The trip to the mountains was a highlight in Hannah's life because during that week a lot changed. First, Joseph stopped pushing her away, and thanks to this, their relationship does not look the same as before.
They are finally together.
The girl also learned the truth about her sister. Now she knows what a terrible and cunning which she is, who can pursue her goals, even going after dead bodies. She doesn't care that she can cause harm to someone with her behavior. She is selfish. She worries only about herself.
Hannah doesn't know what kind of thoughts were actually running through her head that day. Perhaps Danielle planned it all completely differently, but one thing is certain: because of her stupid ideas, an innocent girl died. Maybe no one forced her to do it, yet money is reason enough to become greedy for any proposition, even if it's somehow life-threatening.
The worst part, however, is that after what happened, Danielle felt no remorse. The other day, she was able to tell her sister to her face that it was a good thing, however, that the hired girl died in the accident.
Is this how a person who has any feelings inside her acts?
She is undoubtedly a monster.
Comparing her to Joseph, you have to admit that he, however, is a good person, even though he still puts a mask of a cold bastard on his face. He wants all people except his friends to see him as a bossy person. He closes himself off from them and is unapproachable because this is how he unwinds the past. Hannah seems to find him difficult to get close to another person because it has to do with the mistakes of his adoptive parents. Joseph's father became a tyrant the moment he drove his wife to destruction. In a way, he was the one who killed her. It was because of him that the woman lost her mind and eventually committed suicide. The worst part, however, is that Joseph witnessed this as a child. He saw what happened in his family home. This is what caused him to start being cold as iced towards people, even though deep down he is a good boy who can show affection to the person he cares about.
The girl sometimes wonders how she managed to get close to Joseph, let alone win his icy heart. It seems to her that the biggest influence was her illness. It was then that the boy stopped being an asshole. He showed her support, even though he was initially judgmental to her. He did this because he witnessed the state to which the disease had brought his mother.
He was the one who helped Hannah the most during this difficult period, and through this, they became closer. Joseph won her trust. She began to tell him everything because he was sincere and never spared in words, even if they were painful.
One thing is for sure: despite the diabolical mask he still puts on his face, he has a bigger heart than many people who greet others with a friendly smile every day, but deep inside he has darkness.
— I heard that the students have prepared quite a party. Who do you dress up as? — Hannah looks to the side, only now realizing that Jin is standing next to her. — I had trouble choosing a costume, but eventually, I decided on the Reaper. It will fit me perfectly, since I've been walking around depressed all the time lately.
The girl smiles half-heartedly.
— Just don't forget to sprinkle yourself with flour — she says, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. — What will I be? A demon with red horns and a sexy long tail — she jokes, but the boy recognizes that her words are true.
— Are you trying to match the outfit with Joseph's costume? — Jin shudders at the thought of the sight he found this morning. — You two will be one hell of a couple.
— Definitely yes. — Hannah bites her lip, unable to wait for Joseph to see her in this outfit. I'm sure he'll be thrilled. — And did you tailor your costume to how you've been feeling lately?
— Yes. I can't smile. I feel so despicable that I take three deep breaths before I speak to you. I'm ashamed that I deceived you for so many years. You should hate me, especially since I have been covering for your sister so far.
— Remember that I'm in on it too. And you know what, in a way I understand you, why you protected Danielle. I think I would have been able to do it, too, if Joseph had been in a similar situation. — The girl smiles slightly. — I'm angry with you and I won't hide it, but I hope that in time you will be able to regain my trust. For the moment, I feel like pulling your hair out for all those lies. I know how much they mean to you, so that would be the best punishment.
*
Bella laughs hysterically throughout the evening, which is unbearable. She lies curled up in a ball and holds her stomach, not caring that she has smeared her makeup and the black streaks on her cheeks are completely incompatible with Red Riding Hood's outfit. She bursts out laughing the same way every time she looks at her roommate.
— Will you stop at last? You make it impossible for me to paint myself. You're distracting me.
The blonde waves her hand in front of her face to get to her feet.
— Do you know how funny this will look? I can already imagine the Devil's face. I'm sure he'll like you in the sexy angel guise.
Hannah crinkles her eyebrows.
— Are you trying to make me realize that this outfit does not suit me at all?
— You and innocence? I ask you.
The girl looks at her reflection and makes an offended face. She doesn't understand what Bella means. Her outfit is innocent and coquettish at the same time. The blonde wig and delicate makeup, make her face look quite sweet.
— These wings are so big that you will kill dancing people with them.
— You are laughing at me, while you dressed up as Red Riding Hood yourself! A witch costume would have suited you better. — Hannah smiles mischievously when she sees her friend lightning her with her eyes. — Well? Your character doesn't fit such a decent outfit.
— I had to dress like this because Tom wanted to be a wolf. What was I supposed to do?
Both girls stand in front of the mirror and look at their reflection for a long moment. They are pleased with how they look and hope to put on quite a show in these costumes.
— Devils rather hate angels, don't they? What if Joseph dumps me?
