Ife's library

♣️🩸BLACK ROSE🩸♣️

{~•The UNKNOWN•~}

BY~IFEOLUWA. A

DON'T EVEN TRY TO COPY OR REPOST THIS ⚠️

~•CHAPTER 25&26•~

~`•~`•~`•~

Maya fell down beside her, her mind went spiral.

“What am I gonna do, Maya? What's gonna happen to me? What if I die next? What am I gonna do?” Dior kept crying.

Maya suddenly stood up from the floor and crawled over to Dior.

“Hey..hey…slow down…enough of the what if's..okay?

“You said it yourself, you said it's all just a theory, so, stop crying okay?” Maya cleaned her tears.

“Buh what if it's all real?” Dior asked.

“Let’s believe it's not okay?..

“Desmond also confirmed it, it's all true, let's stick to the fact,Maya!” Dior snapped.

“Dior…

“I don't wanna die..” Dior muttered while tears kept escaping her eyes.

“Dior..calm down okay? Nothing is gonna happen” Maya held her shoulders.

“Have you told your brother about it?” Maya asked.

“I should tell my brother that I'm gonna die?” Dior scoffed.

“No one is dying okay? You have to tell him, he's a cop, so he's gonna know how to handle this situation” Maya replied.

“But…

“No buts, just tell him” Maya cut her off.

“I’m gonna es**rt you home and I'm assuring you that nothing is gonna happen” Maya added.

“I don't wanna go home…I'm just gonna wait here until the person comes for me and kill me too” Dior said.

“Are you crazy?” Maya snapped.

“What else am I supposed to do? What if I go home and I don't wake up the next day?” Snot escaped her nose.

“No one is coming for you, you said it yourself that getting the package doesn't mean you are the next to die. You said it was all a theory. Why are you not following your own instincts?” Maya snapped.

“I’m scared Maya, what if I'm right? What if I die next? You just don't understand” Dior snapped also.

“Give me your phone!

“For what?” Dior sniffed.

“I’m calling your brother” Maya replied and took her phone.

~`•~`•~`•~`•

•STATION•

“What’s up?” Drake said into the phone.

But he could only hear sniffs from the other side.

“Dior…” he stood up from his chair.

“Hello…” he said again.“

“Hi…” Maya finally talked.

“Who is this? Why are you with Dior’s phone?” Drake asked.

“I’m her friend and I need to tell you something about her” Maya replied.

“Where is she?” Drake asked.

“She’s right here with me” Maya replied.

“Give her the phone then” Drake said.

“She doesn't wanna take it” Maya replied.

“why?” He asked.

“It’s urgent, can you just come over to the school?” Maya asked.

“Alright…I will be there” Drake replied.

And the sound of his car key jiggling on the table was heard before he cut the call.

~`•~`•~`•~`•

Drake got to PRIDE HIGH within ten minutes and he rushed into the school without even putting off his engine.

The one person he cares about the most is his sister. If anything happens to her, he has nothing to live for anymore.

Drake kept running without stopping and he kept checking every classes for them, he got to the tenth class but there was no sign of them

He called Dior number again and Maya picked.

“We are in the locker room” Maya said like she knew what he was gonna ask.

Drake ran in the other direction and opened the door to the locker room.

His eyes met with Dior seated on the floor and he rushed to her immediately.

“What the f**k happened?” He asked and raised her head up. His eyes widened when he saw her puffy eyes

“What happened to her?” Drake turned to Maya.

“You have to calm down” Maya moved closer to him.

“Say something” Drake snapped.

“I’m sure you must have heard about the killing recently” Maya started and Drake nodded.

“Yeah..I'm working on the case right now” Drake replied.

“There's a theory” Maya said

“What theory?” Drake asked.

“We both noticed something, cuz Dior showed me the pictures of the dead students and we realised that the killing on every student was the same meaning just someone was doing the work” Maya said and Drake raised his brows.

“Then Dior said something to me one day and said it's mostly Grade 12 Students that are getting killed” Maya said again and Drake moved closer to her.

“Are you serious? You mean the three students that are dead right now are just grade 12 student?” Drake asked and Maya nodded.

“And recently I found out that the students that died received a package before they died” Maya said.

