Chapter Twenty-six: Three Weeks Later

"We're three weeks into the new year and we're still not done planning prom," Kira sighed in frustration. "We've been working since September!"

Indie rolled her eyes and bit into her sandwich. Kira has been stressed for the past week. All she's talked about was how things aren't in order. I can't even count the times she's mentioned booking a DJ. She wasn't the only one who's been stressed. Things between Griffin and I have gotten pretty awkward.

Unfortunately, I knew exactly why. Unlike the last time I got drunk, I remember what happened. Because of what happened, Griffin's kept his distance and I respected his need for space. I also knew I wasn't the only one at fault, so I didn't blame myself too much. I just wanted things to go back to normal.

That's not happening anytime soon. Congratulations.

You put the idea in my head.

Yeah, but you control your actions.

I rolled my eyes. As I was about to reply to her, I sneezed. I've been feeling pretty sick lately. It probably had to do with the fact that I've been walking to school. Kira and Indie both offered to pick me up, but I needed the time alone. It wasn't smart, but it was worth it. Or at least I thought it was until I got sick.

"You should really stay home and get some rest, Kenz," Indie advised.

I shook my head, "No, I'm okay. I'm just a little cold-"

"Excuse me, is this seat taken?" It was the same girl from the carnival.

Model Girl looks better up close. She could become a problem.

Why would she be a problem?

I just don't get a good feeling from her. Keep your guard up.

"Actually someone's-"

"You're new here," Kira said suddenly. "What's your name?"

"Brooke Reyes," She smiled, taking the seat next to me.

I frowned. She took off her heart shaped sunglasses and set them on the table next to her purse. She was in a black long-sleeved crop top and a red skater skirt. While she carried a conversation with Kira, Indie and I inspected her. I didn't like the vibes she was giving off.

Why is she wearing a crop top in the middle of winter?

Told you she's a problem.

"Hey, Brooke? What school did you-" I was cut off by a sneeze. "Excuse me. Anyway, like I was saying, what-"

"Sounds like you have a cold," Brooke frowned. "You should get some rest."

Something about the way she said calmed my nerves, "I am pretty tired."

What the hell? Hey! Get it together, idiot!

But I'm so tired.

What did she do to you?

It was then, I noticed her eyes. They were a glowing green. That's why she bothered me. She's a Reaper. That explained why I was suddenly tired. I used my little bit of energy I had left and got up from the table.

"I'll be back. I forgot my phone in my locker," I stated, hurrying away.

I made it outside and leaned against the wall. I was exhausted. She had to have used her powers on me to make me tired. The only question was why. I slid down the wall and took a seat. My eyes were heavy.

"Griffin," I yawned. "I need your help."

"What is it?" Griffin asked, stopping in front of me. "Why are you sitting out here alone?"

"I need you to use your powers to-" Another yawn escaped my lips. "Wake me up."

He raised an eyebrow, "What are you talking about?"

I curled up into a ball on the ground, "Just do it. Please."

"Mackenzie, I can't really do that without..."

No! Wake up! You have to get her back!

I can't-

I finally lost the fight and fell asleep.

-*-

I stretched my arms out. I had no idea where I was. The room around me was dark. I could barely see the walls. The only thing illuminating the room was a small candle in the corner. It was almost melted down to a stub. There was an empty chair next to it.

As I got closer, I noticed the flame flickering. I stopped in my tracks and it continued to flicker. It eventually went out, leaving me in the darkness alone. My eyes adjusted quickly to the darkness and I saw a shadowy figure in the chair. It gained more shape until it transformed into a body figure. All I could see were the glowing eyes.

They were gray.

"Griffin?"

It snapped and the room was suddenly filled with light. He looked exactly like Griffin, but something was different. His eyes were dimmer than usual. And his facial features were more mature. It looked like an older version of Griffin. Like he was in his mid-twenties.

"You're not-"

"Griffin? No, I'm not. Not exactly," He stood up. "You see, I'm the little voice that lurks in your mind. Except, I'm the voice belonging to Griffin."

I furrowed my eyebrows, "What voice?"

"We both know what I'm talking about. That little voice that you talk to all day. It's so weak and incorrupt. Getting here was far easier than it should've been," He spat disgustedly.

