you're next | dolan twins

n i n e t e e n

I slowly begin to open my eyes, seeing sunlight peeking through my closed window. My alarm clock is bound to go off at any moment, so I get out of bed and open the blinds.

Staring at the outside world is something I haven't done in months, but today is different. It's almost like I don't need to feel scared anymore, just upset for the losses I experienced.

My mind drifts off to my father as I peer out into the street. Memories of him teaching me how to ride a bike flood my brain as I let out a sigh.

"Sweetheart?" My mother lightly knocks on the door as she creaks it open.

I turn away from the brightness of the window to look at her. "Morning."

She flashes me a tiny grin as she steps closer, pulling me into a hug. I simply hug her back and close my eyes. "I know you miss him." She rocks my small body back and forth.

"I do." I nod as tears fill my eyes.

"He's always with you, just like Amanda." She whispers as she pulls away from me. "The police can finally identify who killed her and this whole nightmare will be over."

I nod for the hundredth time and wipe some of my tears. I shouldn't be this emotional, but I can't help it.

"Get dressed, I'm going to make some pancakes." She informs me as she kisses my forehead.

"Thanks mom." I mutter as she exits my room. I throw on a long sleeve shirt and jeans. I don't bother doing my makeup, going completely bare-face to school. It feels normal to not jump at the sound of getting a text anymore.

Blocking the killer out of my life has really put me at ease. I just hope the police run the fingerprints soon. Once I finish getting ready and eat my food, I head out to my car to begin my day. The world seems a lot smaller to me now, I guess this is what it's like to live a life without Amanda.

Police cars are scattered around the building when I pull up to school. The field is blocked off and nobody is allowed to leave the campus until the day is over. When the town received the call last night that the murder weapon was found, the news lit up. It's the newest discovery that rocked our community.

I enter the building and everyone looks terrified. Officers are walking up and down the halls, checking lockers and talking to teachers. Everyday seems like I'm living in a crime TV show.

Nicole is already waiting for me at my locker, her arms are outstretched for a hug. I've been pushing her away for the right reasons, but in this moment I need her. I throw my arms around her as we squeeze onto each other.

"I can't believe this." She shakes her head.

"It's over now." If I keep saying it out loud, it will stick.

"We're actually going to be finding out who caused all of this damage." She pulls away from me and lets out a breath.

"I can't wait to watch that person rot in jail." I mumble as I stare at her.

"How are you doing? I know today is a year since your father passed." She holds onto my hand.

"I'm okay, just feeling a lot of different emotions." I inhale a deep breath.

"Things can only get better from here." There's the old Nicole I missed, the optimistic one.

"Come on champ, almost there." I suddenly hear Jeremy's voice in the distance.

I turn my head and my jaw drops. Grayson is holding onto Ethan as he uses his crutches to support him.

Jeremy is holding his backpack while Alex is guiding him to his locker. After finding out that Ethan might be boy number one, I can't look at him the same.