Lightning Strikes Twice

The flashing lights hurt her eyes, though like everyone else Whitney found herself staring at the scene where Maisie had stood. The empty scene that a minute later was filled. With a limp, dead body. It was the hair she recognized first. That light chocolate brown, causing her to cry out as she bounded forward, pushing people aside, heart pounding so heavily in her chest Whitney couldn’t hear anything but. She avoided reaching arms and fought herself free of tight hands trying to hold her back, finally reaching Gunner’s body, only to throw herself on to him and hold on, as the sobs finally came, wrecking her small body. She couldn’t tell how long she laid there, sobbing on top of her dead brother before someone came to all but lift her off. When her mind finally, somehow, returned, she stared blankly at them. “Yeah? What is it?” Her voice entirely dead and void of feeling.

Spotting Whitney approaching Gunner’s body on stage, Aliyah’s heart sunk. Keeping hold of Isaac, she headed straight for her brunette friend, dragging him along behind her and giving his hand a tight squeeze before she let go and crouched down next to her friend. “Whitney- Whit, babe look at me.” she pleaded, doing her best not to look at the body as she pried it away from Whitney. As she received the blank stare from her, her chest tightened that much more and without saying another word she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around her, hugging her tightly as tears rolled down her cheeks. “I’m so sorry Whit..” 

By now Cassidy had endured more than her fair share of first days. However it didn’t stop her from resenting them any less. In all honesty the process had become somewhat repetitive to her - it was stiff and it was most certainly awkward. However after spending far too much time stuck in a barely liveable apartment in San Francisco, she’d decided a change of scenery was well overdue. Thats where Fairfield came in. She didn’t understand why she hadn’t thought of it earlier - campus living. It fell under the whole ‘kill two birds with one stone’ nonsense. 

As she stepped into the quiet hallways of Fairfield Prep she couldn’t help but notice somewhat of a tenseness in the air. It was almost as if everyone was on edge. Choosing to shrug it off, she found her way to her first classroom, taking a seat. Observing as other students filed their way in through the open door. Cassidy’s eyebrow kinked up in curiosity “God… who died?” she muttered to no one in particular. 

Aliyah sat at her desk as she waited for class to start, but she wasn’t really mentally prepared for it. Jonah was stressing that Maisie was still missing, Eddie and Whitney were both devastated about Gunner, and Isaac was stressing just as much as she was about those people in particular. The blonde hadn’t even noticed someone sit next to her until they spoke, and she blinked before looking up. “My boyfriends, best friends, brother.. actually.” she mumbled with a sad smile. It took her all but a few seconds to realise she didn’t actually know this girl, she hadn’t seen her around let alone in this class. “Oh my god wait, you’re new right?” she asked.

Engaged in conversation with new friends and familiar acquaintances, Rae was glad to see Maisie taking the stage. She knew the gorgeous fellow blonde probably had something encouraging and kind to say to everyone at the dance. After all, Maisie and Harlow had put so much into trying to save this dance and provide a great night for everyone at Fairfield. She hoped that both of them were getting the proper thanks they deserved. 

When the lights went out, Rae immediately scrambled to find her brother. She knew he was at the dance and she hoped for some sort of sense of safety. As all the students around her murmured and scrambled to find their friends, she pushed through the crowd. Only when the lights turned back on did she realize that everyone had a reason to be as terrified as they were. This was no just  “ a fuse being blown,” this was a purposeful malicious act.

As Gunner’s body fell and Maisie disappeared, the blonde knew that whatever was going on at Fairfield was something more dark and malicious than she had ever wanted to believe. Whatever was happening, she didn’t want to go back to the dorms. She just couldn’t. So, she scrambled to find anyone, anyone who would care enough about her to stay with her. Her brother didn’t have time to help her and she understood that, but she needed someone stronger than her. Sure, this wasn’t about just her, but seeing Gunner’s body had taken all the wind out of her. She just didn’t know what to do. 

During the traumatic turn of events, Aliyah had held onto Isaac for dear life. When the lights blacked out and chaos filled the room, when Maisie’s heart wrenching cry filled the room, when Gunner’s body dropped.. the whole time she had held onto him, and she had refused to leave his side until they had been physically forced apart by two teachers who insisted they return to their own dorms.  With her arms folded across her chest Ali walked in the crowd of crying girls being ushered to Acacia building, tears streaming down her cheeks and quiet sobs wracking her body. She honestly had no idea how to feel, but she definitely didn’t feel safe. Hearing someone scrambling a little more frantically than those around her, Ali looked up quickly, blinking through her tears. “R-Raina?” she called, her voice breaking as she stepped towards the blond, taking hold of her hand tightly. “W.. walk with me for a bit?” 

