⛧°。 ⋆༺♱༻⋆。 °⛧ ⛧°。 ⋆༺♱༻⋆。 °⛧
My yeses, maybes and nos:
YES:
- Platonic/Romantic
- F/F & M/M
- However, many of my fics will just be gender-neutral reader
- Trans reader
- Yandere
- Angst
- Fluff
MAYBE:
- Smut
- Not that I'm uncomfortable with it, I just don't feel like I can write it well enough
- F/M
- Ehh... there are plenty of straight fanfics, and I'm better at writing F/F & M/M. However, it's not a complete no, so I will write it occasionally.
NO:
- Child x Adult
- Downright rape (doesn’t Include non-con)
FANDOMS I WILL WRITE ABOUT:
SCP FOUNDATION:
- Scp Foundation in general
- Herman Fuller's Circus of the Disquieting
- Dr Wondertainment
- Marshall, Carter, and Dark Ltd. (MC&D)
- Sarkic Cults
- Church of the Broken God
- The Serpent's Hand
ANALOG HORROR:
- Mandela Catalogue
- Vita Carnis
- The Tangi Virus
- The SMILE tapes
- GEMINI HOME AND ENTERTAINMENT
- The Walten Files
- Monument Mythos (S: 1, 2 & NIXONVERSE)
SLASHERS:
- Ghostface (Billy Loomis & Stu Macher)
- Norman Bates
- Michael Myers
- Jason Voorhees
- Pennywise (2017)
- Billy Lenz
- Brahms Heelshire
GREEK MYTHOLOGY:
- Percy Jackson Fandom
- Or Greek Myths in general
GENERAL SCENARIOS
(Ex: Mafia x Reader or Android x Reader)
Idk what's going on, but do NOT follow me if you're a proshipper.
I, by all means, am not a vanilla shipper; I love it when ships have flavour to them... but pedophilia?? Incest??
Of course, as I mostly indulge in horror media and other themes not part of the norm, I understand how certain deviant aspects, such as pedophilia, can enrich a story. Take, for example, my latest piece, with the priest and the child, where pedophilia is mentioned and adds layers to the story, showing how corrupt religion is.
... notice too... how pedophilia is not a focal point in the story...
If YOU indulge in these media pieces where someone writes or draws something in which the only plot is a minor and an adult fucking, do NOT engage with my content. YOU are disgusting, and you taking advantage of how welcoming the LGBTQ+ community is is one of the reasons why so many people demonize it.
Tw: Child SA (brief and implicit) and mentions of wanking it idk
𐕣 † 𐕣 † 𐕣 † 𐕣 † 𐕣 † 𐕣 † 𐕣 † 𐕣 † 𐕣 † 𐕣 † 𐕣 † 𐕣 † 𐕣 † 𐕣 † 𐕣
Was it autumn? Winter? Spring? Summer? One could not tell. The air lay in a perpetual lukewarm stupor, and the heavens remained veiled in unmoving cloud, swollen with rain that never fell.
Amid the rubble, a figure emerged, limping toward a building not far ahead.
He crossed a mass graveyard, one consecrated to the fallen sinners of another age. The figure remembers this place; however, yet now it exhaled the stench of true death. Once, the graves had been adorned with flowers and riddled with candles; now the earth that cradled their stones had split open, coffins yawning wide like broken mouths.
Not all the graves had been disturbed. A chosen few remained sealed, untouched, at rest.
The rest had risen.
The sinners had clawed their way free. The figure nodded to himself. They have torn open Hell and dragged themselves back to Earth, bellies scraping the soil as they crawled. They searched, though for what? What they sought could not be found beneath the sky. The only vengeance for their centuries of torment was ascension. Yet their dirt-choked fingers found no purchase upon the clouds, nor upon the firmament itself.
At last, the figure was caught in the weak glow of a seldom-lit streetlamp.
It is a priest.
He still wears his vestments: his clerical shirt, his Roman collar and his cassock trailing behind him like a burial shroud, drinking in dust and filth. He paid it no mind. His gaze was fixed upon the building he now approached.
Why had a priest wandered so far from his home?
He had not. He was home.
The priest straightened and lifted his eyes to the structure before him, wincing. Long before he had doomed the Earth, this church had towered over the village, tending to the sinners and quieting the dead. Now it stood as a husk, hollowed of sanctity.
It had now been gnawed to ruin. The stained-glass windows lay shattered, their colours dead. Cracks veined the foundation like fractures in bone. The doors sagged upon screaming hinges, pleading for oil or obliteration, and the roof gaped open, welcoming fallen debris as a penitent guest.
No. It bore no resemblance to what he remembered.
He stepped inside, hesitant, as though exiled long ago, though no sentence of banishment lingered in his memory. He pressed against the doors, and they groaned as foretold. He peered into the dark beyond.
It was as he had imagined-
A statue fell.
Stone thundered against stone, collapsing before him and sealing his path.
He gasped, trembling, and stumbled back, clutching at the failing door as it gave way beneath him. He fell, scraping his hands and knees, crawling backward, panting, drinking in stolen breaths. He knew its meaning: this was no sanctuary. He was not welcome here.
But where could he flee? This decrepit ruin was his home.
He crawled toward the statue, yielding to the ground, offering neither pride nor defiance. Every movement was a silent plea, a litany of humility carved into the motion of his body.
The statue’s head has been severed, yet its gaze remains fixed on him. The Virgin Mary.
He had recalled that he had asked the sculpture to give all a blank stare, leaving sinners to divine its meaning.
Fear.
She spoke.
He had never imagined such beings capable of it. But the wide eyes, the drawn brows, the parted lips twisted backward into a grimace, this was fear, pure and unrelenting.
He would glimpse it often, masked in human flesh: in the confessionals where sinners unburdened themselves, or upon the trembling mouths of the faithful as he placed the bread upon their tongue.
He lifted his eyes to the desecrated altar. Was it calling for him?
He crawled over the broken statue, casting the Virgin Mary one last plea for mercy. She did not answer. Her eyes did not meet his.
He continued crawling along the crimson carpet, threading between the ruined pews.
The pews. He remembered sitting as a boy, pressed to his father’s side, gazing up at the preacher whose voice rolled like thunder over the congregation. The priest’s name had slipped his mind, but the devotion remained.
The man had surrendered wholly to the Lord: unmarried, fasting, confessing. A paragon.
The boy had begged his father to let him join the Church’s youth program, and with pride, his father consented. He had entered the church with joy in his chest, yearning for his praise, dreaming of becoming a prodigy in the priest’s eyes.
He had laboured to stand apart from the other boys. Always aiding with the masses, always eager, always seeking the front row whenever he was off duty so that the priest might see him.
And he had been seen.
Soon, the priest entrusted him with tasks beyond the altar, chores that required obedience, devotion, and care. He had performed them gladly, without hesitation, every act an offering to the god he adored.
He cleaned, cooked and laboured until his fingers split and bled, until the skin peeled off from his young hands. Even as he sat alone on his bed, worrying the dead flesh between his teeth, he longed only to serve the priest again.
At last, the day came.
The priest told him he required help in one of the inner rooms, his help alone. He called him special. Said he could see his devotion, a rare gift granted by the Lord to very few.
The priest removed his robe and placed it upon the boy’s shoulders.
He remembered the sensation of being sanctified, even as tears streamed down his face, even as he whimpered that it hurt. He remembered the murmured assurances: It is well. This is as it should be.
Suffering, he was told, was the narrow gate. Heaven did not open easily. He had been chosen, set apart from the common sinners. God placed him in the priest’s care to be shaped, to be guided. Now it was his duty to yield, to open himself, to receive what was ordained.
He remembered that day.
His “ordination”.
The priest died a few years after he reached manhood, leaving him to inherit the village’s church.
Big shoes to fill, his father had said.
Those words became scripture to him. He studied them fervently as the Bible itself. They hovered above him when he preached. They whispered when his eyes lingered too long on a woman seated in the front pews. They pressed against his skull as he placed the bread upon her tongue.
Even as he imagined that very tongue wrapped around his cock.
Even as he confessed his love to her. Even when she had told him she was already betrothed to another.
And again when he resulted in relieving himself in the midst of his bedroom.
Yes, even then, these words loomed over his head. They would never leave him alone. They were permanently ingrained and tainted his thoughts, no matter how many times he washed them.
His father’s voice. The village’s murmur. The priest’s breath in his ear. They haunted him with what he would never become.
He needed to prove himself.
But when would God grant him a trial worthy of such devotion?
He stopped crawling and pulled himself upright, gripping the last pew for balance. His eyes lifted to the altar, magnificent, scarred, consecrated. A table meant for worship. A slab reserved for the most dignified of sinners.
Beside it stood the baptismal basin.
His legs failed him.
He collapsed forward, prostrate before the altar. He pressed his forehead against its surface, though some unseen force twisted his head toward the basin. He choked on his breath as tears soaked the stone.
No… he could not look. Not at that.
It had been only months ago, when he still bore the title of a priest. When the village was warm. When the world had not yet turned against him.
There they stood.
A young couple.
He remembered them too well. The man’s hair slicked neatly back, his suit crisp, his smile audacious. How Prideful. The woman was smaller, but held a sort of restrained fury in her small eyes. She would not meet her husband’s gaze. Her clothes pretended at neatness, but up close, the strain showed, creases forced flat, a collar smoothed too many times. She seemed filled with Wrath.
In her arms, she held the child.
She placed him into the priest’s care, and he received the infant, cradling the small weight against his chest. Its eyes were closed. Her hands were cold as a gravestone, yet the child burned, an unnatural warmth, as though fire slept beneath its skin.
He began his prayers. He blessed the couple. He turned towards the basin.
And then he looked again.
The child’s eyes were open.
But they were not the eyes of a newborn. They were deep, dark pools of blood which were fixed upon him with such stillness.
The Devil regarded him.
And he looked back.
This was it. This was the trial he had been begging God for.
He lowered the child’s head into the basin. The water closed over its head.
But he was afraid.
His hands trembled. He could not do it. Not here. Not before them all. They would not understand. They would not believe he was saving them. He would lose everything, his life, his family, the village, the title he had bled to earn.
He held the child beneath the water for a moment too long.
Whispers crept into the air. He felt the couple’s eyes upon him. Panic seized him. He lifted the child quickly and returned it to its mother’s arms.
The prayers left him broken, torn from his throat in dry, stuttering gasps, as though his body rejected the words he had spoken.
He had doomed us.
He watched as the couple carried the child away. Watched as the sinners praised them. Watched as the nuns reached out, brushing reverent fingers along the infant’s legs.
And then…
They were gone.
They were all gone.
Now there was only him.
He drew a shuddering breath as the vision loosened its grip and the present returned.
And then he felt it.
Something stood behind him.
An angel.
It was beautiful in a way no mural, no scripture, no trembling hand of man could ever capture. Its presence crushed him with awe. Ecstasy, terror and joy surged through his veins. For a treacherous moment, he believed it had come to save him.
He nearly wept. Where did he get such audacity?
For he knew the angel had come to punish him.
Its face contorted, he could see the brows furrow, the glaring eyes, the tightened lips and the clenched jaw.
Its voice boomed through the ruined church.
“By thy choosing, the Earth was unmoored; Heaven turned its face away.”
Forgive me.
“This trespass outweighs all others, and mercy does not reach it.”
Forgive me.
“Thus, thy suffering is appointed, and its hour shall never pass.”
Forgive them, Father, for I have sinned.
The church did not answer.
The Heavens did not descend.
And Hell did not need to.
Though I am aware I am falling, I feel no wind blow in my face. It's almost as if there's no wind at all. As if I'm floating instead of falling. The only way I know I'm falling is because I'm getting closer and closer to a blue light.
And then, I slammed on the ground. I looked up, Omar's body was nowhere, as if it had evaporated.
In front of me was a large, light blue clock that gleamed.
Tick Tick
It sounded throughout the whole pocket dimension.
I got up, approached the clock and reached for it, but my hand fazed right through it. Suddenly, I hear a soft thump behind me. I look back to see Marcus, he's normal again.
“You've got quite a knack for getting away, should I cut off your arms and legs next rese-”
“What is this place?”
There's an awkward silence as Marcus stares.
“The in-between.” He says.
“The clock ticks for as long as this timeline is alive. After it collapses, the clock stops. Then, I come here, apply my changes and the clock restarts.” He continues.
I turn back toward the clock. “How long has it been going for?”
He looks at the clock. “This timeline? Roughly 36 hours.”
“WHAT!? But I've been here for weeks!”
“Have you? On certain, more important days, time slows. On others, time skips itself. I like to keep a fast pace, I don't like to wait.”
I stare in silence, and then I look away. “You said the clock stops after the timeline collapses… Why is it still going?”
“Because you're still alive, my dear. I misspoke, it stops after MY world 'collapses'.” He smirks and I grimace.
“You said you come here to also 'apply changes'?” I tried to change the subject.
His smirk widens.
“Yes! Each of my timelines is different, and here is where I change 'em.”
He turns around and looks into the void. He waved his hand and up came an interactive light blue panel with a bunch of codes written on it. I walk up next to him and stare up at the panel.
“Here,” He pointed to the codes. “These codes make up a timeline. Everything is made up of code. Well… almost everything. Our matter isn't... we are... We. I can't change how one feels. Though, I did implant my own codes.”
He waved his hand and suddenly, the green digits turned to a selected one. There, I saw pictures of... us. It looked like a game video where you select your character... He touched my photo, which opened to its own “code”. Though it was less complex and the code was shorter.
The very first code caught my eye. Amongst the symbols, it was written: “Memory refresh: every reset.”
I hummed. “How do you write each code?”
He grinned as a keyboard came up from the panel. “It's just like typing on a computer.”
I looked down and then back up. “So, like this?”
I took the mouse, clicked on the 'memory code' bar and added the caret to the end of the code.
“Ah! Ah! Careful there, dear. You wouldn't want to erase anything important!” Marcus grabbed my hand and shoved me on the keyboard, moving the mouse away.
“Marcus-” He released my hand and went down to caress my inner thighs. My left hand moved to press the delete button...
“Oh, how I wish we could just stop this cat-and-mouse chase, hun. What good does it do us both?” His hands trailed up my body.
“I-”
“Doesn't it grow tiring? I know I'm tired. I could just force you to love me, but where's the romance in that?”
His hands moved to my neck, crushing it.
“Agh! Marcu-!” I gasped.
He... he's crushing my neck! Not choking, CRUSHING.
I struggled, but as he said before, he wasn't a man of patience. My voice emitted a gurgling sound as the clock stopped ticking.
˖⁺‧₊˚🌃🌄🌅˚₊‧⁺˖
“Mmmm…” I groaned as I got up from my bed.
My room felt smaller… I got up and looked down from my window, I was in an… apartment.
Oh! Ah... yes, I remember!!
Marcus must've changed the settings for this timeline.
Hm. Deleting that memory code was a smart move, I'm disappointed I hadn't known about it sooner. Or maybe I had... just wasn't fast enough...
I sigh, pick up the clothing off my bed and put it on.
Suddenly, I hear a throat being cleared behind me. I turn and see... Omar.
“You're up early.” He said, smiling, though I could hear a hint of coldness.
He must still be... mad about our last interaction.
I wonder how Vanessa and... Judy feels.
