Pathways

Chapter 6

I'm in my office studying when I hear a knock on the door. That's weird. I wasn't expecting anyone. I rush downstairs as quietly as I can making sure not to wake my mother who's sleeping on the couch. I slowly open the door and step outside to see William.

"How did you find where I live?" I ask feeling suspicious.

"You don't live far. I watched you walk home that day you helped with the boxes to make sure you were safe." He explains.

"Why are you here?" I question.

" I think I have something you'll want." He holds up a piece of paper and I try to snatch it from him but he quickly holds it over his head out of my reach.

"What is that?" I ask.

" So many questions, just let me inside." he teases.

I roll my eyes. " You better not waste my time. I was studying."

He nods and I tiptoe up the stairs. He seems to get that I want to be quiet because he also makes minimal noise as we walk up the steps to my bedroom. My bedroom is really the only area in the house that is acceptable for people to hang out in. That and my sister's bedroom. The dining room is a mess and so is the kitchen. The living room is where my mom sleeps. Beer cans and empty cigarette packs litter the place along with bags of chips and tissues. I try to avoid showing anyone the area as much as possible. I gesture William down the hallway toward my bedroom. When I reach the door I stop short. Realizing it's not as clean as I would have liked it to be.

"I wasn't expecting any guests" I warn him.

"That's fine." He shrugs.

Opening the door I tell him to sit on my bed while I get an office chair. He looks around my room examining everything. I watch him as he stares at the one-direction pictures I have on my wall. Jake hates them. After William is done checking out my room he looks me in the eyes and grins.

"I may have gotten something that might help you," he states.

" What? Just show me already." I place my hands on my hips.

"Bossy," he frowns, " I got some of Axel's notes. If you compare the handwriting-"

" I've been trying to get this all day." I quickly jump up and dig through my desk to find the notes I put in. But they're gone. Was somebody in my room? I search the shelves and the bins under my bed but all the notes are gone expert the one from today I had in my backpack.

"They're gone." I choke.

William gives me a strange look, " You lost them?"

"I still have one from today but I remember putting the others in a pile on my desk," I state.

"Just compare it to the one you have today. Find the letters later." He shrugs.

I stop looking around my room and dig through my backpack. I find today's unread letter and start to read it.

Dear Anna,

I come again with bad news. Life is just filled with sorrow and misery and I'm sorry you have to go through that. I wish I could tell you the good things but right now there is nothing good. You're the only light in this dull world. You must be protected at all costs. Take care of yourself, Anna. This is the only life you get and life is a very precious thing. Too bad another life is in danger.

William interrupts me from finishing the letter. I shiver as I stand over him. He holds up Axel's worksheet and I place the letter on the bed next to it. We both look closely at the handwriting. It's similar but it's not a perfect match. There are some obvious differences.

"It's not Axel," William says.

My shoulders fall in disappointment. Who is it? I can't do this anymore this is making me paranoid. If it's not Axel then-. My thoughts are interrupted by William.

"Calm down, Anna. We'll figure this out." William tries to confront me but I can tell he can see the panic in my eyes.

"William, what if he threatens me? I'm not safe. He's always watching." I feel tears sting my eyes.

"Hey, Hey. Look at me. You're safe. I won't let anything happen to you." He murmurs.

I nod as I try to calm myself down. William gets off of my bed, " I have to go, but I promise we'll figure this out, okay?"

I nod and open my door to let him out. I hear the front door open and I jump onto my bed with a big sigh. I lay on my side thinking about the letters. Should I go to the police? No. I have to figure this out on my own and confront them. What if they're dangerous though? William said he wouldn't let anything happen to me. I roll over and something pokes my leg. The letter. I never finished it. I pick it up and mentally prepare myself as I read.

This time it's your teacher Mr. Morgue. He will be in a fatal car crash today and won't be in school for months to come. You have been warned, Anna.

Yours truly-?

A car crash? Mr. Morgue. The last letter about the suicide was right? Is this one the same? Can these really see into the future? If so I have to do something. It's too late now though. I read the letter too late. The damage is probably already done. I stare at the letter and that's when I notice a drop of water falls onto the words. Another drop of water and another. I realize my tears are washing away the words on the letter. I can almost smell it. My fear leeching onto me. It doesn't help that the second William left I felt I was being watched. I rub my shoulders and tuck myself under my warm blanket like a scared child. God, this stalker is really getting into my head.