BeSwitched, Paranormal Romance (13 page)

Soon they heard loud music. The sadness had drowned out any sound earlier. “You hear that?” Surla sat up and straightened her cat-ear headband.

“Yeah. It’s called The Monster Mash.” Cathy’s tail stood up. “Oh, how I wish I could dance right now.”

Surla picked up Cathy and stood to see. They were actually next to the small, segmented stone wall, which wrapped around Revere Park. Guys and girls, dressed scary or exotic, filled the park. A set-up stage was placed at one corner and a banner read over it—Washington and Jefferson High’s Halloween Bash.

“Cathy!” they heard someone call. It was Todd, walking over to them from a refreshment stand. “Hey, I was hoping you would come.” He leaned in and gave her a warm hug, then scratched under Cathy’s chin. “Hey, it’s Psycho Kitty.” He smiled, showing off his cute dimples.

“I thought you weren’t able to make it.” Surla worked on fixing her hair as she spoke. All that fighting made her look pretty messy.

“My sister went trick-or-treating with her friends.” His green eyes looked over her now holey stockings, to the tight black body suit, and landed on her sparkling eyes, which now had mascara runs. “Are you alright?”

“Uh, not really,” she admitted. “But where’s your costume?” She eyed his black T-shirt, which fit tight around his chest and upper arms.

“Oh, I didn’t have one, so I just came as myself.” Todd said, as he watched Surla’s eyes widen with sadness. “Do you… wanna dance?”

“No… not really.”

At Idis’s, Pussface was sitting at the kitchen’s open window, meowing an alarm to all the other black cats in the town. “Rrrreeeooow! Rrrreeeoooooow!”

The witches and demons were still standing in the living room, as a vortex
sucked from the center of the floor. It looked like a black whirlpool of gases and tar.

As the vortex bubbled and
grew, dozens of black cats were scurrying through the kitchen window and cat door. Even Lenny showed. “I’m here to help, too,” he said to Pussface. “That fight I had with you over Diamond was stupid. I’m sorry it had to happen, man, cuz I know she doesn’t like me anyway.”

“Hey, it’s okay.” A crooked fang poked out when he grinned. “Help me siren.”

Soon the kitchen became so full and black with cats, that many were balancing on hanging pots. Pussface said, “I think we’re ready.”

When they entered the living room, three possessed witches had already stepped into the vortex, disappearing. Gretchen, still possessed
, almost stepped in, but stopped when Idis finally noticed all the cats surrounding her and the demons. “Ha, now what’s this?”

All the felines hissed at once, showing their sharp teeth.

“You think you all could defeat me?!” She cackled.

Hooking tails, they were involved in a choreographed spell. The circle, first going clockwise, turned suddenly, hooking tails with the partner to the right of them, continuing counterclockwise, rolling their heads and sticking paws in and out of the circle.

“Get these foolish cats out of here!” Idis ordered the demons. The witches mechanically spread out, and their laser-red eyes didn’t blink once.

Gretchen’s overtaken body wa
s heading to Pussface and Lenny, when suddenly, all the cats clustered together. Their fur combined, along with their tails and eyes, into one giant black cat! “You are going to need a bigger demon, to possess this body.” Pussface’s voice came through two foot-long fangs.

Chapter 16

Tiffany walked by Surla, pulling Craig’s hand. She was dressed as a mermaid in a long, green and sparkly dress. “Oh my gosh. Look at Cathy. What happened to her?” She laughed and continued on her way.

“I think I’m gonna go home now,” Surla said to Todd, turning to walk away.

“Wait.” He put a hand on her shoulder, but she didn’t stop. He kept by her side at the same pace. “Come on, Cathy. Don’t go yet. I want to talk to you. I don’t like to see you so upset.”

“Listen.” Surla’s feet
stopped. “I-I just wish I could have my problems go away. But, now, no matter how hard I try, they won’t go. I’m going to stay like this forever.

“Stay like what?” His eyebrows raised.

“This is who I am for the rest of my life.”

Cathy buried her head in Surla’s arms after hearing that.

“What’s wrong with that? I like who you are.” His eyes were filled with concern.

Surla’s eyes started to tear up again. “This isn’t who I am.”

“Cathy.” He reached an arm around her shoulders. “Come sit over here.”

He led her to an open bench, which was far from the whole party
-scene and underneath a maple tree. Cathy sat on the other side of Surla. “I want to tell you, that I think you are the most beautiful girl, even with runs in your stockings and your hair messy.” He smiled. “Tiffany isn’t half as beautiful as you—that’s why she’s so jealous. And Craig—he’s just a jerk who was stupid enough to let you go.”

Cathy’s ears were straight up, focusing on every word. Surla just sat there, being polite, her eyes sometimes wandering up to the starry sky.

“Even before this change you’ve had the last couple of weeks,” he continued, “I saw something inside you—so special, so sweet.”

