Smoke and shattered mirrors

Chapter six: Ring a bell?

"So you think someone tried to kill you?" Topher nearly yelled in frustration.

"Shhhh! Keep it down!" I shushed and whispered, "You're the only one I'm telling this to."

Topher gave me a funny look."Where's your proof? No one would believe you if you don't have proof."

I cocked my head."Isin't that the reason why I'm keeping it a secret. As I said, I found my old diary and a note."

"Can you show me your diary then?" 

I shook my head. I bet I didn't keep my diary under the floorboards because I wanted the world to see it.

Topher sighs. "Then how could I help you if you don't let me?"

"How could I trust you, if you can't tell me?" I replied.

Earlier, before spilling out everything that I learned about my old self (I purposely left out the part of my visit on October 20,for obvious reasons) I asked Topher about the cameras set up in my room, and if he helped me catch my stalker but he kept denying it. 

"I can't answer that question, Merce. If you won't cooperate with me."His knuckles bare from the grip on the steering wheel. 

I sighed deeply. "You know that I can't and I won't are two very different words. I can't tell you even though I want to. This isin't algebra or caculus, Topher. My mind is gonna malfuction soon, there is a lot at stake here. And I don't have time playing mind games with you! " My voice rose in distress.

To my surprise, he smirks and replies,"Wow, Merce. You sound like your old self again."

I stay silent. Until we reach Fifthy fourth street, at least. That's when Topher says, "I set up the cameras. "

My lips resisted the urge to form a victorious smile when I reply,"How many of them?"

"'Bout eight.Three in your bedroom.One in the tree house. Three in the pool area and one near your locker."

I raised an eyebrow."Okay then..."

"I did it because you kept begging me to install them. I didn't even know why until..." His voice trailed.

"Until what?" 

Topher clears his throat. His adam's apple bobbed, and with the flash of sunshine gittering his coal black hair, he looked attractive enough for me to stare blindly. Even stupidly. I think I even drooled a little.

But I can't like this guy. He's a friend... I definitely won't.

"Until... now." He looks ahead with focused eyes. " Do you really want to do this today? I can always take you there tomorrow, Merce."

I shook my head as a no.

But my trembling fears surfaced as we passed by a sign : REILLY LAKE CEMETERY 5 MILES AWAY.

I sniffed the pine scented air, letting Topher's question hang and be evaded by silence.

"I'll be fine." I finally answer.

Topher gives me a small smile. "I know everything is confusing, Merce. But I want you to know how well you're doing. I know it's been..an  overwhelming few days, and I just know you'll be okay... But are you okay, Merci?"

I reply," One day, Topher... Maybe I'll wake up and remember everything. Maybe I'll know why this happened to me... Then maybe I'll be fine."

"I don't doubt that." Topher says.

We drive past a deserted road  surrounded by overgrown trees and hedges. 

"That small lake there is called Reilly lake. Do you remember that?" Topher asks.