Mr. Cumberbatch

Chapter 21- Homecoming Night Part 2

*Recap*

"Who are you? And why are you doing this to me? Why can't I see you?" Nicole shouts nearly in tears. 

The sounds instantly stop at once, and she immediately regrets asking these questions. With little or no delay after the sounds have stopped, a black figure appears a few feet from where she is standing. It hides behind the fine line of the light from the single lamp above the back door and the darkness of the moonless night. Behind the shadow, a pale face appears.

Her heart sinks to the pit of her stomach. The name of the pale face rolls off the edge of her lips as a whisper.

"Michael."

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Her first instinct is to run far from him as fast as she can, but she isn't able to do so. Her body freezes into a state of paralysis. She feels as though she can sense the evil thoughts radiate from his mind. Knowing what he is capable of is very unsettling. She isn't able to make a sound, and even if she was able to, everyone inside the building is dancing and laughing to loud music. Nobody would be able to hear her screams for help. It would be useless.

As Michael creeps along the pavement and inches closer to her body, she can't help but notice something is different about him. When he enters under the dim light of the overhead lamp, most if not all of his features are quite noticeable; his hair is longer and unkept, and his clothes are dull colored and torn. But something about his appearance was far worse. A menacing glare was spread across his features and lingered unpleasantly in her direction. It was almost as if he was more evil than before and it was beginning to show on his face. Once his scheme to figure out Nicole's hidden relationship had taken place, he must have been satisfied to get what he had wanted the entire time. The truly utmost thing he feeds off of. Her complete and utter fear.

Now, he is standing a distance of about a foot from her and the doorway, and the only natural response she has is to close her eyes and wish she was somewhere else. Somewhere safe, like at home, Amanda's, or resting in Benedict's comforting arms. She can't help but let a single tear shed from her eye as she thinks about the people she cares about the most and that she may never see them again.

"Why are you doing this to me?"

Her voice was very shaky, she didn't think she could keep herself pulled together.

"Does there always need to be a motive Nicole?"

He moves his face close to hers and breathes heavily. She cringes and turns her head along the side of the brick building forcing herself tight against it. She tries not to make contact with him as she speaks. "How did you find out about Benedict and I...?"

He laughs maniacally and shakes his head. "Oh, stupid, careless Nicole. You really thought you were being discreet? Well, guess what. You two weren't the only ones that happened to be at that bar that night. I was there too."

She turns to him with a confused look. "Even if that's true, you wouldn't have known he was going to be my teacher at that time. That was the day before school had even started."

He rests his hand against her cheek and she pushes it away. He gives her a fierce glare. "You're right. I hadn't known. But, that didn't stop me from doing some research to figure out who you're newest love interest was. Once I realized he was an English teacher at Rockchester, I couldn't help but feel the urge to hold it against you."

"But, the notes-" she says with terror in her voice. "How did you get them into the school?"

"Oh, it was easy," he smirks. "The school security here is basically inexistent."