Morgan

"Excuse me, miss?" A lady calls out from behind.

I stop dead in my tracks. Has she found out? Hands buried deep in my pocket, I turn around looking unhinged.

"Yes, can I help you?" I ask her politely with an awkward smile.

"Oh, sorry if I may sound rude but I just wanted to ask if you're an acquaintance of the Thomson family that moved in this week. I've never seen you around here before so I was just curious." She asks with a grin. How nosy.

"I guess you could say that. It's...kinda complicated. I just don't like to talk about it." I give her a vague answer and hang my head low in disappointment which prompts her to gasp and cover her mouth. I'll allow her to think whatever she wants.

"I see. Sorry about that." She says apologetically. I give her an understanding smile and check my wristwatch, pretending to be in a hurry.

"It's ok. Well, I'll get going now. Goodbye." I say and turn around, ready to be on my way.

It's not that I didn't expect the people living in this street to get suspicious of me, I was just too lazy to think of a way to get out of that predicament. But I do need to think about it carefully now. Right now as I walk on the concrete sidewalk which is being illuminated by street lamps, I think about my step. Kidnapping that kid who is inside a hospital will be hard. But it's the only way to get to Jessica.

The hospital is a bit far from my location so I'll have to take a taxi. My walk comes to a halt after I reach the main road and I turn my attention towards it. Cars of different sizes and colours pass by. The modern buildings, surrounding us, glow brightly in neon colours under the dark starry sky. People in stylish clothes waiting on the other side of the road for the red traffic light.

When I spot a yellow taxi approaching my way, I stretch out my arm, signalling it to stop here. The driver takes notice of me and slows the car ultimately stopping it near the sidewalk a few steps away. I walk towards it and get inside.

"Nicholson children's hospital, please," I say to him. He nods and starts the car as he turns on the radio to a local news broadcast. I don't feel like listening to it but I also don't feel like bothering him about it so I simply take out my crimson coloured earphones along with my smartphone to listen to some songs.

Leaning my head against the cold window as rock and roll music blasts into my ears, I close my eyes to the passing scenes in front of me. I remember how whenever I felt bad or the day seemed to get worse, I'd go to the roof of our school and listen to some loud rock music. Loud enough to block out my inner thoughts. It's one of the best things I remember. I made Lydia listen to it too but she never liked it. She preferred the boring classical, saying it was soothing. Even made me listen to a recording of a piano being played by someone who she knew. It was ok I guess.

The car stops, presumably at a traffic light.

I open my eyes to the blue light coming from a neon signboard of an arcade called 'Gamer Grounds' across the road. The song on my phone ends and another starts playing. Why hasn't Lydia made a move yet? I'm eagerly waiting for her next victim. She wasn't this slow at the start. Maybe there is and I just don't know about it yet. I then begin searching for any new updates or information about the killings.

I don't find anything new except the usual conflict of some people about the matter. It's amusing how some agree with the killings, saying they kind of deserved it while others babble on about how it doesn't justify murder. There's even a group that supports victims of violence and abuse questioning on why no one helped her while she was being bullied and abused. There are children of all ages who are in the same position and yet no one helps them. Saying that because we refuse to take action, they end up like that. To my surprise, I find a video about an interview with some of our teachers at our school and their responses about not doing anything about me being bullied.

"First of all, My deepest sympathies for the families of the victims. It must be a very difficult time for you. Now, about this bullying. Honestly, I did notice. I saw how she was being treated and as a teacher, I stepped in to help. But...I somehow felt like she didn't want that help. Like she wanted to be left alone. Obviously I couldn't do that so I tried reaching her mother about it. Point is, I was willing to help Morgan get through this but she made it clear she didn't want our help and kept pushing us away." Says my homeroom teacher. The lies spilling out of her mouth like pearls from a string.

The scene changes and more teachers appear on the screen sitting on the same red sofa.

"I assure you, I had no idea about what was going on with her. As a P.E teacher, I only interacted with her on the school grounds and there are a lot of students to keep an eye on." One says. I remember him trying to hide his laughter at the jokes Jessica and her friends made at me while everyone waited for me to complete a lap.

"Of course we helped! Our school is all about discipline. It sickens me that people think that we sided with the bullies because they are rich and whatnot. For heaven's sake, I have a daughter about her age! Do you really think I could have allowed this to continue!? I intervened every time I felt something was off." Another says, clearly frustrated. I'm sure she doesn't even know my name.

"To be honest, Morgan was kind of a problematic child. She had a temper and would always wish to be left alone. As a teacher, I did whatever I could to help."

Listening to all these lies disguised me. I pause the video and take off my earphones. Leaning my head back against the car seat, I let the voice of a woman from the radio, talking about the weather, sink in. I reminisce about the day I decided to get help from my homeroom teacher.