“Ah, I'm not that tired,” I reply, just now noticing the other bed in the dorm room. Omar is my roommate... huh.
I flash him a smile and walk out. His eyes follow me until I exit. The hallway is empty... Though, by the look of this establishment, I must be in a university.
I guess he had gotten bored with the usual high school.
“Ahem.” A voice behind me clears her throat... again.
I turn around (again...) to see... Judy.
“You failed...”
My heart sank, I opened my mouth and-
“... The tryouts.”
“What?” I look at her dumbfounded.
“You didn't get into the team. Better luck next time... If they'll be one.” She shows me a paper which has the team on it.
I looked at the paper she pulled up. Amongst the list, my name was indeed not on it.
Oh.
Although, I knew what Judy was hinting at.
I wanted to say something, anything, an apology... But I couldn't. It's too early, I can't risk it.
“Ah... well, better luck next time, ha ha!”
Judy nods.
...
“See you around...?”
Judy raises her head.
“You're not coming to class?”
“Ah... no, not today. I'm not feeling it.”
“You're skipping? You never skip...-”
“Ah well, there's a first time for everything, eh?”
I wave her goodbye and run away. Okay, I need to find that panel without causing the world to collapse.
Maybe if I delete or code it some way, I can put an end to this.
I won't have any luck trying to find it myself... I need to ask someone.
Marcus is off the table.
Vanessa would be too suspicious.
Judy... I don't think she's even aware of it.
Omar... Marcus's “second in command”.
He obviously won't give it to me willingly... so I need to SOMEHOW get him to be on my side.
Which worked REALLY well last time... God, he saw it coming the moment Judy died...
I already made him suspicious of me waking up early... Hm.
I also haven't seen Marcus yet... Where is he?
And — like a moth to a flame — I hear chattering from around the corner. I turn and see... what the hell.
It's Marcus... but he's crowded by… fangirls…?
...
You'd think that after my last stunt, he'd want to avoid as much distraction as possible.
That he'd want to have all eyes on me... Not the opposite.
I quickly turn and walk outside the university.
Outside was the same as it's always been, except the church, who was now just a magazine store dedicated to Marcus.
Give me a break, who's he trying to impress?...
I arrived back at the university, I have fifty missed calls from Judy, but yet I can't bring myself to call back.
I avoid Judy like the plague and make my way to my dorm. Omar is already there, getting ready for bed.
It's strange... how it was morning, and now it's night.
“Oh. You're finally back.”
“Yeah.... uhm... did you see the new guy?” I try to play it off.
He lights up. “Marcus? The model?”
“Yeah. Must be quite obnoxious having a crowd follow you all day. Was trying to get a better look, but the crowd was too big.”
“Yeah... I guess? That's what you were doing all day?” He raises an eyebrow.
“Well, no, obviously not. I was checking out the new magazine store.”
“Ah yes, the one that I told you about? Have you checked out any of the myth magazines? They're pretty interesting.”
“Didn't find 'em... the place was littered with someone's face.”
He turned away, folding some clothes. I could tell he was smiling, though.
“Oh, when you get the chance, make sure to call Judy. She was freaking out all day.”
“Mm, will do.”
I smiled and went into the bathroom to change into my pyjamas. I came back soon, Omar was in bed. He was breathing softly, maybe not sound asleep, but I had to make my move now.
I walk to Omar's bed, get on him and start to straddle him... and then I start to choke him.
He awakens quickly and tries to pry me off. He would've easily succeeded if he hadn't lost that much air while gasping.
“W-what- Are you--”
“The panel. Where is it?”
“P--Panel??”
“You're Marcus's second in command, and you don't know about the panel??”
“GAH! W-wHAT!??”
“SHH. The clock! The-The codes! The Inbetween!”
He stopped wailing, hands still gripping mine. I let him inhale more air.
“The ... Inbetween?”
“Yes-”
Suddenly we switched positions, and I was the one being choked.
“HE TOOK YOU THERE?!”
“AH! Fuck! Let-GAH!” I gripped his arms. “OMAR SToP! Do you know what Marcus will do if HAH!” I gasp as Omar lets go of my neck.
“O-Oh... my god... hah... I wasn't actually going to choke you to death...” I gasp.
“How was I supposed to know? After what you did to Judy and Vanessa...”
I looked away, ashamed. “Do you know where it is...?”
“And I should tell you because...?”
“Well... you'd be helping us get one step closer to freedom...”
“Did you not listen to my last monologue? I have POWER here.”
“Power? Omar Marcus wiped the floor with you last time. You have no power here. In his eyes, you're just like Judy and Vanessa...”
He stayed silent.
“Don't you miss the real world? The taste of freedom? The feeling of being able to have a family? That one day, you'll pass?”
“...”
“This time ONLY. And you better hope that we don't get caught.” He said as he got up.
I sat up and slid off the bed.
“The panel is located in the inbetween, which only opens up with Marcus's scythe, which breaks the timeline or Marcus himself.”
“Marcus's scythe? The thing you had last time? What does it do?”
“Wreaks havoc, destroys everything in its path.”
“So... if I get my hands on it…”
“If you think you'd be able to stop Marcus with a scythe, you'd be dead wrong. Who would be dumb enough to create something that kills its own creator?”
None of us answered the question.
“Okay... well, where do you find it?”
“Well it used to be in the church, above the altar, then it was in Marcus's house and as of now — after the last timeline — he keeps it on himself.”
“Fuck… that makes it ten times harder…” I groan in defeat.
“Well, technically, if you got close enough to the panel, you COULD code the scythe to spawn somewhere else…” Omar hinted.
“... How do I get to the Inbetween?”
“Well, besides ending a whole timeline, there is another way down… You’ll need to go to the basement of the university, then take the thousand-step staircase down until you reach the bottom, aka the Inbetween.”
“Refreshing. You’re not coming with me?”
“No. I’ll lead you to where the basement is, but that’s it. I don’t want to be held accountable. If you get caught, that’s on you.”
I was going to say something… but he’s right. I wouldn’t want to meet Marcus wrath twice… And so I nod.
“Alright, well let’s go. I don’t want to waste any more time than I already have.”
He nods back, and so we start walking out the dorm and through the university. Omar doesn’t say anything to me as he leads me to the basement.
I try to initiate a conversation.
“So, uhm… I haven’t seen Vanessa… Where is she?”
Omar scoffed. “She’s out there crying. Apparently, dying by your hands really took a toll on her. Guess she’s finally coming to terms with reality.”
I purse my lips. I forgot that Omar is not who I thought he was. Not my best friend anymore.
We soon reached two big doors, they looked like the doors that close during a fire in schools. Big metal doors.
I step closer and try to open them, though they don’t budge. I open my mouth, but Omar pushes me aside, and he opens the door, though he’s visibly struggling.
“Ah… these doors aren’t really meant to be opened. That’s why they’re so heavy. Usually, if you were to touch it, you’d blindly turn away since these doors were designed to give you second thoughts. It takes a lot of want to open these doors.”
I look inside, it’s pitch black inside, besides the faint glow of the stairs. I take a step forward, then another until I’m past the doors.
I look back at Omar.
“You’ve come far, it’s the farthest you’ve ever gotten.” He smiles before closing the doors.
I look back down and start walking. It takes a long while to get down. It’s neither cold nor hot, neither lukewarm nor room temperature, it’s a weird feeling.
Eventually, I came across a large crack between the stairs, separating them by 15 meters. I couldn’t make that jump even if I tried, no way. I would definitely fall.
Should I just turn back? But if I fall and splat on the ground I’ll just reset… and then I’ll have to find everything all over again. Not to mention Marcus will find out.
Omar was right, it’s a real sense of wanting.
I jumped off.
My body reacts and I get chills running down my spine… but I don’t fall. Well, I am falling, just slowly, as if I was but a feather.
I don’t know if this is faster than walking but… I guess it works.
I soon reach the end, the faint glow of the clock welcomes me and so does its ticks.
The clock has been going for roughly about two hours and 28 minutes… which seems impossible but… honestly I’m not even surprised.
I walk over to the void and wave my hand for the control panel, and it appears. I quickly start browsing, searching for any code to stop the madness.
Though, ultimately, I find nothing…
Well, maybe not nothing. My eyes land on a familiar scythe.
I reach for it, and it opens up its own panel. It has its name; Alter. Mm.
There was a code as you looked lower, dedicated to where the scythe would spawn. It was put as Marcus’s spiked wristband… how does that work, don’t ask me. I wrote a new code, where it would spawn in my pocket instead.
I would have to act quickly next reset, he’d surely realize.
My hand leaves the keyboard and I move to turn around when a sharp pain punctures my stomach.
I gag and choke, I turn back and see Vanessa standing there.
Fuck.
I curse as I kick her feet, making her stumble.
I cry out as Vanessa continues to stab me wherever she can reach.
I yell, whine… spots of black start to cloud my vision.
I have yet to discuss it with Judy, Marcus always seems to be right next to me.
Judy told me that it was already risky for us to be seen together. I don't exactly understand, but soon, I won't need to.
I'll need a distraction, something that will take Marcus's eyes off us. I thought of maybe food poisoning him or giving him sleeping pills stuffed into his food… But if you really take the time to notice, Marcus never eats. Never once did I see him put anything in his mouth… So, I came up with something else.
The old church that burned down a few weeks ago.
No doubt that it had something to do with Marcus.
Perhaps with the intent of getting rid of a certain someone that was standing in his way.
I'm sure he'd be quite intrigued to know that there's been some “activity” at the church…
I raced through the streets and barged into the school.
“Marcus! Judy! Vanessa! Omar! You'll never guess what I saw!”
They were standing in a group near the cafeteria, Vanessa was showing them the new pocketknife she had gotten. Marcus came up to me.
“What is it?” He asked me in a soft, worried voice.
“You know that church that burned down?” Everyone nodded in unison except Marcus, who was slower.
“As I was passing it this morning, I thought I saw movement inside. At first, I thought it was only an animal or a firefighter but…” I leaned in as if I was about to spill a secret. “It was the priest.”
I watch everyone tense.
“He was all dirty and covered in ash. He also kept saying crazy stuff while grabbing me and shaking me. Ugh… I ran away as fast as I could.” I finished.
For a few seconds, it was quiet… Judy sneaked a glance at Marcus, which I would've missed if I wasn't looking for it.
“That's… quite the news…” Marcus says slowly.
“Are you sure it was the priest and not some hobo?” Omar asked.
“Yeah, he had the robe and everything.”
“Still doesn't prove it was him.” Omar continued.
I raise an eyebrow. “I remember how he looked like cause a few days ago he gave me a pam-”
Crack
I look over at Marcus, who has broken his pencil in half. There was a tense moment where he stared off into space before he snapped back.
“Ah, sorry…” He turned his head to me. “Don't worry about it, love. As Omar said, it could've just been a creep dressed up as a priest. There are some… pretty sick people these days.”
I bit my lip and nodded.
I failed. Not only that, but I was so sure I had gotten Marcus too… I internally curse myself as the bell rings.
I sigh, walking to my class with Judy and Marcus. We walked a bit before Judy leaned into me.
“He's not following.”
I turned back, and Marcus was gone. It had worked! He must've left to go check. I sigh and motion Judy into an empty classroom… the art room.
I close the door behind me and look at Judy. Tears started to form.
“Judy… I… oh god, I don't know how to word this…” She came closer and held my hands.
“I'm going to kill you.”
I wait for any emotions to cross Judy's face. Anger, disgust, sadness, terrified… but she remained with a smile. I opened my mouth to explain, but she didn't let me.
“No time to explain. Marcus will be back soon, do you have a cover story once you kill me?” Judy asks and I nod.
She nodded back, walked over to one of the tables and picked up a pair of scissors. She then broke it, so only one of the blades was sticking out.
She walked over to me and pulled out her hand.
“I… I don't think I can do it…”
“You have to. I can't be the one to end this.” She took my hands in hers and pointed the blade toward her neck. I can't help but start to cry.
Her hands moved quickly, and before I knew it, the blade was lodged in her throat. She started to choke and cough as blood spewed out of her mouth. I tried to jerk my hand away, but she wouldn't let me. She fell, and I fell on top of her, which made the blade go in deeper.
She struggled and… I couldn't stand seeing her suffer so much for freedom. Rage took over as her hands left mine, I took the blade and kept plunging it into her throat.
She had stopped living seconds ago, but I couldn't stop the act. Marcus was watching… I could feel his eyes bore in the back of my head.
I took out the blade, breathing heavily, as I saw the hole I had created in her throat. Bloodstained everything. I got up, sighed and turned around.
“Marcus!” I dropped the blade. “I… I didn't think you'd be back…” He walked over to me and I swallowed anything that was pulling me back.
“I-I… I had to do it! Please don't be mad… She was in the way… The way she kept attaching herself to me… L-like a leach! I-I did it for us-”
Marcus suddenly kissed me and… well, I tried not to gag as he shoved his tongue in my mouth. He broke the kiss and bent down to pick up the blade from the floor.
“Now, we both did it.” He says.
I force a smile. He approached the corpse and looked at her.
“How…how are we going to tell the police? Both of our fingerprints are on the weapon.”
He chuckled.
“I'll take care of it.”
₊✩‧₊˚౨🌃🚔🚨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊
It all happened so fast… Marcus, Omar, Vanessa and I were all standing outside, watching the paramedics loading Judy's body into a body bag.
At first, I couldn't believe that the police bought Marcus's explanation of “self-defence”. But, then I remembered that nothing here is… real.
I looked over at Vanessa who was crying hard, Judy was her best friend… and I could use that against her. It didn't take long for her to run back inside the school to fix herself.
“I'm going to go check up on her.” I turned to Marcus.
He seemed hesitant. “Stay here with Omar, please.” He nodded and I went after her.
I walked through the halls and stood in front of the girl's bathroom. I frowned and went inside. I could hear Vanessa's sobs echo. My footsteps alerted her as she spared me a glance, not questioning what I was doing in here.
“Vanessa… I'm so sorry…” She didn't say anything.
“I…”
“Could you get the tissues from my purse?” She gestured to the bag on the floor.
I nodded and dug through it. I wasn't looking for tissues.
I found her pocket knife, though small, it did the job.
I carefully went behind her as she was still a sobbing mess and slouched over the dripping sink. I raised the knife, prepared to plunge it into her back, but I forgot one key detail.
The mirror.
Vanessa swung back, knocking my hand, which caused the pocketknife to fly out of my hand. Vanessa, since she was smaller and quicker than me, managed to get by me and pick up the pocket knife.
She pointed it at me, her hand was shaking. I put my hands up, however, I knew she didn't have what it takes to stab me. Unlike Judy, Vanessa's mind is more broken than vengeful. She would fold at the slightest insult.
“What… What are you doing?!… Are you crazy?!” Her voice cracked as tears started to form in the corner of her eyes.
“Vanessa… let's calm down…-”
“Was it you!? Did YOU kill Judy!?”
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.
“Oh… my God…” She looked at me, her eyes wide.
“Are you any different?” My eyes narrowed, and I could see that my comment hurt her.
But then her eyebrows furrowed.
“Just wait until Marcus finds out.” My body stiffened.
No. She can't.
I can't afford another reset.
I won't let Judy's death be in vain.