Standing outside the Indoor Gym Stadium in a floor length sparkling blue dress that looked like it had come out of the movie Frozen itself, Aliyah felt a little nervous. She had been ‘dating’ Isaac for a little while now, but going to something this formal with him was nerve wracking.. and like any girl about to go on a date with a guy she had a crush on, she had crazy butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She knew Isaac would be there soon, but in the meantime she made conversation with a girl in her class. It wasn’t a secret that Aliyah loved to talk. No matter who it was too, she was a social butterfly, and sometimes she got so lost in conversation she forgot where she was.. which was exactly what she had done in that moment. Talking about an upcoming fashion assignment with the girl, all nerves had momentarily subdued, that was until her friend changed topic.  “Hey look, you’re date’s here.. and damn he’s looking cute.” the girl said with a wink before she scurried off. Aliyah’s heart was once again beating like crazy, and very slowly she turned around, unable to stop the smile that pulled at her lips as she saw Isaac.  “Hey you.” she said softly. 

@isaacxclayton

“Don’t be jealous, Ali…he’ll always go back to you.” Jonah reassured her, a slight mock disappointed look on his face. He never truly wanted Isaac with him - dude was handsome, but he’d never been sure about guys. “Yeah, I asked her…Isaac will probably kill me, but see…I went to her dorm to give her Christmas presents because she sent me great ones and then she saw that my ankle was clearly swollen and then she made me lay down and then she cuddled me and so I just…asked her right then and there.”

At Jonah’s words, Aliyah was quiet for a few seconds, a small smile pulling at her lips. She knew Isaac would always come back to her.. that was until E told her to stop dating him and their ‘relationship’ agreement would come to an end.. the thought of that happening made her feel a little uneasy. Being with Isaac felt so normal, and she definitely didn’t want to give that up just yet. “I’m totally not jealous, I get the bromance, it’s cool.” she grinned. Raising a brow as he spoke, Ali couldn’t help but smile brightly. “Awh, no but that’s really cute! It doesn’t have to be some elaborate promposal type thing, a cute little moment like that is just as good.” 

“It’s true. He’d be shirtless too,” Jonah winked with a chuckle, then thought about what she was saying. “It’s not like, going to be a full time thing. I guess I just want pictures of her doing her speech-thingie and people’s reactions because maybe then she’ll see how beautiful she is.” He explained, a bit of a shrug.

“Of course he would be,” she rolled her eyes with a smirk. “Aw that’s really sweet. So you’ve definitely asked her already? How’d you do it? Isaac was serious when he said if it was by text he’d never speak to you again by the way.” she teased lightly. 

“Yeah - so you’re great and all, but I’m just trying to get a picture of the wall behind you. Trying to practice for the dance and all.”

“Wow rude. I bet if I were Isaac you’d be snapping away like crazy.” Aliyah teased with a laugh. “You’re taking photos at the dance? But how are you going to sweep Maisie off her feet with your amazing dance moves and romantic charm if you’re taking pictures of other people?” 

“Sure. I have a Christmas tree shaped air freshener in my car. I’ll hang it up.” Despite being still a year shy of eighteen and unable to drive by himself just yet, the car had been yet another thoughtless present from his parents - a gift to try and win back his favour and forgive their lack of caring over the Christmas period. He’d rented a garage for it in the village just beyond the school, keeping it locked away and as far away from him as possible. 

“There’s a vending machine downstairs. I’ll get you Skittles as a gift.”

“A Christmas tree air freshener? That’s absolutely perfect.” she laughed. “Where do you keep a car though? I mean I know there’s staff parking, are you allowed to just park it there?” she asked curiously. She didn’t have her license yet, in fact it hadn’t even crossed her mind, but talking about cars made her realise that she should consider it soon. At least before she graduates.  “Skittles? Oh my goodness that’s the best anyone’s ever gotten me.” she beamed. “I could get you a pack of maltesers? You never know when you might need a little chocolatey pick me up.” 

Jonah: oh. that sucks. you can borrow my parents. I have three.

Jonah: Because they're in WESTern movies. Not SOUTHern movies. Gosh. i'm always judging everyone.

Jonah: https://78.media.tumblr.com/164a7444ad8405b7b0dfce4a3b6316b0/tumblr_inline_obgw41mS5U1th1x9f_500.png

Jonah: i'm gonna test you. just do it. steal all of isaac's clothes for me.

