Pact of the Cryptic Killer

Chapter 2

Navaeh and I made our way through the bustling courtyard, Navaeh chatting animatedly about our plans for the weekend. I listened, grateful for the distraction, though my mind still buzzed with the lingering sting of the morning's encounter. But with Navaeh beside me, it was easier to push those thoughts aside and focus on the present.

As we approached the classroom, I spotted Xavier leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed and a casual smile playing on his lips. He straightened up as we neared, raising an eyebrow at Navaeh's dramatic retelling of the earlier incident.

"Really? They never learn, do they?" Xavier said, shaking his head in mock disbelief. "One day, they're going to regret messing with you, Sage."

I couldn't help but smile at his easy confidence. "You sound pretty sure of that."

"I am," he replied with a grin. "Because they have no idea what they're up against."

The three of us stepped into the classroom, the familiar scent of chalk and old books filling the air. Students were settling into their seats, the hum of conversation fading as the teacher entered, a stack of papers in hand. I took my usual spot by the window, Navaeh and Xavier flanking me on either side. It was comforting, being surrounded by my friends, their presence a reminder that I wasn't alone in this.

As the lesson began, I found myself glancing out the window, my thoughts drifting. The day had started rocky, but with Navaeh and Xavier's support, I did feel a renewed sense of determination. I wasn't just at Crestview because of a scholarship-I was there because I had earned it, and I wasn't going to let a few bullies take that away from me.

The hours passed in a blur of lectures and notes, the rhythm of the school day familiar and grounding. But as the final bell rang and students began to file out of the classroom, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was still off, a nagging sense of unease that clung to me like a shadow.

I gathered my things, stuffing my books into my backpack with more force than necessary. Navaeh and Xavier were already discussing their plans for lunch, but my mind was elsewhere. I couldn't help but wonder what the rest of the day would bring-and whether that sense of foreboding would ever go away.

As we left the classroom, heading towards the cafeteria, I caught sight of a group of teachers huddled together, their faces serious as they spoke in hushed tones. My curiosity piqued, but before I could linger, Xavier nudged me gently.

"Come on, Sage," he said, nodding towards the cafeteria doors. "Lunch is calling."

I nodded, forcing myself to focus on the present. But as we made our way to the cafeteria, that uneasy feeling only grew stronger, a whisper in the back of my mind that refused to be ignored.

...

The cafeteria was a loud, chaotic mess of students, trays clattering, and overlapping conversations. I followed Navaeh and Xavier to our usual spot near the back, where we could have a bit of privacy from the prying eyes and sharp tongues that filled the room. As we sat down, I couldn't help but notice a group of girls at a nearby table whispering and glancing in my direction. I knew the looks all too well-whispers of gossip that never stayed quiet for long.

"Ugh, what's their problem now?" Navaeh said, rolling her eyes dramatically as she caught the girls staring. "I swear, they must be running out of things to talk about if they're still obsessing over us."

"Let them talk," Xavier added, his tone light but his eyes sharp. "It's not like they have anything better to do."

I tried to ignore the whispers, focusing on my lunch instead. But just as I took a bite of my sandwich, one of the girls-Marissa, a notorious gossip with a mean streak-sauntered over to our table, a smirk playing on her lips.