Welcome To Our Masquerade - Ch. Five - DP Story

“I have a few questions to ask you.” Divina stated not even fazed by Danny’s sudden appearance in her 

room.

Danny nodded sitting himself down on her bed so he’d be comfortable. He awaited Divina’s questions ready to answer her, the best he could.

Divina leaned against the back of her chair, as she sat in it the opposite way her fingers messed with her pajama pants. Her gaze was elsewhere, as she spoke. “I’m sure you were confused as to why that ghost attacked me last week.” She gave a quick glance to Danny, before turning away again. This was hard for Divina, as she’s never told anyone about her family’s problems. In fact, they had cut off a lot of other relations in fear of them getting harmed as well.

Danny noted her nervousness, and chooses to interrupt her quickly. “Divina you can tell me anything.”

She studied him from the corner of her eye watching him closely. She then turned fully to him giving him a thoughtful glance. “You look a lot like Danny from school.”

Danny was surprised by this, but kept his cool. “I get that a lot.”

Divina scrutinized him, before letting it go.  “Well any way I talked with my parents about the situation, and the only thing that makes sense is that; the man my father use to work for sent the ghost after us.”

Divina paused.  “My father use to be in a gang a mafia whatever you want to call it. My father was accused of foul play, or stealing something from them. I’m really confused with it all I know my mother tried to get him to leave the group, before this kind of thing happened. So, we moved here hoping we could start anew.”

Divina gazed up to Danny her eyes shone with desperation.  “I don’t like bringing other people into our problems, but there’s no way we could survive if the ghost comes back. Danny may we use your help in protecting us from this ghost?”

Danny watched Divina a moment longer, before grinning.  “I’ll do better than protect I’ll defeat him.  No problem.”

Divina was surprised, though she wasn’t sure why. She had a feeling he’d agree anyway.  She exhaled not realizing she’d held her breath awaiting his reply.  “Thank you Danny.  It means a lot I’ll repay you, I swear!”

Danny chuckled.  “You’re welcome, and you don’t have to repay me. I’d hate to see a friend go through this kind of situation.”

Divina smiled with meaning, and boy did it feel good to smile like that. It was refreshing to her, and somehow Danny knew it helped with her mood.

“Is there anything else before I leave?” Danny asked her to which she shook her head.

“No, but if there is I’ll just ask school Danny when I see him.”

Danny nodded, as he stood from his seat.  “Alright then, have a good night Divina.”

“See you around, Danny Phantom.” She grinned, as Danny sheepishly grinned.

Divina watched him jump out of her window, and fly off into the night. She actually felt like she were in a comic strip, and was just visited by the famous town hero. She had hope in him, and that made her mood a content one. She was able to sleep well that night.

In the morning Divina’s parents noticed Divina was in a happier mood than the night before. When they all sat down to eat a quick breakfast her mother asked; “It’s so nice to see you happy again, what put you in such a mood?”

She was expecting the cause was from a boy, since she mentioned a boy asked her out. Though both parents weren’t expecting what came from their daughter’s mouth when she replied;  “I talked to Danny Phantom. He said he’d help us out with the ghost that’s after us.”

At this her father frowned. “I thought I asked you to bring him to me?”

Divina’s smile faded, as she faced her father.  “Well you were already in bed. Danny had shown up late last night.”

Her mother was a bit worried about this. “What if this other ghost works for Cainan?”

“He told me-“

“Just because he told you he’d help doesn’t mean he is all good.” Her told Divina, a little upset for not being able to meet this ghost hero.

“How can he work for that man, when he’s been in this city helping with other ghosts?”

“Let’s just drop it for now. If you see the ghost hero again tell him I want to talk with him.”

With that said, Divina’s father left the table. Divina’s mood crashed, and now felt close to depressed. Her mother sat beside Divina, and wrapped her arms around her child in hopes it’ll calm her down. Divina could only give a small smile to show her appreciation towards her mother.

