Sleep Tight

Chapter Nine: Not Sleeping Tight

The atmosphere inside the building is tense. Now that there's a police presence, the deaths are more personal to everyone--more real. Nerves creep up on me and tickle at my fingertips as if I'm guilty of something. Part of me feels obligated to tell them what I know, but the truth is I don't know anything, and telling them I've had some bad dreams and odd texts is absolutely insane. For a second I even take a step back from this scenario and think I'm insane for being so convinced about it.

My body wants to freeze up, but I keep walking with stiff legs and shoulders to get past them. My face is lost to them in the crowd, not that they would even be looking for me.

I head straight to class, departing with Skip, John, and Malcolm. When I reach my desk in my next period, chemistry, I sit, hiding my head in my arms against my desk like I'm tired. My mind is far from sleep though.

The volume in the room is eerily low. Usually, by this time, kids are talking to their friends carefree, catching each other up on new drama. Today, the only people who speak are speaking in whispers. The tension in the room is palpable, and at this point, word has undoubtedly gotten out about the third death, and now everyone must know personally one of the kids whose been lost. When the bell rings, I lift my head slightly, I see the half the class isn't even here. Those who are have heavy faces. They stare off at the floor.

The teacher looks like she didn't sleep last night. Her eyes are red and puffy. She must have known someone too, yet here she is, trying to be a strong figure for those of us kids who are still here. She has a pile of hearts cut out from colored paper and passes multiple out to each kid. No one speaks the entirety of time it takes her to do this.

When she finishes, she stands in front of the whole class and when she speaks, it's hoarse and sad. "This week has been-" she chokes on her words, "really hard on all of us. In times like this we- really need to be there for each other and those who are hurting. I want you all to know that- everyday I get to teach all of you it- it's really a pleasure and I love- each and every second of it." She takes a deep breath. "I wanted to give you all an opportunity to write some messages of love to those who are important to you on those hearts to give them. We have all- been dealing with immense loss this week and--"

It's too hard for her to continue to talk. She cuts off like she finished her sentence and leaves to sit at her desk. Everybody is frozen in place. I lay my head back on my desk and tears start to form in my eyes. Some people break out crying and it's a chain reaction to all of their friends.

The sound of the intercom turning on hurts my head and upsets me. I just want silence. "Can I have your attention? Can I have your attention please." the principal starts. "The amount of loss our school has endured the past few days is... unimaginable. We lost another stu-" he can't even finish his sentence. "There is a vigil tonight at eight for those we've lost and I strongly urge everyone to attend. In times like this, it's important that we all come together to honor and celebrate life..." he pauses for far too long. "School is canceled for the rest of the day. We encourage you to not isolate yourself during this time, but to comfort each other. Buses will be arriving at twelve thirty and rides home will be arranged in light of this untimely cancellation of school. If you need help getting home, please go to the front office."

The announcement ends with the static of the microphone being turned off. Minute by minute passes, but nobody moves.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and relieved for an escape from reality, I check it. It's Skip.

Bro do you wanna hang out? We could play some video games or something at my house.

Yeah, I reply. I'm so terrified about what's gonna happen to me tonight and I want to run from it all, but I also just need to be around my best friend. I can't hide from everyone I love in what may be my little time left. And with Skip, I might be able to fight through the night. He might just be who I need right now.