Obsession

Ten

I heard the whispers and gasps as two uniformed officers escorted Chris through the crowded hallway and towards Principle Gallagher's office for questioning; because of the history between him and Jayson he has been labeled as the prime suspect in Jayson's murder. "Wow--I guess what everyone said about him was true. Not only is he crazy but he's a murderer too." I turn in the direction of the voice to see Shannon standing with a group of girls from our gym class. I knew it would only be a matter of time before the gossip squad was running their mouths. "It's such a shame too. I had plans to fuck him after prom. Why are the sexy one's either gay or crazy." Shaking her head Shannon walks down the hall towards the exit with her clan of clones. She had another thing coming if she thought she was going to have sex with my boyfriend. I knew there had to be a reason why she was always talking about him.

After gathering the rest of my books from my locker I stood around with the rest of the student body waiting for Chris to be released. Despite the whole fiasco in his bedroom the other week he's been by my side helping me cope with Jayson's death. He didn't go with me to the funeral but he was there for me when I got home.  And now I see that it is time for me to be there for him. Chris isn't crazy and I know he isn't a murderer either.

"Leah!" I look up to see Marisol and Josh running towards me. "What's going on? Why was Chris arrested?" Josh asked out of breath. Just as I opened my mouth to speak the door to Principle Gallagher's office opens and out walks Chris with a scowl on his face. "Prove it first muthafucka." He spat, before locking eyes with me. They were dark and cold the same as they were that day at his house. I didn't know whether to go after him or stay where I stood so I chose the latter. That is until Principle Gallagher called my name, "Mrs. Murphy may I speak with you for a moment please?" Slowly I made my way over to his office periodically looking back to see if Marisol was still standing there. I hope I'm not being questioned again, although I have nothing to hide I don't like feeling as if I'm a suspect. "You can have a seat Mrs. Murphy."

I shake my head no, "I rather stand. Will this take long?"

"Depends on if you cooperate or not."

"Excuse me..." I reply with a slight edge in my tone. I was never the one to disrespect an authoritative figure but I'm not feeling the vibe I'm receiving right now. "How long have you and Mr. Givens been an item?"

"Why exactly is this relevant?"

Principle Gallagher stands from his seat and approaches me with a hard look on his face. "Please answer the question Mrs. Murphy. Do you really want to go down for some punk when you have such a bright future ahead of yourself. Accessory to murder is a very serious offense." My eyes widened in shock and I step away before I do something that could possibly get me expelled. Instead of replying to his ridiculous accusation I turn to walk out of his office. He doesn't have the jurisdiction to question me and I refuse to be accused of something I know I didn't do. "Mrs. Murphy!" I feel his hand tightly grasp my wrist.

"Let go of me!" The two officers rush into his office separating us. I walk out into the hallway and all eyes fall on me. Even Marisol looked shocked but I wasn't in the mood to talk. I wanted Chris. I needed comfort.

--

"I can't believe that nigga put his hands on you. I know where he lives and where his son goes to school. Let's see how he like it when the shoe is on the other foot." Chris fumed pacing the floor of his room.

"What--Chris no! He's already accusing you of murder."

"I don't give a fuck! Nobody is going to put their fucking hands on you! Look at your fucking wrist Aleah." He gently grabbed my forearm and held it up to my face. "He barely touched me. My skin is light so I tend to bruise easily." I lied. I could tell he was angry and I didn't want him to do anything that could get him into more trouble. Releasing a sarcastic chuckle Chris lets go of my arm and walks to the other side of his room stepping into his sneakers. "Where are you going!"

"I'll be back."

"No! You're not leaving." I pull on the sleeve of his hoodie as hard as I can, determined to overpower him. That probably wasn't a smart choice but I refuse to let him leave. I would rather have him yell and curse me out. "Leah let go."

"No. Please don't leave. I'm fine, you don't need to do anything."

"I said let me the fuck go!" My body fell to the floor and I cried out from the impact. I can't believe he pushed me. I look down at the gash on my arm and my eyes instantly swell with tears. "Leah, I'm sorry," Chris looks at me with softened eyes reaching his hand out to help me up but I smack his hand away. "No, don't touch me!"

"Leah baby..."

I back away from him struggling to stand to my feet. "I didn't mean to push you. I'm sorry." He pleaded once again reaching his hand out to me. At this point I was scared of him, something I thought would be impossible. "Get away from me!" He stops walking and I grab my jacket off his arm chair. "Just st-stay away from me. I think we need a break." It pained me to say those words to him and the look in his eyes didn't help the situation either.

"A--a br--break?" He repeated. I continue walking out of his room and down the first flight of stairs when I feel my hair being pulled. A loud shriek emits through my lips before a force knocks me to the floor. Chris' body pins me down and I struggle to get his body off mines. All I can think at this point is what is going on. Tears cascade down my cheeks at a rapid pace as I hear his jagged breathing in my ear. "You can't leave me." He grabs a wad of my hair and begins banging my head repeatedly into the wooden floor. "I won't let you leave me."