Unwritten // Julie and the Phantoms (Reggie Peters)

13

"We sort of bailed on her," Odette added.

"See, there's this dance at her school and her friend Flynn is a super cool DJ, like-"

"Okay, I don't think he has an eternity to hear the story," Alex said.

"Basically we're late for a gig," Luke and Odette explained.

"But what about my offer?" Caleb asked.

"It's very cool, Mr. Covington, but like I said, we already have a-" Luke was cut off.

"A band of your own. I understand. Oh, guys, if you ever want to come back again and fix that little problem with your friend, the Hollywood Ghost Club is always open."

Odette nodded. "We'd really like to come back."

"Ah! Music to my ears." He shook their hands and a purple stamp appeared. It disappeared as purple smoke came from the stamp. "Oh, just a little club stamp until next time."

Luke ran off. "Peace!"

"See you around," Reggie stated with a smile as he took Odette's hand and laughed evilly, getting bumped by Alex. "What? That's what he just did."

"Dude," Alex stated.

Reggie flashed a smile and ran off, still holding Odette's hand.

Alex smiled. "Um... Uh, if Willie asks, uh, not that he would but if he does, will you let him know that I was looking for him?" Caleb blinked his answer and nodded slightly. "Thanks." He walked away.

Willie walked up. "Um, Caleb? You never said you were gonna use your stamp. You know what that'll do to them."

"Of course I do, William," Caleb replied. "But they're too powerful. I need them working for me." He spread his hands. "Now they'll have no option but to accept my invitation." He walked down the stairs, placing an arm around Willie's neck as he passed.

Willie turned, realizing what he'd just done.

---

Julie and Flynn were seated on the floor and were popping balloons with needles.

"I can never show my face at this school again," Julie said.

"That's what we get for depending on boys and a random girl," Flynn replied.

"I don't know if I should be mad or worried. They're ghosts. I'm not sure what kind of trouble they can get into."

"Let's get some ice cream from the cafeteria," Flynn suggested. "Fools gave me the keys." She stood. "We can crash at my place and forget about this whole nightmare."

Julie said, "Get me two of everything."

Flynn walked away to get the ice cream.

The ghosts made their way to Julie's school and Reggie said, "Julie, we are ready to rock this dance, which is clearly over."

Alex patted his bandmates on the shoulder as they looked at Julie.

"Look, we are so sorry that we bailed on you," Luke said.

Alex nodded. "Yeah. I mean, the night really got away from us."

"And Odette," Reggie added.

"Julie, we're so sorry," Odette apologized as Reggie took her hand.

Julie looked between them. "Just please tell me it had nothing to do with getting back at Carrie's dad."

"Pfft," Luke spat.

Odette shook her head as she and Reggie said, "No... Why would we do that?"

"Us?" Alex said, also shaking his head.

"Seriously?" Julie retorted. "You're lying to me?"

"Okay, look, it was something we needed to do."

"But we'll do whatever it takes," Luke told her. "Well, the next school-"

"What?" Julie interrupted. "Another dance where you can bail on me and make me look like a fool? Save it! You know what really sucks? Our songs were good and all four of you knew what I've been through and how tough it's been for me to play and then you do this? Bands don't do that to each other! Friends don't do that to each other! This was a mistake."

Odette frowned. "The dance, right?"

"No. I mean joining a band with you guys." She ran out the gym doors.

"Julie! Julie!" Luke called.

"Well if Julie's not in the band, then-" Reggie began.

"There is no band," Luke and Odette finished as the four felt a jolt.

The four groaned and gasped.

"What was that?" Alex wondered.

Odette held her chest and whimpered softly. "Ow."

"It felt like we were dying all over again," Reggie said. "Etty, are you okay?"

Odette nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. Are you okay?"

"I'm okay."

"How can we die if we're already dead?" Luke wondered.