'Congratulations miss A+.'

Ms Stevens beamed at me as I took the seat opposite her. My Mother Nature project workbook was sat on the desk between us and I couldn't help but smile proudly at my pride and joy. A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into that book.
'Thank you, I guess I'm lucky the examiner understood my work.'

'Luck shmuck you earnt that, you both did! I probably shouldn't tell you this but I think it's an achievement you should celebrate so I'm going to tell you anyway.
You both ended up being our top marking students, you in art and Harrison in photography. I think you two really bring out the best in each other creatively. It's a shame you can't work together again.'

I'm sure both of us disagree with that.

I found out through Paige this morning that Harrison got an A+ in his photography project. Even through everything I couldn't help but being so proud of him. I know how hard he worked on it, we both did and so he really deserved that mark. On instinct I pulled my phone out of my pocket and pulled up his name. My fingers hovered over the keypad ready to type out a congratulations text but then I remembered being kicked off the football team. I stared at the blank message screen for a few seconds before locking my phone and shoving it back in my pocket.

'Now have you decided which topic you'd like to go with for your next project?' Ms Stevens said pulling me out of my trance.

I glanced down at the sheet in front of me running my eyes over the words.
'Well I've gone through them all but I think Nightmare really stands out.'

Whether that be because I like creepy things or because I get woken up every night with a reoccurring nightmare, I'll let you decide.

'Oh yes I think that would be a great topic for you. Lots of depth and I think it'll challenge you creatively. Good choice.'

'I was thinking about doing some research after school today. I heard about this local art gallery that has a horror exhibition, I thought it might be worth a look.'

'Oh definitely. If I were you, I'd try to think out of the box as well, maybe go to the library and read the synopsis of some scary books. You never know where you might find inspiration from.'

'Yeah you're right, I think I'll try that.' I shifted in my seat thinking that was the conversation over but Ms Stevens went on.

'Now there was something else I wanted to talk to you about.' She leant her elbows on the desk, crossing her hands before looking at me seriously.
'I wanted to ask what your plans were for your future, is art an area you want to get into?'

This question took me back. I thought she might ask me about Harrison, or why I'd been acting differently recently, not about my future path in life.

'Possibly, I haven't really thought about it too much. If I'm being honest, I didn't really think I was good enough to have it as a career.'

'Eve you're absolutely good enough!' She said with determination.
'What about 'you're our highest marking art student' did you not understand? You're so good that I'd highly recommend you applying for the Goodwin scholarship.'

'What's that?'

'The prestigious Goodwin art college in London run a competition every year to pull in more talent from across the world. Out of the thousands that apply, only 10 will receive a full invitation and scholarship into their art programme. It's a very competitive competition and the standards are extremely high. It's not something I'd recommend to just anyone but I think your creative style is just what they're looking for.'

I sat back in my seat trying to process everything she'd said.
'Wow that all sounds amazing and I'm so flattered that you think I'm good enough but do you really think they would like my work?'

'Well I thought you'd say that and I hope you don't mind but I've already showed some of your last project to a friend of mine that works for the college. He was very impressed and highly recommended you apply.'

'Wow, I don't know what to say. I guess there's no harm in applying right?'

'Exactly! What have you got to lose?'

Ms Stevens was right. I'd did seem like too good of an opportunity to pass up on.
'So, what do I have to submit?'

'A previous project, so since your Mother Nature project has been marked already you can submit that. Then they'd also like a painting inspired by anything you like, unrelated to everything else submitted. With it you'll need to write a short explanation.'

'I think I can do that.'

'You 100% can and I'm here to help with anything if you're unsure or want advice.'

For the next ten minutes Ms Stevens told me more about the competition, how long I had and also gave me advice to do with the other piece I needed to create.
After that I set about doing some research for my nightmare theme. I created a collage using some pictures I'd printed off from Pinterest. I also googled common nightmares and fears. By the time class finished I was brimming with ideas and couldn't wait for school to finish so I could go to the art museum.

Eventually after biology and a painfully boring physics lesson I was hurrying through the halls ignoring people's nosey glances so I could get to Taliah's car. She must've been just as keen as me to get away from this place as she was already sitting in the driver's seat playing on her phone waiting for me.

'Someone's excited.' She said as I threw myself into her car.

'I am. I want to go see some creepy paintings.'

'That wasn't what I was expecting you to say but ok hun.'

Taliah needed to go to the library after school so as the art gallery was along the same road it made sense us both doing what we needed to do at the same time.

'What time should we meet?' I asked as Taliah parked up.

'How about I just come with you?'

'That's ok you've got your coursework to do.'

'Waaa but I don't wanna. I want to put it off by wasting time looking a weird things with you.'

'If you put it off any longer you won't have any coursework to hand in. I can't see Mr Trent being that sympathetic when you tell him you haven't got any work to hand in because you spent an afternoon messing around in an art gallery.'

'Why, why did I think it was a good idea to take psychology? When I was told it was 50% coursework 50% exams I thought, hey I can do that. What an idiot.' Taliah grumbled.
'Well this coursework is going to take me years to finish so why don't you just text me when you're done?'

