The Perks of Being a Freak (Editing)

35. I Can't Remember Pissing You Off But Sorry Anyways

Em, insanity aside, I asked. Do you feel that? Emily did not move, nor did she react to my words. For a second I was afraid that there was something wrong with our connection. 

But then her eyes slid past me, sweeping along the street. I had to fight a smile and did the same over her shoulder. There was no one in sight. 

Directly behind you, she thought, returning to her massacre of the grass. It’s a guy.

Do you have any more details? I asked, a little annoyed. The least she could do would be to tell me what this creep looked like.

I dunno. He’s in the shadows. He doesn’t feel nice, though. Emily paused with a handful of grass, and studied the guy who watched them. He’s angry. At you.

I haven’t pissed anyone off, I replied, defensive. At least… not recently. Do you recognize him?

No. Emily shook her head, messing hair falling over her ears. 

How can you tell that he’s angry? I frowned at my friend.

Dunno, she said, frowning down at her mess of shredded grass. I just know.

That’s not very helpful, you know, I chastised her. Emily grinned at me, and flicked grass onto my hair. I smiled back.

Even though so much shit had happened, she was still my best friend. Even though they had unhinged her and made her as much of a freak as I was, she was still the same girl. She still had the same sense of humor and ability to make me laugh even when I was afraid.

“Maybe we should talk aloud, so we don’t look too suspicious,” I whispered, and Emily nodded, looking thoughtful.

“Maybe we should leave?” She raised an eyebrow, and I nodded. I clambered to my feet and held a hand out for Emily to take. She took it, and then laughed. “You’re it!” She cried, and then darted off in the direction of her house.

I grinned and snuck a glance over my shoulder, only for my blood to run cold.

Maybe Emily hadn’t seen the guy clearly, but I could. He was taller than I was, and built like a runner. He wore dark clothes, black jeans and a hoodie. His face was cast in shadow, but his eyes stared out straight at me, cold and blue and, just like Emily said, filled with hatred.

For a long moment, we stared at each other. I was paralyzed, trapped in his stare like he was Medusa and I was a statue. The guy looked like he was about to take a step towards me when Emily’s voice split the humid air.

“Lia!” Damn it all why did she have to say my name? Now he knew my name!

“Coming!” I replied, tearing my eyes off of the young man and turning towards where Emily had run. Then I sprinted away, afraid that when I looked back he would be at my heels.

But when I did look back the guy was gone.

The entire run home I felt his eyes on my back.