Veronica throws open my bedroom curtains and then comes to sit on the bottom of my bed next to Zekey where he is curled up. "Libby... It's been a week. You haven't gone back to school since your first day...
254Please respect copyright.PENANA3AmpZJlfFE
Do you not like the school? Did something happen that caused you not to want to go back?" She asks me.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAeJkcj2UQOH
"You wouldn't understand," Libby responds bitterly as she pulls the blankets up further to hide under. "Libby..." She trails off.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAgAe1RnQplI
She's always been the more understanding, but 'challenging' one compared to Mitchell. She usually parents me and Mitchel prefers to take a step back. He's more the 'fun parent' in a sense even though we aren't related.
254Please respect copyright.PENANATPX68URvut
"Libby, are you listening to me?!" She shouts all of a sudden, getting a little stricter.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAtDDaGsP7H9
"You didn't have to yell!" I whine to her. Her face softens. "I'm sorry Libby, but you weren't listening. I haven't been able to go to work because I have had to stay at home and look after you.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAXE2az8CacF
Only one of us is earning a paycheck. It's something, but it doesn't look good that I have started a brand-new job and haven't even gone in."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAouYRoxmmuh
"Then leave me here and go in," I tell her not.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAfRLtz0Pmlq
"Hey! You know I can't do that, Libby." She says back to me. I don't respond and just cross my arms. "Libby, why don't you get up and have a shower? It might make you feel better.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAfxB9BaNx4u
You haven't really left this bed at all. Just slept..." She says. "Fine!" I yell slightly as I sit up and she folds back the covers, helping me to stand
254Please respect copyright.PENANAxMKBSFubYw
---
254Please respect copyright.PENANAWSWik70Ec2
I sigh as I step out into the kitchen. My bag is resting on one of the adjacent chairs and Zekey is on the floor eating a portion of dog food out of his pet food bowl. Veronica turns around a plate of food down for me.
254Please respect copyright.PENANArQ3rbrAy9u
I take a seat and push it away from me.
254Please respect copyright.PENANABbbmV8EDj9
"No thank you, Veronica. I hate vegetarian food and so does Mitchell."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAFaoQeaEXpK
"Libby..." She says, taking a seat of her own. "You need to eat, and vegetarian meals can be yummy.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAEVVz1kOd4M
You haven't eaten much, barely moved and today was the first time really that I had gotten you to even consider showering. What's go on? You can tell me." She says, giving me a hug.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAmnDaI4xGK8
I pull it away.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAjbyY08CWy8
"Libby... Eat your food, please. Gwen came around to see you before in her car. You we're asleep then.
254Please respect copyright.PENANACWbwX07zpj
She is coming back to pick you up and take you to school later. I told her that I would wake you, give it another go.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAwDlCKDQfro
You should be glad that someone wants to be your friend."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAgwejyu584U
"Fine." I grumble, giving in and eating. She hands me my backpack. "You aren't taking Zekey, today." She tells me.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAiHOkn96v6p
"Why not?!" I snap.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAcA1t4x01Ms
"Libby, because pets don't belong in schools... They weren't happy about it."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAeeq8n0glza
"He's not just a pet! He's my friend too!" I yell at her.
254Please respect copyright.PENANADtxbAGhShz
"Alright, alright! I'm sorry... You're right. " She says softly. After that, she takes Zekey outside into the backyard so he can run around.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAnjqTBrUa7e
I make my way to the front door as Veronica follows me out, on her phone.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAjROuClRfBm
"Yeah, I'm leaving now, Julia. I just had to get Libby off to school, I'm come see you..." Veronica whispers for some reason as she heads to the car. Mitchell must have walked or got the bus to work.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAA2tg9JRqmk
He was long gone before I woke up this morning. I turn my head, looking up at the house next to us, something having caught my eye. There is two people my age, a boy and a girl standing inside the window on the 2nd floor of the house next door, then they close it quickly.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAA1d7nJrSjG
They keep spying on us...
