The Unexpected

Chapter 27 (Pt 2)

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Chapter 27 (Pt 2)

Recap:

Then, leaves crunched right behind me. I whirled around just for Zach's phone to be slapped out of my hand. Unable to move, I watched as a black combat boot covered the phone, which crunched under its weight right as the word 'Sent' flashed across the screen.

Jolting up, I came face-to-face with Tia.

“Boo,” she whispered.

*~*~*~*

No.

I took a step backward, itching to get away, to run, run, run. My leg disappeared into the bush that blocked any chance of retreat. Wet leaves soaked the hem of my dress, brambles tore at my leggings. And in that split second I decided.

I was done running.

“Why?” I heard myself whisper, because I needed to stall, and because I just had to know.

Tia's cold, calculating eyes cut through the dark as she leaned a tad bit closer. “Don't play fool with me,” she snarled. “You know what you did to me. You ruined everything!”

“What did I ever do to you?” I retaliated, trying to stay calm. I chose my words carefully, measuring each breath; anything could send Tia over the edge. She shifted the weight of the knife in her hand, and I knew one wrong move and any help would be too late. “I've never done anything to you,” I continued- I had to know, “Why? Why send me pictures and threats? Why bring Emma into all of this?”

Tia gave a short laugh and I realized that she didn't need a reason- she was crazy.

“Are you really that oblivious? Or stupid,” she said, tapping the curved tip of the blade on her lip mockingly.

It was almost like we were back at the cafeteria, arguing about things as petty and insignificant as boyfriends and dances. Except now she was gripping a knife, my best friend was in a hospital, and I finally had at least one answer.

Tia cocked an eyebrow. “And don't flatter yourself- I didn't send you any pictures. You aren't worth that much of my time. Threats, yes, but the only picture involved was the one I cut out of the yearbook and taped to that barbie.” Suddenly becoming serious again, she straightened. “I know what you're doing.”

“What am I doing?” I said, stiffening completely, realizing I couldn't stall any longer.

My voice had seemed calm, but inside my mind raced a thousand miles an hour- where was Aaden, how much longer could I stall, could I make a run for it? Probably not. Tia was always a few seconds faster than me in middle school, back when we both ran track and she didn't hate me.

Another thought was scratching at the back of my mind: Tia claimed she didn't know anything about the pictures, but she could have been lying. But why would she lie about it after admitting to everything else?

It was all I could do not to step back when Tia advanced. “You know exactly what you're doing!” she cried. “You've always known! You've taken everything from me!”  She gazed off to the side, and I thought I heard her sniffle. “You took Zachary from me without even realizing it!”

My hands shook.

“Tia,” -her wild eyes snapped up to settle on my outstretched hand as I voiced everything she wanted to hear- “I can get you help. Everything will be perfect again. Just... put the knife down and we can work this out.” My voice wavered, but I added, “You can have Zachary all to yourself again.”