“How did you know Cynthia received a package before her death?” Drake asked.

“I overhead you telling your colleague” Maya replied.

“And recently I found out that Caroline also received a package before her death,” Maya added.

“Are you sure about this?” Drake asked and she nodded.

“What we aren't sure about right now is if Travis, who died last, also received a package before his death,” Maya said.

“So, what happened to her?” Drake turned to Dior.

“She also received the package” Maya replied and Drake's eyes widened.

“But we can't be so sure that the packages they received was the cause of their deaths” Maya quickly said.

“Do you know where Travis locker is?” Drake suddenly asked.

“Why are you asking “ Maya asked.

“To confirm if he also received the package” Drake replied.

“But no one can access his locker except him,” Maya said.

“Then we break it” Drake replied.

“What! We are gonna get punished” Maya protested.

“I’m a cop, no one is gonna question me, since I'm working on this case” Drake replied and Maya sighed.

“Let’s go to the boys locker room then” Maya muttered and dragged Dior up.

The three of them walked out of the room.

They got to the boys locker room and they started looking for Travis locker.

“Found it” Dior muttered after a while.

They both rushed to it and Drake checked the locker out.

“Do you have a pin or something?” Drake asked and Maya reached for her hair.

“Here…” She removed her hairpin.

“Good” Drake took it from her and inserted into the hole in the locker. It didn't take a minute and the locker opened.

Immediately he opened it, the first thing his eyes met was the box sitted there and he turned to the girls. Dior was already panicking. If it's really the BLACK ROSE, then that confirms she's dying.

Drake opened the box and their eyes widened.

The BLACK ROSE was lying in the box.

“Brother…” Dior started another round of tears and the box fell from Drake’s hand, his forehead started sweating.

Maya's palm covered her mouth and her eyes turned misty also. She turned to Dior and hugged her tightly.

She's never losing her friend again. She lost one before, but not this one, cuz she's gonna protect her from the murderer.

“I don't wanna die…

Drake got himself back and dragged Dior from Maya's grasp.

“Hey…look at me, you are not dying, no one is coming for you as long as I'm here. They are gonna have to go through me first if anything” Drake said and Dior hiccuped.

“Brother…

“I want you to stop crying, okay? With all I've heard today, I'm sure we are one step closer in catching this person, so you just have to stay calm” Drake said.

“What if…

“No negative thoughts” He cut her off.

“I’m gonna assign some about two cops with you, they will be enough to protect you” Drake added.

Dior hugged him and he sighed, hugging her back tightly.

“Nothing is gonna happen, I'm gonna protect you with my life” Drake muttered and she nodded, her tears wetting his shirt.

Maya sniffed from where she was, staring at them.

~`•~`•~`•~`•

•MELIORN HOUSE~NEXT MORNING•

The door opened and Maya came in. Samuel stood up when he saw her.

“You finally decided to come back,” Samuel said.

“I’m not here bcuz of you, I came bcuz mum said they are coming back today” Maya replied.

“I thought they are supposed to be there till next week,” Samuel said.

“Question then when they are back” Maya replied and dragged her bag.

“Hey..wait..” Samuel said when she was about heading upstairs.

“What again?” Maya groaned.

“You said something the last time about..your best friend dying,and you said it was bcuz of me” Samuel said.

“And?..

“What were you talking about?” Samuel asked.

“Are you asking me to tell you about your past sins?” Maya turned to him and his brows raised.

“I have a lot of things to think about and you are definitely not among them, okay?” Maya said and grabbed her bag again.

“If we wanna settle whatever is between us, then you have to tell me what I did” Samuel snapped.

“You have no right to ask me to tell you about how you r***d my best friend” Maya snapped.

“What!” Samuel muttered.

“Honestly, f**k you for reminding me” Maya added and rushed upstairs without waiting to hear anything again.

~`•~`•~`•~`•

•PRIDE HIGH~NEXT MORNING•

“Hi…” Someone's hand covered Mercy's eyes from the back.

She removed the hand and turned to the person.

“Ohh…Martinez” She smiled and he returned it.

“What’s up…

“Haven’t seen you for some time now” Mercy said.

“You were busy with your boyfriend, didn't wanna intrude” Martinez replied.

“Cisco is not my boyfriend,” Mercy quickly said.

