The Blood-Stained River

6//

Eighth hour was a blur, I couldnt shake the feeling that someone was watching me. I had text my brother before class had started but still no response. My phone buzzed in my pocket and I quickly pulled it out. Snapchat from Jax.

Jax: Wanna go to the river with me after school? I wanna show you something.

Me: Sure?

Jax: Just to clarify Princess, this isnt a date.

Me: and you bring that up ... why?

Jax: I wouldnt pick the place your friend died as our first date location.

Me: Oh really? Theres gonna be a first date?

Jax: Just you wait.

The bell rang, and I silently went to my car, avoiding as many people as possible. I parked at the river trail head and looked around for Jax. Even though it was April, the winter had been harsher and longer than usual. The temperature was still in the high twenties, enough to keep the river frozen. I hear a car pull up, and after a couple minutes I am joined by Jax who is holding two white travel mugs.

Here, he said handing me one. I figured hot chocolate would help with the cold.  I look at it smiling.

Thanks, I said letting the cup heat my hands.

About the thing that I wanted to show you, he said taking my hand and leading me down to the edge of the river.

Its been a week, he said blankly, his hand still in mine

You were here? I asked looking at him.

Thats what I wanted to tell you, thats why Horton is so dead set on me being Emmetts killer. No pun intended. He said, still looking at the river.

How would Brandon know you were here? Unless... I struggled to put the pieces together in my brain.

He was here, before I was actually. Just. Staring at his body. Jax paused for a minute. I feel bad. No one should have to be the one to find their friend dead.

But, Brandon wasnt the one who reported he found Emmett, I said waiting for the pieces to fall into place.

No? Jax questioned, finally he turned towards me. Once Brandon saw me he ran,  he turned back to the river. We just stood there in silence for a while until we heard the faint crunch of tires on gravel.

Quick, Jax said. Get in your car, I went to my car and got in. I looked at Jax and he motioned me to get down.

The car came into view.  The police. I peek over the window to see Jax and the officer talking. The officer points toward my car and I slide down in my seat, nervousness wracking my body. I wait for a knock on my window but it never comes. I hear a door slam, after a few seconds I slowly peek over the window to see the cop car drive off the way it came. Jaxs car left empty, and no one in sight.