One Clue Behind

Chapter Four

It's been a week since I found the charm and the fresh chalk inscription on my dorm room door plaque. I found an old shoe box containing old CDs and switched them out for the evidence, stacking the CDs on the floor next to my desk. Spending about ten minutes searching the floor for creaky or loose boards, I finally found one under my window that was loose enough I could pop up with a fork I stole from the dining hall. Removing the board next to it is an empty space under the wood about eight inches deep and six inches wide, just big enough for a small shoe box.

    Since I've hidden the shoebox under my floor, I can't stop thinking about it. The slight lifting of the floorboard always teases me to open it and stare at its morbid contents once more. I'm afraid to look at what's in the box though. Will there be more morbid surprises waiting for me? Will they be delivered each time my back is turned or while my guard is down? I've toyed with the idea of going to the police, and maybe I should. Or should I try to figure this out myself? I usually would've asked Courtney, but we've been somewhat distant since the diner seven days ago. Throughout classes and meals, I've kept to myself again. Back to my introverted impenetrable shell.

    I've been spending my free time either in the library researching police procedures or in my room writing in my journal and watching movies balled up in my duvet. I ordered more boxes of spiced tea so I didn't have to make a run to the market in town. The tea was delivered yesterday so I have a full stock for now.

    It's after my final classes of the day and I burst through my dorm room, dropping my book bag at the foot of my bed before toppling over and smashing my face in my pillow. In the pillow I let out a large sigh, the sound coming from my vocal cords sounding like a zombie from Dawn of the Dead. Before I can get entirely comfortable suffocating myself, a knock raps on the door lightly.

    I lift myself and open the door slowly. "What's up?" I ask as I see Tony and Courtney on the other side.

    Tony steps forward, asking permission to come in and I open my door, heading back inside and the twins both shuffle in after me.

"So we know you've been busy and stuff, but want to grab some pancakes at Dellah's tonight? Might be fun," Tony asks and Courtney agrees, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. I smile too, appreciating their efforts.

"Actually guys, I was going to stay in and head to the library. I've got a deadline coming up for the writing journal and I need to edit some more." I reply, hiding the real reason I've been spending so much time at the library.

"Well, you know where to find us if you get hangry." Courtney says, her smile turning down a little. Tony starts toward the door, his hand resting on the handle waiting for Courtney to follow.

"You know what? I'll see, okay? I'll text Court if I decide to head out."

"Okay."

After the twins leave, I get changed into something more comfortable than my black, red and purple school uniform. Satisfied with my ripped jeans and bulky gray sweater, I repack my book bag with my laptop and its charger, a notebook and assorted colored pens. Looking at my anatomy and English literature textbooks splayed across my bed, I sling the pack over my shoulder and grab my keys. My eyes scan any surface where a new creepy clue could have been planted. Nothing. So I leave, locking the door behind me.

The girls dormitories are on the complete other side of the school, away from the boys. To get to the boys dorms, we have to go through the art hall, science labs, and STEM classes halls, and the cafeteria. The library is nestled on the third floor of the school, with the English and writing departments. It's also two halls and one floor away from the boys' dorms. It takes me all of ten minutes to get to the library, which makes me glad for the fifteen minutes of leeway in between classes so students can get from each side of the school to the other.