“How did you know I was talking about him?” He chuckled.

“Ohh” She bit her lip and he laughed.

“So, he's not your boyfriend?” He suddenly asked.

“Emm..yes” She replied.

“Do you like him?” Martinez asked.

“Huh…

“Francisco, do you like him?” He asked again.

“Why are you asking?” Mercy asked back.

“I wanna know if I should keep liking you or I should stop” Martinez replied and her eyes widened.

“What?” He asked.

“I..I…

“You didn't know?” He chuckled and she shook her head.

“You are pretty” Martinez ruffled her short hair and walked away.

Mercy stood there still in shock and Francisco met her there.

“What are you looking at?” Francis asked.

“Huh…” she turned to him.

“Nothing..” she added and he shrugged.

”Next class is commencing soon” He said and she nodded.

“Let’s go” Francis grabbed her hand.

“What are you doing? Let go of me” Mercy looked around to see if any student was passing by.

“What are you scared of?” Francis chuckled and held her hand tighter.

He started walking with her and she smiled.

~`•~`•~`•~`•

•UNKNOWN LOCATION•

“This is getting risky, boss, I overheard some of the students talking yesterday,” one of them said.

“Talking about what?” The boss asked.

“They are smart boss, they found out that anyone who receives the black rose is the next victim,” the same person replied.

“Really…that's great, it makes it fun” The boss replied.

“Boss…

“Don’t mind what they know and just continue with what you are supposed to do” the boss said.

“But…

“Do you wanna get shot on the other arm?” The boss looked up and the person quickly stepped back.

“Good…

“Has the next victim gotten the BLACK ROSE?” The boss asked.

“Yes,” The person replied.

“Today is her death day” The boss said and the person nodded.

“Good…

~`•~`•~`•~`•

•MUSIC ROOM•

Maya and Dior entered the music room and sat on one of the chairs.

“So, did anything happen yesterday?” Maya asked.

“No, I slept well,” Dior replied with a smile.

“Now, you are smiling” Maya smiled alsoand they both laughed.

“See, I told you nothing was gonna happen,” Maya said.

“My brother stayed with me throughout” Dior said.

“That’s great…

“He will be here today also,” Dior replied.

“He said he has some investigations to make with his colleague, so he's gonna check on me too,” Dior added.

Maya was about saying something when Becky came in.

“Ohh..am I disturbing something?” Becky asked and they shook their heads.

“Cool” Becky sat far away from them.

A minute later, Fiona came in also.

“Okay, what's happening?” Dior muttered.

“Don’t think I'm going to leave cuz you all are here” Fiona said and went to sit.

They ignored her and continued whatever they were doing.

“Should we leave?” Maya asked.

“There’s no need for that,” Dior replied.

~`•~`•~`•~`•

•PRINCIPAL OFFICE•

Drake and Sandra entered and Principal Greene ushered them to sit.

“Welcome..” Principal Greene said and they nodded.

•

“Are you saying we should start assigning cops to the school?” Principal Greene asked.

“That’s not gonna work, cuz it seems the murderer works only at their houses, not in the school premises” Drake replied.

“So?...

“I feel like the parents of every student should be advised to assign cops to their children” Sandra replied.

“You mean students should start coming to school with bodyguards?” Principal Greene asked.

“Not to school, but in their houses, wherever they are going to aside school, there should be someone with them” Drake replied.

“Hmm..

“That’s the only thing we can think of right now to protect these students,” Drake added and she nodded.

“I will think about it” Principal Greene replied and they nodded.

~`•~`•~`•~`•

•MUSIC ROOM•

“You are not staying at the hotel anymore?” Dior asked.

“Yeah…

“That’s great then…

“So, when are you gonna admit you like Daniel too?” Dior asked with a smile on her face.

“Shut the f**k up, Dior” Maya whispered and looked at the other girls, hoping they didn't hear.

“It’s the truth, you know you like him,” Dior said.

“Yeah..i get it, now,shut up!” Maya glared at her and she chuckled.

Fiona suddenly raised her head up, staring at the two girls who were chattering amongst themselves.

Fiona's eyes suddenly squinted when she noticed something on Dior's face. Her eyes suddenly widened when she got it.