The day went by slow. Divina sat down at the lunch table with her food, however she only poked at it not feeling like eating. She was too wrapped up in her thoughts to listen in to the groups whining, or gossip of the day. Star snapped her fingers in front of Divina’s face trying to bring her back to reality.

“Earth to Divina, are you still home?”

Divina glanced to all of them. “I’m sorry did you say something?”

“Are you feeling well Divina? You look a little pale, and you haven’t eaten any of your food, or said a single word since you sat down.” Star stated, giving Divina a worried glance.

Divina waved off Star’s worry, as she scooped up some of her food. “I have a lot on my mind today. That’s all.”

“I take it that it’s all bad stuff?” Kwan asked her.

“You could say that.” Divina answered shoving her fork of food in her mouth.

“Will you want to call off the date tomorrow then?” Dash asked giving Divina a worried glance.

Divina didn’t bother looking at Dash, but answered him.  “No, at this point I’d like to at least hang out after school tomorrow. Going straight home after school is no fun.”

Dash smiled, and wrapped an arm around her. “Alright then I’ll make sure to keep your mind off of home while we’re out.”

Divina smiled, almost giggling at Dash’s attempt to cheer her up. “Thanks Dash, I appreciate it.”

“No problem anything for you, Divina!” Dash grinned.

Danny sat not too far away, as he listened into Divina’s conversation with Dash’s crew.  He was worried, just last night Divina was happy, content.  But, now she looked so depressed, so alone.

“Yo Danny, are you going to eat that?” Tucker asked not quite noticing that Danny’s attention was elsewhere.

Sam flicked Danny’s forehead causing said man to turn to hi friends. “Ow why’d you do that for, Sam?”

“You keep looking away when we’re trying to talk to you, man.” Tucker answered.

“What’s the deal?” Sam asked feeling a little jealous that Danny’s attention was focused on Divina. Not that she wanted all of his attention, but ever since that girl moved in that’s all Danny’s worried about. It’s starting to take a toll on Sam.

“Sorry. I’m distracted.”

“Yea, we can tell.” Sam said with a sarcastic tone.

Danny turned to Sam, confused with her tone. “What? Am I missing something here?”

“I think you’ve got that wrong. You’re not telling us something.” Sam answered a little irritated.

Danny raised his hands in defense, while apologizing.  “Sorry I should have told you guys.  I talked with 

Divina last night. You know, as my ghost self. I found out why that ghost was after her, and more. It turns out that her father got himself in some trouble which caused Divina and her mother to get involved. She said he used to be in a gang, and he was accused of doing something against them. So that’s why they’re here, along with the ghost.”

“That’s messed up.” Tucker commented giving a sympathetic look towards Divina.

“She asked if I could help. I mean Danny Phantom.” Danny corrected himself.

“So, are you  going to help?” Tucker asked.

Danny turned to Tucker. “Of course I am. I’m not going to sit back, while there’s a ghost threatening a family, especially one of our school mates.”

 “Well, what can you do to help them, Danny?” Sam asked not bothering to look at her boyfriend.

Danny noted this, and felt his heart skip a beat. Was Sam jealous?  “The same as any other ghost we’ve faced. I have a feeling this one will be as strong as my future self.”

“We can do it.” Tucker said crossing his arms.

“Okay so, let’s say you defeat the ghost. What if the gang comes in, and targets you next? You don’t know what you’re dealing with!” Sam told Danny frowning deeply.

Danny took hold of Sam’s hand, and squeezed it. “It’ll be okay Sam. It can’t be as bad as Dan.”

“You don’t know that. We all don’t know that.” Sam was still convinced that this was a very bad idea.

“There’s no getting out of it anyway. We’ve already faced him, and he should know that if he comes around this city I’ll be there to kick his ass.”

Sam was quiet knowing Danny was right. Tucker sat quietly for a moment longer, before finally speaking up. 

“Danny, are you going to eat your cake?”

“What?” Danny glanced down at his tray to see his chocolate cake. “Of course I am! You already had one!”

Sam rolled her eyes, as the two got into their usual food argument. They always have to break the tension when it gets thick around them. Sam smiled, as she thought this.