Chapter 16

"Aren't summer classes still months away?" I frowned at Kevin who sat cross-legged on my bedroom carpet.

"That's right, but most of Mr Nathaniel's killings were done around that time" Kevin calmly stated.

George snorted.

"Well somebodies dead right now and it isn't anywhere near summer" his voice taunting Kevin, who showed no reaction, maybe it was the way he said it, but worry also seemed deeply laced into his voice.

"That's right but until they find out who exactly died, we won't be able to tell if it was actually Mr Nathaniel who did it..."

A tense silence weighed on us, me and George to be specific. This plan really put our lives at risk more than Kevin's.

I caught George staring hard at me as if he felt conflicted by my presence.

"What is it?" I asked staring at him curiously. He sat on my bed whilst I sat across him on the floor, back against the pale yellow wall with a towel underneath me to prevent staining the trampled tresses of the carpeted floor.

"I'm all for it don't get me wrong" he turned to Kevin quickly, pausing slightly before he continued, "but Hamper over here seems pretty weak- no offence" he smirked at me causing my blood to boil.

Dick.

"That's true."

Oi.

"I can handle myself!" I rebuked knowing my face wasn't holding back any anger.

George snorted at my reply and I saw Kevin's shoulders trembling slightly, but he hid his face behind his arm so I could tell if he was laughing.

"I can!" I felt frustrated at their clear doubt. I'm not that weak! "I'll build on my strength to prepare" it was a quick solution but not one I could be faithful to.

George laughed.

"I can train you up for it" he offered, despite his amusement.

"Not happening."

"You can use my gym" Kevin also offered up ignoring my refusal.

"That's over with then" George smirked, "get ready for hell Hamper" a shiver ran down my spine.

"I said no"-

"What was that Hamper!" George was back to his intimidating self.

"N-nothing..." giving up wasn't even an option to begin with, it was the only answer.

Kevin was busy chuckling at my expense.

I couldn't help but stare. His laugh sounded genuine unlike the one he constantly let out in school. I felt a strange sweep of shock come over me as I suddenly realised that most of his attitude in school was fake.

Scary...

But... didn't he ever get tired of it or ...lonely?

I knew how haunting loneliness could be, though, after a few years I couldn't feel it. Recently, however, i felt it from time to time.

I shook her head. Don't think of these guys as friends...

Most of the people from the party left after George threatened them so the house was silent. Jennifer was still in the bathroom, not leaving, but occasionally a whimper could be heard.

She'll get over it.

I grimaced at my sticky and smelly state, knowing even if I took a shower tonight the smell of booze would linger.

"Elliot..." I turned my head to Kevin.

I couldn't get used to being called by my name unless it was by a teacher, nobody really said it. It just 'you' or 'Hamper'. The Lemozs' used insults most of the time or condescending nicknames.

"Yes?"

"Any free days or time after today will be spent at my house. My fathers always on business trips so he's rarely home" I nodded at his words confused at him calling his dad 'father' but writing it off as a rich people thing.

"Wait- what?" I jolted taking longer than necessary to process his words. I ignored George's insult as I stared at the blonde in confusion.

"We need to make sure we all do this right. We only get one chance and it can't be taken lightly" the air around us once again became more serious.

"If that's it then I'm going home" George yawned while stretching.

It was deep into the morning hours and I was also feeling sleepy, but I really needed that shower.

He didn't bother with formalities and just left leaving me and Kevin in an awkward silence.

I recalled the earlier ordeal.

"Sorry Kevin, about earlier I shouldn't have said that" I quickly confessed when I noticed how he stood up ready to leave.

"Oh?" He seemed to look a bit embarrassed suddenly.

My mind went blank not knowing he was capable of such emotion.

"Don't worry about it, you weren't entirely wrong anyway" he smiled gently causing my jaw to slacken slightly. Who is this person?

And then he surprised me. He reached for my head and gently ruffled my beer soaked hair.

"Uh..."

"See you tomorrow Elliot" he smiled and left.

Tomorrow? Isn't it the weekend? I'm free in the evening but how could he know- ?

A shiver ran down my spine as I recalled how he knew where I worked. Let's not think about it!