Her brother is in the military, so she knows what it is.

“Sniper…” Fiona muttered, her eyes on the red dot pointed on Dior's forehead.

“Dior!” Fiona shouted and they all turned to her.

“Get the f**k away from there” Fiona shouted again.

“What are you talking about?” Dior asked.

Fiona suddenly stood up to rush to her, but a sound was heard and blood splashed on Maya's face.

Silence settled in immediately, everyone in shock. The lights suddenly went out and everywhere became dark.

“F**k…” Fiona muttered.

Maya stretched her hand to Dior seat, but there was no one there anymore.

“Was that a gun?” Becky's panicked voice was heard.

“Dior…Dior is not on her seat anymore” Maya said, her voice shaking.

Fiona immediately put on her torchlight and truly, Dior was nowhere to ne found.

Just as they were about making a move, the lights came back on and the sight they met would be the most gruesome thing they have ever seen.

Dior was lying on the floor with a hole on her head and a crosss cut on her neck, but something was missing.

HER TWO ARMS WERE GONE.

“Ahhhh….

♣️🩸BLACK ROSE🩸♣️

{~•The UNKNOWN•~}

BY~IFEOLUWA. A

DON'T EVEN TRY TO COPY OR REPOST THIS ⚠️

~•CHAPTER 23&24•~

~`•~`•~`•~

•HOTEL•

Daniel and Maya were seated at a corner just beside the building, none of them said a word, they were just gazing at the shiny stars in the sky.

“What happened?” Daniel suddenly asked and she turned to him.

“The person you were talking to on the phone. Who was it?” Daniel asked again.

“Just someone…” Maya replied and looked away from him.

“Did the person do anything to you? You were shouting over the phone” Daniel said again.

“I don't wanna talk about it..” Maya replied.

“Is it a family issue?” He asked again and she sighed in frustration.

“Ask another question and I'm getting out of here” Maya replied and he immediately kept his mouth shut.

“You should be with your friends,” Maya said after a while.

“I lost in the game, so I was asked to stay outside for a while. Thanks to them, I was able to see you” Daniel replied and she scoffed.

After about five minutes with only their breaths heard.

“I once had a best friend” Maya said and he turned to her.

“Once?” He asked.

“Yeah, we had the best relationship, we were always together, some even mistook us to be twins” She replied.

“So, what happened to her?” Daniel asked.

“She died,” Maya replied.

“Huh…how? What happened?” He asked.

“She was a victim of rape” Maya replied and Daniel eyes widened.

“Was the ra**st caught?” He asked.

“No, due to the trauma he gave her, she killed herself” Maya replied.

“Why wasn't he caught?” Daniel asked.

“Cuz the ra**st was my brother” Maya replied and his jaw dropped.

“What did you just say?” He asked unbelievably.

“I’m going back in” Maya stood up, but he grabbed her hand, so she couldn't move further.

“Why did he do that?” He asked.

“I still can't find the answer to why he did something so outrageous,” Maya replied.

“So, was he the one you were shouting at over the phone?” He asked.

“No, I was talking to my mum, my parent don't know about what happened” She replied.

“You kept it away from them?” Daniel asked.

“He was the heir to the family, no one was gonna believe me anyway” She replied and removed her hand from Daniel's grip.

“Good night” She muttered and walked away.

~`•~`•~`•~`•

•PRIDE HIGH~NEXT DAY•

“How many bones are in the human body?” Miss Winter asked.

“206” A girl from the back replied.

“Who can list five out of them?” The teacher asked again and most students raised their hands up.

“Yes, Shein?” The teacher called and she stood up.

“We have skull, chest, arms, hands, pelvis” Shein said

“A round of applause for her” The teacher said and they all clapped.

“Anyone else who can give us another different answer?” The teacher looked around.

“Yes, Dior?

“We have the Humerus, Clavicle, Radius, femur, fibula, ” Dior replied.

“A round of applause for her” The teacher said and they all clapped again.

“It’s exciting to see that you are all reading well and not playing around. I know a lot has been going on in this school now, but that shouldn't stop you from focusing on your studies. The college entrance exam is just a few weeks away, and to your friends who couldn't write with you. Rip to them” Miss Winters said.