254Please respect copyright.PENANAkR6c8iDulT
A car horn honks and a voice shouts at me. "Libby Biscuit, get your ass over here.", It's Gwen waiting in her car just a little up from my house. Well, she's in a snappy mood again.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAjK9p3yjWdB
"Goodbye, Libby. Have a good 2nd day at school..." Veronica trails off, kissing me on the head while still on her phone and Gwen starts the engine, us pulling away from the address.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAeXQ9DXQXjR
"Yes, Julia. I'm coming to the social services off now to see you and Mitchell. Libby's with Gwen, headed to school. I did what you asked."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAP9cgIKlAjN
When we're a short distance away, Gwen starts to smile a little. I hear her phone ring, it's mounted to something on the windscreen. She taps the answer button. It's Maple who I now to be her sister.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAsMMhbQfGRA
"Hey, Maple," Gwen says.
254Please respect copyright.PENANA8eNHPuogGC
"Hey, Gwen. Where did you go? You left school premises without word. We have a meeting starting soon. Do... you want me to run it?"
254Please respect copyright.PENANALsNWOY0gur
"I'm picking up Libby Biscuit... Just try and delay things, I'll be back there soon, I promise."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAQxvBL75jyA
"Okay."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAIRM7uTodte
And then the call ends. "Meeting?" I ask, turning to Gwen.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAsNOS5UOm7k
"Uh, I'm actually the student council president..."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAnsnB8q73SB
"Oh, neat."
254Please respect copyright.PENANATr0mZYwmaQ
"I guess..."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAD27zLfEpwd
When we arrive at school, she tells me to get it at the front gates as she needs to find somewhere to park. I feel like everyone is staring at me as I walk into the school, everyone seems to be on recess and I hear slight footsteps behind me.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAHHu5HcSFcc
The boy and girl who live next door are behind me, just riding in on bicycles.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAsP9vxwq99x
"You're late just like me." I speak up and I see the girl flinch. She almost falls off her bike, but her brother reaches a hand out, steadying her.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAIT679YO0mG
I shake my head and turn back around to continue walking. As I hear them park their bikes up, I feel weirdly more aware of my surroundings suddenly.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAolTihdPmY9
Missing posters all over the school for Becky Winters who I look a-lot like are fairly everywhere. How did I not see them before about a week ago...? I feel myself start to spin and collapse, leaning back against a brick wall.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAvYlTtqN1hK
I squeeze my eyes shut, then open them a second later. The whispers around me soon turn to sniggers as people walk away. I cough, trying to catch my breath.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAJ5l2wtNnXJ
It feels like my chest is aching... and it feels like I can't quite breathe. Is this a panic attack?
254Please respect copyright.PENANAVkr347rWXS
Eventually, I'm able to breathe normally again which I'm relieved by, but I also hear a scraping sound along the pavement and look up as I recover from my panic attack. A boy who I haven't met before is standing there, picking up my shoulder bag for me.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAiNcNs0Oh7h
"Do you need help?" He offers, his smile looking warm, but something feels off about him. I can't quite put my finger on it though...
254Please respect copyright.PENANAlri1y1Mc6h
I nod slowly and accept. I let out a yelp as he pulls me forward, quiet close to him. "Are you okay?" He asks, looking around. "Yeah..." I trail off.
254Please respect copyright.PENANABudWb1yae4
"Don't lie. I can tell when someone is lying." He says walking over to where some of the missing posters are, yanking one down and bringing it over to me. He holds it next to my face. "Uh, what are you doing?!" I ask. He shrugs and lets it fall to the ground.
254Please respect copyright.PENANACMdZVWtPJI
"The eyes aren't the same."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAzspfxvofS1
"I'm sorry?!" I ask confused.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAGXg4juGsV5
"What's your name?" He responds back.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAeUGNv5ePHS
"L-Libby Biscuit..." I tell him.
254Please respect copyright.PENANABlHnZcVPKB
"That's pretty. So much prettier than 'Becky Winters'. You're cute looking, Biscuit. You have a nice ass too."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAjcqpQjFRfz
I'm speechless, I don't even know how to respond to do that.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAZC568W91py
"I'm Aiden Mercy, hi."
