The Ghost of Snowstar: Part 1

It was midday when Hazel, Violet, and I sat down in the cafeteria, placing our lunches on the table. Hazel wore a purple dress, and Violet was in full black.

Students were sitting at the other tables, eating, drinking, and talking loudly. The walls were a candy-colored, bright blue. The floor, on the other hand, had black and white mosaic.

“Ah, I haven’t cut a pattern in so long! My shears weren’t that sharp, so the neckline was rather askew,” I said.

I wish I could have seen my own facial expression when they told me I couldn’t use magic to cut and sew.

“That’s the pain of fashion and costume. You should have tried animation like me,” said Violet.

“No, thanks. I’d rather not draw that many frames.”

As I picked up my sandwich, Hazel began speaking.

“Well, Janessa, tell us everything! How did you meet a real life Prince Charming?! So lucky,” said Hazel.

She placed her hands under her chin as her eyes sparkled. Violet took a bite out of a red apple.

Should I tell them? Will they even believe me? They might even make fun of me if they don’t buy my story.

“Oh. You see…” I said.

“Hazel, am I not charming enough for you?” asked Violet.

“Of course you are! You are my princess. I’m talking about Janessa, not myself,” said Hazel.

“I’m getting kind of jealous,” said Violet.

Are they a couple? I’m a third wheel, then. Haha. Weird that I’m sitting next to Violet, in that case.

I cleared my throat after finishing half of the sandwich.

“Sorry, go on, Janessa,” said Violet.

Violet nodded as I looked at her.

“Oh, it’s alright! Well, this is going to sound ridiculous, but I met him as soon as I fell down…” I said.

“From a tree? He must have helped you up. How romantic. Violet, you should learn from him,” said Hazel.

I hate being interrupted. If she wants to listen so badly, she can just listen to herself.

“Seriously, Hazel? I thought I told you to stop comparing me to literally everyone else,” said Violet.

She banged her fists on the lunch table.

“Oh. Sorry! Bad habit.”

Hazel patted Violet on the head, and she closed her eyes while crossing her arms.

I sighed and finished the other sandwich, along with my orange juice. The two of them were silent and didn’t make eye contact with each other.

"Well, guys, I should leave now. Bye," I said.

I was about to get up and leave when Hazel looked at me and then at Violet and said, “Have you guys heard about the ghost of Snowstar?”

“The what?” I said.

Finally, some interesting news.

“Hazel, that’s just some urban legend,” said Violet.

“It’s true! My sister’s friend saw her up close!” she said.

“Where?! Let’s go there,” I said.

Two of them stared at me with bulging eyes, looked at each other, and then began laughing.

What’s so funny? I’m being serious.

“Janessa, you’re kidding,” said Violet.

“I thought you didn’t believe in ghosts,” said Hazel.

Hazel placed her hand on her mouth and giggled.

“I don’t! There might be someone else in place of the ghost carrying out something illegal. That’s what they always show on TV, right?” said Violet.

“Come on, it might be fun,” I said.

“Okay, I’m in. Hazel?” asked Violet.

“I’ll go if you go. Please protect me at all costs,” said Hazel.

She clasped her hands together and blushed.

“Of course! I’ll do anything it takes,” said Violet.

“That’s my girl.”

The two of them held hands across the table.

“Well, where is it?” I asked.

I clenched both fists and swung them up and down.

I’m ready.

“Oh, it’s in the very heart of the Spirit Forest,” said Hazel.

I gulped down.

A forest? We might get lost in there.

“That one? There’s nothing scary there at all. I went there once for a middle school field trip,” said Violet.

“That’s a bit reassuring,” I said, nodding.

“Violet, have you been there in recent years? The newspaper says that a young girl passed away there. No one knows how.”

Yikes. I don’t know if I should go. After all, I’d have to take the responsibility of two others.

“Oh, yes. I thought it was just a rumor. In that case, I don’t think we should go,” said Violet.

“Me neither. What about you, Janessa?”

“I guess we shouldn’t go. But I want to.”

“Hazel, if something happens to Janessa, a war might break out, right?”

“I don’t think my life has that much weight. The prince might find someone else,” I said.

After all, there were others before me.

“Don’t say that,” said Violet.

“Well, I suppose I could cosplay as a ghost, and that would enable me to communicate with the other ghost,” I said.

Hazel chuckled and Violet joined her.

“It’s never a dull moment with you, Janessa,” she said.

“Can you really transform into a ghost?” asked Violet.

“Yes, I had to do so once to protect the prince.”

“Eh? Then I guess we could go! Do you have magic, Janessa?” asked Hazel.

I nodded, crossed my arms, and smiled with my eyes closed.

“Yep.”

“Tomorrow, then. In the evening?” asked Violet.

“Sure,” I said.

“Why in the evening?” shrieked Hazel.

“To make it more interesting. Don’t worry, I’ll be there to protect you,” said Violet.

“Hmph, fine!” she said.

I went to my historical fashion class and learned a basic overview of the eras. This time, I sat in the very front and raised my hand whenever I had a question. The professor was sure to answer each and every one.

After the class was dismissed, Comet finally woke up and jumped out of my blazer pocket.

“What did I miss?” she asked.

“A lot.”

We returned to the dorm, and I began preparing my broom and mop. However, before I started cleaning, I wrote a message to the Prince.

Me: Hello, my dear prince. Whenever I think of you, I get butterflies in my stomach. I miss you dearly. I have made two new friends; they’re a couple and they keep bickering. Still, I enjoy their company. How have you been? How is everything at the castle? Please, don’t hesitate to message me.

Prince Cassius: Oh, I have been awaiting your message! I was rather concerned that I would be the only one sending messages at first, and you would only reply. Your absence is greatly felt. I am proud of you for making friends in such a short time. I have been quite alright, Prince Evan has returned, and he brought some gifts for everyone, including you. How thoughtful! He is to be wedded to his betrothed soon, and I asked them to include you. I sincerely hope you can make it! The castle is bustling with energy upon this news.

I set my phone down and began cleaning.

Halfway through, I realized that there were layers of pixie dust on the floor.

Comet came out of the kitchen and said, “I need lunch!”

“I saved some spaghetti from last night in the freezer. I’ll heat it up.”

“Oh, thank you. Thank you!”

Taking care of Comet is almost like handling a child.

She spun around after I placed it in the microwave, mimicking its movement.

Is it right to visit the forest? I know for a fact that nothing will happen to me, but what about Hazel and Violet?

“Janessa? Janessa! The food is ready,” said Comet.

“Oh, right.”