The Deceased

Chapter Eleven-Aimlessly Searching

I warned you...

I'm trapped replaying those words and the way he said them, over and over in my mind. I thought i had put my dramatic juvie days behind me when i moved on to Year twelve. I thought all the threats and ex-boyfriend crisis's would be over by now.

What did he mean? If English has taught me anything, it's that every word has a metaphorical meaning behind it. It seemed like a good explanation, except those three words were spoken plainly. He put no meaning or feeling into it, as he has always done with what he says when he talks to me, yet something seems to nag at me. I think he was dead serious.

Did it scare me? Maybe a little. I'm not one to scare easy, but I've never been threatened before. Even in my early high school years I've only ever kept to myself, because everyone that didn't was either the center of gossip (Jane) or got bashed quite a lot to be taught a lesson.

What do i know about Lynx? I've tried my best to keep my distance from everyone, but as soon as those three words left his creepy mouth he suddenly became my business. He also became one of my very own suspects.

Why else would he tell me to leave Jean's disappearance alone? He could have seen us in the forest, or heard my discussion with detective what's-her-name. Both of those thoughts make my skin crawl underneath itself.

I send Jane another text. This is the second time she has been late, and hasn't answered my texts or called me back. Usually she responds straight away. When i finally catch sight of her car, i put my phone away, smile, and stride up to her door.

"You look like shit," i joke, lifting her handbag from her stiff, shaky hands. Tilting my head to catch her gaze, i give her a smile that she doesn't return.

"Okay, you're upset," i observe, passing her bag back and watching as she locks up the car.

She turns to face me, using her car to support her weight. Her mascara, while usually on point, is today looking a tad on the runny side. It's like she's been crying non-stop for days. She's never let herself get like this, but i don't need to think long to figure out why; she's falling apart without Jean.

I'd be lying if i said it didn't spark a tad bit of jealousy in me. I always thought Jane relied on me in some way, and while Jeans disappearance has purely annoyed me, it seems to be breaking Jane's peppy personality bit by bit.

"I didn't want to come to school today," she sniffs, wiping something off her nose. I keep my consoling expression, trying not to squint in disgust.

"Jane, why does this bother you so much?" It sounded like a selfish question once it left my lips, and i hoped Jane wouldn't see it that way. Of course we both knew why.

With a sigh, she drops her keys into her bag, shrugging awkwardly at the same time. "I wanted to wait for the right time to tell you. I like him."

There it is, and i wasn't surprised. I didn't bother act surprised either. I've known Jane for five years, so i know how she acts when she likes someone. The suspicion has been in the back of my mind for weeks now, but i never would have acted on it or mentioned it until Jane brought it up.