Halloween arrives and brings with it the deep chill of fall in New England. Having spent most of the day practicing in the training center, I find myself in a rush to get changed and catch the bus to Holloway Farm. The cold doesn’t bother me, but I need to dress for the weather anyway. It’s part of the trick to blending in with the humans. Best not to attract unnecessary attention by showing up in short sleeves when it’s freezing outside.
I strip off my sweat pants and grab a pair of tattered jeans, a heavy cotton sweater and my knee high boots. I top off the outfit with a black leather jacket that zips up the front and glance in the mirror. Only Lissette would choose such a girly jacket for me. I can’t deny that it’s stylish, but with ruffles running down the front, it’s not something I would have picked out myself. I don’t bother to brush my hair since I’m running late. I wipe a few errant strands from my forehead, tucking them neatly behind my ear, and decide that it will have to do for now.
I’m the last one to arrive at the bus, and Jade makes no effort to hide her irritation, complaining loudly.
“Who does she think she is to keep us waiting?” she whines.
“I know, right?” chimes in Lexie. “Some of us have big plans for this evening. The sooner we get this hoedown over with, the sooner we can get back and party!” They break into a fit of giggles. Their laughter is no less offensive than a pack of hyenas and further validates my disinterest in attending the Masquerade.
I ignore them and scan the bus for empty seats. There aren’t any empty rows. I’ll have to find someone to sit with. I’m relieved when I see Shaye waiving from the back.
“Saved you a spot!” she calls, patting the empty seat next to her.
I hurry down the aisle, pleased that Shaye thought of me. If I have to make small talk with someone, Shaye would definitely be my first choice.
“Thanks,” I tell her, as I slide into the empty seat.
“It’s whatever,” she says, waving me off. “No big deal. Kind of figured you might need a friendly face.”
“What gave it away? The welcome committee up front?” I snort. While the interest in my lineage has died down, Jade never misses any opportunity to make her dislike of me known. I pretend she doesn’t exist most of the time. I find it’s the best way to keep my temper in check.
“Please! You should have heard what she said about the guy before you!” Shaye laughs. “As if anyone really cares what she thinks. She’s a hideous beast.”
“You think?” I mutter. Actually, I was thinking she looks a lot like a big slutty Barbie, but maybe that goes without saying.
We sit quietly for a moment. I’m not sure what to say, but Shaye eventually breaks the silence. It’s clear her social skills are better than my own. At least we won’t have to talk awkwardly about the weather.
“So, how are you at puzzles?”
“Puzzles? Okay, I guess. Why?” I ask, confused by her question.
“Come on, Katia. Surely you know what this trip is about? Holloway Farm? Moonlight Madness? Largest corn maze in Vermont?” She stares at me dubiously. Apparently she can’t believe I’m this clueless. “It’s epic,” she moans.
“And?”
“And getting through the maze first without cheating is a big deal! Since it’s your first time we’ll do it together,” she says, not bothering to actually ask if I want to partner up.
I guess I can’t fault her for being excited. There was a time when I would have loved this kind of challenge. Now, it’s just the sort of thing that’s there to fill my time.
“Alright. Lay it on me. How does it work?” I ask grudgingly. If I have to participate, I want to know the rules.
“They’ll break us into groups and stagger the starting times. Each group goes into the maze, and the clock doesn’t stop until you emerge on the other side. It’s simple as long as you have a half decent sense of direction. The winner will be recognized tonight at the Masquerade. The prize is different every year, but it’s usually something quirky. The students like it for the notoriety. It’s mostly about bragging rights. Nikolai won last year.”
“Why am I not surprised?” I ask, shaking my head.
“He’s got really good instincts,” Shaye replies, ignoring my sarcasm. “I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t win again.”
“It’s good to know you have such confidence in our abilities,” I tease her.
We sit quietly for the remainder of the ride. I can’t speak for Shaye, but I find the silence comfortable amidst the bustle of our peers talking and carrying on. I guess it’s safe to say that Shaye is growing on me.