"Weak? What are you-"

"The voice is a manifestation of your heart. Your heart is pure, which is why it's so weak," He explained. "You see, everyone's heart starts out pure. Tragedy causes the heart to darken and become corrupt."

I frowned, "What happened to you- er, him? Besides that, I've faced tragedy."

"He grew a fucking backbone. His mother's death caused him to see the truth about the world. You didn't allow your tragedy to change you, which is such a pity. Voices like me are just so much fun. Your Prince Charming can't say the same thing," He grinned wickedly. "Perhaps you could use a little visit to the dark side."

He ran his finger up my jawline and held my chin. I shook my head slowly, though I was still unsure of myself. Maybe it was the fact that he looked like Griffin. Or the fact that he was Griffin in a way. It was just something about him that made me nervous.

"No, thanks. I just wanna know where I am and what you're doing here," I backed away.

He sighed, "Very well, I'll leave the fun for a later date. Though she's weak, your voice is very-" He smirked and murmured something to himself. "I came here to tell you to leave Griffin alone. It's hard for him to hear me when you're around talking."

I raised an eyebrow, "So?"

"So, it's giving me a headache! You never shut up! If you leave him alone now, I'll go easy on his once you're gone. Deal?"

He extended his hand out and I smacked it away. I wasn't about to sell out my friend. Besides, this guy was creepy. He may look like Griffin, but he was definitely not him. At least, not who he is now. Maybe this was how he was in the past, but I didn't care about who he was then. What was important was the present version of him.

"You can go screw yourself. I don't care what you are. I don't like your attitude. I'm happy he can't hear you and I intend to keep it that way," I stood my ground, shaking away my nerves. "You can take your deal and fuck off."

He glowered at me, "I underestimated you. However, don't think this is the last you'll see of me. I'll be back soon. Addio per ora."

-*-

I woke up to Griffin's face hovering over mine. His face was pale, showing his concern. Beyond that, I could see some anger. He backed away so I could sit up. I rubbed my eyes. Immediately, I felt worse than I did this morning. My nose was stuffed and I felt fatigued.

It took me a second to recognize the room. We were in the janitor's closet. It was small but big enough to move around. Griffin's jacket rested on my shoulders. I rubbed my eyes to wake myself up more. I stretched my arms.

"Who did it?" Was the first thing Griffin said to me.

"W-what?"

"Not even missing a night's rest could knock you down like that. Who did it?"

I strained my mind to remember but still couldn't recall. My mind was still reeling from the dream I just had. It felt way more realistic than a dream. I could still feel that creature's finger on my jaw. I tried shaking the feeling off, but it stayed.

"I don't remember. What time is it?"

He checked his watch, "The last bell rang a few minutes ago and your friends are looking for you. I suggest we go to them."

He extended his hand out to help me up. I declined it, thinking about the dream. I got up and followed him out of the janitor's closet. Before we could reach my friends, a girl appeared in front of us. The same redheaded girl from the carnival.

"Mackenzie! I got so worried when you didn't come back! Then no one saw you in class!" She pursed her lips into a pout. When she saw Griffin, she almost looked star struck.

Griffin frowned at her, "Who are you?"

She smiled flirtatiously at him, "Well if it isn't the famous Griffin Ryder. I hear about you all the time. It's nice to know the real thing is even better looking."

"That wasn't my question. I asked who you were," He glared at her.

"Brooklyn, but you can call me-"

"Brooke," I suddenly remembered her. "From lunch. You're the one-"

I'm not good enough to talk to.

What the hell is she doing to you?!

"The one who...?" Griffin turned to me.

I blinked a few times, "Griffin, we gotta go. Now."

He opened his mouth to speak, but I grabbed his arm and started dragging him away before he could. I had to get away from her. She was messing with my mind and I couldn't handle it. I would have to text my friends later. For now, I had to get away and tell Griffin what I knew before she caused me to forget.

Griffin stopped me in the middle of the hall before I could reach my locker. He was frowning at me. He crossed his arms over his chest as if to say he was waiting. I looked around cautiously. When I didn't see her, I knew it was okay to talk, but I wouldn't have much time. She was a Reaper after all. She could appear in a second.