I spread my legs a bit, prepared if Vanessa was going to run. And she did. She's like a cornered rabbit, predictable.
Her hands clutched the knife, and I was afraid of getting stabbed. But… that would just make it more believable, eh? A struggle.
When she ran, she was also swinging the knife. I managed to dodge a nasty stab, but she did end up giving me a few cuts. The knife was pretty dull, so it didn't hurt, just sting.
I put myself between the door and her.
She came straight at me and, being bigger, I managed to knock her down. With me on top, I saw hope leave her eyes. She threw the pocketknife into a nearby stall, probably hoping I would go after it.
But I am ending it now.
I wrapped my hands around her throat and she started to gasp.
"Marcus!! MARCUS!! HEL-HERKK!" I squeezed tighter.
Sweat started to build up on my forehead. Everything in me was hoping Marcus wouldn't come. Two kills in one day? Maybe my excuse wouldn't be enough.
Vanessa's hands were clawing at mine. She gasped, her voice barely squeezing out.
I squeeze tighter.
She's crying.
Or is it my tears?
Why am I crying?
Could it be because, at one moment in time, Vanessa and I lived peacefully together?
Nothing fake flew among us?
Just me, Judy, Vanessa and Omar.
I felt two hands drop at my sides. My eyes trail to Vanessa's, there was no more light behind them.
Another was laid to rest… and I hope I can keep it that way.
The bathroom door opened and my breath hitched. I stumbled on my excuse.
“Marcus… I…”
“Another one ‘got in the way?’”
I bit my lip. I was on thin ice, I needed to play my cards right.
“She… I went to comfort her… and… and she started to spill insane stuff.” I looked at him with my tear-stained face as my hands shook.
“Time looping… you… being-”
Marcus straightened.
“Judy's death clearly took a toll on her.” He held out his hands and I got up to hug him.
“She scared me, Marcus… how did she know it was me?” He started to caress my hair.
“Stop thinking about it.”
“What will the police think?”
“I'll take care of it.”
I've won him over again, but, I can feel his doubt.
“You're exhausted. You've been through so much in one day…” I felt my eyes grow heavy.
A wave of sleep washed over me and I slumped over Marcus. My whole body was paralyzed, and I could only hope that I would remember today tomorrow.
₊✩‧₊˚౨🌃🏙️🌧️ৎ˚₊✩‧₊
I awoke in my bed. It was pouring rain outside. Marcus must've brought me home last night.
Oh! I remember. But for how long?
Something also feels off.
I got dressed and went into the bathroom. I looked at myself in the mirror, I looked so pale. Oh my god! I'm becoming Marcus.
I joked, although I wasn't feeling humorous.
I walked down the stairs, and I was greeted by no one. My so-called parents who would always be in the kitchen weren't. And although I didn't resonate with them, I couldn't help but feel empty.
I left the house with no more than an apple. The streets were empty and quiet, there were no cars on the streets.
I passed by the burnt-down church, it looked way more thorn down than before…
Something is… wrong.
The school's front was empty as well. Did… did Marcus find out? No… no, something else must've happened.
I quietly but swiftly went inside the school. It was dark, the only light came from outside, which was barely any. I put my backpack in my locker and warily walked toward my class. My footsteps echoed, and my breathing was heavy. I was about to reach the class door, noticing it was left ajar. My hand reached for the knob when I was suddenly catapulted into the door.
Since it was already open, I crashed into one of the front desks.
“Uugh…” I groaned as I looked behind me.
Omar.
Omar?
Omar stood in the doorway, his expression blank. However, I could see a small bling of something… something sharp. A knife. I scurried to my feet and clutched the side that had hit the desk.
“Omar?! What are you doing!?”
He took a step forward.
“You might've fooled Marcus, but you can't fool me. I'm your best friend, we know everything about each other. Well, I sure do.” He kept approaching, and I started to back up, trying not to crash into any desks.
“I mean, I'm surprised at how you didn't catch on. How could someone who ‘geeks’ about this sort of stuff not find a way for faith to fall in his favour?”
“What… what are you saying? Are… are you in on this!? Are you working with MARCUS!?”
He smiled. “Bingo! I'm the right-hand man, as I like to call it. I've learned through resets after resets that there was no point in fighting against it. You know the phrase, ‘If you can't beat ‘em, join ‘em.’ Judy wasted her time coming after a plan for revenge when she didn't see the power she could've held. Oh, and poor Vanessa, she could bend and break with just a simple flick of a wrist.” He was barely a meter close, and I was backed against a counter.
“Where… where is Marcus?”
Omar smirked. “Your ‘distraction’ plan made me think of something. If Marcus was away, who'd be left in charge of making sure you don't wander? All it took was something out of order, and he was gone to check it out. Now…”
Omar flicked the knife and it was unsheathed. It became more of a scythe covered in small red and black rocks with a red eye on the tang, safe for the blade that was left naked. My eyes widened, and I couldn't help but feel defeated. I mean, how was I supposed to kill him when he had that!?
“W-what are you doing!? Do you know what Marcus is going to do to you once he finds out!?”
He laughed. “Once you're dead, there's just going to be another forced reset. Nothing I can't blame on you fuckin' around and findin' out.”
I clench my teeth as he raises the scythe, he starts to levitate.
"Pray that you have another way to remember, 'cause that stunt you pulled WON'T fly by again…"
He dived into me and I barely managed to dodge him. He did rip a bit of my shirt and burn some of it as well… but currently, that was the least of my worries. I started to run out of the class. I opened the door and ran into the hallway. I needed to find something I could defend myself with… maybe in the cooking class-
CRASH
BOOM
The whole classroom wall fell apart, revealing the class to the hallway. Omar was still flying, but he looked more sinister. His eyes were a faint red as if he were high, and I could hear his voice through the school's intercom, taunting me. I ran as I heard him laugh from each direction.
I turned sharp corners, trying to lose him, but he was too fast. Everything the scythe touched crumbled. He would drag the scythe on the ground and the floor would split apart.
“HAHAHAHA, you're just prolonging the inevitable!! But do continue this chase, it's exhilarating!”
I'm convinced that the only reason I was still alive was because of the adrenaline. But, that wouldn't last long, as I slowly started to slow down because of the cramps I was getting.
Suddenly, a hand grabbed the back of my shirt, and I was slammed down on the ground. My breath hitched as Omar sat on my abdomen, raising the scythe.
This is it.
I'm sorry Judy.
I closed my eyes shut…
And then, I felt something splatter on my face, but, no pain. I open my eyes to find a flagpole spear through Omar's stomach. I couldn't manage to scream and neither could he.
Omar gagged and spilled blood, but he was still very much alive. He gripped the flagless pole, trying to push it out. But, the pole was raised, and low and behold, Marcus was holding it.
He (Marcus) grabbed the pole and made Omar slide down it, causing the pole to rupture through his whole abdomen. Once Omar was on the ground, Marcus took out the pole. Omar, with whatever dark power that was keeping him alive-ish was trying to crawl away. Marcus grabbed his hair, flipped him over, tore out his small intestine (which wasn't pretty small and very long) and finished him off by strangling him. He didn't put out much of a fight.
I sat up and tried to crawl away backwards, but Marcus somehow teleported behind me. His eyes were back…
“Oh, my poor dove, I'm so sorry you had to go through that…” He grabbed my left arm in a tight grasp and pulled me up.
“However, I am curious about how you were able to remember. I sure do hope my powers aren't… weakening.” He tightened his grasp and I winced.
“I… I wrote a note… last time and hid it in my pocket…” Marcus smiled.
“Well, I'll just have to make sure I double-check before each reset…” He grinned as the scythe teleported in his hands.
The world around started to tear and rumble. Holes opened up that were in some way… glowing black… or maybe it was some sort of mist oozing out of it. Omar's body fell into one of the holes.
I looked back at Marcus and in a swift but pretty stupid decision, I kissed Marcus.
He kissed back and his grasp loosened just enough so I could squeeze out of it and back up into one of the holes. Marcus tried to grab me again, but I had already fallen.
I slid out of bed and yawned. The floor creaked as I walked toward the bathroom. I looked at myself in the mirror, god… I looked like a mess. My hair looked like a drenched mop.
I ran my hand through my hair and flinched… argh… since when did I have a bump on my head? I must have bumped my head yesterday… or something.
I did my business, brushed my teeth and got out. Opening the closet door, I put on a navy blue hoodie. My eyes landed on a pair of jeans.
Good enough.
I put them on and walked down the stairs. I heard the bustling and movements of my parents. I've always been a dependent person. I always clung to those close to me…kind of like my boyfriend-
“Hello? Don't make me repeat myself. Do you want a sandwich for lunch or not?” My mom brought me back to Earth.
“O-oh! Yes please, Mom!”
She smiled.
I sat next to my father, he was submerged in his newspaper. I grabbed the bowl of cereal that had already been made.
“Hm. Remember that church down the street?” My father spoke.
I assumed he was speaking to my mother, so I stayed quiet.
“Yes.” My mother sighed. “What about it?”
“It burned down.”
My mother gasped to fill the silence that rested in the kitchen.
“Did… oh dear… what happened?”
My father shrugged. “No one knows. Could've been an accident… or something else.”
My mother leaned against the counter and placed a hand on her face.
“Did that priest, oh… what was he called again?”
“Father Pierre.”
My mother looked toward me, and my dad only spared me a glance.
How… did I remember his name? I must've read his name on those pamphlets that he kept passing around…
“I hope you weren't fooling around with him…” I shook my head.
My father cleared his throat.
“Regardless, there were no bodies found amongst the rubble. So, he could still be alive.”
My mother shook her head and turned her back to finish whatever she was doing. I finished my cereal and put my bowl into the sink. My mom handed me a paper bag, which I stuffed into my backpack.
“Well, I'm off to school!” I put on my shoes and my mom kissed me on the cheek.
“Be safe, hun.”
“I… will.” I smiled, waved them goodbye and shut the door behind me.
Sighing, I walked off the porch and commenced my walk toward my school. As I walked, I passed the burned-down church. Ashes filled the air and a strange sense of guilt overcame me.
Ugh… I quickly power-walked away. My school came into view, Cheshire High. The smell and feeling quickly vanished as I saw my three friends.
Omar, Judy and Vanessa.
Judy Presley never missed a trend. She always put her light brown hair in a ponytail with a white bow, wore perfect matching season clothes, and had well-made makeup. She even had matching baby blue eyes to go with her looks. I'm honestly surprised she'd rather hang out with us than the more popular kids.
Next to Judy was Vanessa Kareem, Judy's BFF (as she calls it). Vanessa and she have always been friends. She was pretty much the spitting image of Judy except for her black silky hair that was in a grunge haircut, her blue eyes, and her much paler skin.
And finally, my best friend, Omar Thomerson. We're practically convinced we were best friends in our past lives. I've always thought of him as the geek in our friendship. He's always been obsessed with any fantasy fiction he can grab on. Greek mythology, science-fiction, astrology, you name it. He has dark brown hair with a shag haircut, freckles, and brown eyes. His typical wear is a worn-out hoodie and cargo pants.
Wow… I'm getting some sort of déjà vu.
I quickly ran toward them, catching Judy's attention.
“Hello everyone!”
“Hi, buddy! How have you been?” Omar asks.
I shrug. “The same, nothing new.”
“Except for that church being burnt to a crisp,” Judy says.
“Yeah, my bus passed by it this morning. The windows were open and that horrid smell crept in… ugh!” Vanessa adds.
I nodded. “To be honest, that church and its priest always rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe it's for the best…?” It felt wrong to say that.
They all nodded in unison.
“I guess God wasn't on his side.” Omar shrugged.
No one laughed. Something hung above our heads.
“Well, shall we get going?” Judy asked while pointing to the school.
We nodded and followed her. I put my hand in my pocket and — wait a second.
I stopped walking and reached into my pocket to pull out a paper. It was folded and incredibly creased. I don't remember having written anything. I carefully opened it. Remarking that the paper had a small splatter of red on it, paint perhaps. Judy likes to paint, maybe she slipped this into my pants when I didn't notice?
The handwriting was messy, and I could tell that the message was written in a hurry. However, I noticed that it was MY handwriting.
I read the message.
Each word that I read made it seem like I was unlocking new passageways in my brain. And suddenly, it clicked, well, more like it flashed in front of my eyes.
Everything that had happened moments ago… everything that I had forgotten… Marcus.
What… why can't I remember what happened yesterday? What are my parents' names? Why… can't I remember anything from this timeline?
Maybe because there was no yesterday. Yesterday was when Marcus kidnapped me and then… Uhm… Killed me. I looked back at the paper, that splatter of red… blood… my blood.
I checked my head for the bump, and sure enough, it was there.
I sighed, remembering the gruesome scene I was forced to bear.
What about Judy? Omar? Vanessa?
They were just going about their day when they knew of it all. It's not their fault, but anger couldn't help but rise in me. What would Marcus show himself as now? My neighbour? My friend? My teacher??
I grimace at the thought.
The bell rang and shivers went down my spine that urged me to run to class. But I stopped. What even was the point anymore? It wouldn't matter anyway, since my whole life is a lie.
I ended up walking to class. My teacher left me off with a warning, but was disappointed with my first impression… on the new kid.
“Marcus…” I blurted out like AN IDIOT.
I hoped Marcus didn't hear it, but he did, he gave me a big smile. And it wasn't a nice one.
We both took our seats, I sat next to Judy, and he sat in the back.
It's like a repeat, except in this timeline, Judy and I aren't dating. Suddenly, Judy starts to whisper to me.
“What's with this guy? He's so … depressed, looking.” Word for word.
I debated on agreeing with what she said, but that would eventually lead to Judy having to switch seats with Marcus.
“Shh, Judy, we're in class,” I told her.
I couldn't see her face, but I could feel her confused expression. Either way, It didn't stop her from continuing to talk. God… have I ever noticed how annoying she was?
“Judy! Since you can't help but disturb your peer, switch seats with Marcus.”
I grimaced as Judy tried to defend herself.
Marcus took his stuff and sat next to me, I didn't look at him. Out of the corner of my eyes, I could see Marcus displaying his many poems that I complimented last time… last time.
It's making me question what exactly am I accomplishing by faking this. I need to change something… I need to put an end to this timeline, permanently.
I felt staring, I turned to see Marcus looking at me. It doesn't seem like he knows I know yet. Mm… his staring reminds me of those gorging red eyes… they were thankfully covered by his bangs right now.
“Do you need something?” I asked, trying to mask any hatred.
He looked at me, a bit confused. I held my breath. For a second, he didn't smile, and I thought I had blown my cover. However, he quickly returned to his normal demeanour. My shoulders relaxed as he simply replied:
“No.”
I turned back to face the teacher. Their voice drowned itself as my brain deemed whatever they were teaching unimportant. Questions started to rise like alerts in my head.
How old am I really?
What else do I remember besides my name?
What else is there beyond this town?
All these questions continued to rise, just like bile…-
Before I could process what was happening, my head turned, and I threw up on the floor. I could hear chairs screeching as students stood up to avoid the vomit. Then, a cold hand lifted my hair from my face.
“Marcus, please take him to the nurse's office.” My teacher said nonchalantly.
