The Vanishing Girls Of Willow Creek (Willow Creek, #1)

Chapter Twenty Six

It's the things that you least expect that hit you the hardest. - Unknown

As I walked down the dimly lit hallway towards the library, my mind was still reeling from the shocking news that had spread like wildfire throughout our high school. Mr. Killian, our biology teacher, had been found dead under mysterious circumstances. It was the second death of the semester, following Miranda's tragic demise just a few weeks earlier.

The entire school was abuzz with rumours and speculations, but no one knew for certain what had happened to him.

I tried to push aside the unsettling thoughts as I pushed open the creaky library doors. The musty scent of old books greeted me, mingling with the hushed whispers of my fellow students. Their curious gazes followed me as I navigated through the sea of desks towards the row of computers in the corner.

"Hey Masterson! What did you do now? Did you have your boyfriend kill your teacher because he marked your test wrong?" A boy jeered loudly, causing a ripple of laughter among his friends.

I gritted my teeth at the insensitive comment but kept my composure as I took a seat beside Damon. He shot me a sympathetic look before turning to address the obnoxious boy.

"Leave her alone; she's not in the mood for your nonsense today," Damon said calmly, his voice carrying an air of authority that silenced the room.

Ignoring their snickers, we focused on our work in silence until Damon spoke up again. "You know, Harley, most of these people are just ignorant fools who thrive on drama. Don't let them get to you."

I nodded in agreement, grateful for his understanding. "I've learned not to pay attention to their petty opinions anymore. I'll be glad when graduation finally comes around."

Damon chuckled softly before leaning closer to me. "You're stronger than you think, Harley. Just keep pushing through this final year; you've got this."

My only response was a slight nod.

"Hey. You okay?"

I sank into the chair beside him and let out a heavy sigh. "I don't know what to think anymore. First Miranda's death, and now Mr. Killian... it's all too much."

Damon nodded sympathetically, his eyes reflecting understanding. "It's like we're living in some twisted mystery novel."

I couldn't help but agree with his assessment. The pieces of this puzzle were scattered all around us, waiting to be put together to reveal the truth behind these tragic events.

As we sat in silence, lost in our own thoughts, I couldn't help but wonder about the circumstances surrounding Mr. Killian's death. The second tragedy to strike our school in such a short span of time left us all reeling with uncertainty and fear.

By now, everyone was carrying on conversations as if it were any other day. As if we did not just find out our teacher was found dead.

Or that he had apparently confessed to Miranda's murder.

A fact only I know, aside from the principal and police force. A fact I was still trying to comprehend.

He was found dead in his home under mysterious circumstances. And what made it even more shocking was the fact that he had apparently confessed to Miranda's murder before his death.

My mind raced with questions—how did he die? Why did he confess to Miranda's murder? Was there a connection between their deaths?

"You know, looking at the clock isn't going to make it move any faster," he said with a small smile. "It doesn't hear you saying, 'Move clock! Move!' The period will be over soon."