"So you're saying Jessica, Luna, Ashley and Helen have been bullying you non stop without any reason?" She asked nonchalantly as she sat at her desk. I was aware that other teachers could hear the conversation too.

"Yes. Please, I need you to take strict action against them." I had asked her confidently. I had a clear black eye that showed I had been punched.

"I understand but are you sure you didn't do anything? Why would anyone just randomly start punching someone for no reason?" She inquired. I had a feeling this would happen.

"Ma'am. With all due respect, if a student is being bullied constantly by a bunch of other students, you should take action to stop the culprits instead of asking who started it." I had said. I remember how furious I was and it took all I had to not cry. I didn't want to appear weak so that she can step on me like everyone. I can feel the teachers sneaking glances at us.

"A kid like you shouldn't be telling an adult how to do their job. If this is how you talk no wonder they dislike you." She said while she glared at me. A student had come inside the teacher's room to hand over some papers. She called her over and told her to bring Jessica and her friends.

"Jessica Millers? Isn't she the daughter of that famous Author?" One of the teachers asked with a surprised expression on her face.

"That's the one." My homeroom teacher said.

"But she's such a well-mannered girl. Excellent grades and a nice family. Are you sure that's the one?" She asked again to my frustration.

When they came and the teacher questioned them they acted all innocent and sympathetic.

"We were only playing with her. She just looked so lonely and sad that I knew as classmates, I had to do something. Morgan, I'm sorry if you felt pressurised or hurt. We're all sorry." Ashley had said with a sad look on her face as Luna's eyes welled up with fake tears.

"Morgan...I apologise. The truth is...things aren't going so well at my home and I just took all that anger on you. I didn't mean to. I first saw you lonely and you reminded me of myself when I'm home. But later on, as things got bad, I just got so frustrated I took it out on you." Jessica says as she teared up too.

"Oh my. Is everything alright at home, Jessica? If you're that troubled you shouldn't take it out on other people. Instead, you could come to talk to me." She had said to her sympathetically. And then began the conversation of how neglected she feels at home and the teacher started sympathising with her.

I had slammed my fist on the desk, shocking and silencing everyone in the room.

"This is all BS! Can't you see they're all just making up stories? How can you even fall for that!" I had yelled at my teacher, with tears flowing down my eyes.

"First of all, watch your mouth young lady. Second, why are you dragging this issue? They just apologised to you. Accept it and move on. You all can go now." She had said and we all left.

That was the day they broke my finger.

My train of thought is suddenly broken when the woman on the radio mention name 'Liam Millers'. My eyes shot open and I became focused on the news.

' ...was Kidnapped yesterday evening from Nicholson children's hospital at around 8 pm and police have been thoroughly investigating the matter. Officer in charge, Inspector Jake Christian says that the perpetrator will soon be caught as they already have a lead and security footage. It is advised to be on the lookout fo-'

The driver clicks his tongue and changes the radio to another station which is a comedy talk show. He's clearly irritated by the news.

"This city is already in chaos. We need some good news from time to time." He says with a serious face and keeps his eyes on the road.

I quickly search for the news on my phone.

My frustration increases as I read every word of the articles. Are you freakin kidding me!? The timing just couldn't get worse! This was all I had to get to that witch and now it's gone! Could it be Lydia? Did she predict I was going to do this?

"Damn it!" I utter and punch the car seat in frustration.

"Hey! What's going on!?" The driver asks turning back to look at me then faces the road once again. He stops the car at the traffic light. A group of people cross the road while one woman pushes a pram.

"Nothing, sir, can you tak-" I began to say until I see someone familiar standing next to an antique shop.

It's those two little girls from yesterday. The ones that bullied that scared kid.

My mind automatically fills up with what that group had said online. That many kids are abused but no one helps them. In the end, they end up committing crimes.

"What were you saying?" The driver asks me.

"I'll get off here," I say as I hand him the money and open the door.

"But what abou-" I close the door on him.

I step on the sidewalk while the taxi drives away when the light turns green.

Those two girls are dressed up in pink frocks while their auburn hair falls gently on their backs. A woman in a navy blue sundress stands next to them as she fixes her hair in the antique shop window. It looks like they're going to a party.

As they start walking towards me, I take out my phone and pretend to be busy searching something on it. When they pass by, I silently watch them reach the end of the sidewalk and go left. Putting my phone back in my pocket, I follow them. I feel into my other pocket to make sure I've brought it.

The knife is there. Along with a lighter.

Going after them, I see them enter a gift shop. I hide in the alleyway a few stores away. I can't use the knife, too crowded. Nor will I be able to use the lighter. I won't be able to execute this plan properly. Maybe I should just go back and deal with this new Liam problem instead of doing things on impulse.

But just as I'm about to turn back, I notice the two girls sneak out of the store. They quickly walk up to an ice-cream shop right next to it where a bunch of kids and few adults are gathered.

