The Whisper Seekers

Marissa

The day has finally arrived.

Usually, the day of the homecoming game is my favorite of the entire school year. Everyone dresses in school colors, we're never assigned homework for the weekend, and we get two full days of freedom to focus on the game, the dance, and then recover.

But today, I'm freaking out. Even after several coats of deodorant, I'm still sweating.

Liam left early this morning to go back to his house and get ready. It was strange having a boy sleep next to me, even for just the few hours of rest we managed, but he stayed above the covers and kept his hands to himself, respecting my wish not to take things further than kissing.

He's supposed to text me once he gets to Ian's house, so I've kept my phone glued to my hand. I stare at myself in the mirror, cursing for not doing more to stop this. I let all the stupid, petty shit distract me when this should have been what mattered. This should've been my focus. Not Harper, not Derek, not homecoming, not Liam, and definitely not my reputation. I should've shoved it all aside.

I grab my book bag and head downstairs to find my mom already in the kitchen. She hands me a cup of coffee as soon as I sit down.

"Are you okay, Ellie? You don't look so well," she says before pressing the back of her hand to my forehead to check for a fever. I know I can't tell her why I am so nervous about today, and it makes me sad to think about all the other parents who are expecting this to be just another Friday. They don't know someone's son is going to bring a gun to school and possibly change the rest of people's lives.

"Yeah, I just don't feel so well. I think my head still hurts from having a football chucked at my nose." She doesn't laugh and I don't know if I'm ready to laugh at my black eyes either. She notices I'm sweating.

"Do you need to stay home today? I know it's a fun day for school, but you don't look so good."

I wish I could just stay home. I want to be a coward, to avoid everything that might happen today, but I know I can't. I have to try to stop whatever I can.

"No, Mom, I wanna go. I'll be fine." She reluctantly grabs her car keys and we get ready to head to school.

When my mom pulls up in front of the school, I stay in my seat. I watch the students all heading toward the front entrance, and for the first time since freshman year, I don't give a damn about the fashion show that usually is the morning walk-in. All I care about is seeing every single one of them walk back out at the end of the day.

I surprise my mom by leaning over and giving her a hug. Tears sting behind my eyes as I tell her I love her, then quickly climb out of the car and head inside.

As I cross the threshold of the building, an idea hits me. Instead of heading straight to biology, I make my way to the office. The secretary greets me as I approach her desk.

"Hi, Mrs. Beasley, do you think I can talk to Mr. Anderson? It will only take a minute."

"Sure, Ellie, let me page him and let him know you're here." She ushers me into his small office and I wait for him in the same leather chair Liam sat on a few weeks ago. He rounds the corner with a cup of coffee in his hand and is surprised to see me.

"Ellie Adler, what can I do for you so early in the morning?" He takes a seat at his desk, and I scoot forward in my chair.

"Mr. Anderson, um... so yesterday, after the powder puff game, I heard some kids talking about bringing something dangerous into school today." He looks concerned as he puts his coffee down.

"What did you hear?"

"I heard Ian might bring a gun to school. He's in my first-period class and I think you should check it out. Maybe call the onsite police officer."