The Bookstore

(25) Oops, it Dropped!

Jack

Tyler and I are in my garage, working on an old motorcycle. I used to ride it, but it broke down. You could say I'm still a biker boy. The garage is filled with tools and parts, with the scent of motor oil hanging in the air. I'm wearing a black T-shirt and jeans, with my hair tousled and a smudge of grease in my cheek. He's dressed in a hoodie and cargo pants, looking focused as he hands me tools and asks questions. He's like my little rookie now.

The sound of clinking metal and the hum of conversation fills the space. Sunlight streams through the garage door, casting long shadows. We chat about various topics as we work on the motorcycle, from his school to upcoming events on town.

"Man, this bike is gonna look sick when it's done." He says.

"Yeah, it's a lot of work, but it'll be worth it. Maybe we can take it for a spin once it's ready."

My eyes light up as I talk about the motorcycle, clearly passionate about the project. He asks questions, genuinely interested in learning more about the mechanics of the bike.

My phone rings, interrupting our conversation. I wipe my hands on a rag before answering. My ringtone is a classic rock song, obviously fitting my personality. He shoots a glance at me and I chuckle.

"Man, why the hell you have that ringtone?" He says while chuckling, and I just shrug, running my fingers through my hair while I hear Lily's voice through the phone, sounding a bit tense but soon relaxing once she hears me picking up the call.

"Jack, can we meet up? I need to talk to you about something important."

"Sure, Lily. Where do you want to meet?"

My expression shifts to concern as I listen to her. Tyler watches, sensing that something serious might be going on. She sounds determined, as if she's made up her mind about something crucial.

***

We meet at the town park, a quiet and serene spot with benches and a small pond. The sun is beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the park. The sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the breeze adds to the tranquil atmosphere. A few people are walking their dogs or jogging in the distance.

I'm still in my casual clothes from earlier, looking slightly disheveled but attentive. She's dressed in a light sweater and jeans, her waves falling down her mid-back like autumn leaves in a stack. She looks anxious but relieved. We embrace as soon as we see each other, our hug turning into a gentle kiss. It's a moment of comfort and connection.

"Hey, what's going on? You sounded worried." I say after our lips part.

"I am. It's Anna. I think something's really wrong with her. Well, I don't think, I KNOW."

I hold her close, my touch trying to be reassuring. I look into her eyes, clearly concerned for her. She clings to me, seeming to feel a mix of relief and fear. I know she's desperate for me to understand her concerns.

We sit on a bench by the pond, talking quietly but urgently about Anna. The bench is slightly worn, with carvings from past visitors. The water in the pond ripples gently, reflecting the colors of the setting sun. I sit close to her, our knees touching. I hold her hand, listening intently.

She explains her fears and madness about Anna, recounting the eerie phone call and the unsettling encounter in the streets. I listen carefully, taking her concerns seriously.

"She said she was watching me at the park. It was so creepy, Jack. And the way she looked at me... it gave me shivers."

"I believe you, Lily, you know I do. I'll help you figure things out, okay?"

Tyler

Jack, Sophie, Bella and I stand outside the bookstore, waiting for Lily and Anna. The air is crisp, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. Jack is now in a navy blue jacket and jeans, his hands in his pockets as he watches the street intently, looking slightly anxious for some reason. I wear a hoodie and sneakers, looking around with a mix of curiosity and concern.

Bella is dressed in a casual dress and cardigan, her expression puzzled as she wonders what's going on. Sophie wears a leather jacket and jeans, her arms crossed as she taps her foot impatiently.

Lily arrives, her face set in a determined expression. She wears a light coat and jeans, her hair loose as usual. She seemed to give a little nod at Jack, which he gave another nod back at her. She looks frustrated and angry, her steps quick and purposeful as she joins us. We greet her with small smiles, sensing her agitation.

She stands in front of everyone, taking a deep breath. She looks around, her eyes blazing with anger and frustration. She stands tall, her fists clenched at her sides as she prepares to speak. We watch her closely, sensing the intensity of her emotions.

She starts to ramble angrily about Anna, her words spilling out in a torrent of frustration and suspicion.

"I don't care what any of you say, there's something seriously wrong with Anna! She's been acting so strange, and I can feel it in my bones. That phone call, the way she looked at me in the park... it wasn't her! And now she's not even here? She's hiding something, I just know it!"

Her voice raises with each word, her face flushed with anger. She gestures wildly, empathizing her points. We all exchange shocked glances, not used to seeing Lily so worked up.

As she continues her rant, our attention shifts behind her, our faces going pale with shock. Jack's eyes widen, I gasp, Bella's hand flies to her mouth and Sophie's expression turns to one of horror. Lily is too caught up in her rant to notice the change in our expressions.

We shout to warn her, but it's too late.

"Lily!"

Our voices are filled with urgency and fear, but our warning comes just a moment too late.

Anna appears behind her, holding a heavy object. Without hesitation m she strikes Lily on the head. Anna is dressed in dark clothes, blending into the shadows. Her face is a mask of cold determination. The blow lands with a dull thud, and Lily crumples to the ground, unconscious.

Anna stands over Lily's fallen form, a sinister smile playing on her lips. Her voice is eerily calm and casual, as if she's done something trivial. We stare in horror, frozen by the sudden violence.

"Oops, it dropped!"