— That will mean he's a flesh and blood devil.
All Bella.
*
The hall is filled with brilliantly entertaining students as the girls enter, holding each other under the arm. They are all dressed in various costumes, so they have a hard time finding their partners. They both squint their eyes and try to pick out the distinctive costumes under which they might be hiding.
Hannah's attention is caught by a person dressed in a dark costume.
— Oh, here comes the Reaper!
— Who?
— Jin. — The boy walks past the girls, entirely ignoring them. — Are we so crazy looking that you don't know who we are?
The older student takes three steps back and looks at them with wide-open eyes.
— Weren't you supposed to be a demon? — he turns to Hannah, then looks around the room and points to a table with his finger. — The devil and the wolf are waiting for you there. I'm sure you will make an electrifying impression on them, since I didn't recognize you.
Hannah pats him on the shoulder.
— At least tonight don't think about the past. Smile.
— Remember that a depressed face is an accessory to my costume.
The girls walk toward the table, but are stopped by Max on the way. Dressed in the costume of a murderer from the horror film "Scream," he causes such a panic in Bella that the girl does not control her scream. An act of self-defense attaches itself to her, and she aggressively hits her friend over the head with a straw basket.
— Little Red Riding Hood should not be violent — she says pretentiously, waving her hands. — It is not me you should be afraid of, but the wolf. — His gaze finds Hannah, at the sight of whom his eyes begin to shine. He reaches out and strokes her chin with his finger. — But you are pretty, angel.
— Should I tell you where you can stick that finger? — Hannah opens her eyes wider as she hears Joseph's voice behind her back. He is like a specter. Every time he appears at the least opportune moment.
Max breathes out nervously.
— I realize, but she looked so pretty, I couldn't help myself. — His red alarm goes off on the run as the Devil aims a menacing stare at him. — I should cut my tongue out — he says hurriedly before walking away.
Hannah turns to face Joseph and gasps for a moment when she sees how dark his appearance is. It reminds her of her high school days, when he used to walk around dressed in black, expressively highlighting his eyes with crayon, and his ears adorned with dozens of earrings.
— Wow — she says appreciatively, lifting her thumb. — I think I missed your original look — she admits, eyeing his black cape. A hood with red horns is thrown over his head. He looks quite menacing and intimidating.
He measures her from the bottom up and smiles sourly.
— Where did you buy this costume? In a sex shop? — Joseph crinkles his eyebrows as his attention is drawn to the white, skimpy dress that accentuates Hannah's curves all too well. — Angels are unlikely to walk around dressed like that.
— It's true. They only have pampers on their bottoms — Bella interjects.
— They are Cupids, silly girl. — It's no secret that Joseph still has no sympathy for her. Rather, Bella has to stand on her eyelashes to win him over.
Tom walks up to the blonde and puts his arm around her. He is unhappy that a friend is insulting his girlfriend again.
— Talk to her like that again and I'll bite you.
His threat sounds perfect when dressed in a wolf costume.
— Be quiet, mongrel, or I'll strip you of your fur.
— Why are you friends with him? — Bella crosses her arms on her chest, disgusted by the behavior of the older boy.
— I asked Hannah the same question, thinking of you — Joseph answers her, glaring at her with a mischievous smile. — People may think badly of her when you accompany her. — No doubt he is referring to her bleached hair.
Hannah puts her hands on his chest and guides him back before saying something more offensive and spoiling all the fun.
— Devils always have good luck with such beautiful angels. — They hear when they pass by the pirate and the vampire accompanying him. Both of them are so stood up that they don't even realize they are talking about a colleague from the direction.
Joseph clenches his teeth in anger. Today he is undoubtedly a walking bomb and Hannah realizes that she is the one who spoiled his mood with her outfit.
— Don't even think about doing something. Leave your colleagues alone — she warns him.
— This is your fault. Can't you see that everyone is staring at you? — He is angry, but Hannah does not hide her smile because she knows that it is caused by jealousy. — Where are you leading me?
They stop somewhere in the middle of the room as the loud music transforms into a quiet ballad. Couples form around them. A drunken vampire gets the cat girl and bites into her neck, and it looks quite painful. The girl pushes him away and aggressively scratches all over his face with her claws.
— I know you don't enjoy dancing, so should we just sit at the table?
To her surprise, Joseph grabs her hand, letting her know that for her, he will tire in three minutes.
— I'm not a hunchback. I can dance — he says in an offended voice as he puts his hands on her waist. — In high school, during the final prom, girls would get down on their knees, asking me to dance with them. They teased me, so I assigned the only dance to Jimmy.
— What — Hannah parries with laughter at his words. — Are you serious?
— He had an argument with Mariah. We secretly smuggled alcohol, which we drank under the table, so our brains were reduced to the size of a walnut and thus Jimmy became my partner at the ball.
— Lying. I can't believe you put away such a crib in high school. You were number one there, everyone adored you.
— After that evening, I became an even bigger star. When I walked down the corridor, everyone bowed to my feet.
