Nightwalker

One

20 minutes.

Riordan

Caleb Greene is going to die tonight.

And as much I'd love to use the word 'die' in a joking manner--as in: roughing him up with no serious bodily harm--I can't.

I can't because in a matter of minutes, that'll be his actual reality.

Now, I have nothing to do with Caleb's death, but I know exactly how he will die, when he will die, and what ultimately kills him.

Running across town in rugby cleats to save the biggest asshole that graced the halls of Cyrus Dean High was not how I pictured my Friday night.

Crying in frustration at my failed attempt to save his life was not how I pictured my Saturday morning either.

~~~

Friday, 12:47pm. 12 hours ago.

''Fuck off, Petracelli, I'm not entertaining your shit anymore.''

''WHOA--Way to let a gay down easy. I won't stop asking till you say yes, though. You know you love me, so at least think about it.'' Valencia winks at Martie and waltzes towards the school building.

''Val's not gonna give up anytime soon, Martie. Shift over a bit.'' Martie makes room for me in the back of Thor's crowded truck bed--our uncomfortable parking lot mini-cafeteria.

''I am not going out with Valencia Petracelli come hell or high water.''

''You're into Val--why won't you admit it?''

Martie scoffs before taking a bite of her sandwich, ''As if.''

I knew this for a fact. She never explicitly tells me how she feels about anyone, but she doesn't have to--I always know.

My stomach grumbled. ''Where the hell is he?''

Every second counts.

''Give him time, Riordan, he's usually late.''

''Time is one thing I wish I had more of today,'' I mumble to myself while staring at my cold and untouched one-minute noodles.

A leather jacket comes into my peripheral, and relief washes over me.

''Would you look at that! Mr. Immortal is here with three minutes left to spare of the lunch break.'' Martie spreads her crossed legs out to take up more space.

''Move over, idiot.'' Thor grunts.

''Not a chance.''

''Don't make me put you in your place, Blake Marshall.''

''Call me that again and see what happens--''

''SHUT UP-- BOTH OF YOU!'' Everyone falls silent as I regain my composure.

For once I'd love the see them shut-up and stop barking at each others necks.

''Thor. We need to talk. Martie, you have a Biology quiz that starts after the bell--if you miss or fail it, I will not hesitate to feed your fingertips to hungry piranhas.''

Martie runs her hands through her hair while mumbling to the air.

"I'm not kidding, kid—your fingers will be shorter than your damn bob if you don't get outta here."

"Ugh! Fine whatever. Just...text me soon, okay? You can't keep going awol." She scowls at Thor before grabbing her stuff and exiting the truck bed.

Thor pulls me out the back of his truck and my stomach flips. Of course I feel guilty for disappearing for three days. Do I regret it? No. Will I ever? Probably not.