I feel the same hands grab my shoulders and lift me to my feet. He, Marcus, makes sure I don't walk into the colourful puddle as we walk out of the class. I fight the urge to flinch away as he walks me into the nurse's office and makes me sit on the bed.
The nurse comes out, she smiles when she sees me.
“You again? You practically live here! This is the 3rd time this week only.”
I have never seen this woman in my entire life.
She wiped my mouth clean as Marcus loomed over my shoulder. She then put a pill in my hand.
“Make sure you eat something before taking it.” She turned to Marcus. “Young man, if you please, watch over him for the time being.”
Marcus nodded and we watched the nurse leave. He crouched down in front of me, I backed away instinctively.
“Feeling better? You've been acting off all morning… Do you not recognize your boyfriend?”
My heart stopped, and I couldn't tell if he was joking or not, so I played it off with a muffled chuckle. He chuckled as well and kissed my cheek.
“I thought I'd surprise you by applying to your school… but it seemed like you're the one who surprised me first.”
I guess in this timeline, he's my boyfriend, a huge step from the other timeline. I fought the urge to not back away when Marcus caressed my face.
The bell suddenly rang, there was no way class went by that fast.
I stood up. “I'm feeling better… thanks … Marcus.”
I walked over to the door and reached for the doorknob.
“Woah, woah, where do you think you're going without me?” He holds my hand.
I don't say anything as he opens the door himself. I noticed a trashcan near it, I swiftly dropped the pill in it. I can't trust anything.
We walked over to my friends, who were just oddly standing in the hallway.
“Ohhh~! Who's this?” Vanessa remarks while Judy squints.
“Woah! You already romanced the new kid?” Omar playfully punched my shoulder.
They were all fake… all except Judy, who was giving Marcus dirty looks. For some reason, Judy always seemed to be the bad guy. Hmm… I think I have an idea. Judy could be the only person that I have on my side.
“Judy! Oh, god! I just remembered I need to talk to you about something super top secret!”
“Wh-”
I grabbed her arm. “Talk to you later Marcus, Omar and Vanessa! Try to get to know each other!”
I dragged her away to the library, but she pushed me into a nearby janitorial closet.
“What are you doing?” She asks as she narrows her eyes. “Want to tell me why you're dating that weirdo? Or perhaps why you threw up in class?”
“I… Judy.” I sighed and shook my head. “Listen, I know about everything.” She tenses. “Marcus, the timelines… uhm… are you ok?”
Judy's eyes were like two big white saucers. She grabbed my arms, I thought she was about to shake me.
“You're… you… how?”
“Long story… but Judy, how can I put a stop to this?”
She shook her head. “I'm… I'm…not sure. I would say to try to kill Marcus, but that's quite literally impossible.” Judy said, with no reaction. “I've tried.”
“You… are like… weirdly… okay with all this gorey shit…” I remembered the scene I had seen of her body swinging peacefully in that art room.
“I stopped caring long ago.” She looked me in the eyes.
How long is long ago?
“Until we come up with something, try to act the best you can. We can't let Marcus find out.”
I nodded and we both exited the closet.
“Can we tell Omar and V-” She quickly shushed me.
“Everybody in this school is his eyes. You can't say this stuff out loud”
I looked around, everyone was minding their own business. But… it was wiser to just believe Judy.
Marcus patiently awaited my return with Omar and Vanessa.
“Done talking so soon?” Marcus strolled toward me.
“It's not any of your business, now, is it?” Judy snapped at him and crossed her arms.
Marcus looked at me and I bit my lip.
“Judy… don't talk to my boyfriend like that. Can't we all just get along?” She scoffed and turned her head away.
God, she was good at this.
₊✩‧₊˚౨ 📅🕚⌚ ৎ˚₊✩‧₊
I didn't get a chance to talk with Judy for the last 3 weeks. Marcus always seemed to be around me. I sigh. If I remember correctly, in the last timeline, something was… different.
This must be the first time that the church isn't here. Marcus is stronger… like he just broke through a barrier. If I hadn't found that note, Marcus could've easily messed with my emotions.
Either way, the only way to stop these loops is to kill Marcus. No more waiting. However, 3 people stood in my way.
Omar, Judy and Vanessa.
They are like a force field around Marcus. A force field that messes with me and my emotions. As long as they are there, they will mess with my perception of normality. Whether intentionally or not, they are always making me think that perhaps I'm the crazy one. That perhaps the nightmare 3 weeks ago was just a bad dream. I can't risk forgetting everything and succumbing to him.
I was thinking of sparing Judy since she's the only one who's actually trying to make a difference, who's actually still fighting. But, something is telling me that she would prefer to be dead than continue living.
I pull at my hair in frustration. Thinking about how I'll feel after taking the life of my three best friends isn't making anything seem better.
Though, those aren't my 3 friends anymore… Just shells of what they used to be.
If they were in my position, they would do the same.
⚠️ Non-Con touching (no rape) and gore description/death ⚠️
♡
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.
. .
. . .
I watched her body hit the pavement and how it scraped her face.
Was she dead?
I started to shake and backed away. My eyes trailed to her attacker, who made no movements.
“Omar…?” I stumbled back a few steps but managed to keep my balance.
“Holy fuck dude… what…. What have you done…?” I suppressed a scream.
He only stood there, gently caressing the head of the baseball bat. It was stained with glistening scarlet-coloured blood. Although his demeanour seemed calm, his hands were shaking. I felt the urge to comfort him, but I managed to bury that and let another emotion surface. Fear.
I opened my mouth but stopped when he opened his.
“You have to go.” Omar's eyes left the bat and made eye contact with me.
“What!? Omar, please tell me what's going on-!”
My eyes went back to Vanessa's corps lying face down. How I was keeping my composure was beyond my knowledge.
“He'll catch you, anyway, he's just giving you a head start…” Omar was just rambling to himself at this point.
I stumbled on my words, trying to find more questions, but nothing came to mind. However, suddenly, the sky turned a deep red. The roads were silent and no birds sang. There was, on the other hand, a loud ticking noise. It echoed just like a grandfather clock and was coming from up above. Yet, when I looked up, nothing was there.
I looked back at Omar, who had bloodshot eyes.
“ᴿᵘⁿ ᴿᵘⁿ ᴿᵘⁿ ᴿᵘⁿ ᴿᵘⁿ ᴿᵘⁿ ᴿᵘⁿ ᴿᵘⁿ ᴿᵘⁿ ᴿᵘⁿ ᴿᵘⁿ ᴿᵘⁿ ᴿᵘⁿ ᴿᵘⁿ ᴿᵘⁿ…” His voice was a combination of a whisper and an echo.
I didn't waste any more time and booked it for the streets. What the fuck was going on? This must be a dream… or a nightmare.
I ran through the streets, stopping to catch my breath only when I was at a safe distance from Omar. The ticking seems to be following me.
My eyes scan every corner and store, hoping I'd find somewhere… The Church! Of course, whatever ungodly shit is going on, it wouldn't enter God's home… right?
I ran toward the church and didn't hesitate to open the doors. Thankfully, Father Pierre left it unlocked (which was weird on his part). I hastily pushed back all thoughts I had about this place, I had no idea when the clock would run out of time and I didn't want to be out in the open when it did.
I carefully closed the doors behind me. The church was dark without the lit candles. Thankfully, the stained-glass windows were emitting a red hue in certain parts, so I wasn't completely blind.
My eyes spotted the confessional, a big brown box meant to confess your sins. It was perfect to hide in! Hopefully, it could lock from the inside. I approached the confessional, and it smelled… oddly nice. As if someone had lit a bunch of scented candles in this area.
I opened it and… well… why am I still surprised?
Father Pierre's body was squeezed into the cramped confessional. His jaw was dislocated and barely hanging on, and his eyes were bulging out. A Febreze spray bottle was embedded into his left shoulder. The Febreze spray had a small cut in the middle and its liquid was all over the walls. It must have sprayed all over due to the pressure. Whatever remaining liquid was left was dripping down Father Pierre's body.
I quickly closed the confessional… out of the question that I was hiding in there.
I looked around, there really weren't many places to hide where it wouldn't be out in the open or obvious. I could hide behind the altar but…
Suddenly, the clock stopped ticking and loud bells rang.
Oh… oh no…
I scrambled to the altar and hid behind it. My hand gripped my mouth as I tried to steady my breathing.
The bells soon stopped, and my ears were filled with an eerie silence.
All of a sudden, from far away, I could hear rapid… and I mean rapid footsteps.
It reminded me of the audio I had listened to way back of SCP-096, minus the screaming.
The footsteps were running and tearing through houses and stores. It wouldn't be long till he reached the church.
…
Something tells me I'm not making it out alive…
My thoughts were ripped away when the two doors were swung open, and I stopped breathing.
Literally.
The footsteps were much quieter and calmer, almost like I had already been found. He approached the confessional and forced it open. Something fell with a thud, which I can only imagine it being Father Pierre's body. He kicked the body away, so he could look into the confessional.
Without moving, I looked at where the confessional would be if the altar wasn't blocking my view. I felt tears well up as I stifled a scream. The way he had kicked the body would make it seem as if he was taunting me. Father Pierre's head was only visible, and his eyes were shot open, looking straight at me.
He started to move around again, and I was too scared to keep looking. I could tell he was getting closer and closer to the altar. Very soon he would find me.
I held my breath when the footsteps stopped in front of the altar. As I tried to calm down, my ears started to pick up the breathing coming from above me. I took a chance and looked up.
My breath hitched as I saw Marcus staring down at me. His bangs weren't covering his eyes anymore and oh god…
They were big and glowing red… his pupils were so small they were practically not there. His smile was deranged and stretched over half his face, causing wrinkles. I swear if he didn't have teeth, he would be drooling.
He did NOT look human… and I wasn't about to stick around and find out if he was or not.
I stood up and tried to run, however, Marcus swiftly grabbed the back of my hood and swung me back down. Since the altar was positioned a few steps higher, I was sent tumbling down the 3 steps. I landed next to Father Pierre's body, and I subdued the urge to vomit.
Before I could get back up, Marcus sat down on my waist and successfully restricted my movements… or maybe it was the undying fear and his piercing gaze that immobilized me.
“Marcus…?” My voice was more of a strangled cry than a whisper.
Was he going to kill me?
Leave my body mangled in this godforsaken church?
His face got closer to mine … this is it. I closed my eyes and imagined all the brutal scenarios he would do to me.
However, a rough pair of lips met mine.
He was kissing me…?
I didn't dare pull away or open my eyes.
Though, I could feel his hands feel my body. Thankfully, he did not attempt to remove any of my clothes.
He pulled away, still maintaining eye contact, and wiped his mouth.
“What's going on, Marcus?” He sat up, but I didn't make any movements, remaining as still as ever.
He let out a chuckle and touched his lips.
“It's been a while since I kissed you.” He smiled in a not so friendly way.
To my knowledge … we had never kissed.
“What the hell are you talking about?” I snapped out of my trance and managed to sit up. I scooted backwards until my back hit the confessional.
He cleared his throat before clearing his bangs from his face. Once again revealing his unnerving eyes.
“Are… are your eyes real…?” I murmured while he stood up and towered over me.
“I'm all real, babe.” His smile contorted into some kind of Cheshire grin.
Sensing my confusion, he continued.
“Allow me to offer you an explanation for the thousandth time.”
What?
“Sometime in the 1700s … I believe I had fallen for a mere peasant.” There was a small silence as he expected me to put things together.
“You.” He winked.
“However, I was a king! No way a king could marry a peasant like yourself. So, I had thought out a plan where we would be lovers in secret, oh it seemed like such a perfect plan…” He smiled as if he was recalling old memories.
“Sadly, you had contracted smallpox and had died before I could even get a taste of you…”
I narrowed my eyes in disgust.
“So, I sought out someone to help me, and low and behold, I had found a witch. She had promised me a spell in exchange for protection, cause, you know, we had all those witch trials going on. Anyway, she had performed a spell that would grant me the power of reincarnation. So, naturally, I had brought you back… but… you weren't so accepting of me… at that time, retaliation against a king was punishable by death…-”
“So you killed me?” I raised an eyebrow.
“No, no! I mean, not this time. It was more like a witness situation. Anyway, reincarnation wasn't enough, so I went back to the witch. Now with the ability to manipulate time, I advance time a bit, so I could reincarnate you into a prince! However… people weren't so accepting of our… relationship. So, they had you burnt, I had escaped in time though, thankfully.” He paused a bit. “I… well, that just makes me sound like an asshole, but I swear I escaped for a good cause. I went back to the witch, and this is where it gets frustrating… she wasn't so willing to help me. She said that I should let you rest, but we are meant to be! I tried to explain it to her, but she just wouldn't get it!” Marcus groaned in frustration.
“So, naturally, I had to kill her and steal her books. It took a while, but I managed to master spells and transform myself into a new being.” He sighed but composed himself. “I didn't always look like this but messing with time and power can really change someone…ha.” He chuckled.
“Now, with this new power, I could reset everyone and make you forget everything. Like starting a fresh new page. You … ha… still weren't accepting, so I had to reset the world a couple of thousand times. Don't worry, though, I was nice enough to include some of your friends!”
“Omar, Judy, and Vanessa…?” I whispered.
“Yeah, but they weren't so … cooperative. I mean, witnessing such rips in time can take a toll on humans.” Marcus snickered and covered his mouth.
I couldn't believe it….
“Make no mistake, I have done this all for you, for us.”
I couldn't tell if he was insane or actually thinking he was doing the right thing.
“What about…” My eyes trailed to Father Pierre's body, which was lying next to me.
“Oh. Well… when there are witches, there's always bound to be a church. If I remember correctly, I think that old witch said something about a saviour… or someone supposed to “save” you. As I said, though, it can really take a toll on someone when you witness things you aren't supposed to see.”
Marcus bent down and lightly caressed my cheek. He pressed me against the confessional, and I fought back, thinking the worst. This angered him, since his hands went to my neck, and he slammed my head on the wooden board of the confessional. My vision began to be hazy, and It started to go dark.
The last thing I saw was the statue of Mother Mary looking down on me.
⋆｡‧˚ʚ 🚶🩸🏠 ɞ˚‧｡⋆
I woke up feeling dazed and groggy. My head hurt, but I didn't feel any bumps on it. The room I was in felt familiar… oh yeah… this is Marcus's bedroom.
Since I can still remember everything that happened, it means he hasn't “reset” me yet.
However… in case he does… I'll need to have something that'll trigger my memory.
Something that could fit in my pocket without going undetected. I felt my pockets and didn't feel my phone… so a picture was out of the question.
Maybe… a note?
I scanned the room and found his desk.
I scurried quietly towards it. It was riddled with scribbled papers and odd shapes. I'm also pretty sure I saw a pentagram in one of the piles.
I rummaged through them and the drawers. The best I could find or that hadn't had anything scribbled on was a post-it note.
I can't write much, but I'll have to write something significant…
[Reader's choice — You have a maximum of 25 words.]
I finished writing and crumbled the Post-it into my pocket. What are the odds that I'll wake up with the same pants?
Unlikely, but worth a try.
I looked toward the bedroom door, should I try sprinting out?
…
The house was abnormally quiet… Is he even home?
As soon as that thought slipped into my mind, two hands gripped my shoulder.
I quickly spun around and came face to face with Marcus… how did he come up from behind me?
