Mk & The Strange Town of Rock Hill

Chapter 2: Renaissance High School

Overhead, the bell rings for everyone to head to lunch.  Chairs screech against the tile floor and students are shuffling out. I can't help but blow out an annoyed breath as I can't get a good view of the chalkboard. 

Once most of the herd heads out, I continue my task of squinting at the board to attempt to write the notes that Mrs. King has scribbled. Let me tell you, she should've become a doctor instead of an educator because I can't read a single thing.

"You know you really should go to the eye doctor,  you obviously need glasses".

Lindsey is leaning against the wall near the door, arms crossed along her chest, concern in her eyes but a teasing grin spreading across her face. Her bright red locks running down her chest in perfect ringlets. Ever since she decided to dye her hair a fire red, her ocean eyes pop out at you, compelling you to pay attention. 

I roll my eyes, crumple my paper in my hand, and chuck it at her.

"I have perfect vision thank you, I just wish I wasn't trying to read chicken scratch for math notes".

I chuckle as she screeches and covers her face. Giving up, I throw my notebook in my bag and meet Lindsey at the door. Side by side, we walk down the dark hallway that feels never-ending towards the lunchroom.

At the entrance, an advertisement for the fall festival is poorly pined up with a pumpkin thumbtack. Lindsey rips the paper off the wood frame and examines it closely as if it has some secret message.  

"Look who needs glasses now". I tease and brace myself as I know a punch is surely coming my way.

"Whatever" She sticks her tongue out and punches my right shoulder, right on cue. Putting on a fake pained face, I dramatically rub my shoulder as if she truly hurt me.

I then scoot in closer to take a better look at the advertisement myself.

Fall Festival, October 31st from 6-10 pm. The memorial begins at 6 then activities to follow. Candy, Face Paint, Paint Ball, Corn Maze, Pumpkins, Live Music, and Entertainment. Come have a Spooktacular time in a safe and family-friendly environment. 

"I don't get why they think a fall festival is going to be so much safer and a better experience for everyone. If anything, it ruins the whole point of Halloween for people and trick or treating for kids. Plus, how are you going to have a memorial then throw a huge party afterward?". 

Lindsey smirks at me, knowing very well how I feel about the event. Ever since I found out about it, I couldn't help but find myself hating the entire idea. 

"I don't think it's going to be as bad as you think. Plus, after funerals, people always host a party or dinner, isn't that the same thing? I just know the idea of Principle Helix hosting the party is not very thrilling for you, but you still are going right? Since you know... your mom and brother are going?".  

I shake my head and look at her in disgust "When the devil is planning a party, you take it upon yourself to not attend. He's never up to any good and going would mean I support him... which I don't".

Before Lindsey could respond, I open the door and am greeted with a smell resembling feet mixed with taco meat, completely burning my nostrils to a crisp. Windowless grey walls match the grey tables and benches that are littered all over the cafeteria. Though the room is dull, everyone in it makes it appear bright with their odd appearances. Music and chatter mixed with laughter fill my ears so loud I can barely hear myself think.

Lindsey nudges me "I'm going to get a salad, do you want anything?". Though I appreciate the offer, I  shake my head as the idea of eating the food prepared here makes me cringe. " After you get your salad, meet me outside at our spot". Lindsey rolls her eyes then heads to the lunch line that seems to stretch a mile long.

I take one more glance around the room before heading to the door. 

That's when I link eyes with the most breathtaking pair of yellow eyes that are as bright as sunshine on a cloudless day. Following her striking eyes, white silky hair falls right below her defined jawline. 

Still not breaking eye contact, she begins twirling a yellow stone that matches her eyes in between her long, bony fingers. She is spinning it ever so slowly that the gesture appears haunting. She then begins to whisper into the gem while still staring into my soul. 

When she breathes out her last word into the stone, she squeezes it in the palm of her hand. Opening her hand, she reveals all that is left; a glowing yellow dust that she decides to blow. towards me. As the dust leaves her hand an evil grin grows across her face exposing her rotten mouth.

I feel my mouth drop as I watch the yellow dust begin to float in air, making its way to me. That's when I claim defeat in our starring contest and decide it's time to get out of there. As I start to head for the door to the courtyard, I look back at the same spot where yellow eyes and her matching yellow dust once were. Of course, she is no where to be seen.

 I shake my head, trying to brush the situation off. I've never seen this girl in my life. She's probably a new girl trying to stand out to the witches. Weird ass people everywhere, I swear I gotta save myself and get out. 

 Bracing myself for the cool weather, I pull my hood over my head. 

As I reach for the handle of the door, I stop dead in my tracks. A strange tingling sensation is slowly dancing up my hand. I look down to see the yellow dust coating my hand, turning my entire hand a bright yellow. I quickly yank my hand off the handle yet the color stays and the feeling similar to static electricity continues to travel up my arm until I feel it stop on the back of my neck. 

I feel the color drain from my face as my entire arm is now glowing yellow and the tingling sensation becomes a hot, sharp pain. I try to grab the closest table as I feel my knees becoming very weak. Trying to sit down, I cry out, the pain becoming unbearable. Falling to the ground, I clutch the back of my neck with my hands and push my head into my lap. I release a scream as the pain takes over and my reality turns completely black.