"Brooke's a Reaper. She's the one who made me so tired. And it's like she keeps screwing with my thoughts," I spoke quickly.

Griffin's eyes flashed with anger, "Go home, Mackenzie. I'll deal with this."

That's actually kinda hot.

Not. Now.

"No, I just-"

"Mackenzie, I'll deal with this. Go home," His jaw set.

Without a second thought, I began on my way to the doors. My mind completely blanked. All I could think about was leaving the building and going home. Indie was on the way to her car when she saw me. She placed her hands on her hips and gave me a look.

"Where were you?"

I shrugged, "I need to get home."

She sighed and led the way to her car. She tried to make conversation on the way back, but I couldn't think. The only thing on my mind was my house and getting there as soon as possible. My mind had never been so clear. I couldn't tell if that was a good thing or not.

The second we pulled up in front of my house, it's like I came out of a daze. I blinked a few times, regaining my thoughts. I frowned once I realized what just happened. Griffin did the same thing Brooke had done to me, except he made me go directly home.

"Kenz? You okay?" Indie asked, the concern evident in his voice.

I nodded and smiled, "Yeah. I'm just tired. See you tomorrow!"

I hopped out of the car and went directly to my room. Mufasa was at the groomer's, so I didn't have to worry about him attacking me. I was angrier at Griffin than I was Brooke. He knew me, yet he still used his powers on me. Brooke was just being a petty teenager.

"Griffin," I growled.

He didn't appear, so I repeated myself. When he still didn't respond, I decided I'd go to him. He wasn't about to get away with this. I grabbed my house key and made my way back to the school. I was freezing. There were about three inches of snow on the ground.

As I trudged through the snow, I began regretting my decision to walk instead of catching a ride with someone. Indie would probably be happy to drive me back to the school. Once I made it inside the school, I went into a sneezing fit.

Over the sneezing, I could hear shoes squeak against the floor. I glanced up to see Tanner standing there. His eyes went wide. I wiped my watery eyes to get a clearer look at my little brother. He didn't have any after school clubs or anything.

"Tanner? What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I could ask you the same thing," He crossed his arms, turning the conversation over to me.

"I have someone to yell at for being a dick. Your turn," I raised an eyebrow.

"Would you look at the time? I should be going! See you-"

I grabbed his arm, stopping him, "Spill."

He sighed, "I got suspended."

I let go of him, turning to him. I wasn't completely shocked. Tanner's a teenage boy. Pride could probably be considered a teenage boy's worst downfall. I just wondered what he did to get suspended. Usually, he tried not to get into too much trouble because he didn't want to be benched. Then again, his season ended already.

"What did you do?"

"I kicked Micah's ass," A ghost of a smile played on his lips.

"You what?!"

I wasn't expecting that! I like your brother's style.

"I heard what you said to Lindsay. He shouldn't have gotten away with that so easily," He shrugged. "A simple suspension wasn't enough. He needed someone to teach him a lesson."

I sighed, "I see what you were thinking, Tanner. It's really sweet, but you didn't have to get yourself in trouble for me."

He frowned, "I don't regret a thing. He shouldn't have hurt my sister. If I could go back in time, I'd blacken the other eye too."

He didn't wait for me to say anything else. He left me standing there alone. I appreciated it, but I hated that he got himself in trouble. I already did all the damage I wanted to. Still, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of Micah having a black eye. Tanner was truly an awesome brother.

Appreciate him later. You have someone to yell at, remember?

Oh, yeah!

I stomped to the place I last saw Griffin. When he wasn't there, I knew I'd find him where Brooke was. Sure enough, they were both standing there. Brooke seemed to be flirtatious, while Griffin looked beyond pissed. I took a deep breath and marched over to them.

Brooke was the first to spot me. Her flirty smile fell immediately. Griffin glanced at me before turning back to her. I could tell he was annoyed that I was here. However, I didn't care. He was in a world of trouble.

"Don't look at her look at-" A sneeze cut me off.

Perfect timing.

You haven't even been here a minute and you've already messed up.

Shut up.

