The Form of Things Unknown by Robin Bridges

right now. And I think Mom resents him for that.
    Raine shrugs. “It would be best if we don’t start until midnight. We can send someone out for food and we can eat while we wait for the witching hour.” Her eyes get big and she picks up her phone again. “And I know the perfect person.”
    â€œNo, don’t take advantage of Lucas that way,” I say, peeking over her shoulder. She’s already started a text to him. “Besides, don’t y’all get tired of Italian?”
    She puts her phone down. “You’re right. And he probably has to take Caitlyn home. But we’ll figure out something. Maybe David will go grab us something?”
    â€œProbably.”
    She unzips her backpack so I can peek at the wooden Ouija board. It looks like a handmade piece. Not the Parker Brothers cardboard that I’m expecting. “Pretty,” I say, shuddering when I think about the movie they made me watch last night. It took me forever to fall asleep at Starla’s house, because I was certain there were demonic entities lurking in the shadowy corners of her bedroom.
    I don’t think I would have gotten any sleep at all if it hadn’t been for the alcohol.
    â€œCome on, we’d better head back out there before Dragon Lady comes looking for us,” Raine says.
    We go sit down out in the audience next to Lucas and Caitlyn, who’s begging her brother to let her spend the night with the twins.
    â€œPlease? I’ll clean my room and feed Rufus before I go.”
    Lucas looks harassed. “But Dad doesn’t know Hailey and Bailey’s parents.”
    â€œBut you do. Remember when you talked to their mom in the parking lot after auditions? And we saw them with their dad in the grocery store last weekend.”
    Lucas rubs his forehead and Raine giggles. “You know it will be fine,” she says. “She needs a girls’ night.”
    â€œWho’s Rufus?” I ask Caitlyn. I’m kinda hoping she actually has a naked mole rat for a pet.
    â€œMy guinea pig. You can come home and meet him if you want. But not tonight. I’m going to Hailey and Bailey’s.”
    â€œI didn’t agree to anything yet,” Lucas says. But his sister is already giving him a hug that almost knocks him over.
    â€œI’ll tell them we’re bringing pizza. We can, right?”
    Lucas sighs as she skips off.
    Raine crosses her arms. “Well, if you’re getting pizza already. . .”
    â€œNo,” I whisper, elbowing her in the ribs. And Lucas looks up at me. Really looks at me, for the first time since Winter Oaks. Or for the first time, actually. I don’t think he ever paid any attention to me there.
    It makes me uncomfortable.
    â€œWhat?” he asks, his hazel eyes wary. “Sounds like you two are plotting something.”
    â€œWell, we are. Actually,” Raine says. She ignores me as I elbow her again. “A few of us are staying here late tonight and were thinking about sending out for some dinner.”
    â€œWe’re, um, painting some of the scenery,” I say, and ignore Raine as she elbows me back.
    â€œRight. We’re painting the scenery. Want to join us?” she asks. “Pizza optional, but always welcome.”
    â€œI already told Mrs. Green I’d be happy to help with the sets,” Lucas says, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “So, pepperoni or supreme?”
    Raine grins and twists one of her black curls around a finger. Is she flirting with him? “How about one of each?”
    â€œI can chip in,” I say.
    â€œWe all will,” Raine says, even though I know it hadn’t even occurred to her. “Let me go grab my purse.”
    I get left alone here in the dark hallway with Lucas. “I need to get my purse, too,” I say and turn to leave.
    â€œNatalie, wait.” Lucas puts his hand on my arm. And just as quickly, he lets go of me. He looks flustered as he