ROMEO

30

R.O.M.E.O.

I shovel a spoonful of cornflakes into my mouth, rubbing the back of my hand against my eyelid. The pleasing sensation triggering a yawn from the back of my throat.

I check the time on my phone before glancing at the door.

9:40 A.M.

Evie should've been back by now.

I groan, slurping in some of the wilted cornflakes, slipping on some slippers. I make my way from her room towards the cafe.

My foot slips from under me, causing my hands to grasp the walls for support. I close my eyes, shaking my head as I let out a breath.

They need wet floor signs up.

My eyes widen as they open. The faux fur on my slippers is smudged together, tainted a blood red.

I pluck them off, my heart rate increasing.

Something's wrong.

My feet slap the ground as I run around the hall searching for Evie. My eyes catch a drip of blood resting at the elevator doors.

I jam the button, my eyes darting everywhere as I wait. A group of guys run out bumping into me as I run in.

Up or Down?

A girl holds her hand up as she speeds down the hall, signaling for me to hold the door. I press the roof button and the door closes.

Sorry.

The lift was agonizingly slower than usual, my ears pounding with the beat of my heart.

The doors open.

Rain pelts down onto my head, soaking my entire body. I hold my breath, forcing my self not to call out for her.

I hear a voice that doesn't belong to her. A voice I never wanted to hear again.

"Do you know how hard it is to watch your boyfriend with another girl?"

"He's my boyfriend, Blair. You're insane," Evie chokes.

"NO HE'S NOT!" Blair screeches, Evie crying out after her.

My eyes widen as they come into view.

What has she done?

Evie's bloody face tilts up, her heavy lids drooping as she smiles at me. "Oh, thank you."

Blair spins around, butcher knife dripping with blood, a smile on her face. "Romee!"

"Blair, what the hell are you doing?"

"I need to be the only one in your life."

I gulp. "How will you do that?"

"By killing everyone you love, except me. I have to do this, Romee."

My stomach plummets.

"What if I just love you instead?" I panic.

She smiles, her eyes rolling into her head. "Really?"

I nod, hands trembling as I wave her over. "Come here Blair. I need to tell you something that... that I've been wanting to say for so long."

She speeds over to me, the knife clutched to her chest, smiling. "What is it?"

I trudge my hands through her hair.

Evie groans, causing Blair to throw the knife at her. It slices into her leg. "Shut up!"

Evie's eyes fall closed. My heart rate thumps as my stomach twists at my feet.