Chapter Thirty Three
1411 Words
My mind can't focus on anything today, just watching to clock tick away slowly.
Finally, the bell rings. i rush out of my seat, grab my bag, and don't look back as I head for the library.
"Hi Miss," I say as I enter the library.
" I don't suppose you have any archives or books on the towns history, oh also any recent newspapers here?" She looks me up and down.
"Sure, why do you ask?"
"Well, not being from here. I just wanted to get to know the town a bit better," I lie
The librarian raises an eyebrow, curiosity flickering.
"Got it. Follow me."
She leads me to a section crammed with dusty books, pulling out a thick volume.
"Here's the history. It might have what you're looking for."
"Thank you , thanks so much." I offer her a smile.
I take a seat and start flicking through the pages, looking for anything out of the ordinary.
I scan through all the newspapers, focusing on headlines that speak of disappearances or strange sightings.
"Anything interesting?" A voice interrupts my thought process. I glance up, seeing Jax leaning against the doorframe, hands in his pockets, looking as casual as ever.
"Just looking into some town history," I reply, my heart racing.
"Well, that sounds.... incredibly boring, " he scoffs.
"How's your arm holding up?"
I peer over the newspaper, "Yeah, it's fine." I look back down, assessing some articles about strange animal sitings, I take my phone out and take some pictures.
"Thanks for yesterday," I say to Jax , but when I look up, he's gone.
I glance around the library, scanning the aisles for him.
"Typical," I mutter, refocusing on the newspaper clippings.
The pages shift beneath my fingers, revealing an article about an unusual attack in the woods.
"Lost a hiker last month," I whisper to myself, heart racing.
"Looks like there's more to this town than meets the eye."
Gym class is next, and I'm finally aloud back, I get changed in the locker room.
Balls, just balls, it's not track today , volleyball , I roll my eyes.
We get into teams, and of course, Poppy and her posse stick together on one team. Thank fully Rose is on mine.
"Great, just what I need," I mutter, scanning the court.
"You ready?" Rose nudges me.
"Don't think I've got a choice," I glare.
The whistle blows, and the ball is served across the court, spinning through the air like a dart.
"Watch out!" Rose calls, eyes wide as I flinch, barely managing to return it with a clumsy bump.
"Nice try, Mauve!" Poppy smirks, crossing her arms. "Need a map to find the ball?"
I don't give her the satisfaction of a reply .
I just mutter "b***h" under my breath.
Rose nudges me, a smirk playing on her lips.
"Focus, we've got this."
Poppy serves again.
The ball sails toward me; I leap, swinging back my arm.
"Here goes nothing!" I call out, determined to prove myself.
I get it across the net and is smacks into Poppy's side, the ball thudding against the floor.
"Not bad, Mauve!" Rose laughs, nudging my shoulder.
"Let's see if you can keep that up," Poppy huffs, a scowl twisting her lips as she prepares for the next serve.
"Let's go, Mauve!" Rose shouts, positioning herself for the next play, fierce determination flooding her voice.
The whistle blows, and Poppy sends the ball flying again, but I jump higher this time, aiming to prove her wrong.
I connect, sending it over the net with a solid thud, earning a cheer from my teammates.
The cheer doesn't last long as I turn back the last thing I see is the ball zipping toward my face, a blur of orange and black.
"Watch out!" Rose yells, her eyes wide as I instinctively raise my arms.
The ball connects hard, and I stumble back, shock firing through me. "Great, just great."
The posse just laugh and look on me like I'm some kind of clown.
"Nice skills, Mauve! You sure know how to catch," Poppy mocks, hands on her hips, smirk plastered across her face.
"Shut up," I mutter, rubbing my sore nose as Rose shoots me an apologetic look.
We continue the game and it's a draw , last ball wins.
"Alright, last serve decides it!" Rose calls.
Poppy grins, shifting her stance. "Hope you're ready to lose, Mauve."
With a deep breath, I focus on the approaching ball, heart pounding against my ribs.
A wave of adrenaline rushes through me as I leap into the air and connect with a clean hit, sending the ball spiraling over the net.
"Yes!" Rose cheers, pumping her fist.
Poppy's expression falters, disbelief painting her features.
"How did you—"
"—even manage that?" she blurts, shock rippling across her face.
Rose and I share a quick glance, the thrill of victory .
I ignore the other team as we chant and cheer.
Today is a good day.
The rest of the week there is no drama, my arm has started to heal over , it may leave a scar but hey no problem at all.
I continue my research every day and have collected loads of notes about strange happenings and animal attacks and God has there been some.
Friday arrives and God am I grateful for Fridays.
Liam and I have been texting all week, I don't get to see him till weekends really as he goes to a different school.
My phone buzzes "You up for a party tonight?;)" , I've not lost that butterfly feeling.
"Yeh sure, just let me know where and when :)".
The screen lights up again, Liam's name flashing back. "Meet at the old quarry at eight. It'll be epic, trust me."
The quarry?
I walk down the hallway and spot Rose and Lyle , they literally can't keep their hands to themselves, it's kind of cute.
"Looks like someone's in love," I tease, smirking as I approach them.
Rose glances over, a hint of a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Shut it, Mauve."
"May I please steal your wonderful girlfriend for a moment" I smirk at Lyle.
"Sure, just bring her back in one piece," Lyle chuckles, his eyes sparkling.
I loop my arm through Rose's, pulling her away gently. "So, this party at the old quarry tonight. You in?"
"Absolutely," she grins . "What time?"
"Liam said to meet him at eight"
"But that's not why I've got you here, please help a girl out and work your magic on me please" I laugh.
Rose raises an eyebrow, a playful smirk forming.
"Magic, huh? What am I? A wizard now?"
I nudge her gently, feigning seriousness.
"Well, you do know how to make me look good, so I consider you an expert."
"Alright, let's see what I can do," she grins.
"What sort of look do you want to go for? Pretty and innocent? Seductive and sexy?" "How about a mix of both?" I suggest, giving her a wink
Rose's eyes sparkle. "I like the sound of that. Let's give you a look that turns heads."
"Perfect," I smile.
"So do you think tonight is the night?you know" she says calmly as if it is not one of the biggest moments for a girl.
"Are you serious? In a quarry ?" I burst out laughing. "You have lost your mind"
"Who's lost their mind" a voice comes from behind me.
"Do you know it is rude to listen in on other people's conversations?" I glare back at Miles.
"Rude? More like entertaining," he retorts, crossing his arms.
"I hope you're not eavesdropping on our plans," I snap, narrowing my eyes.
"Oh, just making sure you're not getting into anymore trouble," he replies, feigning innocence.
"Trouble? Please," I scoff, rolling my eyes.
Rose nudges me, suppressing a grin. "Miles, you should worry more about yourself. Last time I checked, you're the troublemaker around here."
He crosses his arms, defiance flickering in his gaze. "I make trouble look good."
And boom just like that he walks away... cocky bastard.
"Whatever, Miles," I mutter, shaking my head.
Rose shoots me a grin. "You okay with that jerk?"
"He's just... annoying. Come to think of it, it must run in the family" I shrug, annoyance creeping in. "Let's focus on looking good for tonight."
"Right! Let's get home and work our magic," she replies.
- Writer