Taking my chance, I follow them until I'm standing right behind them. There is a small crowd in front and they have to wait. Right now there is no one behind me.

Looking in all directions to make sure no ones looking, I take out my lighter and lowering it towards their back, I turn it on. Letting the bright orange flame catch on to their ribbon belts, I swiftly put it back in my pocket and walk up to the front, pushing my way through the crowd.

No one noticed until the flame reached their hair which I suppose was covered with hairspray. Two big flames appeared on their heads and the girls along with the other kids screamed. The kids backed away from the girls on fire while the woman quickly came out of the store upon hearing their screams.

Adults came to their rescue, trying to extinguish the flames with their jackets and water. The girls cried in agony, much to my delight, as their scalp started to burn. One man finally brought a fire extinguisher and sprayed it at their heads.

The commotion started to go down as the woman hugged the weeping girls tightly while a man offered to take them to a nearby hospital.

Satisfied, I leave the scene, walking away from it all.That's right, this is what I'm suppose to be doing. There are many others like me and those who are afraid to take revenge. I have to take on that role. I will become their saviour. After killing Lydia, I will kill as much as I want.

Returning back to the place where I had got off, I wait for a taxi to arrive as I think of a way to get Jessica to talk.

  ______________________________________

As I walk towards the alleyway, I notice a man, in a dark coat and bandage wrapped around his head, come out of there. I act casual as he passes by me.

Upon reaching the alleyway, I look around to see if anything is changed. Thank goodness the trap door is still hidden.

I open it and go inside, closing it on the way.

Something feels off. There's a scent in here I've never smelled before. The further I walk, the more curious I get. It's not smoke or anything, it's like perfume. But I don't own anything of this scent.

It's then that I suddenly realise and the hairs at the back of my neck stand up straight.

Someone was here...

No...that can't be true right!? Was it that man who just left?

I quickly walk towards Jessica's room. Opening the door, I sigh in relief as I see her there. Laying on the floor exactly like before. She weakly opens her eyes and looks at me.

"Was someone here?" I ask her.

"Where's...Liam?" She asks in a meek voice.

"I asked if someone was here. Don't make me repeat myself." I say to her sternly as I keep my bag on the chair and take off my coat.

"No...no one." She utters.

"Are you lying?" I glare at her while hanging my jacket on the chair.

"If someone was here they would have rescued me. Where's Liam?" She insists.

Maybe whoever it was didn't come here or maybe I'm just overthinking things.

"The information first." I sit down on the chair.

"You don't have him do you?" She says, tears forming in her eyes.

"You really think I could kidnap him in a flash? I don't go head in, I make a plan. But I'm telling you, the more I wait, the angrier I get. I won't kill him but I will break some bones." I warn her.

She closes her eyes and says something under her breath.

"What?" I ask her as I get up and walk towards her.

She, once again, says something barely audible.

It's when I squat next to her that I notice something written on the floor, hidden under her arm.

I lift up her arm to reveal two words written with blood.

Alexander Matthews

A grin forms on my face. Finally!

I drop her arm and quickly get up, uninterested in whatever she was saying. Picking up my bag and coat, I leave the room. This name sounds familiar. It's like at the tip of my tongue.

Once back in my room, I take off my wig and contact lenses. Putting my glasses back on and sitting down comfortably on my bed- a dusty white blanket. I take out my phone and search for the name.

I knew it sounded familiar. It's the name of the deceased CEO of that pharmaceutical company. I search up more about him.

He was a filthy rich man with a good reputation. Kind and well-known. When his brother died in an accident, his wife, Tabitha and their 3 months old baby, Judith, were left alone. Alexander took them in and later married Tabitha.

Judith...

I feel like I remember this girl. My head starts to ache as I try to think about her. I'm sure I remember her! Was it in...middle school or grade school?

I search her up and look at the picture closely. Yes! That cheerful face! I remember something. We...we used to be classmates.

An image suddenly appears in my mind. Of a young girl holding standing at the class door, waving at me enthusiastically. It's Judith with a bright smile.

My head starts to throb. Why is this happening? What's going on?

I search for Lydia Alexander. Surprisingly, there is no image of her. I click on a link about her.

It says that after Judith's death, Alexander and especially Tabitha were very shaken. Tabitha was in utter despair and grief. To heal their wounds, Alexander adopted a girl about her age, named Lydia, from an orphanage. Now with a new child, the parents kept her away from the public. Determined to protect her from the 'outside world' as said by Mrs Alexander. However as expected of the media and journalists, a photo of her was dug out from the orphanage. Although, its authenticity remains unclear.

I try to search more but the headache feels like it's getting worse. I put my phone down, get up and walk over to my bag. Fishing out the painkillers, I take one with some water from a bottle and massage my temples.

How am I involved in all of this? What's Lydia's goal here? What happened to Judith?

I lay down on my bed, trying to get to sleep through the pain. I can't think straight.