Sylvia's POV:

It's been a week after the ordeal. I still can't get over of what happened to the others that fateful night.

5 bodies. 5 bodies in just one night. It's devastating. That killer got away so flawlessly. In my point of view, this killer I am confronting right until now isn't your typical murderer on the loose. It's like the mysterious girl is a natural killing machine. I have to be more careful next time I encounter her.

The guard, Carter, Candice, Chase, and Timothy were all given a proper burial. I was sent to the police after that fateful night, together with the remaining survivors of the massacre. They were the ones who had given the description of the killer's identity. Police, including the sheriff and detective Carson that I have met more than 2 times, are working on the case.

The school had a gathering at the quadrangle for the death of the 4 students. Families and relatives of the 4 students also attended the gathering. I still can't erase those awful images in my mind. It's bothering me.

"Attention." The principal spoke on the mic in front of the stage. "Thank you for all the people who attended this ceremony. I share my deep apologies for the lost of these 4 precious souls. It was truly unexpected for all of us to see the 4 of them going into the afterlife in just a snap of the finger."

I can hear Chantelle's mourning from beside me. I feel really bad for her. She truly love her friends, and it's really unfair that they have to leave her in tears, especially Chase. He sacrificed his life for her. If it wasn't for him, Chantelle wouldn't live and survive.

If only all of this didn't happened at all...

"Let us have a prayer for these good souls."

All of us bowed our heads down as respect to the presence of god.

"4 loving souls who all passed away. Oh our gracious lord, we are here today to bond with these 4 students for the last time. Please join us in our gathering. We pray that you would accept them in your kingdom with your full heart. Never stop loving them, and never leave them by your side. We pray that they will have everlasting lives within your kingdom. Bless their souls and never stop treating them as your own. It's up to you that you will guide them and protect them from all evil. We pray the souls of Carter Rosata, Timothy Vendigel, Chase Rickson and Candace Birchmore in the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit. Amen... Rest in peace."

Sorrowful howls soon filled the whole quadrangle. All the people around me are in tears. I can fully sense their pain. It's heart-crushing. I can feel their sense of hopelessness. It's powerful.

I felt a few tears streaming down from my face, but I didn't moan, sob or anything. Just pure tears coming out of my eyes. I do feel the sadness from inside, but I just can't let it all out. It's bounded inside of me.

I felt sorry for them, why did they have to be involve to this mess? They are innocent. Why would the killer do this? Just why?

My eyes are fixated to the portraits of my 4 classmates that was hung up on the show stage.

I can't take this anymore.

I left the quadrangle and went to the high school building. I went to a restroom and stared myself at the mirror for who knows how long.

"Why does hell even have to punish you for nothing? Just why?" I asked myself in front of the mirror, looking like some sort of insane girl.

I just cried silently and let the pain release itself out of me.

I'll never forget the 4 of you... Especially you, Chase. You died as a hero for Chantelle... for us... you have the heart of a brave lion... you and the others will always be in our hearts...

I don't know how long I was in the restroom. I didn't noticed time is flying fast. I was too focused in grieving. Am I really that affected?

I decided to leave now. I turn around, and I felt a chill from my spine at what I spotted. At the corner of the restroom door is a long meat hook. Not just any meat hook. It's the same hook that the mysterious girl is using to murder her victims with.

I pick the hook up and went out of the restroom with it. I hid the hook behind the trash bins so no one could see it. A sense of determination dwells within me as I walk down the silent hallways.

I'm gonna solve this mystery. Even by means of risking my life for it...

______________________________________

We went back to class after the short gathering. I can hear non-stop chattering of students around me. It's either they are talking about me or the 4 friends who had passed away. I didn't mind at all, I just want this day to be over.

I am currently in my classroom. There are supposed to be 29 students in class, but now it's only 25 because of the death of... them.

Our teacher, Ms. Hadenile, came in with a glum expression. Silence has soon filled the whole room as all eyes are focused at the mourning teacher in front. I gotta admit it, the whole scene left me paralyzed to my seat.

