Symphony Of A Serial Killer

Chapter 9: Turning a Blind Eye

Mesmerized by the television, my eyes remain locked while reaching over and gently placing the remote back on the teacher's desk. Well now I know why she didn't answer her phone.

I should feel better just knowing that she's okay, but then there's the part about the body belonging to the lady from this morning... the body belonging to my guardian angel. It's good to know that I'm not losing my mind completely but how am I supposed to take this? She's in fact real, but that still leaves questions like, "Why was I the only one who could see her?" and "Why did she decide to show herself to Missy?"

Mr. Ford was just as captivated by the story as I was, but that didn't stop him from putting two and two together and realizing that I knew she left to go there. He said because she was okay, he would keep this between the two of us. The horror of not knowing if she was alright was punishment enough based on how I reacted.

As I walked towards the door, he reminded me of the news stories and that there's possibly a serial killer out there. It was obvious what he would say next, but I felt like I needed to hear someone else say it. He then ordered Missy and I to stay out of it, we shouldn't be putting ourselves in danger just to appease our curiosity.

He was right and I had no desire to pursue this anymore. I wanted nothing to do with this in the first place, it was only out of concern for Missy's safety that made me want to go in the first place. Moments away from the much needed fresh air that awaited me on the other side of door, I nodded in agreement and continued on my path.

"One more thing Danté, where'd you learn how to apply such an accurate hold?"

"Huh? What hold, what are you talking about?"

I've never seen such bewilderment on a person's face before, I couldn't begin to imagine what he was thinking while watching my face twist with such confusion. What could he be referring to, the hold he put me in?

My brother was the martial artist, not me. Irritated, he attempted to remind me that not too long ago he was pulling me off of Kevin. He said I damn near choked the life out of him. Yeah... pretty sure he's mistaken, that doesn't sound like me at all.

Personally I hate the idea of fighting, it's a waste of time and energy. I'd rather snap my aggressor's neck and get it over with, that's why I always walk away. It's 2014, you can't beat someone up these days and think everything's gonna be okay afterwards.

My generation is full of cowards, if you win a fight it'll just escalate. Either they come back with their friends to jump you, or they'll come back alone but with a knife or gun. Both James and Mr. Ford have told stories of a time when you settled differences with your fists and shook hands after, simpler times I suppose.

Saved by the bell, finally something working in my favor. Granted this meant I missed lunch, but at least I have a valid reason for hurrying off, "Sorry, I really don't know what you're talking about, but I should get to my next class."

Before he could respond I left and closed the door behind me. Standing in the hall, I could hear the whispers and see the quick glances as students passed by. I don't like being the center of attention, especially when I don't understand why.

Whether it was someone I recognized, or a person I've never spoke to before, they all took quick looks at me and whispered about some incident with Kevin.

"You alright man?" Lee called out from behind. I turn just as he pushes himself off from leaning against the wall.

"Sure." I reply. Clearly lying but I still haven't sorted out my own thoughts yet.

He shrugs, then hands me a pack of starburst while telling me he figured I wouldn't have had the chance to eat, so he grabbed it from the vending machine to hold me over. Lee is the type that can smell bullshit a mile away, but won't push an issue. If you want to talk about something, you will, if not then he goes on about his business.

"So I guess this means we're not going to the lagoon after all?" he asked.

"Pretty much, no need to now. I'm sure the police gave her a ride home or something, doubt we'll see her back at school today."

"Peace, I'm off to class then. Might wanna take it easy on Kevin next time, I'm sure a murder charge won't look good when they pull your background for the security clearance investigation."

My heart dropped from hearing his words. I hurried to catch up, after all our classes were right across the hall from each other. Thankfully I didn't have to bother finding words, he looked over and read the confusion on my face.

"You really don't know what I'm talking about do you?" Lee asked while scratching his head.

"No I don't. You know I don't fight, that's not me."

He agreed with me and said he thought it was odd that I took it as far as I did. I told him that I thought he was the one fighting because when I looked back, he was stepping over Kevin who was still lying on the ground trying to recover.

"Okay Danté, let's say that actually happened. Explain to me why Mr. Ford had to pull you off of Kevin?"

Suddenly I felt dizzy and heard this ringing in my ear, he was right... I never stopped to think about that. Lee said that Imust have blacked out or something, that I seemed different and he figured I had snapped until Mr. Ford came to break it up.

My phone vibrated as I watched him go into his classroom. A text from Stephanie, makes sense. I walked through the door just as the bell rang, good to be remotely on time for once today. Having nestled down into my desk, I turned and shot Stephanie a quick smile then looked at my phone to actually read her text.

To be expected, she's worried about Missy and wants to know if I knew about this. I reply back letting her know that I was aware of her leaving school and I'd fill her in after class. Looking over my shoulder as she reads my text, I see the timid little girl become furious.

Just wow... I don't think even Missy has seen this side of her best friend. I'll just add that to my list of things to worry about, but more importantly... what happened to that missing chunk of time with Kevin that I absolutely do not remember?