"Mackenzie, would you please tell Griffin I didn't do anything to you?" Brooke frowned.

Brooke did nothing.

Since when did you start defending her?

The sound of his voice sent a shiver up my spine. I had no idea how he got into my mind, but I wanted him out immediately.

You're right! I'd never back that bitch! I don't even know her!

"No," I started. Brooke smirked secretly while Griffin watched me. "You're the asshole that made me too tired to function. What's your deal?! It's not like I was trying to steal your purse! I don't even know you!"

Griffin glared at her, "I knew you were a snake-"

"Don't play the innocent card, Griffin!" I barked, causing their attention to snap my way. "You both used your powers on me like I'm some experiment. You need to get your shit together. Both of you."

Fiercer! They both see you as some weak human science project.

"You both call yourself Reapers. Reapers help humans, not use them as some sort of guinea pig! You both need to get your priorities straight!"

One last kick should-

That's enough.

"Isn't that cute? She thinks she knows what a Reaper is," Brooke mocked me. "You're nothing but a stupid human. Isn't that right, Griffin?"

Griffin looked conflicted. I felt myself frowning. A part of him actually believed what she said. I knew we weren't equal. He's seen things I haven't and he's experienced things I'd never experience. However, I thought he'd think more of me than some stupid human. Like some sort of pest.

"If that's the case, this stupid human's going home. By choice this time," I smiled sarcastically. "I mean, I might as well considering I've actually been given the option to do so on my accord."

I spun on my heel and started to go back the same way I came from. Before I could get too far, a hand grabbed my arm. I could tell it wasn't Brooke because her hands weren't as big. I wasn't in the mood to hear what Griffin had to say for himself. Besides that, he was ruining my dramatic exit.

"Let me go, Griffin," I growled.

"Mackenzie, I don't think-"

I scoffed and twirled around to face him, "Save it! I'm not in the mood to hear you spout out bullshit just to make you look like you're doing your job."

"I don't think you're a stupid human and I'm not just saying this for my job," I could see he was trying to keep his temper, but I didn't care.

"Yeah, right! I'm going home if that's okay with you of course! Wouldn't want to upset you and lose rights to control my mind!" My hand balled into a fist. "Or have I already lost them? I would never know because I'm just some stupid human!"

"Mackenzie-" He tried warning me, but that didn't stop me. I was well past the point of return.

"You know, I am just a stupid human. I mean, I have to be to believe you were actually trying to be my friend! You aren't here to make sure I have a happy last year. You aren't here to be my friend. I must be some sort of idiot to believe any of this was about me-"

"Mackenzie-"

Mackenzie, you are being foolish. I advise you to stop this before-

Before what?! She deserves to speak her mind like everyone else.

"You're only here because it's your job. You're here to upkeep your reputation-"

Before I could finish my last word, I was pinned up against the wall. Griffin's eyes were no longer gray. There wasn't a single trace of the warm color I knew. They burned red. Fear filled my bones. I had never been more afraid in my life. Not even with Micah.

What is he doing?!

The guy... he's... gone.

"I tried to warn you. I have control here," He smirked. I knew it wasn't Griffin by his voice.

Found him!

Yeah, I got that.

Within seconds, all red drained out of Griffin's eyes and the gray was back. He let go of me and backed away. I suddenly realized why he was so conflicted earlier. It had nothing to do with our conversation. It was the voice.

"I'm so sorry, Mackenzie. I'll leave you alone-"

He sounded like a scared child. I placed a hand on his shoulder, realizing the damage the voice was talking about. His tragedy did change him. I wasn't sure exactly what it had done, but I knew it had something to do with the voice.

"It's okay, Griffin," I smiled softly. "Let's go watch a superhero movie or something. Ooh, maybe a horror movie!"

"But-" He sighed and returned my smile, "Yeah, that'd be nice."

//

I feel like I should clarify the voices. When Mackenzie's thinking, she thinks in first-person. When the voice inside her is speaking, she speaks in second-person about/to Mackenzie. Griffin's voice is in bold letters. Also, I'm sorry if this chapter seems confusing. This chapter kinda sets up parts of the story. Also (again), please know that what Griffin did at the end wasn't him. It was his voice. That's why