Fall Encounters

Chapter Seven: Pistanthrophobia; The fear of trusting other people.

I spent the entire ride over to the school trying to convince Chester to trust me and let it sort itself out. But it was like talking to a wall. I knew I couldn't really blame him. I mean how are you supposed to convince someone to trust you when in reality I didn't even trust myself? I shook my head trying to shake some of the stress out when our teacher called us to attention.

"Okay class," He started with all the emotion of a vacuum. "Today, like every day, you will be copying notes and reading the next chapters in your text book." A couple hands shot up. "And no, I can't help you." He sat down in his chair and put in headphones. It wasn't uncommon for Mr. Jones to be this unenthusiastic. That's what I hated about him the most. He drug everyone down and I really wasn't up for it again. There was a light thud on my desk. It was another note from Chester.

Bell, what are we going to do?

I wrote him back and told him not to worry about it and that I would handle it. Within seconds I had the note back.

This kinda involves me too now. Don't you think you should let me in on what the hell is going on?

I winced at that. It was true and he was right. But I didn't want any chance to let Chester get to close to this situation let alone get to close to me. But he deserved to know. I had to tell him.
There was a buzzing coming from my tote bag on the floor. I made sure Mr. Jones wasn't paying any attention.

From: Blocked

Ms. Grey,
I am sorry to interrupt your studies. But I have not received a message back. That is bad taste you know. As punishment, you must stay away from Chester or his abilities will be revealed . And we'll, you know what happens after that. Good evening.
-V
I'm going to pass out. How? How does he know what I am always up too?
I handed the note back to Chester.

We can talk about this after school.

I handed back the note and put in my headphones. I was done discussing this. I ignored him for the rest of the class.

My head was a whirlwind. These are the ramblings that have been plaguing my mind all through first and second mod. I didn't know how to do this. I didn't know what I was doing? How am I supposed to get all this figured out. I didn't know how much danger I was in but I knew things weren't going to turn out well. Things normally don't. I didn't want Chester to know that I've been getting some random messages from a blocked sender. He was going to hurt Chester. He said it himself. I would never forgive myself if something happened to him. I don't trust anyone at this point. And to be honest I didn't know Chester all that well either. I snuck a peek at him through my bangs. Looking at him wincing adorably down at his notes threw any doubt I might have had out the window. Chester could never hurt a soul. How do people go about their lives like this? I mean, yeah everyone has their secrets. But this one is very difficult to bare. I don't know if I can trust V. Hell, I don't even know if I can trust anyone really. It was lunch time now and I wasn't sure if I was going to make it the rest of the day with this on my mind. Chester, however, seemed much more relaxed than when we left class this morning considering he was sleeping at our lunch table. At least he wasn't up and talking to me. That would have just made this so much harder. I cant let Chester get hurt. I cant let anything happen to him. Regardless of how intense my feelings actually were for him, I cant stick around and watch him get hurt. How do I do this? How do I tell Chester that we cant be friends and that he shouldn't be around me without hurting him in the process? I knew it would be nearly impossible to not hurt him. But at least he'd be alive and V wouldn't have any reason for anymore threats.

"Hello beautiful people!" Izzy came practically bouncing with excitement, plopping down in the seat next to me. "Who missed me?" She giggled. When no one raised their hands she crossed her arms and pouted. "Fine, I don't care."