There is a week left for us to prepare for the exorcism. Only a week for us to gather supplies, and figure out exactly where we can hide in the church to ensure nobody will catch us. An entire week for Vetis to wander around using Cain’s body, and kill whomever he wants. Including me.
I sit in creative writing, terrified that he may walk in at any moment. Delilah said she is staying with Beth, and helping her find a way to get the materials we need. I’m clutching at the cross around my neck, hopeful that Vetis will not show today.
He walks in, crushing all my hopes. With a grin he sits in front of me and turns, as if we are about to have a normal high school conversation before class starts. I can see two girls on the other side of the room eyeing him, and I wonder if I had looked like that.
“What?” I ask.
“That attitude isn’t very nice,” he tells me, “I thought we were dating.”
“We’re not,” I say. I grip the pendant tighter, and he eyes it again.
“You think that will protect you?” he questions, leaning over my desk. His face lowers so his eyes must look up to meet mine. “I know what you’re planning.”
I know he’s bluffing. He has to be. There’s no way he could know we’re trying to trick him into the church.
“What’s that?” I ask, playing stupid. I glance around to make sure nobody is listening, but it’s too hard to tell. Most students are involved in their own conversations, or have their headphones in with music blasting. Still, someone could easily hear us if they wanted to.
“You want to save him,” Vetis says, “and send me back from whence I came.” He rolls his eyes, as if he’s heard this a hundred times before. “I’m not the kind of demon that can be kicked out with a prayer and dash of holy water.”
I look him in the eyes, and think of all the pain he has caused this town. My family has suffered, my friends have suffered. It is enough. “We’ll see about that.”
He smiles wide enough to show his teeth, his entire face lighting up. He’s merely amused by my words, and nothing more. Vetis is not the slightest bit threatened by me. “I look forward to this. The moment you try to send me back, I will take you with me, Walcott.”
Vetis turns back around, and doesn’t look back for the rest of class.
When I arrive at History class I find that Vetis is already there. I feel a demon would often be late, but maybe he’s trying to impress Nico, and make sure she doesn’t find out the truth. Our teacher is writing on the blackboard about our trip to Hollow’s Church, and adding some required reading.
I take a seat as far away from Vetis as possible, but the distance still isn’t enough. It will never be enough. The bell rings, and class begins.
“All right everyone,” Ms. Coyne calls. “Monday is the deadline to hand in your permission slips for the trip next week. Now, I want to assure you all that this trip is not to try and convert anyone from their religion. It’s not about religion, it is about how religion has affected our town. Please, tell your parents that.” She sighs and rubs at her temples. “Anyone that has a signed slip give it to me after class.”
That evening Beth calls me to talk about our plan. She tells me what we need to do, and agrees that the sooner it’s done the better.
I only wish we didn’t have to wait a week for the better.