“I guess it's until a few more students die, that's when you will take the situation seriously” Becky said from the back and they all turned to her.

“What are you talking about?” Miss Winters asked.

“About three students are dead right now and you all are still acting like their lives has no meaning. They're someone's children too. You should do your best and make sure you find the person doing all these, but all you are talking about is the college entrance exam”

“Who the f**k cares about college when our mates who were also supposed to write with us had to die mysteriously, what was the use of the sacrifice we all made, already fantasizing about the college we wanna go to. Those students that died, I'm sure they all had dreams too, but life happened. But who the f**k knows who is gonna be the next f**king victim? Coming to school nowadays is with fear, cuz we don't know what's waiting for us. We might all chat and talk together today, but what if we all don't see each other tomorrow?”

“It is possible, this situation can't be predicted. Protect us as the teachers that you are, not try to extort money for us, claiming it's for the college entrance exam. If any government releases any news about the college entrance exam, you are expected to go to them and tell them about the situation. What the f**k is the college entrance exam used for if we can't be happy while gaining admissions” Becky said breathlessly.

“Becky…

“We don't know who this person is, we don't know how it does his killings, we know nothing, we can't tell if the person might decide to go for the teachers next, so don't think only the students will suffer for this, you can be the next person, miss Winters” Becky concluded.

“What…

“Apologies, Miss Winters, I will go to the detention room for my punishment” Becky stood up and walked out of the class.

Maya and Dior followed her immediately.

“Becky…wait up..” Dior shouted and they finally caught up with her.

“Why would you say that?” Dior asked.

“Someone bad to say something, the adults were all acting like it was no big deal”

“Our classmates are dying and no one seems to care like it was a normal thing. If you all are not scared, I am scared, I'm f**king scared” Becky screamed in tears.

“We lost Cynthia, we lost Caroline and we lost Travis also. Why are they not doing anything about it? Is that meaningless we all are to them?”

“I can't blame those withdrawing their students. I mean, who wouldn't be scared?” Becky sighed.

“Can you just calm down? They are trying also, they just don't want to show us how anxious and scared they are to us” Dior said.

“Really? Then know this, if they are not gonna do anything about it, i will find the root cause of all these and I will kill that murderer myself” Becky said and walked away.

Dior sighed.

“Should we tell them everything?” Maya asked.

“What are you talking about?” Dior asked.

“We should tell them about the pictures and the package all the dead students got,” Maya replied.

“Maya! I told you I wasn't sure about that theory, I just made an assumption” Dior said.

“What if you are right?” Maya crossed her arms.

“Maya…

“Let's tell the guys, they might have found Something out too,” Maya said.

“Gawd…this is a risk…honestly. What if they get scared more if we tell them about this?” Dior asked.

“They won't, at least, let's try, okay?” Maya held her.

“I…

“Dior.” Maya cut her short.

“Fine…I guess it's bcuz you want your crush to know” Dior winked.

“What crush are you talking about?” Maya asked in confusion.

“Daniel…” Dior smiled.

“The f**k…when did I tell you he was my crush. Are you crazy?” Maya snapped.

“Buh..I know you like him” Dior's smile widened.

“Dior! Keep quiet, Someone might hear you” Maya immediately covered her mouth.

“You like him, I know,” Dior said through a muffled breath, due to Maya's hand covering her mouth.

“Shut it, Dior!” Maya snapped.

They were still struggling with each other when they bumped into someone. They quickly let go of each other and turned to the person. Their eyes widened when they saw who it was.

“Mr Wilmer” They both called at the same time.

He stared at them blankly and suddenly held his arm when he felt a slight pain on it.

“We are sorry sir” the two girls bowed and immediately rushed out.

He turned to look at them and red liquid started trickling down his arm, staining his cloth.

“He groaned in pain and immediately rushed to the restroom.

~`•~`•~`•~`•

•STATION•

Sandra and the chief were talking when Drake suddenly came in. His face was slightly pale and his lips dried.

“You are here, the chief was just asking us about the incident yesterday” Sandra walked over to him.

“Ohh ok” Drake replied weakly.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Sandra asked when she saw his face.

“Just a little bit tired,” Drake replied.

“Did you get injured during the incident yesterday?” The chief asked also.