'Ok I'll text you. I'll also make a deal with you. If you concentrate and worker bee your way through your homework whilst I'm gone, then I'll buy you Nutella ice cream.'

Taliah inhaled and stopped dead in her tracks.
'By deal you mean bribery?'

I waved a hand and shrugged.
'Details details.'

Taliah thought for a moment before sighing.
'What do I care? I'll do anything for Nutella ice cream and you know it. You've got yourself a deal my friend.'

'Good girl. See you later.'

I walked in the opposite direction of the library taking my time as I took in the various shopfronts facing into the street. This was a fancy part of town with a lot designer shops that didn't interest me, so when I needed to stop to tie my loose shoe lace I'd almost zoned out of my surroundings completely. That was until I felt the urge to look up.

It was like I was being beckoned to look down the dark cold alleyway as if something were calling me. If I had been completely lost in my own little world, I would've missed it completely, but standing here my eyes focused on the warm glow of lights from a shop front I couldn't help but be a little intrigued. Maybe I had my art topic stuck in my head so much that I was going against all my instincts to avoid the creepy alleyway but I was so curious that I knew I had to get a better look.

After walking halfway down the alleyway I eventually stopped and stood in front of the shop.

The strange & unusual
Oddities Parlour

The window was filled with trinkets and old books, fairy lights and candles were bouncing light off of every surface. An eye of Horace watched me suspiciously as I raked my eyes over the constellations dangling from the ceiling. Red velvet curtains were draped behind the items giving the window an old vintage feel. Maybe if something else hadn't caught my attention I would've walked away at that point, my curiosity satisfied but then something passed my peripheral vision. It was then that I realised why I'd been so interested in the shop, it's because it reminded me of the fortune teller tent from freakfest. After that I knew one look wouldn't suffice, I'd need to go inside.

A bell chimed above my head as I pushed open the shop door. Aromatic smoke swirled around me as I shut the door closed making me notice the incense lit on a nearby table. The shop was silent apart from the gentle ticking of a metal clock hung on the opposite wall.
I didn't know what I was looking for and to be honest as I wandered around, I didn't know what half the objects were, but I was no less interested.

After making my way to the back of the shop I noticed hanging from the ceiling was a black metal cage. I normally wouldn't have paid it so much attention if it wasn't so warped and creepy looking. Inside was a doll, it's limps stretched between the bars as if clawing for an escape. I was so engrossed in it that I didn't notice the shopkeeper watching me.

'It almost looks alive doesn't it?' The voice startled me making me whip around to find the elderly woman staring at me from behind the till. If her voice hadn't been smooth and warm like honey then maybe I would've been uncomfortable under her strong piercing gaze.

'Yeah, that's what I was thinking.' I managed to squeak out.

'In the olden days those interested in the occult would trap the spirits of people they felt had done them wrong in voodoo dolls. They'd then cage then behind metal bars or in boxes so they were trapped for eternity.'

'Do you think there's a spirit in this doll?'

The woman walked around the desk until she was standing next to me studying the doll.
'I don't think so, but there certainly are some items in here that have their own personalities.' She glanced around the room making me follow suit before turning back to me.
'How can I help?'

'Oh I'm not looking for anything in particular.'

'I find most aren't when they come into my shop.'

'If I'm honest I was heading to an art gallery but I stumbled past your shop and I thought I might be able to get some inspiration for a school art project.'

'What's the project on?'

'The theme is nightmares.'

'Well I think you've certainly found something there.'

I glanced back up at the cage above my head and wondered if she was right. The story she had told was definitely nightmare worthy. Most people feared feeling trapped, so I'm sure many people have dreamt panicking as they tried to find an escape route from whatever it was holding them prisoner.
Maybe that's what I felt. Trapped in this weird stage in between sadness and happiness, not knowing what to feel.

'I think you're right. I know it's cheeky but do you mind if I take a picture of it? For inspiration?'

'Of course not. Who am I to stand in the way of someone's creativity? What I may ask in return though is a reading.'

'A reading?'

'Yes. I'm a palm reader. Sometimes people awaken an intrigue in me more than others. I guess I can describe it similar to being desperate to paint a picture you see so vividly in your mind.'

'Ok sure I don't see the harm in that.' I said shrugging my shoulders. I adjusted the strap of my bag before laying my hand out to her. As if she were hungry, she took my hand in her grasp, her icy fingers shocked my warm skin. The woman studied my palm as if she were scanning every inch of it and just as I was starting to get uncomfortable, she spoke.

'Death follows you.'

'Excuse me?' I said whipping my hand back.

'Sorry dear I didn't mean to startle you.' The woman did seem genuinely apologetic, her eyes turning sympathetic as she looked at me.
'What I meant was the grim reaper has visited you before but he left you alone. Why one might wonder? From studying your palm maybe he was as intrigued by your path as I was. Good luck with your project dear.'