254Please respect copyright.PENANABaTwimO5LD
"Hi, Aiden," I tell him. He laughs a little.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAvnQJWhqcKl
"You're so adorable!" He says leaning down and ruffling my hair. "I have a sister, but she's only 7 years old. She has the same first name as you, Libby."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAxKfnUpj5Gu
"T-thank you! I think? I have no brothers or sister's. I live with my friends though, they're like brother and sister to me I guess?" I respond back, shaking him off a little. "So... Is there anything I can do for you?" He asks me. "Anything you want to know...?"
254Please respect copyright.PENANA7GWSQXdhff
"No. Wait! M-maybe?"
254Please respect copyright.PENANA2QlbsakGDm
"Shoot. Go right on ahead, Libby." He says sitting down on the cement in front of me. I take a seat too.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAXAJyaPAqa6
"This girl... Becky Winters. Who is she? I-I don't understand... Everyone is staring at me; this isn't my fault!
254Please respect copyright.PENANAFJsOnuP9UD
Is there anything I need to know right now that I don't know already? Also, who is the blonde boy and girl walking around, following me? They live next door to me."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAU1U3tqAbj0
"Becky. Well, popular as she was the previous student council president before she went missing. She's intelligent, academically gifted, exceptional beauty and she has a dark side.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAT0kcvVu60z
I'd call the life of a party for sure. Everyone secretly envies her, but they also love her and want to be her. The girl's do anyway and all the guys want to date her, but she would reject every one of them." He responds, chuffing his shirt a little.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAq8sJPBmvIm
He laughs. "So, bell's goanna go soon." He is checking his wrist watch. "I have to start heading towards class." And he stands up. "Wait, I don't know anyone here and barely know where any classrooms are!" I cry out, begging him.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAH4p6R3t4LV
"I'm sorry, Libby! I have to go. You'll figure it out, you're a smart girl too. Maybe I'll you around later at lunch? I'll be on that bench over there near the tree." He says, pointing.
254Please respect copyright.PENANA5pGv4baoYx
Then he is gone, but not before I feel him a move a strand of my hair, briefly caressing my ear.
254Please respect copyright.PENANASdIz5Vkr80
Then he begins to moonwalk back away, and trips over a garbage can that was right behind him. "Ouch!" He cries, standing up and rubbing his sore rear.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAh7ls22FGJ5
"Hey, asshole! Stay away from her! NOT if you know what's good for you, Mercy!
254Please respect copyright.PENANAb4GXTVOnzA
Girl, dude's a flirt! He is pretty much in every girl's panties at this school!" I hear a female voice ring out and I look up to see a girl with dyed red/purple hair dressed in sports clothing.
254Please respect copyright.PENANA6tz6lEYxwd
She has a soccer-ball and kicks it at him, hitting him on the back. "Are you trying to kill me? Break my spine?
254Please respect copyright.PENANAqx05SZYQjd
"Fuck you, Shelby Brown!" He yells, raising "they* finger as he runs inside, late to class. The girl heads down to grab her ball.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAJferXWfOgn
"And fuck yourself, Mercy! Cause NO GIRL in this school wants to date you!" She yells, then turning to face me. "Hey, girlfriend!" She exclaims, throwing an arm around my shoulder as I can see she's chewing gum.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAaNZDxn1QYK
"That wasn't very nice!" I scold her.
254Please respect copyright.PENANA9YXdI1jRK4
"What? Oh, come on, Becky! Don't be likeeee that. You know that guy's a dick! And Guy's only want one thing! To get in YOUR panties."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAsxWsrP8oBc
"Really? Because he seemed very nice! Perhaps a little full of himself maybe, but if anything!" I yell shoving her off me. "If anything, ... I think you are the problem here!"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAAf7dJe3sVm
She looks taken back by me. "And my name is Libby Biscuit!"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAXbXKzZxRlS
"W-what? No, no. NO! Uh... Do you wanna skip the next class? We can get you a drink, we can talk..."
254Please respect copyright.PENANA5yLVO07SEN
"Drink? What drink?!"
254Please respect copyright.PENANASMG9m236lX
"Anything you like! Spirits, Wine-"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAFcR3dKP8vj
"Oh no, you don't, 'Shelby Brown'! I only drink water and sometimes soda if it's a special occasion like a birthday. Are you out of your mind?!"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAGArnyGJwPm
"No, I'm not! Why are you being like this? This isn't you, Becky!"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAUkNekmUcHC
"Newsflash! I thought you would have learned by now that I look like a dead girl who went missing!
