Clashing Cliques

Jessica's POV

I pull the note out from my bag, re-reading it over again for the millionth time.

'Wanna gossip about our love letters? I'll get that pretty little Lauren to pay for your disobedience..'

I don't know how to tell Lauren, my best friend in the whole world, that I have a stalker that's been leaving notes in my locker. I know she'll freak if she finds out and instantly want to report it. The stalker said in his first note not to tell anyone or go to the cops. I hate keeping this from her, but I am terrified for my life and hers. I also don't know who it is or could be is another factor. It could be a nobody that goes here, could be a stranger I met on the street, could even be someone I know. Not knowing who it is is the most horrifying part, or the fact that he knows me.

I feel like I'm constantly being watched by someone. I hate dealing with this alone and I want to tell her, so she'll stop worrying. Knowing her, she's still worried because she probably knows I'm keeping something from her. I'm constantly watching my back and looking around corners knowing that someone's watching my every move.

It's currently lunch time and I'm going off campus with Lauren and her brother, Joe. We're going to go eat and he's going to bring us back to school.

I see her walking towards me. "Hey, Lauren!" I greet her with a painted on smile and a hug.

"Hey." She replies back. "You ready to go get some food?" I nodded at her and we continue to walk hand-in-hand out of the school to meet up with Joe.

We see him by his car. "Hey girls. How's your day going?"

"My day is going okay, how about yours, Jess?"

"My day is going good." He looks at me strangely before looking at his sister. With the way he looked at me, it gave me a weird feeling in my gut. Something seemed off, I can't put my finger on it.

We got in the car and drove to a small diner we used to frequent a lot. It feels weird without Nick here, I miss him. We are at the one and only mom and pop's diner known as Marie's. Only the best shakes in town! I order strawberry which is my favorite and the siblings get chocolate, which is the most boring flavor ever in my opinion. Nick hates shakes, making him even more boring. He would always tease us about ordering shakes because he says they're back wash to him.

Considering the recent events, I can barely stomach my shake let alone a burger. I know they're looking at me weird so I avoid their gaze. Anything to protect them.

I'm startled as I feel someone place their hand on my own and I look up at Joe. "Are you okay, Jess?" I just nod at him with a smile.

"Yeah, I'm alright." I tell him a lie, I can't risk letting either of them know my struggle with this. It's too dangerous. I repeat in my head and scope my surroundings. He could be here, watching me at this moment. I feel Joe's gaze still on me, but I choose to ignore it.

If only I knew how close he actually was...

Joe is staring at me while I'm lost in thought, smirking as if he knew.