Cathy felt something inside she never felt before; she felt special and wanted. The feeling of loneliness escaped her and just at that moment she saw something in the sky, which Surla noticed
, too. “A shooting star.” Surla smiled at it briefly.

“I wish… I could make you feel better.” Todd said softly. And right when the star landed, he kissed her.

Surla felt a tingling, supernatural sensation—and so did Cathy. Then suddenly
Cathy
felt a warm set of lips on hers and she opened her eyes instantly, seeing Todd’s eyes closed in pleasure. She was involved in a kiss with Todd!

As they continued to kiss, memories embedded in Cathy’s mind, from Surla’s experiences in her body, flooded in like a stormy ocean: visions of bumping into him in the hall; smelling his cologne; receiving help in the library after school; riding home with him and first realizing how strikingly good looking he was, with his perfect dark hair and beautiful cheekbones, with those lips and eyes. With every memory
, the kiss became more passionate. Cathy felt his smooth face with her hands. Then the horrific night at the lake surged in: lightning and thunder and the feeling of being stranded in the cold, rainy night—only to wake up in Todd’s arms helping her inside his truck.

When their kiss parted, Cathy held him close, in awe and utter amazement. “Wow, I’m me again.”

Todd laughed, taking that as a huge compliment. “That
was
magical.”

Surla was busy rolling in the cool grass in pure joy.

The melody of a slow song floated to their ears. “Shall we have that dance now?” Todd asked.

Cathy wrapped her arm around his
and held hands as they approached a small clearing between many other couples.

Surla trotted around in happy circles, then jumped onto a chair near the refreshment table. She watched Cathy with her head on Todd’s shoulder, smiling with closed eyes as they danced. Once in a while he would lean in and kiss the top of her head or say
something in her ear; then she would either smile or laugh and look into his eyes.

Tiffany soon came over to the table. Craig was by her side, dressed as a pirate, covering the black eye with an eye-patch. Surla laughed inside.
What a dumb costume
. She eyed the striped pants with disgust.

“Are you sure you don’t want any
more?” Craig asked Tiffany, filling his plate with many snacks.

“Yes.” Tiffany’s blond tendrils sparkled with hair spray glitter.

Hey, I have the use of my magic back
, Surla thought, curling her tail in delight. “This spell is directed to Tiffany,” she whispered. “You will dread tomorrow and today, because the opposite will be said, for what you really wanted to say.”

“All you had was a cookie.” Craig was persistent. “Do you want some punch?”

“If I had anything else…,” Tiffany said defiantly, “then I would be fatter than a whale. I am on a diet.” Her eyebrows quirked. “Er!” She fought what she was saying. “I mean…, why do you think I wore this long dress anyway? It’s covering up my… Uh! My fat legs.”

“Sorry, I was just asking.” Craig set down his plate. “Let’s dance instead.” He walked her to a spot right next to Cathy and Todd.

Tiffany stared hard at the two. Finally she uttered, “Cathy is so pretty… and look at what a cute couple she and Todd make.”

“What?” Craig loosened up his hold around her waist.

“Did I just say that?” Tiffany looked up at him in disbelief.

“Uh, yeah.”

“What I meant to say was, I wish you danced like him. You are a terrible dancer.”

“No I’m not.” Craig let go of her completely.

“I-I really mean it. No! I mean, um, you just can’t dance!”

People looked
at her, having heard the last loud comment, including Cathy. “Dance alone then.” Craig walked to the closest available girl. “Would you like to dance?”

“Er!
” Tiffany bit her tongue.

“Yeah right
, Craig. I hear you leave your dates in the woods,” the girl’s voice trailed.

As Cathy and Todd were nearing the end of the slow song, Chrissy rushed over and flashed a picture with her camera. “High School memories.” She smiled.

“Hey, cute costume,” Cathy complimented the flapper-girl dress.

“Thanks. Well, I’m gonna go take a few more shots of people.” She started walking off, then turned suddenly, “I told you he liked you!”

Screech! The song ended with the microphone on stage making a piercing noise. “Sorry ’bout that.” The Dracula D.J. laughed. “Well, as the night has gone on, it has given our judges ample time to decide on this year’s costume contest winner!”

Cheering and clapping
showed the excitement from both the student bodies.

“Father Townshend…” He turned to the P
.E. teacher dressed as a priest. “May I have the envelope please?”

Mr. Townshend grabbed the mike. “Yes, my son, but first you must repent.”

“Repent of what?” Dracula went on.

“For sucking neck with my niece tonight.”

“Woooo!” Guys cheered from the back and more laughter waved through.

“You should be grateful
, Father.” The D.J. had a sly look to his fake-blooded smile.

Hooting and whistling started up.

“Oh, and why is that?”

“I helped make her more… holy.” He opened his mouth, showing off the fake fangs.

“Hahaha!” Cathy laughed out loud with everyone else.

“May I now have the envelope?”

“Yes, my son, just don’t get too close to me.”

“Why not? Are you afraid?”

“No, I have really bad garlic breath tonight.”

