Finding Megan

1

Irresistible, that's what she was. She had that thing- that thing you can't fake. You know the type? They walk in a room and all eyes are glued to them. Like they're a magnet or something and we're all hopelessly pulled in by the force. Collateral damage, I suppose.
But this isn't just about Megan. This is my confession. My malnourished, dirty, panting secret that's been hidden away like an unwanted child. Screaming for recognition. It's easy to blame it on her, of course, but you'll have to make up your mind yourself... After all humanity is the best kind of judge- isn't it?

My heart was pounding. I could hear the slow drumming in my ears, in my pulse, in my feet. The moisture was growing on the back of my neck; my fine hairs glued together by my guilt. The biting air shot into my lungs and the icy pain reminded me of my reality. This is real. You are doing this. There's no going back. The taste of metal flooded my mouth. My tongue followed the taste, eager to find the culprit; exploring the crevices and cracks between my white, sharp teeth. I realised I was bleeding. I traced the rough cracks on my lips and the rough, gritty skin revealed what I'd done.

"Bella." I heard her faint laughter before my name.

"Belllaaaa." Again that imp like chortle.

"For God's sake BELLA!"

My eyes seemed to open to the reality in front of me. Time was no longer elastic, but firmly rooted in the present. In the now.

I lifted the round, light, flexible ball in my hand and peered at it. Then, without thinking, I hurled it forward-

Stop. The minutes began to slow. The wolves were panting and snarling in anticipation, as they watched the innocent lamb heading to the slow slaughter.

Social slaughter I mean.

She looked up at me after it hit her. The water balloon. It was only a water balloon- what's the big deal? It was a joke, right?

Her dark eyes locked with mine. They were intertwined for a moment. Can she see my guilt? Sorrow? The underlying anticipation and excitement buzzing in my stomach. My legs trembled uncontrollably. Her gaze did not falter for a single moment. She never even blinked. I averted my eyes.

"Oh my-God!" Just look at her!"

"You are just too evil!"

That was Louise's first day at school. The first day we met. The start of my nightmare.