I took off for my room, locked the door behind me, and hopped onto my bed. I spread out the paper and carefully tried to smooth the wrinkles.
Staring back at me on the front page of the Arts section was my boyfriend, with the caption An Artist Amongst Us.
He is so handsome! I cheered.
OUR TOWNS BEST-KEPT SECRET. A budding young artist, hiding out on Benson Hill.
Id always heard ghost stories about the Mansion on Benson Hill, but I didnt see any spirits wandering through the halls. I was invited into an old-fashioned estate with a reclusive teen. Homeschooled his whole life, Alexander spends his days and nights painting.
What is his inspiration? I asked him.
A girl named Raven, he replied.
Though I only saw the first floor, the rest of the Mansion appeared the same. He claims to sleep in a coffin and have a wine cellar straight from Transylvania. This artist might as well be a writer, too. But this interviewer wasnt fooled. The only thing he was really hiding was his talent. Though Alexander Sterling may be able to spin a yarn, he is also able to paint.
There is more to this artist than could ever be told. It has to be seen. All you need to do is take a look at one of his paintings. You can see how he loves this town and the people who inhabit it.
Do you want to be famous? Like Picasso, DalíMonet? I asked him.
No, he said. I just want to be likeme.
I riffled through my desk and found some tape. I placed my boyfriends article right over my headboard.
Even wrinkled, Alexander Sterling was still the most gorgeous guy Id ever seen.
Chapter 14 Mortal Kisses
I wasnt the only one who read the article on Alexander. In a town the size of Dullsville, small as a Shrinky Dink, any news was news. No one wanted to be left out from any new information or, worse, be the last one to know.
A group of cheerleaders was stretching out in the hallway while I waited for Becky outside the restroom. I was exhausted as usual.
Did you see the picture of that Mansion guy? the captain asked.
Hes totally hot, her assistant said, fixing her headband.
Hes really funny, another said.
Did you see how he was ribbing the reporter? He must be really confident to do that.
And talented. My parents bought one of his pictures at the Art Auction a few months ago, the captain boasted.
Hot, talented, and funny.
How did she ever land him? her assistant said.
They all glared at me. Just then I received a text.
Funny article.
Picture of a vampire?
Impossible.
It was pitch-black when I went to Beckys house to meet her. Her parents werent home and her house was unlocked. I called her name throughout each room, but she didnt answer. I knew she was afraid to go to the barn alone, but perhaps she needed to replace the rake. I found the flashlight resting on the back-porch railing.
Becky? Where are you?
When I finally reached the barn, the metal door was ajar.