“Ew! That would be very offensive.” He drew his cape up
over half his face. “Hurry and hand me the envelope.”

Mr. Townshend did, then bowed and waved
at the applauding crowd. “And the winner is… Wait, no drum roll?”

Already planned, a guy dressed in his band costume
came up on stage with his drum.

“Great! Great! Come over here.”

Marching, he went over to Dracula.

“Now give me your drum.”

Acting confused, the guy reluctantly handed over the drum, then offered his drumsticks.

“No, no.” Dracula refused the drumsticks. “Now for the drum roll.”

Everyone cheered and waited. Surprisingly, he bent down, placing it on its side, then gave it a push. It began to roll across the stage and people cheered and laughed more. “And the winner is, the lovely, Tiffany Randall as a mermaid!”

Smiling brightly, she climbed the stage’s steps, then stood in front of the mike, as the D.J. handed her a bouquet of orange carnations.

Her eyes sparkled, her hair sparkled, and her sea-green dress sparkled. The crowd grew silent, awaiting her thanks for winning.

“Uh hum,” she cleared her throat, seeing the many faces in front of her, some masked. “I guess I’m supposed to show gratitude for winning this thing, but, uh, it was easy! I mean, well, look at all of you. Your costumes are pathetic. None of you know how to dress, even when you’re out of costume. What are you supposed to be?”
she reluctantly said to a heavyset boy, wearing all white. “The Doughboy?” She bit her bottom lip as most everybody gasped. “No, I-I didn’t mean that. I meant, a chef, or a-a marshmallow.” Tiffany covered her mouth.

“What is she doing?” Cathy looked up at Todd, who was just as shocked. “Ah, jeez! I am so dumb.” Noticing that echoed out across the park, she put the mike behind her back as a reflex.

“You
are
dumb!” a guy yelled from the crowd and people yelled out comments in agreement.

Surla quickly recited another spell aimed for the most embarrassing thing to happen to a human being.

Tiffany felt her abdomen rumble. Then, without any way of turning back or holding in, a sound came out like a motorcycle revving up, but with more oomph. She, you know, “cut the cheese,” “let one go,” and it horrifically amplified out from the microphone for everyone in the audience and neighborhood to hear.

“Ew!” the audience yelled. Instantaneously, a couple of car alarms started blaring out from the parking lot. Tiffany dropped her carnations. Orange petals dotted the black stage as she stood there frozen from shock, her eyes as wide as a fish.

Suddenly, from a nearby street corner, a fire station bell rang out like a scream. Cathy and Todd busted up in laughter and disgust, like everyone else.

Soon rushing over, with its flashing lights and yellow firem
en, a fire engine stopped in front of the park.

“Everyone, clear out!
” The men ran, carrying heavy hoses, hooking them to hydrants. Tiffany finally ran off the stage, and out of sight.

“What’s going on?” Cathy asked, seeing all the frantic people.

“Clear out! Can’t you smell that?” a red-faced fireman called to her and Todd.

“Huh?”

“There’s a fire.” Todd pointed through to the other side of the park. “Right there! See?!” Flames billowed up and white smoke filled the dark sky. “Let’s get out of their way.”

He grabbed Cathy’s
hand and jogged, leading her out to where all the cars were lined up against the sidewalk, along with the fire truck at the red-zone and soon an ambulance came. Many partiers were gathered out there with them, watching with excitement.

“Todd,” Cathy said, looking into his eyes
, “isn’t this the second time you’ve saved my life?” She placed her arms around his neck.

Before he could answer, she had him involved in a kiss. He didn’t want to ruin the moment by telling her the fire must have been fifty yards away, out of harm. Instead, when they parted, he asked, “Can we pretend I saved your life for a third time?”

Chrissy ran over and snapped a picture of them in each others’ arms. “That was perfect! Isn’t this one crazy night? I wonder what started that fire in the first place.”

Faster
than expected, the fire was out and paramedics were called over to help. Three men, two carrying a stretcher, and one holding first aid supplies, ran out to the burned area.

“Oh my gosh. Do you think there is a body out there?” Chrissy continued. Everyone else was thinking or saying the same thing.

“I hope not!” Cathy gasped.

Surla was sneaking around the wheels and taped-off area where only the firemen were allowed.

One big man, with a curled mustache, was sitting as the driver for the ambulance. He was talking to a lady officer. “Yeah, some guy, Lenny, called the station a couple minutes ago. Boy, he was right on time. A minute later and these flames would have really spread.”

“Why are they calling the paramedics out there?” The lady
officer strained to see. “Someone’s hurt?”

“I suppose.” He was just as surprised as she. Spectators came as close as possible to the ambulance without being a nuisance. Todd and Cathy happened to be in a section of the crowd that had a good view of what was happening.

Soon the back doors of the ambulance flew open and a stretcher was being propped inside. Cathy caught a glimpse of what looked like a charred broomstick poking out of the zipper to a body bag.