The Campus Killings {#LGBTQ #HORROR #FRIGHT}

Chapter Twenty Two

Over a week passed after Manuela's murder, without incident, though Jake felt the heavy atmosphere that had hung over the school.

Willa hadn't yet returned to class, not that he could blame her and at night, he could hear her utter the other woman's name in her sleep.  It was so devastatingly sad, lost love, so much pain.  He wanted to take it all from her.

During the day, it wasn't much easier as he had to face Petrović every time he sat down in class, always to a frosty reception after standing his ground to him.

Across the room, he could sense the man's distaste and anger toward him, those cold eyes staring through him as his tongue curled venomously around questions.

Lunchtime was his sole reprieve, even if seeing Amrit was a cruel reminder of everything going on — there was a hollow nature to his glance, an emptiness that was haunting.   It was obvious something was weighing on him, but he didn't have the nerve to press further.

At least there was Raleigh — though he was still too scared to take the next step and act on his feelings, even just his presence, his smile seemed to relax him.

"I definitely beat you today." he remarked to Brody teasingly as they sat down at the lunch bench, slotting in next to Jake.

Brody countered, "That's because you started early, you cheat."

"Someone's a sore loser." the other man commented, then looked at Jake, "'sup?  How's Will holding up?"

Jake replied, "She's doing as well as she can." his knee began bouncing up and down awkwardly, knocking into Raleigh's, "I wish I could help her."

"I'm sure she appreciates everything you're doing." Raleigh's leg moved to rub against his encouragingly.

It was a small gesture, but reassured Jake somewhat, as did the man's gregarious manner, though before he let himself get lost again, he was pulled out of his thoughts.

Amrit came over, slamming his plate on the table as he grumbled, "You two lovebirds look happy."

Jake froze a little, "W— We're not—" he shook the comment off, "Where's Eilidh?"

He hadn't seen her at lunch in a few days now, having been clearly troubled about something the last time, not that he blamed her.

"Knowing her, she's sulking about something." Brody remarked, "She's been moodier than ever lately."

Amrit suggested, "Maybe you should ask her."

"She won't want me to." the other man assured, "She'll get pissy if she thinks I'm pressuring her."

Raleigh offered, "I could speak to her, she likes me at least most of the time."

"That's only because she used to have a crush on you." his friend retorted, "Anyway, I've been under a lot of pressure with the dance tomorrow.  It's not been easy."

Jake asked, "Can't you request someone else do it?"

"Wish I could, but I'm the one in charge." Brody shrugged, "At least it's helped me compile a list of suspects." he sighed shakily, "Top of which is Maxwell."

Raleigh cocked an eyebrow, "You sure?"

"It hurts me, but he does have it out for everyone, between Angelique and Laura, he's involved with people who caused us a lot of pain." he pressed his lips into a thin line, "I know I ought to at least speak to him."

Raleigh then asked, "Is that a good idea, mate?  After what he did to—"

"I should let him at least explain himself, no?" Brody considered for a second, "You know what, I'll do exactly that!" he slammed his hand down, grabbing his tray before leaving.