Symphony Of A Serial Killer

Chapter 16: Time Lapse

The coward in me wanted to say never mind and that it wasn’t important… just live in denial. I’m tired though, too tired to carry on like this. My mask that I’ve worn for years now no longer fits and I can no longer pretend to not care. After taking a deep breath and in no particular order, I rambled off everything that’s happened since I got out of bed this morning.

I told him about my encounters with the ghost, almost being hit by a car, having no recollection of almost choking Kevin to death, how Missy is now a suspect for the murders, not to mention the redhead who asked about Mr. Ford but wouldn’t give her name. Lee never looked at me, just kept staring straight ahead.

I decided to add an exclamation point to the end of my rant by confessing about my dream, but before I could get another word in, his phone rang. It was his mom, he tried calming her down but she seemed hysterical. I could hear her yammering off something but couldn’t make out what. Then it happened, his eyes shot open and his mouth hung low while looking at me. He turned off the ignition and jumped out of the car while gesturing for me to follow. 

“What’s going on!?” I shout while trying to keep up with him.

He’s deceptively fast for a guy of his size. Yes I’m tired and hungry and really don’t feel like chasing down my friend in the snow but at the same time he’s my ride so I’m kinda screwed either way. Plus I’ll need a place to stay tonight. What’s more confusing is this, what could his mom have possibly said that would cause him to ignore the massive shit storm that I just dropped on him?

After bursting back through the door of the gas station, I now understand the urgency in his mom’s voice, along with the concern on his face. The cashier and a few other customers all had their eyes glued on the television as well. News reporters had gathered around the police station like a pack of wolves eyeing their prey. The feed was live, a podium was set up and the chief of police was center stage giving a press conference about the murders.

The Composer, that’s what they’re calling him. The serial killer that has the quiet town of Anchorage on edge and fearful for their lives, just wondering when the next body would show up. Though unclear of the significance at this time, the killer’s signature is to carve the shape of a musical note on the victim’s throat. As per the chief, this was confirmed to be true with each of the victims.

When Lee looked over to me, I knew what he was thinking. I could see the sadness in his eyes. My mother was murdered and her throat was carved into as some sick calling card.

This is the moment I thought would never come, first I felt my heart sink into the pit of my chest just before it shattered. All those years of keeping my emotions locked away finally caught up with me at this moment. I didn’t want to envision any of it, but I couldn’t stop my mind from going there.

I could see the initial incision that pierced my mother’s flesh, the slow but steady flow of blood that crept out from between her skin as it casually tore apart. The killer’s blade then trailed and curved nonchalantly as the symbol was etched into her neck as his trophy.

Why does my imagination have to be so vivid…? I realize that I make things harder on myself than they need to be but this time I know that with or without it, this wouldn’t be any easier to deal with. This sudden overwhelming sense of grief hit hard, so hard that I began to feel like I was floating.

There’s this distinct tingling sensation in my head, more like the feeling of having thousands of tiny needles puncturing my entire head all at once. I could no longer keep my eyes open, but as soon as I closed them I felt my body wobble back and forth. I was losing myself and there was nothing I could do about it.

They seem heavier than before, my eye lids that is. Each breath I take is faint, just slow and steady as I roll over in the bed. It’s so comfortable, warm and soft. Wait what!? I must be dreaming, how am I in bed when I was just in the store watching the news?

“He still hasn’t woke up yet?”

“No, not since the last time I checked at least.”

“Well he’s been through a lot today so let’s not bother him, I’m sure he’s more mentally exhausted than anything.”

“Yes dear. I understand, but we’re going to be eating soon right? I’m sure he could use something to eat.”

“You’re right hun, let’s give him another 30 minutes or so, then we’ll see if he’s ready to eat.”

The voices I heard were faint, but at least the conversation I just listened in on was comforting. Things could be worse, they could have been talking about how they were going to chop me up and get rid of the body. Even so, there were now questions that remained like, who were the people talking and where am I?

I bravely force my eyes open to find myself staring at the ceiling. The room is dim thanks to the bedroom door being left open, allowing light from the hall to seep in. Also the window drapes were open and I could see snow being carried in the wind. The bed that I was in really felt like a cloud, so soft and comfortable that your body would almost sink into when you laid on it.

As I swung my legs from underneath the blanket, my feet met with the most inviting carpet I’ve ever had the fortune of setting foot on. This definitely isn’t my house… not the hardwood floor that I’m accustomed to. Though the unknown voices from before hinted that I was safe, I was also hoping for familiar surroundings as well and that maybe visitors had come to check on me.

The stars peered through the night sky and into the room as I approached the window. Looking straight ahead, I noticed my reflection. At least what I thought was my reflection, even though at this very moment I’m more confused than anything else, my expression showed anger. I wasn’t wearing the clothes I wore to school that day either; instead I’m somehow wearing jogging pants and my Navy t-shirt that I got from the recruiter a few months back.

How…. When did I not only get, but change into new clothes? Remember… remember… try as I might, the last memory I have is standing in the gas station with Lee and seeing the news report. Where ever I am is “homey”, that’s the best word that comes to mind. I can literally feel the love in the air and it’s sickening to a certain degree. No… not sickening, just awkward because it’s something I’m not use to.

Just as my thoughts begin to shift back towards my mother and the other two murders from this morning, I’m startled by the perky voice that’s filled with just a tad bit too much excitement. Alarmed, I spin around to see Caroline running towards me.

“I know my bed is super comfortable but you’ve been passed out for hours! I’m so glad you’re awake, I was starting to worry you’d never wake up.” She says while tightly embracing me, pinning my arms to my side.