Lisa barely slept that night. The excitement of teaching Liam how to blend in had been exhausting enough, but now there was a new problem bubbling under the surface—a hint that someone at school was getting curious. She replayed the day's events in her mind, going over each interaction, each glance, wondering if she'd missed something. Just one slip-up, and everything could unravel.
The next morning, she met Liam by their usual corner outside the school gate. Today, his outfit was less mismatched—a result of Lisa's quick crash course in "looking human." Despite her efforts, he still looked…off. A little too still, a little too perfect, as if he were more of a mannequin brought to life than an actual teenager. But in the school's general chaos, most people were too preoccupied to notice.
Or so she thought.
They'd barely made it to the second period when Jenna Foster—a girl in her science class—stopped by Lisa's desk with an oddly focused look on her face.
So…who's the new guy? Jenna asked, her voice light but her eyes sharp.
Oh, uh, Liam, Lisa replied, trying to keep her tone casual. He's...my cousin, sort of new to town.
Jenna cocked her head, a faint smirk playing at the corner of her lips. Funny, he looks like he stepped out of some old photo. Like, who dresses like that?
Lisa forced a laugh. He's got...unique taste?
Jenna's smirk grew. Yeah, but don't you think he's…a little strange? Like, super quiet. And he has this…weird stare.
Lisa felt her stomach twist. This was the last thing she needed—a curious, observant classmate who had clearly taken an interest in Liam. Trying to play it off, she shrugged and rolled her eyes.
He's just shy, she replied, hoping it would end the conversation.
But Jenna only raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. Well, I don't know. There's something…weird about him. He's kinda pale, too. Like, sickly pale. I mean, I didn't even see him eat at lunch.
Lisa's mind raced. She knew Liam's presence was unusual, but until now, she'd managed to keep most questions at bay. Jenna, however, seemed determined to push every button.
Oh, he's just…a bit of an oddball, Lisa said, keeping her voice steady. "Everyone's got their quirks, right?
Right… Jenna responded, her voice trailing off as she gave Lisa a look that suggested she wasn't buying it. Anyway, see you later, Lisa.
As Jenna walked away, Lisa felt her pulse hammering. This was no simple, passing interest. Jenna's curiosity had been sparked, and knowing her, she'd keep poking until she got answers. Lisa glanced over at Liam, who was waiting by her locker. He looked unbothered, his face unreadable as always, but she could feel the storm gathering.
At lunch, Lisa pulled Liam aside into an empty hallway. "We've got a problem, she whispered, her voice urgent.
Did something happen? His voice was calm, but Lisa could tell he sensed her anxiety.
People are asking questions, Liam, she said, feeling her pulse quicken. Jenna, in particular. She noticed…things.
Liam tilted his head, as if trying to process this new information. What kind of things?
Lisa bit her lip. She said you look…different. Like, not quite…alive.
Liam gave a small nod, his expression unreadable, as if he was merely absorbing the facts. Do you want me to...change something?
Lisa let out a small, exasperated laugh. I don't think it's that simple, Liam. You can't just 'change' everything that makes you…you. She sighed, running a hand through her hair. But we have to be more careful. Blend in better.
They spent the rest of lunch discussing subtle ways Liam could tone down his behavior. She reminded him to blink more, move less stiffly, and, whenever possible, try not to speak in that hauntingly flat tone that always seemed to raise eyebrows. The more she coached him, the more he absorbed her advice, nodding as though he was taking mental notes. And for a moment, Lisa couldn't help but feel a strange warmth. This was their shared secret, a twisted bond that, despite everything, brought her a sense of purpose.
But as they left the cafeteria, Lisa couldn't shake the dread that clung to her. The harder they tried to mask Liam's nature, the closer he came to crossing into the world of the living. And with each step, her once-exciting experiment now felt more like walking a tightrope, one that could snap at any moment.
As the day wore on, Jenna's eyes seemed to follow them everywhere, sharp and unyielding. Lisa tried to ignore it, but it was as if she could feel Jenna's gaze burning into her, silently demanding answers.
Then, just before the final bell, Jenna approached her again. This time, she cut straight to the point.
Alright, Lisa, Jenna said, her voice low and almost amused. Is he even…normal? Because I swear, I saw him standing completely still for like, five minutes straight. No one does that. And…what's with his eyes? They don't look…alive.
Lisa felt the floor shift beneath her, her brain scrambling to find some plausible excuse. "Jenna, seriously, you're imagining things. He's just shy and—"
Lisa, Jenna interrupted, her eyes narrowing. I know something's up. He's not…like us, is he?
An electric charge filled the silence, a dangerous dance between truth and deception. Lisa's heart thundered in her chest. She realized with a shiver that Jenna was dangerously close to uncovering her secret, the secret she had poured her heart—and soul—into protecting.
Jenna leaned in, a curious glint in her eye. Come on, Lisa. You can tell me. What's the deal with your mystery boy?
Lisa swallowed hard, her throat dry, as she forced a smile. He's just…different, okay? But not in the way you think.
Jenna smirked, clearly enjoying the chase. Different, huh? We'll see about that." And with a final, knowing glance, she turned and walked away, leaving Lisa with a sense of impending doom.
As Liam joined her after the bell, Lisa felt a surge of protectiveness, stronger than she'd ever felt before. Whatever happened next, she would fight to keep her secret safe, to shield Liam from a world that would never understand him. But deep down, she knew the walls were closing in—and soon, her carefully crafted world might come crashing down.