The Twelve

Chapter 2

Maya

I darted through the halls of the school, hearing shouts and chaos everywhere I turned. In every classroom, even Math, I heard screams of terror and heart-wrenching sobs. I was crying too, but for a different reason.

I was the only one not suffering. I felt so selfish, even though this was out of my control.

I'd seen what they were seeing when I looked into Matias' eyes, but it only lasted for a short second, and I already knew that I would have nightmares. Bad ones. For weeks.

I risked a look into the junior Math class, where I knew Cassidy would be, only to be greeted by the sight of her clawing her hair out. Seriously. Her beautiful golden locks were being ripped out and scattered on the floor. I let out a tortured sound that sounded like a moan, and disappeared through the school doors, but regretted it instantly.

I tried to turn around and go back inside, but the doors had locked behind me. I sobbed and sat with my head against the door, listening to the screams and cries that echoed all around me, coming from every single part of the town.

I looked down so that I wouldn't see the mess of cars and fires that had broken out (or been set), and tortured people doing unspeakable things to themselves that made me want to die, right there. I closed my eyes.

And somehow, amidst the chaos, noise, and burning of smoke in my lungs, I fell asleep.

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"Maya?"

I awoke with a start. Was it all a dream? But no, I could still hear the distant cries and sobs, and even though it was faint, I could still taste the smoke on my tongue.

As if I, myself, could have imagined what I'd seen in Mattias' eyes.

Drowsily, I looked up to the voice. "Adam?" I said. "Were you...?"

He shook his head. I felt the gentle touch of his hand grab mine and tug upwards "Come on inside. You have to see this. You have to help me."

And with that I let my brother lead me, trusting him completely.

I shouldn't have.

When Adam opened the doors to the school I flinched, sure I'd hear pained noises. But there was nothing. Just silence.

"It's okay," Adam said. "I've got you." I nodded slowly. Adam would protect me. But who would protect them? I put my head in his shoulder as we walked, crying quietly.

I looked up and saw tears making paths on Adam's face, too. That scared me more than anything. Adam didn't cry. Ever. But if he'd heard what I'd heard, and seen what I'd seen... of course he would. Of course.

"Where is everyone?" I asked him shakily. He just shook his head.

"You'll see."

Without warning, a ghost popped up in front of me in a cloud of dust. Or ashes. I could never tell.

"Omygod!" I blurted, shakily putting my hand to my mouth. Adam searched my mind and gasped in shock.

It was my neighbor, Mrs. Counahan. She was old but not too old, in her sixties maybe. "What are you doing here?" I asked her. "Why are you dead? What--" I shook my head and let out a tiny cry.

My brother's fingers laced with mine, supporting me. I drew a deep breath. "Mrs. Counahan, what happened?"

My neighbor looked at me and frowned. "I don't remember," she said, and then giggled, her expression lightening. "But I do sure like to be on this Side, Maya dear. I'm like a Teleporter now!"