He looked really on edge, as if he expected something to happen. He was fidgeting with the drawstrings of my hoodie.
I felt really uncomfortable.
“Uhm… can I go to the bathroom…?”
He didn't say anything, but he did let go of my hoodie, something told me that he wouldn't be letting me go that easily.
I traversed the hall and into the bathroom. I didn't need to go, but I felt like I needed privacy. Was he always behind me? Did he see the note I put in my pocket?
I locked the door and relaxed. My eyes fell to the drawers underneath the sink. Maybe there could be something sharp, preferably scissors, that could help me fight him??
I went through them and the best I could find was a nail clipper.
It should've been obvious that I wouldn't find scissors, I mean, have you seen his hair?
All of a sudden, a light bulb went through my head. I slowly turned towards the window I saw the last time I was here. (Chapter 5)
I got closer to the window.
Was I really going to do it?
I reached for its handle.
Am I really going to risk it?
It's unlocked.
Is it worth it?
I swung the window open, ignoring the blaring alarm, and jumped out. I landed on the grass but felt a crack behind me. If my foot wasn't broken, it was definitely sprained.
However, the adrenaline ignored the pain and allowed me to continue running… well, the best I could.
I limped into the forest, it was sombre and I couldn't see anything.
“GOD FUCK…” I screamed as something metal clamped down on my still-operational foot.
A bear trap.
The thing is, there aren't any bears around these parts…
I crawled my way deeper into the forest. My whimpers and sobs followed me.
Suddenly, I heard leaves crunching behind me and a cold hand grabbed my hair.
I choked out a sob as I looked at Marcus.
His red eyes burned through mine.
“I had thought this time would be different.” He said point-blank.
I couldn't manage anything out.
He put my head back onto the wet grass. He reached for his bat and held it over his head.
“Now stay still.” He said before bringing it down.
And then suddenly…
Everything went black.
꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷
Want to read ahead?
Click here!
⤳ He's insecure about his unibrow
⤳ Would listen to pink fluffy unicorns dancing on rainbows on repeat and torture people with it
⤳ Alcoholic
Them
⤳ Twin core🧑🤝🧑
⤳ Would probably be besties if they weren't … 😁
⤳ “Couch on the couch, playing video games. Being in the basement, not seeing the sun in days. Smelly.” — My mom
Shaun
⤳ Definition of the sad violin hamster meme
⤳ Definitely would've been a Gacha Life kid when he was a kid
⤳ Collects acorns
Sarah/Variant B
⤳ Girl's girl
⤳ Deadly afraid of spiders
⤳ Sarah could either survive easily The Hunger Games or die instantly, no in-between
Variant C
⤳ Looks like he'd be the male equivalent of a Karen
⤳ Middle child
⤳ Uses “dude” in every single sentence
Variant A
⤳ President built
⤳ Enjoys doing taxes
⤳ Good with kids but hates them
Oliver
⤳ Someone you'd want on your team if there was a zombie apocalypse
⤳ Smart but stupid at the same time
⤳ He likes board games
Lucas
⤳ Tells dad jokes
⤳ Plays COD
⤳ Is a dog person and has something against cats
For the next couple of weeks, I've gotten better. I've moved on. I've embraced the future. And it's all because of the church.
Now, I'm not a religious person, but… the welcoming feeling of Father Pierre has shone a new path for me. Although, Omar and Vanessa were opposed to the idea.
I just… don't get them. Yes, sometimes Father Pierre is a bit too enthusiastic, but he's not a bad man.
He can't be.
I mean, I've been helping around the church every weekend. It earns me community hours and I enjoy Father Pierre's preaching. Maybe, in a way, this was all part of God's plan.
Maybe Judy's death was a sacrifice so that I could find him.
“What… are you even hearing yourself!?” Vanessa's eyes widened as she stood up and yelled.
Omar stayed quiet. His eyes fixated on me.
He's been relatively quiet this past week. He even stopped trying to convince me to turn away from the church.
Vanessa's voice became blurred as I looked elsewhere.
“Vanessa… It's hard to believe that he's a predator without any proof.” I looked back at her and let my voice rest on a softer tone.
“Our word should be enough! Don't you trust us…?”
Before I could reply, Omar raised his head, stood up and furrowed his brows.
I expected him to go off on me, but he turned to Vanessa instead.
“You've got a lot of nerve going about trust!”
Vanessa's voice grew an octave higher as she turned her attention to Omar.
“Excuse me!?” She screamed.
They went back and forth, their voices growing as they yelled. However, my attention was directed to the man behind them.
Father Pierre was outside his church across the street, he was waving me inside.
I obliged.
“Glad you could join me, child.” Father Pierre slipped a hand around my shoulder.
“Is there something you wanted to talk about? Or do you need help with something?” I smiled and he returned the gesture.
“Yes actually, please, sit.” He motioned to the two chairs sitting near the confession booth.
I sat down, and he brought out a black bag. He sat down opposite to me and sat the bag on his lap.
“I've been talking with God. He's been telling me how much he's proud of you.”
Father Pierre eyed me from head to toe.
I couldn't help but feel pride swell up inside my chest.
“Child, I want you to fully give yourself to… God. I want to baptize you.”
He leaned forward and laid a hand on my leg.
“Are you sure? I've only been here for a couple of weeks…”
“It's never too soon or too late to submit yourself to the Lord.” He reassured me.
“I… well… I mean, if you think it's the right thing to do…”
I half-heartedly smiled.
He reached into the bag on his lap and pulled out a silk white tunic. He held it out.
I reached to touch it.
It's soft and thin.
“When you'll be baptized, I want you to wear this.”
“Isn't baptizing when you're submerged underwater? I'd hate to get this tunic wet…”
He lightly chuckled.
“It's a tradition in my family line to do this. There's something about the tunic touching your bare skin that-”
“I'll be naked under the tunic?” I interrupted.
I shifted a bit in my chair.
Father Pierre moved his chair closer to comfort me.
“Don't worry, I have baptized many children before, just like you. There's nothing to be afraid of.”
He rubbed my shoulder and I lightly smiled.
Suddenly, the church doors opened.
“Ah! The church isn't open yet…” Father Pierre perked up.
There was suddenly an eerie feeling inside the church.
Marcus.
He ignored Father Pierre and walked closer. The doors shut loudly behind him.
I stood up.
“Marcus? What are you doing here?”
“What does it look like? I'm here to have my sins forgiven.” He smiled as he stood next to me.
“As I said… the church isn't open.” Father Pierre glowered and frowned as he stood up and towered over Marcus.
“This pamphlet would say otherwise.” Marcus dangled the pamphlet in the air.
It was the one Father Pierre had given to me.
Father Pierre snatched it away, causing me to jump a little. He looked through it, his expression quickly turning to disbelief.
“And so it does…” His voice lowered.
“Shall we start?” Marcus invited, pointing to the confession booth behind us.
Father Pierre scowled. I've never seen him act like this.
Usually, his demeanour was always kind and fluent. He never spoke out of line and always spoke with love. Now he looked as if Marcus was the reincarnation of Satan himself.
“No, we shall not. Even if I were to, there's no way God would ever forgive you for what you've done.” Father Pierre stared down at Marcus.
Have they met before?
What had Marcus done?
Marcus continued smiling. He directed his attention to the tunic on Father Pierre's chair.
“And what's this beautiful thing?” He picked it up.
“It's a tunic, it's what I'm going to be baptized in,” I responded, observing each of Marcus's movements.
“In this thin piece of fabric?” He stretched it out.
“Careful!! You'll break it! Give it here!” Father Pierre reached out to grab it, but Marcus moved away.
Marcus moved backwards and backed himself into a stoup. His smile widened.
“MARCUS!” His voice echoed through the church. “Don't you dare!” Father Pierre looked as if he wanted to intervene, but he didn't move to stop him.
“Isn't the tunic made to be put in water, Father?” Marcus let the tunic soak in the holy water.
Marcus pulled it out seconds later, and I moved closer to him.
The tunic was still intact, but it was sticking to Marcus's hand.
It had also become somewhat translucent (as thin clothing does when wet).
“Now, I'm no expert, but… wouldn't this tunic expose all parts if the wearer was submerged underwater?”
I looked back at Father Pierre.
But his voice only faltered, and he stammered on his words.
“Wh… what should it matter!? It's between God and the wearer!” He turned to me. “It'll be only me, you and God in the room, there's no shame…!”
I pursed my lips, almost ready to agree with him if Marcus hadn't interrupted.
“Don't be pretentious, Father. We both know you use the concept of a higher power to mask the belief that you see yourself as such.” Marcus's words never fell, almost as if he practiced saying this over and over.
“Stop it! Stop it, both of you!” I screamed and clutched handfuls of my hair. I ignored Father Pierre's excuses to try to justify himself further. I didn't give Marcus any more glances, either.
I started to walk faster toward the exit, but someone grabbed my wrist.
“Wait, please child! It- It isn't… oh, forget it. My intentions were wrong but please… Marcus, he … he isn't sane! He's been-”
I snatched my wrist away.
“You make me sick.” I spat and ran out.
My mind was spinning with ways to justify what I heard.
I've only known Father Pierre for a couple of weeks, but it feels like I've known him for years… maybe even decades.
☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ 🏡🏃🌃 ★‧°𖦹 ｡⋆☆
It has gone dark and I've finally reached my bed. I've decided to put this all behind me and focus on other things. Like apologizing to Omar and Vanessa.
I opened my messages and began texting Omar.
However, after sending it, Omar viewed my message but didn't reply. I don't blame him.
Vanessa was next. I opened up her contact, but she beat me to it.
Could you meet me at ____________ in 15?
I have something to confess.
Okay 👍
Also, Vanessa, I'm sorry for not believing youand Omar
It's alright.
It's not your fault.
It never is.
I closed my phone and got up to get dressed. Vanessa's message flew by my head.
I put on some grungy clothing and went out to my front door. My TV was blaring, I must have left it open.
While walking to the living room, I noticed the news displayed on the TV. It was old news recaps.
And lo and behold.
Father Pierre's picture was on the screen with the caption:
“Church priest, Pierre Pierson, who was found guilty of multiple claims of grooming and rape, was released earlier this month. The public is…”
I really dodged a bullet thanks to Marcus.
Who knows what would've happened if he wasn't there?
I closed the TV and walked out of my apartment.
🪐⋆｡°✩ 🌃🚶🚶♀️✩°｡⋆🪐
I reached the place where Vanessa wanted to talk. In reality, it was just an alleyway.
It's not a dark alleyway, it's located between a diner and an old apartment complex, and it had SOME light brightening it. As far as I know, this alleyway leads into the park.
As I entered the alleyway, I saw Vanessa a few feet away. She noticed me and walked up, her face was gloomy, but she wasn't crying, yet.
“Vanessa? What's wrong? If this is about Father Pierre, I'm-”
She quickly interrupted me.
“There's no time for apologies. He's listening.”
“Who?”
“Marcus.”
I don't know why that sent chills down my spine.
“Listen, there is something I need to get off my chest.”
“Wait, Vanessa, what's going on-”
“It's about Judy.”
I shut up quickly.
“Judy?”
“I killed her.”
My heart sank.
“What…?”
“I… I was jealous.” Vanessa's voice faltered as she started to tear up. “She always got to be with you… it was never me. I was always the second choice.”
I felt tears start to form, but I quickly wiped them away. I continued to stay quiet and listen.
“You don't understand how… painful it is… How many times I've had to watch my heart being stepped on… How much taunting I've endured.”
She lifted her head and we made eye contact.
“You don't remember, do you? … Each time it resets… you forget, but we don't. Every time… it's never enough for him.”
“Marcus…?” I finally managed to blurt out.
Vanessa stayed silent, and somehow that answered my question.
“Judy… she's… she's never killed herself before. She's always so strong. She resented him so much… I guess it was really too much this time.”
“I… I don't understand…”
“This time it's different, though. I can feel it… this time… there won't be a reset.”
Vanessa's voice dropped as she stared me down. She wasn't even staring me down, more so looking right through me.
Nothing made sense.
A reset??
Before I could question more, time stopped.
Not literally, but it felt like it was slower.
A baseball bat swung out of the darkness, hitting Vanessa on the back of her head.
I watched as her body dropped dead onto the floor.
Vague request but, if your still accepting requests
Maybe you could write something about Shaun Gomez from The Smile Tapes, but like, from the perspective of one of his friends? Can be during any event.
════════════════════════
Notes:
Thank you for this request 🙏
This is what I was made to write
Muah muah
𓇼
════════════════════════
December 04, 1994
I dogsat Max for Shaun today. He had told me he needed to go out and get groceries, and he didn't want to leave Max alone.
Understandably.
Shaun had told me Max had been acting weird and wasn't his normal self. Max hasn't been barking at all, “he's been very quiet” is what Shaun had told me. This was very unusual for him since Max was a very loud dog, he was always barking at anyone/anything.
I suggested to Shaun to take him to the vet when he gets the chance. He told me he would tomorrow.
As I was dogsitting, Max would constantly stare off into space. But I guess dogs do that sometimes? Though, that wasn't the oddest part of my day. Once Shaun came home, he was covered in a white powder. It kind of looked like flour…
When he was moving, the powder would fly into the air, and I fear I might've breathed some in. It was only a little, though, Shaun might've even swallowed some.
December 05, 1994
This morning, Shaun was telling me of a dream he had gotten. One where he was “flying through space” and then “saw a man”. If you ask me, that sounds really creepy.
December 05, 1994
Shaun had another dream. He flew through space and then saw the man again… only this time he was smiling?
I'll be real, I don't think it's normal to dream of this stuff. Call me a conspiracy theorist, but something isn't right. I told him he should talk to a professional.
Oh! And what joy, Max is barking again! I'm glad he's feeling better.
December 11, 1994
Shaun is starting to annoy me with his dreams.
I've begun to feel more and more angry these days.
But who wouldn't be when all you hear from your friend is his space journeys and his encounters with the man?
I DON'T CARE.
December 12, 1994
I'm worried about Shaun.
He's called in sick a lot, and he's been complaining about having painful migraines. Also, something about his face twitching?
I hope he and Max are all right.
December 16, 1994
AGAIN WITH HIM.
It's always about HIM.
I'VE been having migraines, I'VE been having face cramps, but you don't see ME bitching about it!
December 17, 1994
I'm glad he went to the doctor. Hopefully, the pain meds will make him feel better. :)
December 18, 1994
The pain meds seem to be working for Shaun.
He's been smiling.
It makes me feel pretty upbeat as well.
December 22, 1994
Max is dead.
I don't feel well.
December 25, 1994
Christmas!
I can't help but feel joy and happiness each time I turn a corner.
Shaun looks happier too (which is a bit weird since Max died only 3 days ago). He didn't like it when I told him he looked joyful.
What is wrong with him?
Why can't he suck it up?
December 26, 1994
Shaun hasn't talked to me at all.
But that's okay.
I don't need him.
I'm happy on my own.
January 01, 1995
I turned on the TV for New Year's, and I was met with the most grotesque joyful news.
⚠️ TW: Religion (Christianity) and manipulation at its finest ⚠️
♡
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
I'm always going to be there,
Even if you don't want me to be.