“Did you?” Sandra asked with widened eyes.

“No, i did not, i just feel a little bit tired, that's all” Drake replied.

“Go back home then, and rest,” Chief said.

“Chief…

“I’m giving you the permission, you can go and make sure you visit the hospital” The chief added.

“I will drive you home,” Sandra suggested.

“There’s no need for that,” Drake replied.

“Are you sure?” She asked and he nodded.

“Fine then..” she muttered.

Drake bowed at the chief and walked outside.

He held his arm immediately when he got outside, to stop the blood from staining his shirt.

~`•~`•~`•~`•

•PRIDE HIGH~CAFETERIA•

“What’s up? You both said you have something to say” Mercy said.

Dior and Maya looked at each other.

“Is there a problem?” Daniel asked Maya and she sighed.

“It’s about what has been happening recently,” Maya started.

“The killings?” Dariel asked and she nodded.

“What about it?” Mercy asked.

“After Becky got arrested and they all sent us home, I actually went back to check what was happening and I mistakenly heard the conversation between the two cops.

“What did you hear?” Francis asked.

“Becky told the cops that before Cynthia got killed, she received a package and in that package, there was a black rose and a note written on a white ribbon” Maya replied and immediately Desmond heard that, his head snapped immediately.

“Wait…did you just say a package?” Desmond asked and they turned to him.

“Yeah…what's wrong?” Maya asked.

“A black rose was inside the package?” Desmond asked again and Maya nodded.

“And a note was written on a white ribbon?” Desmond asked.

“Yeah…

“Blame your parents….that was what was written on the note right?” Desmond stood up.

“Yes..how did you know?” Maya asked shockingly and stood up also.

“A drop of blood was also on the note?” Desmond asked for the final time and immediately Maya nodded. That was all he needed.

“F**k…” Desmond cussed and started rushing out.

“What’s happening? Where is he going?” Mercy asked.

“I think he might have seen the package before,” Maya replied.

“What’s with the package that you are all talking about?” Daniel asked.

“All the students that are dead right now received this package before they died,” Maya replied.

“How did you know?” Francis asked.

“I heard when Becky told the cops Cynthia received the package, due to the fact that Desmond knows about the package too, that means, Caroline must have received it also, but as for Travis, I don't know” Maya replied.

“Okay…this is getting mysterious” Dariel muttered.

“Wait…so, you are saying, anyone that receives the package is the next victim?” Daniel asked.

“We are not sure yet, it's still a theory” Dior replied and they all sighed.

•PRIDE HIGH~6PM•

“Have you been able to talk to Desmond?” Mercy asked.

“No, he's not picking his calls,” Francis replied.

“I will be going to his house to check on him though,” Francis added.

“Cool then” Mercy muttered.

Maya showed up.

“Where’s Dior?” Francis asked.

“She will meet us here, she has to go to the restroom” Maya replied and they nodded.

“I will be leaving now” Francis said and kissed Mercy's cheek before entering his car. Mercy's eyes widened and she turned to Maya.

“It’s not what you think” Mercy said awkwardly and Maya chuckled.

“My driver is here…bye” Mercy waved and entered her car also.

Maya started pressing her phone waiting for Dior. Minutes passed and she wasn't here yet.

“Where is she?” Maya muttered.

After another minute of waiting, Maya decided to go check on her. She got to the restroom, but couldn't find her, she went into their class, still the same, then she decided to check the locker room.

Maya hadn't gotten there when she started hearing cries coming from the locker room.

Her brows furrowed and she ran the remaining distance to the locker room. The first thing her eyes caught was Dior on the floor crying her eyes out.

“The f**k! Dior!” Maya rushed to her.

“Why are you crying? What's wrong? Did something happen?” Maya asked all at once.

“Maya…I…I” Dior kept crying.

“Say something!” Maya snapped.

“I…I got..the package” Dior said with a broken voice , her face wet with tears.

“Package?..

“I got the BLACK ROSE, Maya!” Dior snapped and her tears increased.

Maya fell down beside her, her mind went spiral.