254Please respect copyright.PENANA3Qwd0t8MV4
Now if you will excuse me, I am off to get lost trying to find my class. If you want to get into trouble for skipping and whatever other crimes that you commit along the way, go ahead!
254Please respect copyright.PENANAqN83buPKId
It won't be my problem, because I'm having no part of it! And for the record? You seem like an outright bitch!" I tell her before storming off towards the school doors.
254Please respect copyright.PENANARDYFcLuWE5
"I see MY girl still has her 'attitude and sass!' Keep it up!" She calls as I walk away.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAv6FLKTOGrR
"We aren't friends, Shelby and will NEVER be!" I yell back.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAcPd4LHUL3I
"We'll see! Party at MY place, Thursday night, start time is 7 p.m. The street address is 24 Miller Way! You used to love the party scene! I'll see you there?!"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAK28DMKJMFN
"Not a chance in Ender Falls!" I yell back as the door closes as I head inside the school into the hallway. I can't hear her anymore.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAcxxX5ecVBx
"Biscuit! The Bell has already gone! Get to class, you're in 104. You have English!" I hear someone yell at me. I turn my head to see it's, Gwen who is carrying a bunch of files in a blue, plastic crate.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAPBVGktcd4w
"Sorry, I was going there! I got held up."
254Please respect copyright.PENANA4iWIOLrQyX
"I don't care for your excuses! Class NOW and I won't write you up."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAczcPluLkn8
I start running there as a plan forms in her head. "Shelby is skipping class! I think she's off to do 'ciggies' or something. Her words, not mine!"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAJ75selMt92
"Oh, for god- Ah! That girl never stops, does she?!" I hear Gwen yell, dropping her crate promptly to just sit there on the floor and she storms right outside. I hear her blow a whistle that is around her neck. "Shelby!"
254Please respect copyright.PENANA7H6JJtBqmA
I laugh as I run too class leaving Gwen onto Shelby. Whoever said that revenge wasn't fun was sincerely wrong!
254Please respect copyright.PENANAUFcDHx3Yc7
---
254Please respect copyright.PENANA9WTnwjjHhP
I take a deep breath as it's lunchtime and I see Aiden is sitting on the bench near the tree that he said would be at.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAptBvzjIn4S
He seems to be fiddling with an expensive, long lens camera. I start making my way over to him. "H-Hi..." I whisper, not wanting to sit down as his bag is on the rest of the bench space. He may not want company...
254Please respect copyright.PENANAkYqlj7FHdH
He looks up at me, smiling. "Sit down." He says, quickly removing his bag and dumping it on the floor. I take a seat.
254Please respect copyright.PENANApIZNUzANXs
"W-what are you doing?" I ask.
254Please respect copyright.PENANA0XToCfhS54
"Cleaning the lens of my camera." He explains as he cleans it with a small white cloth.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAlFHySwm7j0
"I'm glad you came, Libby." I hear him say as he stops cleaning and packs the camera away in a special bag for it.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAHMVUvEGuYW
"Y-Yeah... I don't really know anyone else..." I tell him. "That's okay." He smiles. "You actually had more questions earlier?"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAZuz4x3hCPX
I nod. "Yeah... I-I did! I wanted to know about the boy and girl who are following me. They look identical sort of and I live next to them."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAPnbH8SSbOU
"Oh, them. They're brother and sister. The Twins as we all call them. Their names are Ian and Kacey." He says, handing me a piece of paper with a phone number. I take it and put it into my phone. "My number in case you ever need to call me."
254Please respect copyright.PENANA3KXmB4fOft
"Thanks, Aiden!"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAa5tL9MMehp
"No problem, babe."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAHDQearNRXV
"Don't call me, babe."
254Please respect copyright.PENANABU5TG8IU1L
"Sorry, Libby."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAGVIYPrkgAa
"You're forgiven."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAHA0N3g046v
Were there any other questions...?"
254Please respect copyright.PENANApwE2nKRpEk
"Uh...."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAavOHg1rg2J
"You wanted to know if there was anything else you need to know?"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAwhPlN65d7x
"Yeah."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAKynsMFhA50
"Don't do drugs or alcohol and don't go up to Ender Falls waterfalls alone... Stay out of trouble.