That night was more so a blur, although I remember crying in Marcus's arms. I remember him softly brushing my hair as my tears poured down. Oh… Judy, Judy, Judy.
Saying your name sounds so foreign.
Going back to school was hard without her. I kept expecting her to run up to me or for me to wake up, but… I never did. All the promises we had made over the years still roll around in my head. Her voice keeps repeating itself over and over.
Omar's hand draped over my shoulder. We were all still grieving… Vanessa was sitting at my side as well.
“Have they started planning her funeral yet?” Vanessa asked as she dabbed a napkin on her lower eyelid.
“Don't know… I think her parents are making it a private funeral.” Omar replied.
“Oh… I see.” Vanessa's voice wavered. I couldn't blame her, I would've wanted to attend her funeral as well. However, I don't know if I could keep my tears from spilling if I see her again.
It hasn't been a long time since Judy's death, but the talks seem to have died down. Everyone has forgotten about her. No more staring or whispering when I walk through the halls. It all must seem like yesterday's news to them.
“How could they have forgotten her so easily?” I retorted.
“Must be all the disappearance that's been happening. People have learned to move on quickly.” Omar whispered, his hand still on my shoulder.
“Disappearances?” I stop.
How come I haven't heard of any disappearances? I swear I check the news daily, it couldn't have gone over my head.
“Yeah, disappearances. I think there's been 9 in total, and the police have been undergoing numerous investigations. Must be why they dismissed Judy's case so easily.” Vanessa slumped. Her eyes stayed on her used, crumpled napkin.
“But that's not right! Judy was pressured by the fucker who sent out that video!!”
“It was a suicide, that's all they needed to know.” Omar sighed.
“Why are you two dismissing this so easily!? Don't you care about Judy?! Don't you want to know who took that video!?” I stood up abruptly.
Omar's hand slipped off my shoulder, and he and Vanessa exchanged a sorrowful look.
I can't believe them.
“We do care… it's just…”
“Just WHAT Omar!? Vanessa, Judy was your friend!”
Vanessa stayed quiet. She rubbed her arm and avoided eye contact.
“I think you should go out for a breath of fresh air.”
“What!? No! I'm letting this go, I-”
“Please…”
Why did Vanessa remind me so much of Judy?
I sighed and complied.
“Okay…”
I took my bag and walked off. Even if I had my back turned, I could still feel their burning stares from behind.
₊˚⊹♡ 🚶🚶♂️🚶♀️♡⊹˚₊
Maybe this is what I needed. I enjoy walking around town and seeing other people live their lives. They seem all so peaceful… It's crazy to think about the fact that there might be a killer on the loose that's causing all those disappearances. It could just as easily be a wild animal… maybe both.
I wonder why it hasn't been broadcasted on the news.
A sudden yell made me snap out of my thoughts. Not far from where I was heading was a man dressed in a white robe in front of a church. The local church was located far from the school and the park I came from. I must've been walking for some while now.
“Repent! Repent! The Lord is coming! He sees your sorrows! He sees all! Repent!”
What a nut job.
I walked closer, it seemed he was passing out Bibles and pamphlets. I walked close enough to catch his attention because in a moment his whole body turned towards me.
“Young man! Oh! The Lord has seen your cries! He listens and watches! Repent, and he'll save you from the claws of Satan!”
Alright, this man was good.
“Alright… uh… is there a sign-up sheet or-”
That made him chuckle.
“No, no son. Every Sunday come to our church, in fact, come whenever you please. Open your heart to God, and he'll save you from whatever grief and pain consumes you.”
He passed me a Bible and a pamphlet.
“Will do… uhm, my name is-”
“I know what your name is, son. The Lord has spoken to me through a dream, he told me to guide you and let you see the light.”
“Uh-huh…”
“My name is Father Pierre. If you have any questions, please, come see me.”
And with that, he turned and went back to yelling in the streets. I put the Bible in my bag and opened the pamphlet.
As I was walking back to Omar and Vanessa, reading through the pamphlet put my mind at ease.
A God who hears my cries and pleases.
A God who'll listen and save me.
I am in need of saving.
“Omar, Vanessa? I'm back.” They turned towards me with a small smile.
“Oh? Back so soon?” Vanessa smiled before noticing the pamphlet.
“What's that?” Omar shot me a glance.
“Oh, I've decided to join the church... or something. I think it'll be good for me to believe in something... have a little hope, you know?”
Vanessa and Omar looked as if they wanted to say something, but they were interrupted by a low voice speaking from behind me.
“You joined the church…?”
I turned around, and of course, it was Marcus.
“Oh, Marcus. Yeah, I have.”
Vanessa and Omar squirmed behind me, I could hear them whispering and imagine them sparing glancing between themselves and between Marcus and me.
“Christians are liars. They manipulate believers into thinking they're worshipping a God. But in reality…” He leaned in closer. “You're just worshipping them.”
“Uhm… like I said… I'm just giving it a shot.”
“You always just give it a shot,” Vanessa mumbled.
“What's that supposed-”
“Point is… I don't think it's good for you to put off all your problems on some God.” Omar interrupted.
“I'll be the judge of that.”
It was silent for a bit before Marcus spoke up.
“Who gave you these?”
I looked back at Marcus, and he was holding the pamphlet and the bible.
“How did you- … erm… It was Father Pierre… I think that's what his name was...”
Marcus, Vanessa, and Omar's faces shifted.
“I heard that he's crazy… people are conspiring that he's the one responsible for all the disappearances,” Vanessa said.
“What-”
“Not only that… he's known for being rather… touchy,” Omar added.
“How would you-”
“Not to mention, he has a past of perjury…” Marcus smiled.
“Stop it! It's my choice to make, not yours! Not too long ago, you two were so dismissive of Judy's death. Well, you two can grieve in whatever way you want! Just let me grieve my way.”
“It's not that… it's the church we have a problem with.” Vanessa advanced towards me with her hand on her chest.
Omar's eyebrows scrunched up, turning his face into a frown. He walked over to me before putting his arm around my shoulder. He turned us around and began walking away.
“Why don't you just sleep on it? It's been hard for you… well, all of us… People tend to go overboard when trying to crawl their way out of a ditch.”
“I know, Omar… but, nothing is set in stone yet. It's good to try new things.”
I stopped and so did Omar. He sighed before taking my hand in his; his thumb caressed my hand gently.
He leaned in and hugged me.
“Just be careful, okay? So many things are going on and… I'd hate for you to make a decision you'd wind up regretting later on.”
“Don't worry Omar. I'll be fine.”
“I hope so.”
He gave me one last smile before he left to go back to Vanessa.
I turned around, and my heart almost jumped out of my chest. Right across the street stood the church with Father Pierre out front. He wasn't wearing his white robe… more like a traditional priest robe. He waved at me, and I couldn't help but wave back.
He had such a gentle demeanour that I couldn't resist.
However, one thought throbbed in the back of my mind.
That church…
It moved.
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
Want to read ahead?
Click here!
A heavy blanket draped over my shoulder. I couldn't hear the police sirens anymore.
The police ruled it as a suicide after checking the camera feed and seeing her… yeah…
I don't believe it was a suicide.
Vanessa and Omar were being questioned by the police like I was.
All their questions flew into one ear and out the other. I couldn't think about anything.
I couldn't register her death.
Suddenly, Marcus sat next to me.
Why can't he just let me be?
I didn't have the energy to chase him away.
“How did you know?” I asked, still staring at the ground.
“How did I know what?”
I gritted my teeth before snatching the collar of his shirt.
“Don't play dumb with me! How did you know it was too late!?”
He reached for my hands and slowly brought them down. And then…
He gave me a sympathetic look.
I could feel tears starting to form. Marcus let go of my hands and faced the ground. I did too.
Marcus's hand came to my shoulder, but I moved away.
God, I wish I could reverse time.
All of a sudden, Judy's body was carried out of the school on a stretcher and into an ambulance.
Time slowed as I saw the outline of her body underneath the heavy blanket.
A feeling of déjà vu consumed me.
My eye couldn't produce any more tears, I felt so hopeless.
Marcus hugged me tightly, and I didn't protest anymore.
“Who could've done this? Who… who could've drugged her?”
Marcus stayed silent.
My eyes blurred and went blank a few times. Who could've had this much hatred for her?
Vanessa and Omar came back. They both looked dazed and tired.
“I still can't believe Judy's gone.” Vanessa's voice broke. Omar patted her on the back and looked at me.
“Can I talk to you,” He looked at Marcus, “privately?”
I nodded and jump down from the bench, we were sitting on.
We walked away from Marcus and Vanessa and behind a tree.
“What is it?” I looked at him, “Do you know who drugged her?” My eyes widened with hope.
“No. But, I have a small hunch on who might have done it.” He leaned against the tree trunk and gave a long sigh.
“Marcus…?”
He nodded.
I sighed, “How are we going to prove that he did it? The police already said it was a suicide, and they can't charge him without any proof.”
“Find a way to get inside his house, find anything that the police would take seriously, and report back to me tomorrow.”
“And… what if it isn't him?”
Omar looked at me blankly.
“I doubt it.”
I nodded and he turned around. “Let's go back.”
Before he could walk away from behind the tree, I grabbed his shoulder.
“Wait,” He stopped and looked behind him. “About Judy, did you know she had been drugged already?”
Omar looked at me weirdly, “She hadn't been drugged 'already'. Only… yesterday.”
“Then… what did she mean that this had happened over and over again??”
Omar looked back and didn't say anything for a while.
“Judy… she…it was the only way to break out. And frankly, I applaud her for her bravery. She was a strong woman.” And with that, he left me.
I joined them a few minutes later.
Marcus and Vanessa seemed to be having some sort of argument because she was actively screaming and shouting. Omar didn't say anything.
“Vanessa? What's going on?”
“What's going on is that my best friend is dead, and it's all this fucker's fault!!” She pointed towards Marcus.
Marcus didn't say anything and only faced me.
“Uhm…-”
“Why don't I and you take a break elsewhere?” Omar interrupted me and took Vanessa's arm. “I'm sure your throat is dry from all that crying and yelling.”
Vanessa didn't protest and moved away with him. Omar looked back at me and gave me a quick nod.
Marcus and I were left alone, in silence.
I had to try and find a way to get into his house without breaking in.
I sighed, today has been an awful day.
But, I'm not about to give up on her. I'm going to find out who took that video and drugged her.
I looked back at Marcus, he was looking into the distance.
“Marcus,” He turned towards me, “I… I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight alone. I would ask Omar, but he's going to be with Vanessa. Could I… possibly… stay with you?”
He tilted his head. “Do you seriously want to? I thought you doubted me?”
“I might doubt you, but I don't have any proof that you did it…”
“Mmm, okay then. Sure. You can stay with me, I'll drive us right now.”
“Now!? But I don't have my nightwear with me or anything!”
“You seem my size, and I have plenty of clothes back at mine.”
Before I could say anything else, two police officers walked up to us.
“You two can go home, expect the school to be off for a day or two, and also be expecting a phone call from us.” We both nodded and watched them walk away.
Abruptly, Marcus grabbed my hand and pulled me off the bench.
“Can't I say goodbye to Omar and Veronica first? It's also only noon, can't I come by your house later tonight?” I gave him a forced reassuring smile.
“Omar and Veronica have already left the school premises, and I don't trust you being alone.”
“Excuse me?? What is that supposed to mean??” I took my hand away, but he only took it back and held it firmer.
“I'd rather we go to my place now, it's good to have a shoulder to cry on and someone to vent to.”
His voice sounded more genuine and gentle, and I was way too tired to refuse. Plus, this might be my only chance to search around his house.
I nodded and he took me to his car.
It was a black 2019 Buick Lacrosse. (I'm a car enthusiast). It looked nice too.
“Woah, you have a nice car. I ride the bus to school, heh.” He opened the passenger seat for me.
“Parent's money.” He got into the driver's seat and started up the car.
We both put on our seat belts and Marcus started to drive.
We both stood in silence for a while as Marcus concentrated on the road. I wondered how he could even see with the hair covering his eyes.
He pulled up to a gas station, mere minutes later.
“I'm just going to pick up some snacks for tonight, want anything?”
I shook my head and watched him get out and enter the gas station.
I took my chance and started to search his car.
I unfortunately only found wrappers and some crumbled scribbled notes.
I unfolded some and realized they were poems.
One said, “I wish that, Across your back, Was a zipper, And that I, Could just crawl in, Forever a part of you.”
Another said, “You can't. I don't want you to forget me. I need you to smile when I haven't talked to you. And I finally can. I just want to be good for you.”
And the most recent one…
Let me in
It's a sin, you say,
Don't listen to them,
I want to breathe you in
Hold you in my arms
I can't stop thinking about you
Why do you have to be so far?
My eyes are blinded by your beauty
My mind clouded with thoughts of you
I can't get you out of my mind
Why can't you just be mine?
Don't make it any harder
Come to me sweetly
Just let me into your world
I will love you sincerely.
It's not that they weren't good, it's just that they were a little...creepy.
I continued to rummage, but didn't find any drugs or evidence that he did it.
Not that I expected it to be that easy.
I waited for Marcus to come back, which thankfully didn't take long.
“Hope I didn't keep you waiting for too long.” He set down a plastic bag at my feet and put on his seatbelt.
I know he noticed the scattered papers that I stupidly forgot to put away.
He smiled and faced the road. He started up the car and continued to drive to his house.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇ 🏘️🏡🏠⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
He unlocked his front door and welcomed me in.
Something about his house seemed extremely familiar. I didn't like the feeling.
“My parents won't be home for a few weeks, so we have the place to ourselves.”
“You're acting as if we came to hang out…”
He didn't say anything back.
Marcus guided me upstairs to his room and settled the bag next to me.
“I'll go change, help yourself.” He smiled gently and left.
I quickly got up and started to search around. I was looking for anything, anything that could be used as evidence.
But I found nothing.
I gave out an exasperated sigh and fell back onto the floor.
The doorknob jiggled open and out came Marcus.
“Here you go, fresh nightwear for you.”
“Nightwear? It's not even the afternoon - what??”
I looked out the window to see the sun setting.
I swear, it was only just noon.
I took the clothes, hesitantly, and let Marcus lead me to the bathroom.
When I heard his footsteps grow distant, I continued my search in his bathroom.
AND I STILL FOUND NOTHING!!
Where can a man hide drugs besides his room or bathroom???
I groaned and got dressed.
I was about to leave when I noticed something peculiar.
The bathroom had a small window at the end. It falls onto the outside garden that leads to the forest next to his house.
The window was wide and big enough for me to squeeze through too.
“Hey, you okay in there?” I hear Marcus ask from outside the door.
I acknowledge him but don't say anything back, instead, I walk closer to the window.
Hypothetically, if I were to jump out the window, I would most likely break only an arm or a leg-
BANG
Marcus suddenly punched the door.
It shocked me so much that I almost stumbled backwards.
I hurriedly opened the door, “Marcus!? What the hell is wrong with you??”
He quickly hugged me tightly.
“I thought you-” He looked towards the window and dragged me out of the bathroom.
“Never mind that, it's been a long day for both of us.”
We walked back to his room, and we sat on his bed.
He put his hand on my shoulder, and I was immediately overcome with a wave of emotions.
All the recent events flashed before my eyes.
I started to cry again.
