Rise of the Evening Star(4)

We're kicking off! Randy yelled.

I'm in the middle of a game, Seth told her.

This is Fablehaven-type stuff.

Seth turned to his friends. Sorry! I have to quit for a while. He and Kendra headed off together. What is it?

You know how I can still see magical creatures?

Yeah.

There was a new student in some of my classes today, she explained. He's pretending to be human, but he's actually an ugly monster.

No way.11 My friends think he's cute. I can't see what he lookslike. I want you to describe him to me.

Where is he? Seth asked.

Over there, talking to Lydia Southwell, Kendra said, pointing subtly.

The blond kid?

I don't know. Red and black shirt?

He is cute! Seth gushed.

What does he look like?

He has the dreamiest eyes.

Knock it off, Kendra demanded.

He must be thinking the most beautiful thoughts.

Seth, I'm serious! The bell rang, announcing the end of lunch.

He's really a monster? Seth asked.

He looks a little like the creature who came in through the window on Midsummer Eve, Kendra said.

The one I salted?

Yes. What is he pretending to look like?

Is this a joke? Seth asked suspiciously. He's just some new kid you have a crush on, isn't he? If you're scared, I can go ask for his phone number.

I'm not messing around. Kendra swatted him on the arm.

He looks athletic. He's got a dent in his chin. Blond hair. It's kind of messy, but cool. Like it's on purpose. He could probably get a part on a soap opera. Good enough?

Not bald and covered in scabs and pus? Kendra verified.

Nope. Is he really all disgusting?

He makes me want to puke. Thanks, see you later.

Kendra hurried away.

Mr. Soap Opera was also moving away, still chatting with Lydia Southwell. For a monster, he had good taste. She was one of the cutest girls in the school.