She lets out an exaggerated gasp. “You’ve been watching that clap-trap human channel on public access television.” She shivers. “That’s all a pack of lies and you’re a fool to believe a word.”

I smack my lips. I’m the fool here? This from the same woman who says all the Oligarchy are hotties. I return my attention to my very important notebook scribbling. Screw her.

Miss Thing lifts a bag of tiny yellow and orange candies from her desk. “Can everyone see these? They’re called candy corn. Every Halloween, humans fill large bowls with candy corn and do not eat any. Why? The corn symbolizes the gold nuggets they’ll one day give to ghouls.” She hands the bag to a nearby student. “Pass these around and be careful about it.”

Zeke saunters into the room and winks at our teacher. “Hello, lovely.”

“Hi there, Zeke.” She makes goo-goo eyes at him, which is just disgusting.

I slump lower in my chair and grit my teeth. When I’m late, Miss Thing practically skins me alive.

Zeke slips into the chair next to mine. “Hey, Myla.”

“Hi, Zeke.”

Miss Thing brings out a plastic pumpkin. A basic face is painted on it with geometric shapes. “Class, this is called a jack-o-lantern.” She holds the pumpkin reverently above her head. “On earth, humans carve likenesses of their favorite ghouls out of pumpkins. This one is me.”

I eye the jack-o-lantern. The bald part is spot-on, but it needs red lipstick.

As Miss Thing goes through more items in her desk, Zeke leans over the aisle. “It’s so great that you’re finally being a grown-up about all this.”

“About what?”

“The thrax. You know, going to the winter tournament and taking Cissy along. It means a lot to my family. Thanks.”

“Well, it’s all about you, Zeke.” I smack my lips. “Per usual.”

Zeke taps his desktop with his pen. “Hey, it’s me.” Not sure if he’s ignoring my sarcasm or not catching it. Either way, it is him. “So, you’ll order a regular gown this time?”

My upper lip twists. This isn’t my favorite subject. “Yup.”

“You’ll have to order soon. The event’s in three weeks.”

“My mom’s on it.”

“And you’ll get ready with Cissy so there’s no funny business?”

My blood starts to boil. “I’ll get ready with Cissy because she’s my friend.”

“And you’ll—”

“Excuse me, Zeke, but I’m missing a really important lecture right now on Zagnut Bars.” I point to Miss Thing. “Let’s just stop talking and start paying attention to Miss Thing, okay?” Otherwise you’ll end up with another black eye.

“Whatever.” Zeke turns to face our teacher. I watch him for a moment, wondering if I did the right thing to invite Cissy at all.

Oh, well. I’ll find out soon enough.

14