Two of a Kind

3

Brian was walking around the halls of Filman high. The halls have been familiar to him for two years. He knew exactly where the teachers were at every time. Who was sleeping, who was walking, who had their door opened.

As he walked through the empty hallways, he spotted a girl peeking into one of the classrooms. The brown haired girl was dressed in an orange fall dress with flats on. He slowly walked up to her, attempting not to startle her.

"What are you doing?" He whispered to the girl.

The brown haired girl jumped at the question. Her hands went up to block her face. "Who are you?" She asked.

"None of your business." Brian answered as he looked into the classroom. He quickly scanned the room until he found Liliana. When he did, he stopped and stepped out of view of the class. "What were you doing?"

"Why do you want to know?" The brown haired girl asked while recomposing herself.

"Call it curiosity." Brian said as he began to walk towards the edge of the hall.

"It's pretty rude to walk away during a conversation! Because of that, I may not tell you!" She yelled.

"Just shut up and follow me. We'll walk and talk." Brian ordered as he turned to her. The brown haired girl hesitated for a second before following him. Brian led her up a flight of stairs before continuing their conversation. "Let's begin again. What's your name?"

"Why do you want to know?" The brown haired girl asked as they walked.

"I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours." Brian offered as he made a sharp turn down the currently empty hallway.

"It's Carol." The brown haired girl said hesitantly as she followed behind him. "Now keep your end of the deal."

"It's Brian." Brian responded as they kept walking. "Now that we finally got past the formalities, let's discuss what you were doing."

"Why do you care?" Carol asked, giving him a bit of attitude.

"I have a couple friends in that class. It would be best if their lives weren't made harder." Brian explained without turning to face Carol.

Carol remained silent for a minute before sighing. "I was keeping track of Liliana." She admitted.

"So you're stalking her?" Brian asked before standing still. Carol stopped shortly after. She began looking around frantically before focusing on Brian.

"I wouldn't call it stalking. I'm just inquiring information." Carol responded.

"What is it that you're inquiring about that you can't just ask her?" Brian asked as he turned to see her. His eyes pierced through her, leaving her legs shaking.

"Her schedule." Carol asked.

"Why?" Brian asked as his voice deepened. His anger began showing.

"W-why do I need to tell you?" Carol said as she turned around and began running away.

"Bad move." Brian whispered to himself before running after her. He quickly caught up to her, tripping her when he did. Carol immediately fell to the floor, causing a loud thump to echo throughout the hallway. "You have two minutes before someone comes. Explain yourself." He ordered.

"I-I just need some help on a design." Carol whispered as she attempted to get away. However, Brian put his foot on her back, preventing her from moving far.

"Another scientist I assume. If I was a betting man, I'd assume you were trying to steal some info off her." Brian said. Carol froze up at his accusation. "Looks like I hit the nail on the head."

"I wouldn't dream about doing that! That's just insane! Why would I do that to anyone?! It's asking for trouble!" Carol rambled as she looked around frantically.

"One minute. Anything else you want to say?" Brian asked as he began to look around.

"I have plenty more to say!" Carol yelled at the top of her lungs.

"Congrats. It shall be heard another day." Brian said as he took his foot off her. He quickly grabbed her arm and ran off down the flight of stairs. "We'll both be in trouble if they find us out here!"

"I think you'll be the only one in trouble!" She said.

"You forget the rules of the school. All are guilty if they are caught doing anything!" Brian explained. Carol stayed silent after being reminded of this fact.

She followed him in silence as they ran down the stairs to the ground floor. Along the way, Brian found a couple other students that were roaming the hall. He ignored them as he walked past, still gripping tightly to Carol's arm.

Brian stopped running when he reached a supply closet. "Nice job staying quiet." He said while panting slightly. He looked at Carol, who was panting heavily as he watched. "You ok?"

"Y-yeah." Carol said while panting.

"Good. Now you can listen." Brian said as he walked behind her. "You mess with Liliana and I will hurt you. That's a promise." Brian threatened before walking away from her.

"That's what you think." Carol said while turning towards Brian. "If you hurt me, we both will be expelled!" She yelled.

"Congrats. You knew my plan. But unlike her, or you, I don't have a plan for the future. I'm mailable enough to start anew." Brian said before walking away from them.