Hannah rolls her eyes.
— So I'm the first girl you dance with?
Joseph tilts his head and rests his forehead against hers.
— You're a special girl, that's why I'm dancing with you.
At this point, she is so happy that she wishes the song would never end. She gets the impression that she is moving to another world, and everything around them ceases to exist for her. Now there is only him and how she feels about him.
*
Kansas, at the same time.
A young girl stops her car on the side of the road. She gets out and smiles cynically as she rests her hand on the hood. She finds herself in a secluded area where someone occasionally drives by. It's dark, and the surroundings can cause anxiety, but she isn't afraid of anything. She thinks fear is for wimps.
She runs her hand through her brown hair and sighs loudly. She carefully looks around, but it's so quiet all around that the only noise comes from the trunk of her car. This becomes annoying to her, so she looks inside. The sight of the trapped man fills her with joy.
— Are you awake yet, lover? — she speaks to him as she leans over his body. — Didn't anyone teach you that you shouldn't trust crazy bitches?
He looks at her with wide-open eyes, feeling fear.
— Did you want to send me back to the devil? — Her voice is falsely sweet as she strokes his face with her hand. — You became afraid of me because of what? Did you realize that I'm too smart to continue being your mistress? I wonder what your wife will say when she finds out about this. Do you think she'll be happy that you spoiled your young mistress with money for a long time? — The man mutters indistinct words through his taped lips. — Will you complain to me when I leave you here as punishment? Will you do it? — She looks into the man's eyes, feeling like laughing when she sees that he is not far from crying. He is probably terrified at the thought of being trapped in this wilderness. — Are you sure you want to accuse me? I would keep quiet if I were you. Remember that I know your secrets. I know what kind of scams you have committed. I have evidence that will send you straight to jail. — A man is vulnerable in the company of a petite girl, which seems unthinkable. — Be glad that I didn't add poison to your wine, but only a sleeping agent. So when you manage to get back to the cottage, transfer to my account the sum of money I favor. You have a week to do it because I won't sit still, and meanwhile, goodbye, darling.
She grabs him by the collar of his T-shirt and with difficulty pulls him out of the trunk, mercilessly dropping him on the street. She corrects the short leopard-print fur coat she is wearing. On high heels, she walks to the door and, taking one last look at the frightened man, snorts under his breath and gets behind the wheel.
If he is clever, he will free himself without needing anyone's help. All he has to do is exert his mind.
*
Hannah feels like falling on her face from exhaustion as they get out into the fresh air in the morning. The party is still going on, but they've had enough. They sit down on a bench and both look at their stimulated friends, who are running around in front of the building, yelling and laughing loudly.
— Sometimes I wonder where they have so much energy in them. — Hannah smiles at the sight of Bella dancing. The blonde makes strange sounds, teasing her boyfriend.
— He's one of a kind — Joseph snorts under his breath, clarifying it that they seem like chumps.
— They just fit together. They make a wonderful couple — Hannah defends them, glancing at the Devil out of the corner of her eye. She pokes him in the stomach with her elbow. — And how is it with us? We differ like fire and water. I am sweet and innocent, and you are nasty and dangerous.
— Nasty? — he repeats, driving a disappointed look into her. — You think I'm nasty, and you screw yourself into thinking you're sweet and innocent? — He snorts under his breath. — As if in which place? Show me.
The brunette points her finger at her face.
— And am I not sweet? — She asks, making a cute face.
— Stop it, it's weird — he says with disgust in his voice, pretending to start nauseating him. — A duckling will never turn into a swan, even if she wears a defiant dress.
The girl opens her mouth in indignation.
— So you're jealous all the time about how I dressed?
Passing girls, look at Hannah with hatred in their eyes. The brunette has no doubt that they are Joseph's classmates who attacked her in the bathroom last year. They have been unsympathetic to her all along, and if they could, they would stab her through the heart with a dagger.
— See? You're the one who should be jealous of me.
— They only fly at your looks, and they don't know you well enough to know what kind of monster hides in that body. — She wrinkles her nose and presses her finger against his chest. — If you were born ugly, you would definitely not be successful.
— You with your character would have been alone all your life.
— Oh yeah? So I charmed you only with my looks? — She gets up from the bench and rests her hands on his hips, ready to start a fight with him.
— Neither with your looks nor with your character. You charmed me with your existence.
Jin comes out of the building and joins them. Hannah lifts her face and looks at him for a long moment, seeing that something has happened.
— What is it? — Joseph leans his elbows on his knees and looks at his friend. — You look worried.
— A while ago, I received a phone call from my stepmother. Father fainted yesterday. They did tests on him and found that he was seriously ill. — Hannah puts her hands to her mouth, clearly shaken by his words. — He is bad. Terrible. Everything is falling apart, and I get the impression that it's because of me. This is a punishment.
The girl puts aside all anger toward Jin and embraces his hand. Now the most important thing is the support of friends, and she is not going to leave him in this state. He needs to know that he can rely on them.
Always.