Dr. Naesley. Emily Davis was, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful girls at Valley Grove High

School. She was not popular, however, because she was intensely peculiar. Many accused her,

only half jokingly, of witchcraft. She did nothing to rebuff these accusations. In fact,

she welcomed them. She did, however, refuse to be called a witch. She was a self-proclaimed

wicken. A difference that I wasn't clear on. She wore black lipsticks and nail polish,

and her hair was dyed deep maroon. Fishnet stockings rose from her commando boots like vines.

Her presence was terrifying and enchanting. Always accompanying her were her two loyal friends.

The first was her twin brother, Alan. He had a similar style and a cold demeanor. While Emily's

bizarre nature found a way to be endearing, Alan was downright strange, off-putting.

Their other friend was Connor Wilson. His presence in their group was, at first glance,

and enigma. He looked like a painfully normal junior at Valley Grove. He wore stylish clothes

and was friendly. I was confused why he chose to hang out with the ostracized twins,

and then I heard the whispering and name-calling in the hallways between classes.

I had only been at Valley Grove for two weeks, and I already knew that Connor Wilson was gay.

The town of Valley Grove was, less than progressive. So, despite his every claim to normality,

Connor was lumped in with the kids who made potions in the bathroom during lunch.

These three approached me one day at lunch while I was sitting alone. It was a Friday,

the day of Halloween. Emily and Alan sat across from me, and Connor plopped down next to me.

Alan stared at me, and I quickly looked to Emily. She smiled softly.

Hey, new kid. I swallowed. Um, hi. Connor grabbed my shoulders and gave me a gentle shake.

New kid? The question. You got a name, don't you? Yeah, I said nervously. It's Timothy.

Well, my friends call me Tim, or I mean, they did. I trailed off awkwardly and stared down

...