Bookview Valley 2

Chapter Twenty-One: Zombie

Friday, February 1st

Harper Lee, formerly known as our computer genius, also formerly known as dead. I guess she's no so dead, huh? My group and I stare at her as she makes her way over to our table, pushing through the forming crowd. I feel my back press against Luci, not realizing I had been moving back.

Harper's black hair is matted to her face, her sky blue eyes wide with fear. She glances about as she makes her way to the table. She finally reaches us and we all stare at her in shock, "Morgan, please help me!"

"Harper..." I trail off.

"How are you alive?" Brianna finally manages to speak.

"What do you mean?" Harper turns to Brianna, "You guys just left me at that house! With killer!"

"We thought you were dead," I say as tears begin to stream down Harper's face. I notice the crowd of people moving closer to our table.

"I wasn't dead! I was hiding in the attic," Harper cries, "I tried to fix the lights, but the Skeleton found me. I tried to run, but they got me. I guess they knocked me out, because all I remember is waking up to a dark and silent house."

"What about the police?" Flynn asks.

"I found my way outside and that's where I found a couple officers, but they were dead."

"This must have happened after we all left," Dean mutters.

"Why didn't anyone check the attic for her?" Luci cuts in.

"Again, we thought she was dead," I point out.

"But none of us made sure," Chad mutters, "Yikes, that's bad on our parts."

"How did you escape the killer after you went outside?" I ask.

"He wasn't there," Harper whispers, "But I know he's going to come back for me. That's why you guys have to help me. You put me in danger in the first place!"

A weird feeling sits in my gut, but I ignore it,"Yeah, of course. We're very sorry. Should we take you to the hospital?" I shake my head.

"I'm fine," Harper says defiantly.

"Okay, but you ran in here screaming bloody murder," Nick points out, "Why cause such a commotion if you just wanted to ask for help? Also, how did you know we'd be here? Another thing too, it's been like a week since the party? Where have you been?"

Harper glances out the cafe window, then at the surrounding cafe people who've pulled out phones, "I have answers to all of those questions, but can we please go somewhere safer? Or at least, not crowded?"

"She has a point," Luci agrees, "Let's head to the park? We might get more privacy there."

"Fine," Brianna shrugs.

"Actually, I have a family thing," Nick says.

"Yeah, I need some rest too. I can feel all my energy draining," Dean sighs.

"Alright, you guys go on, I'll text later and catch you up," I say. Both guys nod at me before giving each other a glare. I watch as they leave the cafe before turning back to the group, "Alright, let's go."

...

It takes us maybe five minutes to get to the park. We meet back up at the picnic table as I take in the fact that there's not many people here. I don't know if I'm glad about that or worried. Harper better not try to kill us.

"Alright, spill the beans," Brianna says once we've all sat down.

"Okay, after the party I went straight to the police station. I relayed what happened to me, and they assured me that I was okay. I went to the hospital, everything was fine, and my mom was called. I went home. She took me out of school for a week so I could recover. I didn't text anyone, because I was afraid and didn't know who to trust."

"Right, so why did you walk into Brewed looking like death?" Brianna narrows her eyes at Harper.

"Bri," I whisper harshly, "Give her a minute. Don't assume anything just yet."

"I heard about Jamie being released. With two of them free now, I'm far more afraid for my life."

"I'm just saying, if the killer wanted you dead, he probably would have killed you by now," Chad points out.

"We can't be sure of that," I shake my head.

"Anyway," Harper continues, "I found out from some classmates that you guys go to Brewed regularly. So, I walked over, but on my way there was a car. It started following me, so I tried to lose it. Instead, it sped up and tried to run me over. I raced all the way to Brewed and when I got inside I panicked. I didn't know if the driver would follow me inside, but I'm very sure whoever was driving the car was the killer."

"What kind of car was it?" Luci asks.

"Um, some gray Toyota? It didn't really stand out..." Harper replies.

"Do we know anyone with a gray Toyota?" Luci asks

"Jamie's Aunt owns a gray Toyota," I respond, "I vaguely remember it from Holidays I spent with Jamie."

"So, the other killer is Jamie's Aunt?" Brianna asks.

"Or Jamie stole her car?" Flynn suggests.

"Or the other killer is in good relation status to Jamie's aunt," I shrug.

"Either way," Luci says, "This gives us a lead."

"How?" Chad asks.

"Tomorrow, the cinema, we'll look for a gray Toyota," Luci turns to Harper, "Would you be able to recognize the car?"

"Maybe," Harper pauses, "Actually, yes, I think so. One of the front lights were out and I think there was a sticker on the back window."

"Are you comfortable with going to the cinema tomorrow?" I ask.

"What if she's the killer!" Brianna exclaims.

"One of us will just have to watch her," I say.

"Not it!" Brianna taps her nose.

"Don't look at me," Flynn shakes his head. We all look at Chad, who's picking at a scab on his hand. After a moment of silence he looks up.

"What?" Chad asks.

"Chad, really?" Harper groans.

"What's wrong with Chad," Brianna glares at Harper.

"Uh...nothing," Harper shakes her head.

"Just don't kill him, okay?" I add.

"I'm not the killer," Harper glares at me.

"We'll see."