"Good morning class." She greeted us in a cracked voice, forcing a smile for each of us. I just want to say sorry for the loss of your dearest classmates, it's hard to accept that they left us too soon... I'm so sorry."

None of us dared to utter a single word. I can feel the heavy tension around us. It made me feel unseasy.

"This week, we won't be doing anything much, so you can do what you want." Ms. Hadenile announced, giving each of us a glance from left to right. "You can use your phones and tablets but make sure not to get caught by other teachers who are passing by." She reminded, now walking towards the door. She twisted the golden handle, pulling the door open. Before she can take a step outside, she stopped. Ms. Hadenile then tilt her head to us, giving us a solemn smile. "I'll return here after the 5th bell rang. I'll see you later class 2-A."

We bided our farewell to Ms. Hadenile as she left. Students around me then proceeds to do their own thing right after the teacher closed the door.

I just sat by my chair while sketching on my notebook. There's nothing else I can do much in this room. I'm not really close to the people around here, and I just want this day to be over.

I was busy doing my thing when I felt something hit my head so lightly. I turn around and saw Vin throwing a ball of crumpled paper at me with a cold expression. I scrunched up my face and turn my attention back to my work.

"Hey all of you!" I heard Vin blared out to my classmates. I ignored it and continued on sketching.

"You know what guys? All of this mess is Sylvia's fault!"

That was enough for my ears to tick.

What is he talking about?

"Our friends wouldn't even die if it wasn't for this girl." I slowly turn around and saw Vin pointing a finger at me.

I noticed the dirty looks my classmates are giving me. Is he really accusing me for the death of his friends? But why?

"The massacre happened when she transferred here a week ago. It's the same week as when our 4 friends died." He added, sounding as cold as ice.

"You b*tch! This is all your fault!" Teressa, one of my classmates, marched towards me and gave me a slap across the face.

I cupped my slapped cheek with both hands as I look at her with tears flowing down from my face. I can feel the burning pain across my smacked cheek. Why is this happening? Why me?

"All of this shouldn't happened if it wasn't for you!" Vin growled accusingly while pointing a finger at me.

"She didn't do anything! Leave her alone!" A familiar voice echoed around the classroom.

No. Tyler.

"Oh! You're the brother of this tiny b*tch over there? Maybe you're also one of the reason why this happened!" Daniel, another one of my classmate, spat at Tyler. He then landed a punch on my brother's stomach.

It happened so fast. In just a blink of an eye, a couple of boys started beating Tyler.

I was trapped at a corner as some students started throwing things at me such as a chalkboard eraser, crumpled papers, board chalk and so on. Other of my female classmates would pull me by the hair or push me.

I noticed Sheena and Chantelle trying to fight off some guys who are holding them back. They were deemed trapped within their mighty grasps. They can't do anything else but helplessly watch me suffer.

Vin. I saw him. He's giving me the same cold look...

Why me? Why should I take the blame? Maybe... Maybe Vin is right. I am the reason why his friends died. All of this mess already happened even before I transferred in this school. It's my fault.

"PLEASE! ALL OF YOU STOP!"

Sheena's loud roar filled the whole classroom, shutting off all other noises. Silence filled the spacious area once again as all eyes are focused at Sheena.

"She didn't do anything wrong!" She defended me with teary eyes. "You can't blame her for what happened that night! What had occurred that night is not inevitable. If you guys were here when the massacre happened, you guys would think the same just as me! You can't blame her for the death of our friends or either his brother. THEY ARE INNOCENT!!!" Sheena said the last part with all her strength.

I can't take this anymore... I just want to be alone... I just want to stay away from them... I just want to avoid them so they wouldn't get involved to my problem...

I went out of the classroom without hesitation, tears were threatening to fall down out of my eyes. I went to the school's garden and sat under a tree.
I stared at the bruises on my arm that my classmates had inflicted on me.

It's all my fault... It's all my fault.

I cradled my head on my bended knees and started crying.

______________________________________

3rd Person's POV:

Sheena and Chantelle can't take much of the horror they had witnessed moments ago. They are beyond thankful as soon as it was over.

