The Girl and The Murderer

28. Farewells ?

I stand up slowly, taking to not wake Zack up. He moves and growls but I manage to get dressed and exit the room while he's still asleep. Narco waits for me behind the door and jump on me.

-Calm down ! You're a good boy but calm down, I whisper.

-You slept well Miss ?

I turn my head to the old man who welcomed me for the night. He smiles gently and I smile back. He knows that I will leave soon.

-You could stay y'know, he says.

-I'm sorry but I can't. I already spent too much time away. Are there some bus passing by here ? I'd like to be home as soon as possible. There are a few kids waiting for me !

He shot a weird look at me. I think he misunderstood...

-I'm a teacher.

He smiles again and his stare becomes softer.

-The next bus should pass in an hour approximately. You can wait until then ?

-Of course ! If you need me, just ask me !

The hour is like a whole year. Luckily, Zack has not woken up yet. I say goodbye. I will come back. Maybe...

Zack's POV :

She's not here. I know what it means. We're split up again. Shit... Why so early ? Why she didn't wake me up ? Because she knew I was going to react. She knows me a lot. Too much... We do not know each other for a very long time though. Well... I don't know to be honest.

-You're up Isaac ?

-Yes sir.

-Can I enter ?

-Yes sir.

He opens the door and sit on the bed. He looks at me with sad eyes but smiles.

-You helped a lot during all these years.

I don't like this kind of tond. I feel like I will hate what's coming next...

-We made a great team... But I think you need to go with her. Don't waste your life with an old man like me. You're young !

-But...

-I'll give you a few bucks for the bus. Go see this girl. I know she's important to you.

He's getting senile the old geezer ! I can't leave him like that ! He's too old to be alone !

-But you still need me !

-Not anymore. My nephew will replace you from now on. And my brother will come too. We'll be three. I know you're strong but there's not enough work. You have to leave.

Ouch, that hurts. But even if I go back in town, how will I be able to find Ray ? It's huge there.

-Come on son ! Get up and go find your fiancee !

-Fiancee ? What's that ?

Ok, dumb question it seems. Cause the old man makes a weird face.

-Where did you get raised ?

-You don't wanna know.

-Your fiancee, the girl you love.

-Oh...

I could have guess that by myself. But you never know until you ask.

-So... I really must go ?

-Yes !

I sigh and get up. Here's a very bad day...

Rachel's POV :

-You can go for recess.

The children get up and wave at me while they run outside. They have some weird habits. They are a bit like me so it's not really surprising.

-Everything is fine in here ? You seem pretty tired Ray.

-It's fine Rick, don't worry about me.

He reaches out his hand to pat my head but I stop his arm. He looks at me and excuse himslef.

-I forgot... I'm sorry.

-It's alright Rick. Can you leave me recover for some minutes ?

-Of course. Do you want me to take them for PE with my class ? Then you'll have two hours to recover.

Yes but no. I want my wages at the end of the month thanks. Nice try Ricky.

-Nah, I'll manage.

-As you want. See you later !

And off he goes. He is nice but too invasive. Like Arthur. It's kinda fun.

-Miss ?

-Yeah ?

A small girl draws nearer to the desk and hesitates.

-Can I have a hug Miss ?

I smile. She is so cute ! I open my arms and she hugs me with all her strength.

-What's wrong little one ?

-The boys are bad with me. They say I'm crazy and I don't have friends.

She sobs softly. I pet her hair and ask :

-Can you show me where they are ? I'll punish them well.

She smiles and dries her tears. Then she takes my hand to make me go out.

-Right there. In the back of the courtyard.

I draw nearer to the boys without making a sound. They don't look at me. I end up next to them. It's at this moment that I see why they are not moving. A dog, visibly beaten to death, lays at their feet.

-Boys, I say softly.

They turn their head and look angrily at me. Stay calm. Always stay calm.

-Go back in class, I need to talk to you.

They enter quietly. I stare at the bloody dog again. I want to throw up, damn. Before I face the children, I warn Rick. Then I step in my class. They are sitting at their tables, following my moves cautiously.

-What did you do to the dog ?

-He bit us. So we hit it,answers the older one.

They seem frightened now. It's kind of weird...

-We will be punished ?

-Yes. Without a doubt. But I'm not the one who will decide. The director will do it. I'll punish you for what you said to Abby though.

The little girl enters and looks angrily at the boys. She's followed by Rick, with the same look of anger in his eyes.

-I just saw the damages in the courtyard. How could you do that ? It's simply disgusting. You're suspended for three days. Your behaviour is unforgivable !

The children are looking at me pleadingly. I shake my head. I can't do anything for them except defend them in front of their parents.

-Miss Gardner, thanks for warning me about those three dunces. I'm gonna call their parents right away.

-They're not dunces Sir. They're kids who don't know yet what's wrong and what's right. They killed that dog yeah. But would you punish them if they had killed ants?

Rick stared at me angrily. I'm gonna have a bad time...