T. B. C

♣️🩸BLACK ROSE🩸♣️

{~•The UNKNOWN•~}

BY~IFEOLUWA. A

DON'T EVEN TRY TO COPY OR REPOST THIS ⚠️

~•CHAPTER 21 & 22•~

~`•~`•~`•~

~Okay…this murderer has got to stop

~Gawd..her tears weakened me

~Can’t believe her school is almost at risk of shutting down.

~No one has to die anymore

~This calls for protest

~Justice for PRIDE HIGH

This were the comments under the live after they watched the video of how Principal Greene was in tears.

~`•~`•~`•~`•

•PRIDE HIGH•

The school hasn't been the same anymore since all of this started, even teachers don't come to class all the time anymore, the ones that are able to are not even focused and kept zoning out.

“Fiona!” Francis shouted and she turned with Shein.

“What’s up?” Fiona asked when he got to her.

“Hi Francis” Shein waved shyly and he smiled at her a little, then turned back to Fiona.

“We have a dance class with grade four students, you remember right?” Francis asked and she nodded.

“Coach asked me to remind you, so make sure you are there” Francis said.

“I’ve heard you” she rolled her eyes.

Francis was about leaving when someone held his hand and he turned, only to see Shein holding him tightly.

“Can I talk to you?” Shein asked shyly.

“Meet me at the cafeteria” Fiona said to Shein and walked away.

“Is there a problem?” Francis moved his hand away from her, but she held him again and his brows furrowed.

“I just wanna have a little chat..with you” she replied without looking at him.

“Excuse me?...

“Can we go?” Shein asked and he sighed.

“Fine..leave my hand then” Francis said and she reluctantly did.

“They were about leaving when Mercy showed up.

“Hey…can we talk?” Mercy turned to Francis without minding Shein.

“We have somewhere to be” Shein quickly held Francis hand again.

“I wasn't asking you” Mercy replied.

They both turned to Francis waiting for what he will do and he chuckled awkwardly when the girls kept staring at him.

“I will help you then” Mercy said and dragged him away from Mercy's grasp. Shein watched sadly as she took him away and he didn't even turn back to look her at once.

~`•~`•~`•~`•

“What’s wrong?” Francis asked when they got to a secluded space.

“Ohh, so nothing is wrong if one of my friends just decided to suddenly stop talking to me?” Mercy asked.

“What are you talking about?...

“You suddenly started actually weird and I thought it was nothing serious, but I just couldn't keep it in anymore” Mercy replied.

“I just wanted you to do what you want, you enjoyed his company and I didn't wanna disrupt that” Francis said.

“Who are you talking about?” She asked.

“Who else?...

“Wait…Martinez?” She asked and he looked away from her.

“You stopped talk to me cuz of Martinez? I thought it was bcuz of what you said” Mercy said.

“What did I say?” He asked.

“You said..you said, you…. whatever” She snapped and he chuckled.

“It’s not funny” She muttered.

“So, what do you say?” Francis moved closer to her.

“About what?” She asked back.

“About what I said” he replied.

“What did you say?” She asked again.

“I said I like you” Francis replied and she blinked twice.

She wasn't expecting him to say it again.

“I…I..

“You don't like me?” Francis asked.

“I didn't say that” She replied and bit her lip.

“There are so many things going on right now, doing this shouldn't be on our list, we should all make an effort to find who is behind this” Mercy said.

“Buh…do you like me? I need to know that” He said.

“I..I don't know…” she muttered and he chuckled.

“I will ask you another time then” He said.

“Let’s go” he grabbed her hand and a smile appeared on her face as he dragged her away.

•CAFETERIA•

“Should we choose a day to have a guy's night out?” Dariel asked.

“And what will we be doing?” Francis asked.

“Video games, what else?” Dariel replied.

“Why not today? We need a break from all this going on currently” Daniel asked.

“So, whose house?” Francis asked.

“Why don't we book an hotel?” Dariel asked.

“An hotel?” Daniel asked and they all turned to him.

“We can have the place to ourselves without anyone disturbing us” Dariel replied.

“Hmm…

“Desmomd” Daniel called and he turned to them.

“You haven't said anything since” Francis said.

“Are you still think about her?” Dariel asked and he sighed.

“I mean..I just wanna know if she's fine” Desmond muttered.

“I’m sure she is, just be calm” Francis said.

“But…

“You should join us to get your mind off it” Daniel said.

