Rise of the Evening Star

What movie are you seeing? Dad asked.

We’re going to figure it out when we get there, Kendra said. Don’t worry —- nothing racy. Kendra wished she could tell her father about her predicament, but he knew nothing about the magical properties of the preserve Grandpa and

Grandma Sorenson managed. He thought it was just a normal estate.

You’re sure that you’re ready for finals?

I’ve been keeping up with my assignments all year. It will just take a quick review. I’ll ace them. Kendra wished she could talk to her Grandpa Sorenson about the situation.

She had tried to call. Unfortunately, the only number her11 12 parents had for him led repeatedly to a recorded messageinforming her that the call could not be completed as dialed.

The only other way she knew to contact him was through the mail. So, just in case the phone was out for a while, she had written Grandpa a letter describing the situation, which she planned to mail the next day. It felt good to lay out her predicament to somebody besides Seth, even if it was just on paper. Hopefully she would get through by phone even before the letter arrived.

Dad pulled into the movie theater parking lot. Alyssa and Trina were standing out front. Beside them stood a hideous goblin wearing a T-shirt and khakis.

How do I know when to pick you up? Dad asked.

I told Mom I would call on Alyssa’s cell phone.

Okay. Have fun.

Not very likely, Kendra thought as she stepped out of the

SUV.

Hey, Kendra, Case rasped. She could smell his cologne ten feet away.

We were getting worried you weren’t coming, Alyssa said.

I’m right on time, Kendra insisted. You guys were early.

Let’s pick a movie, Trina said.

What about Brittany? Kendra asked.

Her parents wouldn’t let her come, Trina said.

They’re making her study.

Case clapped his hands together. So what are we seeing?13 They negotiated for a couple of minutes. Case wanted tosee Medal of Shame, about a serial killer addicted to terrorizing veterans who had won the Congressional Medal of

Honor. He finally relented on watching his action movie when Trina promised to buy him popcorn. The winning movie was Switching Places, the story of a nerdy girl who gets to date the guy of her dreams after her mind gets swapped into the body of the most popular girl in school.

Kendra had wanted to catch that movie, but now she worried it would be ruined. Nothing like cuddling up to a bald goblin during a cheesy chick flick.

As she had suspected, Kendra had a tough time focusing on the movie. Trina sat on one side of Case, with Alyssa on the other. Both were vying for his attention. They all shared a jumbo bucket of popcorn. Kendra declined whenever they offered her some. She wanted no part of anything those warty hands had pawed.

By the time the credits were rolling, Case had an arm around Alyssa. The two of them kept whispering and giggling.

Trina sat with her arms crossed, wearing a disgruntled expression. Monster or not, when had any good come from multiple girls going out together with a guy they were all interested in?

Case and Alyssa held hands as they exited the theater.

Trina’s mom was waiting in the parking lot. Trina said a terse good-bye and stalked away.

Can I use your cell phone? Kendra asked. I need to call my dad.

Sure, Alyssa said, handing it over.14 You want a ride? Kendra asked as she dialed.I’m not that far, Alyssa said. Case said he would walk me.

The goblin gave Kendra a strange, sly smile. For the first time, she wondered if Case was aware that she knew his true identity. He seemed to be gloating that there was nothing she could do about it.

Kendra tried to keep her expression neutral. Mom answered the phone, and Kendra reported that she needed to be picked up. She handed the phone back to Alyssa. Isn’t that a pretty long walk? You can both have a ride.

Alyssa gave Kendra a look that questioned why she was deliberately trying to ruin something spectacular. Case put an arm around her shoulders, leering.

Alyssa, Kendra said firmly, taking her hand, I need to talk to you in private for a second. She tugged Alyssa toward her. Is that all right, Case?

No problem. I need to run and use the rest room anyhow.

He went back inside the theater.

What is your deal? Alyssa complained.

Think about it, Kendra said. We hardly know anything about him. You just met him today. He’s not a little guy. Are you sure you want to go walking alone in the dark with him? Girls can get in a lot of trouble that way.

Alyssa gave her an incredulous look. I can tell he’s a nice guy.

No, you can tell that he’s good-looking, and pretty funny. Lots of psychos seem like nice guys at first. That’s why14 15 you hang out a few times in public places before you spendtime alone. Especially when you’re fourteen!

I hadn’t thought of it that way, Alyssa conceded.

Let my dad give both of you a ride. If you want to talk with him, do it in front of your house. Not on a dark, lonely street.

Alyssa nodded. Maybe you have a point. It wouldn’t hurt to hang out within screaming distance of home.

When Case got back, Alyssa explained the plan, minus the part about him potentially being a psychopath. He resisted at first, saying it was such a nice night that it would be a crime not to walk, but finally consented when Kendra reminded him that it was after nine.

Dad showed up in the SUV a few minutes later, and agreed to give Alyssa and Case a ride. Kendra climbed up front. Alyssa and Case rode in the back, whispering and holding hands. Dad dropped the lovebirds off at Alyssa’s house. Case explained that he lived just down the street.

As she drove away, Kendra looked back at them. She was leaving her friend alone with a creepy, conniving goblin.

But there was nothing else she could do! At least Alyssa was in front of her house. If something happened she could cry out or run inside. Under the circumstances, that would have to suffice.

Looks like Alyssa has a boyfriend, Dad remarked.

Kendra leaned her head against the window. Looks can be deceiving.16Talking to Strangers

Kendra arrived at her homeroom several minutes early the next day. As kids trickled in, Kendra sat with her heart in her throat, waiting to see Alyssa. Case walked in, and although Kendra watched him, he paid her no attention.

He went to the front of the room and stood near Mrs.

Price’s desk talking to Jonathon White.

Was Alyssa’s face going to end up on milk cartons? If so,

Kendra could only blame herself. She shouldn’t have left her friend alone with that goblin for a second.

Less than two minutes before the bell, Alyssa entered the room. She glanced at Case, but did not acknowledge him. Instead, she came straight to her desk and sat down next to Kendra.

Are you okay? Kendra asked.17He kissed me, Alyssa said through a tight smile.Hewhat?Kendra tried to conceal her revulsion. You don’t sound too thrilled.