Aliyah: haha I mean i'm already borrowing someone else's but thanks for the offer! Three? really?

Aliyah: WELL. PFFFT YOU'RE A WESTERSOUTH MOVIE.

Aliyah: ADORABLE!!!!!

“Which are? In your opinion? I’m down, but chances are we’ll have to dig a little online to find the movies. Right, uhm, I never say no to a new dress though you mean as a present I assume. Cause I am not having a party this year. But anything that goes with warm stuff would be great right now.” Whit smiled back, hoping Aliyah wouldn’t care too much about the party-part. She had yet to break that detail to her brother, who had a tendency of wanting to go all out with celebrations. She didn’t want to purposefully put a damper on this night. It felt wonderful to be spending time with one of her best girlfriends, just hanging out like normal girls did. Also, Whitney had to admit that she was anxious to discuss some details with Aliyah concerning boys. Or a boy. Just one. At the added comment, she felt both her eyebrows rise in curiosity. “Oh? Whats been going on?” She asked.

“10 Things I Hate About You, Mean Girls, Sweet Home Alabama, How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days, um.. that movie with Katherine Heigl- OH. The Ugly Truth.. or 27 Dresses, or really any Katherine Heigl movie. Or we can go for your sappy Nicholas Sparks movies. The Notebook, The Last Song, The Vow.. those sorts of things.” she rambled off the list enthusiastically. “Yeah absolutely. I’ll get some measurements and you can pick out the material and I’ll have it done for you tomorrow night at the latest.” she replied with a smile.She didn’t have to ask why Whitney didn’t want to have a party, she understood completely and Aliyah herself wasn’t too fussed on putting on a show for her own birthday. She wasn’t going to force her best friend to do one for hers. As Whitney asked what was going on, Aliyah’s mind was thrown to Isaac and she smiled sheepishly, her cheeks reddening slightly. “Uh.. so I may or may not be dating Isaac.. kind of.” she said with a soft laugh. 

“Soo, not that I don’t appreciate it, but what exactly are the plans for tonight?” Whitney asked with a curious expression, eying her friend. Aliyah was one of the best she had, and they had met up to have a sleepover, but also celebrate their birthdays. Over Christmas both had turned a year older, but celebrating had been a bit difficult. At least for Whitney. Then again her family didn’t have a lot of reasons to celebrate anything, and it was hard to contemplate doing so while still at home. At school however, she felt a bit lighter, less weighed down by fear and troubles. Not that those ever really left her but they were less pressing in some degree. Moving her hair from one shoulder to another, Whitney took a sip of her cup of hot chocolate.

@ily-aliyah

“Well I was thinking we could marathon all the best chick flicks, I could even make you a new dress for your birthday, something super cute but also something that goes with warm stockings and cute cardigans and jackets because practicality is always good.” she grinned. Hanging out with Whitney made things seem normal, especially with all that had been happening. Both girls needed a little break like this, where they could shut out the world and watch movies and catch up on boy talk and mindless gossip, not that which was shared on Fake Escapes. “I also have a lot to tell you.” she added with a small laugh. 

She should really care more, honestly. And maybe deep down she was a little worried at the fact that her brother’s name had been mentioned once or twice on the blog, as well as Adrian’s, but her attention was almost always elsewhere. However, hearing a voice, she turned her head with a bored look on her face. “I honestly don’t know. Like, I’ve stopped paying attention to half the bullshit.” Maybe it wasn’t all bullshit? “But if you’re willing to explain, I’m curious now.”

“I don’t blame you, but at the same time doesn’t it worry you.. not know what’s said on there? What happens if something happens that you could prevent but you wouldn’t know unless you look at the blog?” she asked. She knew she sounded like a crazy person, but these were the thoughts running through her head. “There’s nothing much to explain, it’s just people arguing with and pushing E.. I just don’t think engaging in it is such a smart idea.” 

“The school is probably built on ancient burial grounds.” Seth replied, barely glancing up from the pool table as he lined up his next shot. “If it’s that stupid blog you’re looking at, it’s probably not even worth worrying about. Just some stupid kid with a big mouth.” He wasn’t expecting her to really care what he said, but hey - he was trying new things. It was a new year and he was hoping that people would…actually not be afraid of him?

Aliyah looked up at the boy at the pool table, she had seen him around but she hadn’t spoken to him too much. “I guess, but it’s more than just harmless rumours that’s going around, people have gone missing, a lot more have been hurt.. isn’t that something to worry about?” she asked softly.