Between Silence and Spotlight

Chapter 5: A Silent Witness

Grace took her phone and stared at the photo again. Her gaze caught a familiar bracelet, and she zoomed in to take a closer look.

It's the same, she thought.

Then another message came in.

You remember that night now, don't you?

Her heartbeat quickened, and she started biting her fingernails.

Someone else was there that night… watching everything.

The Prime Minister's Residence

The gigantic iron gate slowly opened, revealing the grand prime minister's residence, and Jack's driver drove in. The car came to a halt, then the driver rushed out of the car to open the door for Jack.

He stepped out slowly.

He didn't wait another second before dashing into the house.

In the large exotic living room, Riley was watching a program, a cup of red wine in her hand, which she sipped from occasionally.

“Big sis!” she heard Jack's voice from behind.

Before she could turn, Jack jumped on her and the wine spilled all over them.

“Kiddo!” she called softly amidst laughter.

Neither of them cared about their wet clothes.

Jack pulled away from the hug, and Riley gently placed the cup on the center table.

“I missed you,” Jack pouted.

He hugged her again, resting his head on her shoulder.

“Awwn, I missed you too,” Riley said, patting his back slowly like a baby being put to sleep.

Riley noticed his sudden silence and looked at him.

“Jackson,” she called his full name.

“Yes?” he responded while pulling away from the hug. He stared at her.

“Is everything okay?” she asked worriedly.

“Yes,” Jack replied.

“If something is bothering you, feel free to discuss it with me. Who knows, I might be able to provide a solution,” Riley said sincerely.

Jack remained silent for a few seconds, then looked away, scratching his chin.

“Okay sis. Actually, there's this girl… something is not right with her,” he explained.

“Okay… and?”

“I'm not sure yet, but I think she's going through a hard time. And she doesn't want to talk about it,”

“So what are you planning to do now?” Riley asked.

He shrugged but suddenly stood up.

“I just remembered something. We'll talk later, sis. I have to go now,” he said and rushed upstairs.

“Come for dinner when you're done!” Riley shouted after him.

“Okay, sis!” he shouted back before climbing the final stair.

The Next Day

Classroom

Jack had been secretly watching Grace, and he noticed that she was avoiding everyone.

She kept looking back occasionally. Whenever her phone buzzed, she jumped in fright.

It was another message from the unknown sender.

You thought the truth would stay buried? You look too good for someone who killed a fellow girl.

She quickly deleted the message and threw her phone into her locker.

Jack didn't see the message, but he noticed her restlessness.

She looks like someone being haunted. Something is definitely going on with her, he thought.

Someone hit the table with his hand to gain the students' attention.

It was Luca.

“What do you want, Luca?” Marli asked.

“Calm down, first lady. Let me talk,” Luca said, and the class roared with laughter.

“So actually, I want to invite you guys to my birthday party tomorrow. It's gonna be fun, trust me,” he announced.

The students seemed very happy about the announcement.

“What's the dress code?” a girl asked from the back.

“All white,” Luca replied, smiling sheepishly.

“Okay… so we gonna party tomorrow!” a girl squealed, and other girls laughed.

Luca and Marli shared a look, and Luca smiled mischievously as he walked toward her.

“You're coming, yeah?” he asked.

“And why do you think I'd come to your lame party?” Marli rolled her eyes.

“Because I want you to come,” Luca replied, suddenly turning serious.

“Well, I won't come,” Marli said with a tone of finality.

Luca pretended to be sad, and Marli chuckled.

“Okay fine. I'll come, but that's only if Grace comes too,” she said.

Luca's face lit up with excitement. He blinked twice like a cute kid, and Marli burst out laughing.

“Okay, now go back to your seat,” Marli said.

“Okay, ma'am,” Luca bowed slightly before heading back to his seat.

Marli chuckled lightly as she watched him leaved.

The lecture for the day started shortly afterward.

During Recess

Grace brought out the watch from her bag to inspect it again. She had a strange feeling about it.

Her phone suddenly buzzed, and she jumped in fright.

Doesn't that watch belong to Mia?… Keep it safe. You'll need it soon.

She looked around but found no one suspicious.

Who's this person? she wondered, staring at the message again.

She felt disturbed and thought about telling Marli about it.

But then, she hesitated.

What if she finds out what I did? What if she hates me too? she wondered.

No, I won't tell her, she concluded and returned the watch to her bag.

Jack was standing by the window with his hands in his pockets. He had been watching her unnoticed. He saw her put the watch back into her bag.

There must be something about that watch, he thought.

Later that day, a few minutes before the end of lectures, Marli came to Grace.

“Grace, are you going to Luca's birthday party tomorrow?” she asked.

“I don't think I'll come,” Grace replied as she packed her books.

“But why? Luca wants us to come,” Marli said, sounding disappointed.

“You can go alone, Marli. I'm not in the mood for a party,” Grace said without looking at her.

Marli remained quiet for a few seconds. Grace looked at her, and she feigned annoyance.

“Okay fine, I'll go with you. But I'm not staying more than an hour,” Grace said.

Marli squealed as she hugged her tightly.

“I love you!” she said, planting kisses all over her face.

They both laughed heartily.

Night

Grace's Residence

Grace was lying in bed when her phone chimed again.

A new message appeared

Did you enjoy today?

And almost immediately, another one came in

I saw you.

Seeing the message, she suddenly remembered the shadowy figure she had seen near the washroom.

The night breeze blew the curtains, and she began to feel scared.

She stood up to close the window, and for a second, she felt like she saw someone watching her from outside.

Then her phone lit up again, indicating another incoming message.

Sleep well. Tomorrow is another day… and trust me, it'll be worse.