MORPHEUS

The Tip

I just gulped seeing Lind stab the carrot. She does it subtly but I can sense blood lust in her eyes. It was a good thing being careful especially with strangers. Even you as my best friend had been well kept and still you had that monstrous side in you. That you are guilty until it is proven. I wouldn’t eat what lies they feed me unless I figure it out myself.

“I...think I need to go, my mom’s going to pick me up,” I stuttered, making her buy the idea, though it’s been so long since I saw my mom. Not until she decided to get another husband just a year after my dad died from a bank robbery.

Her eyes sharpened as she gazed at me. “We’re still having lunch and besides you still have literature class right?”

Hairs from the back of my head stood up at her revelation.

How does she know my entire schedule? Class list is private and only the students themselves can have access to it. There’s more to her than this lazy and quirky chick. My gut tells me so.

“You’re wondering how I knew? Well you were in a daze last enrollment, you didn’t even bother logging out. I accidentally read your entire schedule and I can’t unsee it.You see this would totally creep you out but, “ she leans forward to my right ear and whispers, “I have photographic memory,” she giggles after and goes back to her seat.

Now I totally need to keep my distance from her. Whether she’s just bluffing or telling the truth, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Noting how I was in the news for a couple of weeks after your death. Anyone can make up stories just to use me for their own benefit due to my involvement with you.

“Wow! That’s rare. Really thanks for the chat but I really do have to go. It’s been ages since my mom and I went for a stroll due to her busy work schedule,” I explained lengthily without breaking eye contact. I desperately need to be that convincing or she might start to doubt me if she isn’t already.

She playfully taps my shoulder and smiles. “It’s fine I won’t keep you then.”

So I started packing my things and put my share on the table. I can’t accept people treating me whether it’s out of good will or self- interest. She darts me a look as if she was offended by the gesture I just did. “I can’t be imposing on a new friend. I’ll let you treat me next time thanks again,” I said smiling apologetically for leaving so early.

I was able to breathe a sigh of relief when she nods. So I didn’t waste any time and started walking. Though after just three steps what she said next stopped me cold on my tracks.

“Savor the moment while it lasts,” I looked back to acknowledge what she said even though it sounded more like a threat than a good intent, “I meant with your mother silly. You said it yourself you guys rarely spend time together,” she adds which seemed defensive to me in all angles. Though I chose to ignore it and be calm as I can.

“Bye then,” I chuckled and this time I held out my phone acting like mom is already calling me to keep up the pace. Though it was just an excuse to leave that awkward situation. Doubling my speed I almost jog-walk to the school parking lot.

When I reached the parking lot beads of sweat trickled down my face. Also panting for such an intense scene earlier. I can’t be complacent even if I’m in school. With Wayward around and Lind acting that way, I can’t put my guard down. Who knows if they are puppets of the one who order to kill you. Being a primary witness it’s only natural to finish what they started.

“If you only told me about it earlier...I wouldn’t be running for my life like a wanted criminal.” I just imagined you making faces as I put my helmet on.

Partly your fault that I had to learn riding a scooter at best in the past four months. I don’t want to be pulled from the street again. Seeing the road ahead calms me. Though a car would be way safer. I can’t bring myself to ask for luxurious things from my mom after leaving home. I didn’t even bother attending her wedding to support her. Because I totally don’t.

After hopping on the scooter and starting up the engine. I rode my way to the library. The campus is so wide I can’t bear walking. Besides it’s faster that way. Before I got through the gate I saw Mike waving his hand from his booth post. So I stopped to say hi.

He takes off his cap to see me better. He’s been an angel ever since and even more since you died. I held out my left hand to him and he enclosed it with both hands, smiling to console me. “Just hang in there kid. This too shall pass,” he said encouraging me.

“Thank you again Mike. This might be a new drill at the moment. Reading makes me forget,” then I looked down and inhaled deeply before facing him again with a forced smile.

He shakes his head. “You don’t have to have it all together every time Belle. Pain humanizes us it must be felt in order to be over it.”

My heart warms up at his nickname. Dad used to call me that too when he was still alive. Mike is like a dad to me too. Even though we aren’t connected by blood. “I will try to take up the advice but I can’t promise to stick to it,” I grinned while his face turned sour. “Got to go Mike, see you around.”

With that he lets go of my hand and put his cap back on. Then waved goodbye as I began driving away. When I was inside the library, I took out some books to read. For two hours I stayed there not doing anything aside from reading. When I was on my fourth book, I saw a newspaper clipping. It was not supposed to be there. But my curiosity gets the best of me as I find myself unfolding it.

What I saw next gripped my heart with horror.

“Serial killer finally brought to justice after three years of rampage in Achilles City. Sister of the previous victim overjoyed at the said progress.” The newspaper clipping was dated exactly four months after the incident. When I read further I dropped the paper in shock.

“Anyone related to that bastard should be killed too. Tolerating him led to deaths of many after all. Lindsay Tucker says with regards to the culprit Timothy Warps in the inhumane murder of her sister Lesley Tucker. The poor woman was skinned alive on top of an ice block.”

I felt my insides turn, imagining what a horrific sight could that be. Then I felt a hand on my shoulder. I literally didn’t breathe for three seconds. “L.Lind what are you doing here?”

She is the same Lindsay on the newspaper clipping.

She smiles ingeniously, “I am on library duty today. I thought you’re with your mom?” I am under her mercy and scrutiny.

“She cancelled out last minute. My sister got rushed in the hospital for a high fever.” Lie after lie kept flowing from my mouth. I can’t help myself. I needed to survive even if I had to do it with the skin on my teeth. Making sure I don’t break away from her stare for even one second. Especially that I’m stepping on the newspaper clipping right now. My feet are sweating coldly.

I pray to God she doesn’t notice. But oh in the sweet name of satan she glances on my feet. “What’s that? You shouldn’t litter here,” she stoops down aiming to kneel.

“Lind, there you are.Ms. Rousseau is looking for you. She told me that books in aisle 74 were not returned in proper order.” Thank the heavens for the guy who called out to her on time.

“I’m on it Rob thanks for telling me,” she glances at the guy while he resumes pushing the cart of books to the aisle next to us. “I’ll just attend to it Bee. Make sure to throw that paper okay?”

I stiffly nod and wait for her to be far enough to breathe normally again.

“That was close as f*ck,” I cursed under my breath still trying to calm myself. “I think I almost wet my pants,” I chuckled at my laughable misfortune. So I immediately took the newspaper clipping, folding it and placed it inside my tote bag.

I steepled my hands for a moment before deciding to call it a night. I returned the books to their shelves and went out without bothering Lind. I can’t be in one place with her after all that juicy revelation.

Did she purposely follow me here? Was she the one who put the clipping on the book? Who ever put it there sure knows a lot about my taste in books.

Questions began to sprung up more after the other.