Byron's Secret (Slenderman Romance)

Chapter 34. Unexpected

Reminder that chapters 31 to 34 only took one day in Joy's life (for reference to this chapter since some might've forgotten what happened. Sorry for only updating on weekends ^-^' )

*

Here I am, alone in the high school classroom. I have at least five more canvases to grade, I really can't wait to go home. My class finished hours ago, but I had to prepare my notes and presentations for tomorrow's college class, and now, this.

It's harder than I thought it would be.

I'm starting to regret my life choices, but in the end, I have to make a living or else, I'll end up relying on my family again. I seriously want to become independent since I'm living alone and all. I'm handling things fairly well when it comes to the stalkers. Rather, they haven't bothered me lately, maybe ignoring them really works after all.

I glanced at the curtain-covered windows, a faint orange glow seeps through. Exasperated, I peeked at my wristwatch to see that it's past seven. How is that even possible? I did so little work . . . Well, I may have procrastinated for a bit here and there.

I should go, the school's closing in an hour. I don't think anyone knows that I'm still here, I don't want to be locked inside a deserted school.

Cold . . .

. . . Alone.

The very thought of it gives me the creeps. Unsettled, I anxiously kept my things in my bag and left the remaining canvases on the table. That's not where those should be, but I'm sure I'll manage if I just come to work early in the following day.

In my jittery state, I took big steps, heading out of the dimly lit classroom. The hallway looks so fucking sinister! There's always that light that keeps flickering. Now I'm wondering why they had never replaced it before. 

It didn't feel like I was alone.

Unnerved, I slowly turned around. To my horror and dismay, a figure was standing far from me, it somewhat looks like a man because of his form. I couldn't picture who it was because the lights at the end of the corridor are off to preserve power, besides that, they think the school is empty.

"Who's there?" I calmed down and asked, "The school's closing soon so it'd be better to leave."

The silhouette began to walk closer, the faint light illuminating his physique. I vaguely distinguished the orange hoodie he wore as the light shone down on him. A student, perhaps? But it's so late . . .

My phone suddenly rang, indicating a text message instead of a call. I rummaged through my bag to check on it. As I muttered to myself, he stopped short, only several steps away from me, but I was too focused on finding my phone. I barely receive and messages or calls, so whenever I do get them, they're almost always important.

While I opened the message, I gave a quick glance to the student, only to gape at him in alarm and terror. He wore a black mask, he is one of the proxies . . .

Unable to comprehend the situation, I made a run for it. But because of my fatigued state, I ended up tripping and falling. I quickly looked behind me to see him walking closer. I picked myself up and stood, facing him.

"What do you want?!" I glared, "I didn't do anything to deserve this!"

He didn't say anything, he didn't even move. He stopped a few steps away. I was expecting a sudden surge of headaches, but not this time. I'm feeling completely normal.