Marcus brought my head onto his shoulder.
And that night, I cried onto Marcus di Angelo's shoulder,
The party ended up being pretty fun! Marcus and I danced and talked about all sorts of things, pretty sure he also told me how to summon some ancient God. Omar and Vanessa joined us too, however, Marcus didn't stick around as much when they came. I also couldn't find Judy anywhere, I asked around, but many people gave me weird stares before resuming their previous activities. She most likely left early, hopefully, she got home safe.
I walked through the school doors, the air was thick with humidity and whispers. Another rumour was going around. This wasn't unusual after a weekend of partying but, somehow, it seemed as if their eyes trailed behind me. Many gave me pity glances or patted me on the back when I passed them in the hall.
I reached Omar and Vanessa, they were huddled together at Omar's locker without Judy. They were looking intensely at Vanessa's phone.
“Hey, guys… do you know what's going on? Also, where's Judy?”
They both exchanged glances, “I think you should see this first…” Omar said while Vanessa handed me her phone.
I took it, it was a video. I pressed play, and the video started with the camera pointing at the ground before it pointed up at the snack table. On top of the table was a girl that I recognize as none other than Judy, she drank a cup of (what I presume) alcohol before swinging her microphone around and singing drunkenly.
She jumped off the table and started to make out with some random guy. They got down onto the floor, and she started to take off her clothes-
I stopped the video.
“Who… who took this video?” Omar shrugged while Vanessa spoke,
“Who cares who took the video? Your girlfriend cheated on you in front of everyone!”
“She was drunk.”
“That's not an excuse!” Vanessa continued.
I sighed heavily, “Where is she?”
“In the art room. She won't open the door to anyone.” Omar said.
“Thanks.” I turned around and ran to the art room.
God dammit. This is all my fault. I should've stayed with her.
I reached the art room and tried to open the door.
“Judy? Are you in there? Judy, it's me! I just wanna talk, please!”
The door suddenly swung open and a hand dragged me inside, locking the door behind us.
I looked back at Judy, she was shaking. Her face was all red and blotchy, her eyelids were puffy, and her face was all swollen. Her hair stuck to her face and dragged on her shoulders; she wasn't wearing her seasonal outfits either, rather, a plain hoodie with some jeans.
She walked to the other side of the room and sat down, bringing and hugging her knees to her chest. I joined her.
“Judy, I understand. You were drunk, it's not your fault-”
“No, No! You don't understand! I wasn't only drunk, I was also drugged!” Her voice broke as more tears ran down her cheeks.
“What!? Are you serious?! By who??”
“I don't remember!” She grabbed at her hair. “All I know is that whoever drugged me also took that video! Now everyone knows me as the slut of the school!” She cried, leaning onto my shoulder.
“Don't think like that, Judy! Once we explain that you were drugged, everybody will gain a new perspective of the situation. I promise.” I wrapped an arm around her.
I pulled her into a hug. She hugged me back tightly.
“I'm so tired of this. Over and over again.” She murmured.
Has this happened before??
“It's always me. Again and again.”
I stopped hugging her, but she kept leaning on me. She seemed out of this world.
“Wait, Judy, has this happened before?”
“So many times that I've run out of fingers to count.”
“What? Judy, if this has happened before, we need to call the police! Hell, we should've called already!”
I got up and reached for my phone.
“NO! It's okay… I'll be okay…soon.”
“Judy, I don't think you're taking this as seriously as I am! This is a very scary thing-”
“I'll be fine. Soon. I'll be okay.” She said, begging me to sit back down.
I sighed, “If you're so sure.” I sat back down next to her.
“So, this has happened before?”
“No, yes, ugh! It's all so confusing!! It's all so familiar yet so different!” She pulled at her hair.
“Judy, what are you-”
“I'm so tired of this! I can't take this anymore!”
“Judy!”
She stayed silent but kept fidgeting.
“Marcus is looking for you.” A chill went down my spine.
“What? So? This isn't about him, Judy, it's about you! Please, tell me how I can help you!”
What the hell is she talking about?? Why did she bring up Marcus like that?
She got out of my arms and stood up. I stood up with her and grabbed her hands.
“Judy, please! I don't care about Marcus-”
“Don't say that!”
“Judy!” I raised my voice, “I'm your boyfriend, for god's sake! I want you to be okay! Why do you suddenly care about what Marcus wants?? I want my old Judy back!” I started to tear up.
“Ever since Marcus came, you-” I stopped. “Ever since Marcus came to this school, you started to act differently. Judy, did Marcus do something to you? Was he the one who drugged you!?”
“No! He didn't! It was-”
“Who??”
Judy's eyes widened, and she pushed my hands away. She looked at me and then behind me.
I looked behind me as well, only to find Marcus leaning on the door frame.
I swear that door was locked from the inside.
I scoffed, “Marcus, can't you see that we're having a private conversation? Please leave us.”
Marcus didn't budge.
“You weren't in class, so I decided to check up on you.”
What? We don't even have the same class together in first period.
“Okay, well, you found me. Now please leave.” I insisted, “And close the door behind you.”
Marcus looked at Judy as if he expected her to say something.
“Leave her Marcus.” I stood in front of her while facing him.
“No, it's okay. You should go.”
“Judy, I'm not leaving you alone.”
“It's okay, I'll be okay. Soon.”
“But-”
“I'm just going to clear my head and drink some water before heading back to class. It's okay, I'll be okay. Soon.” She repeated.
“Are you sure?” She nodded and smiled. Her cheeks were still painted with dry tears.
I walked out of the class while sparing her a second glance, just in case she changed her mind.
Marcus trailed behind me.
“Are you going to class?” Marcus asked, jogging, so he was walking next to me.
“I don't know. Why do you care? We don't even have the same class.”
“Is it wrong to care for a friend?”
I stopped walking. Marcus did too.
“Marcus. What did you do to Judy?”
“Nothing.” Marcus faced me.
“I don't believe you.”
“I was with you the entire time at the party, wasn't I?”
No. No, you weren't. You left when Vanessa and Omar came.
Marcus exhaled, “Believe me or not, I didn't do it.”
“Didn't do what?”
Marcus smirked.
I turned away from him.
“Listen, Marcus, I don't think-”
“Hey! Whoever is skipping class should be going to the office for a tardy skip!” A voice echoed from down the hall.
“It's the hallway monitor-”
Marcus grabbed my hand quickly and dragged me to the cafeteria and outside the back door. Once we were outside, I snatched my hand away.
I sat down on the stairs, Marcus sitting right next to me.
“Rumours sure do spread fast,” Marcus said.
I buried my face into the palm of my hands. I rubbed my now dry eyes.
“Do you know who drugged her?” I turned towards him.
He continued to look into the beyond and shrugged.
I started to cry again, I've been such a horrible boyfriend these past few days.
I felt a hand on my shoulder, pulling me closer. Marcus laid a hand on the back of my head and pulled me to his chest.
“It's okay, everything will be okay. I promise.”
He rubbed my back. I raised my head, his hand still resting at the back of my head.
We both stared at each other in silence. It was as if I couldn't move, as if my actions were being controlled by someone else.
He leaned in closer, I closed my eyes.
His lips touched mine and we kissed. I brought my hand to his cheek, finally moving.
The kiss was so heavenly, but yet… so wrong.
My eyes shot open and widened. I snapped out of my trance and pushed him off.
“Marcus, what the hell!?” He stayed silent and only licked his lips.
“My girlfriend is inside fucking bawling her eyes out, and we're here kissing!!”
I stood up and reached for the door.
“You're too late. It's been too soon.”
“Shut up. Stop spouting nonsense.” I retorted.
I grabbed the handle and swung the door open before running toward the art room.
I reached the colourfully painted door and knocked on it.
Judy didn't open the door.
“Judy, it's me! I've come back!”
Judy didn't answer.
I grabbed the doorknob and turned it. It was unlocked.
Maybe she had already left for class?
I opened the door and looked inside.
My eyes widened in horror. I screamed.
Judy had hung herself.
I gagged, she had turned blue with foam running down her mouth. Her neck was broken at an uncomfortable angle. Her eyes were the only thing that seemed peaceful.
Someone had run beside me.
“Hey, kid! What are you doing causing all this disruption? Aren't you supposed to be in class- Oh my god…” The hallway monitor wasted no time in grabbing his phone and calling 911.
His voice was starting to get muffled as I continued to stare at her lifeless body.
Her eyes.
They were looking straight at me.
Marcus's words repeated in my head: “You're too late. It's been too soon.”
Soon.
Soon it'd be okay.
Soon she'd be okay.
A hand pulled me back; teachers started to swarm the room, while students piled in the hall.
How long has it been?
Vanessa and Omar came to my side. Vanessa hugged me while she cried on my shoulder. Omar only stood silent.
How long has she been suffering?
My eyes left the body and turned to the end of the hall.
It was already the next day, Friday, the best day of the week! Which also means one more day until Omar's party! I can't wait!
The first period went along swellingly, now for theatre.
I sat down at the desk, it was seated between Judy and Omar.
“You excited for tomorrow?” Omar leaned in, I nodded and smiled while taking the notes from my binder.
“There's going to be plenty of stuff to do! We'll serve chips, alcohol, fruits-”
“Wait alcohol? Aren't we too young to drink?” Judy leaned into our conversation.
“What's wrong with living a little?” Omar laughed, Judy looked at me concernedly.
“Hey, I won't even be going near the alcohol. You don't have to worry about me.” I told her.
“If you don't want to drink alcohol, that's fine, we're going to have a punch bowl on the table too.”
“I'm not worried about what I'll drink, I'm concerned about if we get busted! We're only 17-18, we have to be at least 19!” Judy exclaimed, keeping her voice down.
“Close enough, and it's highly unlikely that we'll get caught,” Omar said.
This didn't reassure Judy.
“If you're so worried about it, maybe you shouldn't come.” Judy tensed at Omar's words.
“I'll come…” Judy whispered.
Omar shrugged while Judy slumped into her seat. He opened his astrology book and continued reading. Oh! That reminds me!
“Omar, you like dark fantasy, right?” He looked at me giddily.
“Yessss?? Why? You interested in it?”
“No, but Marcus is. He's into dark fantasy!”
“Marcus? Marcus D Angelo?”
I nodded, suddenly remembering all the events that happened yesterday. I still want to be friends with him, though… if he starts to get out of hand, I'll have to put some distance between us.
I turned back to Omar. “Yes, Marcus.”
Omar thought for a bit.
“Oh, heh, that's not surprising.”
“How so?”
“He just seems like the type to be.” Omar shot me a smile before turning back to his book.
Hmm, I guess he does seem like the type.
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ: 🔔🔔🔔:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
Math is my second least favourite subject. Period.
Judy and I were walking together to our math class; she insisted on holding hands. We both stood at the doorway, examining the classroom in a way. Marcus was sitting at our table. Early as usual.
Judy kissed my cheek before skipping to her seat, she passed Marcus while slightly smirking at him. I scoffed, can't she just leave the poor guy alone?
I sat down next to him, noticing he was reading from a scrunched-up paper. I leaned in a bit.
It was a poem.
“You write poems?” He hid the paper under his stack of notes.
“Maybe” He didn't face my way, probably embarrassed.
“Sooo, did you decide if you were coming to Omar's party yet?”
“Yeah, I guess it wouldn't hurt to check it out.” He smiled.
“Now, back to the poem-”
“You're not reading it,” Marcus said, back to his usual monotone voice.
“Oh please!! I love to write poems! I swear I won't judge!” I tugged on his arm.
“Hmm, not right now, but probably in the future.”
He turned to face me, smiling.
I backed up a bit, just now noticing how close we were.
“Are you okay? You're turning red.” Marcus pressed the back of his hand onto my forehead.
“I'm fine! Just getting a bit hot in here, haha!” I fanned myself while averting his gaze.
“Are you sure? The nurse's office isn't that far-”
“I'M SURE.”
“Okay…” Marcus returned to his paper while looking up at the teacher who just walked in.
I took a few deep breaths, trying to calm myself down. This was a normal reaction! We were close (ON ACCIDENT) and it caught me by surprise! Totally normal reaction!
I hopefully managed to return to my normal colour.
I sighed, I can't wait for tomorrow.
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ 🌃🌆🌇☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
Yesterday passed like a breeze. It's finally time for a well-earned rest.
Omar's party isn't until later at night, so I have plenty of time to relax.
I grinned to myself.
Sometimes I forget I live alone. I only just moved into my apartment, a few months ago. It still feels like my parents will just pop out of nowhere.
I poured some cereal into a bowl and then some milk. I sat down and ate my breakfast.
I scrolled through insta till I got a notification from Omar.
Hyped for tonight!!
😎😎😎
Suddenly, my phone chimed with a new notification from Messenger. It was from an unknown number; it read “Hi”.
Btw, Marcus asked for your number. Thought y'all were buddies, so I gave it to him
Next time warn me about it first, got scared for a sec
lol
I changed Marcus's contact to his name and texted him back.
Hi
Hi! Marcus right?
Yeah
Cool. Getting ready for the party?
No. The party isn't until 7:30 pm
Right 😅
What are you gonna wear?
He was so blunt while texting, it was getting scary.
Nothing too fancy. Probably a hoodie at best.
Oh, I see. And your friends?
Well, that's new.
Judy is either going to match with Vanessa or just going to be casual, Vanessa is definitely going to go all out and Omar is going to wear something semi-formal.
Oh
Have you and Omar been getting along? He told me he gave you my number.
You could say that.
:)
That was enough texting for me. It was getting a little awkward.
My phone chimed again,
Marcus hearted your message: “:)”
I smiled.
I really couldn't wait for tonight.
＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚🎉🎊🎈˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
I stood in front of Omar's house.
Even though I was ten minutes early, the house was already full.
A cold hand touched my shoulder, pulling me away from my thoughts.
“Heyyyy! Are you ready to party??”
“Hey, Vanessa.”
As I guessed, she was wearing a very… uh… revealing black dress. It barely covered her thighs.
“I guess I am…”
She dragged me by the arm and inside the house.
I have been to Omar's house many times, but it always amazed me how big it is.
There were multicoloured lights everywhere, people dancing, people drowning themselves in-
“Hey, is that Judy?”
I stopped in my tracks, Vanessa too.
Judy was in a middle of a ring of people yelling “Chug, chug, chug!” in unison while she chugged a whole bottle of wine. Jesus Christ!
“She seems like she's having fun, now c'mon, let's dance!”
She shrugged Judy off and dragged me away to the dance floor. This time I resisted and slapped her hand away, making my way toward Judy.
“Judy! What the hell are you doing?!” I pulled her away from the crowd, however, to my surprise, she pushed me away.
“Oh, fuck off, bAbE!”
“Excuse me?” I asked; she most definitely was drunk.
“You're always hic chatting and hic hanging out with that fa hick, never have time for meee…”
She slouched onto me.
“Judy, that's not it at all. He's just new and … isn't making friends…”
“EXCUSES!!!!” Judy blurted out, pushing me yet again.
“Go awayyy”
“What-”
“GO away! Leave me, go to hic your new boyfriend!!” She wobbled away, leaving me alone, blushing…
Boyfriend???
I'm not gay, I'm dating her! I'm straight! I think…
I spot Omar in the distance, he's wearing very formal attire and chatting with some girls. I recognize some of their faces, they looked older, but I'm sure they were still in our grade.
