Bookview Valley 2

Chapter Eight: Why Are We Doing This?

Thursday, January 22nd (Edited 6/30/24)

Five days until the sentence hearing...

"I can't believe I was talked into this," I mutter standing, once again, under the tree at lunch.

"Don't worry," Flynn tries to reassure me, "With our group, no killer could stand against us! We'll catch him, for sure!"

"I hope so," I sigh as I watch Jemma stride over to us, three guys following her. A feeling in my stomach tells me I already hate what I'm about to go through. This can't be good, I mean what do we need a random guy for?

"Why..no..." I try to look closer, "What?"

Flynn snickers, "She did not."

"I really hope she didn't." Something tells me I already know what they're for, but I really hope I'm wrong. I swear, I will take Jemma out if I need to; help the killer and all.

"She so did," Brianna laughs, walking up to us, Chad on her tail. A groan escapes me and I now want to cry.

"Don't groan," Jemma says, coming to a stop in front of us, "This is necessary."

"I really don't think it is," I scoff, training my eyes away from the random guys.

"So, what's this all about?" The first guy asks pulling my gaze to him. His red hair is a curly mess and his amber eyes seem to find mine instantly; freckles line his nose and cheeks. He gives me an inquisitive look.

"This is Tyler," Jemma says, introducing him.

"I'm Joseph," The second guy says, drawing my attention. His brown hair is parted in the middle, but it actually kind of works for him. His brown eyes smile at me, they me think of a golden retriever. His soft brown skin glints golden in the sunlight.

"And lastly," Brianna says, with some annoyance, "Dean."

"Hi, Brianna," He rolls his grey eyes, running a hand through his dyed, dark blue hair. He turns to me, "Yeah, what she said. Why are we here? Jemma refused to tell us."

"Jemma, I can't believe you did this," I hiss at her, trying to resist the urge to strangle her then trying to figure out why I'm resisting.

"Everyone knows there needs to be a love interest," Harper says, strolling over to us. I think there's a slight hint of amusement on her face. I bet she wouldn't be so amused if she was in my place.

"Love interest?" Tyler asks.

"What?" Joseph speaks up.

"You're kidding," Dean scoffs.

"Now I have to tell you all what's going on," Jemma fumes, "Thanks, Harper."

"You're welcome," Harper flashes her pearly whites, before plopping down against the tree. She takes out her phone and instantly starts to ignore us.

"Okay, even if they wanted to stay after you tell them what's up, I'm not choosing," I say, "This is crazy."

"It's not crazy," Jemma says, "It's what we need."

"I don't need a love interest," I glare at her, but she ignores my glares and fixes the messy bun her pink hair is in.

"Yeah," Flynn adds in, "Her last interest is who we suspect."

"That's not the point," Jemma says, leaving her hair alone and focusing back on me.

"Then, what's the point?" I ask, feeling slight anger begin to boil in me, "All we've done is waste time!"