Living Dolls

3Irene

As the presentation was being pulled through at the front of the room, I stayed at the back, not wanting to get in the way of these young students sights. I wanted to be more involved and help Samuel and Jennifer, answer the questions given to them, but I was too distressed over the texts given to me.

Standing in the doorway, I kept pulling my cell out from my hoodie to stare at the messages that continued to blow it up every time I checked.

Nelson found my number again. You would think that the constant blocks of his numbers and changing of mine would tire him out, but no. I had awoken to the messages at five in the morning, and I was beat because of it. I couldn't go fix it right now, I had to set up and host some of the tours of campus.

You piss me off so much.

Glad you're gonna get what you deserve.

Just you wait.

It's always been like that. The warnings of Someday that I started caring very little for. Of course, when it started at the age of twenty one, I was pretty terrified. It was just after the rape and assault, after all. But now, at the age of twenty six, I've come to learn he's just a coward.

Still, it doesn't take away my annoyance.

Checking for the twelfth time that my phone's on silent, I put it back in my pocket and watch as the presentation is coming to an end. Seeing Jacob start moving back over outside, I go ahead to follow.

I had a feeling he knew what was going on with my numerous scowls at my phone. Once we're outside and waiting, he gives me a look, "Is... Nelson messaging you again?" He asks. He gets the answer when I give him a sour look. "Aw, man. Are you gonna report it after the tours?"

"Yeah." I pull out my phone again to take a quick look. Jacob sees the six messages already showing up, and he cringes. "I wanted to do it before the tours, but I remember that one time it took hours for them to get to me. Didn't want to risk being late to this."

"Ah," He squints up at the sun rising over the buildings, "I know that, man. They take so long just to get to you. So, you're not coming over later?"

"Maybe. Depends if there'll be time." I really like it when it turns to small talk, given the starting conversation. I smirk, "I'll try. Marty gonna be there?"

"Of course!" He laughs, "Ain't nothing crazy without that freak. Gotta love 'em." His words steer off a bit when he notices the pre-teens getting up in their seats from the windows. "'Ay, and did ya hear?" He leans over and asks me with a squint, "They say that the Anzo kid's in this group."

I've heard that rumor earlier this morning from a simple small eavesdrop. I shiver, "Is it true though? That scares me." Why would an Anzo need a tour of this place? I know the kid's been here, how could he not? Plus, I've heard the stories from when I first enrolled. That kid's so cute! He kept asking me questions about what it was like to be in big kid school.

"Not sure, I didn't want to stare at them too much. Don't see much pictures of him floating around, since he's still a minor and all."

The groups of the still talking pre-teens make their way outside, and Jacob and I stand straight instantly, shooting each other looks of nerve wrecking determination.

This is the second touring this week. On Tuesday it was sophomores in High school, and now it was seventh graders. Tours were gonna start getting higher up, we all knew that, what with it being a new school year for many. I think there's even another set coming in this week again.

"Okay, everyone, settle down!" One of the teachers call out to them, and most of them comply, staying still in their standing stances. As their attention is put onto Jacob and I, we flash our most presentable and friendliest smiles. Based on major or just impulse, it's always a competition between us who gets the most kids to follow. "It's time to listen to your tour guides. Split up, all of you, make sure it's an equal amount." Never is.