Are you having a party? Annie asked. You could decorate a mansion with all this stuff.
Becky gave me a skeptical stare. Yes, what are you going to do with all these things?
I handed Annie all the money I had in my wallet. Saving them for a rainy day, I guess.
It might not rain for a while, Annie said. I hope you are able to enjoy them before then.
I will.
Becky gave me a quizzical look as she helped carry the bags and load them into her truck.
Need help taking them into your room? she asked when we arrived at my house.
Thats okay, I said. I really should do my homework, after all.
Thats all I needed to say to let Becky know something was up.
Theres something youre not telling me, she said.
You know I tell you everythingor at least everything I can share that I dont mind Matt knowing, I said, giving her a friendly dig.
Fair enough, she said. But Ill find out from you one way or another.
With that, Becky drove off. As I set down my goods on the driveway and unlocked my front door, I still felt a twinge of guilt. Becky had just helped me decorate a party I wasnt even inviting her to attend.
Dusk settled over Dullsville as I anxiously awaited Alexanders arrival at the cemetery.
We were going to share a private moment together before discussing our final plans for the party.
It was unusually late. I realized we might have planned to meet at the Mansion. I had finally decided to head back to the entrance when I got a text. Again, it was from an unavailable number.
Im watching you
I was sick of Trevor bothering me, and his game was about to end. I pressed the redial button, prepared to chew him out.
I heard a ringing coming from behind me but saw no one. I rose and followed the ringing until I made my way up toward the Sterling monument.
Out from the darkness emerged Alexander, a cell phone ringing in his hand.
My heart stopped. It couldnt be. Alexander had a cell phoneand had been texting me?
It goes against everything you believe in.
He smiled a broad smile.
It was youall along? I asked, still shocked.
He continued to beam.
But you sent me messages during the day, I said, when you were sleeping in your coffin.
Youre not the only one who gets insomnia.
The image of Alexander lying in his coffin, thinking of me and texting, melted me.
But what made you do this?
Ive always wanted to sit next to you in class. Buy your lunch.