k a r r i s

✝

Instead of walking out of the main doors like the boss-bitches we were, Berkley and I decided to leave the Mission from the back doors. We both turned on the camcorders in our hands and walked around the massive building to the front where the hockey team was. As we approached the throughly petrified boys, their voices grew louder. 

"What the hell are we gonna do?" Michael yelled. 

I looked at Berkley with a dropped jaw. We jogged closer to the voices, keeping our bodies low to the ground.

"We have to tell the truth, duh! We have to call authorities right now and tell them everything that happened!" Calum justified.

Berkley and I were crouched on the ground, peeking our heads from around the corner of the wall, observing the hockey team who was deep in uneasiness.

"Who in their right mind is gonna believe us?" Luke chimed in, "oh hello officer," Luke mimicked, "cult spirits from the Mission Hills urban legend took Karris' soul... It'll sound like we're crazy!" 

"We frigging are crazy!" Calum stated, "we shouldn't have gone along with this stupid plan Ashton!" 

"I'm effing sorry okay? God!" Ashton barked, throwing his arms into the air. He walked away from the team, kicking at he dirt. I could feel the worrisome radiating off of his skin as he looked up at the dark sky, "I'm a dick! I'm sorry Karris! I shouldn't have been so mean to you! I'm such an asshole and I wish I could take it all back! I'm sorry I killed you! I'm sorry I let those stupid witches steal your soul! I'm sorry!" 

I turned to look at Berkley who smiled up at me. I glanced down at the camcorder in her hand, seeing the red light flashing by the lens. She recorded the whole confession and I did to. The boys had suffered enough and I was ready to ease them of their worries. I stood up, along with Berkley and together we walked into sight.

"I'm sorry, what was that Ashton? Could you say that again? I don't think the camera heard it," I taunted. 

My voice was enough to spark a wave of serenity as the team shifted their attention away from Ashton and towards me. Their jaws dropped and their eyes widened with intensity upon seeing my non-possessed, soul-filled presence. 

"Oh. My. God," was all Michael was able to sputter.

"I also don't think I got Ashton's tears either," I continued, looking over to Berkley, "did you best friend?" 

She shook her head, "no I don't think I did. Ashton can you cry again for the camera please?" 

"What the hell is going on?" Ashton's sadness morphed into anger in point two seconds as he marched right up to my feet. 

"The tables turned on you Ashton. I can't believe you had the audacity to think that you could prank me using the same tactics I helped build," I expressed, still aiming the camcorder at Ashton.

"I don't-- I don't understand," he stammered. "You knew this whole time that you were being pranked?" 

I nodded my head, "the moment you placed that bet with me, was the same moment I knew you and the hockey team wanted to haze me."

"And that's where I came in," Berkley noted, "Karris called me and we came up with this awesome counter-prank. We got you guys real good. I hope you've learned your lesson. My best friend isn't the type of girl to be messed with." 

"I can't believe this," Luke breathed, joining the conversation. He looked at me with furrowed eyebrows and I suddenly felt bad for the boy. Maybe I should've just pranked Ashton instead. But those thoughts were pushed to the back of my mind when Luke's expression turned into one of delight. 

"You guys are frigging genius! You guys scared the shit out of me!" Luke leaped in the air to hug both Berkley and I before directing his attention to just me, "Karris, I'm sorry for being a prick and following everything Ashton tells me to do. I'll stop messing with you." 

"Same here," Michael came up from behind the crowd, "that was the best prank ever guys." 

"Yea, you made Ashton cry," Calum teased, pinching Ashton's cheeks, who slapped Calum's hand away in fury. He was pissed and I don't blame him, but in the same sense, he had it coming. I was satisfied though, happy that my prank had succeeded with flying colors. And now I was glad that the hockey team would give me the respect I deserved. 

After congregating for about ten minutes, we all decided to spend the rest of Halloween night together at my house. We all headed up the hill and through the broken part of the fence. We separated into our respective cars and although I had gotten to Mission Hills with Ashton, I decided to catch a ride with Berkley. However, the moment I planted my bum onto the cushioned seat, Ashton came running up to the door.

"Karris, aren't you gonna ride with me?" Ashton questioned. I was taken aback by his words and I didn't answer right away. I turned to look Berkley who just shrugged from the driver's seat. 

"I um, I guess I could. You're not still angry with me are you?" 

"I'm effing fuming Karris," Ashton blatantly disclosed, "but I still want to talk to you. Come on, ride in my car." 

I sighed in defeat, I guess I owed it to the guy. I nodded my head, and hopped out of Berkley's car, "I'll meet you at my place." 

"Okay, see ya in a bit," Berkley smiled, giving me a wave. 

I closed the door and followed Ashton to his car, stuffing my cold hands into my jacket pockets. After unlocking his car, I slipped into the passenger side, waiting for Ashton to talk about whatever he wanted to discuss. He turned the key into the ignition a loud rumble emitting from the engine and as predicted, the stereo began playing some punk-rock song. Ashton drove away with his mouth still shut. So I waited for him to speak. 

And waited. 

And waited. 

I let out an annoyed sighed, looking over to the curly-headed boy who gripped the steering wheel with both hands, "Ashton, what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?" 

"You win,"

"I'm sorry, what was that?" 

"You win," Ashton repeated, "the bet. I'll stop messing around with you. I'll also give you credit for the good prank."

"Only good?!" I exclaimed, my mouth agape, "my prank was the best damn prank ever. Prank of the century!"

"Don't get so worked up! I'm trying, okay Karris? Jeez!" Ashton defended, a scowl on his face. He was silent for a moment before the grimace faltered and he became more serious. "You really scared me senseless back there. You've put up with my shit since day one and anyone that could do that deserves my respect."

I smiled, looking down at my hands, "thanks. And even though your attempted prank wasn't up to my brother's standards, you guys still did an alright job. I really liked the new touches you guys added. Like when my ankle was grabbed downstairs in the church. Oh man, that really scared me because I wasn't expecting it." 

"Um, we didn't change anything about the prank. It's been the same for the past three years. Besides, everyone was upstairs waiting for you,"

"Hold on… what do you mean everyone was upstairs?" 

"Karris, none of us grabbed your ankle," 

✝ ✝ ✝

Final Word Count: 7851