The bell rang for the end of the school day and a flicked on my phone. Instantly a message sprang up along with 17 missed calls. The text read simply:

                                                                            At shop centre 

                                                                              Food court

                                                                                   Help

                                                                                    Em

Stars! What had happened? I stuffed my belongings hastily into my bag and set of at a brisk walk to catch the first bus I could.

                                                                                        . . .

I found them, Nasha and Emmet, just outside KFC. Nasha was unconscious on the ground and Emmet was standing next to her, seemingly in shock. His face melted into a facade of sheer relief when he saw me. I looked at him.  

    “Spill,” I commanded.

    “We went to get something to eat, Nasha and me,” he explained, “She wouldn’t let me go anywhere on my own like I was some mental toddler who might go and light a fire in the public toilets. Anyway, I got fed up after a while and eventually I told her to go die someplace quiet and she collapsed.” He stared at me like I would have an explanation. Go die, the words rang in my head and I ducked down to check her pulse. It was there, faintly.

    “We need to get to my house,” I snapped, “NOW!”

                                                                                          . . .

      “My parents say she’ll be fine,” I soothed as I walked up to Emmet, “Is there anything you forgot to tell me yesterday?” He shook his head silently.

    “Don’t blame yourself,” I continued, “It’s impossible that it could have been your fault.” He seemed unconvinced.

    “But,” he whispered, “What if it was? I nearly killed her.” I shook my head.

    “How?” I questioned, “How could you have made her collapse?” He chewed on his lip.

    “I dunno,” Emmet whimpered, “Maybe I have some kind of mind-control power.” For not the first time today I shook my head.

    “I’m going home now,” he stated, “Call me if anything happens, okay?” I nod, smile and give him a little hug.

                                                                                             . . .

I’d tried calling him multiple times and text him twice. He wasn’t picking up. Nasha was up and about so I thought he might like to know. I tried ringing him once more then headed off for bed. I’d only been asleep an hour when something startled me from my rest. I was not alone.

    “It’s just me,” came the voice, “Emmet.” I instantly relaxed.   

    “What’s up?” I whispered. My visitor strolled over to my bed and sat at the end. He took a deep, steadying breath before continuing.

     “Laurel,” he replied, “I’m here to say good-bye.” 

Ta-Da! End of Book One. I'm thinking of writing another book but I need to fix this one up first. If you had any ideas please send them along! Thanks to all of you! Especially to those who've made me their charity case! 

~SpanishFox