254Please respect copyright.PENANA7bksKx5kUl
Study hard, do your homework. Eat your veggies and fruit, they're good for you. Drink H2o as well. It's good for you also and also keeps you healthy. Any others questions?"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAWdrwmIO1yF
And then a weird look comes across his face. "Actually, w-wait! I just remembered something."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAVUlkKP285f
"Kacey and Ian?"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAcEHIeIPtW6
"Yeah?"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAwQrBygA0yj
"Did you know that Kacey spent five days in hospital? Heard she was on the psych floor.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAzc9XwU48ZF
Her brother and their foster guardian had her admitted not long ago. I don't really know why and she has just returned to school today it seems. Same day as you.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAeQwXjvpQe9
They we're close with Becky Winters. No doubt you turning up has really hit home for them... Maybe Kacey more so.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAfsZPqmZwB0
I would ignore them, but if you care about conflict resolution... Go and talk to them." He says smiling.
254Please respect copyright.PENANABXdJPPhNxc
"T-thank you!" I stammer. "Anything else I need to know?"
254Please respect copyright.PENANA3vGOUZKzlU
"Look behind you."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAxLDgvuM82K
"What?"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAphe6m8xqRP
"Look behind you."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAjGIv4W30Ti
I look behind me with Aiden to see on the overpass is them now. Ian is covered in bruises, scars, and cuts.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAlujaqm2pgs
"Injuries?" I whisper, watching them vanish around the corner. I turn back to face Aiden.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAx1a8cI2OvX
"Yeah. Seems Kacey taking some frustrations out on him."
254Please respect copyright.PENANANRNakYoONa
"Ouch." I say shocked, covering my mouth.
254Please respect copyright.PENANApTSLNunvWH
He shrugs. "I've only heard rumors and I shouldn't gossip regarding sensitive topics, I'm sorry." He speaks. After this we are due to head back to class and head our separate ways, but not before Aiden moving a strand of my hair again behind my ear again and him giving me, his scarf because it's 'cold.'
254Please respect copyright.PENANAGEGP3sLHkw
That's honestly so sweet! I accept and he asks me to meet him at the front of the school in the afternoon, I accept.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAqBanvuqQ6a
---
254Please respect copyright.PENANApO4suEmKH8
I step out onto the pavement in front of the school. I clutch my bag to my chest, shaking as I feel everyone's gaze is on me again. I just want this all to stop!
254Please respect copyright.PENANACbxonAZeg7
Some people seem to be waiting for a bus.
254Please respect copyright.PENANA8K0wpR5R2r
"Libby, over here!"
254Please respect copyright.PENANA3dGPlmKF5a
I look in front of me to see Aiden sitting on a motorbike just across the road. He has a helmet on and is holding one out.
254Please respect copyright.PENANA38FTpb6jXP
"Really?" I ask. "This is why you wanted me too-"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAPvGh7CZbb5
"Jump on! I'll give you a lift home."
254Please respect copyright.PENANARyYWgfS568
I end up nodding and climb on, but not before putting my bag on the correct way and then pulling the helmet on.
254Please respect copyright.PENANA8SFRzEM02i
Everyone starts to laugh for some odd reason and Aiden just tells me that they are 'jealous.'
254Please respect copyright.PENANAmjWMC19XZh
I make sure that my arms are wrapped tightly around his chest so I don't fall off. He asks if I'm ready and I am, but I squeal as we take off. It's an interesting experience to say the least.
254Please respect copyright.PENANARhL67kak9w
Feeling the wind rush through my hair!
254Please respect copyright.PENANAWvCa4AsZyK
We're only about two blocks from my home when I feel Aiden stop the bike and we roll back for an unknown reason. Why? Turning both our heads to see a semi-overgrown area that has a chain link fence which appears to have been busted open some time ago. There is a house there, falling apart, but that's not the unexpected part... "Ian, Kacey?
254Please respect copyright.PENANAFNv9RY77mp
What the fuck do you guys think you're doing this?!
