Kalila's Pov.
The whole day of school went well, but I was off in another world. I kept watch on Malachi. He seems to be more tired than usual. I go up to him at lunch and sit by him. He seems flustered at first but he relaxes when I tell him I just want to talk. "So, you look like super tired. Did you get any sleep tonight?" I asked him. He bites into the piece of meat and chews for a minute. "Well no I didn't. Haha I didn't think anyone would notice-not that anyone would care." He mumbled. I bit my lip but continued talking. "Was it because you just couldn't sleep or bad dreams?" "Now that you've mentioned it, I've been having weird dreams and last night-which I know sounds pretty dumb and childish, I felt like someone was watching me." "Huh-I bet that was uncomfortable. When did you finally get sleep?" "Hmm, I don't remember." "Oh, well maybe tonight you'll get some sleep. The weekend is coming up now." "Yeah, maybe." I couldn't think of anything else to say, so I picked up my tray and moved over to my friends.
The bus ride home was a noisy one. I had my two friends with me chatting away about their day. I wasn't really paying attention. All they really ever talked about was what they did with their boyfriends and how they bought this new item at the store. I sat patiently making eye contact and nodding often pretending that I was interested. My mind however was far off in another place. I thought about Malachi and how he must be doing. He is smart and has his head on his shoulders, not like most of boys in the school-like Carlos. He sits in front of me giving me a cocky smile that makes me want to not look at him. He's so annoying and he never leaves me alone. I hated to let Malachi feel so down and out, I honestly didn't know how to word it when he asked me. I wasn't ready though, there were things I had to do....If only he knew. I felt bad for him being picked on all the time. He honestly hates the way he is. He has seldom friends and Carlos just makes it worse. I could list many times there were confrontations with them both in the hall. How Carlos would belittle him and beat him up. I remember one account that Carlos broke Malachi's arm two years ago. He says it was an accident but Carlos is Carlos and everybody knows him. He thinks he is in charge most of the time when in general, he's just a big bully. I feel bad though because I could have done something to help Malachi whenever this happens to him, but I'm too selfish in my reputation to step out and say its wrong.
One of my friend nudges my shoulder saying its her turn to get off the bus. She says goodbye and I just smile. My other friend, Victoria seems to think I'm upset. "Hey girl, what's wrong? You've been kind of spacey lately." I shake my head. "Oh I'm just daydreaming that's all." "Really?" She crosses her arms and gives me that look. "Really Vicky, I'm ok." "I've been friends with you a long time, tell me whats up?" before I could say anything she says "Wait, is it about Malachi?" My eyes get alittle wide. "Well, I guess you could say-" "Kalila, don't worry about him, I mean he's not all that cute, and he's too much of a nerd." My cheeks get hot and before I knew it I burst out yelling, "No he's not! Leave him alone!" Victoria's mouth hangs open and the whole back of the bus gets quiet. "Woah Kalila, you ok?" Carlos asks as he puts a hand on my shoulder. Being quite embarrassed I mutter a yeah and look out the window. When the bus slowly starts picking up conversation again, Victoria talks to me quietly. "Kalila, are you ok?" "Yeah its just that-I don't like the fact that people are making him feel so small. He can't help it ok?" I replied slightly irritated. Victoria gives a slight nod and says its almost her stop.
When she gets off I watch her enter her house. As we drive on I watch the outside returning to my somewhat dreamy state, until something-someone catches my eye. A man in a long black coat with traces of tears in it and tore up gloves. He's next to a house messing around with garbage. He makes eye contact with me as the bus drives on. No way, it can't be can it? A small knot forms in my throat. Its probably a look alike guy. He just looks like him, but that feeling of being watched comes over me and I start to panic alittle. If that's him has he already- My stop is coming up next and I'm wanting the driver to just hurry up. Carlos says my name. "Huh?" I say not really wanting to talk right now. "Hey I was just wondering you know-Saturday my friends and a couple of others are goin to this party at 10:00 wanna come?" "Uh-" I say as I stand up in my seat. Just a few seconds to get to my house now. "Uh" I repeat. Carlos looks at me confused. "Are you ok?" "I have to go see you later." I say abruptly as I walk down the aisle to get off.
If its the man I know why he is here. He's looking for the chosen. My parent's car is gone. They must be out. At least they had the courtesy to hide the key under the mat. I slide the key into the door and walk on in. I go to my room and for some reason I feel like I shouldn't open my bedroom door, but I have to. I reach for the knob and open the door. To my surprise HE is standing in my room.