And with that the shopkeeper shuffled back behind the till and through a door leading to another room.

I stood stuck rooted to the spot as I tried to process what had just happened. Finally when I had convinced myself that this must be some stunt that they pull on every customer for publicity, I turned on my heel and stumbled out the shop, the door slamming shut behind me.

After one last glance behind my shoulder I decided to head to the art gallery. Once I was safely back on the main road the unease I'd previously felt vanished and I wondered for a split second if I'd just made the whole thing up. Before I had the chance to think about it more, I was pushing my way through the gallery doors.

This was the biggest family run gallery I'd ever been to, it was huge. I strolled through room after room of art work, some for sale some not. Eventually after taking my time in the previous rooms I made my way to the exhibition. I had to pay a small entrance fee but it was so worth it.

I stood in front of one painting of an old Victorian mansion. A little blonde girl stood in the centre of the painting staring out into the distance with a tear tracked stained face. At first glance it looks as if she is running away from the home but then you notice the chains around her ankles holding her to the ground she was stood on. The more you look the more you notice the bars at the windows, the overgrown plants ready to consume the house, the woman watching the little girl through a window. It gave me a woman in black vibe that sent a chill down my back.

I spent the next half an hour making notes on artists I wanted to look up, paintings I felt inspired by and painting ideas that came to mind. When I was exiting the exhibition, I felt full to the brim with ideas, so much so that I was full on daydreaming to the point that I almost didn't notice the boy my age now sat behind the front desk.

'Jake?'

He looked up as he heard my voice and smiled when he saw me. Since I'd confronted him a while back about acting like an asshole, we've civil with each other. It hasn't got back to how we were before, easily joking around with each other, but we're back to talking which was something.
'You work here?'

'Why do you sound so surprised?' He asked running a hand through his blonde hair.

'I just didn't know art was your thing.'

'Maybe I'm deeper than you realise.' He looked at me so seriously that I burst out laughing. His signature grin crept up his face breaking his act.
'My parents own this place. I help out here some times.'

'How the hell do you have time for that with everything else that you do?'

'My parents make sure I make time.' He said rolling his brown eyes. 'So what you here for then?'

'I'm on the hunt for some artists that I can use for my art project.'

'What's the project on?'

'Really Jake, you don't have to pretend you're interested.'

'I'm not pretending, I am interested and I want to help you. It is my job.' He said smugly pulling at his name tag.

'Fine. The projects on nightmares. I'm trying to find artists that have a realistic voice running through their work. Rather than happy clappy, I need an artist that isn't afraid to show their or someone else's fears.'

I thought I'd lost Jake then. That he'd dropped the act of being interested and was preparing for him for him to start laughing but after a few seconds of thinking he looked at me with a spark in his eyes.

'I think I know what you mean. You won't find it on display here though. Follow me.'

He led me to a side door labelled staff only. After walking down a marble hallway and a flight of stairs, we'd made it to the basement. I instinctively wrapped my jacket around me tighter as the lack of heat in the room pricked my skin.

I followed Jake as he walked down an isle suddenly stopping when he reached what he was looking for.

'This work is all going to be in an exhibition in a couple of weeks. For now though it's in storage down here.' Jake reached out to pull a dusty sheet of a wooden box. After opening up the lid of the box he pulled out a painting that instantly captured me.

The painting showed a man looking into a mirror. Rather than showing a reflection of the man I could see a demon like creature staring back at him. The painting was bleak, depressing and exactly what I was looking for.

'He's a local artist. His work is based on his past with substance abuse. Now he paints and runs workshops for people with mental health or addiction problems. Creative therapy he calls it.'

'Wow that's amazing.'

'Yeah he's a cool guy. You know if you're interested, he's going to be here when his work first goes on display. You can come and meet him, ask him questions if it'll help with your project.'

'Really?'

'Yeah absolutely.'

'Jake that would honestly be amazing! Thank you.'

'No need to thank me it's really no problem.' He shrugged his shoulders like it was no big deal but I could tell he was struggling not to smile.

'I know this is probably cheeky to ask as I know you're doing me a favour right now but could I come back and have a look at these paintings when you're next working. I need to go in a minute but I'd love to see these again and take some notes.' I squeezed Jakes shoulder giving him my best puppy dog look which thankfully made him laugh.

'Sure, I can text you when I'm next working if you like?'

'Jake you're the best!'

'Ok now I know you're trying to soften me up.' He shook his head and chuckled.

I helped Jake cover everything back up again before we headed back upstairs. I quickly said goodbye to him and then strolled back along the main road, stopping briefly to pick up some Nutella ice cream before carrying on to the library. It didn't take me long to find Taliah when I got inside, she was the one banging her head against a book. When she saw me her face lit up and she scrambled out of her seat.

'Ok I've done my work and I haven't even texted you to complain about it once so give me the goods!'

If I wasn't so scared that she would rip my arm off then maybe I would've thought twice about giving her the ice cream. Especially when I noticed her notebook was filled more with drawings of farm yard animals than it was psychology notes.