Chantelle brought Tyler to the clinic to patch up his bruises. The nurse told the girl that Tyler will be confined on a bed temporarily due to his injuries.

At the moment, Chantelle just sat beside Tyler as he slept peacefully. Sheena went out of the clinic to buy some food for them.

Baffled as she is, Chantelle felt anger boiling inside of her. Why would Jack Vin Wisconsin put the blaming finger to Sylvia? Technically, it wasn't Sylvia's fault why her 4 friends died.

At this point, she questions herself: Is Jack really a friend?

If Jack IS a friend, then he wouldn't do such thing.

A sense of sympathy dwells within Chantelle just by thinking about Sylvia. Poor girl could have had a lot in her mind. She felt empathetic for Sylvia too. She knew how it feels like to be bullied. She too have enemies in Crystal Wake, always being mocked about her mother, who is suffering from leukemia. Sometimes, Chantelle can't find the answer on why some people would bully others for their flaws and differences. Is it because they lack empathy? Or are they just plain stupid? Either way, she can't find the rightful answer.

"Mmm..."

A low moan went audible beside Chantelle's ears, breaking her out of her thoughts. She glanced at her side, seeing Tyler awakening from his calm slumber.

"Oh gosh! Thank goodness you're ok!"

The girl can't contain her joy. She tackled Tyler with a hug, much to the latter's surprise.

"Hey. You kinda made me jump." The boy spoke with a joking manner.

"S-sorry!" Chantelle apologized as she let go of Tyler from the hug. "I'm just really glad that you're ok." She added as she looks down sheepishly.

"It's alright." Tyler replied, giving the shy girl a genuine smile. "Thanks for bringing me here. I could use a lot of rest if you're gonna ask me. The beating felt like I'm in some sort of wrestling match."

At this moment, Chantelle couldn't asked anything for more other than seeing Tyler safe. She felt harmonic now.

"Hey. Have you seen Sylvia?" Tyler suddenly asked, his once cheery face soon turned into worriment.

"Sheena and I can't find her." Chantelle answered. "I just hope she's ok." She added, looking down in sadness.

------------------

Sylvia's POV:

It wasn't your fault.

A line that is usually said in films and books. It's now a phrase that is commonly cliché. Sometimes, people who take the blame to themselves felt comforted with that kind of words. But in my case, it didn't worked on me.

I do deserve every right to accept the blame. That tragic night wouldn't happened if it wasn't for me. I'm like a witch who carries a curse: I deserve the right to be isolated from society. To condemn in an empty room. To receive the hatred.

I finally decided to go back to my classroom after a while. I don't know how long I've been crying, but I care less about it. I went inside my classroom with a gloomy expression.

I entered and noticed that most of my classmates weren't doing anything much, aside from just sitting on their chairs. I felt all eyes are locked onto me. I just let out a sigh before sitting on my chair, completely ignoring their nasty looks.

"Are you ok now?" Tyler asked, who is sitting beside me right now.

I noticed how bad he was beaten. He had a plaster on his forehead. He also had a couple of bruises on his arms and face.

Now I feel even more bad than ever.

"I'm fine. Let's just act like nothing happened here at all." I said while giving him a weak smile.

Tyler gave me a warm hug in return. I replied by returning the hug. This is one of the things that I really love from Tyler. He knows when I am having my saddest moments. And once he does, he'll do anything just to comfort me or rather cheer me up even a little bit. He wouldn't let me drown in depression.

"Thank you. You're the best brother I ever have." I spoke with a soft voice.

"Anytime Sylvia. I'll do everything just for the sake of my sister." He replied while rubbing the back of my head gently.

After a while, he told me that he'll be sleeping on his desk. I can't blame him why he has to sleep so bad. He had a good beat up from the boys in my class. And let me tell you, it's painful and tiresome at the same time.

I just went to the back, pulled a chair and sat near the large window, and watch the peaceful view of the school from it. I miss one of these moments where you can just sit beside a window and watch a beautiful scenery without worrying anything at all. It makes you feel relaxed and happy. It lightens up your hope. It feels like you're in the circle of prosperity.

