said Lydia instructed everyone.

"Now is the time you ask for protection from whoever you pray to, your or ancestors or whatever. Smudge yourself with the sage. Focus on your spells, envision it happening." Instructed Addison getting a tingle in her gut.

Addison took a moment to manifest as did the others. When she opened her eyes Lydia met eyes with her which told Addison that they were ready to begin.

"Welcome Guardians of the eastern quadrant: element of air.

Bring is your gifts of inspiration, mental clarity and new beginnings.

We do stir summon up, and call forth to this ceremony.

That you may grant us your protection and wisdom." Lydia's voice rang thru the night like thunder.

They moved south ringing bells at the same time the forest itself seemed to come to life as a wolf howled in the distance.

"Welcome guardians of the Southern Quadrant: Element of fire.

Bring us your gifts of will, courage and action.

We do stir, Summon up and call you forth the the ceremony

That you may grant us protection and wisdom." Addisons voice commanded.

They moved in a circular motions to the west in a circular motion before Pepper began.

"Welcome guardians of the western quadrant: element of water.

Bring us your gifts of emotions, connection and compassion.

We do stir summon up and call you forth to this

ceremony

That you may grant us your protection and wisdom."

As They moved north in a circular motion the wind began to picked up and it began to thunder and lightening over head. The clouds moved to eclipse the full moon.

"Welcome, guardians of the northern quadrant: element of Earth.

Bring us your gifts of stability, instinct and confidence.

We do stir summon you to the ceremony

That you may grant us your protection and wisdom."

Owls began to hoot as they finished in unison.

"For the ancestors." Began Addy uncovering the still warm food and preparing it as if she was about to eat it herself.

"We offer once more may the exchange being our desire to birth." She finished.

Lydia stepped forward next with a fresh bouquet of different flowers.

"For the gods and goddesses we offer once more to earth. May the exchange bring our desire to birth."

"I ask for admiration and love from onlookers." Sang pepper.

"I ask for prosperity and luck." Said Lydia.

" I ask for peace and power." Cried Addison.

"Awaken our gifts and blessing!"

"Awaken our gifts and blessings!"

"Awaken our gifts and blessings!"

The night cried as lighting struck a near by tree and lit it ablaze.

Pepper screamed.

"Let's thank the spirits and close the circle so we can go!!!" Screamed Addison.

"We thank thee almighty spirits and ancestors!!! We thank thee!!"

They moved counter clocks wise in a circle.

"O circle of power,

By our will, we release thee. Thank you for your guidance.

Return to your place of power.

By our will so mote it be!!"

A fire and a an animalistic growl sent the girls screaming and running with some things left behind and the candles still burning.