The Campus Demon {Nanowrimo 2020}

Chapter 16

During the drive home, Becca could not stop fretting, she bit her chipped nails, making it appear ugly and dented. She'd tried calling Jessica's phone line alongside some of her course mates, but none of them was connecting. The ones that rang several times disappointingly weren't answered. She tapped her feet, looking out the window as the car zipped past with breakneck speed.

Becks had gotten tired of warning Fikayo to drive much slowly, it was a lost cause. She observed the familiar eateries and bars that was along the road; they were getting closer to school. She couldn't control her anxiety anymore, she turned to her boyfriend who was gripping the steering wheel tightly with a leveled gaze ahead. She wondered what was causing him to look so serious. And... a bit tense?

"Fikkie, I think something very bad is happening at school. I mean when I called Jessica on phone, I could hear gun shots and the sound of people screaming. I just hope everything turns out alright cause I'm not ready to lose any of my friends."

Fikkie threw her a bemused look, focusing his attention back on the road. "You're very funny. Even if something happens, it's left for you to take it in good faith. Nothing can be all rosy in this life you know."

"You're beginning to scare me with this your talk o. I'm talking about the possibility of people dying and see what you're saying!" Becks exclaimed, hissing for effect. She leaned on the backrest, taking in a deep breath, releasing it out slowly—repeating the process over and over. It was what she did to relieve tension, her heartbeat mellowed, her tightened chest beginning to free itself.

After driving through Becks' hostel gate, he parked his car in front of her block and shot off the engine, clambering out of the car. She followed after him, collecting the duffel bag he handed over to her from the trunk. He pulled her in for a brief hug, leaning to kiss her on the lips.

"I love you baby," Fikkie muttered, playfully teasing her nose. Becks forced a smile, securing the bag strap on her shoulder. She waved him off as he entered his car, moving towards the rear. The sight of the car headlights flashing brought a slight pang to her heart. She sighed, dragging her feet up the steps.

At first, the hostel appeared quiet when she entered. Everyone was in their tatty rooms, locks in place, too scared to step foot outside for fear of the unknown. A sense of dread crept up her spine as she mounted the pavement leading to her room, she knew something was amiss. It was then she spotted people crowding an ajar door, some wailing, some comforting and some shaking their heads at the misery.

Becks grew confused, she tried to wiggle her way through the throng, dropping her load on her cranky bed, grateful for the relief. However, it wasn't long lasting. One of her roommates was pulling at her hair, flailing her arms in defeat. The room was stuffy, making it difficult to breathe. No one asked Becks where she was coming from or if she'd heard anything, she barely stood morose. It was as if she was nonexistent.

A girl was huddled in a corner on Prisca's bed, she seemed aloof. Becks walked up to her, recognizing her to be Franca, Prisca's cousin. She precariously sat at the edge of the foam. "What happened?" Was all she could manage. The caramel skinned girl looked up at her with red rimmed eyes, two fine lines of mascara trailing from her big eyeballs down to her chin.

She gulped, pressing her lips in a thin line. "She's dead. She... Prisca ... she's dead."

Becks gasped, her mouth rounding in surprise. She was numb with shock, folding her legs under her, she rocked back and forth. Tears filled her eyes that instant and trickled of their own accord. The hoarse cries and shouting, drowning her in her own sorrow. She couldn't fight the squeezing of her heart, the trembling of her lips or the tremulous shaking of her nostrils.

Spiritlessness took over her very core. Franca was telling her something, her lips were moving but it was as if no sound was coming out. Becks furrowed her brows, trying to decipher what she was muttering.

"Something about a creature... inserting his claws into... her... body... and lea-ving... her to drop dead... on the.... ground." Sweat dripped down the side of her face as she spoke, her voice scratchy.

"You say?" Becks asked.

"You haven't seen the video?" Franca pulled out her phone from her jean pocket, unlocking it and handed it over to her. Becks collected the phone with shaky hands, clicking on the play button. The video was taken upside down, people running here and there, their piercing cries, renting the air. Becks saw Fiona being trampled upon over the stampede. She struggled to stand but lost her footing.

Her eyes widened as she saw something big tower over her. It was unclear at that point what it was that killed her but she could hear her persistent cry for help, the seismic spam that seized her, the loud roar of a creature. Then, the video clip cut and the phone fell from her grasp.

"Did you see it?" A hoarse voice asked.

But Becks didn't know how to reply. She nodded her head mutely, her body exhausted from the nerve racking sobs. The call she'd made to Jessica few hours ago, flashed in her mind. She could make sense of it now. Of the loud gunshots that was fired and people running without a sense of direction; the rumors were indeed true.

Becks grabbed one of her leather bags from her collection and dashed out of the room.

An emergency meeting consisting of all the university lecturers including the vice chancellor who sat at the head of the long mahogany table was convened. The opening remarks were given by Lale himself and the meeting kick started.

"I want to thank everyone of you for being present here at this point in time. We are actually risking our lives to make sure that our university doesn't collapse but continues to start firm. These are trying times, we all witnessed what happened today. It has left everyone feeling shaky and dumbfounded. A female student's life was lost. Now, the question is, what can we go about it?" Mr Nwabuize, a senior chemistry lecturer, asked.

Mr Adebayo raised a hand, looking around at his distraught colleagues. He was signaled to speak and he stood, adjusting his two piece suit soiled with dirt. "Thank you, Mr vice chancellor, for the opportunity to be here. And the vice, Mr Ndokwu Wisdom, I greet you sir." He bowed respectfully.

"I want to start by saying that I'm unpleasantly surprised by what happened today. The campus demon was something our founding fathers created decades ago with the mermaid creatures to make sure our school is among the top ranking. Initially, we were to provide a certain number of students to appease it. But now, its bloodlust is becoming extreme. I suggest that we handle the press matters first before moving forward."

Mrs. Uzodinma who had been listening quietly, folded her hand on the gleaming desk and sighed. "So, what about the police investigation currently ongoing?" She asked to no one in particular.

"I'll handle it," Lale spoke up, ruminating over something in his mind.

Mr Ndokwu cleared his throat, getting up from his seat. "As we can see, our school is no longer a safe place for the students to learn. I and Professor Lale are going to issue a one week break off all school activities. The aim is to tackle this demon and get the reporters that I'm sure will be teeming the school grounds by tomorrow, off our necks."

Mr Ugoku, the most infamous lecturer known for collecting bribe from students in secret, faked a smile. "But we, the staffs aren't cool with your decision, are we?"

He scanned the stoic faces of his colleagues, waiting for someone to say they were on his side in the matter. But when he got no response, he slammed his hand on the table, cussing under his breath.

"Don't worry, Mr Ugokwu, we know you're going to be at a loss from extorting money from students. I'm sure the salary will be raised up a notch for your sake," Mrs Kachi who had been silent for a while, said harshly.

"On the contrary," Lale commanded. "There will be no salary increase. That's because our resources will be going to tackling the problem we have on ground. All ongoing building projects will be placed on hold till further notice. That being said, this meeting is adjourned for next week Monday."