"Hey..." I heard a husky voice beside me. I turn my gaze to the source of the voice and saw it was Vin. He is sitting right beside me.

I didn't greet him back and turn my attention back at the window.

"How are you feeling?" He asked.

Is he serious? Of course I don't feel well after that chaos a while ago. What kind of a question is that anyway?

"You know how I feel Jack." I answered, rather in a calm tone.

"Oh. I see you're fine. And please, don't call me by my---" I cut him off of his sentence.

"You just can't tell me of what I have to do." I said in a sharp tone. "I have my own ways. I'm more comfortable of calling you in your first name instead of the second one. And I'm not fine. You know what happened a while ago. Don't pull the innocent card here." I added in a cold voice as I give him a death stare.

There was just silence between us. I waited for him to speak up again, but there's none. I sighed before breaking up the muteness between us.

"Listen. If you are just gonna make fun of me again, please do it some other time. Right now, it's not the perfect moment to do this." I then let out a sigh. "Just give me a godd*mn piece of mind."

There. I said it. It's not like I have other important things to say. It'll only be a waste of time anyways.

I stood up from my seat and decided to leave him and go outside.

"I have to go." I was about to walk away from him when I felt his warm grip on my wrist.

"Wait!"

I stop and turn my head a little by the side.

"What do you want?" I asked, rather monotonous.

"Ok." He sighed. Clearly, I could tell he's having a struggle to let out his words. "I know I've been a jerk to you since your first day here. And I know I made a large mistake in blaming you for the death of my friends. And I kinda regret myself of hurting you physically and emotionally... I just want to say sorry." he said quite sheepishly before sighing once again.

I felt silent for few seconds. Did he really mean it? Obviously, I'm doubting his apology.

I finally faced my direction to him completely. I'm having second thoughts about his words. Is he really expecting for me to forgive him? Of course I ain't forgiving him that fast after making me look like hell!

"Are you really sure? 'Cause for me, it's not believable." I told him in pure disbelief.

"I'm serious." He replied

"Not gonna put a dollar. I ain't buying it." I said, crossing my arms. "Just thinking about the fact that you blamed me for the death of our friends, help your classmates bully me and talking to me like nothing happened at all makes me think that you didn't really mean to say sorry at all." I added straightforwardly.

"It's not a trick or whatever. I'm really sorry. It's just that I'm really overwhelmed with grief that I didn't know what I was doing anymore. I-I- It's just really complicated." he explained.

I notice the pleading look in his eyes. I think he really mean it.

I sighed. Sometimes I just wanna make the palm do the rough talking for him. Why did I even bothered?

"Fine... you're forgiven."

There. I spat the words out. I'm not going into violence. Forgivness is already like an ultimate slap across the face, well, for me I supposed.

"Really?!" He asked, enlightened by my answer.

I just nod my head as a form of yes. Kill me right now, for I made the stupidest decision ever, or so I thought.

"Oh geez! Thank you! D*mn I'm really sorry for making you a mess!" he exclaimed while giving me a big hug. He then lifted me up from the floor. I feel embarrassed because of what we are doing right now.

"Uhm... you can put me down now..." I said quite awkwardly.

"Oh! S-sorry. I got carried away." He apologized before putting me down.

"It's fine..." I replied with my cold voice once again.

"So... are we good?" he asked.

"Yes..." I simply replied, not bothering to look at him.

I just went back to my seat beside Tyler, Jack following me from behind for some strange reason.

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Sup? Didn't update more early because it's a busy week in school. Hey silent readers! How's it going? Hahahaha xD please do comment to my story, I want to hear your opinions and thoughts about the story. And don't forget to vote too.

Sorry for the typos and grammatical errors (if there's one xD)

I have a question guys, DON'T IGNORE IT! Hehehehe xD

1) so you guys have any idea who is the killer?

That's it. So that's all for now. Thank you, love y'all! ^_^ ^_^ ^_^