The next evening, as I turned the corner to walk up Benson Hill, I saw a shadowy figure standing by the gate. Never one to retreat, I crept up the broken sidewalk slowly. I didn't want to be startled by Trevor or Jagger.
As I got closer, I saw a gothic fairy girl with long white-and- pink-streaked hair leaning against a tree.
"Luna--what are you doing?"
"Raven," she said, bouncing over and giving me a huge squeeze. "I thought I'd find you here."
"But I'm meeting Alexander," I said, almost apologetically.
"I know, but I thought we could chat for a few."
"I don't want to keep him..."
I looked up toward the Mansion. The attic window was dark.
"Well...maybe just a sec."
We sat on a few rocks outside the Mansion's gate.
"Trevor has a history test. I won't see him until this weekend. Jagger told me he saw you last night," she confessed.
"Did he tell you where he saw me?" I charged.
"In your bedroom."
"He can't do that again. He could scare my family."
"You did that to Trevor. You snuck into his room."
Luna had a good point. "That was different. I have a reputation."
"Jagger is a tricky one," she said with a hint of pride. "He's been teaching me so many things since I've been turned."
"Well, I hope they are good tricks," I warned. "I love your purse," she said, touching the handle of my Corpse Bride clutch. "Can I see?"
"Sure." No one, not even Becky, ever got excited about my clothes or fashion accessories. I was proud to share it with her.
She placed it on her arm and modeled it. "So gloom! I love it."
"Thanks. I ordered it online. Maybe I can get you one."
"I'd kill for one," she said eagerly. "Got any candy? I gave my last piece to you yesterday."
"I should have some gum."
Luna unzipped the purse. "Be careful, it's a mess in there," I warned.