Why Me?

Chapter 18

Luke:  

            On the way to school the next day, I sat staring out my car window, wondering what was up with Drake and Jasper.  I knew something wasn’t right about both of them, especially Drake.  What did Noor and Drew mean by Jasper being a ghost?  And why did Drake want to kill Noor so badly?  I wondered if it was for revenge or if he was just crazy or something.  Probably the “or something”.  

            “Honey, I’ve never seen you so quiet!” said Miranda.  I had no idea what she meant.  I was always quiet on the way to school.

            “Yeah, thinking about school,” I said absentmindedly.

            “Is anyone bullying you?  If anyone is bullying you, you should-”

            “No, mom, no one is bullying me,” I said quickly.

            “Okay then.  Yesterday you just left so quickly for your friend’s house after she came over.  Why didn’t you find me and tell me first?” she asked worriedly.  While Drake had been choking Noor, she was in the backyard, picking tomatoes.  When I came home from the hospital, she was worried sick.  I told her I had just gone over to Noor’s house.  

            “I’m eighteen, I’m a grownup now, I could just run away from you and it would be legal,” I said annoyedly.

            “But you would never ever do that, would you?  Are you sure you aren’t being bullied?  You look like it.  You seem worried about something.  Who-”

            “Nobody is bullying me!” I said again, cutting her off.  Miranda sighed deeply.  

            “Fine, but if you ever have any problems, you can tell me.  I’m always here for you,” she said soothingly.

            “Yeah, I will,” I said, but I had a feeling that telling her about my current situation wasn’t a good idea.

            “Okay honey. Have fun in school!”

            “I will! Thanks!” I said, getting out of the car and slamming the door shut. I started to the front door, when I saw Drake. Then I saw who he was talking to. What? Why in the world would Noor calmly be talking to Drake? He had just tried to kill her yesterday! I ran towards them, but unfortunately, Drake quickly noticed me and left before I could get there.

            “Noor!” I grabbed her shoulders. “Are you okay?”

            “Um...yeah. Why wouldn't I be?” she asked, shaking my hands off her shoulders.

            “Why were you talking to Drake? He tried to kill you!” I said, frustratedly. Noor just looked confused.

            “What are you talking about? He’s a perfectly nice guy. I mean, he might not look that nice, but once you get to know him, he is nice! Did you know that his parents died when he was small? Just like ours did! And he’s been living on his own ever since! And he has a job at the hospital! He said that he saved eleven people from almost dying. Isn't that awesome? I wish I could be a helpful person like him. But I haven’t done anything in life. And he also-”

            “Noor! Just be quiet already!” I shouted. Noor was instantly quiet, but she looked hurt.  “I mean, don't you remember anything?” I asked in a softer tone.

            “What, did something special happen that I was supposed to remember? Is there a test today? Or is it something else?”  Noor asked, looking worried.