Omar looks my way, he (supposedly) makes up an excuse to the girls and jogs toward me.
“Hi there Omar!”
He wraps me in a big hug.
“So glad you could make it! Is everybody else here too?” He asks. I cringed.
Judy is probably crying in a bathroom, Vanessa is most likely somewhere trying to get laid, and Marcus-
Where is Marcus?
“Yeah… uhm, have you seen Marcus anywhere?” Omar cocks an eyebrow.
“Marcus? No, haven't seen him. Probably didn't arrive yet, or didn't come at all.” He shrugged and patted me on the shoulder.
“I'm going to go back, catch you later!” He winked and waved before walking back to the girls.
This party wasn't turning out the way I expected it to.
I looked around, everybody is either dancing, drinking or talking.
Ugh, it was starting to get stuffy in here…
I made my way outside to the balcony, the music slowly fading into the background.
I leaned against the rails, looking up at the night sky. There were many stars up tonight.
It was pretty.
I smiled and closed my eyes, staying silent for some time.
I suddenly felt a new presence appear next to me.
“Judy, if you're finally done moping around, Marcus and I aren't dating. Final-”
“Bummer.”
I opened my eyes and saw Marcus beside me.
“Sorry,” I blushed out of EMBARRASSMENT, “Judy's just making these random accusations.”
Marcus didn't say anything.
“You and Judy are dating, right?” Marcus asks.
I nod.
“Why do you always go after her?” He whispers, most likely to himself. I don't say anything.
He takes a cigarette out of his pocket and places it between his lips. He takes his lighter from his other pocket and lights the cigarette.
I groan, “You really have to stop.” He shrugs in response.
“It helps me keep my mind off things.”
“What things?”
Marcus pinched the cigarette's butt, the flame dying out.
“How did you do that without it burning your fingers?”
Marcus chucked the cigarette off the balcony.
“Done it so many times, my fingers are already numb.”
He crossed his arms and leaned against the rails.
The party was starting to get louder, as if they were cheering for something… someone.
My heart almost jumps out of its rib cage. I turned around and was met with Marcus…and his cigarette.
“Uhm, I…” Now that I think of it, why did I come out here? “Fresh air, I guess.” He seems to be convinced, for now.
We stood in silence for a little while. Marcus took a drag of his cigarette and let the smoke run free.
I coughed, not only was it nauseating, but it was also unbearable witnessing someone waste their life away like this.
“You know you can't smoke on school property, right?” Marcus continued to face the ground, he took another puff of his cigarette.
Ugh, and to think I was starting to like him. I coughed again, this time only to make him feel bad. I don't think it worked, though.
“I'm pretty sure you'll develop lung cancer or something, too,” I continued.
“Why did you really come here?” He interrupted me. “I know for a fact you didn't come here to bitch about me smoking, and you sure as hell didn't come for a smoke break.”
No shit.
“I told you I came for fresh air, but now I see that that idea is out of the window-”
All of a sudden, the back door swung open and Judy marched out.
“What do you think you're doing? Are you seriously ditching us for this loser?”
Uh oh…
“Judy, please, I was just trying to tell him how smoking is bad for him,” I said while Judy gritted her teeth.
“I don't want to see you hanging around this… Freak anymore.”
Judy grabbed my arm and pulled me up the steps back into the cafeteria. She opened the door, but before she could step in, Marcus grabbed my arm, yanking us both back.
“He doesn't need to go anywhere. More or less, you can't tell him who he wants to see or not. That's not how a relationship works.”
“What do you know about how a relationship works?” Judy snapped, turning towards me. “Well?? Tell him to leave you alone.”
“Judy… I think you should just leave.” I said, watching her eyes slowly widen and her lip quiver.
I felt her slowly letting my arm go, her eyes filling up with tears.
“Judy, I-” Before I could say anything, she ran past me, choking on a few sobs. I thought about chasing after her, but Marcus stops me.
“Don't, that's exactly what she wants you to do.”
“I've never seen her cry like this before…”
“I assure you it won't be the last.” Marcus lit another cigarette and took another puff before crushing the butt with his heel. “She'll be back anyway. Who can resist you?” I hear him lightly laugh to himself. Jokingly.
He's right. This wasn't the first time she ran away from me, but it will be the last time I chased after her.
Marcus takes a seat at the bottom of the stairs, and I shortly join him. We both sit in silence for a while.
“What are you?” I ask without thinking.
I see him stiffen a bit before turning to face me.
“Excuse me?”
I couldn't read his facial expression, however, I could tell I have offended him in a way.
“Erm, I mean, are you goth, alt, vamp…?”
I watch him relax, slightly chuckling.
“Heh, I guess I fall more into being alt.” He smiles.
“Have you always been alt?” I said, trying to get him to open up more.
He starts to pick the dirt off his shoes. “I've always had an interest in this kind of style. The clothes, the makeup, the music, god don't make me get started on the music.” He went off.
I smiled, I like seeing how people can get so wrapped in their thoughts and just ramble off like that. I see it in Omar all the time.
“Kind of stereotypical, but I'm also really into rituals and shit. I especially love scaring people with it, too.”
“Oh! So you're into dark fantasy too? Omar is into that as well, technically he's into any type of fantasy.” Marcus said nothing for a bit.
“Dark fantasy… yeah, you can say that.” Marcus smiled; I smiled back.
“Mm, you should come to his house this weekend, he's having this huge party. Here, I'll write you his address.”
I take a scrap piece of paper and pen from my pockets and write it down for him. He takes it gingerly.
“Will you be coming?” He asked, examining the paper.
“Of course.”
He smiles.
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚🔔🔔🔔˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
I grab my binder and pencil case from my locker; preparing for my last but least favourite class, science. Abruptly, I was enveloped in a tight hug from behind.
“I'M SO SORRY.”
Judy.
I sighed and turned around to face her. Her face was all red and puffy. She was still sniffling and had tears dripping down her cheeks. I felt awful.
I cupped her face and wiped her face with my sleeve.
“I should've thought about your feelings too!” She cried.
I hugged her back, “It's okay, we all make mistakes.”
She started to slowly calm down and rub her face with her bare arm.
“Thank you… I'm so lucky to be with you. I'll be going now.” I nod.
I watch her walk away before turning toward my next class. My science class was way further down the hall, what's worst is that I didn't share it with anyone I know. My schedule consisted of English with Vanessa, theatre with Omar and Judy, and math with Judy (and now Marcus). I was all alone in science… or so I thought until I was met with an empty seat next to Marcus in science class.
Every other seat was filled since I was running a bit late, except Marcus's of course.
I sat down next to him, it seemed like everyone was avoiding him. Not that I didn't know why, he was dressed a little out of the ordinary. However, I don't think the pity stares I earned were necessary, he's not going to be killing me. Hopefully.
Either way, he seems like a very nice and misunderstood kid. Some people were just assholes.
The teacher walked in, making the class go silent.
⭒❃.✮:▹🕛🕐🕒◃:✮.❃⭒
Suddenly, the intercom chimed.
“Will Marcus D Angelo please make his way to the office? Marcus D Angelo, thank you.”
Everyone turned towards him, watching him make his way out of the classroom.
A few minutes later and London Oswald came in. He had a black eye…
He sat next to me and pushed Marcus's stuff to the side, setting his binder on the desk.
“Uh, Marcus is sitting there...”
“He won't be coming back anyway, you see this?” He points to his black eye. “That fucker did it. And it's only because I made a simple, harmless joke.”
“What was the joke about?”
“Nothing serious, really! It was a joke about how he looked emo and shit. He didn't have to give me a fucking black eye.”
I stayed quiet. I didn't know Marcus was sensitive like that.
London sighed.
“Look, I don't know if y'all are friends or something, but don't worry, he's not suspended. Just got sent home early.”
Marcus came in and swiftly gathered his stuff. I couldn't see his eyes, but I could tell he was glaring at London. He looked at me and shot me a quick smile before disappearing again.
London sighed.
“Listen, man, I like you, you're a good teammate, and you don't take shit from no one. My only advice to you is to stay away from him.”
Notes:
This story is first-person narration, since I couldn't decide on an x reader or x oc. This gives free imagination on who will be in the main character's shoes. The main character will be a nameless character, meaning no one will address the main as anything specific. The only detail will be that the main is perceived as a male.
STORY INTEL:
A new boy, Marcus, has just transferred to Cheshire High. Everyone is warned to stay away from him, as he looks as if he just crawled out of a grave. However, our main character seems to be somewhat drawn to him. Judy displays her negative feelings towards Marcus, wanting the main character to stay away from him. Although she seems unreasonable, there has to be more to the story, right? Just what are they hiding? What secrets lie in wait for him to uncover?
I'm suddenly shaken awake. I look to my side to find my girlfriend, Judy Presley, giggling to herself.
“Sleeping already? Class barely started!”
I quietly laughed, raising my head to look at her.
“I've been busy with football practice, I'm worried about the upcoming tournament. I've only just found out that Oliver broke his-”
“Hey, no worries!” Judy rubbed my back. “You can come over to my house today, so you can catch up on some sleep.” She winked.
I laid my head back onto my crossed arms on the table. I wasn't in the mood for that today… Anyway, I ready myself to fall back into slumber, fully expecting to be hugged by sleep.
However, that idea was cut short when the teacher clapped his hands.
“Quiet down everyone, today we have a new student.” This piqued my interest. “Marcus, come on in.”
A tall, slender boy with long (and I mean hip-long) black hair came in. His hair covered half his face, with only the septum piercing and mouth left out in the open. I could tell he was a gothic-alt based on his clothes.
Judy cringed next to me. “What's with this guy? He's so ... depressed, looking. She chuckled, causing” the teacher to look our way.
“Alright, Marcus, go sit at the desk table next to Judy. Judy, raise your hand, please.”
Marcus sat at the nearby desk; there was something about him, I couldn't pinpoint. I realized I was staring too long when Judy elbowed me.
“Ow!” I whisper-yelled.
“SH! You two!” The teacher side-eyed us both before going back to teaching.
“What's with the staring?” She asked, suspiciously.
“Nothing just found him-”
“Weird, satanic, faggy-”
“JUDY! You can't say that!-”
“I've had it with you both! Since you both cannot stop being lovey-dovey with each other…” The teacher scanned around the room, “Judy switch with Marcus.”
“But sir, I-” Judy argued, still blushing from the lovey-dovey accusation.
“No buts Judy, if you're going to be disrespectful in my class you're going to be punished. This isn't kindergarten anymore.” He said, turning back to the blackboard.
I whispered a silent apology to her, but I'm not sure if she heard it.
She sighed before grabbing her stuff and standing up. She passed Marcus, silently glaring at him before sitting down. I'm sure she won't let me hear the end of it at lunch…
I looked back at Marcus, who was now organizing his binder and pencil case, occasionally looking up at the lesson. Now I could get a better look at him. His clothes consisted of only black and grey shades with ripped baggy jeans, platform boots, and a t-shirt with some rock band, I presume. He wore all kinds of chains, necklaces, earrings, and rings.
He was the complete polar opposite of Judy. She always put her light brown hair in a ponytail with a white bow, wore perfect matching season clothes, and had well-made makeup. I would be lying if I said she wasn't something but, Marcus, he was also something… Wait, why am I comparing them??
I rubbed my temples and groaned.
I looked back at Marcus, only to be met with him facing me!
“You have very pretty eyes.” He said, giving me an affiliative smile.
Gasp His voice?? Holy shit, it's … almost unrealistic…
“T-thank you…”
I internally slapped myself, was I seriously stuttering?? God, I'm so embarrassed.
I heard him lightly chuckle beside me.
What's going on with me? I must be coming down with something!
ﾟ+: *✧･ﾟ:﹤ 🔔🔔🔔﹥: ･ﾟ✧*:+ﾟ
“Judy this, Judy that, shut your goddamn mouth!” I shut my locker, half listening to Judy's rant. “I hate that fucking teacher! Who does he think he is, separating us like that!?” I nod, just letting her get it all out of her system.
“Hey guys, wait up!” A small voice behind us made Judy shut up.
We both turned towards a familiar girl. Vanessa Kareem, Judy's BFF (as she calls it). Vanessa and her have always been friends. She was pretty much the spitting image of Judy except for her black silky hair that was in a grunge haircut, her blue eyes, and her much paler skin.
“Hey V, how's it going?” Judy smiled, forgetting all about her rant.
“Nothing much, however, you'll never guess what happened! I've just received another A! In science too!” She waved her test around, looking at me for words of praise.
“Oh, uh, congrats Vanessa, although I'm not all that surprised… you're pretty smart. I can't remember the last time you've gotten a B.” I rub the back of my neck.
“Me neither…” Judy said, a bit sourly.
Vanessa laughed, “Oh, stop it! Both of you! He-he. Anyway, how are you guys?”
“I'm glad you asked, we're doing pretty miserable,” And there she goes again… “I got switched seats with the new vampire wannabe.”
Vanessa blinked. “You two aren't sitting together anymore?”
“No! Can you believe it!? We always sit together! Ugh! I'm so pissed off! Fuck that new kid.” Judy screamed.
“Hey, don't say that! He's not all bad.” I intervened.
“And what makes you say that?” Judy cocked an eyebrow.
“He… He said my eyes looked nice.” I pinched the palm of my hand.
“Your eyes indeed do look nice,” Vanessa said, causing Judy to side-eye her.
“Yeah, well, I say that all the time! As a matter of fact, I think your hair looks immaculate today!”
“Thank you, Judy, and erm, Vanessa.” I give them both a wary smile before continue walking to the cafeteria.
There, MY best friend, Omar Thomerson, sat devouring his lunch. Omar, he's been with me since the universe was created. We're convinced we were best friends in our past lives. I've always thought of him as the geek in our friendship. He's always been obsessed with any fantasy fiction he can grab on. Greek mythology, science-fiction, astrology, you name it. He has dark brown hair with a shag haircut, freckles, and brown eyes. His typical wear is a worn-out hoodie and cargo pants.
“Hey, Hey, there's my best friend!” Omar patted the seat next to him.
I sat down with Judy and Vanessa trailing after me. I gave him a high five before opening my lunch box.
We all chatted and ate, Omar occasionally bringing up the big party he is planning on having at his house this weekend.
“Our whole grade is going to be invited! You guys better all be coming, especially you” Omar said, smirking at me.
“The whole grade? Don't you think that's too much? I mean, I know you own a big house but…” She sighed, “Not only that, but I might have plans this weekend.” Judy said, taking another bite of her salad.
“I'm for sure coming, I would never miss your parties!” I slap his back jokingly.
“I'll be going too!” Vanessa beamed.
“Well… maybe I'll have time to swing by,” Judy said.
“Great! I'll be holding you all to that then.” Omar smiled.
We continued our conversation until something caught my eye, a familiar half-face going out the back cafeteria door. The only thing behind there are dumpsters and roaches…
“Hang on, guys, I'll be back.” I squeezed out of my seat.
“Want me to come with you?” Judy sat up.
“No, no, I won't be long anyway,” I said before running out after Marcus.
I opened the back door and closed it behind me. I looked around and as expected there were only dumpsters.
I advanced towards one of them and looked behind it, but nothing-