254Please respect copyright.PENANA7uqwITECKA
This area is considered 'off limits' by the mayor and police. Get out of there before someone or I call the police on you both for trespassing!" Aiden scolds and I hit his back with my fist making him cough. Their sad expressions to laughter.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAPMfzaxlM2t
"Alright, alright! I won't call the police on them, Libby! But it is an 'off limits' area!" Aiden tells me before looking back at them.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAaUKfTENQOH
"Getting caught here again for this now won't make things look good for you both. You're already in a foster home; do you want to end up in a secure unit miles away in one of the cities?" He speaks.
254Please respect copyright.PENANArSsYuIPNxP
Ian just shrugs and I see Kacey turn around again and place a bunch of flowers that are neatly tied together at the base of the falling apart, abandoned house before she stands up and buries her face into Ian's shoulder. He starts rubbing her back. I think they are trying to do anything they can to avoid looking at me...
254Please respect copyright.PENANAzlA3q53xLZ
"Why do I even bother to try to help? Forget it, Libby. Let's keep going and I'll take you home." Aiden says, starting the bike up again oddly enough to what seems like Ian and Kacey's annoyance.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAwfoVvCOI1C
We ride off. We arrive in my street and Aiden parks the bike. He pulls off his helmet and so do I. He also climbs off to help me off. I give him back his scarf, but he declines and gives it back to me, saying that you should treat ladies how they should be treated or some fancy gentlemen crap.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAeZGTPEOHTx
As Aiden is doing something to his bike, I look at the house next door. "That's where Ian and Kacey were placed." He speaks up.
254Please respect copyright.PENANA3gxQM0kahX
"Yep." I respond. Maybe... maybe if I look out my bedroom window later, I will see Kacey and Ian returning home?
254Please respect copyright.PENANA2xv2tezMXy
I know that is spying, but...
254Please respect copyright.PENANAStWiK5r4c6
"I hope those Idiots gets their ass back home soon otherwise they're likely to be sent to secure and split up. You know, separated."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAu5P1Rqaco2
I can't think of any response and say nothing. "You're not talkative sometimes, but when you are, he!" Aiden laughs, climbing back on. "See you tomorrow at school, Libby!" He smiles, giving me a wave as he rides off. I make my way towards the house and go in, gently closing the door behind me.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAyMInLM02OL
"Mitchell, Veronica! I'm home! Zekey?!" I call out as I quickly head to my room and dump my bag before heading back down the hall towards the kitchen that connects to the living room. It's silent...
254Please respect copyright.PENANAZstzpjtvGI
Are they out still? No, they wouldn't be if they knew I was coming home from school. Their jobs finish before my classes end.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAe9scOlmouQ
One of them or both of them should be home at-least? As I walk into the kitchen, I nearly trip when something bumps into my shoe. A tennis ball and I look up to see his tongue out and his collar off. "Hey, Zekey!" I smile, bending down and giving him a pat, which just excites him more.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAqUIjwSPLEl
"Where's Mitchell and Veronica, boy?" I ask him. He woofs in response, but it's not like I can understand him sadly. I wish I could! As I get further into the kitchen, Zekey trails behind me with the tennis ball in his mouth.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAeqPs71jEK7
I let out a slight squeal as Veronica slides in front of me from hiding behind the pantry door. Her arms are crossed and she has an unhappy expression on her face. I'm so in trouble!
254Please respect copyright.PENANASGFS1bF3ZF
"Do you want to tell me what that I saw outside the window was, Libby?" She says in an annoyed manner. I bite my lip.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAGHcu12n2hM
"Don't bite your lip, you'll hurt yourself." She lectures me. I stop.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAkdmR9gG7N7
"Where's Mitchell?" I ask.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAmTsrgXVPFP
"Out." She responds shortly.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAANvM2KTLzS
"Out?" I repeat back to her.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAQIo8QGotlD
"That's what I said, Libby. So do you want to explain to me first of all why there was a boy with YOU?! And second - You took a ride from him on his motorbike?"
254Please respect copyright.PENANALyy5z2mUnJ
"I-I-I-"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAyesYWk84lI
"Tell me the truth! I don't have all day."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAkZQ3pTYkaQ
"He was kind..."
