Trepidation | Sitkolson [ C ]

Chapter 33 | The Grand Finale

Loud music filled the gymnasium. Tables and chairs were set up to the side, and in the middle were couples and students dancing.

Devin and Josh were talking to each other, though I couldn't hear what. Devin's partner had left for the bathroom before I could meet him, but Devin promised I'd see him before the night was over. Angelo and Chris stood next to us in the corner, just holding each other.

I was the odd man out, until I spotted Ryan from across the gymnasium.

Grinning, I jogged to where he was, jumping in his arms when I was close enough.

Ryan chuckled and spun me around a few times before trapping me between him and a wall.

He leaned down and kissed me slowly.

I smiled into the kiss and ran a hand through his hair.

Upon pulling away, Ryan grabbed my hand and untwined our fingers.

"Well, hello to you, too."

I smiled, "Took your time."

"Yeah, yeah," His eyes flicked behind me. "Why're Chris and Angelo here?"

I frowned, "I thought they were here because-"

"They're not," Ryan cut me off, then sighed. "Listen, I can't be here long. I have something to do."

I rolled my eyes, "Well, that can wait, because I have something I want to do, to..."

I leaned up and caught his lips with my own, tangling my fingers in his hair. Tugging lightly, I smirked.

Ryan's grip on my hand tightened, the other one gripping onto my hip.

Before either of us knew it, the kiss started to get more and more heated, and I started to feel the tension between us.

With a groan, Ryan pulled away.

"I really have to go, Ricky..."

I pouted, "Fine. I'll stop by your place after this is done."

Ryan bit his lip, "I... Yeah, of course."

Pecking his lips, I lightly tapped his cheek before heading back towards the others.

"Ricky!"

I spun around, frowning, "Yeah?"

"I love you."

I smiled and stared into his eyes, "I love you, too, Ry."

Turning back around, I smiled to myself. I could feel the heat on my cheeks, and I looked to the ground to try and hide the blush.

I walked across the gymnasium feeling weightless. I felt as if my feet didn't even touch the ground. My heart fluttered.

I did love Ryan. It wasn't easy to hide, either. No words can adequately describe the feeling I got in my chest when it came to Ryan, love just happens to come close.

I was half way across the gym when I heard someone scream.

The sound overpowered the music that played and the voices and laughter of everyone. Suddenly, though, it all died. The music stopped, and the people went silent.

Replacing the flutter in my chest was something hollow. Instead of my stomach flooding with joy, it was replaced with dread, for I had no idea what happened.

That scream wasn't a small one that came from someone who just got pranked. No, the way it pierced through the ears of everyone... That was caused by something beyond terrifying.

I, amongst many other students, ran towards where we assumed the scream was. I hadn't even made it close before I heard more screams of shock and terror. That alone made me run more.

Pushing past and through the large crowd that started to form, I was finally able to see what had caused such a setting. It took me standing on my tip toes to peek over someone's shoulder, but when I finally saw what had happened, I covered my mouth with my hand.

There, splayed on the white tiles of the hallway, was a student covered in his own blood. His chest looked to be where he was struck. He wasn't alive, that much was obvious. There was a girl by his side, looking similar, and she was sobbing as she clutched the red and white fabric that clung to his chest.

"Move, move."

A teacher shoved students to the side to try and witness what had gathered such a crowd, and when he saw the dead body his eyes widened and his face went pale. He clearly had no idea what to do, but after a few seconds he had finally built up the courage to speak.

"Did- Did anyone see what happened?"

The girl that was sobbing on her knees looked up to face the principle. "R-Ryan. Ryan Sitkowski. He did this. I saw him... He did this!"

I shook my head and moved back, suddenly feeling claustrophobic. I had to get out of the crowd and call Ryan.

With my phone pressed against my ear and the other listening for any signs of students near, I ran away from the crowd to try and find Ryan.

I had only just made it out of the school when I heard a phone ringing. Quickly, I walked to where the sound was echoing.

My phone dropped to the ground as my hand went limp. I could feel the blood run from my face, and bile rise.

Ryan's phone laid smashed and covered in blood, along with the jacket he was wearing. They were both covered in blood, his jacket having more on it.

My mind ran faster than anything. I started to get dizzy, overwhelmed from the sudden expanse of thoughts. Before I could stop myself, I fell backwards and my vision turned dark.

The last thing that ran through my head was Ryan. But not that Ryan I thought I knew.