Griffin

Chapter 6: It's War

Monday morning felt dreadful as I said goodbye to my parents and slid into Kate's car.

She kept stealing glances my way while driving. 

I stared out the window, lost in thought. 

"Want to skip school today?" Kate's voice interrupted my reverie.

"No, Kate. Education is important," I said with a smile.

She rolled her eyes. "Okay, grandma."

I watched passing cars, wondering about their lives and happiness.

"Look, I know your family is going through some stuff right now," Kate said carefully. "I know you haven't been home. You've been at the Godson's."

My heart sank into the leather seat.

"I stopped by your house. Your parents kept giving me weird excuses. Your mom told me you're working for the Godson." Kate's eyes flickered to me. "She didn't say much else."

She noticed my tense arms, her hand warm and reassuring on mine. "As your best friend, I'm here to listen."

My muscles relaxed slightly. "Thank you, Kate."

She turns and smile. When I say nothing else, she adds "How was your stay at home?"

"It was great," I lied, my mind drifting to my brother's suspicious behavior last night. That black SUV couldn't mean anything good.

We pulled into the school parking lot.

 As we got out, Kate waved enthusiastically. "Morning, Mr. Mattigon!"

I scanned the parking lot nervously, searching for a familiar dark figure I hadn't seen since that day.

My polite "Good morning" to Mr. Mattigon caught in my throat when I saw him.

Griffin stood yards away, leaning against his car. A blonde girl pressed close to his side, laughing, briefly resting her head on his bicep.

Our eyes met.

I quickly looked away, only to find Mr. Mattigon still watching me. 

He turned to glance behind him just as I blurted out, "What's the agenda for today, Mr. Mattigon? Any surprise quizzes?"

He stopped mid-turn and smiled at me. "No quizzes today. It'll be a fun day."

"Ooh, look at the time! I've got to run. See you both later!" Kate interjected suddenly.

I narrowed my eyes at her, fully aware of her intentions. 

She thought she was helping, but she was only making things worse.

Before she could make her escape, I tightened my grip on her arm, forcing a smile through gritted teeth. "Let's go together, Kate. We need to do something before class, remember?"

Confusion flickered across her face until realization dawned. "Oh right! How could I forget? Silly me."

"Mr. Mattigon, I'll see you in class later," I said with a bright smile.

He continued to look at me as I shifted my weight. 

"Of course, I'll see you in class, Elena. Kate, have a nice rest of your day."

With that, he left, and I let out a heavy sigh of relief—but it lasted only a moment.

As Mr. Mattigon reached the school entrance and grasped the handle, he hesitated before turning to where Griffin stood with his friends.

Griffin met his gaze with a stony expression, betraying no hint of emotion.

The door slammed shut behind Mr. Mattigon as he disappeared inside the building.