Metal Rose

Chapter 11

⚠️Trigger Warning: In this chapter, the main characters face a devastating and traumatizing situation, which is a school shooting. This is a very sensitive topic, especially for those of us in America. It is a sad but real and relatable situation in life. Take care of yourself first. This chapter is longer than normal containing events before and after the events at the school. Reader discretion is advised.⚠️

The school bell rings, causing Mercedes to look around in confusion. Kevin simply shrugs.

"I don't know where he is. It's so weird for him to not be here yet."

Emily lets out a sigh, tugging Kevin behind her. Meanwhile, Mercedes surveys her surroundings, murmuring under her breath.

"Come on, Hunter. Where are you? Don't make me have to text you."

She entered the building and approached her locker with reluctance, fretting over the possibility of an incident involving Hunter's dad. Not wanting to trouble Hunter, her concern was nonetheless sincere. All at once, the hallway was filled with gasps and a flurry of questions.

"Who the fuck is that?!"

"I know Halloween is coming but what in God's name?!"

Dean Swanson walked down the hallway and came to an abrupt halt. She then confronted the individual.

"Hey, who's in the costume?! We did not allow costumes! Remove that mask now!"

Confused, Emily and Kevin approached Mercedes. As Mercedes turned around, she was greeted by someone in a Ghostface costume, prompting an immediate smile from her. The costumed figure started sprinting towards Mercedes, brandishing a fake knife, while Dean Swanson let out a cry. Kevin and Emily back away.

"Hey! Oh my God! Miss Holland move! Stop! Now!"

The individual halts right in front of Mercedes, the mock knife mere inches from her chest. The surrounding students let out a loud gasp. Mercedes doesn't flinch at all, maintaining her smile. Dean Swanson promptly approaches.

"I don't know who you are or what game you're playing but this was not okay! Take that mask off now! Miss Holland, are you okay?"

Dean Swanson turned to find Mercedes smiling brightly, which puzzled her. Shaking her head, Mercedes responded.

"It's okay. I know exactly who this is."

The mask is removed, eliciting gasps from everyone. Hunter stands there, grinning at Mercedes, while a few students let out groans.

"Why am I not surprised? Weirdos!"

Hunter's smile remains unwavering. Meanwhile, Kevin and Emily stand there, taken aback.

"Happy October first. I got you something."

Hunter reaches into his backpack and retrieves a Chucky doll. Mercedes lets out an excited gasp before accepting the doll.

"You didn't! Thank you so much!"

Dean Swanson speaks with immediate authority.

"Mr. Sylvester! Running at your fellow student as if you are going to stab her in the chest is not a funny joke! Miss Holland, I don't know if you were in on this but it isn't funny! Get that costume off, put that doll away, and both of you get in my office immediately after!"

They both sigh and Mercedes turns to Dean Swanson.

"Can we put the stuff in my car? Can I keep it?"

Dean Swanson lets out an angry huff.

"I shouldn't let you, but please get that out of my school and hurry back to my office! Go, now!"

Kevin and Emily exchange glances, their confusion deepening. Mercedes and Hunter stroll out, laughter trailing behind them. They arrive at her car, and she shakes her head, still amused.