Expose Them, sequel to Release Me (Editing)

3

Twiddling my thumbs, I keep on glancing at the clock. Five more minutes and then it will finally be summer vacation!

The bell rings above head, at last, and I bolt out of my seat, racing out the door.

"Al!"

I look over my shoulder to see Hunter heading my way, a smile making its way onto my face.

"Can you believe the year is over?"

"No, it's a dream come true."

He takes hold of my hand."How does pizza sound?"

"Amazing."

Fifteen minutes later we're sliding into the red and yellow booth, pizza in hand.

Hunter grins, before taking a bite of his. "Now this is the life," he says, tomato sauce dripping down his chin.

I lean forward, my fingers wiping it away, and smile. "Agreed."

That's when he kisses me, tasting like well, pizza. I close my eyes, my fingers making their way into his hair and my mouth moving along with his, deepening our kiss.

When I open my eyes, he's gone.

"Hunter?" I begin to panic.

"Al, help me."

I run toward his voice, passing empty booths. Reaching the checkout counter, my eyes widen. Standing behind it is Miss Jakins, her gun pointed at Hunter.

"No," I cry, just as she pulls the trigger...

My eyes fly open and I sit up, trembling. These nightmares have been frequently happening the past few nights. All I ever see is Hunter dying over and over again, every time I close my eyes.

I remain awake for the rest of the night, rocking back and forth, blanket wrapped tightly around me.

At five thirty a.m., I climb out of bed to go shower.

Dripping wet, I stand before the mirror, gazing at my reflection. My eyes are bloodshot due to the lack of sleep.

Sighing, I quickly change into a jean skirt and yellow beaded shirt.

I'm about to enter the kitchen when voices greet my ears.

"Pancakes." - Danny.

"Yeah, thanks." – Derek

There's some shuffling and then Danny's voice again, "Can I ask you what happened at the clinic? What happened to my sister?"

"I'm not the right person to ask."

That's when I step into the kitchen. "Smells good. What's for breakfast?"

Danny smiles. "Your favorite." He places a stack of pancakes on the table before me.

"Oh wow, yummy, thanks." I dig in, ignoring Derek who's watching me, a small smile on his face. "Do I have to go to school today?"

Danny chuckles. "Yeah, you've only been back for a day."

"I know, but I don't think Elena's going to be there today."

"Why not?"

"Hangover."

"I see." He takes the empty plates and places them in the sink. "But you're still going. Plus you'll have Derek there, so who needs Elena today?"

Derek's smile spreads. Fluff.

"I do! But whatever, I'll go." Finishing up my breakfast, I add my dirty plate to the collection in the sink and head out.

"Have a good day," Danny calls after me.