254Please respect copyright.PENANANdtJ6Ryqyt
"That doesn't really answer the question, Libby," Veronica says in a huff, turning to the bench and just wiping the bench and around the sink with a sponge. "Just don't do it again. You don't know him." She scolds me, not even looking at me. That's when you know she's angry with you, when she pretty much ignores you.
254Please respect copyright.PENANACV7oLoUfnK
"Veronica, I can explain-" I start off.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAGrEXxPNTRc
"Ah! I DON'T want to hear it, young lady! That was Aiden Mercy... Stay away from him. His trouble and a very nosey individual!" She says as she keeps cleaning.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAOj8i3ze9ZD
"There is a snack ready for you. It's in the fridge on a plastic plate. Eat it here in the kitchen at the dining table please, then go to your room, change and do your homework."
254Please respect copyright.PENANABN0CS41Af7
That's all I get from her as she says nothing else. I look to Zekey who's lying on the floor and his ears are tucked behind, looking scared. His whimpering slightly... I admit defeat and head to the fridge, pulling it open while groaning and rolling my eyes.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAi4k0qXtZgx
"And don't do that or I will ground you, young lady! It's disrespectful to me!" I hear my friend scold as she is run's the sink to fill it up with soapy water. As I am taking a plate out with a veggie sandwich and apple on it, I see a block of cheese to the side and a small cutting knife with it. My head starts to pulse, what I think is on the onset of a bad headache.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAZkqKS7YUh9
I put the plate down gently. I feel my chest. It's not hurting so that is good, very good.
254Please respect copyright.PENANActdth4ZZFN
The headache gets worse though as time goes on... "Don't stand with the fridge door open too long otherwise the cold will leave." Veronica lecturers, not turning around as I hear the sound of dishes in soapy water. I clutch my head with one hand feeling my sight go weird and dimmed.
254Please respect copyright.PENANA1KUQdUOuVc
I bring my hand down from my head to look at it. I see splatters of blood on it and all over the fridge and its contents.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAvPuTo951m5
The wall, floor, everything! I realize that I can't hear the sound of dishes in soapy water anymore... What is going on?! I turn my head to look for Zekey and let a tear slip when I see him, but...
254Please respect copyright.PENANABZOI2pxzmB
His just a skeleton, sitting there on the floor... Decaying like he's been there for years, flies buzzing around him... I go to let out a shriek, but I realize that I can't make a sound or will myself to move and run to Veronica for a hug!
254Please respect copyright.PENANAr0SGXghbPW
I feel like I'm going to be sick! Wait... I feel my arm shaking as it starts to move on its own, but I'm the one moving it... I can feel it and I grip the knife that is next to the cheese tightly and bring it up to my view to see the sunlight glistening off of it...
254Please respect copyright.PENANAtaNj7mLqgO
I have no control over anything. Veronica and Zekey if he is still there need to get out of the house, now! After that, I barely remember anything anymore...
254Please respect copyright.PENANAyhR1ZllAR7
"I'm back in control now, Libby Biscuit." I hear a chilling voice ring out, but it's my voice... I said it out loud... I cannot move or look around or hear anything except my own voice. I'm no longer in control of my own body now.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAElpXYg0nHp
"She honestly thought that lying would absolve of her guilt? How pathetic, Libby. It's pathetic, isn't it?"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAgBsZEFopJA
I can't say anything. "Answer me!" She screams at me from inside.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAESI2YVclKu
"Ah, right. You can't! Of course, because this is my body, not yours."
254Please respect copyright.PENANA26kP33WNVD
I choke back an invisible sob and everything goes dark after that for me... "Libby, are you okay? Do you need to lie down or something? I can help you to your bed and bring you your food.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAJRduPgmbfw
You have just been standing there for the last few minutes. Do you not feel well? Do you think you are running a fever?"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAcPCUaxVqUk
"Hello, Veronica. It seems like you have forgotten me."
254Please respect copyright.PENANA3Mka3quI9Y
"What?! Libby, put that Knife down!"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAXzPr9ldFqT
"Oh, I don't think so dear ex-friend."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAEU9BxtIjUZ
"You don't have to do this!"
