A Blessing or a Curse

Chapter Nine: Unease Before the Storm

The days before Friday the 13th passed in a haze of routine, yet the undercurrent of tension grew sharper with each moment. Jack couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about Leo. Despite Leo's charm and ability to blend into any group, Jack's gut screamed that there was more to him than met the eye.

During history class, Jack caught himself watching Leo out of the corner of his eye. He noticed the subtle things: how Leo's face hardened momentarily during discussions of curses or tragedy, how his hands gripped his pen just a little too tight, or how his gaze sometimes drifted, as though he were somewhere far darker.

Amilia, ever the optimist, had no suspicions. She was still busy planning the impromptu "birthday party," chatting about decorations and snacks, entirely unaware of Jack's unease.

"Jack, you're quiet today," she remarked, nudging him with her elbow as they left class together.

"Just thinking," Jack muttered, his eyes flicking toward Leo, who walked a few steps ahead of them, his head down.

Amilia didn't seem to notice Jack's distraction. "Well, stop thinking so hard! We've got plans to make. I'm going to ask Leo if he has a favorite cake or something."

Jack opened his mouth to argue but stopped when Amilia darted ahead to catch up with Leo. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay calm. He couldn't explain his suspicions without evidence—it would just sound paranoid. Still, something didn't sit right with him.

Lucas

Lucas was growing weary of the charade. The constant need to blend in, to smile, to nod, was grating on him more with each passing day. He wanted nothing more than to accelerate his plans, but he knew the importance of patience. The success of his operation depended on everyone believing the lie until the very last moment.

Amilia approached him as they walked to lunch, her cheerful energy buzzing around her like static. "Hey, Leo! I've been meaning to ask—what's your favorite cake?"

Lucas blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Uh... chocolate, I guess."

Amilia grinned. "Perfect! I'll see what I can whip up. Just wait—you'll love it!"

Her innocence was almost enough to make him falter. Almost.

"Thanks," Lucas replied, forcing a small smile. "You really don't have to go through so much trouble."

"Of course I do! It's your birthday," she said with a shrug.

Lucas chuckled, pretending to be bashful, but inside, he felt nothing but disdain. He'd spent so much of his life overlooked, dismissed, mocked. Now, they were all so eager to celebrate him, to make him feel special. It was laughable, really.

As they entered the cafeteria, Lucas spotted Jack lingering by the door, watching him. Lucas met Jack's gaze for a fraction of a second, then looked away, pretending not to notice the suspicion there.

Jack

By the time lunch ended, Jack couldn't hold back anymore. He pulled Amilia aside as they walked to their next class, his tone low and urgent.

"Amilia, have you noticed anything... strange about Leo?" he asked.

Amilia frowned. "Strange? No, not really. Why?"

Jack hesitated. "I don't know. There's just something about him. He's... too perfect, you know? Like he's trying too hard to fit in."

Amilia sighed, clearly unimpressed. "Jack, come on. Not everyone has a dark secret. Maybe Leo's just... shy or something. Or maybe he really is just a nice guy."

Jack crossed his arms. "Maybe. Or maybe he's hiding something."

Amilia shook her head. "You're overthinking it. Just give him a chance."

Jack didn't respond, but his gut told him he was right. Something about Leo wasn't adding up, and he was determined to figure out what it was—before it was too late.

Lucas

That night, as Lucas prepared for bed, he replayed the day's events in his mind. Jack's suspicion was becoming a nuisance, but Lucas knew how to handle people like him. He'd dealt with worse.

He pulled out his calendar one last time, tracing the red circle around Friday the 13th with his finger.

"Just a little longer," he muttered to himself.

His plan was flawless. And no one—not Jack, not Amilia, not anyone—would see it coming.