If I had known it before

Chapter 8

The days and weeks were quiet. I stayed out of trouble, focused on school, and spent a lot of time with Luise. We had grown really close. I ignored Taylor whenever I saw him, though I had small conversations with Eli from time to time. He even apologized for the way the girls acted on my first day, but I told him it didn’t bother me.

After that, I learned who they were—Jasmin, Kate, and probably Susan and Veronica. We mostly just exchanged hellos and small talk.

I started connecting with more people and even made two new friends, Wilson and Erica. We had most of our classes together, and after working on a project as a group, we started hanging out more. They were similar to me in a lot of ways, but most of the time, I preferred to be alone—reading in the library or going on late-night runs, which was my favorite thing to do.

I also joined the basketball team and started practicing on Mondays and Fridays. But honestly, I couldn’t focus much on it because of school. My life was simple and peaceful.

⸻

October arrived, which meant Halloween was near.

I wasn’t really a party person, but I loved Halloween. I liked spooky things, and horror movies were my favorite. I was looking forward to the day.

For the last two weeks, there had been a rumor about a big Halloween party. Everyone was talking about who was invited and who wasn’t. I was curious about it and wanted to know where it would be.

I overheard some girls in the bathroom while washing my hands. They were talking about how Elliot was hosting the party at his house. His family was Christian and from Europe, so they would be away for All Saints’ Day on November 1st. That meant the house would be empty.

And, of course, that also meant Taylor and his followers would be there.

Yeah… not interested.

⸻

Two days before Halloween, I came back late from my evening run. When I entered my room, I found Luise in the middle of a fashion disaster—clothes everywhere, total chaos.

I was about to take a shower when she suddenly called out.

“Darling, what do you think? White, light yellow, or light blue? I can’t decide! You need to help me!” She was panicking.

“Girl, first of all, you look amazing in all of them. What’s the theme? What do you want to be?”

“A Greek goddess! And Jacob is going as a Greek god.”

“Then go with the light yellow dress and gold accessories.”

“Thank you, darling! You’re the best! You’re the only one I trust when it comes to this kind of stuff,” she blabbered excitedly.

“Yeah, yeah, sure,” I laughed, walking toward the bathroom.

“Wait!” she called after me. “I got you something too! You need a costume.”

“Luise, that’s really sweet, but I have to pass. You know who’s going to be there. I really don’t want to see those people.”

“Who cares about them? You’re young, and you should have fun!”

“I know, it’s just—”

“You’re going, and that’s final. Elliot even asked me to bring you.”

“Elliot? Really? He didn’t ask me himself.”

“Yeah, well, he didn’t want to risk you rejecting him. He knows what might bother you at the party, so he begged me to take you.” She smirked proudly.

“Ha! I doubt he begged, but fine, I’ll think about it.”

“You don’t need to think about it. Be ready at 8:00 PM on Friday. Jorge is picking us up, so don’t be late.”

“Fine, fine. Don’t worry,” I reassured her and finally got into the shower.

⸻

For the next two days, the only thing people talked about was the party—what they were wearing, who they were going with, and all the other usual drama.

I talked to Wilson, and he said he’d probably stay home or maybe hang out with some people. He also admitted he might finally ask Erica out. He had had a crush on her since the beginning of the semester but was too shy to say anything. Erica, on the other hand, was definitely going to the party.

So, if you ask me, I was pretty sure Wilson would end up at the party too—because of Erica.

While walking down the hallway, I saw Eli. He waved at me before turning back to his conversation with Kate. I waved back with a smile and kept walking.

On my way to my last class, I heard a loud noise coming from one of the back rooms, where the English classes were usually held. Someone was throwing and smashing things inside.

Curious, I peeked inside.

Taylor.

He was rummaging through the room, looking for something—frantically.

I turned to leave quickly, but my book slipped from my hand and hit the floor.

Loudly.

“Oh, shit.”

“Who’s there?” he snapped, his voice sharp. “Show yourself.”

I sighed and stepped forward. “Uh… hey. It’s me. I wasn’t spying on you, I swear. That’s the last thing I’d ever do.”

“Trouble girl,” he smirked. “Always sneaking around me. If you’re a fan, you can just say it. I already have plenty—it wouldn’t hurt to have one more.”

His ego was unbearable.

“Yeah, that’s exactly what I want,” I said sarcastically. “Newsflash—I can’t stand you. I really dislike you.”

“Don’t worry, you can always change your mind.” He grinned. “All you have to do is beg. Then maybe, just maybe, I’d consider it. But don’t get too excited—it wouldn’t be permanent.”

Was he serious?! Me? Beg him?! His imagination was next level.

“Not even in your dreams,” I scoffed.

He laughed, but weakly.

That’s when I noticed something.

He was holding his chest.

And if you looked closely… there was blood.

He was hurt.

I don’t know why, but I felt something strange—like I was worried about him.

“Hey… are you okay?” I asked, concerned.

His expression changed instantly. “Oh? Already changing your mind? That was quick.” His voice turned cold again. “It’s none of your business.”

“I was just trying to be nice. Don’t take it as interest.” I crossed my arms. “But if you want to keep being a jerk, fine. Have it your way.”

Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away.

He didn’t say anything.

Just watched me leave.

After that, I didn’t see him again. A small part of me was still curious about what happened, but I ignored it.

Not my problem