254Please respect copyright.PENANA9ZlCpmFBEf
"Oh, but you did. Don't lie, Veronica. It doesn't suit you, bitch."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAhiQ15mSepf
"Libby, stop this attitude and behaviour now! What you are saying and doing is not okay. Drop the knife and step away from it or give it to me."
254Please respect copyright.PENANAW3XKfkwptY
"No. I'm done being your slave and taking orders. I'm back to stay, bitch. Libby's no longer here. Does the name: 'Becky Winters ring a bell?"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAn3hLHvYnZx
"Oh, shit..."
254Please respect copyright.PENANA5c0t0Bv8RK
---
254Please respect copyright.PENANAolPLDw5adD
"LIBBY! LET GO! GET OF ME! NOW, PLEASE! YOU'RE GOING TO KILL ME! DON'T DO SOMETHING THAT YOU WILL REGRET! MITCHELL! SOMEONE, PLEASE! MITCHELLLLL!"
254Please respect copyright.PENANApgJMC3yrdD
I open my eyes, my vision adjusting to see Veronica is leaning against the cupboards on the floor. Her clothes are a mess, eyes tear strained and her perfect bun has come undone. I'm gripping onto her wrists while still clutching the knife, pointed directly for her chest. She has a weak grip though on my wrists but failing at holding me off.
254Please respect copyright.PENANA5v5ZOFuPfO
Her screaming weakens and is becoming softer because no doubt she has been screaming on end for mere minutes "Libby, I know you're in there! Please, fight her off!" She screams one final time as she tries to push me off and I feel my hand stops shaking as I direct the knife to impede into the cupboard just a mere few centimetres away from both of us and she pushes me off with her feet that I slide and hit the cupboard on the other side of the cupboard. I see Zekey is hiding under the table, whimpering.
254Please respect copyright.PENANANMhT5AdmR8
It dawns on me that my vision is no longer blurry and that I can hear. I have complete control of my body again! I crawl forward a little, but collapse on the floor, holding my aching head as I see Veronica look at me with worry in her eyes. She quickly leaps up and grabs the knife out of the cupboard before opening the window and throwing the knife swiftly out the window into the backyard... She clutches her phone afterwards off the bench.
254Please respect copyright.PENANATMeosLbbbw
"D-don't worry, L-Libby... I-I can call s-someone to come help u-us. T-to help you!" She says with a shaky and hoarse voice at what sounds like the dial pad...
254Please respect copyright.PENANAyfeYVZslzv
She's slowly pressing buttons. Only 3 though, but she hasn't rung it yet like she's taking one last look at me, deciding if she really wants to press 'call' on it.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAP1HtnXwlsX
"No!" I cry, panicking and struggle to run, my feet slipping as I head down the corridor. "Wait, Libby! Come back!" I hear Veronica cry, getting up to chase after me.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAV442aw336K
I reach for the front door when it opens at the wrong time, Mitchell there and the door collides with me.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAZS1T3sUdCK
I'm lying on the floor, feeling dizzy. Mitchell is calling for Veronica and she comes, carrying Zekey.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAoFLkhwTWWp
I notice then that Veronica has a few bruises and a cut above her eyebrow.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAXTb3C7QVQI
"What happened to you?!" He exclaims at her and she doesn't say anything.
254Please respect copyright.PENANACPStWXuhj8
Then I start to cry a bit, clutching my chest. It's aching now and feels like the worst pain. "Libby?" Mitchell panics, bending down to me and Veronica slowly follows, holding Zekey and she does raise the ear to her phone, pressing call when the door slowly opens behind us fully.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAYT0mqQ5Q7z
"What did you do?!" Scream two voices.
254Please respect copyright.PENANAZExBz9c6eD
"We didn't do anything!" I hear Mitchell yell back. "Bull-shit." Says a female voice.
254Please respect copyright.PENANASRLxfqQK9n
"She tried to attack me! Look at my forehead!" I hear Veronica say back as I clutch my chest and start to gasp for air.
254Please respect copyright.PENANA9IrRN1MZk3
A boy bends down to look at me, turning me over slightly. Ian, his sister, Kacey with him.
254Please respect copyright.PENANASneRDfPlx0
"Don't worry, help is going to come, Becky."
254Please respect copyright.PENANATiWa8x7yyB
Then she passes out.
ns216.73.216.250da2