See you later [40]

"A lot of things." I heard a light chuckle beside me and I turned sideways. "And one of those things include you." He winked at me and dropped his pen again, having finished his work. He leaned back in his seat and placed his arms at the back of his head.

I was still recovering from the shock his words have left me in. What did he mean? Could it be possible that he was involved in the recent disturbing events? Or was he just being playful with his words?

"Since you all are done with experimenting, let me explain you all about the reactions and the products obtained." Mr. Cooper was again at the chalkboard and began scribbling the reactions. After he was done writing, he began explaining the whole process.

"The end product is Copper Sulfate which is a salt. The reaction can be classified as both double displacement and as neutralization reaction." He began explaining about the significance and other examples of such reactions.

Everyone was heedful to the class including Lucas. I never tried to strike a conversation again with him. It was a regular pattern. He would say something weird and it would give me the creeps and our little conversation would cease. It wasn't as if I wanted to converse with him. But his underlying words bothered me and made me wonder what he actually means by them. It was so hard to tell when he was teasing and when he seriously meant something.

"Read page 75 to 78 for tomorrow's class." Mr. Cooper announced.

A second later, the bell rang and Coach was on his way out. Everyone rushed out of the class and I began zipping my backpack. The chair beside me scraped against the floor and Lucas slid out.

"See you in Biology. Partner!" He said and did a two finger wave at me.

Once outside the class, I rushed to the nurse's office to confirm if Cee was doing okay now. I pushed the door open and stepped inside. A bitter antiseptic smell with undertones of soaps and cleaners hit my nostrils as I entered. I scanned the whole room. The room was pale and pastel colored with matching pale curtains. Two beds were laid alongside each other, separated by a thin white curtain. Opposite to the beds was the cabin desk of the nurse. A box which I assumed contained the medical supplies, a table clock, a glass of water and a nameplate were arranged on the desk. The nurse raised her eyes from the book she was reading. She adjusted her spectacles and then placed the book on the table in front of her. Her brunette hair with a tinge of red in them, were done into a low bun. She appeared to be in her late twenties. Behind her, I could see several posters regarding first aid, hygiene, essential nutrients and balanced diet sticking on the wall.

"Yes?" She asked placing her hands on the table.

"I am looking for Cecelia Parker. She was sent here around forty minutes ago." I told her.

"Yes I remember the girl. She was here with a classmate named . . ." She trailed off the sentence and began recalling the name.

"Zach"

"Yes. That's his name. The girl was coughing so badly. The guy along with her insisted she should be taken to a hospital. So I sent her home." The nurse informed.

"Oh!" I said. "Thankyou." I said and left the room.

I took out my cellphone and began typing a text.

{Hey? Are you alright? Text me when you get well.} I pressed the send button and put it back inside my backpack.

The next class I had was English. I entered the class with my thoughts focused on Cee. She must have inhaled a lot if she was taken to a hospital. I wanted to ditch the school, so I could go see her and make sure if she was doing okay. Moreover, I have started to feel exhausted already. I again started to ponder over things I've learnt the previous night. In the back of my mind, I thought about how I am wasting my time in school reading Hamlet, the current book we were studying in english. I am supposed to learn more about myself, about witchcraft and about the demon who was preparing to kill me. I dreaded, when I realized where my thoughts were headed. Learning about the new life meant parting ways from the current one, and the thought made me shudder. In a way, I was equally apprehensive and excited. I was clueless how I should feel about certain things. And I was scared if I had chosen the right path. I didn't wished to end up making mistakes and regretting my decisions. I just wished to end it for once and for all.

I was distracted for the rest of the day. Mostly by what I've learnt and a little by my concern for Cee. I sat lost throughout the classes. It was harder during the recess to sit among a whole crowd of students from different classes. I didn't knew anyone except Cee. And Zach. And Lucas. But Zach and Lucas were never seen in the cafeteria. I thought whether they always skipped eating or if they didn't prefer the cafeteria food. I didn't feel like eating anything. I had social awkwardness and it was beginning to develop when I entered the Cafeteria. I bought a bottle of lemonade and swung my gaze around to find an empty seat. Luckily there was one by the window. I took slothful steps and slid into the seat.

Watching the happy faces of the people around me I thought how lucky they were to have a normal life without the trouble of demons killing them. Social comparison was degrading and I was intentionally letting my thoughts wander on the path. I still had a choice. I still have a chance to turn my back on witches. But I didn't knew if I would ever be the same. I realized I was again doing what I shouldn't be. Overthinking. To keep myself from it. I gulped the lemonade down and looked outside.

The rain had stopped but the sky was still covered with the sheet of grey clouds. It looked as if the clouds were still not done with the earth and have provided it some relieve time. When the recess was over, everyone rushed out of the cafeteria hall. I was the only one left behind. Throwing the empty bottle of lemonade in a bin, I strolled outside the place.