3 Suspicion (1/2)

That night was restless, I kept tossing and turning in my bed. Floating in the pool of my memories, an icy discomfort blossomed in my chest. In the haze of thoughts, I was visualizing a nightmare with my eyes wide open.

No matter how cold and long the night felt, the sun still rose the next morning. I took a day off school to settle my messed thoughts and calm my wretched heart. After musing all day long, I finally came to my resolve of not letting my past or anyone related to it, disconcert me anymore. I had made up mind to uncover the truth and tackle it head-on. I didn't want to worry anyone so I didn't say a word about it to Emily or my dad.

The notes kept coming for the next few days but I was no more afraid rather determined to find the person behind it.

I was keeping a keen eye on my surroundings and took notice of every single person that acted suspiciously. For some days during out of class sessions, I intentionally stayed behind in the class but was unable to find any clue.

One day, during the lunch break, I hid in the restroom near my classroom to catch the person red-handed. I knew he would come as this was the only time he has the opportunity to leave today's note without being caught by someone in the act.

I stood behind the wall of entrance to the restroom, my heart pounding hard, but as soon as I heard a pale sound of footsteps, the thumping beat of my heart died down as if it stopped beating. The treads kept getting louder, someone was walking in my direction!!

After a couple of strides, the sound ceased a bit far from me, to what I assume was, in front of my classroom. I sneaked a peek and spotted someone in a black hoodie standing in front of my class. I didn't hesitate for a moment and sprang out from behind the wall. My sudden move alarmed him and he sprinted back to the hallway. I rushed behind him. As I was pursuing him around the hallway, he suddenly darted towards the stairway. I followed him but on arriving there, I found no sign of him.

As I was bounding down the stairs in search of him, I misjudged the placement of my foot and my smooth-soled boot slid off the end of the last step. I stumbled down but instead of falling on the floor, I felt a muscly arm around me, holding me in a firm yet exquisite manner.

His one hand strongly gripped my shoulder and the other wrapped around my waist.

”Are you alright?” I heard a familiar voice.

I opened my tightly shut eyes and saw Shaun's face near me. For a few moments, I stayed still starring in his eyes. As I looked into his eyes I could feel him searching deep into my soul. They conveyed me a chill and I couldn't bear it.

”Yeah, I'm fine.” I looked away.

My hand slid over his shoulder as I supported myself to stand.

He accompanied me to the dining hall and we eventually sat together to eat. Looking around I realized how everyone there was staring at us.

Well, it was an astonishing sight so their response was expected and most likely justified.

Shaun was quiet the whole time. He didn't even ask for the reason for my presence on the stairway at the unlikely time neither about my absurd fall.

*****

After class, as I was walking across the schoolyard to the library, I was distracted by strange noises coming from the backside of the gymnasium.

I hurried there and catching the sight was left bemused. Shaun was on the ground as if he was yanked down with three boys hovering over him.

”So tell me now, will you go near Claire again?” said one of them.

”He won't dare to get close to her after this beating.” chortled the other boy.

Hearing it I dashed towards them. Seeing me there, their mouths dropped open.

”Why are you here, Claire?” asked one of them who I recognized to be the one who has been following me around, after publicly announcing his love for me.

”What are YOU doing here??” I raised my voice.

”Claire, it's not what you are thinking, I was just helping you get rid of him,” he said taking a few steps towards me.

”Stay away from me!!” I bawled, ”Who do you think you are? I am warning you, don't you dare come near me or him ever again. If it happens again, I won't stop with just a warning. Now leave before I lose my control and don't ever show up before me.” I clenched my fists.