Bookview Valley 3

Chapter Sixteen: Another Flame

Tuesday, August 31

I tap my fingers against the semi-sticky table impatiently. My empty cup continues to drip excess water off of its sides. The chatter surrounding me is low, but the smell of coffee keeps me somewhat calm. Wiggling, I shuffle uncomfortably in the booth.

"Do you need a refill?" The waitress asks.

"No thank you," I say against my actual wishes. I would love another mocha, but any more coffee and I may burst. I can't take the anxiety as is. The cafe door jingles as it swings open, my attention quickly snapping towards it. Instantly spotting Brianna and Flynn, my heart slows down in relief. Finally. They spot me and make their way over.

Brianna and Flynn slide in the booth across from me. They glance around the rest of the cafe then back at me. Brianna raises an eyebrow, "Where's Nick and Dean?"

"Or Lexi, and Harper," Flynn pipes in. After last night's visit with Vincent, he drove me back to my dorm; I instantly went to sleep once I got there, but not before I made sure Lexi was asleep in her bed. I'm not sure what happened after the crazy bar thing, or if the cops were looking for me, but I figured I'd figure it out the next day. Which is today, and the fastest way to get information, would be from these two.

"Well, the boys didn't know anything about our plans for last night, and Lexi, even though she went with me last night, is still in class. Also, after the party Harper has been oddly quiet."

"Good thing we all got out of classes around the same time," Flynn points out, "As for Harper, I know she got home from the party, but I haven't checked in since. I'll send her a text." 

"I still have one more class later tonight," I say, "But for a couple hours I'm good. Let me know what Harper says." 

"So, spill it," Brianna says, vibrating with impatience, "What went down last night?"

"I'll get to that, but did you guys hear anything about what happened?"

"There was something on the news about the bar, but they didn't let out much information yet," Flynn responds.

"Weird, I'll probably have to head down to the police station later," I mutter, "But, anyway, I'll catch you guys up." I recall everything that happened last night up to the point of me passing out in the janitor's closet. I decide not to tell them about Vincent, as he had me promise. It's probably for the better that I don't.

"So, Vincent isn't the killer?" Brianna asks.

"How did you get home if you passed out?" Flynn asks.

"No, I don't believe he is," I tell Brianna, "And I actually woke up later. Apparently there were sirens, and that scared off the Skeleton, but Vincent had taken me to his car. I woke up there and he drove me home."

"That's nice of him," Flynn says.

"What about Lexi?" Brianna asks.

"I mean, she's alive, she was in the dorm last night. I'm sure Erin took her home or something. I don't blame her for getting out of there."

"You don't think that Lexi is one of the Skeletons do you?" Flynn asks.

"I..I don't think so," I say, but I'm not entirely sure. Vincent did say he didn't know who any of the other ones were.

"So, you didn't talk to the police?" Brianna asks.

"Not yet, but I plan to after our talk," I reply.

"And you haven't talked to Dean or Nick today?" Flynn asks.

"No, but they're probably thinking I need some space after the whole break-up thing."

"And they're right," Brianna huffs, but then grins mischievously, "There's a new boy in town who deserves your attention."

I snort, yeah he's never getting that kind of attention. Now that I know what he's done, I could never, "Haha, I think I may just take a break from dating. It's not really important right now, anyway."

"But if you wait too long-" I cut Brianna off.

"If they're not willing to wait, then I don't need them. There are plenty of fish in the sea, and I have more important things to worry about."

"Maybe for you," Flynn scoffs, "But I, on the other hand, finally have another date with Sebastien."

I smile at Flynn, "And I'm very happy for you. I hope it goes well."

He gleams, "Thank you."

"You must give us the deets after!" Brianna exclaims.

"I will," Flynn's grin only growing wider.

"For the moment, however, let's lay low on the whole Skeleton thing," I say.

"Why?" Brianna asks.

"Because I have a lead, but I need to make sure it's real first. So you guys stay safe, and I'll let you know when I know more."

"Okaaay," Brianna sighs, "But don't take too long."

"I won't," I shake my head.

"Good," Flynn nods, before he and Brianna continue to gush over Sebastien.

...

I rush into the classroom, book under my arm, and quickly find an empty seat. A girl sits in the seat across from me, placing her books on her desk. She glances over at me and does a double take.

"You're Morgan Brooks, aren't you?" She asks.

"Yes, I am..." I say hesitantly, "And you are?"

"I'm Paige," The girl says, tossing her red hair over her shoulder. It catches the light over head, giving it a flame-like shine. It reminds me of Jamie, a pang of sadness in my stomach, "I've heard a lot about you."

"I'm sure," I sigh, "I've been all over the news for the past couple of years."

"Huh," Paige cocks her head, "Oh, no that's not what I mean!"

"What do you mean then?" I raise an eyebrow.

"I did hear about all of that, but I actually heard about you before any of it. I actually dated your brother back in ninth grade in BookView Valley Highschool."

"You dated Luci?" I ask, not really believing it.

"Yes, but for a short period of time," Paige giggles, it sounds like little bells, "I'm so sorry for all of your loss. I can't believe he turned out to be...well...you know..."

"A cold-hearted killer?"

"Yes," Paige nods, she gives me a sad smile, "Back when I dated him, I never would've thought him capable of any of that. He was so sweet."

"He was sweet," I agree," but people change."

"Sadly, they do," Paige nods, "If you ever need a friend to talk to, feel free to talk to me."

"Um, sure, thanks," I say.

She slips a piece of paper to me, "My number. Feel free to text or call, it could even be just about homework."

"I'll give you a text sometime," I say, slipping the paper in my pocket. She gives me another smile as class begins.