Keanu

Chapter 37: Stupid Mistakes

********

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN: STUPID MISTAKES

*********

Deliah's POV

The wind feels different when it blows through your hair at three in the morning and the crazy thing is that I've gotten used to the feeling. Streetlights whir past me as I sprint through the empty streets, my heartbeat accelerating with every step I take. I round my final corner and reach my destination. The familiar building looks ghostly under the moonlight with a haunting atmosphere that almost made me turn around and run back home. But I proceeded with caution as I lifted myself over the brick wall that guarded the back of the building. As I walk closer to the open door in the back, I tighten the straps of my backpack. If this plan fails, I'm screwed.

I silently enter the dark building through the glass door and turn on my flashlight. Cliché , I know, but at least I learned something from every fictional movie ever. I quickly head over to the hallway on the other side of the building and stop in front of her locker. My trusty bobby pin helps me access the goodies and I quickly finish up my business before moving over to the computer lab which I'm in and out of in less than ten. Leaving is way easier than entering, mostly because the huge weight has been lifted off my chest making it easier to run home. With nothing but relief I also easily fall asleep with no nightmares.

When Monday arrives, the news about Andreen's disappearance began to spread. A few cheerleaders and football players noticed her absence on the bus and non of them could reach her on her phone. And of course, the rumours began to spread like wildfire when students arrived at school only to see four police vehicles in the parking lot. Damon had to take his aunt to the airport so I hitched a ride with Armando, and when we arrived at school our fun conversation dialled down to an awkward silence. Of course I'm not sad, I don't even feel guilty about Andreen's death, but it would be too suspicious if I acted like it didn't affect me at all. Plus, when one of your friends feel blue or sad it automatically affects your whole mood.

"School isn't gonna be the same without them." Armando says staring at the officers standing around and questioning students.

"Yeah," is all I could say.

"I mean, they were bitches, for sure. But death? Is that really what they deserved?" Armando questioned rhetorically. He's always been a softie.

"I mean, my answer would be kinda bias considering I was the one who felt all their bitch-wrath," I say awkwardly. A split second went by and Armando let out a throaty chuckle.

"Damn, Keanu was right. You are weird as hell, but kudos for making me laugh during such a serious situation." He gave me a light tap on the shoulder along with a toothy grin which immediately made my heart swell. Keanu's car pulled up next to us and he and Nate exited. I climbed out and greeted them with a smile. Nate returned it but all I got from Keanu was a friendly nod. I tried to ignore the ache in my heart and told myself he that it was because he was still grieving.

School started out like every other day but like last time all the students were called to the hall and were excused for the day after they gave us the news about Andreen's confirmed death. But what was different this time is the officer's last words, "Can Deliah Lodge please stay behind. Thank you."

Immediately all heads turned to me and everyone started whispering as they exited the hall. Keanu and the guys wanted to stay behind with me but I told them its cool and that I'll call if I need a ride home. When the hall was empty I followed the gentlemen to the principal's office, walking past hundreds of curious eyes. When we were finally out of sight and in the familiar office, I sat down and tried to control my breathing.

"Miss Lodge, we've asked you here today to ask some questions about your classmate Andreen. If you feel uncomfortable you may ask that we call your parents or an adult."

"I'm okay." I say with an assuring smile.

"Good. Can you please tell us about the Mazels Trip and your conversations with Miss Green."

"Sure," I sit up straight before continuing. " After the game I went to Damon and Keanu's room. I heard a knock on the door and when I opened it Andreen stood there crying. She was looking for Keanu but he was in the shower at the time. I asked her why she was crying and she said that nothing was going right and her life was a mess. She sounded depressed and suicidal even. She accidentally told me about a suicide attempt and when she realized she slipped up she ran off. I tried to follow her and searched for her everywhere and when I got to her room she had already locked her bedroom door. We spoke for a few moments and she told me to go away and that she was feeling better. She made me promise not to tell anyone and she said that she was going to take a nap. I felt like a nuisance so I left. I didn't think that she would escape through the window."

"How did you know she escaped through the window" The officer questioned.

"When I went to her room the next morning, after her death, I noticed that the door was still locked and that the key was still on the other side."

"Did she mention anything else about the suicide attempt?" The principal asked.

"No, Sir. The first time was an accident. We weren't really that close. Why? Did her death get ruled as a suicide?" I ask , trying my best not to sound relieved.

"We wanted to hear your version of the story first but yes, we believe it was a suicide. And the evidence in her locker and computer confirms it."

"If I may ask, what evidence?"

"We found cruel letters of students bullying her and a lot of suicidal content on the computer she was last logged into. And a note which we can only assume is a diary entry of her. Poor girl was going through a lot." The principal states shaking his head.

"It really is a shame." I say wiping away a stray tear.

"But please, Miss Lodge. Go home and rest and remember if you are feeling depressed, turn to an adult. Our counsellor is always available."

"Thank you. May you all have a blessed day." I say standing up with a small smile. As I exit the room they all give me a sympathetic 'you got this' smile. Well I obviously do considering the chief of police just victimised the killer. And all it took was planting evidence in her locker and hacking a computer.

I text Damon to pick me up and in less than ten minutes I'm sitting in Nate's living room eating his mom's special lasagne. That woman can cook. I start telling them about Andreen's 'suicide'. Most of them are just relieved that there isn't a killer on the loose targeting teenage girls and I'm relieved that they're taking it this easy, but when Keanu stands up and suggests that we go clubbing on a Monday night, the worry kicks in. We all know this affected him, even though he denies it, so we all agree to go. And I, well I stupidly agree on letting Damon choose my outfit.

But that couldn't even top my stupidest mistake of the night. What's that you may ask? Dancing with a stranger in a night club near a drunk Keanu.

**********