cassette tapes [rough draft]

tape three

dane was sitting at his lunch table, surrounded by his laughing and joking friends, but he had no interest in joining their conversation.

instead, he was using the free time before school started to finish some algebra homework that was due today and scanning the cafeteria for possible owners of the cassettes.

not being able to find anyone who looked like the possible face to the voice on the tapes, he gave up on his quest in favor of avoiding detention.

rotating in his chair to face his table, he bent his head trying to work on his work. Suddenly, his best friend, luke, elbowed him in the side viciously. dane's head snapped up, his eyes narrowing at his friend. "What?" he snapped.

luke jerked his head in the direction of lizzie o'hare, one of the most notorious girls in the school. she went beyond conventional beauty with her thick, wavy, dark brown hair and light, pale blue eyes.

her face was heart shaped, her hair framing her face and making it seem pale. and she was walking straight towards their table, her friends, more like lackeys some say, following behind her.

she came to a halt, her clear eyes sliding past dane and onto luke. "walker," she said, calling luke by his surname, "you borrowed my book and i want it back."

luke was suddenly scarlet in the face as he dug through his bag and pulled out a science book. "here you go," he croaked, handing the book to lizzie. she nodded, turned, and flounced away.

her friends, missy and avery, stayed behind. avery stayed silent, while missy handed dane a sheet of paper. "courtesy of lizzie," she said before turning and walking away, pulling avery behind her.

dane glanced at the paper to see another note, although he knew it wasn't from lizzie. it read:

dane,

i know you've been listening; the next is in your mailbox

a.c.s

dane was distracted for the rest of the day; he could barely concentrate while his mind was full of what could possibly be on the next tape. the second the bell rang signalling the end of the school, dane hurried out of school, making his way home. 

when he reached his house, he opened his mailbox and pulled out the small package addressed to him, taking it inside with him. dane threw his backpack on his bed and unwrapped the tape, sticking it into his player. holding his breath with bated anticipation, dane let out a small sigh as the sound of static filled his room. 

"hey dane!" the girl's voice chimed brightly, her tone quite chipper. 

"i'm in a rather good mood today; my mom's out of town, so i'm babysitting. i don't actually mind, it gives me some time to clear my head. 

"god, i swear," she laughed, "the second i graduate, i'm leaving this hellhole. i want to go to columbia, but i don't know if i can afford it. hopefully, i'll get a scholarship." 

there was rustling before her voice sounded again. "this was a tad bit short, but you really don't really want to be burdened with my troubles. anyways, see ya' around, dane!" 

static entered his room again as the tape cut off. groaning, he rolled over to look at the ceiling and dragged a hand down his face. this girl and her mystery were going to ruin him.