Soot's alarm went off and she got ready for school. She sat at her desk, going over a few last minute things for the Halloween party Friday wen her mother called her. "Coming!" She called and ran down stairs. Her mother stood stiffly and looked down at her. "Why are there cakes and pastries on my counter?" She asked. "Oh...me and- my friend and I were baking for a bake sale for school yesterday. I'm going to take them to school today," Soot explained, blabbering slightly. It was a nervous habit. "Get them off my counter," her mother said and left the kitchen. Soot lived in a modern two story house and the stairs leading to her bedroom upstairs went right down to the kitchen. She picked up the aluminum trays and put them in a bag. She grabbed her backpack and the bag filled with baked goods and walked to school. She could've taken her bike but there was no way she was going to risk ruining the desserts. She stumbled up the stairs. "Woah! Need some help there Cindy?" Spider asked and grabbed the bag from her. "That'd be great thanks," Soot smiled. Spider blushed noticeably but Soot didn't seem to notice it. They walked into the school and Spider asked what the food was for. "Bake sale," Soot said simply. "When?" "The rest of the week." "Cool." They walked in silence a bit and Soot flagged down the teacher. She smiled a thanks to Spider and took the baked goods from him. She turned to the teacher. "Set those in the teacher's lounge and I'll take care of them," he said and she did as instructed, making her slightly late for class. She scrambled to get her books and get to class. Since she was the last one there, there was only a seat in the back next to Black. She didn't mind of course, they were best friends, but she always sat in the front for some reason. "Aww I'm not that boring am I? Or am I just scary?" Black smirked. "No it's not like that," Soot laughed. "I know I'm just picking," Black smiled and punched her playfully on the shoulder. "Did the bake sale stuff make it?" She asked. "Yes, although I almost ate it all," Soot joked. "I'm going to tell you now I took some of that puppy chow," Black said. "How much?" Soot laughed, knowing her friend took at least five bags. She made extra for that purpose. "A dozen. I'm stocking up," Black smiled. "I had to hide them so Tawny or Aunt Yarrow wouldn't take them. Don't worry I'll buy some as a decoy later." The girls started laughing but the teacher snapped at them for talking. They shut up but were still snickering. After school, Soot waved good bye to Black and went home. "Soot, you're finally home," her father said. "Your sister sent you a letter." He held out a clean white envelope with her older sister's curly cursive. She loved getting letters from her sister, Ash. She was in college learning business at Harvard. The two looked alike and were very close. They dyed their hair together before Ash left for college. She ripped open the envelope and read the black pen. This page was a decoy. She always wrote it in case her parents opened the letter before Soot. She turned the paper over and pulled a black light from under her pillow. She shined the light on the back side of the seemingly empty paper and writing glowed.

Dear Soot,
How ya been? I'm doing fine here although classes are boring. The one class, as you know, I've loved has been art and literature. It's cool learning all these different ways people have been painting and writing. I hope Mom and Dad haven't been pushing you too hard. I know they seem like jerks but all the more reason to study abroad like you've always wanted to right? I can't wait to see you when school is over. I'm counting down! How's Black by the way? You'll have to tell her I said hi. And that guy friend of yours? Spider? Hope classes are great and you have a good Halloween!
Love,
Ash

Soot could plainly see her sister wiggling her eyebrows at the part about Spider. She want to work writing the decoy letter then flipped it over and used her invisible pen she'd made herself. She wrote her reply.

Dear Ash,
I'm doing great thank you! Mom and Dad are their usual selves. I love them but they never seem proud or happy about anything I do. I guess that is just one more reason to study abroad. My classes are long and tiresome but I've survived this long. Black seems to be doing fine but sometimes I worry about her. She refuses to let me tell someone about what's going on at school and I respect her wishes but it's hard. Every time I come over she won't let me in her room for a few minuets and it makes me wonder what she's doing. Spider is just my friend, nothing more. Yesterday in class Flame was throwing spit bombs at Black. So childish. One actually went down her shirt and the teacher sent her to the principal's office for getting onto Flame. I supported her though. High school is ridiculous like that. I hope Harvard is better than Shadow. I can't wait to see you too! I've marked it on my calendar! I love you! Happy Halloween!
Love,
Soot

She folded the paper and slid it into her own envelope and went outside to send it.

Hey wazzup?!
So this is this. Next'll be Spidey.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Peace out dudes!
-Bri