UNBOUND HEARTS

Do you regret it?

Emily kept repeating this mantra since yesterday: "It's going to be okay. It's going to be okay." But standing in front of the school building, she didn't feel okay at all.

She knew there would be no avoiding Jack here. She'd see him in class, in the hallways—everywhere, because she seemed to be cursed with bad luck.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the doors. The chaos inside was overwhelming. Usually, schools are bustling with activity, but this was something else entirely. People were gasping, some were crying. The atmosphere was thick with sadness.

The police had gathered near the reception area. Emily approached cautiously, trying not to draw attention to herself. The sight that greeted her made her stomach churn. On the reception desk lay their school receptionist, Miss Janice. She had been brutally attacked, her body covered in severe cuts, an "E" carved into her cheek.

The scene was ghastly. Emily turned away, swallowing the bile rising in her throat. Even though she had only known Miss Janice for a short time, the woman had always been kind and helpful. The expression on everyone's faces mirrored Emily's own—an unsettling mix of grief and fear.

She approached a group of girls. They flinched as she drew near. Remembering her reputation as a bully, Emily shrugged off their reaction. She asked the nearest girl, "What happened here? Why is Miss Janice..."

"Dead, you mean?" interrupted a short girl with a pixie haircut. Her eyes were fixed on Emily, her curiosity evident.

"Yes, that," Emily replied, meeting her gaze steadily. She didn't recall bullying her, so what was her issue?

"No one knows. The school was opened this morning, and she was found like this," another girl sobbed, breaking down at the thought of the horrific scene.

"No one has a clue who did it?" Emily pressed.

"Not yet," the short girl answered. "We're guessing it was someone with a grudge against her. But who could it be? She was such a sweetheart. Maybe someone joined the school just to get to her." Her smile was unsettling, and it hit Emily—the "E" carved into her cheek.

Oh my God. E for Emily. Am I overthinking this, or is it possible?

Lost in her thoughts, Emily collided with someone. She looked up to see Jack. He was different—too different. His smile was unnervingly cold as he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off the ground.

He leaned closer, his lips brushing her ear. Emily shuddered involuntarily. "Having a good day, Emily baby?"

The way he said it made her skin crawl. He kissed her jaw, then pulled back. An emotion flashed across his face, but it was quickly hidden. Emily was still in his embrace, but it felt anything but warm. She was terrified.

"You... you started the rumors, didn't you?" Emily asked, her voice trembling.

Jack chuckled darkly. "Of course I didn't. Why would I? You have no other motive for being here, do you?"

Emily stared at him, stunned. Did he know? Did he know about Rose and her? It seemed impossible.

Suddenly, Jack dropped his arms and shoved her to the ground. She winced in pain. This was the real Jack—the one she had unleashed with her rejection. Her regret burned inside her, and she wanted him to know.

"Jack, I—" she began, but he cut her off.

"What? You regret dumping me now? Is it because you're scared, Emily? Funny how fear changes things, isn't it?" He leaned closer, his breath hot on her face as he spat his words at her. "YOU'LL pay, Emily. You will."

He delivered a light kick and walked away, leaving her crumpled on the floor. Even though he hadn't directly confessed, she was certain he was behind Miss Janice's murder.

She hit her head against the wall in frustration and self-loathing. Did she cause this? Was she the reason he had started again? She knew she was, but she was too much of a coward to admit it.

Sitting there in the hallway, Emily realized she had to stop him. It would require some serious decisions, but the real question was: could she make the right choice?