Murderous Kisses

Chapter 1

"Fire. Everywhere you turn--fire. Flames so hot you feel as if you're melting inside.

There was no other way to describe that traumatizing night. Screams so loud, it filled the air. They sounded like echo's from a distance.

That night changed someone I knew very well. The way she now viewed things were mentally changed and it was all my fault. I wasn't allowed in the hospital and it drove me mad. Months passed, and she was finally discharged from the hospital.

Even then, I hadn't heard from her. But all I know is that the person I once knew truly died that night. The other person who appeared just looked like her but that wasn't her."

"What do you mean it's not her?"

"She's not the same person I knew."

"How so?"

I scanned the room as I avoided eye contact. I didn't want to talk about this any further. I closed my eyes gathering my thoughts. My chest was beating--hard, and I wanted to just go to sleep in this moment.

"..."

She looked at me and slightly touched my knee. "The only way you'll get over it is if you talk about it." I looked at her trying to gather my thoughts as those events replayed in my mind--trying to think of the correct words. I had so much to say, but I just couldn't let anything out.

"..."

"Okay, I get the hint. How do you feel now that you've opened up?"

I choked for a second--unable to identify exactly what I was feeling.

"A mixture of emotions."

"If you ever need anything give me a call. I'm here to listen and help in any way I can."

"Thank you."

"Of course! See you next week, Raya."

Four years past since then, forgetting about it was not an option. Doesn't matter how much time has past I still remember that day as if it was yesterday.

It was the morning of October, I was downstairs preparing breakfast when terrifying news were announced on the news channel.

"Good morning ladies and gentlemen, there has been countless cases of murder in Chicago. Another one was discovered last night—It seems a serial killer is on the loose.

According to reports, the victims are found burnt—unable to be identified. It seems the killer is burning their victims. The police is investigating for further information. Until then, be sure to be cautious, and trust no one! That's all for today," said the news reporter.

"Turn that off, mom."

"Why? I'd rather be aware than ignorant to what's going on in the world right now," she snapped back.

"You can't fill your head with negative news so frequently. That's why you're so paranoid all the time," I said.

"I'm not paranoid...just cautious."

I approached her with a heavy heart. I took her hands and looked in her eyes. "With your condition I don't think you should be filling your head with all these negative thoughts."

She just looked at me with a worried expression on her face.

The toaster beeped signaling that the bread was ready to be taken out. I grabbed the bread from the toaster and placed the eggs inside.

"Here's your breakfast," I said, placing it down on the table.

"Thank you, honey," she said getting up from the couch to sit at the table.

I kissed her goodbye and was off to school.

I entered the building to the usual events: ugly boys trying to get with every girl, loud obnoxious girls craving attention at 7 in the morning, and the "popular" girls making fun of everyone's choice of outfits. Nothing new, just another day of hell.

I like to keep to myself and get away from all chaos, so I made my way to my everyday spot. While I was reading on the rooftop waiting for the bell to ring, I heard a noise. I scanned the area, but I was the only one around.

...

I tried to go back to reading when I heard echos from a distance—screams. I looked up and jumped. Suddenly, a familiar face was in front of me.

T-Taiga...?

Am I dreaming?

As she got closer, I backed away with each step.

"You're not real," I muttered to myself, while closing my eyes. Moments later, I opened my eyes, and she was still there. She approached me slowly barely able to hold her body up. Her body moved so zombie like. She weakly reached her out hand, as if she was crying for help.

I backed away with each step. Backed into the railing of the edge. At this point, I can no longer differentiate what's real and what's not.

"Tell me, Raya, why didn't you save me that night?" Her voice cracked.

Her hands rapidly stretched my way a few inches away from me. She softly placed her hands on my face. I could see the pain in her eyes as she looked at me. I stood there in shock. I physically couldn't move. All those dreadful memories of that night came back more vivid than ever.

"No, no, no! I wanted to save you!" I yelled, sobbing as I grabbed her hand.

Suddenly, she was right in front of me. Grabbing onto my shoulders. "But you didn't, you let me burn!"

She said, in a demonic voice as she disintegrated into ashes.

The bell rang and I woke up with light tears in my eyes.
I took a second to gather my thoughts and snap back to reality.

Once I collected my thoughts, I grabbed my book and went to class trying to forget about what just happened, or what I thought happened.

After school, I went to my therapist. On my way there, a wave of emotions showered me.  I was overwhelmed feeling different things all at once. Scared, hurt, paranoid, and more.

I arrived and barged in the room speaking out of order rapidly.

"Woah, woah, woah. Breathe, slow down, collect your thoughts and words, and try again"

I explained to her exactly what happened, at least what I could gather from memory.

"Nothing like this has ever happened before," I said paranoid.

"It's your guilt coming back to haunt you—but you have to remember that it isn't your fault," her therapist said.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

"Okay."

On my walk back home, I kept trying to convince myself that I was overreacting. She's long gone and couldn't possibly have appeared the way she did.

"Right...?"