The Campus Killings {#LGBTQ #HORROR #FRIGHT}

Chapter Seventeen

Jake's new dorm room was a tiny bit bigger than the last one, with more floor space and a slightly bigger kitchen, as well as more room between the two beds.

"At least we got a free upgrade." he snarked, packing away his thankfully unscorched clothing into a drawer.

Willa only smiled wistfully in response, packing away her own things — a large jewellery box, dresses and makeup.

Jake then sat the guitar case down on the bed, running a hand over the leather with a sad twitch of his mouth.

"I don't think I've seen you play that and you've been here nearly two weeks." Willa commented.

Jake shrugged, "I guess I've still gotta get back into it.   My memory makes it hard to remember chords."

"I don't think that's it." Willa shook her head, "I think there's something else holding you back." She watched his expression change to one of deep sadness and bit her lower lip, "I know what it's like to lose someone." she admitted, "I have—" she trailed off and corrected, "I had a sister.  Millie."

Jake lifted his head, watching as his roommate sat down on the bed.

She continued, "Back in Stirling, where I grew up, we had this pond out back and during the winters, it'd freeze over.   One day, we were out playing and decided to go out on the lake.  We were told it wasn't safe, but I was a kid, why would I ever listen?" her voice became a little choked, "One second, she was there with me and the next she was gone."

"Oh, my God..." Jake moved to sit beside her, "I'm so sorry."

Her eyes shone with tears, "Mum and dad, I know they blamed me.  She was only three, their baby, and I lost her." she pitched forward so her head was in her hands, "I guess it's no wonder I've ended up where I am.  Stuck in the middle of nowhere in the midst of a murder case and involved with a man who I should avoid like the plague."

"It's not your fault." Jake rubbed her back soothingly.

Willa smiled weakly, "Thanks, Jake." she wiped at her face then threw her arms around his shoulders, burying her face in the crook of his neck, "God, why couldn't I fall for a nice guy like you?  Or even commit to Manny?"

"Love is complicated." Jake stated, "But you'll figure it out."

Willa pulled away, wiping at more of her tears that had fallen, scoring pink eyeshadow across her cheeks, "God, I'm a mess." she sniffled, "I should reapply my makeup before the others get here."

She pushed off the bed, though before she could disappear into the bathroom, Jake called, "Hey, Will?  Thanks for telling me."

Willa smiled, a genuine, warm beaming ray before she disappeared.

***

After the others who had agreed to the sleepover had finished their classes, they made quick work in moving two mattresses into the dorm room.

Manuela had cooked everyone lasagna, and as they all sat together afterward, they found themselves drawn into a game of Never Have I Ever, with Willa painting her girlfriend's nails pink.

"Okay," Manuela began, "Never have I ever gotten blackout drunk and woke up in Edinburgh Waverley."

Brody rolled his eyes and took a shot of the whisky Manuela had snuck in, "Come on, it was one time."

"But that's... a more than two hour train journey." Jake cocked his head, "How is that—"

Brody replied, "The power of having money and about ten too many Buckie's.   My folks were raging about it, like."