“I’m.not interested” Desmond replied.

“He’s coming, I will make sure he's there” Francis said and Desmond glared at him.

“So, which hotel are we booking?..

~`•~`•~`•~`•

•UNKNOWN LOCATION•

“Cops are visiting hospitals?” The boss asked over the phone.

“Yeah, they visited close to ten hospitals, but they stopped currently now” Another person replied.

“Did they find anything?” The boss asked.

“The autopsy on the two girls that dued, Vecuronium was found, knowing that only Anesthesiologists are the ones who can use it, so they started visiting hospitals to check on the Anesthesiologists department to find out if they sold Vecuronium illegally” the person replied.

“Who was the cop who suggested that? He's smart” The boss said.

“He has been working at the police department for five years. He's Cop Drake” The person replied.

“We might have to take him off the way, he's dangerous still existing” The boss said.

“Boss..

“Give me all the details about him right now” the boss said.

“Okay boss…gimme a minute” The person said and the sounds coming from the laptop were the only things heard.

“Okay…His name is Drake Rodger, he had a younger sister, their parents are dead and they have been taking care of each other for some years now. He had been a cop for the past five years now and his sister also attends PRIDE HIGH”

“What’s his sister's name?” The boss asked.

“Ehmm.lemme check…she's Dior Ridger and she's a grade 12 student” The person said.

“Cool, I will call you later” The boss said and cut the call.

•HOTEL• 6PM

Maya called the hotel services and ordered something, so she decided to step out a bit for fresh air.

She grabbed a jacket and wore it on her knitted crop top, with black joggers.

She had already walked a few meters in the hallway, but she suddenly bumped into someone.

“Ohh..sorry..” She quickly said.

“Sorry about that” The person said also and they both looked up. Their eyes widened.

“Maya…”

“Wait you?..."What are you doing in a hotel?” Maya asked and his brows dipped.

“Should I ask you the same question?” Daniel asked and she rolled her eyes.

“Bye then…” She moved away from him, but he held her hand, stopping her.

Maya looked at his palm wrapped around her wrist and looked back at him, then he realized and quickly let go of her..

“I’m here with the guys, we decided to have a guy's night out” Daniel said.

“I didn't ask for an explanation,” She replied.

“You asked what I was doing in a hotel” Daniel smiled a little and she bit her lip, looking away from him.

“Why are you here?” He asked.

“None of your business, we are not friends, are we?” She frowned and he chuckled.

“Did you run away from home?” Daniel asked and her frown deepened.

“None of your damn business” She snapped icely and his face blanked

Her phone suddenly rang, cutting their staring session, she frowned again when she saw the caller ID, but still picked.

“What?” Maya asked.

“He told you that?” She asked over the phone.

“Why can't he just mind his damn business?” Maya snapped.

“You can't expect me not to shout alright? I told you I don't wanna see him anywhere near me. Why can't you just understand that? And you had to tell him to stay with me cuz you had to travel, why can't you understand that I can't stand him? You know nothing about what happened, then stop annoying me more by telling me to respect him” Maya shouted and turned to Daniel who was still standing there.

“I don't wanna talk about this anymore, I will be at the hotel until you both are back” Maya added and cut the call.

“What?” She snapped when Daniel kept staring at her.

“Wanna step out?” He asked and she frowned again.

“I thought you were headed outside before,” He said.

“I changed my mind” She turned back to go to her room, but he blocked her.

“Okay…two minutes” he said.

“For?...

“Let’s go out” he replied.

“What..?

“Not interested” She added.

“Okay…a minute” he quickly said when she was about leaving.

“One minute” she stopped and he quickly nodded.

~`•~`•~`•~`•

•UNKNOWN LOCATION•

“Next on the list is this person” The boss dropped a picture on the table and the two people looked at each other.

“Boss…we are currently facing a lot from the people, and I'm sure if we continue without taking a rest, we might actually get caught.

“Are you questioning my authority?” The boss glared at him.

“No boss, I'm just giving my opinion” the one who talked immediately looked down.

“And who the f**k asked for your opinion?” The boss shouted.

“I’m sorry boss” The one who talked said.

“Fuvk you” the boss brought out a gun swiftly and fired a shot at the person's arm.

T. B. C